Empower Fresh Wins 2025 Sustainability in the Food Industry Award

We’re honored to be recognized by The Shelby Report for our role in transforming sustainability and operational efficiency across the independent grocery landscape.

At Empower Fresh, sustainability means smarter systems: less shrink, reduced waste, better ordering accuracy, and fresher food on every table. Our AI-driven tools don’t just optimize performance, they help retailers operate responsibly and profitably.

Thank you to The Shelby Report for spotlighting innovation across the supply chain and to our partners who share the vision of a more sustainable grocery future.

Learn more here: theshelbyreport.com/2025-sustainability-award-winners/?award_search=&company=Empower+Fresh+Co.

Fresh Starts and Full Carts:
January’s Healthy Opportunity in Produce

January is the month where everyone collectively decides to hit the reset button. Gym memberships spike, blenders get dusted off, and kale suddenly becomes a celebrity again. For those of us in the grocery world, this is our Super Bowl of healthy eating. It’s the one time of year when the produce department moves from the supporting role to the star of the show. Shoppers are trading ribeye for roasted vegetables, burgers for grain bowls, and they are looking to us to guide them toward what’s fresh, vibrant, and good for them.

Buying habits shift fast in January, and the basket tells the story. Greens, citrus, avocados, and berries lead the charge. Meat, which traditionally holds the center of the plate, takes a back seat for a few weeks as shoppers load up on what makes them feel good about their choices. Supplements fly off the shelves, making produce the perfect partner. After all, nothing pairs better with a protein shake than fresh berries, bananas or even greens.

This is the moment for produce departments to take advantage of the momentum. Cross merchandising is the key to turning healthy intentions into impulse sales. Pair smoothie-ready fruit near protein powders, set up salad displays next to lean proteins, and showcase pre-cut vegetables beside prepared dressings or dips. Customers are actively searching for healthier options, and if we make it easy, they will fill their carts. The trick is to plan ahead. Meet with your co-managers early, and align on displays, signage, and promotions. A well-coordinated effort across departments can turn a short-term health kick into sustained sales growth.

Technology is making it easier than ever to plan for and react to these shifts. AI-driven tools can analyze last year’s sales patterns, track real-time buying trends, and even predict which items will surge based on current social chatter. Instead of reacting after the fact, we can now forecast smarter, adjust pricing quickly, and fine-tune orders before the product hits the dock. As the month progresses, these same tools help us stay agile, ensuring we never miss a beat or a sale.

And let’s not forget the influence of social media. Every scroll through Facebook or Instagram in January is filled with smoothie bowls, sheet pan veggies, and “new year, new me” recipes. Influencers are pushing produce-heavy meal plans, and customers are coming in inspired. Pay attention to what’s trending online. If avocado toast is having another moment, lean into it with a display that makes it easy to build the perfect one.

January is a unique time when the produce department can truly take the lead. With smart planning, collaboration, and a little help from AI, we can turn resolutions into results. So sharpen the knives, stack the greens high, and make sure your department shines. Because when customers are searching for a fresh start, produce is where they find it.