Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driving force leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. The 2023 Central Economic Work Conference proposed vigorously promoting new industrialization, developing the digital economy, and accelerating the advancement of artificial intelligence. In recent years, the deep application of AI in the food industry has injected new momentum into the industry's development. According to data released by market analysis firm Mordor Intelligence, the application value of artificial intelligence in the food and beverage market is expected to reach $29.94 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 45.77% from 2021 to 2026. As AI permeates every aspect of the food industry, how to view both the positive and negative effects of AI in the food sector has become a hot topic of discussion in the current industry and scientific community.

Designing formulas and drawing packaging ......

AI integrates into the entire food brand chain

At the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence represented by ChatGPT surged forward, and the food industry saw a wave of "AI+" creativity emerge in marketing, packaging, products, and more.

"AI technology has broad application prospects and market space in the food and beverage industry, playing an important role in every stage from research and development, production, sales to quality control. AI technology improves enterprise production efficiency, helping companies optimize sales models, change product R&D and innovation methods, and profoundly transform the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry. said veteran AI expert Guo Tao.

Previously, Coca-Cola's global creative platform "Lechuang Wujie" launched a brand-new limited product—the first sugar-free Coca-Cola "Future 3000 Years" created in collaboration with AI. It is understood that this is a commercial product involving AI technology from flavor development and packaging design to product promotion.

Many food brands have also adopted AI as a key tool for digital transformation, continuously pushing the boundaries of imagination. Nestlé is one of the earliest food and beverage companies to embrace AI, aiming to boost productivity by providing generative AI for daily office work. At the end of 2023, McDonald's announced a partnership with Google to deploy generative AI to optimize massive data from thousands of restaurants, aiming to improve restaurant operational efficiency.

AI technology is bringing a disruptive technological revolution to the food industry. Beyond providing assistance in daily office work, AI demonstrates astonishing efficiency and "talent" in new product development speed, creative novelty, and consumer taste preferences.

In October 2022, Kraft Heinz released a plant-based cheese developed based on AI technology.

In March 2023, Zhong Xuegao launched an ice pop featuring "AI full-chain creation," with AI technology covering every step from naming and flavor selection to packaging design and product promotion;

In April, Yili launched six AI-made milk packaging designs, corresponding to six keywords: "Sense of Technology, Natural Vitality, Eastern Aesthetics, Futurism, Minimalism, and Innocence";

In May, Wanglaoji launched its first batch of AI-designed jars—"A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains Cans," "Mountain Creek Moonlight Cans," "Climbing High to Gaze at Autumn Cans," and "Pine Soaring to the Clouds Cans."

A relevant person in charge at Wanglaoji once stated, "In production and design, AI technology can provide more diverse ideas and technical assistance. In design, a field that requires great creativity, using AI tools allows companies to efficiently present ideas." ”