US variety store chain Dollar General is using artificial intelligence (AI) in 3000 stores to improve access to fresh affordable foods.

Dollar General is joining forces with Seattle-based Shelf Engine for a national rollout of its automated AI ordering technology for produce. This collaboration will see Shelf Engine’s AI technology implemented in approximately 3000 stores, addressing food insecurity across the USA.

This national expansion follows a successful two-phased pilot that began in December 2022 of Shelf Engine’s technology in more than 400 Dollar General stores. Its AI-driven platform is designed to generate orders, with a goal of optimising in-stock levels that directly contribute to providing Dollar General customers with the freshest food possible.

“The partnership between Dollar General and Shelf Engine highlights a shared commitment to fresh food access in a way that positively impacts the customer experience and Dollar General’s business,” said Stefan Kalb, CEO of Shelf Engine. “We believe this partnership will continue to revolutionise and streamline order management across the enterprise.”

Allen Warch, vice presiden at Dollar General (www.dollargeneral.com), added: “Adopting Shelf Engine’s AI aligns seamlessly with our mission of serving others, helping our teams enhance value and convenience for our customers. This collaboration is a strategic step towards improving our operational efficiency while serving our customers with improved in-stock levels of fresh produce.”

Shelf Engine (shelfengine.com) is transforming the food supply chain by helping grocery stores reduce food waste while increasing profits. Using AI, Shelf Engine provides grocers with accurate orders for every SKU for highly perishable foods, eliminating loss of inventory and out-of-stocks. The business model handles the entire ordering process from vendor management to shelf optimisation.

Launched in 2016, Seattle-based Shelf Engine manages orders for grocers at thousands of locations across the USA.