LAS VEGAS — Kroger used the GroceryShop 2026 conference to showcase how it is leveraging artificial intelligence across its business, building on decades of customer insights, operational data and retail expertise.
Speaking at the event, Yael Cosset, executive vice president and chief digital officer, said AI is already helping Kroger enhance the customer experience, improve associate productivity and drive stronger business performance.
Cosset emphasized that Kroger's approach is grounded in a robust data foundation developed through its loyalty program, demand forecasting capabilities and years of data science investment. The retailer combines proprietary AI models with third-party frontier models, supported by shared infrastructure, governance processes and security controls.
Kroger described its AI evolution as progressing through three stages: assisted, augmented and autonomous. Rather than pursuing autonomy across all functions, the company is focusing on applying the appropriate level of AI based on risk, repeatability and the need for human judgment.
Among the customer-facing applications already in use is Kroger's AI Shopping Assistant, which helps shoppers plan meals, discover recipes and build carts based on budgets, dietary needs and personal preferences. Conversational search capabilities also make it easier for customers to find products and meal solutions.
Internally, Kroger is developing AI-powered tools to help frontline associates prioritize important tasks and information while expanding AI literacy training across its workforce of more than 400,000 employees.
Looking ahead, Cosset outlined a vision of grocery shopping as a more outcome-driven experience, where AI agents could help customers plan, shop and fulfill orders based on shared goals and preferences. He said Kroger's competitive advantage in that future will continue to be its deep understanding of customer shopping behavior, product availability and fulfillment capabilities.
