How grocers can harness technology to improve food safety

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Many effects of the Covid-19 crisis on consumer beliefs and behaviours will extend beyond the pandemic, making it even more essential that businesses prioritise food safety in their long-term plans.

For grocers and other businesses in the food service industry, this means dedicating extra time and resources to ensure the safety of the food products they offer. Emerging technologies are proving essential for increasing accountability and traceability across the food supply chain, from manufacturer to the end customer’s plate.

Rebuilding customer trust is paramount

Right now, public trust around food safety is low. According to Zebra’s Food Safety Supply Chain Vision Study, which was completed before the onset of the pandemic, only 20% of consumers placed complete faith in the grocery and food service industries to ensure the safety of their food and beverages.

Damage to a grocer or supplier’s reputation can have a long-term effect on the business, particularly at a time when consumers are hyper-aware when it comes to germs, cleanliness and infection. In the hospitality sector, food safety issues can be particularly devastating. According to Zebra’s survey, six out of 10 customers would not return after contracting a foodborne illness in an establishment.

However, the relationship between customers and grocery stores is different as shoppers likely depend on just a handful of different shops, where they make regular visits throughout a given month. Food safety issues may be harder to trace and shoppers may find it more difficult to avoid stores versus simply choosing to no longer patronise a restaurant or hotel.

Since grocers play such a pivotal role in the lives of their shoppers, it’s particularly important not to cut corners and instead take on the responsibility of ensuring food safety.

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Meeting demand for transparency, traceability and accountability

Consumers are demanding more transparency from the merchants and brands they shop whether it is for food, apparel or household essentials. They want to know where their food comes from, who has handled it, and how long it has taken to get to the shelves of their local supermarket.

Grocers can improve traceability by implementing track and trace technology, enabled by powerful handheld computing and scanning devices at the warehouse, distribution and store level. More visibility and deeper insights allow retailers to effectively communicate product information to their customers, track expiration dates, and reduce food waste by optimising product shelf life.

Executives in the industry also aware of how important it is to continue investments in this area as 93% of industry decision-makers plan to increase their spending in food-monitoring technology.

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Investment in tech delivers a better grocery retail experience

Implementing supply chain technology can also give retailers the tools they need to better respond to unexpected or seasonal disruptions to the market. Grocery supply chain resilience also helps support services such as click and collect, and home delivery, which are quickly becoming consumer expectations in an age of social distancing.

Thinking ahead, it helps to ensure the establishment is keeping up to date with changing regulatory standards and effectively positioned to protect customers and its brand.

As supply chain technology becomes more sophisticated, data analytics will play an increasingly crucial role for grocers and other businesses looking to improve operations, foster long-term customer loyalty and stay ahead of the competition. Optimising supply chains does more than just protect consumers from foodborne illness or allergic reactions, it also helps protect the business’s bottom line.