Retail tech company Simbe has expanded the capabilities of its Store Intelligence system to cover fresh food departments in grocery stores, aiming to provide improved visibility.
The updated platform now includes features to monitor produce, bakery, deli and prepared foods.
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These areas, which make up a significant share of both in-store and online grocery sales, are among the most prone to product waste and stock inconsistencies.
The company’s technology combines mobile robots, fixed sensors, radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems and remote visual tools to collect data from across the store.
This can be used to track availability, detect stock issues and manage shelf rotation more effectively.
Autonomous robots scan packaged fresh goods daily, identifying out-of-stock items and pricing discrepancies.
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By GlobalDataFixed sensors are positioned to track fast-moving products such as ready-to-eat meals and pre-cut fruit, while a virtual tour function offers central teams a way to remotely inspect store conditions.
Time-lapse imagery and RFID data further support inventory tracking and shelf management.
Simbe’s platform helps address shrink — particularly high in fresh departments, where the average rate reaches 6.6% – and supports labour efficiency by automating some tasks traditionally done by staff.
The system is intended to help retailers maintain consistent operations across locations and respond to challenges in perishable goods management without requiring constant on-site supervision.
Simbe co-founder and CEO Brad Bogolea stated: “From produce to baked goods, fresh is the performance centre of the grocery store because of its importance to shoppers. 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“Simbe gives retailers the visibility and control to meet those expectations, at a time when outdated, manual processes are no longer an option.”
In July 2025, Simbe’s autonomous shelf-scanning robot Tally was made operational at two of HomeBase USA’s stores in Texas and Wyoming.
