Walmart and Avery Dennison have partnered to introduce RFID technology across fresh food categories including meat, bakery, and deli — a breakthrough designed to enhance inventory accuracy and reduce food waste through a first-of-its-kind sensor innovation.
This collaboration tackles one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: applying RFID effectively in high-moisture, cold environments, such as meat cases. Through joint development and testing, Walmart and Avery Dennison have created sensor-enabled RFID labels that perform reliably in these demanding conditions. The new system allows associates to track inventory faster, more accurately, and with real-time freshness insights.
“We believe technology should make things easier for both our associates and our customers,” said Christyn Keef, Vice President of Front-End Transformation, Walmart U.S. “By cutting down on manual work, we’re giving our associates more time to focus on what really matters — helping our customers.”
With digital use-by dates instantly accessible, associates can now rotate stock more efficiently, make informed markdown decisions, and ensure fresher products reach customers. This advancement directly contributes to Walmart’s commitment to reducing operational food loss and waste.
“Supporting Walmart with first-to-market RFID innovation across multiple fresh food categories underscores our mutual commitment to people and the planet,” said Julie Vargas, Vice President and General Manager, Avery Dennison Identification Solutions. “By giving each item its own digital identity, associates instantly know the freshness of the foods they’re handling — enabling smarter inventory management and less waste.”
The initiative supports Walmart’s sustainability goal of halving global operational food loss and waste intensity by 2030. With this step, both companies are redefining how fresh food is managed, combining automation, visibility, and traceability from source to store.
Avery Dennison continues to advance its Optima portfolio to build a more connected and transparent food supply chain, helping retailers and manufacturers drive efficiency and sustainability through intelligent labeling.