SWIPE panel analyzes AI in retail 

TUCSON, AZ – Retail and produce experts say as they get more comfortable using artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses, it can be a game changer but also not replace the human element. 

That message can be comforting to the produce industry, which has long considered itself a “people business.” 

The experts presented their opinions and experiences during a panel discussion on AI in grocery at the SWIPE Expo, January 23, in Tucson, hosted by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas BB #:144354. 

“AI has been a game changer,” said Jim Curtis of the Save Mart Companies BB #:113903. “It gives us more confidence in forecasting. And it allows stores to spend more time on execution.” 

Kristi Novak, with H-E-B BB #:106490, said the retailer started using AI in checkout scanning. 

“AI was hit-and-miss early, but it has learned and now has nearly 100 percent accuracy,” she said. “But it’s a tool, not a replacement. It won’t tell you what to do. AI can predict predictable patterns, but it can’t replace thinking and reacting.” 

Steve Kuboyama, with wholesale supplier Charlie’s Produce BB #:128220, said AI has been helpful in ordering because it can fill product gaps when retailers are too busy to respond to supply requests. 

“It’s a trust-but-verify system,” Kuboyama said. “It does not replace the human element.” 

Curtis agreed, saying, “It’s an enabler not a replacer.” 

“In our business, we expect the unexpected, and people have to do that,” Kuboyama said.