Schnucks Rolls Out AI-powered Smart Salad Bars

In a step to combat food waste, grocery retailer Schnucks will bring Picadeli’s AI-powered smart salad bar to 22 locations.

Schnuck Markets, Inc., will bring the smart salad bars to select Schnucks locations in Missouri and Illinois, as well as its Eatwell Market banner locations. The modular in-store salad bar technology creates efficiencies that prioritize sustainability through lower food waste, while reducing labor, lowering break-even and increasing profitability for retailers.

“We know customers are looking for convenient, healthy food options, and they’re going to love the fresh new experience of Picadeli,” said Ted Schnuck, EVP, Supermarkets at Schnuck Markets, Inc. “With Picadeli’s AI technology, customers will have the freshest food available to them on the salad bar via its digital management and re-ordering system. We are thrilled to offer our customers a customizable, fresh and healthy food option that complements our existing prepared foods offerings.”

Picadeli’s salad bar allows for full traceability of its supply chain and operations, as well as QR-code scanning to ensure products do not stay out longer than allowed, signaling the need for refilling and AI re-ordering. Its digital capabilities have become increasingly important in today’s challenging labor market and prioritizes sustainability by reducing food waste.

Each salad bar is customized for each location, learning what ingredients are most sought after in its various markets. Its technology also prioritizes food safety, with the design comprised of hygiene first materials, technology-enabled shielding hoods, automatic hand sanitizer and bowl dispensers. Its mounting system for utensils ensures that the handle is never in contact with food, and that products are not mixed.

“Schnucks is a digital leader in the grocery space and their deep understanding of the intersection of technology, operational excellence, and high quality food makes them an ideal partner for Picadeli,” said Patrik Hellstrand, CEO of Picadeli U.S. “Retailers today are faced with the unique challenge of both a tight labor market and the demand by consumers for a memorable in-store experience that drives traffic away from delivery apps and into the store. Picadeli has proven to answer both, and most importantly solves the overarching food problem in America: to provide healthy, affordable, fresh food fast."

Picadeli launched in the U.S. in October 2021 and currently partners with Albertsons (Safeway, ACME, Kings), Ahold Delhaize (The GIANT Company), Sodexo and now Schnucks. Picadeli is also a partner to retailers in Europe, including Carrefour, EuroGarages, Franprix, Rewe, 7 Eleven, Coop, ICA, and Kesko.