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© 2025 Picnic

Picnic blog

Dive into the world of insightful articles, expert opinions, and the latest trends. Whether you’re here to stay updated, seek inspiration, or simply enjoy a good read, our diverse range of topics ensures there’s something for everyone. Join our community, share your thoughts, and let’s explore the endless possibilities together. Happy reading!

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picnic-10-years-2020sudo-pick-me-a-sandwich

Picnic 10 years: 2020 — Sudo pick me a sandwich

Picnic 10 years: 2020 — Sudo pick me a sandwichIn this edition of the blog series about 10 years of Picnic, we take you back to December 2020, we’re i...
Author avatar
Sjoerd CranenTue Jun 17 2025
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picnic-10-years-2020sudo-pick-me-a-sandwich

Picnic 10 years: 2020 — Sudo pick me a sandwich

Picnic 10 years: 2020 — Sudo pick me a sandwichIn this edition of the blog series about 10 years of Picnic, we take you back to December 2020, we’re i...
Author avatar
Sjoerd CranenTue Jun 17 2025
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adding-eyes-to-picnics-automated-warehouses

Adding Eyes to Picnic’s Automated Warehouses

How computer vision can spot problems long before a customer noticesIn Picnic’s fully-automated fulfilment centre in Utrecht thousands of totes move o...
Author avatar
Sander LamWed Jun 11 2025
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building-an-ai-first-company-lessons-from-scaling-from-a-small-start-up-to-a-machine-learning

Building an AI-first company: lessons from scaling from a small start-up to a Machine Learning…

Building an AI-first company: lessons from scaling from a small start-up to a Machine Learning powerhouseIn the rapidly evolving landscape of e-commer...
Author avatar
Jelmer BorstWed May 28 2025
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building-a-real-time-analytics-platform-for-picnic
Technology

Building a Real-time Analytics Platform for Picnic

In the fast-paced world of online grocery delivery, making data-driven decisions quickly can be the difference between delighting customers and losing...
Author avatar
David MischkeThu May 15 2025
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picnic-10-years-2018hello-germany
Technology

Picnic 10 years: 2018 — Hello, Germany

Picnic 10 years: 2018 — Hello, GermanyWith Picnic turning 10 this year, we are dedicating 10 blog posts, one for each year, to highlight our achieveme...
Author avatar
Marc MarschnerWed Apr 23 2025
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adding-write-functionality-to-pages-with-self-service-apis
TechnologyMobile

Adding Write Functionality to Pages with Self-Service APIs

(Written by Kirill Voloshin & Abdullah Abusamrah)In our previous blog posts, we have covered our server-driven UI framework called Picnic Page Pla...
Author avatar
Kirill VoloshinTue Apr 15 2025
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solving-the-weekly-menu-puzzle-pt2-recommendations-at-picnic
Technology

Solving the weekly menu puzzle pt.2: recommendations at Picnic

A little over a year ago, we shared a blog post about our journey to enhance customers’ meal planning experience with personalized recipe recommendati...
Author avatar
Giorgia TandoiMon Apr 07 2025
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beyond-static-pages-bringing-ui-to-life

Beyond Static Pages: bringing UI to life

In the previous blog posts, we’ve explored how Picnic’s Page Platform has revolutionized the way we build our mobile grocery shopping experience. As...
Author avatar
Florencia BoschThu Apr 03 2025
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a-decade-of-scaling-real-time-analytics-and-master-data-at-picnic

A decade of scaling (real-time) analytics and master data at Picnic

TL;DR Over the past decade, Picnic transformed its approach to data — evolving from a single, all-purpose data team into multiple specialized teams us...
Author avatar
Iliana IankoulovaFri Mar 28 2025
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refaster-openrewrite-better-together
Technology

Refaster & OpenRewrite: Better Together

OpenRewrite x Error Prone SupportLast year we explored Error Prone [1] and Picnic’s journey [2] developing an open source repository built around this...
Author avatar
Rick OssendrijverThu Mar 20 2025
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experiences-of-a-first-year-java-developer-at-picnic
Technology

Experiences of a first year Java developer at Picnic

It was a bit more than a year ago when I decided to move to The Netherlands and start a new chapter in my life. I was happy that Picnic helped me in...
Author avatar
Matteo ŠimićTue Mar 11 2025
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picnic-10-years-2016the-milkman-routes
Technology

Picnic 10 years: 2016 — The Milkman Routes

Picnic 10 years: 2016 — The Milkman RoutesPicnic turns 10 this year! To celebrate such an achievement we will highlight each year in a series of blog...
Author avatar
Joris van TatenhoveMon Mar 10 2025
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java-meets-javascript-a-modern-approach-to-dynamic-page-rendering
TechnologyQuality

Java Meets JavaScript: A Modern Approach to Dynamic Page Rendering

(Written by @masoud. alali.
Author avatar
João NogueiraFri Feb 28 2025
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10-lessons-from-10-years-of-innovation-and-engineering-at-picnic

10 Lessons from 10 Years of Innovation and Engineering at Picnic

A decade ago, Picnic set out to reinvent grocery shopping with a tech-first, customer-centric approach. What began as a bold experiment quickly grew...
Author avatar
Daniel GeblerThu Feb 13 2025
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tackling-configuration-creating-lego-like-flexibility-for-non-developers
TechnologyQuality

