Simbe expands Store Intelligence technology platform as it looks to boost retailers' fresh department performance

Simbe has announced Store Intelligence capabilities tailored for fresh departments, with the aim of delivering near real-time visibility into some of grocery’s most operationally complex and strategically important zones.

With expanded multimodal coverage across produce, deli, bakery, prepared foods, and more, Simbe says it is helping grocers reduce shrink, increase availability, and consistently deliver the fresh experiences that drive shopper trust and loyalty.

“From produce to baked goods, fresh is the performance centre of the grocery store because of its importance to shoppers,” says Brad Bogolea, Co-founder and CEO at Simbe. “Deloitte research shows they’re three times more likely to switch grocers if fresh execution falters. Simbe gives retailers the visibility and control to meet those expectations, at a time when outdated, manual processes are no longer an option.”

The Store Intelligence platform includes the Tally autonomous mobile robot, which scans packaged fresh goods daily, identifying out-of-stocks and pricing issues.

Tally Spot, meanwhile, is a fixed-sensor solution that provides high frequency monitoring for fast selling items like rotisserie chickens, pre-cut fruit, and grab-and-go meals. Virtual Tour delivers immersive panoramic views of perishable zones, enabling HQ and regional teams to assess merchandising and freshness without needing to be onsite. Aisle Views offer time-lapse shelf imagery, supporting better planning, rotation, and merchandising decisions across locations.

“Fresh is table stakes for differentiating the customer offer from online and value players, and timing of the execution is a recurring issue that loses the sale and erodes shopper trust. Simbe's fresh capabilities are a complete game-changer for keeping eyes on what shoppers see,” says Bennett Morgan, former EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at SpartanNash.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Grocery retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.