Albertsons Companies is rolling out new artificial intelligence (AI) technology to better manage products across its fresh departments – streamlining operations and improving product quality and availability in its seafood, meat, deli, bakery, and produce sections.
In partnership with Afresh, an AI firm specializing in fresh food supply chain optimization, Albertsons has implemented the technology across all banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Shaw’s, Jewel-Osco, and Acme.
“Our partnership with Afresh has been a true game-changer in modernizing our fresh operations,” said Michelle Larson, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Albertsons Cos. “This technology allows us to provide our customers with an even better shopping experience while ensuring our stores stay stocked with the freshest, highest-quality products.”
Afresh’s AI platform uses advanced data modeling to synchronize ordering, inventory, and demand forecasting for thousands of perishable products – solving one of the toughest challenges in fresh food management. The system improves accuracy for random-weight items such as seafood fillets, produce, and meats, where traditional inventory systems often struggle due to variable weights and spoilage risk.
In seafood and other fresh departments, the technology is helping Albertsons reduce waste, maintain consistent product quality, and ensure more reliable availability of customer favorites.
The company has also extended Afresh’s reach beyond its stores. Last year, Afresh’s DC Forecast tool was launched across all Albertsons fresh distribution centers, providing daily demand forecasts that improve coordination between suppliers, warehouses, and retail locations. Together, these AI-driven tools are delivering a more connected, efficient, and sustainable fresh supply chain – an evolution that’s likely to influence how seafood and other perishables are managed across major retail networks.