Albertsons Companies takes wraps off patent pending AI and computer vision powered supply chain tool
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.
"This collaboration with Albertsons Cos. demonstrates the transformative power of applying advanced AI, like Vision AI and Gemini, to the core of the supply chain,” says Jose Gomes, Vice President, Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods, Google Cloud.
“Ensuring quality consistency for fresh produce is a complex, logistical challenge. By advising on this intelligent component, we are helping Albertsons Cos. drive efficiency and, most importantly, deliver on their promise of fresh, high quality food to their customers. This is the future of intelligent commerce."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
