Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Calgary Co-op Using Unique AI Powered Technology
Calgary Co-op is partnering with CGS Immersive to introduce an AI-powered charcuterie kiosk — giving shoppers an in-store “charcuterie sommelier.” Using natural dialogue, shoppers share their budget, guest count, and preferences. The kiosk (powered by CGS’s Cicero AI engine) then generates a personalized board with individually priced items, pulling from real-time store inventory. Shoppers can print the list or hand it to deli staff for assembly.
Why It Matters
- High-margin category: specialty cheese carries 40–60% margins and represents a multi-billion-dollar revenue opportunity — yet many shoppers feel intimidated or unsure what to buy
- Holiday timing: December is peak season for charcuterie boards, entertaining, and specialty food purchases
- Staffing pressure: 92% of shoppers want signage or staff guidance, but deli teams are stretched, especially during holidays
- Rising complexity: younger shoppers expect personalized, interactive experiences — even in traditional categories like deli
How It Works
- Pulls real-time deli inventory
- Curates meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and pairings tailored to budget and taste
- Includes wine/cracker pairing suggestions
- Provides printouts for self-assembly or deli pickup
- Offers step-by-step guides to support newer/seasonal deli staff
What Grocers are Seeing
Financial impact
- Average deli tickets rising from ~$8 → $40+
- Up to $70K incremental annual revenue per kiosk footprint
- Cross-department lift (bakery, produce, wine)
Operational efficiency
- Consistent recommendations regardless of staff levels
- Reduces shopper confusion and speeds up decision-making
- Generates category insights to inform ordering and merchandising
Enhanced shopper experience
- Especially appealing to Millennials and Gen Z
- Helps shoppers feel confident building a board
- Reduces friction during high-traffic periods
“In the next wave of grocery — happening now at Calgary Co-op — AI kiosks will quietly do the hard thinking so humans can enjoy the fun parts. A shopper answers a few simple questions and suddenly they’re leaving with a charcuterie board that feels hand-picked for their guests, rather than assembled from guess work in the aisle. Staff receive clear, consistent orders and are freed up to be stylists and hosts, not just order-takers behind a counter. And for the grocer, this same experience becomes a powerful engine for insights — revealing real occasions, preferences, and price sensitivity that can shape everything from promotions to product development. That’s where we see this going: fewer transactions, more moments that people actually remember.” — Doug Stephen, president, CGS Immersive
