Kroger partners with Avery Dennison to improve sustainability in food supply using RFID technology

USA – In an innovative move to enhance freshness, reduce waste, and streamline inventory management, The Kroger Co. has teamed up with Avery Dennison to introduce item-level digital identification through RFID technology, starting in the bakery department.

Each bakery item will carry RFID-embedded labels, allowing for real-time, accurate inventory tracking.

This technology promises to maximize product freshness, minimize waste, and provide Kroger associates with more time to focus on customer service by automating inventory tasks.

The data generated by the RFID labels will help automate inventory processes, saving time for both staff and customers.

This system marks a key step toward a seamless experience across Kroger’s fresh food categories, supporting long-term sustainability and efficiency goals.

“Our customers and associates are at the center of everything we do,” said Jordan Poff, VP of Retail Operations at Kroger.

“With Avery Dennison’s support, we can improve inventory visibility, ensuring products are available when needed, while allowing associates to spend more time with customers.”

Julie Vargas, VP and General Manager of Identification Solutions at Avery Dennison, added, “Avery Dennison has long pioneered the digital connection of physical products, enhancing data accuracy and efficiency in retail and supply chain operations.

“This collaboration aligns with Kroger’s commitment to optimizing time for associates, cutting waste from overproduction, and creating a valuable experience for customers.”

The broader industry has shown growing interest in RFID technology, particularly in food packaging.

RFID helps boost food safety, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between suppliers and consumers by tracking spoilage and maintaining supply chain accountability.

In a similar application, Avery Dennison recently equipped Bastille Parfums with RFID sensors to improve supply chain visibility.

By leveraging Avery Dennison’s atma.io platform, Bastille can track every product, creating a “digital twin” for each, which boosts transparency from raw material sourcing to the consumer’s hands.

As Kroger and Avery Dennison set a new standard in RFID application for food, this partnership signals a broader industry shift toward digital innovations that support sustainable, consumer-centered supply chains.

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