Virtual Tetley sales assistant launched in Bestway stores

Tata Global Beverages has developed a new virtual Tetley sales assistant, who has started working for the company in selected cash & carries.

The application, which goes live at Bestway today (1 December), has been designed to attract buyers and point them to the offers in the tea aisle.

“The development is part of our programme to create a sense of theatre at point of purchase and stimulate interest in tea,” says Andrew Pearl, director and customer and shopper marketing for Tetley.

“An in-built sensor tells our ‘Virtual Gaffer’ when he is on his own so he can call out to passers by to get them to come over and look at the current tea offers he has on his iPad.

“A number of different scripts have been developed for him and we can manage these remotely to ensure that he is as up to the minute as possible.”

The unit itself has a small footprint of just 50cm and is suitable for a variety of locations in depot.

The technology has already been trialled at Asda and Homebase, increasing unit sales by 75% and dwell times by 50% respectively.

The investment forms part of a wider programme of activity in cash & carry environments to stimulate growth in the tea market.

Tata is developing a number of initiatives to enhance shopper engagement and is looking to work with wholesale customers on a number of specific activities next year.

Tel: Tata Global Beverages (0800) 387227