Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an important driving force leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. The 2023 Central Economic Work Conference proposed to vigorously promote new industrialization, develop the digital economy, and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence. In recent years, the deep application of AI in the food industry has injected new momentum into industry development. According to data released by market analysis agency 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 all aspects of the food industry, how to view the positive roles and negative impacts of AI in the food sector has also become a hot topic of discussion in the current industry and scientific communities.

Designing formulas, drawing packaging...

AI integrates into the entire food brand chain

At the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence represented by ChatGPT surged into the scene, and a series of "AI+" innovations emerged in the food industry in areas such as marketing, packaging, and products.

"AI technology has broad application prospects and market space in the food and beverage industry, playing an important role in every link from research and development, production, sales to quality control. AI technology improves production efficiency for enterprises, which will help optimize sales models, change product research and innovation methods, and profoundly alter the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry," said senior AI expert Guo Tao.

Previously, Coca-Cola's global creative platform "Coca-Cola Creations" launched a new limited product - the first sugar-free Coca-Cola "Future 3000 Years" co-created with AI. It is understood that this is a commercial product that involves AI technology in flavor development, packaging design, and product promotion.

Many food brands are also using AI as a key means of digital transformation, constantly breaking the boundaries of imagination. Nestlé is one of the first food and beverage companies to enter the AI space, attempting to improve employee 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 the massive data of thousands of restaurants, hoping to improve restaurant operational efficiency.

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

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

In March 2023, Zhong Xuegao launched popsicles marketed as "entirely created by AI," with multiple stages from naming, flavor selection to packaging design and product promotion completed using AI technology.

In April, Yili launched six milk packaging designs created by AI, corresponding to six keywords: "technological sense, natural vitality, Eastern aesthetics, futuristic, minimalism, and childlike innocence."

In May, Wanglaoji launched the first batch of AI self-designed cans - "Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains Can," "Mountain Stream Moonlight Can," "Climbing High to Look at Autumn Can," and "Green Pine Lingyun Can."

A relevant person in charge of Wanglaoji once stated, "In the production and design stages, AI technology can provide more diversified ideas and technical assistance. In a field that requires great creativity like design, using AI tools allows the company to efficiently present ideas."