SPAR International extends its partnership with AI powered retail operations platform Upshop

Upshop, an AI powered platform that helps grocers simplify processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency, has announced an expansion of its agreement with SPAR International.

The existing tie up, which includes Upshop’s Date Checking and Markdown solutions, will now expand to incorporate Recipe Management, designed to standardise fresh food quality, ensure compliance, and provide real-time visibility into ingredients and nutrition across SPAR stores worldwide.

SPAR retailers can centralise and digitise recipes, with the aim of ensuring consistency across locations, transparent nutrition information for shoppers, and compliance with evolving food safety standards.

“Our mission is to enable our partners and retailers to deliver the best possible shopping experience,” says Tom Rose, Head of International Operations, SPAR International.

 “We’re proud to deepen our collaboration with SPAR International,” says Mike Sanders, CEO at Upshop. “Recipe Management is a vital capability that connects the back of house with shopper trust. By digitising and simplifying recipes, SPAR International is ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a better fresh food experience across its global network.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.