Smarterroir: Using AI to Support Local Food Retail

How can artificial intelligence help local retailers better anticipate demand, optimize stock management and reduce food waste? These are some of the challenges addressed by Smarterroir, an innovation project supported by Innosuisse, bringing together La Petite Épicerie, HEIG-VD and HEIA-FR.

Applying AI to Real-World Challenges

Local food retailers face specific challenges when it comes to managing stock, anticipating customer demand and minimizing unsold products. Smarterroir explores how artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches can help address these issues.

By improving demand forecasting and stock management, the project aims to support more efficient retail operations, reduce food waste and strengthen local food distribution networks.

iCoSys’s Contribution

At iCoSys, Beat Wolf, Quentin Gavillet and Frédéric Montet are contributing their expertise to the project, working alongside Sylvain Favre and Stéphanie Favre from La Petite Épicerie.

The project is led by Bertil Chapuis and his team at HEIG-VD, bringing together complementary expertise from research and industry to develop solutions adapted to the needs of local businesses.

Connecting Research and Local Innovation

Supported by Innosuisse, Smarterroir illustrates how applied research can contribute to more sustainable and efficient local food systems.

The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between research institutions and industry partners in translating technological advances into practical solutions.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this collaborative initiative!

🔗 Discover the project in Innosuisse’s LinkedIn post