August 1, 2025
5 min read
Esther Shein
Explore how Colgate and Mondelez leverage AI agents to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency in consumer goods.
Artificial intelligence has caused a seismic shift in the consumer goods sector, with AI agents promising to further 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 for decision-making, 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 sink their teeth into creating Gen 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 highlights the importance of embracing AI agents proactively rather than resisting inevitable adoption. By empowering employees to build and experiment with AI assistants, the company fosters innovation and practical use cases that drive real business value.
Mondelez International is also advancing its AI agent strategy, focusing on automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making processes. Their efforts include integrating AI agents into supply chain management and marketing operations to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
The lessons from these consumer goods giants emphasize several key points for building a successful AI agent strategy:
- Start early and embrace experimentation: Allow teams to explore AI tools and develop custom assistants tailored to their needs.
- Focus on augmenting human decision-making: AI agents should support and enhance, not replace, human expertise.
- Prioritize operational efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks to free up employee time for higher-value activities.
- Integrate AI across functions: From marketing to supply chain, AI agents can provide insights and streamline workflows. As AI continues to evolve, companies that strategically implement AI agents will gain competitive advantages through improved customer experiences and smarter business operations.
- How to Build an AI Agent Strategy: Lessons from Colgate and Mondelez
- Walmart Bets on AI Super Agents to Boost E-commerce Growth
- AI Agents Capabilities, Risks, and Growing Role
Source: Originally published at Consumer Goods Technology on July 31, 2025.