Tackling Configuration: creating Lego-Like Flexibility for non developers

In our previous blogs, we explored how Picnic’s Page Platform transformed the way we build new features — enabling faster iteration, tighter collabora...
Author avatar
Joachim van SchothorstThu Feb 06 2025
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server-driven-ui-in-picnics-page-platform
TechnologyMobileDesign

Picnic’s Page Platform from a Mobile perspective: enabling fast updates through server-driven UI

After introducing our Page Architecture initiative in this previous post, we’ll now dive deeper into how we transformed the mobile app — the primary p...
Author avatar
Lucas TwiskThu Jan 30 2025
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bridging-the-gap-a-future-proof-approach-to-identifier-migration-in-complex-systems
OptimizationQuality

Bridging the gap: A future-proof approach to identifier migration in complex systems

Over the years, Picnic has achieved multiple milestones and overcome numerous challenges. Our warehouses continue to expand, our product assortment g...
Author avatar
Dima LegezaTue Jan 14 2025
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enabling-rapid-business-use-case-iteration-with-apache-calcite
TechnologyTools

Enabling rapid business use case iteration with Apache Calcite

Picnic increasingly follows a data-driven approach towards serving content. Every customer sees their own version of the store, fitted to their needs...
Author avatar
Danylo NaumenkoTue Jan 07 2025
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define-extract-and-transform-inside-picnics-page-platform
TechnologyTools

Define, Extract and Transform inside Picnic’s Page Platform

This blog post is part two of a seven-part blog series. We recommend reading the first part where Lars Lockefeer shares the motivation and introducti...
Author avatar
Phil WerliFri Dec 20 2024
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spreading-holiday-cheer-at-picnic
ToolsCultureTechnology

Spreading Holiday Cheer at Picnic

The holiday season is always special at Picnic! In this blog post we will take you on our journey to bring Christmas spirit to Picnic.
Author avatar
Pepijn van AkenTue Dec 17 2024
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developing-a-java-plugin-that-automatically-fixes-code
QualityTechnologyDevOpsAPIs

Developing a Java plugin that automatically fixes code

In one of our previous blogs we wrote an article that explains the tools Error Prone and Refaster, and how we use them within Picnic. Now we will div...
Author avatar
Rick OssendrijverThu Dec 05 2024
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faster-features-happier-customers-introducing-the-platform-that-transformed-our-grocery-app
TechnologyMobile

Faster Features, Happier Customers: Introducing The Platform That Transformed Our Grocery App

As an online grocery retailer, we operate in a complex environment that requires us to adapt on an ongoing basis to changes in customer behavior, our...
Author avatar
Lars LockefeerTue Dec 03 2024
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solving-the-most-complex-task-of-grocery-shopping-meal-planning
Technology

Solving the most complex task of grocery shopping — meal planning

We’re all familiar with grocery shopping. You venture into your nearby supermarket, walk down all the aisles and start filling your basket with the t...
Author avatar
Leslie ManTue Nov 12 2024
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hill-climbing-towards-good-plannings-with-timefold
OptimizationTools

Hill-climbing towards good plannings with TimeFold

Each day, Picnic delivers groceries to tens of thousands of customers. To do this as efficiently as possible, operations follow a plan created the da...
Author avatar
Daan GoslingaTue Oct 15 2024
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how-tech-driven-workforce-planning-brings-better-balanced-outcomes-for-everyone
TechnologyMobileDesignOptimizationCulture

How tech-driven workforce planning brings better-balanced outcomes for everyone

Picnic’s supply chain teams work with in-house recruited Runners (electric vehicle drivers) and Shoppers (order pickers). Investing in local talent h...
Author avatar
Toon BorrenTue Oct 08 2024
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applying-continuous-integration-to-infrastructure
TechnologyMobileDevOpsAPIsDesignQuality

Applying continuous integration to infrastructure @ Picnic

It is amazing to see how far we have ventured with a solid foundation for our infrastructure as code (IaC) building blocks, having developed various s...
Author avatar
Saul Ivan Rivas VegaTue Oct 01 2024
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relocating-for-a-new-life-in-the-netherlands-with-picnic

Relocating for a new life in the Netherlands with Picnic

My wife and I are from India, and had been living in the United States for 10 years then, mostly in California. While life there was sunny and we had...
Author avatar
Abhilash NarayanaTue Sep 17 2024
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the-hidden-complexity-of-online-supermarket-payments
APIsFintech

The Hidden Complexity of Online Supermarket Payments

I don’t think I’ve ever underestimated the depth of a topic as much as I did with online payments. Like most people, I used to be just another custom...
Author avatar
Stan HennekesTue Sep 10 2024
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leading-the-way-a-journey-from-the-first-delivery-driver-on-the-road
Culture

Leading the Way: A journey from the first delivery driver on the road

Hi! My name is Jeroen, I’m an Area Lead in the distribution team at Picnic.
Author avatar
Jeroen BoumeesterWed Aug 28 2024
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improving-maven-build-times
MobileDesign

Improving Maven build times

Before our recent improvements to the Maven build process, our developers had mixed experiences with slow build times. For some, it was an opportunit...
Author avatar
Oksana EvseevaWed Jul 24 2024
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picnic-x-workleap-officevibe
Culture

Harnessing the power of meaningful conversations: Picnic x Workleap Officevibe

At Picnic, we believe that the best teams are well connected and intrinsically motivated. To ensure that we can keep track of our employee engagement...
Author avatar
stefanievanvelthovenMon Jul 15 2024
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cultivating-change-picnics-food-forest
TechnologyAPIs

Cultivating change - Picnic's Food Forest

9 years ago, Picnic embarked on the journey to create a less resource-intensive grocery delivery model, cutting out physical stores, helping to take c...
Author avatar
Sofia CassutiWed Jul 03 2024
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automating-large-scale-refactorings-with-error-prone
OptimizationTools

Automating large-scale refactorings with Error Prone

When it comes to writing good computer programs, avoiding mistakes is key. To prevent errors, several processes are generally put in place, such as t...
Author avatar
Rick OssendrijverTue Jun 25 2024
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open-sourcing-dbt-score-lint-model-metadata-with-ease
Mobile

Open-sourcing dbt-score: lint model metadata with ease!

