Brief
Coles and Woolworths roll out AI‑driven Christmas ranges in Sydney
Both supermarkets hosted launch events in early October, showcasing AI‑powered price comparison tools and new ready‑made products.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 8 October 2026, Australia’s two largest grocery chains, Coles and Woolworths, unveiled their 2026 Christmas ranges at separate events in Sydney. Coles staged its launch at The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Garden, while Woolworths presented a "carvery corner" display in Rosebery, the suburb where MasterChef judge Andy Allen’s Three Blue Ducks restaurant is based.
Coles chief executive Leah Weckert explained that the retailer is targeting shoppers who use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini to compile price‑comparison lists. "People are developing a list, and then they pop it into ChatGPT or Gemini and ask it to tell them where to buy each item," Weckert said. Consumer research commissioned by Coles found that roughly one‑third of families already use AI to locate the cheapest retailer, and four‑in‑five are willing to use shortcuts that save time during the holiday season, provided taste is not compromised.
The launch menus featured a mix of ready‑to‑eat and semi‑prepared items designed to reduce kitchen labour. Highlights included "spiral ham" that arrives partially pre‑cut, a range of arancini, beef ribs, baked salmon, fresh salads and multiple ham variations. Woolworths’ event showcased roast meats, black‑forest tarts and intricately built gingerbread houses, emphasizing similar convenience‑focused offerings.
Both retailers framed their promotions around cost‑of‑living pressures, noting that shoppers are spreading purchases across multiple stores and cashing in rewards points. The AI angle, described by Weckert as a “new feature stalking the supermarket battleground,” aims to capture a share of the AI‑generated shopping list market.
Media coverage noted the involvement of celebrity chef Curtis Stone, who acted as Coles’ brand ambassador and carved ham for guests, while Andy Allen attended both events, underscoring the crossover between food‑service personalities and supermarket marketing.
Key facts
- Coles launched its 2026 Christmas range at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney on 8 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)
- Woolworths hosted a separate launch in Rosebery featuring roast meats and gingerbread houses. (smh.com.au)
- Leah Weckert said shoppers use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to compare prices. (smh.com.au)
- One‑third of families use AI for price comparison; four‑fifths accept time‑saving shortcuts. (smh.com.au)
- Both chains introduced ready‑made items such as pre‑cut "spiral ham" to reduce kitchen work. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Coles and Woolworths Christmas: Supermarkets champion AI shopping, unique product ranges”
