Belgian retailers invest in product ranges and AI | Progresiv
IGD looks at how Colruyt is improving store efficiencies using an AI solution. Meanwhile, Ahold Delhazie-owned Delhaize is working in partnership with M&S to expand its range. 
According to Colruyt, it is the first Belgian supermarket to trial an AI solution for automatic recognition of fruit and vegetables at checkouts. The solution, developed in collaboration with AI company Robovision, is being trialled at Colruyt Kortrijk for three months. The retailer hopes it will improve its checkout process.
The AI solution can recognise 120 types of fruit and vegetables using a smart camera and a deep learning model. The smart camera is installed above the scales at the checkout. When a fruit or vegetable is placed on the scale, the camera takes a photo and identifies the product. The first tests have shown that the solution is 97% accurate but it is expected to increase in accuracy as more photos are taken.
It is not yet known whether Colruyt will use the solution for other products. Rudi Dewulf, regional sales director of Colruyt, said, “We are curious and waiting for the test results to find out what this innovative technology can mean for the future”.
Elsewhere in Belgium, Delhaize is working with M&S to launch a range of typical English and Scottish products. Delhaize has selected 70 new SKUs for its ‘Food of the World’ category, currently available in 80 of its supermarkets. These include, shortbread, English Breakfast tea, jam, lemon curd and a mix for Yorkshire pudding.
M&S is the latest retailer to work with Delhaize. Private label ranges from Spain-based El Corte Inglés and Coop Italia are also available in Delhaize supermarkets. (retailanalysis.igd.com)