With the rise of tools like dbt, it has become much easier to document, test and create data models in a data warehouse. In a previous blog post we h...
Author avatar
Jochem Mathijs van DoorenMon Jun 10 2024
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driving-change-how-the-supermarket-on-wheels-reduces-environmental-impact
Technology

Driving change: how the supermarket on wheels reduces environmental impact

Symbolized by our iconic electric delivery fleet, our sustainability commitment has been part of Picnic since day 1. In honor of World Environment Da...
Author avatar
Anna KrotovaWed Jun 05 2024
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how-picnic-migrated-ml-architectures-without-sacrificing-operational-security
Technology

How we broke customer support language barriers without breaking production

Ever since we first started with a single vehicle in one city nine years ago, Picnic has always taken our end-to-end user journey very seriously, and...
Author avatar
Carlos ArcenasTue May 28 2024
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mental-well-being-for-all-how-we-openup
Culture

Mental well-being for all – how we OpenUp

We are committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle for our employees with a strong emphasis on mental health. And we believe a healthy mind starts wit...
Author avatar
Lezaan SchoenmakersWed May 22 2024
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enhancing-search-retrieval-with-large-language-models-llms
TechnologyMobile

Enhancing Search Retrieval with Large Language Models (LLMs)

When people think of Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI often comes to mind, especially with models like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other tools...
Author avatar
Maarten SukelWed Apr 24 2024
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yaml-developers-and-the-declarative-data-platforms-cloned-7241
TechnologyOptimization

Under the hood of Picnic's demand forecasting model: A Deep Dive into the Temporal Fusion Transformer

Demand forecasting is critical for any retail company, but even more so for Picnic, an online supermarket selling perishable products with a just-in-t...
Author avatar
Daniela SolisMon Apr 22 2024
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yaml-developers-and-the-declarative-data-platforms
MobileDesign

YAML developers and the declarative data platforms

The declarative paradigm is becoming ubiquitous in data engineering, to the point we sometimes feel we became YAML developers. Yet, I’ll argue it’s a...
Author avatar
Matthieu CaneillTue Apr 02 2024
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python-picnic
TechnologyQualityTools

Python @ Picnic

From Machine Learning to black box testing of Java services, Picnic uses Python throughout its tech stack. Picnic has grown to serve hundreds of thou...
Author avatar
Sven ArendsWed Mar 20 2024
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how-picnic-uses-slack-to-revolutionise-the-world-of-online-groceries
Tools

How Picnic uses Slack to revolutionise the world of online groceries

Our focus on making online grocery shopping simple, fun, and affordable has propelled us to become the fastest-growing online supermarket globally. W...
Author avatar
Pepijn van AkenFri Feb 16 2024
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from-cloud-native-to-hybrid-and-back-again-picnics-on-premises-computing-journey
TechnologyMobileDevOps

From Cloud-native to Hybrid and back again: Picnic’s on-premises computing journey

Many companies are working on their digital transformation, transitioning their traditional on-premises deployment to a cloud setup. Other companies,...
Author avatar
Tyko KieskampTue Feb 06 2024
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TechnologyMobileDesign

Solving the weekly menu puzzle: recommendations at Picnic

Figuring out what’s for dinner is that daily question we can all relate to. Not only does it require effort, it can also be hard to get creative, so...
Author avatar
Giorga TandoiMon Jan 15 2024
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recommendations-from-the-modern-milkman
Technology

Generating your shopping list with AI: recommendations at Picnic

Introduction At Picnic, we’re not just an online supermarket; we’re the modern milkman. This means that we want to make the shopping experience of ou...
Author avatar
Thijs SluijterTue Jan 09 2024
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2023-in-a-nutshell-ride-along
MobileCulture

2023 in a nutshell —ride along!

With operations in full swing to pull us through the busiest time of the year, the code slush we apply in some of our teams allow us to take a step ba...
Author avatar
Paulo GeusauFri Dec 15 2023
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running-demand-forecasting-machine-learning-models-at-scale
TechnologyMobile

Running demand forecasting machine learning models at scale

Forecasting at PicnicPicnic is proud to deliver groceries to our customer’s doorstep in a sustainable manner and with great service. Using data scien...
Author avatar
Maarten SukelTue Dec 12 2023
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meet-the-trainers-of-picnics-tech-academy
TechnologyToolsCulture

Meet the Trainers of Picnic’s Tech Academy

Picnic’s Tech Academy plays a pivotal role in upskilling our tech team. We’ve previously written about how the Academy’s Java Learning path accelerat...
Author avatar
Sander MakTue Nov 14 2023
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picnics-migration-to-datadog-pavel-storozhenko
TechnologyMobileDevOpsCulture

