Albert Heijn is Taking the Next Steps in Generative AI
JUNE 17 / 2024 by Ahold Delhaize Guiding Stars
Albert Heijn introduces the Scan & Kook in the AH app. By taking a photo of ingredients, customers receive personalized recipes that they can easily add to their shopping list. This is one of the applications of Generative AI (Gen AI) that Albert Heijn built itself, applies and is now launching during the Food & Tech week. This marks a new step in Gen AI technology, which Albert Heijn is already using more often.
Sjoerd Holleman, director of strategy, products & analytics at Albert Heijn, says: “Within our company we use Gen AI, which makes a positive contribution to the shopping experience of our customers and the job satisfaction of colleagues. We are working with our teams to further develop and implement this technology. This week we share our experiences during the now annual Food & Tech week and we introduce a new functionality in the AH app.”
Gen AI and preventing food waste
Albert Heijn is doing a lot to prevent food waste. By 2030, the supermarket chain wants to reduce food waste by 50% compared to 2016. For example, by making stock and sales forecasts as sharp as possible. In addition, a lot of effort is being made on dynamic discounting, where products that are almost expired are offered at a reduced price. The Allerhande also contains tips for customers to prevent food waste. The AH app now includes the Scan & Cook functionality. After taking a photo of a product in the refrigerator or in the store, customers receive a recipe that they can make with these ingredients. The technology in the AH app, which is being further developed this year, converts the ingredients into delicious personalized recipes of all kinds with one click. Albert Heijn helps customers with suggestions and tasty recipes, using smart technology innovations to avoid wasting food.
Scan & Kook is a good example of how Albert Heijn achieves its objectives with technology, in this case reducing food waste and simultaneously improving the customer experience. Scan en Kook was developed by Gen AI Labs, the startup within Albert Heijn that was launched during the Food & Tech week in 2023 and regularly develops new Gen AI innovations.
