Dollar General enhances produce with AI tech

Dollar General has taken another important step toward becoming a major player in the produce department.

The discount grocer is partnering with AI technology provider Shelf Engine as the two roll out automated AI ordering technology for produce. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the AI technology will be in about 3,000 Dollar General stores.

A pilot involving more than 400 locations began in December 2022. The technology is designed to generate orders with a goal of optimizing in-stock levels that directly contribute to providing shoppers with the freshest food possible.

“Adopting Shelf Engine’s AI solutions aligns with our mission of…helping our teams enhance value and convenience for our customers,” said Allen Warch, vice president, division merchandise manager with leadership of fresh merchandise at Dollar General. “This collaboration is a strategic step towards improving our operational efficiency while serving our customers with improved in-stock levels of fresh produce.”

Back in August, Dollar General, based in Goodlettsville, Tenn., announced it was planning on building a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in North Little Rock, Ark.

The $140 million center is expected to open in April and will help the grocer sell fresh produce in more stores in the region.

Related:Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and others could face new restrictions in Chicago

Dollar General now offers fresh fruits and vegetables in 5,000 stores in the U.S. and ultimately wants to expand to 10,000 locations.