As we start the new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on a few of the important trends that shaped our industry over the last twelve months, and how they position DecisionNext and our customers and partners for an even stronger year ahead in 2025.
Inflation continued to disrupt commodity markets, driving price volatility and impacting supply chains across industries and the globe. Buyers and sellers alike grappled with these challenges, further emphasizing the importance of accurate forecasting and agile decision-making. As a result, we saw AI and sophisticated data-driven strategies continue to reshape sales and procurement, enabling stakeholders to navigate the complexity of commodity markets with greater precision and efficiency.
At DecisionNext, we were at the forefront of this transformation. We made our solutions available on the AWS Marketplace, making it easier for companies of all sizes to access our Direct and Enterprise applications. We welcomed industry leaders such as Bloomin’ Brands, one of the world’s largest casual dining companies, and Kilcoy Global Foods, a multi-award-winning global food solutions provider, as new customers, while broadening engagements with many others.
With the new year, we see exciting trends that will shape the AI and commodities landscape – particularly in identifying new areas where AI can be effectively applied. In the coming months, DecisionNext will introduce additional targeted and specific applications to help customers in a wide range of scenarios.
Meanwhile, the commodities market offers reasons for optimism.
Our Chief Economist Dr. David Boussios, in a recent article with The National Provisioner, said that signs of herd rebuilding in the US cattle industry suggest some relief from the high beef and cattle prices that plagued 2024. However, the US beef market is likely to face ongoing challenges due to what is still a relatively tight cattle supply. By adjusting sourcing strategies, US retailers and foodservice operators can secure high-quality beef and other proteins while mitigating what is likely to be continued market unpredictability.
At DecisionNext, our focus remains on empowering our customers to thrive in dynamic and uncertain markets. We are committed to expanding our reach into new commodity markets, and equipping buyers and sellers with the power of AI and advanced analytics to analyze different scenarios, weigh their options and make more confident and informed decisions. Look for new insights and perspective on the market in the coming weeks, both on our blog and in our newsletter. We are excited about what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.
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