Business Forum • 22 October, 2024 at 2:19 PM
AD/01, the tech studio that builds the future of food retail was launched in April 2024 in Bucharest as a part of Ahold Delhaize's brands family. The innovation hub is driving significant advancements in customer experience and operational efficiency, setting new standards for customers worldwide. This fall, AD/01 expands its presence with the inauguration of new offices in Bucharest's Timpuri Noi Square, positioning itself at the heart of Romania's booming tech ecosystem.
AD/01 is spearheading a new era in food retail by leveraging advanced technology to create seamless, personalized shopping experiences. From pioneering digital platforms to developing data-driven solutions, AD/01 is focused on meeting the evolving needs of customers across diverse markets. With the support of 80 IT specialists and ongoing recruitment efforts, AD/01 is building a world-class team dedicated to innovation in web and mobile app development, eCommerce, data, loyalty programs, promotions, and core retail solutions.
"As a technology company within the one of the world's largest retail groups, we are at the forefront of digital transformation in food retail," said Adnan Olmez, General Manager of AD/01. "Our mission is to innovate and create shopping experiences that prioritize healthy choices, accessibility, speed, and sustainability. We are excited about the impact our projects will have on enhancing customer satisfaction and driving business growth."
Innovative Solutions Driving Customer-Centric Retail
In 2024, AD/01 is focusing on the technological convergence of mobile applications across six European countries. New apps have already been launched in Belgium, Luxembourg, Serbia, and the Czech Republic, with rollouts in Romania and Greece expected by year-end. These applications offer enhanced user experiences with intuitive interfaces, streamlined workflows, and an advanced recommendation system that promotes healthier food choices.
The updated app also features a personalized loyalty program, allowing users to track loyalty points, savings, and monitor their purchase history. A new recipe recommendation feature suggests meal ideas and shopping lists based on items already in the user's basket, making it easier for customers to plan and enjoy healthy meals.
Recruitment Drive: 30 New IT Specialists by Year-End
As AD/01 continues to expand, the company is actively recruiting for 30 new positions, aiming to hire top talent by the end of the year. Open roles include Full Stack Developer, Back-End Developer, Front-End Developer, Q.A. Automation Engineer, Network Security Engineer, Data Engineer, SAP consultants, Platform Engineer, Business Analyst, Data Solution Architect, Business Controller, and more. The company offers a hybrid working model and opportunities to collaborate with global experts in various cutting-edge technologies such as Java, Kotlin, React, Python, DataBricks, Azure, AWS, and SAP. The recruitment efforts don't stop here, as the tech hub aims to reach a total of 250 employees by the end of 2025.
"At AD/01, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented culture that empowers our employees to excel both personally and professionally. We provide our team members with access to advanced training programs and continuous learning opportunities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological innovation. The company's core values—integrity, courage, teamwork, care, and humor—guide everything it does, supporting a collaborative and dynamic work environment," added Adnan Olmez.
Giving Back to the IT Community
Beyond its internal focus, AD/01 is dedicated to contributing to the broader IT community by investing in the development of future talent. Through initiatives such as tech schools, internships, and training programs, the company is committed to fostering the next generation of technology professionals and strengthening Romania's reputation as a hub for IT excellence.
Located in Bucharest, AD/01 is the tech studio of Ahold Delhaize, dedicated to driving digital transformation and innovation within one of the world's largest food retail groups. Focused on developing cutting-edge technology solutions, AD/01 plays a crucial role in shaping the future of food retail, enhancing the customer experience, and optimizing operations. From pioneering new digital platforms to implementing advanced data-driven tools, AD/01 is at the forefront of creating seamless, tech-powered shopping experiences that meet the evolving needs of customers across global markets.
Ahold Delhaize is one of the world's largest food retail groups and a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce. Its family of great local brands serves 63 million customers each week, both in stores and online, in the United States, Europe, and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 400,000 associates in 7,716 grocery and specialty stores and include the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading online grocers in the Benelux and the United States.