Former DingDong Fresh and Alibaba Group executive Shaoming Yang announces New Sailing go live

Shaoming Yang has announced the official launch of New Sailing, an AI powered supply chain platform partnering with retailers worldwide to identify and source high quality products from China tailored to their specific market needs, including fresh produce and food categories.

In a LinkedIn post, the former DingDong Fresh and Alibaba Group executive said: “Excited to share that New Sailing is officially up and running - and I'll be in London the week for Retail Technology Show.”

“If you're working in grocery retail - I'd love to grab a coffee and swap ideas. We're doing some genuinely exciting things at the intersection of AI and food supply, and I'm always more interested in real conversations than booth pitches. Whether you're a potential partner, a curious peer, or just someone who loves talking food and tech - my calendar is open. Drop a comment, send me a DM, or connect with me here and let's make it happen. See you in London!”

RTIH at RTS 2026

Retail Technology Innovation Hub will be out in force at RTS 2026.

You will find us on stand B45, so please feel free to drop by and say hi to Editor and Founder, Scott Thompson, and fellow team members. You will also be able to pick up a free copy of the latest bumper issue of RTIH magazine.

Further details 👉 here

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.