South Australian Startup Trials Trolley Sanitiser with Global Public Health Promise

Recent innovations and trends in the supermarket industry highlight a focus on hygiene, sustainability, fresh food offerings, and technology integration. Curia Ventures has developed 'Please Swipe,' a device that sanitizes shopping trolley handles to reduce bacteria and virus transmission, currently being trialed by Romeo's Retail Group in Australia. The international food industry is preparing for Anuga 2025 in Cologne, showcasing trends like plant-based diversity, personalized diets, clean labeling, and sustainability as a standard. Retailers are also adapting to increased demand for fresh and convenience foods, with 42% of food retail dollars coming from fresh departments in 2024, pushing for expanded and reliable refrigeration systems to support fresh and grab-and-go options. Additionally, some retailers are leveraging technology such as 3-D CAD for store design and new transportation procurement services to increase efficiency and cost savings. These developments underscore a broader transformation in grocery retail towards health, convenience, innovation, and environmental responsibility.