Carrefour Belgium has implemented an AI tracking tool from Swedish technology provider Deligate to efficiently manage expiration dates, optimise discounts and reduce food waste. The retailer has rolled out the date tracking tool to 83 of its largest stores in Belgium, following a successful pilot. European Supermarket Magazine reported that Carrefour plans to deploy the solution to the rest of its stores in Belgium later this autumn, including those operated by franchisees. The retailer noted that expansion into markets across Europe is possible.
Deligate’s solution, Short Date Tracker, is an app that is installed on employees’ handheld devices, tracking all best-before dates. The retailer can monitor all its stores and ensure the quality of both the date work as well as the product range and quality of goods. “The new tool will help us streamline operations, reduce costs and improve profitability. With integrated smart discounts and full control of on-shelf inventory, it will play a key role in our strategy to reduce waste and improve economic performance,” says Benoît Moreau, New Technology & Winstore Manager at Carrefour Belgium.
By simplifying daily workflows, Deligate’s solution aims to make everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable for staff, saving each store up to 60 minutes per day. Employees can then be reassigned to more rewarding tasks, such as customer service. The technology also allows Carrefour to monitor stock levels in real time, anticipating fluctuations in demand and the risks associated with over- or under-stocking. In addition, the tool’s advanced analytics capabilities provide Carrefour with valuable insights into consumer preferences, shopping habits and inventory trends.
More clients in Sweden
Swedish technology provider Deligate has also been working with ICA since 2019. Sweden’s largest grocery retailer has set a goal to reduce its food waste by 50 per cent by 2025. As a step towards this goal, ICA has implemented Deligate’s date tracking solution in all of its Swedish stores. In 2018, Swedish Coop Nord had also installed the technology in all 72 of its stores.
