KNAPP, Takeoff Team to Grow eGrocery Fulfillment Innovation
Takeoff and KNAPP announced an evolved and integrated partnership to accelerate hardware and software innovation for eGrocery fulfillment through:
- A new network-strategy oriented product suite: Rollout of a comprehensive product portfolio designed to meet evolving industry needs
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- A joint voice in the industry: Further integration of key functions from commercial to technical teams to streamline delivery of seamless End-to-End eGrocery fulfillment solutions
- Coordinated technology roadmap: Additional R&D collaboration for continued innovation at the cutting edge of eGrocery fulfillment
Takeoff and KNAPP have expanded their partnership to offer a modular product portfolio to provide food retailers with right sized automation and unique capabilities for their operation. With profit-driving fulfillment models for high-, mid- and low-volume operations, retailers can choose different technologies and solutions to realize their eGrocery strategy and fulfill their promises to the end customer. Retailers are now empowered to construct an intelligent, interconnected fulfillment network without being constrained to a single solution, having to engage with different hardware and software providers, or compromising on operational excellence.
“After operating alongside and growing with our retail partners over the past 7 years, we are excited to offer our retail grocery partners new solution modularity with our partner KNAPP,” commented Takeoff co-founder Jose Aguerrevere.
KNAPP Group VP of Food Retail Solutions Rudolf Hansl added, “Automation remains foundational in addressing rising labor costs and offering an optimal customer experience at the lowest cost to serve. Through Takeoff’s expertise we were able to further develop our modular solution for micro fulfillment. In addition, we will enhance our existing portfolio within this new, intensified partnership to make it easier than ever to deploy rightsized automation for any retailer, anywhere.”
In the next phase of their partnership, Takeoff and KNAPP are bringing their sales, solutions engineering and technical product teams closer together. Together, this will provide retailers with a unified, streamlined experience and access to the industry’s largest dedicated team enhancing eGrocery fulfillment.
Seven years ago, Takeoff created the hyperlocal fulfillment category with a custom, grocery-native platform – Micro Fulfillment Centers were born. After extensive technology evaluation, Takeoff partnered with KNAPP, a globally recognized leader in intelligent automation and specialized software solutions. Together, Takeoff and KNAPP offer an unmatched experience, global reach, flexible architecture, industry-leading operator productivity and ultimately, eGrocery profitability. The future of eGrocery fulfillment is led by Takeoff and KNAPP.
Takeoff Technologies offers eGrocery solutions that empower grocers to thrive online using hyperlocal fulfillment. Founded in 2016, Takeoff’s solutions range from fully manual fulfillment technology to highly automated Micro Fulfillment Centers powered by a seamless integration with global automation leader KNAPP. Takeoff Technologies is driven by a mission to transform the grocery industry by making online grocery operations as efficient and cost effective as traditional brick-and-mortar stores. With over 180 employees and approximately $1 billion in sales processed through Takeoff fulfillment centers, Takeoff is building on a meaningful track record to continue driving innovation in a rapidly growing eGrocery industry.
KNAPP is the technology partner for intelligent value chain management. Headquartered in Austria, the KNAPP group provides all-in-one solutions for automation and digitalization, from production and distribution to the point of sale. Excellent service and long-term collaboration make KNAPP the strong partner behind the success of their customers in the sectors healthcare, retail, food retail, fashion, wholesale and industry. The solution portfolio for grocery comprises innovative automation concepts for both online and brick-and-mortar food retail.
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NGA Praises FTC for Challenge to Kroger, Albertsons Merger
The National Grocers Association issued a response to the Federal Trade Commission’s decision to challenge the merger between Kroger and Albertsons:
“Every day, America’s local independent supermarkets face economic challenges due to the influence of massive power buyer chains who use their leverage over suppliers at the expense of smaller rivals in the marketplace,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO. “NGA appreciates the FTC’s commitment to preserving competition in the grocery sector.”
The challenge underscores the importance of mitigating substantial buyer power wielded by the nation’s largest supermarket chains, which have been unchecked by federal regulators for decades. According to one study, four big food retailers now control 69 percent of the nation’s supermarket shelves, utilizing this dominance to exert pressure on suppliers, farmers and ranchers resulting in deals that shift higher prices onto smaller stores. This corporate marriage of two supermarket giants is engineered to enhance the largest conventional grocery chain’s leverage over suppliers at the expense of smaller rivals and grocery shoppers.
