Harps Food Stores to deploy AI shopping assistant
Harps Food Stores to deploy AI shopping assistant
Harps Food Stores will deploy SmartMeals, AWG's AI-powered shopping assistant powered by Breez AI, across its network of more than 150 stores.
Harps is one of the largest operators in the AWG network, and this decision to deploy SmartMeals at scale sends a clear message to independent grocers everywhere: AI is already shaping where customers shop. The question is whether our stores are part of that conversation.
The SmartMeals deployment at Harps will integrate directly with the company’s existing digital infrastructure, including Birdzi, Harps’ customer loyalty platform, and Webstop, its webpage provider. That integration connects personalized meal planning, digital savings, and future online ordering with each store's real-time inventory and customer loyalty data, giving Harps shoppers a seamless path from meal inspiration to purchase.
SmartMeals generates personalized meal plans, recipes and cooking instructions in seconds, based on each shopper's household size, dietary preferences and budget. It automatically builds a shopping list using products currently in stock at their local Harps store, applies available digital savings and highlights store brands and private label items. It also creates a personalized, reshoppable library of preferred meals for each customer.
“Harps has always focused on delivering the best possible experience for our customers and our communities,” said David Ganoung, chief marketing officer of Harps Food Stores. “SmartMeals allows us to combine that commitment with cutting-edge technology, giving our customers personalized meal inspiration while making it easier to shop our stores.”
“Independent grocers are the backbone of communities across the country, and our mission at AWG is to ensure they have access to the innovative tools that larger retailers do," said Shelly Moore, AWG's chief information officer. "SmartMeals helps level the playing field by giving retailers like Harps a powerful way to personalize the shopping experience, driving customer loyalty and basket size. It also opens a new chapter in how CPG brands can partner with independent grocers — placing their products inside a high-intent, personalized shopping experience rather than just relying on traditional promotions.”
The rollout will be structured as a phased deployment, beginning in the early summer with an initial group of 20-25 stores, before expanding across the broader Harps network in subsequent months. The initiative will be led internally by Ganoung and Sarah Thacker, director of advertising and communications.
