The Future of Food and Grocery: Trends, Technology & Global Best Practices

On the latest RETHINK Retail Podcast, host Toby Pickard of Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) sits down with Aidan Mittra, Co-founder of OrderGrid, to explore how real-time inventory technology is transforming store efficiency, supply chain management, and the future of grocery retail.

Key Takeaways

• Location and expiry awareness is now essential: Retailers need to know exactly where items are and whether they are sellable, not just whether they exist in the system.
• A real-time data layer connects the dots: Bridging ERP and POS systems gives retailers full visibility across the front of house and back room.
• Better data means better orchestration: Precise item location reduces picker search time, improves staff deployment, and enables automated replenishment.
• Hybrid fulfillment is redefining store design: OrderGrid’s patented approach blends traditional retail with a micro-fulfillment dark store component, dramatically reducing picking times.
• Emerging technologies are raising the bar: RFID, 2D barcodes, and computer vision are set to transform expiry traceability and strengthen sustainability across the supply chain.
• The hyper-connected store is within reach: AI-empowered physical retail spaces are creating better experiences for staff and shoppers through improved availability and operational transparency.

This episode explores how a clean, real-time data foundation positions retailers to compete in an increasingly connected grocery landscape.