Albertsons is making a big change that customers will notice right away

AI is changing every aspect of society. While some have been saying it’s a bubble, it seems companies are fully embracing the new technology.

Grocers like Albertsons, Walmart and others have fully embraced consumer-facing AI tools. But AI adoption is still being side-eyed by consumers.

According to a consumer survey by Dunnhumby, only 15% of U.S. shoppers have used AI tools to help with their shopping, as many don’t see a need for it.

Now, Albertsons is using AI tools to make a change that shoppers might actually appreciate.

The consumer habit that costs grocers billions

Have you ever picked up an apple at the grocery store or a box of strawberries, only to notice that it’s starting to go bad?

Most of us probably put such damaged produce back on the shelf. And in the end, it likely gets thrown away.

Food waste

• About 30% to 40% of food is estimated to be wasted in the U.S., according to the USDA.  
• The same USDA study estimates that food waste is worth an estimated $161 billion per year. Food waste happens both by retailers, consumers, farms, and restaurants.
• A report from the EPA found that food waste costs about $728 per year for U.S. consumers, or $2,913 for a household of four.

For grocery store companies, that food loss is not just waste, but lost money. Albertsons is betting it has found a solution to the food waste problem by using AI.

Albertsons latest AI launch

Albertsons launched a new feature that will use AI to make fresh fruits and vegetables as picture-perfect as possible.

Using Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise, including a computer vision program, the AI tool will help quality inspection teams make sure the produce that ends up on shelves is of the highest quality, Albertsons announced.

Early results show it’s been incredibly helpful in increasing the consistency of quality rating which is crucial for highly perishable products such as fruits and vegetables.

The AI tool was built in-house by Albertsons with support from Google. At distribution centers, inspectors will show an image of the produce to the AI tool. The AI tool then compares the image to Albertsons’ standards and provides a recommendation and rating to the inspector.

Using an AI tool rather than the human eye helps the teams be more accurate and consistent, Albertsons said in a press release.

“This is just the latest advancement in how we are using AI within our multi-billion-dollar supply chain to improve operational efficiencies, improve product quality and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction,” said Rainwater.

Making your fruits and veggies Instagram worthy

The AI tool was first launched to focus on the quality of stawberries and grapes but will soon be expanded to all berries. Albertsons plans to eventually scale the tool nationwide across more produce items, the company said.

More grocery news

• Albertsons’ customers are changing how they shop
• Tyson Foods’ earnings reveal worrying food inflation trend
• Albertsons receives troubling news

So far the AI tool has help Albertsons increase its consistency, expand the quality of the products, and hele with faster decision-making, the company said in a press release.

Other grocers have also used AI to try and reduce waste. Hy-Vee partnered with AI-platform Relex to improve its forecasting and ordering process, the company reported. Meanwhile, Afresh expanded its management solutions to include inventory and production planning, according to a company press release.

Related: More trouble brewing for Albertsons and Kroger