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The Save Mart Cos. to test AI-powered platform for produce department

Afresh system to optimize fresh operations at Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx stores

Russell Redman

November 17, 2021

2 Min Read
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Afresh Technologies said its platform will help Save Mart extend the shelf life of fresh produce 'before it even leaves the store.'Save Mart

An upcoming pilot by The Save Mart Cos. aims to optimize produce procurement and supply and, just as important, freshness.

Plans call for Save Mart to test Afresh Technologies’ Fresh Operating System at selected Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx stores across California, San Francisco-based Afresh said yesterday. The artificial intelligence-powered platform is expected to sharpen fresh produce operations at the pilot stores and by helping them reduce shrink and accelerate stock turns to provide customers with fresher produce.

With the technology, the Save Mart Cos. supermarkets stores will benefit from more efficient truck-to-shelf ordering as well as inventory tracking designed to minimize back stock, ensure that lead ad items are “plentiful and in stock,” and extend the shelf life of fresh produce “before it even leaves the store,” according to Afresh. 

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Save Mart's Hal Levitt expects the Afresh Technologies sharpent produce operations and 'help support our department managers stock and maintain the freshest product.'

“Since its inception, The Save Mart Cos. has embraced innovation, from distinctive in-store experiences and hyperlocal product offerings to a robotic grocery delivery service,” Hal Levitt, senior vice president of retail operations and supply chain at Modesto, Calif.-based Save Mart. “Afresh Technologies should boost produce operations efficiency and help support our department managers stock and maintain the freshest product for our shoppers, all while reducing food waste.”

Related:Save Mart eyes more seamless digital experience

Afresh describes its platform as a “one-stop shop for all produce ordering,” including bulk purchases traditionally done with pen and paper. The company’s system helps supermarkets plan in advance by using AI to analyze previous demand and data trends and provide order recommendations that enable grocers to hold onto fresh food for as little time as possible, reducing losses and food waste. Afresh reported that stores using its programs have cute food waste by 25% and out-of-stocks by 80%, while lifting monthly department sales by 3% on average. 

“Afresh is using an innovative approach to solve problems that have historically been overlooked, and we’re excited to drive results that support The Save Mart Cos.’ priorities,” commented Matt Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of Afresh. “The Save Mart Cos.’ stores are already leaders in fresh produce, given their location in the heart of California’s agricultural community, and our AI-driven approach will help their stores optimize its produce department.” 

Overall, The Save Mart Cos. operates more than 200 stores in California and Nevada under the banners Save Mart, Lucky and Lucky California (supermarkets); FoodMaxx (warehouse grocery stores); and MaxxValue (discount grocery).

Related:Save Mart kicks off pilot of shelf-scanning robots

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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