Albertsons Companies tests out Picadeli in-store salad bar concept

Albertsons is piloting artificial intelligence powered salad bars in six US East Coast supermarkets via a partnership with Picadeli.

It has added the internet linked self-service counters, which stock foods supplied by Picadeli using a platform that optimises assortment by analysing consumption patterns, to Safeway, Acme and Kings Food Market stores in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New Jersey.

Albertsons is the first US grocer to deploy the technology.

Picadeli’s salad bars are in over 2,200 stores across seven countries throughout Europe and sold more than 45 million salads in 2019.

The company has partnered with the likes of Carrefour, EuroGarages, Franprix, Rewe, 7 Eleven, Coop, ICA, and Kesko.

“Picadeli has created an innovative, technology forward solution to address the strong demand for healthy, affordable foods that can be customised quickly,” says Jewel Hunt, Group Vice President of Deli Food Service at Albertsons Companies.

“Fresh meal solutions is a category where we are continuing to differentiate our offerings, and by introducing Picadeli, we are giving our customers a great option for healthy meals at an affordable price.”

“The lack of convenient, healthy fresh food at an affordable price has created a unique opportunity for grocers to win over consumers who have been left behind by the growth in cheap, less healthy fast food, and expensive fast-casual concepts,” comments Patrik Hellstrand, CEO at Picadeli U.S.

“Albertsons is a leader in recognising the demand for healthy and affordable food by its customers and we are thrilled to work together to introduce our offering to the US.”

“The fast fresh food market is ripe for disruption and innovation, and Picadeli’s proven offering has demonstrated it solves this need for consumers and leading retailers across Europe. We look forward to continuing to deliver on our mission here in the US.”