Kroger Outlines Three-Stage AI Strategy for Grocery Shopping

The Kroger Co. detailed a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy at the GroceryShop 2026 conference in Las Vegas on September 22, 2026. Yael Cosset, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, described a three-stage AI journey consisting of assisted, augmented, and autonomous phases. This roadmap aims to improve customer experiences, simplify associate workflows, and enhance overall business outcomes.

The strategy utilizes proprietary models and loyalty program data to power new tools, including an AI Shopping Assistant for conversational search and meal planning. To support this transition, Kroger is implementing AI literacy training for its 400,000 associates. Cosset emphasized that the human connection to customers and associates will never be replaced by AI, stating that the goal is to use the right level of AI based on risk, repeatability, and the need for human judgment.

Looking forward, Cosset envisioned a shift from individual transactions to outcome-based shopping. In this future, grocery shopping becomes a managed service where AI agents handle planning and fulfillment based on specific customer goals and preferences.