New Seasons Market to bring Afresh operating system for fresh food to stores

West Coast natural grocer New Seasons Market has partnered with Afresh Technologies, to bring the tech company’s AI-driven technology company’s Fresh Operating System into select stores in the Pacific Northwest. The partnership will help New Seasons Market reduce complexity within its stores, optimize produce operations, increase sales and deliver fresher produce to consumers, the companies said. 

New Seasons Market, the Portland, Ore.-based operator of 19 stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern California, is joining with Afresh as part of its commitment to supporting the regional food economy, honoring local farmers, ranchers and growers, while ensuring delivery of the freshest foods available. Working with Afresh’s AI-powered solution will create more efficient truck-to-shelf ordering, reducing back stock and increasing the longevity of fresh produce before it even leaves the store.  

New Seasons Market will pilot Afresh software through 2022 to learn how to achieve significant reductions in food waste, reach superior freshness and in-stock rates, and increase operating margins.

“New Seasons Market was founded with the vision of cultivating good for generations by taking care of our staff, our communities, regional producers, and the environment,” said Nancy Lebold, who was named CEO of New Seasons Market this past April. “Partnering with Afresh allows us to support these goals by leveraging technology that makes our food fresher and less wasteful. I’m excited for the game-changing impact Afresh will bring to the customers we serve, our sustainability efforts, and our bottom line.”

Related:SN Fresh Food Trends Report: Supermarket perimeter thriving after turbulent year

“We’re always working to be more sustainable and looking for new ways to reduce waste and give back to the community. As a member of the Pacific Coast Collaborative, we’re working with other companies toward a shared ambition to effectively prevent and reduce food waste along the West Coast,” added Karen Molis, chief financial officer at New Seasons Market.  

New Seasons Market will pilot Afresh software through 2022 to learn how to achieve significant reductions in food waste, reach superior freshness and in-stock rates, and increase operating margins. Stores using Afresh have reduced food waste by 25%, minimized out of stocks by 80%, and increased sales by an average of 3% month over month.    

“Working with New Seasons Market is a natural fit for Afresh, as our corporate missions are so well aligned in our shared goals to eliminate food waste and increase access to fresh food,” said Matt Schwartz, CEO and co-founder of Afresh. “Through our AI-driven approach built specifically for fresh, we will help New Seasons Market transform its fresh departments so that they can continue to build and nourish the communities they serve.” 

Related:Heinen’s partners with Afresh to reduce food waste

New Seasons Market is the latest retailer to employ Afresh’s Fresh Operating System, following such grocers as Minnesota-based Cub Foods and Cleveland-based Heinen’s.