The future of the grocery aisle is being written in code. On April 14, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) hosted its Annual Trade Relations Conference at Caesars Atlantic City, bringing together the state’s most influential food retail and distribution leaders to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence.
Under the theme “AI Revolution and How Retailers Go to Market,” the event served as a high-level briefing on how data-driven discoveries are reshaping everything from supply chain logistics to the way shoppers discover products on the shelf.
With New Jersey’s food distribution industry valued at a staggering $157 billion, the stakes for innovation are high. Leaders at the conference emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a current necessity for staying competitive.
“This conference reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering strong trade partnerships and elevating the industry to the next level,” Jason Read of Wawa, chairman of the NJFC Board of Directors, said. He noted that the council is focused on ensuring the industry thrives for the “next 250 years of growth.”
Linda Doherty, NJFC President & CEO, echoed the sentiment of excitement regarding the rapid pace of change. “The way AI technology is transforming our industry is nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “Having leaders share their expertise helps us all navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with greater confidence.”
A cornerstone of the annual gathering is the presentation of the Jimmy Ostling Trade Relations Award. This year, the prestigious honor was awarded to Ken Scher, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Associated Supermarket Group (ASG).
Scher, a 45-year veteran of the grocery industry, was recognized not only for his professional leadership but for his philanthropy as a founder of Friends of the Food Industry.
“Ken’s leadership, dedication, and relationships have made a lasting impact on everyone,” Jonathan D’Onofrio, EVP of Operations at ASG said. “His heartfelt commitment to helping others reflects the kind of person he is.”
The afternoon featured deep dives into technical and strategic applications of AI:
- Fireside Chat: Sean Thompson (President of Albertsons Companies Mid-Atlantic Division) and Mike Styer (VP of Sales Support for Albertsons Mid-Atlantic) held an in-depth discussion on AI’s role in modern retail operations.
- Expert Panel: Moderated by Lawrence Inserra III (President of Inserra Price Rite), a panel of visionaries discussed predictive insights and smarter merchandising. Panelists included:
- Alice Fang, VP of Enterprise Data & Innovation at C&S Wholesale Grocers.
- Michael Johnson, President of New Jersey Innovation Institute.
- Seth Nieman, Chief Strategy Officer at ClearDemand.
