Foodland looks to automate core retail functions

Hawaiian grocer Foodland Super Market has enlisted artificial intelligence-driven solutions from Symphony RetailAI for a range of marketing, merchandising and supply-chain functions.

Dallas-based Symphony said this week that, under a a multiyear license agreement, Foodland aims to automate and enhance core end-to-end retail practices and is adopting a broad portfolio of AI-based solutions for supply chain, category planning and revenue growth.

Overall, the Honolulu-based retailer operates 27 supermarkets, including one location under the Kahala Mkt. by Foodland banner, plus five Sack N Save grocery stores. Three Foodland and one Sack N Save stores also have fuel stations.

“As Hawaii’s only locally owned grocery retailer with stores statewide, we are committed to continually innovating and improving to ensure we provide outstanding experiences for our customers while also delivering strong financial results,” Foodland Chairman and CEO Jenai Sullivan Wall said in a statement. “We undertook a thoughtful, multiyear assessment of vendors to select the best partner to guide us through this transformational change. Symphony RetailAI emerged as the clear leader.

“The company’s deep understanding of the grocery business, focus on strong long-term partnerships and leading AI-based solutions will position our company to thrive not only in the near-term but into the future as well,” Wall added.

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Initially, Foodland plans to implement Symphony’s Master Data Management, Kitchen Management, Promotions Evaluation and Planning, and Direct Store Delivery solutions. Plans call for Integrated Category Planning, including Store Insights, Planogram Automation, Intelligent Clustering and Shelf Planning solutions to be installed in later phases, according to Symphony, which said the technology will be deployed across Foodland stores and some of its sister companies.

“Retail excellence in today’s fast-changing market demands a strong foundation of end-to-end AI-based and data-driven solutions,” commented Chris Koziol, CEO of Symphony RetailAI, a global provider of role-specific, AI-powered revenue growth management solutions and customer-centric insights for retailers and CPG manufacturers. “We’re excited to team with Foodland to deliver innovative enterprise capabilities that will increase efficiencies and deliver measurable business and financial impact. The strong teamwork between our companies creates a compelling foundation for significant mutual success, and we look forward to a long and productive collaboration.”

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