In brief: Save-On-Foods secures $2.8 million for AI project; Feds, B.C. support First Nation food security

Save-On-Foods turns to AI to optimize its supply chain

One of 12 projects representing more than $50 million, Scale AI is investing $2.8 million to help Save-On-Foods improve its supply chain through artificial intelligence-based demand forecasting.

Scale AI’s opportunity assessment of Save-On-Foods identified two high-priority opportunities to improve customer service and operational efficiency: demand forecasting and scheduling of e-commerce deliveries.

The Western grocer, owned by Pattison Food Group, will build and integrate several AI solutions to develop a demand forecasting model with the overall goal of ensuring “the right products are in the right place at the right price” for their customers. An optimization algorithm will automate scheduling of e-commerce deliveries.

Other partners include D-Wave Systems, ThoughtsWin Systems, White Box Analytics, OpsGuru and Deloitte, with a total investment of $7.2 million.

Chris Allen, vice-president, information technology, Save-On-Foods said in a statement: "Canada's grocery retail sector is highly competitive and Save-On-Foods is committed to delivering extra-mile service to our customers in Western Canada and the Yukon.”

B.C. infrastructure project targets food insecurity

Canada and B.C. have committed more than $20 million in joint federal-provincial funding for eight social, transportation and green infrastructure projects across the province.

Some of that funding will go to the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation. The community is expected to gain greater food security through the construction of two greenhouses, two walk-in freezers and a canning shed, which will support the community garden and sustainability program. 

These developments promise to help safeguard against the impact on food production caused by environmental threats.