Picnic’s migration to Datadog Pavel Storozhenko

Every team wants to deliver new features to delight their users but if the application is not available even the best feature won’t have the intended...
Author avatar
PavelStorozhenko and HarkeetBajajTue Oct 31 2023
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the-art-of-master-data-management-at-picnic
TechnologyMobileDesignTools

The Art of Master Data Management at Picnic

The Importance of MDMIn the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy to be captivated by the allure of artificial intelligence. As organizations see...
Author avatar
Hidde SchwietertThu Oct 05 2023
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creating-an-engaging-security-awareness-program

Creating an Engaging Security Awareness Program

In today’s digital world, businesses are increasingly dependent on technology, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to a recent study by...
Author avatar
Ali AbdollahiWed Sep 27 2023
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the-tech-team-behind-the-most-customer-friendly-supermarket
MobileDesignCulture

The tech team behind the most customer-friendly supermarket

At Picnic, we dream of being the best milkman on earth. While we believe we still have a long way to go, we’re definitely on our way: Picnic was rece...
Author avatar
Ilonka CornelissenThu Jul 27 2023
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using-transformers-to-cut-waste-and-put-smiles-on-our-customers-faces
Technology

Using Transformers to Cut Waste and Put Smiles on Our Customers’ Faces!

IntroductionTransformer models have revolutionized natural language processing with their human-like text generation capabilities. At Picnic, we’re u...
Author avatar
Maarten SukelTue Jul 25 2023
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adding-automatic-logout-to-angular-applications
TechnologyMobileDesign

Adding Automatic Logout to Angular Applications

At Picnic we have a clear goal: make the online supermarket of tomorrow available today. In our journey to change the way people do their groceries,...
Author avatar
Luis Enrique Acedo HerreraThu Jul 20 2023
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why-using-gpt-may-not-be-the-best-option-for-customer-feedback-classification

Why Using GPT May Not Be the Best Option for Customer Feedback Classification

How we explore and benchmark new technologies for customer feedback classification. Large language models like GPT have garnered a lot of attention i...
Author avatar
Maarten SukelWed May 24 2023
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using-change-data-capture-for-warehouse-analytics
APIs

Using Change Data Capture for Warehouse Analytics

IntroductionWe continue our story on the Analytics Platform setup in Picnic. Last time, we looked at the internal services data pipeline.
Author avatar
David MischkeMon Apr 03 2023
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how-to-find-dead-code-in-your-java-services
MobileDesignTools

How to find dead code in your Java services

When building solutions, the code we write can last many years. While casually browsing legacy code we might wonder; is this still used?
Author avatar
Pieter Dirk SoelsMon Apr 03 2023
image
the-journey-to-product-ownership
MobileDesignCulture

The Journey to Product Ownership

Here at Picnic, we have more than 30 teams that are building the cool products that we love. But while the product teams build the future — who empow...
Author avatar
Jarmila KaiserThu Mar 16 2023
image
replicating-a-multi-million-euro-automated-warehouse-in-python
Tools

Replicating a multi-million Euro automated warehouse in Python

In our previous part of this blog series we have talked about the challenges we faced developing our very first Warehouse Control System (WCS). This...
Author avatar
Dylan GoldsboroughThu Mar 16 2023
image
how-we-built-the-supply-chain-matrix
TechnologyMobileDesignOptimization

How we built the supply chain Matrix

The story of building an automated warehouse without having one — Part II In the blockbuster movie The Matrix, Neo, the main character, is asked to ch...
Author avatar
Manuel LombarderoTue Mar 07 2023
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how-we-got-robots-to-do-your-groceries
MobileDesign

How we got robots to do your groceries

The story of building an automated warehouse without having one — Part IA wintery day It is a cold, dark, wintery day. You are at your desk, it is yo...
Author avatar
Manuel LombarderoTue Feb 21 2023
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deploying-data-pipelines-using-the-saga-pattern
TechnologyAPIsOptimization

Deploying Data Pipelines using the Saga pattern

Delivering the right events at low latency and with a high volume is critical to Picnic’s system architecture. In our previous blog, Dima Kalashnikov...
Author avatar
Shibi RamachandranThu Feb 09 2023
image
bye-travis-ci-hi-teamcity
MobileDevOpsAPIsDesignQualityCulture

Bye Travis CI, hi TeamCity!

Continuous integration forms the backbone of every tech company. Without a smooth build and test setup teams lose productivity and everything grinds...
Author avatar
Ivan BabiankouWed Feb 08 2023
image
making-our-apps-festive-with-christmas-decorations
MobileCulture

Making our apps festive with Christmas decorations

Do you like the holiday season? At Picnic we love it!
Author avatar
Tyko KieskampWed Dec 21 2022
image
why-picnic-picked-java
Tools

Why Picnic picked Java

Picking a tech stack for your startup isn’t something to do lightly. It’s a choice that will shape the future in many ways: how will the tech enable...
Author avatar
Sander MakWed Dec 21 2022
image
transitioning-from-aiohttp-to-fastapi
TechnologyAPIsTools

Transitioning from aiohttp to FastAPI

Written by: Dylan Goldsborough While we love using Java in Picnic, we also adore Python. Over the years, our tech landscape has been enriched with nu...
Author avatar
Dylan GoldsboroughWed Nov 30 2022
image
picnic-open-sources-error-prone-support
OptimizationTools

