SYDNEY, Jan 15, 2026, 17:41 AEDT — Post-market
- Woolworths shares climbed 0.27% following the announcement of an “agentic AI” upgrade to its Olive assistant
- Company kicked off a multi-year trial aimed at cutting methane emissions in its beef supply chain
- Upcoming catalysts are the half-year results on Feb. 25 and Australia’s CPI data due Jan. 28
Woolworths Group Ltd (WOW.AX) shares ended Thursday 0.27% higher at A$30.20, following the company’s announcement of an upgrade to its Olive chatbot powered by Google Cloud technology. The stock fluctuated between A$29.97 and A$30.38 during the session and remains roughly 10% shy of its 52-week peak, according to market data. 1
Why it matters now: grocers are battling for a slice of online baskets just as shoppers increasingly rely on specials, loyalty deals, and planning tools. That’s where the data lives—and where margins can shift quickly.
Woolworths is entering the busy reporting season, with investors eager for clear data on volumes, costs, and the retailer’s tech investment plans.
“Agentic AI” refers to software capable of taking actions—such as assembling a basket—rather than simply responding to queries. It promises faster, more personalized service but raises concerns about trust.
Woolworths announced that Olive, launched in 2018, is evolving from a basic chatbot into a proactive assistant centered on meal planning, personalized recommendations, and budget-conscious shopping support. Users will interact via text, voice, and images. CEO Amanda Bardwell emphasized that Olive “won’t just answer questions” but will also “anticipate your needs.” 2
On Thursday, Woolworths announced it is teaming up with Sea Forest, DIT AgTech, and Teys Australia for a multi-year trial of a seaweed-based supplement designed to cut methane emissions from Australian grass-fed beef. The group will conduct a commercial-scale trial at a cattle farm in New South Wales, with Woolworths confirming the results will be independently verified. Peer-reviewed studies have shown the supplement can reduce methane emissions by as much as 80%. Justin Nolan, Woolworths Meat director, described the move as an investment in “real innovation” to lower emissions across the supply chain. 3
The broader market showed strength, with Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 closing 0.5% higher at 8,861.70, fueled by gains in major miners, according to a Reuters report. Coles Group Ltd (COL.AX) slipped 0.33%. 4
Execution remains the immediate challenge for Woolworths. Building new digital features is expensive and altering customer habits takes time. Plus, any slip-up with customer data or consent risks swift backlash.
Supply chain issues add another layer of uncertainty. Scaling methane-reduction trials from controlled studies to real-world applications requires both time and significant investment.
Woolworths’ half-year results are set for Feb. 25, marking a key moment for investors. The company is expected to provide fresh insight on trading conditions and its outlook. 5
Australian consumer stocks are set to eye the December 2025 CPI data due Jan. 28. This release could sway rate forecasts and influence sentiment across discretionary and staples sectors. 6
