SEATTLE, WA - As a child, I used to love the book The Little Engine That Could. It always inspired me to not count the little guy out. Retailers and consumers alike have both seen the rise of the underdog in our industry, and it always inspires a little bit of hope for the future. It is no different with the newest Seattle-based start-up Shelf Engine, who, like the little engine in the story, is pulling a big train over an even larger mountain: food waste.

Along the way, it has accumulated partners such as Whole Foods, Kroger, and Target, who are excited by the possibilities this industry partner could bring to their operations. And even more recently, Shelf Engine received $12 million from investors that will allow the the company to expand its engineering team and its sales acquisition process.

In the wake of COVID-19, food waste has become an increasing problem for grocers. According to an article from GeekWire, Shelf Engine's AI tech offers to help by managing the orders, paying the vendors, and only charging the retailer for what sells. Food orders can be managed across cut produce, deli, bakery, meat, and other segments the sources adds.

Furthermore, the program takes data from current sales and can then process that into the demand retailers should see going forward. If the amount is incorrect, Shelf Engine pledges to buy back all items that went unsold, giving retailers a guarantee they can stand behind.

While Shelf Engine keeps chugging along, I, for one, look forward to the day that we all can see the smoke coming from its stacks making the final move over the mountain that is food waste. And as we all have learned, after you’ve made it over the highest point, everything is easier from there.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to dig up new industry partners that can save you time and money.

Shelf Engine