Picnic Open-sources Error Prone Support

We’re excited to announce that Picnic’s Error Prone Support project is now open-source! Last week, we already shared an in-depth overview of how Picni...
Author avatar
Sander MakWed Nov 30 2022
image
picnic-loves-error-prone-producing-high-quality-and-consistent-java-code
OptimizationTools

Picnic loves Error Prone: producing high-quality and consistent Java code

Error Prone Support is now open source! Check out the announcement.
Author avatar
Rick OssendrijverWed Nov 30 2022
image
mlops-principles-to-build-picnics-data-science-platform
TechnologyMobileDevOpsDesign

MLOps Principles to build Picnic’s Data Science Platform

Here at Picnic, we love data. Over the last years, Picnic has grown into a data-driven online supermarket that is active in three countries.
Author avatar
Tom SteenbergenWed Nov 30 2022
image
internal-services-pipeline-in-analytics-platform
Technology

Internal services pipeline in Analytics Platform

We continue our story on the Analytics Platform setup in Picnic. In the “Picnic Analytics Platform: Migration from AWS Kinesis to Confluent Cloud” we...
Author avatar
Dima KalashnikovWed Nov 30 2022
image
qa-picnic-data-engineering-series

Q&A Picnic Data Engineering Series

The most important thing for a successful analytics strategy. Data Mesh, or Hub-and-Spoke?
Author avatar
Iliana IankoulovaTue Jul 12 2022
image
adopting-sfdx-for-salesforce-deployments
TechnologyDevOpsTools

Adopting SFDX for Salesforce Deployments

Small Talk SFDX is the most common buzzword among Salesforcies right now. If you know it, I am sure you would have been tempted to try it out an...
Author avatar
Bhushan PuriTue Jun 28 2022
image
picnics-tech-academy-through-the-eyes-of-recent-graduates
TechnologyCulture

Picnic’s Tech Academy Through the Eyes of Recent Graduates

Pablo Picasso once said, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. ” For someone who spent so much time on th...
Author avatar
Ryan WhitmoreTue Jun 14 2022
image
shaping-a-full-fledge-procedure-by-streaming-salesforce-exception-emails
TechnologyAPIsTools

Shaping a Full-Fledge Procedure by Streaming Salesforce Exception Emails

This blog post is the third in a series of blog posts about Picnic’s Salesforce Makeover Project. At Picnic, we use Salesforce to fulfil diverse purp...
Author avatar
nyrandonenoboudTue May 31 2022
image
making-it-all-work-picnics-qa-engineers
Quality

Making it All Work: Picnic’s QA Engineers

Picnic is more than a grocery delivery company — it’s more accurate to say we’re a tech company. After all, the service we provide to our customers w...
Author avatar
Ryan WhitmoreTue May 17 2022
image
turning-shadow-it-into-sunshine-it
Technology

Turning Shadow IT Into Sunshine IT

Not only software developers but also many employees in other roles help companies move forward by developing different kinds of software systems. In...
Author avatar
Max van RestMon May 02 2022
image
a-snapshot-of-our-tech-recruitment-team
MobileDesignCulture

A Snapshot of Our Tech Recruitment Team

(Left to right: Jan, Pia, Jana, Pablo, Carolina)At Picnic, we’re more than a grocery delivery company. The app that our customers use to buy their gr...
Author avatar
Ryan WhitmoreWed Apr 20 2022
image
creating-a-rule-engine-for-real-time-action-automation

Creating a Rule Engine for Real-Time Action Automation

At Picnic, we strive to offer a personal, proactive, helpful, and friendly service. It’s why many of our customers choose to shop with us and it’s es...
Author avatar
Frans BookholtWed Apr 06 2022
image
introducing-the-picnic-sneakernet
TechnologyMobileDesign

Introducing the Picnic Sneakernet

In The Netherlands, Germany, and France, Picnic has built a backbone of electric vehicles driving from hubs to thousands of customers on a daily basis...
Author avatar
Matthieu CaneillFri Apr 01 2022
image
vendor-selection-from-tech-radar-to-tech-stack

Vendor Selection: From Tech Radar to Tech Stack

“Tech Radars: the best thing since sliced bread! ” Okay, that might be an over-exaggeration, but they are on the rise, and for a good reason.
Author avatar
Tyko KieskampTue Mar 22 2022
image
7-antifragile-principles-for-a-successful-data-warehouse
TechnologyTools

7 Antifragile Principles for a Successful Data Warehouse

The best of two worlds — the structure and quality of a centralized data warehouse combined with the agility of antifragile practices Data Warehousing...
Author avatar
Iliana IankoulovaWed Mar 09 2022
image
etags-saving-bandwidth-1kb-at-a-time

ETags: Saving Bandwidth 1Kb at a Time

At Picnic, we do our best to ensure that the information we provide to our customers is relevant and up to date. In order to do so, we provide most o...
Author avatar
Joao NogueiraThu Feb 24 2022
image
supporting-developers-growth-with-salesforce-certifications
Tools

Supporting Developers’ Growth With Salesforce Certifications

Here at Picnic, we often say we’re more than a grocery delivery company. We like to let people know how we’re fundamentally a tech company — we shout...
Author avatar
Bhushan PuriTue Feb 08 2022
image
getting-people-to-love-queues-with-java-python-and-javascript
Tools

