Woolworths is rolling out a fresh AI-powered meal planner,My Woolies Chef, promising to make grocery shopping smoother. This new digital assistant, using conversational AI, will help customers find recipes, plan meals,and shop for ingredients
Set for a September 2026 debut, My Woolies Chef starts with members of the MyDifference loyalty program. After this beta test, expect wider release in early 2027,bringing the tech to more shoppers.
My Woolies Chef taps into Woolworths' vast culinary resources,with recipe ideas from over 20 years of Woolworths TASTE. Users get meal suggestions tailored to dietary needs, household size, or special occasions. The AI's conversational skills mean customers can simply say what they need,like quick family meals or vegetarian dishes,even using ingredients they have at home.
Jose Rodrigues,Woolworths' data and AI chief,says aim is to simplify meal planning. Customers prefer speaking naturally over clicking through categories. “Conversational AI lets them interact with Woolworths’ content and shopping in a straightforward way,” Rodrigues said. “Instead of multiple searches, they just describe their needs and get relevant ideas.”
During the beta, Woolworths will track user interactions to tweak the recommendations and boost user experience before launch. Once a user picks recipe, they can add ingredients to their Woolies DASH basket. The app lets users adjust the list,so they don't buy what they already have.
Rodrigues sees My Woolies Chef as Woolworths' move to use AI for real customer solutions. Over time,it could offer more personalized meal plans, smarter shopping lists, and budget tips. “Our goal is to make tech genuinely helpful,” he said. “My Woolies Chef shows how AI can support everyday needs, enhancing how people plan, shop, and cook.”
The launch of My Woolies Chef joins a bigger trend of South African grocers using AI. Rivals like Shoprite Group and Pick n Pay are also adding AI features to engage customers and streamline shopping. Shoprite's Checkers Sixty60 app now offers AI-driven personalized shopping tips, while Pick n Pay is expanding digital tools for better service.
