SAN FRANCISCO, CA & PORTLAND, OR - New Seasons Market, known for its commitment to regional farmers and their produce, has found another company to help further these values. Working with Afresh, an AI-driven technology company, the retailer is bringing Afresh’s Fresh Operating System into select stores in the Pacific Northwest.

“New Seasons Market was founded with the vision of cultivating good for generations by taking care of our staff, our communities, regional producers, and the environment. Partnering with Afresh allows us to support these goals by leveraging technology that makes our food fresher and less wasteful. I’m excited for the game-changing impact Afresh will bring to the customers we serve, our sustainability efforts, and our bottom line,” shared Nancy Lebold, Chief Executive Officer, New Seasons Market, in a recent release.

New Seasons noted that working with Afresh’s AI-powered solution will create more efficient truck-to-shelf ordering, which means reducing back stock and increasing the longevity of fresh produce before it even leaves the store.

The partnership will also help New Seasons Market reduce complexity within its stores, optimize produce operations, increase sales, and deliver fresher produce to consumers.

“We’re always working to be more sustainable and looking for new ways to reduce waste and give back to the community. As a member of the Pacific Coast Collaborative, we’re working with other companies toward a shared ambition to effectively prevent and reduce food waste along the West Coast,” explained Karen Molis, Chief Financial Officer, New Seasons Market.

New Seasons Market will pilot Afresh software through 2022 to learn how to achieve significant reductions in food waste, the release went on to note, as well as reach superior freshness and in-stock rates and increase operating margins.

“Working with New Seasons Market is a natural fit for Afresh, as our corporate missions are so well-aligned in our shared goals to eliminate food waste and increase access to fresh food,” said Matt Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Afresh. “Through our AI-driven approach built specifically for fresh, we will help New Seasons Market transform  its  fresh departments  so that they can continue to build and nourish the communities they serve.”

The company explained that stores using Afresh have reduced food waste by 25 percent, minimized out of stocks by 80 percent, and increased sales by an average of three percent month over month.  

We’re excited to see how this partnership fleshes out for both operations!

New Seasons Market Afresh