Albertsons Companies Announces Participation in OpenAI Advertising Pilot Program

Key Terms

agentic commerce technical

Agentic commerce is buying and selling driven by autonomous digital agents — such as smart apps, bots, or AI assistants — that act on a person’s or business’s behalf to find, compare, negotiate and execute transactions. Investors should care because these agents can change who controls customer relationships, cut costs and speed up sales like a personal shopper that never sleeps, but they also shift competitive dynamics, data value and regulatory risk for platforms and retailers.

agentic ai technical

Agentic AI refers to computer systems that can make their own decisions and take actions without needing someone to tell them what to do each time. It's like giving a robot a degree of independence to solve problems or achieve goals on its own, which matters because it could change how we work and interact with technology in everyday life.

generative ai technical

Generative AI is a type of computer technology that can create new content, like text, images, or music, on its own. It’s important because it can produce realistic and useful material quickly, which could change how we create art, write stories, or even develop new products. Think of it as a smart robot that can invent and produce things almost like a human.

large language models technical

Large language models are advanced AI systems trained on vast amounts of text to understand and generate human-like writing, like a very fast reader and writer that learns patterns in words and sentences. They matter to investors because they can change how companies operate—automating customer service, speeding analysis, cutting costs, creating new products—and they introduce risks around accuracy, security and regulation that can affect a firm’s revenue and reputation.

Grocer tests relevant, timely and personalized ad experiences in ChatGPT for Albertsons Cos. shoppers ahead of Valentine’s Day

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced the latest development in its AI strategy as a participant in the OpenAI Ad Pilot Program – an early test that explores how new ad formats in ChatGPT can create a more relevant, efficient and personalized advertising experience for consumers. As a pilot partner, Albertsons Cos. will help explore how relevant, helpful ads unlock value for users and brands in conversational experiences.

“By joining the OpenAI Ad Pilot Program, we have a unique opportunity to explore and help shape cutting-edge ways to connect consumers with the right Albertsons Companies products at the right time by thoughtfully integrating into the digital experiences they already love,” said Jennifer Saenz, Chief Commercial Officer at Albertsons Cos. “Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this pilot program is yet another channel that allows us to meet customers when and how they choose to shop for convenient and easy recipes, meals, gifts and party essentials to celebrate their loved ones.”

As part of the test, Albertsons Cos. ads will appear in ChatGPT ahead of Valentine’s Day. Consumers entering search terms such as “best flowers for Valentine’s Day,” “chocolates and sweets as a gift” or “how to celebrate Galentine’s” can potentially see distinct and clearly labeled ads from their local Albertsons Cos. banner store including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME and Tom Thumb. If shoppers choose to engage with the ad, they will be directed to a Valentine’s Day destination featuring Albertsons Cos. deals, gifts and recipes including fresh flowers, indulgent chocolates, sweet treats and thoughtful gifts that can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes with Flash™*.

“We’re focused on advertising that enhances the customer journey, instead of interrupting it. By testing ads in ChatGPT, we’re growing our engagement with new customers and continuing to connect with our current customers in meaningful ways,” added Saenz.

As the OpenAI Ad Pilot Program evolves, Albertsons Media Collective™, the retail media arm for Albertsons Cos., is poised to help its brand partners reach their target audience through this widely used AI product. With agentic commerce experiences including AskAI and Albertsons AI in current use by Albertsons Cos. customers, the Collective’s catalog and content is optimized for use by large language models.

AI Across the Albertsons Cos. Enterprise

The OpenAI Ad Pilot Program builds on Albertsons Cos.’ strategy to modernize its capabilities through technology and AI. The company has embedded AI across many parts of the enterprise and is enabling its associate workforce to use the power of agentic AI and generative AI to do their best work. Most recently, Albertsons Cos. launched the Albertsons AI shopping assistant and AskAI designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter and more personalized. Customers’ early adoption of these tools is already showing strong engagement and double-digit basket growth as customers discover new products more easily and plan meals faster.

Albertsons Cos. remains committed to the power of technology and AI, as evidenced by this early advertising test with OpenAI. By exploring new AI powered pathways to deepen customer engagement and personalize the shopping experience, the company continues to deliver on its promise to earn Customers for Life.

*Flash Terms & Conditions

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of November 29, 2025, the Company operated 2,243 retail food and drug stores with 1,708 pharmacies, 404 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. In 2024, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $435 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Haggen and Balducci's Food Lovers Market are registered trademarks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACME, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, Shaw's, and Star Market are trademarks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Albertsons associated logos, product names and services are trademarks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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media@albertsons.com

Source: Albertsons Companies, Inc.