There’s no escaping artificial intelligence. From grocery retail giants to independent retailers, exploring and implementing this rapidly developing technology has become a must to remain competitive.
The National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show in New York City, which took place in January, set the stage for the leading role AI promises to play throughout the year.
Kroger executives spoke on numerous panels at the January conference about how the company is bringing AI into its operations, including expanding its partnership with Google Cloud to tap the tech company’s Gemini AI tools and improving Sage, an AI virtual assistant for employees.
Meanwhile, companies like Associated Wholesale Grocers are working to ensure small grocery players don’t get left behind by the likes of Kroger and Albertsons. In mid-March, the distributor announced the full launch of SmartMeals, an AI-powered meal planning and shopping assistant that its participating independent grocery members can deploy so shoppers can have personalized AI shopping experiences.
There is still some consumer distrust with AI, so ensuring a smooth introduction to AI-powered features is a must. But regardless, the technology has already risen to priority status across the grocery industry.
Here’s a roundup of grocers’ AI moves so far in 2026.