Getting People to Love Queues With Java, Python, and JavaScript

Do you like standing in queues? I bet you don’t.
Author avatar
Anastasiia NykolaichukTue Jan 25 2022
image
picnic-analytics-platform-migration-from-aws-kinesis-to-confluent-cloud
Technology

Picnic Analytics Platform: Migration from AWS Kinesis to Confluent Cloud

Picnic is an online-only supermarket operating in 3 countries and providing the lowest price guarantee. We heavily rely on data-driven decisions to a...
Author avatar
Dima KalashnikovTue Jan 11 2022
image
spreading-christmas-cheer-at-picnic-decorating-our-apps-during-the-holiday-season
MobileDesignCulture

Spreading Christmas Cheer at Picnic: Decorating Our Apps During the Holiday Season

Work during the holiday season can be quite hectic. Many people are on vacation, and especially in companies like supermarkets, demand rises.
Author avatar
Simon BaarsThu Dec 23 2021
image
m1-pro-macbooks-building-a-tech-foundation
TechnologyMobileDesign

M1 Pro MacBooks: Building a Tech Foundation

On June 22, 2020, CEO Tim Cook announced Apple’s two-year transition plan to their own silicon in his WWDC keynote speech. This marked the 3rd time i...
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Philip LeonardTue Dec 14 2021
image
scaling-cyber-security-awareness
TechnologyMobileDevOpsDesign

Scaling Cyber Security Awareness

As the reliance on digital infrastructure to provide collective resilience increases, it makes sense that the importance we place on cyber security sh...
Author avatar
Nuray AkdemirWed Dec 08 2021
image
tech-radar-on-event-streaming-platforms

Tech Radar on Event Streaming Platforms

Making the right business and tech decisions isn’t an easy process in our ever-changing world. To accomplish this, it’s best to rely on facts and tru...
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Dima KalashnikovWed Nov 24 2021
image
picnics-service-coach-building-data-driven-tech-to-enhance-the-delivery-experience
MobileDesign

Picnic’s Service Coach: Building Data-Driven Tech to Enhance the Delivery Experience

Picture the local milkman doing his rounds in days gone by: climbing out of his truck and walking up to your door with a broad smile on his face, lade...
Author avatar
Richard van der BylWed Nov 10 2021
image
embracing-java-17
Tools

Embracing Java 17: Here’s What We Learned

Java 17? Count us in!
Author avatar
Sander MakTue Nov 02 2021
image
using-state-machines-in-front-end-development
MobileDesign

Using State Machines in Front-End Development

Here at Picnic, we’re in the process of building our first automated warehouse. When you think of an automated warehouse, your first thought might be...
Author avatar
Danielle RichterWed Oct 27 2021
image
the-milkman-van-of-the-21st-century
MobileDesign

The Milkman Van of the 21st Century

Picnic makes grocery delivery effortless for the customer, and even makes the whole process seem effortless. However, behind the scenes we have built...
Author avatar
Joris WoltersWed Jun 23 2021
image
picnics-data-archiving-strategy-in-salesforce
TechnologyTools

Picnic’s data archiving strategy in Salesforce

Picnic is a data-driven company. We rely on it for forecasting, fulfilling deliveries, doing analyses to support decision making, and this list goes...
Author avatar
Gonçalo MoreiraSat Jun 05 2021
image
quest-to-the-os-java-native-memory
TechnologyMobileTools

Quest to the OS: Java Native Memory

As developers we want to spend most time on new features and improvements, providing value to our users or customers. However, all software inevitabl...
Author avatar
Geert KonijnendijkWed May 26 2021
image
why-you-should-make-leaders-of-your-team
TechnologyCulture

Why you should make leaders of your team

An operational environment is a challenging workplace. There are multiple daily deadlines, unexpected issues and the constant pressure of keeping ord...
Author avatar
Katherin SchuppenerTue May 25 2021
image
scaling-business-intelligence-with-python-and-snowflake
DevOpsOptimizationTools

Scaling Business Intelligence with Python and Snowflake

Three big migration projects brought Picnic’s self-service Business Intelligence to new heights — speeding up the development cycle with lightweight t...
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Iliana IankoulovaTue May 18 2021
image
accelerating-developer-growth-with-the-picnic-tech-academy
Culture

Accelerating Developer Growth with the Picnic Tech Academy

Continuous learning is at the heart of every tech company. At Picnic we recently launched our Tech Academy.
Author avatar
Phil WerliTue May 04 2021
image
becoming-a-multiplier-on-our-java-developer-platform
ToolsCulture

Becoming a multiplier: on our Java developer platform

The Picnic backend tech stack is polyglot in nature, comprising mostly Java and Python. To support the majority of our developers we have two platfor...
Author avatar
Nathan KooijWed Apr 28 2021
image
picnic-tech-radars

Picnic Tech Radars

Opinionated tech radars have been on the rise as of late. The Lindy effect postulates that the future life expectancy of non-perishable things like a...
Author avatar
Philip LeonardWed Apr 21 2021
image
building-a-scalable-caching-platform
TechnologyMobileDesignOptimizationCulture

Building a Scalable Caching Platform

The assortment of a grocery store app business is a dynamic thing. A team of category managers, striving to meet the needs of the customer, add and r...
Author avatar
Dylan GoldsboroughWed Apr 07 2021
image
how-we-built-our-lakeless-data-warehouse
MobileDesignTools

