Tesco Clubcard could use AI to encourage shoppers to have healthier diet, says supermarket chief

Tesco could be set to use artificial intelligence (AI) to encourage Clubcard users to make healthier choices when shopping.

The supermarket’s CEO said the loyalty card could introduce features which prompt customers about purchasing high levels of certain food groups.

Around 22 million households across the UK are enrolled with Clubcard, which allows users to accrue points against the price of items.

Ken Murphy, chief executive of Tesco, told the FT Future of Retail Conference: “I can see it nudging you, saying, ‘look, I’ve noticed over time that in your shopping basket your sodium salt content is 250pc of your daily recommended allowance.

“‘I would recommend you substitute this, this and this for lower sodium products to improve your heart health’.”

The supermarket chief also said AI could be introduced to tell customers which discounts will be available and when in a bid to save them money when shopping.

Mr Murphy gave an example of a customer regularly buying items for children, the AI could suggest purchasing an item at a different time to get a better deal.

He added: “It will completely revolutionise how customers interact with retailers.

“It can help to bring your shopping bill down, reduce waste and improve the outcome and power of that Clubcard.”