How big a concern are latent biases embedded in artificial technology? Are retailers using artificial intelligence equipped to uncover and fix these biases? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Garbage in — garbage out. If the data the algorithm is being trained on is not somehow scrutinized or scrubbed, it Read more…
What do you see as the primary factors influencing people who choose to eat organic vs. conventionally produced foods? Will the publicity around this new research study add to the momentum of organic food sales in the U.S.? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: It is only a matter of Read more…
How will Gen Z workers be different from Millennials as they reach retail selling floors and corporate offices? What adjustments may management have to make to connect with and motivate this generation as employees? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: The most critical factor will be their social skills, especially Read more…
Why do you think small CPG brands are doing so well in today’s shopping landscape? What will this mean for larger CPGs going forward? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Some have commented that it is a good thing that big CPG has acquired the smaller brands because they will Read more…
Is the new Choice Market concept in line with the needs of today’s consumers or a too far ahead of its time to take hold? What features of the concept do you think will become commonplace within the convenience channel in the years ahead? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Read more…
What’s the likelihood that cannabis-infused food and beverages will be widely stocked in grocery stores within the next five years? Beyond the regulatory statutes, what other factors might influence a retailer’s decision to stock the products? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I recently attended Expo East, the Natural Products Read more…
Do you see food concepts — farmers markets, food halls, grocery — helping to revive traffic at the mall? Would bringing food culture be a minor or major step in increasing the social relevance of malls? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Part of the foodie culture is experiencing the Read more…
Do separate pickup-only facilities make the most sense for grocery? Does fulfilling grocery pickup through stores face too many execution issues? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: I’ve seen the one in Bentonville and although it that city is the headquarters for Walmart, the wide variety of venues showcase how Read more…
Will Hershey’s roving insights trailer result in more effective category management execution at the retailers it visits? What do you see as the pros and cons to the MCIC project for Hershey? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Agree with many of the comments but you will never please everyone Read more…
Are grocers underplaying the plant-based foods trend in their assortments? Will buyers eventually catch up or are they facing challenges incorporating diverse selections of meat and dairy substitutes into their mix to appeal to flexitarians? Interactive Edge’s CEO, Zel Bianco comments: Grocers should not underestimate this trend. I’ve just returned Read more…