Artificial intelligence (AI) is a major driving force behind the 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 development of artificial intelligence. In recent years, the in-depth application of AI in the food industry has injected new impetus into industry development. Data released by market analysis agency Mordor Intelligence shows that the application value of artificial intelligence in the food and beverage market is expected to reach US$29.94 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of over 45.77% from 2021 to 2026. With AI penetrating all aspects of the food industry, how to view the positive and negative impacts of AI in the food field has become a hot topic of discussion in the current industry and scientific circles.

Designing recipes, creating packaging...

AI integrated into the entire food brand chain

At the beginning of 2023, artificial intelligence, represented by ChatGPT, made a strong impact, and the food industry saw a batch of "AI+" creative ideas in 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, and sales to quality control. AI technology improves enterprise production efficiency, helps enterprises optimize sales models, changes their product research and development and innovation methods, and profoundly changes the market competition pattern of the food and beverage industry." Senior AI expert Guo Tao said.

Previously, Coca-Cola's global creative platform "Le Chuang Wu Jie" launched a new limited-edition product—the first sugar-free Coca-Cola, "Future 3000," jointly created with AI. It is understood that this is a commercial product in which AI technology participated in aspects from flavor development and packaging design to product promotion.

Many food brands also use AI as a key means of digital transformation, constantly pushing the boundaries of imagination. Nestlé is one of the first food and beverage companies to enter the AI field, trying to improve employee productivity by providing generative AI for daily office work. At the end of 2023, McDonald's announced a collaboration with Google, planning 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 has shown amazing efficiency and "talent" in new product development speed, creative novelty, and understanding consumer taste preferences.

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

In March 2023, Zhong Xue Gao launched an ice pop with the selling point of "AI full-chain creation." This product relied on AI technology for multiple aspects, from naming and flavor selection to packaging design and product promotion.

In April, Yili launched 6 milk packaging designs created by AI, corresponding to 6 keywords: "technology, natural vitality, oriental aesthetics, futurism, minimalism, and childlike innocence."

In May, Wanglaoji launched its first batch of AI-designed cans—"Qianli Jiangshan Can," "Shanxi Yuese Can," "Deng Gao Wangqiu Can," and "Qingsong Lingyun Can."

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