Albertsons launches AI tool to improve produce quality

Boise-based Albertsons Companies on Tuesday announced a new artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to improve the consistency and accuracy of produce quality inspections across its distribution centers nationwide.

The patent-pending Intelligent Quality Control tool, built in-house by Albertsons technology and supply chain teams, uses Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise, which includes Vision AI and Gemini models, to assist distribution center inspectors in evaluating fresh fruits and vegetables against the company’s established quality standards. An inspector photographs the produce, the system analyzes visual characteristics and returns a rating and recommendation, which the inspector then approves.

The tool is currently live at select distribution centers, focused initially on strawberries and red and green grapes. Albertsons plans to expand it across the full berry category and eventually scale it nationwide to include more fresh products. Early results show improvements in rating consistency across different inspectors and shifts, faster decision-making and expanded quality data capture.

“We built the AI-powered Intelligent Quality Control tool to support our team of talented quality inspectors in our distribution centers, 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,” said Evan Rainwater, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer for Albertsons. “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.”

Google Cloud Vice President Jose Gomes said the partnership illustrates how advanced artificial intelligence can address the complexity of fresh food logistics.

“Ensuring quality consistency for fresh produce is a complex, logistical challenge,” Gomes said. “By advising on this intelligent component, we are helping Albertsons drive efficiency and, most importantly, deliver on their promise of fresh, high-quality food to their customers.”

The new tool builds on a broader AI collaboration between Albertsons and Google Cloud that includes the company’s Ask AI shopping assistant, launched in 2025 to help customers discover products and build grocery lists. Albertsons operates 2,244 retail stores across 35 states under 22 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway and Vons.

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.