AI in the Aisles: Canada’s Largest Grocer Integrates Shopping App with ChatGPT

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses how AI integration in grocery retail could impact farmers and the broader food supply chain.

fruit it baskets at the farmer's market

Assorted fruits at a farm stand. (Adobe Stock)

Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS)Canada’s largest grocer is partnering with ChatGPT to allow shoppers to plan meals and fill their carts using artificial intelligence (AI), a move that could have ripple effects throughout the food supply chain — including back to the farm.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss why farmers should pay attention to this development,
noting that a shift in buying behavior could ultimately impact demand signals that move through processors, distributors, and eventually to producers.

In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Haney explained that when a major grocer integrates AI into its shopping app, it could influence purchasing decisions at the consumer level. The conversation also explored whether AI-driven grocery shopping could change food demand patterns. By suggesting recipes, ingredients, and substitutions, AI tools could shape which products consumers choose — and how often — and influence long-term consumption trends.

Haney also addressed whether this type of technology gives retailers more power within the food chain. As data collection and consumer insights become more advanced, he says, retailers may gain additional leverage in understanding and directing purchasing behavior.

Related Stories
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims quickly, as coverage rules differ sharply by state.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Treat financial stress as a health risk—know the warning signs, normalize conversations, and connect farm families to local and national support early.
Harvest Builds As Logistics And Input Costs Shape Fall Decisions
Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
Software developers at John Deere Digital are addressing challenges with their new Operations Center, which helps farmers make decisions on the fly.
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.