Kansas City, MO — September 11, 2025 — Leads & Copy — EmpowerFresh, an AI-powered platform for independent retailers’ produce departments, is expanding its agreement with Lowe’s Markets to 68 locations across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Kansas, following a successful six-store pilot. The partnership aims to help Lowe’s Markets compete with national chains and e-commerce giants using EmpowerFresh’s machine learning tools, predictive ordering, and data-driven insights.
Rob Austin, CEO of EmpowerFresh, said the alliance represents a defining moment for independent grocery, providing tools to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Matthew MacDonald, Director of Produce at Lowe’s Markets, noted the technology has improved decision-making, reduced shrink, and elevated customer experience.
Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI) is supporting the rollout to quantify the ROI of AI at scale within the co-op model, bridging local support with innovation. The collaboration aims to strengthen independent retailers in an evolving grocery landscape.
Contact: Rob Austin, raustin@empowerfresh.com, 816.915.3000
Source: EmpowerFresh
