'Freshness Renewed Peach Campaign' Launched
Utilizing AI Based on Deep Learning Algorithms
Detecting Defects Invisible to the Eye in Color, Size, and Sweetness
Introducing 'Saebyeok Peach' Harvested Early Dawn on the Same Day
Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket are using artificial intelligence (AI) to select and offer high-sugar, high-quality peaches.
Lotte Shopping, which operates Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket, announced on the 17th that starting from the 18th, it will conduct the "Freshness Renewed Peach Campaign" by introducing AI selection technology for the first time in Korea. Through this campaign, they launched 'AI-Selected Crisp Peaches', featuring a 'high-speed deep learning algorithm' capable of real-time defect detection.
A customer is purchasing 'AI Selected Crisp Peach' at the fruit store of Lotte Mart Zeta Flex Seoul Station branch. [Photo by Lotte Mart]
Previously, since last year, Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket have implemented 100% non-destructive sugar content selection for all peach products. Additionally, they have improved quality by increasing the weight of mid-season peaches, which are in season in mid-July, by 10%.
The AI selection system integrates advanced AI based on deep learning with the existing non-destructive sugar content selector. Deep learning is a technology where computers independently combine and analyze external data to learn. The AI selector rapidly captures peaches passing by using two cameras at 3 to 4 times per second to detect defective fruits. During this process, it repeatedly learns the selection values of normal and defective fruits while simultaneously analyzing data from the sugar content selector, enhancing both speed and accuracy.
According to Lotte Mart, the AI selection system precisely inspects color, size, sugar content, and blemishes, and can even detect "nukhal" (stone splitting phenomenon), which is difficult to distinguish visually. This works by cameras and sensors attached to the AI selection machine capturing the surface from different angles to find gaps between the peach stems, analyzing the corresponding wavelength values to detect nukhal that damages the flesh.
Furthermore, deep learning tailored to each variety’s characteristics is separately conducted to continuously improve the algorithm. This is because crisp peaches, commonly called "Ddakbok," are shipped rapidly in various varieties depending on the season.
Starting from the 24th, the "Dawn Peaches," harvested early in the morning and sold in stores the same afternoon, will be expanded. Dawn Peaches are harvested around 4 a.m. at major production areas, sorted and packed by morning, and sold in stores after 3 p.m. on the same day. Lotte Mart explains that since peaches are extremely sensitive to weather changes, Dawn Peaches are expected to gain popularity.
Lotte Mart plans to further strengthen freshness competitiveness by introducing advanced selection technology for soft peach varieties in the future. Lee Seung-han, MD (Merchandiser) of the Fruit Team at Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket, said, "Through the newly launched 'AI-Selected Crisp Peaches' and 'Dawn Peaches,' we want to clearly convey the message that any peach sold at Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket is delicious without any luck involved," adding, "We will strive to further enhance Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket’s unique freshness competitiveness through the Freshness Renewed project."
Meanwhile, Lotte Mart and Lotte Supermarket have been implementing the "Freshness Renewed" project since 2022. This project analyzes and improves distribution processes to enhance the quality of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and livestock products. In July last year, they introduced flat peaches using the AI selection system, and this year, they have selected melons, watermelons, and abalones for the campaign.
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