The future of grocery retail demands logistics automation

AS THE way we shop for groceries is evolving, grocery retail intralogistics is undergoing a remarkable transformation: automation has transcended novelty to become a necessity. “Automation is not just a trend,” says Kai Tuomisaari, VP Corporate Sales at Cimcorp. “It's the evolution of grocery retail to meet today’s consumer demands.” Automation enables grocery retailers to be faster, more efficient and more reliable. It can help them meet their strategic goals, from higher productivity to a more sustainable supply chain.

Changing consumer demand

In a world where wellness is paramount, fresh food is king. Today’s consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking out not only freshness but also variety and provenance. “There's an increased desire to connect with what's on our plates,” explains Kai Tuomisaari. “Consumers aren't just looking for fresh food, they want assurance of its quality and source. They probe into the origins of their food, its method of cultivation and its journey to the store shelf.” 

Retailers are now tasked with not only providing fresh options but also with ensuring that these are sourced responsibly and sustainably. In this way, consumer curiosity fosters a demand for transparency in the food retail sector. Automation supports grocery retailers to meet their freshness goals and also to be able to track products in their supply chain. 

Data drives agility

The power of data in shaping grocery retail cannot be overstated. “Data allows us to tailor offerings to local preferences and respond to trends with agility,” says Tuomisaari. By analysing shopping patterns, retailers can stock their shelves intelligently and pivot as local tastes evolve, ensuring relevance and reducing waste. 

As in other industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising how grocery retailers forecast and plan for the future. “All grocery retailers know the big seasons like Easter or Christmas,” explains Tuomisaari, “but AI could help analyse small, local trends in the future. If, say, tomatoes are trending in a certain area due to a social media influencer, sales could be boosted.” By analysing vast amounts of data, AI can identify patterns and predict consumer behaviour, enabling retailers to stay a step ahead.

Sustainability: a commitment, not a choice

Sustainability has moved from being a buzzword to a business imperative. Consumers are not just interested in the end product, but in the sustainability of its life cycle. Retailers must now consider their carbon footprint, waste management and resource conservation as central to their operational strategies. 

“It's about integrating eco-friendly practices into every facet of operations,” Tuomisaari stresses. A surprising trend in automation is its potential to bring us closer to nature. By optimising processes and reducing waste, automation supports a more natural and sustainable food system. “In a way, automation aligns us with nature's efficiency,” says Tuomisaari. “It's about doing more with less and respecting the resources we have.”

A new era in grocery retail

The grocery retail sector is on the cusp of a new era. With automation and technology at the forefront, retailers are navigating the delicate balance of progress and sustainability.

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