The risks associated with excessive buyer power have been on full display since COVID-era supply chain disruptions and the emergence of historic food price inflation. In the early part of the pandemic, dominant chains leveraged their influence to coercively squeeze food suppliers to meet specific trade demands. As the big box stores remained stocked, consumers in urban and rural areas who largely shop at independent grocery stores bore the brunt of these marketplace abuses and in many cases were left without household necessities. Independent grocers and their customers have also faced higher inflationary price increases as dominant national grocers used their dominant position to force higher inflationary burdens on their smaller competitors.
“NGA appreciates the FTC’s commitment to a competitive grocery industry, and we look forward to the FTC taking further action to level the playing field, including enforcing antitrust laws like the Robinson-Patman Act that prohibit economic discrimination against independent grocers and their customers,” said Chris Jones, NGA’s chief government relations officer and counsel.
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THesis Hotel Appoints Giua as Director of Restaurants, Bars
THesis Hotel, a lifestyle hotel in Coral Gables known for its chef-driven culinary concepts and exceptional dining experiences, has appointed Massimiliano Giua as director of restaurants and bars to lead the hotel to new heights while keeping it at the forefront of Miami’s culinary scene and maintaining its status as a cultural hub. Giua, with his wealth of expertise, will bring fresh perspectives to THesis Hotel’s culinary concepts, while continuing to celebrate the well-known flavors and innovative experiences that guests know and love.
“I am thrilled that Massimiliano Giua is joining THesis as our new Director of Restaurants and Bars,” said General Manager Vikash Maharaj. “With a passion for curating memorable experiences and a keen attention to detail, he is a dynamic leader when demonstrating the behaviors and qualities that represent the values of the hotel and its culinary concepts. His commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the luxury hospitality industry has positioned him as a key player in shaping upscale experiences that he will now bring to THesis Hotel, further enhancing the guest experience. ”
Giua’s journey in the hospitality industry began with a strong foundation and has evolved into a distinguished career, starting in Italy and holding positions at various luxury properties in the United Kingdom, New York City and Miami. Recently, in 2019, Giua opened and took charge of managing the restaurant and bar staff at the prestigious Mr C Hotel by Cipriani in Coconut Grove, Miami. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success. In this role, he successfully managed restaurant and bar staff and played a crucial role in maintaining client relationships to ensure a luxurious and memorable guest experience. His dedication to quality-driven service and team development set the stage for his continued success.
Giua’s career progression led him to his most recent role as the general manager at The Bath Club, a private membership club in Miami, where he assumed a comprehensive leadership role in 2023. Here, Giua oversaw all operational aspects, including sales and marketing, human resources, and food and beverage, contributing significantly to the club’s profitability and growth. His hands-on approach involved daily property inspections, meticulous payroll management, and coordination across various departments.
“As I step into my new role as director of restaurants and bars at THesis Hotel, I am committed to offering outstanding customer service while maintaining THesis Hotel’s renowned culinary reputation,” said Giua. “My extensive travel experiences and immersion in luxury hospitality have shaped my understanding of diverse cultures and exceptional customer service, inspiring my career in the industry. I constantly strive for excellence in service delivery and emphasize the importance of engaging with guests to create lasting connections, enhancing the overall dining experience, ensuring THesis Hotel continues to be a dynamic destination for culinary excellence.”
THesis Hotel Miami is located at 1350 S. Dixie Highway in Coral Gables and is home to the celebrated signature restaurant, Mamey. For more information, visit thesishotelmiami.com, call 305.667.5611, or follow the hotel on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Landing on the New York Times’ “36 Hours in Miami” guide, THesis Hotel Miami is a modern property that serves as a cultural hub in Coral Gables with 245 contemporary guest rooms and suites in a strikingly designed building. THesis is a culinary-driven property with luxury amenities that include a sun-filled rooftop pool with tropical views, a poolside bar perfect for soaking up the Florida sun and an open-air paseo.
With a robust year-round calendar of programming and events – all open to the public – THesis is not only a hotel but a destination where curious, like-minded individuals exchange ideas, celebrate art, discover new cultural experiences and engage with the community. Conceived as a modern-day town square and communal gathering space at the intersection of three historic neighborhoods – Coral Gables, South Miami and Coconut Grove – THesis fosters genuine connection and creative expression. Follow on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
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