Hugo’s Family Marketplace Joins Forces with Empower Fresh to Bring Smarter Produce Ordering to the Heart of the Community

Grand Forks, ND & Kansas City, MO — Hugo's Family Marketplace, a trusted name in community grocery shopping for generations, has officially partnered with Empower Fresh to launch smarter, fresher produce ordering in 5 of its 15 stores—marking the start of a rollout designed to support local shoppers, reduce waste, and keep quality front and center.

The partnership brings together Hugo’s deep commitment to local service and Empower Fresh’s easy-to-use, AI-powered produce platform that helps retailers make better ordering decisions, reduce shrink, and keep displays fresh and full.

“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Cammy Busta and the entire team at Hugo’s,” said Robert Austin, President & CEO of Empower Fresh. “Hugo’s has been a pillar in the community for decades, and their dedication to serving their neighbors with great produce and personal care is inspiring. It’s exactly the kind of partner we look for.”

By using Empower Fresh AI, produce managers at Hugo’s can now streamline their daily ordering process—helping ensure the right products are always available for their customers, without overstock or spoilage.

“This partnership is all about giving our team the tools to do what they do best—take care of our customers,” said Cammy Busta, Produce Director at Hugo’s. “Empower Fresh helps us spend less time in the back room and more time on the floor, making sure everything looks great and stays fresh.”

The rollout was made possible thanks to collaboration with Crazy Fresh Produce, a division of Russ Davis Wholesale Inc., long-time allies in helping independent grocers grow and thrive for over 70 years.

“It’s a joy to partner with Russ Davis Wholesale to help their retail customers—like Hugo’s—unlock real advantages in ordering and operations,” added Austin. “At the end of the day, it’s about giving great local grocers the same tools the big guys have, without the complexity.”

“At Crazy Fresh, we’re always looking for new ways to support our partners and their communities,” said Tyler Neu, Vice President of Sales at Crazy Fresh. “Empower Fresh fits that mission perfectly. We’re excited to see how Hugo’s and other stores benefit.”

The Hugo’s team plans to continue rolling out the platform to all 15 stores in the coming months. As the collaboration grows, so does the shared goal: helping local stores keep doing what they do best—serving their communities with care, quality, and heart.

For more information, visit www.empowerfresh.com and www.gohugos.com

#EmpowerFresh #HugosFamilyMarketplace #CrazyFresh