Food retail technology firms Upshop and Invafresh announce merger and prep launch of new solution

Upshop and Invafresh have announced a merger.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

According to those involved, the combined Upshop organisation offers “the first global retail enterprise operating platform built for the complexities of food”.

The platform will be used by more than 400 retailers in 35 countries, operating in over 50,000 stores, and affecting millions of associates and shoppers every day.

Shamus Hines, CEO, says: “We do not settle for better; we strive for the best from our platform, our people, and our partnerships with food retailers. The impact our technology has on retailers’ supply chains means millions of families will have access to the freshest and healthiest food, every day."

The merger comes at a critical inflection point for the food retail industry. FSMA204, a major FDA compliance requirement, is pushing the market to enhance data traceability capabilities.

Upshop will be launching its solution formally at the end of July, combining both organisations’ food safety product suites.

“By uniting the unparalleled innovation of two industry leaders in food retail technology, we're poised to redefine what's possible for the global community…retailers, associates and shoppers alike,” says Level Equity Partner, Sarah Sommer.

“We are intent on investments that bring profound impact to the industry. This is yet another huge step in Upshop’s mission to elevate the future of food retail on a global scale.”

Gelson’s Markets

Invafresh recently reported that Gelson’s Markets had expanded their partnership to include in-store production and centralised kitchen operations.

By using the AI enhanced capabilities of the Invafresh Fresh Retail Platform, Gelson’s says it has been able to improve operational efficiency across its 27 full service specialty grocery stores by reducing shrink, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and having a centralised repository of over 4,700 recipes.

Based on this, it has strengthened its partnership with Invafresh with the addition of Production Planning and Commissary solutions, providing visibility across its entire fresh food retail operations for both in-store and central kitchen operations.

"With Invafresh, we have an AI enhanced solution that provides seamless integration across our entire fresh food operations helping us to increase margins and revenues and reduce food waste," said Ron Johnson, Chief Information and Supply Chain Officer at Gelson’s Markets.