AI Transforming Retail and CPG: Key Insights from NVIDIA's 2026 Survey

A new survey from NVIDIA reveals the growing influence of AI in the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing supply chains, enhancing customer experiences, and driving operational efficiency. The report, titled "State of AI in Retail and CPG: 2026 Trends," provides a comprehensive look at how companies are leveraging AI to stay competitive in an increasingly complex market.

The survey, which garnered hundreds of responses, shows that 91% of companies are either actively using or assessing AI. This widespread adoption reflects the maturation of AI technologies within the industry, as companies move from pilot projects to full-scale implementation. The report emphasizes the significant business impact of AI, with 89% of respondents reporting increased annual revenue and 95% noting decreased costs due to AI integration.

AI's Role in Supply Chain Optimization

One of the most notable findings is the role of AI in optimizing supply chains. According to the survey, 51% of respondents prioritize AI for improving supply chain operational efficiency and throughput. AI enables retailers to optimize inventory at the store and customer level, rather than at a regional level, leading to more accurate demand forecasting and reduced out-of-stock situations. This level of granularity allows companies to better match supply with demand, even amidst geopolitical instability, labor constraints, and evolving consumer expectations.

"AI lets retailers incorporate many more factors in their demand forecasts," said Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer of Publicis Groupe. "This allows for much more accurate predictions and avoids out-of-stock scenarios by accurately matching supply to demand."

The Rise of Agentic AI in Retail

The survey also highlights the emergence of agentic AI, with 47% of respondents either using or assessing this technology. Agentic AI, which refers to AI systems that can act autonomously to perform tasks, is expected to have a disruptive impact on retail supply chains and operations. For instance, autonomous agents could handle real-time inventory rebalancing, dynamic pricing, and vendor negotiations at scale, delivering measurable ROI.

"The truly disruptive impact of agentic AI will hit retail supply chains and operations first," said Chris Walton, co-CEO of Omni Talk. "This is where the ROI is measurable, as these systems can handle complex tasks efficiently."

The goals for agentic AI in retail and CPG include increased process speed and efficiency (57%), enhanced customer experience and personalization (40%), and improved decision-making with real-time data (40%). These AI agents are not just analytical tools but act on insights in real time, adjusting messages, recommending products, and guiding purchase decisions based on individual customer contexts.

The retail and CPG industry is turning to AI to solve complexity, with physical AI systems gaining ground. 17% of respondents are using or evaluating physical AI technologies, which enhance flexibility and throughput in response to workforce pressures and rising logistical complexity. For example, in-store robotics can improve pricing, inventory management, and presentation quality, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in retail operations.

Overall, the survey underscores the pivotal role of AI in the future of retail and CPG. As companies continue to invest in AI, the technology is expected to drive further innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in the industry.