Comparing Traditional, AI-Driven, and Hybrid Approaches When trade promotion effectiveness directly impacts market share in competitive CPG categories, choosing the right optimization approach matters enormously. I've worked with category management teams using everything from Excel-based promotional planning to fully automated AI systems. Each approach has distinct advantages and limitations that become apparent only through real-world implementation. This article compares three approaches to AI Trade Promotion Optimization : traditional rules-based planning, fully AI-driven optimization, and hybrid models that combine human expertise with algorithmic recommendations. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you select the right approach for your organization's maturity, data infrastructure, and strategic priorities. What works for Unilever's scale and complexity may overwhelm a regional brand with limited analytical resources.…