VIP, a technology partner to the food and beverage industry, has completed its acquisition of Encompass Technologies. The deal expands VIP's technology capabilities and aims to accelerate modernisation across the food and beverage ecosystem. The combined companies will serve suppliers, distributors, and retailers whilst continuing to operate under their respective names. Andrew Criezis will remain chief executive officer across both organisations. VIP says the acquisition supports its strategy to broaden technology access and accelerate innovation in the industry. The company has been investing in modern technology and agentic workflows designed to help food and beverage companies manage complexity. The acquisition enables VIP to expand its offerings as artificial intelligence creates new possibilities for business operations and decision-making in the sector.

VIP, a beverage industry technology partner, has launched VIP Intelligence, an AI suite designed specifically for businesses that make, move, and sell beverages. The platform is built on 50 years of industry data and integrates AI capabilities across VIP's existing ecosystem. VIP Intelligence includes several AI-powered features rolling out throughout 2026. These include automated revenue management in PriceStream, predictive ordering in Connect and the VIP Sales App, conversational analytics in iDIG, and demand planning for suppliers in OrderStream. The company has made significant technology investments, including partnering with QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, to accelerate its AI strategy. CEO Andrew Criezis, who joined earlier this year, is leading the initiative. VIP hosted an AI Week training event for nearly 1,000 employees and expanded its AI teams with new leadership across technology, people, and sales.