How we built our Lakeless Data Warehouse

Welcome to the third part in a series of five blog posts about Data Engineering at Picnic. It is inspired by Guy Raz’s awesome podcasts “How I Built...
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Iliana IankoulovaWed Mar 31 2021
image
payments-picnic
Fintech

Payments @ Picnic

This interview was co-authored together with paymentspaymentspayments. com About you Hello, I’m Jelmer Borst.
Author avatar
Jelmer BorstWed Mar 31 2021
image
building-a-distributed-etl-pipeline-for-a-monolithic-data-warehouse
TechnologyMobileDesign

Building a distributed ETL pipeline for a monolithic data warehouse

The Parkinson’s Law of Data states that Data expands to fill the space available for storage. Now, this poses serious challenges when...
Author avatar
Matthieu CaneillWed Mar 17 2021
image
tracking-events-inside-react-native-applications-using-hocs
MobileAPIsDesign

Tracking events inside React(-Native) applications using HOCs

Tracking user interactions inside of applications and web pages is of great importance for data-driven companies such as Picnic. Applying analytics t...
Author avatar
Elias el KhaldiWed Mar 17 2021
image
data-vault-new-weaponry-in-your-data-science-toolkit
TechnologyOptimization

Data vault: new weaponry in your data science toolkit

Picnic is an online grocer, where we aim to bring grocery shopping and the traditional Milkman model into the 21st century. Easy and frictionless ord...
Author avatar
Bas VlamingWed Mar 17 2021
image
leveraging-domain-sponsorship-to-organize-product-teams-at-scale-2
TechnologyAPIsCulture

Leveraging domain sponsorship to organize product teams at scale

Picnic is growing at a rapid pace in all of its departments. As a tech company with big aspirations for the future, the teams concerned with technolo...
Author avatar
Jakob LöhnertzThu Feb 25 2021
image
reinventing-the-qa-process
Quality

Reinventing the QA process

Adapting QA processes for the automated fulfillment In the near future Picnic will launch its first automated fulfillment center (AFC). With its l...
Author avatar
Julia ZarechnevaThu Feb 25 2021
image
code-in-unix-while-using-windows
TechnologyMobileDesign

Code in Unix while using Windows

You have probably wondered at some point why most developers choose Unix based operating systems such as Linux distributions or macOS over Windows. T...
Author avatar
Seleme TopuzThu Feb 25 2021
image
rebuilding-the-team-spirit-with-discord
MobileDesignCulture

Rebuilding the team spirit with Discord

At Picnic, all of the teams working on technological components of our product can freely choose how they handle their internal communication. By thi...
Author avatar
Jakob LöhnertzThu Feb 25 2021
image
brownfield-react-native-development-at-picnic
MobileDesign

Brownfield React Native development at Picnic

At Picnic, we have not been hiding that we like using React Native to build apps. Some time ago we started building the Runner App, the application t...
Author avatar
Lucas TwiskFri Feb 05 2021
image
remote-onboarding-at-picnic
TechnologyCulture

Remote onboarding at Picnic

Picnic is the fastest growing online supermarket in the world. To enable this growth while giving our customers an unmatched experience, we have to t...
Author avatar
Willem EversThu Jan 28 2021
image
solving-logistics-problems-using-genetic-algorithms
TechnologyDevOpsDesignOptimization

It’s in our DNA: Solving logistics problems using Genetic Algorithms

What do designing an aircraft wing, packing boxes into a container and making timetables have in common? They’re all optimization problems.
Author avatar
Geert KonijnendijkWed Dec 09 2020
image
staying-ahead-of-the-competition-with-executable-specifications
MobileDesign

Staying Ahead Of The Competition With Executable Specifications

Any company wants to adapt quickly because of new or changed business ideas, or because of changes in the market. Only by adapting quickly, you can s...
Author avatar
Simeon van der SteenWed Dec 09 2020
image
data-engineer-role-in-the-future-of-groceries

Data Engineer’s Role in the Future of Groceries

How Data Engineers collaborate with other roles at Picnic? What are some real business challenges solved by using the Data Warehouse?
Author avatar
Iliana IankoulovaWed Dec 09 2020
image
picnics-lakeless-data-warehouse
OptimizationTools

Picnic’s Lakeless Data Warehouse

At Picnic, we are proud of having a Data Warehouse (DWH), which covers all aspects of our business and is widely adopted in the organization. We achi...
Author avatar
Iliana IankoulovaWed Dec 09 2020
image
a-microservice-success-story
MobileAPIsCulture

A Microservice Success Story

Picnic “went microservices” a while ago. The migration happened around the same time the growth of the tech team started picking up, and the previ...
Author avatar
Ernir ÞorsteinssonWed Dec 09 2020
image
data-science-as-a-product
TechnologyMobileOptimization

Data Science As a Product

At Picnic, we see ourselves as tech’s answer to groceries. From the app-only store, 20-minute delivery windows, and just-in-time supply chain, the te...
Author avatar
Tad SlaffWed Dec 09 2020
image
picnic-plays-it-cool-a-data-driven-cold-chain-for-groceries
Technology

Picnic plays it cool: a data-driven cold chain for groceries

Delivering fresh groceries to customers is a challenge, even more so in the summer months when ice cream needs to remain perfectly frozen and the outs...
Author avatar
Floris BoekemaWed Dec 09 2020
image
computational-logistics-at-picnic
Optimization

