Personalised recommendations for e-grocery (top 20 schemas)

Aug 29 / Dominik Królikowski

The popularity of e-grocery has soared in recent years, driven by the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. As people increasingly look for ways to save time and avoid crowded stores, online grocery shopping has become the go-to option for many. The rise of e-grocery has been fuelled by advances in technology that make ordering, delivery and even personalised shopping a breeze. It's like having your groceries delivered straight to your doorstep without ever having to deal with the chaos of a checkout line.


In recent years, e-grocery has enhanced the user experience with personalised recommendations that feel almost psychic. We're talking bespoke product suggestions, automated shopping lists that remember your last-minute cereal crisis, targeted promotions and meal plans tailored to your "I promise I'll cook this week" resolutions. Real-time alerts and adaptive search ensure you never miss a deal on your favourite snacks, while dynamic browsing recommendations help you discover new treats like a pro. It's shopping made so intuitive and convenient. You might forget what a grocery store even looks like.

Here are 20 of the best personalised recommendation schemes for grocery e-commerce:


1. Frequently Purchased Together
Use Case: Suggest items that are commonly bought together, such as pasta and sauce, or bread and butter.

Impact: Increases average order value (AOV) by encouraging customers to purchase complementary products.

 

2. Replenishment Reminders

Use Case: Recommend products the customer has purchased in the past, timed based on typical consumption patterns (e.g., suggesting milk or cereal after a week or two).

Impact: Enhances customer convenience and loyalty by making it easier to restock frequently purchased items.

 

3. Personalized Meal Planning

Use Case: Recommend meal plans or recipes based on the customer's past purchases, dietary preferences, and nutritional goals.

Impact: Increases engagement and basket size by providing a curated shopping experience.

 

4. Substitute Products

Use Case: Offer alternatives if an item the customer frequently buys is out of stock, with recommendations based on similar brands, prices, or ingredients.

Impact: Reduces cart abandonment and maintains customer satisfaction by providing relevant alternatives.

 

5. New Product Suggestions

Use Case: Recommend new or trending products that align with the customer’s past purchases or preferences (e.g., organic, vegan, gluten-free).

Impact: Drives product discovery and boosts sales of new items by targeting customers most likely to be interested.

 

6. Real-Time Browsing Suggestions

Use Case: Show related or complementary products based on what the customer is currently viewing (e.g., displaying fruit options when browsing yogurt).

Impact: Keeps customers engaged and encourages impulse purchases by aligning with their current shopping focus.

 

7. Category-Based Recommendations

Use Case: Suggest items from categories the customer frequently shops in, such as snacks, beverages, or fresh produce.

Impact: Enhances shopping efficiency and relevance by focusing on the customer’s preferred categories.

 

8. Personalized Discounts & Offers

Use Case: Offer discounts or promotions on items the customer has shown interest in or has purchased before.

Impact: Increases conversion rates and customer satisfaction by providing targeted incentives.

 

9. Seasonal & Occasion-Based Suggestions

Use Case: Recommend products for specific seasons or occasions based on the customer's past purchasing behavior (e.g., holiday treats, barbecue supplies in summer).

Impact: Increases relevance and sales by aligning recommendations with current events and customer needs.

 

10. Wishlist & Saved Items Reminders

Use Case: Remind customers of items they’ve added to their wishlist or saved for later, especially when these items are on sale or low in stock.

Impact: Encourages purchase completion and reduces cart abandonment by reminding customers of their intended purchases.

 

11. Dietary & Lifestyle Preferences

Use Case: Recommend products that match the customer’s dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices, such as vegan, keto, or low-carb options.

Impact: Builds customer loyalty and satisfaction by catering to their specific needs and preferences.

 

12. Purchase History-Based Bundles

Use Case: Create personalized bundles or kits based on items the customer frequently purchases together.

Impact: Increases convenience and AOV by simplifying the shopping process with ready-made bundles.

 

13. Location-Based Recommendations

Use Case: Suggest products popular in the customer’s region or local specialty items, especially for customers in different geographic areas.

Impact: Enhances relevance and appeal by catering to regional tastes and preferences.

 

14. Brand Loyalty Recommendations

Use Case: Recommend products from brands the customer frequently buys, highlighting any new arrivals or promotions from these brands.

Impact: Increases customer satisfaction by aligning with their brand preferences and loyalty.

 

15. Health & Wellness Recommendations

Use Case: Suggest healthier alternatives or products that align with the customer’s health goals, such as low-sodium or high-fiber items.

Impact: Supports customers' wellness journeys, leading to increased trust and repeat business.

 

16. Personalized Shopping Lists

Use Case: Generate personalized shopping lists based on the customer’s past purchases and preferences, with the option to add or remove items easily.

Impact: Increases convenience and encourages repeat purchases by simplifying the shopping process.

 

17. Loyalty Program Integration

Use Case: Recommend products that help customers earn more loyalty points or unlock rewards, based on their current point status and shopping habits.

Impact: Enhances customer engagement and retention by incentivizing loyalty program participation.

 

18. Environmental Impact Suggestions

Use Case: Recommend eco-friendly or sustainable product alternatives based on the customer’s purchasing patterns, highlighting the environmental benefits.

Impact: Appeals to environmentally conscious customers, potentially increasing brand loyalty.

 

19. Real-Time Inventory Alerts

Use Case: Notify customers when items they frequently purchase are back in stock or low in inventory, encouraging quick purchases.

Impact: Reduces customer frustration and increases sales by keeping them informed about product availability.

 

20. Dynamic Pricing Offers

Use Case: Offer personalized discounts or price adjustments in real-time based on the customer’s purchase history or spending habits.

Impact: Increases purchase likelihood by offering tailored deals that align with the customer’s price sensitivity.

 

Personalised recommendations have transformed shopping from a mundane task into a highly engaging experience. With tailored suggestions and real-time alerts, e-grocery platforms make finding what you need as effortless as clicking "next episode" on your favourite steaming platform. These features ensure that shopping is not only intuitive, but also a bit like having a personal shopper who seems to read your mind. It's so simple and enjoyable, you might just forget what a crowded supermarket even feels like.

Dominik Królikowski

Business Value Services & Marketing Director