UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI AND ML IN GROCERY RETAIL
AFICIONADO MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A RAFFLE PROMO AND BOOK LAUNCH
16 MEMBERS’ CORNER PHILIPPINE RETAILING
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI AND ML IN GROCERY RETAIL
By Donald Felbaum, Regional Lead – APAC, RELEX Solutions
Grocery retailers are awash in data, from customer transactions to inventory levels, but transforming that information into meaningful action remains a challenge. This is especially true for fresh produce, where waste, spoilage, and forecasting errors can erode both profits and customer satisfaction.
In the Philippines, it’ s been said that about 30 % of vegetable produce is lost to spoilage before it even reaches store shelves, largely due to weak logistics and inventory management, according to the Department of Agriculture. This level of waste highlights the urgent need for more intelligent planning systems that can improve efficiency from farm to checkout.
Many grocers still depend on manual reporting and spreadsheets that can’ t keep pace with the complexity of modern operations. These outdated tools make it difficult to respond to fast-changing demand, leading to overstocking, understocking, and unnecessary waste.
Artificial intelligence( AI) and machine learning( ML) can transform how retailers manage inventory by automating data analysis and generating real-time insights. By factoring in variables such as weather, local events, and historical sales patterns, AI-driven forecasting can significantly reduce spoilage and improve replenishment accuracy.
Retailers that have adopted AI-powered tools globally report up to 15 % less spoilage and 20 % fewer labor hours, while maintaining higher product availability. In the Philippines, as more companies embrace digital transformation, grocery retailers have an opportunity to lead by adopting these technologies for fresh management and supply chain optimization.
By turning data into actionable intelligence, AI and ML empower retailers to minimize waste, boost margins, and deliver fresher, more reliable shopping experiences for Filipino consumers.
AFICIONADO MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A RAFFLE PROMO AND BOOK LAUNCH
Joel Cruz, President and CEO of Central Affirmative Co. Inc., makers of Aficionado Perfume, kicked off the brand’ s 25th Anniversary Celebration on January 1, 2025 with the“ Bangong Milyones Raffle Promo.”
As a gesture of gratitude to its loyal customers, the company gave away P25 million worth of prizes across three quarterly draws, culminating on September 5, 2025, the official anniversary date.
A total of 100 prizes were up for grabs, with 25 units of each reward:
• 25 Electric Vehicles and 25 Electric Bikes, underscoring the company’ s advocacy for environmental sustainability.
• 25 iPhone 16 Pro units
• 25 Staycation packages at the White House of the Lord of Scents in Camp John Hay, Baguio City
• 25 Cash prizes worth P25,000 each
To amplify the anniversary campaign, Aficionado launched an original jingle and dance contest, engaging customers and communities nationwide in a festive celebration of scent, success, and sustainability.
Adding depth to the milestone year, Joel Cruz also launched his first book,“ Business 101: What Worked for Me,” on September 12,
2025 during the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center. The book chronicles his inspiring journey as an entrepreneur, emphasizing education, perseverance, and experience as key ingredients to success.
Published and distributed by Vibal Foundation, the book is available online via Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, and the Vibal Online Store, and will soon be stocked at National Book Store, Fully Booked, and other leading retailers.
As a proud member of the Philippine Retailers Association( PRA), Aficionado continues to set the standard for Filipino excellence in retail. The brand was previously inducted into the Outstanding Filipino Retailer of the Year Hall of Fame under the Small Store Category, and in 2024, it received the Outstanding Business Process Award from the PRA— further cementing its legacy of innovation, integrity, and success.