With the help of its technology partner, Upshop, Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has begun transforming how it plans and produces fresh prepared foods.
By shifting from experience-based methods to a cutting-edge, data-driven production planning system, Ontario, California-based HGG aims to enhance product availability, optimize labor and better serve diverse communities.
“Leveraging predictive analytics, this system will enhance market demand fulfillment and boost sales through optimized product availability and superior customer experience,” said Prabash Coswatte, chief operating officer for HGG.
The company operates in California, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada and Texas, with 58 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner and 29 under El Rancho Supermercado. It also has 21 Tony’s Fresh Market stores and seven Los Altos Ranch Markets
Across these regions, Heritage Grocers Group is recognized for its extensive fresh offerings and delivering authentic food experiences that appeal to multicultural shoppers.
The decision to revamp its production strategy is backed by recent insights that multicultural families are driving America’s fresh prepared food revolution.
According to the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), 76 percent of Hispanic, 70 percent of Asian-American and 69 percent of African-American shoppers buy prepared foods at grocery stores, compared to 59 percent of white/Caucasian shoppers.
“Fresh prepared isn’t just about convenience anymore – it’s about cultural connection,” Coswatte said. “From carnitas and caldo to pan dulce and pozole, our customers are asking for ready-made meals that feel like home. This new system ensures we meet that demand, store by store, hour by hour.”
Upshop CEO Mike Sanders said the future of retail excellence lies in the power of artificial intelligence and a single, unified operations platform.
“By streamlining forecasting, labor and production into one intelligent system, we’re helping retailers like Heritage Grocers Group move from good to great – maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste and, most importantly, delivering a better experience for every shopper, every,” he said.
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