Calgary Co-Op Partners With CGS Immersive to Introduce an AI-Powered Charcuterie Kiosk

Calgary Co-op is partnering with CGS Immersive to introduce an AI-powered charcuterie kiosk — giving shoppers an in-store “charcuterie sommelier.

Using natural dialogue, shoppers share their budget, guest count, and preferences. The kiosk (powered by CGS’s Cicero AI engine) then generates a personalized board with individually priced items, pulling from real-time store inventory. Shoppers can print the list or hand it to deli staff for assembly.

Why It Matters

– High-margin category: specialty cheese carries 40–60% margins and represents a multi-billion-dollar revenue opportunity — yet many shoppers feel intimidated or unsure what to buy
– Holiday timing: December is peak season for charcuterie boards, entertaining, and specialty food purchases
– Staffing pressure: 92% of shoppers want signage or staff guidance, but deli teams are stretched, especially during holidays
– Rising complexity: younger shoppers expect personalized, interactive experiences — even in traditional categories like deli

How It Works

– Pulls real-time deli inventory
– Curates meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and pairings tailored to budget and taste
– Includes wine/cracker pairing suggestions
– Provides printouts for self-assembly or deli pickup
– Offers step-by-step guides to support newer/seasonal deli staff
Short video overview: https://vimeo.com/1091791352/1bfb698363?share=copy

What Grocers are Seeing

Financial impact
– Average deli tickets rising from ~$8 → $40+
– Up to $70K incremental annual revenue per kiosk footprint
– Cross-department lift (bakery, produce, wine)

Operational efficiency
– Consistent recommendations regardless of staff levels
– Reduces shopper confusion and speeds up decision-making
– Generates category insights to inform ordering and merchandising

Enhanced shopper experience
– Especially appealing to Millennials and Gen Z
– Helps shoppers feel confident building a board
– Reduces friction during high-traffic periods

About the Partners

Calgary Co-op is one of North America’s largest member-owned cooperatives, serving food, fuel, pharmacy, liquor, and cannabis customers in Calgary and surrounding communities. CGS Immersive is a leader in enterprise AI and XR solutions — recognized by Gartner, Everest Group, Frost & Sullivan, and IDC, with strategic partnerships across Apple, Google, Meta, Matterport, and Twilio. The kiosk experience is powered by Cicero, CGS’s AI/XR platform used globally by Fortune 500 companies.