The AI in Food and Beverage market is projected to reach USD 311.6 billion by 2033, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.7% from 2024 to 2033. This remarkable growth is fueled by shifting consumer demands for fast, affordable, and conveniently accessible food options.
These evolving preferences are compelling industry leaders to leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to scale their operations and maintain relevance in a dynamic market landscape. Additionally, AI’s pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, minimizing waste, bolstering food safety measures, and enabling personalized nutrition solutions is a significant catalyst driving market expansion.
Presently, North America holds the position of the largest market for AI in the food and beverage industry, commanding a substantial share due to its advanced technological infrastructure and unwavering focus on innovation.
The following are seven prominent companies at the forefront of leveraging AI in the food industry within the United States:
NotCo
NotCo is a Chilean food-tech company founded in 2015 by Matias Muchnick, Pablo Zamora and Karim Pichara.
The company specializes in creating plant-based alternatives to animal-based food products using artificial intelligence. Their proprietary AI platform, named Giuseppe, analyzes the molecular structure of animal products and identifies plant-based ingredients that can replicate the taste, texture, and functionality of these products. NotCo’s product line includes NotMilk, NotBurger, NotChicken, and NotMayo, among others. The company has formed significant partnerships with major brands like Kraft Heinz, Starbucks, and Burger King to expand its reach and impact. NotCo aims to revolutionize the food industry by making sustainable, plant-based foods that are better for the environment without compromising on taste or quality.
Bear Robotics
Bear Robotics, founded in 2017 by John Ha, is a Silicon Valley-based startup that develops autonomous service robots for the hospitality industry.
Their flagship product, Servi, is an AI-powered robot designed to assist restaurant staff by performing tasks such as delivering food and drinks to tables, bussing tables, and enhancing overall customer service. By leveraging advanced AI and robotics technology, Bear Robotics aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance the dining experience. The company operates on a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, offering their robots on a subscription basis, which makes the technology accessible to a broader range of restaurants. Bear Robotics has expanded its market presence in the US, South Korea, and Japan, and continues to innovate in the field of service robotics.
Hungryroot
Hungryroot, founded by Ben Mckean, is a New York-based food startup founded in 2015 that leverages artificial intelligence to provide a personalized grocery and meal delivery service.
The company uses AI to curate grocery lists and recipes tailored to individual dietary preferences, health goals, and cooking habits, significantly simplifying meal planning and reducing food waste. By collecting over 100 data points from each customer, Hungryroot’s AI selects around 70% of the items in a customer’s cart, ensuring a highly personalized and efficient shopping experience. This innovative approach has driven substantial growth, with the company reporting $333 million in revenue and over $9 million in profit in 2023. Hungryroot’s unique model not only enhances customer satisfaction but also contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing food waste.
Innit
Innit, founded by Eugenio Minvielle & Kevin Brown is a food technology platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to offer personalized culinary experiences.
Founded with the mission to revolutionize the way people shop for, prepare, and enjoy their meals, Innit provides intelligent meal planning, personalized recipe recommendations, and seamless integration with smart kitchen appliances. The platform’s AI-driven capabilities analyze users’ dietary preferences, nutritional goals, and cooking habits to suggest tailored recipes and create precise shopping lists, thereby enhancing convenience and reducing food waste. Additionally, Innit collaborates with food retailers and manufacturers to facilitate online shopping and promote healthier eating habits through its comprehensive food tracking and nutritional data features. This holistic approach positions Innit as a transformative force in the food tech industry, aiming to make cooking more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for home cooks.
Brightseed
Brightseed is a biosciences company founded in 2017 by Jim Flatt, Lee Chae, and Sofia Elizondo.
The company leverages its proprietary AI platform, Forager, to discover and map bioactive compounds in plants, microbes, and fungi, connecting them to human health benefits. Brightseed’s mission is to unlock the “dark matter” of nutrition by identifying bioactives that can address chronic diseases and improve overall health. The company has raised $120 million in funding, with significant investments from Temasek, Horizons Ventures, and AgFunder. Brightseed’s first major discovery includes two bioactive compounds, N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (NFT), found in upcycled hemp hulls, which have shown promise in supporting gut health. The company collaborates with industry leaders like Danone, Pharmavite, and ADM to commercialize these discoveries and bring science-backed, natural health solutions to market.
Impossible Foods
Impossible Foods, founded in 2011 by Dr. Patrick O. Brown, is a pioneering food technology company based in Redwood City, California, that develops plant-based substitutes for meat products.
The company’s flagship product, the Impossible Burger, launched in 2016, mimics the taste and texture of beef using ingredients like soy protein concentrate and heme, a molecule derived from plants that gives meat its distinctive flavor. Impossible Foods aims to reduce the environmental impact of meat production by offering sustainable, nutritious, and delicious alternatives. With a mission to address climate change and biodiversity loss, Impossible Foods continues to innovate and grow, making its products available in thousands of grocery stores and restaurants worldwide.
Afresh
Afresh, founded in 2017 by Matt Schwartz and Nathan Fenner is a San Francisco-based company that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize the fresh food supply chain and reduce food waste.
The company’s flagship product, the Fresh Operating System, uses AI-powered recommendations to help grocery stores manage inventory, forecast demand, and place accurate orders for fresh produce, meat, seafood, deli, and other perishable items. This technology has been shown to reduce food waste by approximately 25% and increase sales by 3% on average. Afresh has raised a total of $148 million in funding, including a $115 million Series B round in 2022 led by Spark Capital. The company partners with major grocery chains such as Albertsons, Heinen’s, Bashas’, Cub Foods, and more, serving over 3,000 stores across 40 states. Afresh’s mission is to eliminate food waste and make fresh, nutritious food accessible to all, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.
