AI

Kroger: AI driving meaningful results

Photo: IlzeLuceroPhoto - stock.adobe.com

September 30, 2026

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The Kroger Co.'s artificial intelligence strategy is improving the customer experience, making work easier for store associates and driving improved business outcomes.

That's the message Yael Cosset, Kroger's chief digital officer and executive vice president, shared during a panel talk at the recent GroceryShop 2026 event.

"This isn't new for Kroger," Cosset told attendees, according to a press release. "We've long been using data science and artificial intelligence to serve our customers by precisely forecasting demand, connecting customers with the most relevant savings opportunities and helping them find and get the products they need. Our latest investments in AI allow us to connect relevant business and operational signals to make decisions and take action faster."

Cosset described Kroger's AI journey in three stages: Assisted, augmented and autonomous.

"The goal is not autonomy everywhere," Cosset said in the release. "The goal is using the right level of AI based on risk, repeatability and the need for human judgement. Different cases will sit at different stages, and strong governance remains at the center."

Kroger is working to improve AI agents for frontline teams to surface only the most important information. Additionally, Kroger is making AI literacy training and tools available to more than 400,000 associates across the enterprise.

Kroger envisions an outcome-based grocery experience instead of a series of transactions. In this model, customers choose to share information relevant to shopping needs and AI agents handle planning, shopping and fulfillment.