The supermarket of the future – Review

On Tuesday evening, March 12, innovation expert Bart Fischer took us on an inspiring journey into the future of the supermarket and food retail in a broad sense. Bart kicked off with a vision of innovation in general, using, among other things, Bloom’s zeitgeist model. He then sketched a very broad picture of relevant national and international developments that together give direction to the supermarket of the future.

Competition comes from high-end players like Marqt and Crisp and at the lower end from discounters, but also from meal boxes, delivery and parties like “Marleen cooks. Bart argued that the influence of discounters is more disruptive to quality supermarkets than digitalization. A perfect example of Clayton Christensen’s “the innovators” dilemma. Just as Kodak initially dismissed digital photography as “lower quality,” the established supermarket chains have given space to the various discounters. However, the latter are increasingly shifting toward higher-quality products, maintaining low prices by focusing on a limited number of items and simple formula. Digitalization is going to further expand its influence through monthly boxes in recurring groceries that are tedious to pick up such as diapers and toilet fresheners, for example.

One of the biggest problems for delivery is the last mile. This is where the self-driving car and robotization are going to play an important role in solving this cost problem. The other big cost issue is order picking, which will soon also be able to be done completely robotically, even locally. That means it will be possible to have many more small stores nearby, supplemented by delivery. The same meal can be offered “cooked for you” as well as “cooked by you. There is also the trend of experiencing an experience in a megastore. An opposite trend is evident in urban and rural areas. In rural areas, people cook seriously during the week and choose convenience foods on weekends. In cities, people choose convenience during the week to cook culinary food on weekends.

The role of technology will obviously be great. Bart showed several videos of developments abroad. The supermarket will be able to provide more and more information and even advice about products – the supermarket as health coach. Naturally, developments such as foodwaste, dynamic pricing, tap to go, packaging, city kitchens, etc. etc. were also discussed.

Afterwards, a very animated reception took place in the cozy café of The Observant.

This recap can only be a brief summary of this fascinating evening. You are welcome to attend subsequent meetings of Topmarketeers Network to experience it for yourself!

Top Marketers Network

Topmarketeers is there to help relations of WerfSelect stay ahead of the fast-paced developments of our time. Meeting fellow professionals is another important objective of Topmarketeers Network. So that you always have enough sparring partners around you.

The speaker

Innovator and strategist Bart Fischer (1970) has spent his entire working life involved in innovation within manufacturers and Albert Heijn. First he was responsible within Albert Heijn for the product innovation team, but the last 5 years he was responsible for formula development of Albert Heijn. His responsibilities included the development of formula differentiation, layout, look & feel, new modules such as sushi, picking garden, deli kitchen, bakery, and also new urban supermarkets.

Bart started his own agency last year, www.7bft.nl, which focuses on delivering the vision through innovation and strategy. At 7BFT, Bart Fischer has several international retailers and manufacturers as clients and regularly speaks about the future of food retail throughout Europe. Should you wish to get in touch with him: Bart Fischer.