You might see less squishy fruit thanks to this grocer's new tool

A national grocer is using AI to help reduce the moldy and squishy strawberries and grapes that end up in your produce section.

Albertsons Companies, which operates more than 2,000 grocery stores in 35 states including Safeway, Jewel-Osco and ACME, said this week that it had launched its own developed AI technology "to help ensure customers consistently receive fresh, high-quality produce."

The grocer said its patent-pending Intelligent Quality Control tool uses computer vision to support the ability for distribution center associates to maintain high standards for quality and consistency of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The tool uses Google Cloud's Gemini Enterprise, including Vision AI and Gemini models, Albertsons said in a press release.

The tool is being used now in four Albertsons Cos. distribution centers and will be expanding to all locations later this year, the company told USA TODAY.

"We're in the process of expanding this focus to include blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Later this year, we will add apples, cherries and citrus fruits," the company said.

The AI tool doesn't just check for moldy or overripe fruit. It is also looking for "bruising, discoloration, decay, overripe, underripe and insect damage," Albertsons said. "The tool then gives a highly accurate, consistent rating and recommendation to the quality control inspector for approval before any produce goes to our stores."

Andy Harig, vice president of tax, trade, sustainability and policy development at FMI, The Food Industry Association — which represents the food and grocery industry — said its members are using AI across many aspects of the fresh foods department.

"Because produce has a limited shelf life, and consumers have highly individualized expectations around appearance and quality, it has long been one of the most challenging departments for retailers when it comes to waste," Harig told USA TODAY.

That challenge makes produce a natural area for AI to improve ordering dynamics and help manage unsold product, he said.

"We’re also seeing momentum around tools that evaluate quality, freshness, and appearance – building on earlier innovations like smart labels – with AI now making these solutions more affordable and easier to scale, which ultimately means less waste,” he said.

Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.