Albertsons has launched an AI-powered shopping assistant to make grocery shopping faster, smarter and more personalised.

Based on OpenAI models, the US food and pharmaceutical retailer’s new AI tool aims to reduce the average time spent grocery shopping from 46 minutes to just four minutes by digitising recipes and lists, helping customers plan meals, stock up on essentials, and discover new products.

The shopping assistant also completes shopping tasks for customers, including quick refills, fast reordering of weekly essentials, and frequent purchases. Additionally, it generates a weekly meal plan and shopping list, suggesting recipes based on what is already in the fridge or pantry.

The agentic AI experience is now available on all Albertsons Cos. brand websites, including Albertsons AI, Safeway AI, Vons AI, Jewel-Osco AI, and others.

Albertsons said the AI assistant will also be integrated into the brand's mobile apps in early 2026, with the retailer planning to launch additional agentic features, including budget optimisation, locating specific products in store aisles, and voice integration.

Albertsons Companies currently operates 2,257 retail stores with 1,720 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated supply centres, 22 dedicated distribution centres and 19 manufacturing facilities.

Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital customer experience for Albertsons Cos, said the technology aims to simplify customers' lives.

“By implementing AI-powered features across the customer journey from discovery to purchase, we are delivering an experience that’s faster, easier and more enjoyable,” Pavlovich said.

Pavlovich added that the AI assistant helps the retailer understand its customers’ needs on a deeper level, enabling them to serve them in the best possible way.

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