Three of the UK’s largest independent co-operatives – Central Co-op, Lincolnshire Co-op and Midcounties Co-op – have rolled out SymphonyAI’s Connected Retail platform across more than 700 stores, serving over 1.3 million shoppers.
The move comes as retailers face mounting operating costs and changing consumer habits, prompting investment in AI-driven technology to modernise operations, cut waste, and deliver more localised product ranges.
SymphonyAI’s platform uses generative and predictive AI to provide real-time intelligence across inventory, shelf execution and supply chain management. The system enables quicker decision-making, optimised assortments, and improved on-shelf availability while freeing up store staff to focus on customer service.
“With SymphonyAI’s range and space planning, we can quickly adjust our assortments to meet changing member-shopper preferences while automating labour-intensive tasks to allow our teams to focus on delivering exceptional service,” said Jacob Isherwood, CIO, Midcounties Co-op.
Steve Leach, COO at Lincolnshire Co-op, highlighted the operational benefits: “Our priority is to keep shelves stocked with the right products, reduce waste, and minimise overhead costs. With SymphonyAI’s platform, we’re able to enhance our operational efficiency and meet the evolving needs of our shoppers.”
Central Co-op’s chief finance and technology officer, Selina Butterfield-Mashoofi, added that the platform ensures assortments are aligned with shopper demand: “As a member-owned business, our shoppers’ needs and preferences take top priority. With SymphonyAI’s connected retail platform, we have seamlessly integrated operations, ensuring shoppers are presented with the optimum range and high on-shelf availability.”
The AI-driven system is designed to deliver rapid impact, from hyper-local assortments tailored to community needs, to predictive analytics and automated workflows that reduce costs and improve loyalty.
Manish Choudhary, president of Symphony Retail CPG, said: “The UK is a strategic growth market for us, and AI – especially generative AI – is at the heart of how we’re helping retailers unlock new value. Our platform empowers real-time, intelligent decision-making that goes far beyond automation. It transforms complexity into opportunity — with measurable results for both retailers and shoppers.”