Ai efficiencies
Ai’s influence is taking hold of every industry, and food and drink is no different. In the realm of inflation specifically, the Future Laboratory discussed examples of food delivery services using Ai to help consumers find affordable and nutritious food as fast as possible. Inflation Cookbook (a Canadian delivery service), monitors prices of 40+ items across 80+ locations nationwide. It then selects 10 items with reduced prices, to craft budget-friendly recipes, catering to cost-conscious consumers.
Brand: The Inflation Cookbook/Image source: mugglehead.com
Cost allies
It was refreshing to hear, that even in the realm of price, brands are choosing to side with consumers; empowering them to make better financial decisions. Edeka, a German supermarket group, recently launched a food waste prevention initiative, offering shoppers valuable insights to minimise waste and maximise their grocery budgets. Meanwhile, French retailer Carrefour is tackling deceptive pricing head-on with shrinkflation labels, ensuring shoppers are informed and suppliers are held accountable.
Brand: Edeka/Image source: Oktakite
Make me Feel
In an age of introspection, The Future Laboratory highlighted opportunities to tap into different emotional states as a way of providing value beyond the functional and obvious. The beverage category was cited as an exemplary category that has successfully positioned products to benefit mental health not just physical. Emotional Utility Beverage, a US functional beverage brand, are crafting drinks with brain-boosting ingredients linked to feelings of euphoria and focus.
Brand: Emotional Utility Beverage Image sources: The Dieline alimentarium.orgalimentarium.org
Green gains
Contrary to popular assumptions; sustainable products don’t always equal higher price. The Future Laboratory revealed how aligning with nature can actually lead to cost efficiencies. Take the Solar kitchen pop-up restaurant in Helsinki, for instance, harnessing the power of the sun to cook its entire menu. Whether it’s sunny barbecues or overcast comfort foods, this eco-friendly approach is a win-win for both the planet and the pocket.
Economic instability doesn’t have to spell bad fate. On the contrary, it should, as evidenced in the brands above, provide impetus for brands to reinvent themselves. Ultimately finding creative, new ways to connect and communicate value to consumers.
Brand: Solar Kitchen Image source: Designboom/alimentarium.org
