NGA Show: Quantum computing is the new AI in grocery

The tech works a lot like ChatGPT and can help with supply chain issues

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:55pm

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At the National Grocers Association's Show 2026 in Las Vegas, Frieda's Branded Produce VP Alex Jackson introduced the grocery industry to quantum computing, a technology she says could become as familiar as the kiwi. Quantum computing can help retailers better prepare for viral food trends, identify when a product begins gaining traction, and optimize operations like route planning and labor management.

Why it matters

The grocery industry loses billions annually due to being unprepared for viral food trends. Quantum computing can alert retailers earlier to surging demand and trigger specific supply chain actions, potentially saving significant costs.

The details

Jackson used a maze analogy to explain the difference between traditional and quantum computing - traditional computing evaluates one path at a time, while quantum computing evaluates all possible paths simultaneously. Some grocers like Save-On-Foods and Whole Foods already use quantum computing for operational functions. Quantum computing cannot predict viral trends, but it can identify when a product begins gaining traction. Typical costs are around $5,000 per month plus $1 per minute of usage, with potential ROI through improved forecasting, route optimization, and reduced fuel/labor costs.

  • The National Grocers Association's Show 2026 took place in Las Vegas on February 4, 2026.

The players

Alex Jackson

Vice president of sales and procurement at Frieda's Branded Produce, whose grandmother founded the company and introduced the kiwi to the U.S.

Frieda's Branded Produce

A produce company founded in 1962 that was the first to bring the kiwi to the U.S.

Save-On-Foods

A Canadian grocery retailer that has used quantum computing for over 4 years on operational functions.

Whole Foods

A grocery retailer that uses quantum computing for line scheduling and managing its product portfolio.

Nestle

A consumer packaged goods company that uses quantum computing to manage formulas and recipes, accelerate innovation, and improve supply chain management.

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What they’re saying

“It took months to get that supply chain in order after it went viral.”

— Alex Jackson, Vice president of sales and procurement at Frieda's Branded Produce (supermarketnews.com)

“Any problem where you are using data to assess what the right solution could be is where quantum computing can help you.”

— Alex Jackson, Vice president of sales and procurement at Frieda's Branded Produce (supermarketnews.com)

“Is this going to be another thing we let go by, and then we're waiting until Amazon or Instacart figure it out before us? Then we're sitting here saying, 'Oh, now we just have to play catch-up.'”

— Alex Jackson, Vice president of sales and procurement at Frieda's Branded Produce (supermarketnews.com)

What’s next

Numerous third-party quantum computing companies, like IBM Q, are available to grocery retailers, and the industry is expected to reach $26 billion by 2030.

The takeaway

Quantum computing can help grocery retailers better prepare for and respond to viral food trends, potentially saving billions in lost sales and supply chain disruptions. While the technology is still emerging, early adopters like Save-On-Foods and Whole Foods are already seeing benefits in areas like route optimization, labor management, and product portfolio management.