Supermarket giant launches AI assistant trial to transform meal planning for customers

An AI assistant trial is being launched by one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains
Tesco has embarked on a significant trial of an AI assistant designed to revolutionise how customers plan meals and manage their shopping .

The initiative will initially grant early access to approximately 280,000 Tesco employees , who will test the new tool linked to their Clubcard purchase data.

Colleagues are set to evaluate the assistant over the coming weeks, providing crucial feedback and even suggesting names, before its anticipated launch to all customers later this year.

This internal testing phase is vital for refining the technology.

The AI assistant aims to simplify meal planning by offering a "natural, two-way dialogue to offer inspiration in the form of personalised recipe ideas”, while also considering individual dietary preferences.

Tesco states that the integration of Clubcard information will enable the assistant to intelligently suggest items customers might already possess in their cupboards or fridge.

This new feature will be seamlessly integrated into the Tesco app, forming part of a long-term strategy to expand its functionality.

The goal is to assist customers with more aspects of their daily lives, providing a "genuinely intelligent, helpful shopping experience."
The supermarket giant revealed that its in-house teams have been collaborating with Tomoro AI, a UK-based consultancy founded in 2023 in alliance with OpenAI, on the assistant's development.

This work has been conducted under "strict secrecy protocols" since last autumn.

Tesco also noted that AI has been "behind the scenes" of its operations, including its Clubcard loyalty programme, "for years" to "improve the overall shopping experience."
The retailer has doubled its technology team over the past five years and recently partnered with European AI start-up Mistral to further develop its AI capabilities.

Ken Murphy, Tesco chief executive, commented: "We want to give customers the best possible experience every time they shop with Tesco, and this assistant gives us one more way to help them and make their lives a little easier.

“Nobody is better placed than our colleagues to help us get this experience right; they understand the customers and communities they serve, and we cannot wait to see how they help shape and improve the assistant in the months ahead."