Allegiance Retail Services is launching an artificial intelligence-powered meal planning platform that transforms weekly circular promotions into shoppable meal plans with integrated grocery lists.
Developed by the Iselin-based supermarket co-op, PrepPal aims to help shoppers save time and money by connecting promotions to real-world meal planning.
At the center of the PrepPal experience is a branded digital chef known as Aiden that uses AI to assemble easy-to-prepare, budget-conscious meal ideas built entirely around featured deals, according to a Feb. 2 press release.
Besides reducing “decision fatigue” for customers, the promotion-first approach seeks to support retailer engagement and sales performance at supermarkets under Allegiance’s fold, the co-op said.
Commenting on the initiative’s rollout, Allegiance President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph Fantozzi said, “PrepPal evolved from how we think about promotions and driving healthier food choices. Instead of asking shoppers to figure out how to use weekly deals, Aiden is showing them—clearly, simply, and in a way that drives action. Those actions translate directly into list building, cart completion, and repeat engagement for our retailers.”
Allegiance’s retail network spans more than 125 independent supermarkets across the Northeast under the banners of Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest Market, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Food Basics and Shop ‘n Bag.
Practical solutions
Donna Zambo, Allegiance’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said PrepPal reflects the co-op’s broader focus on delivering practical media solutions that provide measurable value to both consumers and operators.
“Retail media and promotions are most effective when they solve a real customer problem,” she said. “Aiden turns promotional storytelling into practical application by helping shoppers use weekly deals, while strengthening promotional performance across digital and in-store channels.”
The rollout comes about a week after Allegiance announced an expanded partnership with Instacart that will bring the on-demand delivery platform’s AI-powered shopping carts in select Foodtown stores.
After introducing Caper Carts at Red Bank, Mount Vernon and East Stroudsburg, the partners expect to add the option for customers at additional stores this year. Additionally, Allegiance and Instacart are rolling out new omnichannel capabilities designed to unify digital programs, loyalty offerings and in-store shopping, the partners said.
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