Albertsons Companies Named to Fast Company’s 2026 Next Big Things in Tech List

We're proud to share that Albertsons Companies has been named to Fast Company's 2026 Next Big Things in Tech list in the Enterprise Size: 500+ Employees category. The recognition celebrates our enterprise-wide AI transformation and the ways we are applying AI across stores, supply chain operations, digital channels and corporate functions.

Building AI for real business impact

Our approach starts with a unified AI and data foundation that connects stores, distribution centers, digital channels, merchandising and corporate functions. Instead of deploying isolated tools, we integrate AI into core business processes, helping associates work more efficiently, supporting better decisions, improving forecasting and planning, and strengthening customer engagement.

Today, AI-powered capabilities help teams optimize merchandising and inventory decisions based on customer demand and shopping trends, strengthen supply chain operations, streamline workflows and improve digital shopping experiences. By enabling data, insights and decision-making capabilities to flow across the organization, the platform helps us operate with greater agility and responsiveness.

"This recognition reflects the significant progress we've made in building a strong technology and AI foundation that enables innovation across our company," said Anuj Dhanda, EVP, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at Albertsons Cos. "Our goal has never been to deploy AI for its own sake. We have focused on applying it to solve meaningful business challenges, improve the customer experience and help our associates spend more time on higher-value work. We're honored that Fast Company has recognized our progress and the impact this work is having across our organization."

Scaling responsibly across the enterprise

We developed this enterprise approach after recognizing that individual AI initiatives could not deliver broad business impact without shared infrastructure, standards and governance. Our unified platform lets us scale capabilities across our retail network while adapting them to the needs of individual business functions.

The recognition also reflects our broader investment in technology, data, digital capabilities and workforce enablement. By incorporating AI into everyday workflows and equipping teams across the organization with useful tools, we are helping redefine how a large-scale retailer can operate in a competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.

About the recognition

Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech program recognizes technologies from established companies, startups and research teams that are making meaningful progress toward transforming the lives of consumers, businesses and society. Honorees are selected for their potential to reshape industries and create lasting impact.

Learn more here.