Game On: How Gamification Boosts Grocery Loyalty and Basket Size

In "Game On: Gamification Rewards Grocers Who Think Outside the Box" from The Food Institute, Cédric Chéreau, Co-Founder & Managing Director at EagleAI (part of Eagle Eye), discusses how leading grocers are embracing gamification to deepen customer loyalty and increase basket size.

🎮 Gamification With Purpose

Chéreau emphasizes that the most successful campaigns are those that combine playful engagement—such as spin-the-wheel games or scratch cards—with real-world value like loyalty points, cashback, or personalized rewards. It's not gimmicks, he says, but relevance and repeatability that drive results.

⚙️ Powered by AI and Real-Time Tech

While the front-end game is simple, the backend must deliver. EagleAI enables this with a cloud-based platform that uses machine learning and predictive AI to create individualized, context-aware offers. This ensures each player’s experience feels rewarding and data-smart.

🏪 Retailer Results

Retailers like ASDA have seen strong performance from gamified campaigns such as "Spin the Wheel," while others like Lidl have learned that a lack of personalization limits long-term success. The lesson? Fun must meet function, and execution matters as much as creativity.

🧠 Key Takeaway

Gamification, when backed by predictive AI and loyalty strategy, isn’t just engaging—it's commercially effective. It turns everyday shopping into an opportunity to drive incremental spend and foster emotional loyalty.

👉 Read the full article on The Food Institute.