How to Build an AI Agent Strategy: Lessons from Colgate and Mondelez

Artificial intelligence has caused a seismic shift in the consumer goods sector, with AI agents promising to enhance customer experiences and save time by automating processes for greater operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. By 2027, 50% of business decisions will be augmented or automated by AI agents, according to Gartner. The AI switch was turned on early at Colgate-Palmolive, when in 2023, officials decided to build a platform to let employees create generative AI agents, or as they are known internally, assistants. “This was a risk-based judgment,” says Kli Pappas, senior director of global predictive analytics and global head of AI at Colgate-Palmolive. “People were going to use the tools anyway.” Colgate’s approach reflects a growing trend in consumer goods companies to empower employees with AI tools that improve productivity and decision-making. By fostering internal innovation, Colgate aims to harness AI agents to automate routine tasks, generate insights, and support strategic initiatives. Similarly, Mondelez International has been exploring AI agents to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. The company focuses on integrating AI-driven virtual assistants to personalize marketing efforts and optimize supply chain management. Key lessons from these companies include:

• Early adoption and experimentation: Starting AI initiatives early allows companies to learn and adapt quickly.
• Employee empowerment: Providing employees with AI tools encourages innovation and practical use cases.
• Strategic alignment: AI agents should support broader business goals like customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Risk management: Balancing innovation with governance ensures responsible AI deployment.
As AI agents become more prevalent, consumer goods companies that develop clear strategies and invest in employee enablement will be better positioned to capitalize on AI’s transformative potential.

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Source: Originally published at Consumer Goods Technology on July 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are AI agents in the context of business?

AI agents are sophisticated software programs that can autonomously perform tasks, learn from data, and make decisions to achieve specific goals. In business, they are used to automate processes, analyze data, and enhance customer experiences, similar to how Colgate-Palmolive uses them as internal assistants.

What is the projected growth of AI in business decisions?

According to Gartner, by 2027, an estimated 50% of business decisions will be either augmented or fully automated by AI agents. This highlights a significant trend towards AI integration in strategic and operational functions.

What are the key benefits of using AI agents in the consumer goods sector?

AI agents offer several benefits, including enhanced customer experiences, time savings through automation, improved operational efficiency, and support for strategic decision-making. Companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Mondelez International are leveraging them for tasks ranging from automating routine processes to personalizing marketing efforts and optimizing supply chains.

What are the main lessons learned from companies adopting AI agents?

Key takeaways from early adopters like Colgate-Palmolive and Mondelez International include the importance of early adoption and experimentation, empowering employees with AI tools, aligning AI initiatives with broader business goals, and managing risks associated with AI deployment.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The consumer goods sector's adoption of AI agents mirrors advancements in the financial industry, particularly within the cryptocurrency space. At AI Crypto Market, we are at the forefront of leveraging AI to enhance trading strategies and market analysis. Our platform utilizes sophisticated AI algorithms, akin to the "assistants" being developed by consumer goods companies, to automate trading, identify market opportunities, and manage risk. This strategic integration of AI agents into financial operations promises similar gains in efficiency and decision-making as seen in other sectors. We believe that embracing AI-powered tools is crucial for navigating the complexities of the digital asset market. Explore how AI is transforming finance by learning more about our AI agents for trading and AI-driven market analysis.

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