Computational Logistics at Picnic

Logistics is the science of efficiently moving items from one place to another. This sounds simple at first, but it serves as the gateway to some of...
Author avatar
Regan KoopmansWed Dec 09 2020
image
behavior-driven-ui-test-automation-with-selenium
MobileDesignQualityTools

Behavior driven UI test automation with Selenium

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the software system that runs nearly all operations in Picnic fulfillment and distribution centers, enabling...
Author avatar
Simeon van der SteenWed Dec 09 2020
image
perks-post-2
Culture

Perks post 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas mattis auctor ullamcorper.
Author avatar
LarsTue Dec 01 2020
image
perks-post-1
Culture

Perks post 1

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas mattis auctor ullamcorper.
Author avatar
LarsTue Dec 01 2020
image
monitoring-and-observability-at-picnic
DevOpsTools

Monitoring and Observability at Picnic

What does a typical 24 hours look like at Picnic? Customer demand is predicted, tens of thousands of trading units are ordered from suppliers, and de...
Author avatar
Philip LeonardTue Oct 27 2020
image
scaling-picnic-systems-in-corona-times
DevOps

Scaling Picnic systems in Corona times

As an online groceries company, Picnic saw an enormous increase in demand during the start of the Corona crisis. Our systems suddenly experienced tra...
Author avatar
Sander MakSun Sep 27 2020
image
programming-a-safer-drive

Programming a Safer Drive

Picnic is in the business of delivering groceries. To do this, we operate a fleet of hundreds of small electric trucks, whizzing across the streets o...
Author avatar
Ernir ÞorsteinssonMon Jan 27 2020
image
cryptocurrency-incentivised-code-reviewing-open-sourced
FintechQuality

Cryptocurrency Incentivised Code Reviewing, Open Sourced.

Some time ago Picnic published a blog post about our cryptocurrency powered code review leaderboard. The general goal is simple: achieve code review...
Author avatar
Philip LeonardMon Jan 27 2020
image
incident-management-at-picnic
TechnologyMobileDesignTools

Incident Management at Picnic

Nearly everyone has experienced the struggle of making an appointment with a service technician. Once you have waited for a good 20 minutes, listenin...
Author avatar
Steven van de RidderMon Jan 27 2020
image
localizing-native-apps-made-easy-with-localicious
MobileDesign

Localizing native apps made easy with Localicious!

Today we are officially releasing Localicious, our tool to manage localization of the copy in our apps. For those of you that are not well-versed...
Author avatar
Lars LockefeerMon Jan 27 2020
image
hitchhikers-guide-to-hashicorp-vault-in-kubernetes-part-1-system-integration
TechnologyMobileDevOpsAPIsDesignTools

Hitchhiker’s Guide to HashiCorp Vault in Kubernetes Part 1: System integration

Nowadays, we get a lot of benefits from the dynamicity and scalability of cloud environments. This dynamic nature makes the task of keeping confident...
Author avatar
Anh ĐạtMon Jan 27 2020
image
consistent-app-analytics-with-snowplow
MobileDesign

(Consistent) App Analytics with Snowplow

To build the best app for grocery shopping, we determined that a robust analytics platform is critical for collecting the data needed for decision sup...
Author avatar
Dimitar NedevMon Jan 27 2020
image
optimal-drop-times-using-machine-learning
Technology

Optimal drop times using machine learning

Picnic delivers groceries to thousands of customers every day. In order to do so both efficiently and effectively, Picnic’s distribution system needs...
Author avatar
Tom SteenbergenMon Jan 27 2020
image
making-the-best-warehouse-management-system-one-flow-at-a-time
MobileTools

Making the Best Warehouse Management System One Flow at a Time

To support the processes in Picnic fulfillment centers, we developed our in-house Warehouse Management System. This system made it possible to o...
Author avatar
Csaba JuhászMon Jan 27 2020
image
picnic-%e2%9d%a4%ef%b8%8f-open-source-2020-update
Technology

Picnic ❤️ Open-source (2020 update)

Picnic loves open-source software, both using it and giving back to the community. We’ve said that before and even wrote a blogpost about i...
Author avatar
Arturs DrozdovsMon Jan 27 2020
image
bringing-knowledge-to-the-lunch-table
Technology

Bringing knowledge to the lunch table

Gaining knowledge is an essential part of learning and growing. However, reading articles, books, and following the latest tech news can’t teach you...
Author avatar
Robert CarosiMon Jan 27 2020
image
company-wide-spring-5-migration-head-on
Design

Company-wide Spring 5 migration head on

We at Picnic have always been at the frontier of new and exciting technologies. One such technology we adopted is reactive programming.
Author avatar
Nathan KooijMon Jan 27 2020
image
leveraging-domain-sponsorship-to-organize-product-teams-at-scale
TechnologyAPIsCulture

Leveraging domain sponsorship to organize product teams at scale

Picnic is growing at a rapid pace in all of its departments. As a tech company with big aspirations for the future, the teams concerned with technolo...
Author avatar
Jakob LöhnertzMon Jan 27 2020
image
micrometer-and-the-modern-observability-stack-2
DevOpsOptimizationTools

Micrometer and the Modern Observability Stack

In the Picnic backend landscape, our monitoring stack looks like this. New Relic is our APM provider for tracing and performance monitoring of our Ja...
Author avatar
Philip LeonardMon Jan 27 2020