Ann Summers gets its data straightened out: last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub
Publish Date: 2026-05-17 11:07:00
Source Domain: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies has announced the launch of its patent pending Intelligent Quality Control tool, an AI powered solution that uses computer vision to support distribution centre associates in maintaining quality and consistency of fresh fruits and vegetables across the company’s supply chain.
Built in house by its technology and supply chain teams, the tool uses Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise, including Vision AI and Gemini models.
“We built the AI powered Intelligent Quality Control tool to support our team of talented quality inspectors in our distribution centres, and 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,” says Evan Rainwater, EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Albertsons Cos. “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.”
Integrating into the distribution centre workflow, the quality inspector feeds an image of the produce into the AI tool, powered by Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, which evaluates visual characteristics against Albertsons Cos.’s established quality standards. The system then provides an accurate, consistent rating and recommendation to the inspector for approval.
Live now in select DCs, the tool is initially focused on quality inspections for strawberries and red and green grapes. The company is expanding the solution across the entire berry section with plans to scale the tool nationwide and incorporate more fresh products.
MC
MC, the retail division of Sonae that operates in Portugal’s grocery market and health, wellness, and beauty space across the Iberian Peninsula, has selected Blue Yonder cognitive solutions for allocation and replenishment to boost its supply chain…
