<p>By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI</p><div class="mg-image–circular" style="float:right;margin:10px;"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fmi-tech-at-midwinter.jpg?sfvrsn=640b8d9_1" alt="FMItech at Midwinter" sf-size="100" /></div><p>The rapid changes sweeping the food industry are both exciting and transformative, and this will be showcased at its best during our upcoming <a href="https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference/b2b-meetings/fmitech">FMItech</a> program during <a href="https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference">FMI Midwinter.</a> Together with our partners, technology leaders and innovators, we’ll tackle the most pressing topics shaping the future of food retail.</p><p>It’s not just about keeping up with the latest tools; it’s about using technology to drive business results, elevate the customer experience and build a data-driven future. Alongside the valuable FMItech B2B meetings that provide direct face-to-face time with innovative technology service providers — our technology focused sessions will explore groundbreaking ideas. I’m excited about the expertise and plans we have in store.</p><h5>Innovations Shaping the Tech Landscape</h5><p>Our session on the Digitally Engaged Food Shopper, co-hosted by NIQ, will explore trends driving online shopping and technologies helping retailers meet these evolving needs. A session, Retail Media — Driving Revenue and Customer Engagement with NIQ and Think Blue, will examine how retailers can monetize their digital spaces to create personalized experiences that add customer value and boost revenue.</p><p>The Power of AI, Accelerating Growth and Optimizing Operations, organized by Microsoft, will demonstrate how AI helps businesses optimize inventory and customer service through real-time decision-making. We will also tackle how RFID and SMART Packaging push efficiency and customer engagement boundaries, transform inventory management and reduce waste.</p><p>The Daunting Data Dilemma, a panel organized by Accenture, will discuss how retailers can turn the flood of data into actionable insights without becoming overwhelmed.</p><h5>Tech Pitch Competition Semifinalists</h5><p>One of the highlights of FMItech is the exciting Tech Pitch Competition, where real-world innovation takes center stage. From 20 impressive submissions, six standout semifinalists emerged, each offering something unique:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.trybadge.com/" target="_blank">Badge,</a> offers a no-code mobile wallet platform for personalized in-store customer experiences.</li><li><a href="https://www.noxudata.com/" target="_blank">NoxuData,</a> provides AI-powered analytics for food industry operations.</li><li><a href="https://titanseven.com/about-us-agency/" target="_blank">TITAN7,</a> creates engaging digital experiences to connect consumers with brands.</li><li><a href="https://www.relocalize.com/" target="_blank">Relocalize</a>, pioneers micro-fulfillment technology to improve efficiency and sustainability.</li><li><a href="https://www.workrz.net/" target="_blank">Workrz</a><strong>,</strong> is a flexible job-sharing platform bridging freelancers and businesses.</li><li><a href="https://yondu.ai/" target="_blank">Yondu</a>, develops robots to autonomously pick, stock and face shelves in grocery stores.</li></ul><p>These companies share a common theme of leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations and offer innovative solutions across various operational areas including:</p><ul><li><strong>Customer-centric solutions</strong>: Badge, TITAN7, and Yondu focus on improving the connection between brands and consumers, whether through personalized mobile wallets, engaging digital platforms or autonomous robots for in-store interactions.</li><li><strong>Efficiency and innovation</strong>: NoxuData, Relocalize and Workrz prioritize optimizing processes using cutting-edge technologies like AI, logistics automation and flexible employment solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.</li><li><strong>Technological integration</strong>: All these companies utilize advanced technologies, such as AI (NoxuData), robotics (Yondu), no-code platforms (Badge) and digital experiences (TITAN7), to innovate and provide seamless, future-ready solutions.</li></ul><p>As I look at this lineup, I’m reminded that we’re at the crossroads where food, retail and technology become inseparable. The future of food retail is tech-first, and these companies are helping to chart the future. </p><p>At FMItech, we’re not just envisioning the future — we’re building it together. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference/b2b-meetings/fmitech">I hope you have plans to join us.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference/b2b-meetings/fmitech" class="button">FMItech at Midwinter</a></p>
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