The food and beverage (F&B) industry is witnessing a revolutionary shift, partly attributed to innovative platforms like Avolta Next, an incubator launched by Avolta—the largest travel retailer globally. Nestled in the vibrant city of Milan, Avolta Next aims to catalyze creativity and innovation in F&B concepts that cater to the ever-changing consumer landscape within travel retail. This initiative marks a significant departure from traditional frameworks, aspiring to intertwine technology and entrepreneurship to enhance the traveler experience.
After a year of planning and groundwork, Avolta Next has officially opened its doors, welcoming its first five startups into a collaborative workspace. Spanning 2,400 square feet, this hub is strategically located alongside Autogrill’s Factory Food Designers, a creative nucleus where avant-garde F&B products are conceptualized. The synergy between Avolta Next and Factory Food Designers allows these startups to benefit from established industry expertise while fostering an environment conducive to outstanding innovation.
The initiative’s genesis draws inspiration from similar models in other global hubs, particularly Aeroporti di Roma’s innovation center, which successfully paved the way for collaborative projects in the travel sector. The overarching aim is clear: to establish a community of agile innovators who will leverage technology to enhance the travel experience by working closely with industry experts.
The five selected startups represent a microcosm of the various segments within the F&B sphere. Each company integrates cutting-edge technologies to address key areas in sustainability, consumer engagement, and operational efficiency. For instance, GANIGA INNOVATION utilizes artificial intelligence to transform waste management, offering a robotic solution that enhances recycling efforts while delivering insightful analytics to boost sustainability practices.
Another noteworthy startup is GEORADIO, which has turned its travel podcasting platform freeLoquis into a storytelling phenomenon, boasting millions of listeners across linguistically diverse categories such as food and drink. These podcasts not only offer rich narratives about global cultures but also serve as an engaging vehicle for promoting local F&B experiences to travelers.
The third startup, PLASTIZ, addresses the burgeoning issue of plastic waste by employing innovative thermoforming techniques to create aesthetically appealing interior design panels. By tackling sustainability, PLASTIZ contributes meaningfully to the industry’s shift towards environmentally conscious practices.
Technology further intersects with F&B through SENSEI, which proposes an advanced AI-driven shopping experience reminiscent of Amazon’s Just Walk Out model. Avolta is looking to translate this successful concept into the European market by aligning with ingenious startups like SENSEI.
The final startup, SIMPLY SFA, brings a fresh approach to taste analysis. By employing consumer-centric methodologies, this company aids in the development of products that are not only palatable but are also aligned with evolving consumer preferences, emphasizing the importance of sensory experiences in the F&B sector.
Avolta Next operates with a clear focus on nurturing talent and fostering collaboration among startups and established players. Alessandro Benetton, the chairman of the holding company Edizione, emphasizes that “every great idea needs a nurturing environment,” positioning Avolta Next as a critical incubator for translating innovative thoughts into tangible products.
The leadership at Avolta highlights the importance of agility in their approach to innovation. As stated by CEO Xavier Rossinyol, the integration of new technologies, global data insights, and collaborative efforts is paramount for redefining the travel experience. By engaging with a slew of startups, Avolta’s aim is to swiftly identify promising ideas that resonate with the traveling consumer’s pulse.
The establishment of Avolta Next is a clear indication of the company’s ambition to revolutionize the travel retail landscape. By nurturing a new generation of F&B startups, Avolta aims not only to strengthen its own portfolio but also to elevate the entire travel experience for consumers globally.
As the retail industry continues to evolve, the successful curation of ideas, products, and services that lend themselves to scalability remains a vital undertaking. With future calls for innovative ideas on the horizon, Avolta Next exemplifies a strategic move towards a future replete with possibilities in the travel and F&B sectors. As Avolta continues to explore investment opportunities in promising startups, the potential for transformative breakthroughs in travel retail appears limitless, echoing the sentiment that innovation is key to staying ahead in this dynamic market.
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