In Russia, AI Monitors Fresh Bread and Pastries in Bakeries
In the Sverdlovsk region, 30 stores of the Monетка retail chain have launched a pilot project called Smart Baker, an AI-driven system designed to ensure the availability and freshness of bread and pastries.
AI as a Guarantee of Freshness and Taste
In 21 stores in Yekaterinburg and nine in Kamensk-Uralsky, artificial intelligence now monitors bread and pastry inventory, freshness, and necessary stock levels. The Smart Baker system tracks 39 product types—12 savory, 18 sweet, and multiple bread varieties—along with fresh coffee offerings.
The AI calculates how much product needs to be baked and when ovens should be switched on. Cameras track the arrival of dough and the fullness of shelves, then the system generates assignments and sends them directly to bakers’ devices.
Beyond logistics, the system analyzes consumer preferences—what people buy most often, sales dynamics, and how demand depends on holidays or even the weather. The AI generates forecasts, determining optimal production volumes and baking schedules.
Cutting Costs While Ensuring Freshness
The effects are already evident: bakeries report reduced overproduction and minimal waste. By predicting demand and reducing losses, AI has improved logistics, optimized assortments, and boosted revenues.
Customers also benefit—stores can now consistently guarantee fresh bread and pastries. If results remain strong, the project will be scaled to other regions. Experts note that automation in everyday retail is progressing rapidly, with consumers enjoying new convenience and retailers cutting costs.
Such initiatives also support Russia’s IT sector and enhance the competitiveness of domestic retail through digitalization. Although Smart Baker is currently regional, its proven economic benefits could eventually open export opportunities to CIS and Eastern European markets.
Technology’s Role in Customer Loyalty
Offline retail in Russia has become increasingly tech-driven. AI boosts customer loyalty and average spending by offering personalized discounts and product suggestions based on past purchases.
For example, Lenta introduced a demand forecasting system based on machine learning, analyzing store characteristics, warehouse stocks, promotions, and seasonal demand.
Similarly, Pyaterochka (X5 Retail Group) tested an AI assistant to predict demand and automatically generate restocking orders for distribution centers and supermarkets.
E-commerce giant Ozon also uses warehouse automation, robotics, and AI to optimize logistics processes.
Smart Baker is a logical step in retail’s digital transformation. In the future, the system may integrate with customer mobile apps to provide personalized discounts and “deal of the day” offers.
