A new Seattle-based startup is offering a grocery spin on The Little Engine That Could—Shelf Engine, that is. Like the children’s story, this newcomer reminds us not to count out what appears to be the little guy as it accumulates partners like Kroger, Whole Foods, Target, and more while chugging up a very big mountain for our industry: food waste.
Shelf Engine's AI tech offers to help by managing the orders, paying the vendors, and only charging the retailer for what sells, as reported by Geek Wire, lending much needed aid as grocers work to overcome an increase of food waste in the wake of COVID-19.
Food orders can be managed across deli, bakery, meat, cut produce, and other segments, according to the news source.
Data from current sales are taken and can then be processed into the demand retailers should see going forward. If the amount is incorrect, Shelf Engine pledges to buy back all items that went unsold, giving retailers a guarantee they can stand behind.
And the company is gaining in both momentum and prospects. Most recently, Shelf Engine won $12 million from investors which will propel an expansion of its engineering team and sales acquisition process.
Retailers and consumers alike have both seen the rise of the underdog in our industry, and it always inspires a little bit of hope for the future. As we watch what this little engine achieves, Deli Market News will bring you the latest.
