Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driving force behind the new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. At the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference, it was proposed to vigorously promote new-type industrialization, develop the digital economy, and accelerate the advancement of AI. In recent years, the deep integration of AI into the food industry has injected new momentum into its development. According to data released by market analysis firm Mordor Intelligence, the application value of AI in the food and beverage market is projected to reach US$29.94 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2026 exceeding 45.77%. As AI increasingly permeates all aspects of the food industry, how to view AI’s positive and negative impacts on the food sector has become a hot topic of discussion within both industry and scientific communities.

Designing recipes, drawing packaging...

AI Integration Across the Entire Food Brand Value Chain

At the beginning of 2023, AI—led by ChatGPT—made a powerful debut, and the food industry saw a surge of “AI+” innovations across multiple areas, including marketing, packaging, and product development.

“AI technology holds vast application prospects and market potential in the food and beverage industry, playing a crucial role in every stage—from R&D and production to sales and quality control. AI technology has boosted enterprise productivity, will help companies optimize their sales models, transform their product development and innovation approaches, and profoundly reshape the competitive landscape of the food and beverage industry,” said Guo Tao, a seasoned artificial intelligence expert.

Previously, Coca-Cola’s global creative platform “Le Chuang Wu Jie” launched a brand-new limited-edition product—the first sugar-free Coca-Cola co-created with AI, titled “Future 3000 Years.” According to reports, this commercial product features AI technology throughout its entire lifecycle, from flavor development and packaging design to product promotion.

Many food brands are also leveraging AI as a key driver of digital transformation, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Nestlé is one of the earliest food and beverage companies to embrace AI, having introduced generative AI tools to its employees for everyday office tasks in an effort to boost productivity. At the end of 2023, McDonald's announced a partnership with Google, planning to deploy generative AI to optimize the massive amounts of data generated by its thousands of restaurants, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency.

AI technology is bringing about a disruptive technological revolution in the food industry. Beyond providing assistance in daily office tasks, AI demonstrates remarkable efficiency and “talent” in speeding up new product development, enhancing creative originality, and accurately gauging consumer taste preferences.

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

In March 2023, Zhong Xue Gao launched an ice pop featuring “AI-powered end-to-end development” as its key selling point. From naming and flavor selection to packaging design and product promotion, every stage of this product’s development relied on AI technology.

In April, Yili launched six milk packaging designs created by AI, each corresponding to one of six keywords: “tech-inspired,” “natural vitality,” “Eastern aesthetics,” “futuristic,” “minimalist,” and “childlike innocence.”

In May, Wang Laoji launched its first batch of AI-designed cans—“Thousand-Li Rivers and Mountains Can,” “Mountain Stream Moonlight Can,” “Ascending Heights to Gaze at Autumn Can,” and “Green Pine Soaring into the Clouds Can.”

A relevant official from Wang Laoji once stated, “In the production and design stages, AI technology can provide more diversified ideas and technical support. In a field like design, which demands immense creativity, using AI tools enables companies to efficiently bring their creative concepts to life.”