HealthifyMe unveils revolutionary AI-powered feature to identify Indian dishes and track calories

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September 22, 2023

The Indian health and wellness startup, HealthifyMe, has unveiled a new AI-powered feature that can instantly identify Indian dishes from images, streamlining the process of logging calorie intake. This innovation enables users to monitor their meal consumption with greater efficiency.

Recognizing Indian dishes from images poses a significant challenge due to the extensive diversity in cuisines. Additionally, a considerable portion of the population consumes meals on a traditional plate called a “Thaali” in Hindi, which consists of multiple compartments with various food items. An effective model must accurately identify these items and assess portion sizes.

HealthifyMe has introduced a new feature named Snap, enabling users to capture images of their meals and attempt to identify the food items within the frame. Alternatively, users can grant access to their photo gallery, allowing the app to automatically scan food pictures. Later on, users can review these images and the food items within them, providing the flexibility to capture photos and manage calorie logging at a convenient time.

Regarding privacy, the company explains that the on-device model identifies food pictures and then transmits them to servers for precise dish recognition. Additionally, the company highlights that its gallery-based model performs more effectively since it has more time to accurately recognize food items compared to the option of capturing real-time meal pictures for recognition.

When the model identifies multiple items in an image, Snap will prompt users to tap on a specific item to add it to their calorie tracking. Users will have access to an adjustable rectangular box, allowing them to focus on different items for precise tracking.

According to HealthifyMe’s Co-Founder & CEO, Tushar Vashisht, the company initially began as a food-tracking app nearly 11 years ago, and this remains the main purpose for its free user base.

“It’s hard to engage with food tracking at times because you have to physically type and remember to log food. So we wanted to increase retention and engagement with a feature like Snap,” he said.

Vashisht mentioned that the startup had made attempts to incorporate image-based food recognition over the years. However, with the advancement of improved generative AI models, creating Snap became more streamlined. The company revealed that the feature is presently trained to identify 150,000 Indian food items.

HealthifyMe asserts that it currently provides a 60-70% accuracy rate in automatically recognizing food items. Even when the model doesn’t correctly identify a food item, users receive suggestions regarding the potential identification, according to the company. The company employs human reviewers to address inaccuracies in recognition and make corrections. Furthermore, users have the option to manually tag falsely recognized photos to enhance the model’s performance. Vashisht expressed confidence that within the next month, the model’s accuracy will surpass 80%.

HealthifyMe is not the only player in the field, as other companies are also diving into the realm of AI-powered food recognition. Samsung’s meal planning platform, Samsung Food, is set to unveil a similar feature next year. Additionally, Snapcalorie, a startup led by former Google Lens engineer Wade Norris, is tackling the same challenge with support from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Index Ventures, and Accel.

In the coming weeks, HealthifyMe plans to expand its food logging options for users. With the introduction of Snap, users can now share food pictures with HealthifyMe via WhatsApp or tag them on X using food images. The company is also in the process of developing a voice input feature and enhancing its existing AI-powered assistant, Ria.

HealthifyMe, which has secured over $130 million in funding from investors such as LeapFrog Ventures and Khosla Ventures, offers a fundamental paid plan that begins at $4.80 (INR 399) per month. This plan grants users access to an AI-driven fitness and nutrition assistant, meal planning tools, and a selection of healthy recipes. Additionally, the company provides pro-paid plans starting at $48 per month (INR 4,000), which include advanced features like an AI-powered meal planner, personalized nutrition and fitness coaching, and integration with a smart scale.

The higher tiers of the Pro plans offer additional benefits, including multiple doctor consultations, metabolic panel tests, and access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. Notably, HealthifyMe has amassed a subscriber base of over 200,000 users, with nearly 40% of them choosing the Pro plan.

In 2020, HealthifyMe entered into a collaboration with the Indian food delivery service Swiggy to curate healthier meal options and identify fitness-conscious restaurants. The company is currently in discussions with several other food and grocery services, exploring opportunities to integrate its technology for their benefit.

Chennai food delivery executive selected as Netherlands’ net bowler for ICC World Cup 2023

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September 22, 2023

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The ICC World Cup 2023 is just weeks away, prompting teams to finalize their plans for reaching India, with some already on location to acclimate to the Indian conditions.

Similar to numerous cricket enthusiasts, a Swiggy food delivery executive based in Chennai had the chance to realize his aspirations. He became a member of the Netherlands support staff as a net bowler, according to a report by Times of India.

Lokesh Kumar, a 29-year-old with a background in the food delivery industry since 2018, was selected by the Dutch team as one of the four net bowlers.

According to the report, Lokesh was chosen by the Netherlands management after evaluating approximately 10,000 bowlers from India.

Taking to X, Cricket Netherlands wrote, “Thank you for the overwhelming response to our net bowlers hunt, India. Here are the 4 names who will be part of the team’s #CWC23 preparations. ? @ludimos”

Thank you for the overwhelming response to our net bowlers hunt, India. Here the 4 names who will be part of the team's #CWC23 preparations. ? @ludimos pic.twitter.com/arLmtzICYH
— Cricket?Netherlands (@KNCBcricket) September 19, 2023

Speaking on the selection, Lokesh said, as TOI quoted, “This is one of the most precious moments of my career. I am yet to even play in the TNCA third-division league. I played in the fifth division for four years and I have registered for fourth-division outfit Indian Oil (RO) S&RC for the ongoing season. After being picked by the Netherlands as a net bowler, I feel that my talent has finally been recognized.”

“The Netherlands team members welcomed me with open arms; there was an induction ceremony for the net bowlers before the beginning of the season. The players told us: ‘feel free, this is your dream’. I already feel that I am part of the Dutch family,” he added.

He even said that he was confident that he would make the cut for the camp.

Speaking on his struggle and work timings, he said, “After my college days, my entire focus was on cricket. I spent four years on cricket. In 2018, I decided to take up a job. I have been with Swiggy for the last four years. I earn money only by delivering food; I do not have any other source of income. The work timings are flexible and I can take leave whenever I want to. We usually have TNCA league matches only on the weekends, so O worl during the weekdays.”

Nestlé and Kellogg join forces to introduce breakfast-inspired beverages

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September 22, 2023

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Nestlé and Kellogg have collaborated to introduce two breakfast-inspired beverages under the Frosted Flakes and Eggo brands.

Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes’ cereal-infused milk captures the essence of frosted cornflakes, delivering a creamy dairy finale, according to the company. Simultaneously, Nestlé Sensations Eggo maple waffle-inspired milk is brimming with hints of warm waffles, butter, and maple syrup.

Meaghan Sparkman, Nestlé USA general manager and marketing director for the RTD business unit, said, “Breakfast is synonymous with cereal and waffles, and fans will be able to shake up their morning routine with a drinkable way to enjoy the taste of both. Inspired by two Kellogg classics, Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes Cereal and Sensations Eggo Maple Waffle combine the magic of childhood meals with the delicious flavour of our iconic milk beverages, delivering a delightful taste to our fans nationwide.”

Both items will be accessible at retail outlets across the country, offered at a cost of $2.59 for a 14oz bottle.

The debut of Sensations Frosted Flakes is slated for November, while Sensations Eggo is set to hit store shelves beginning in January 2024.

Users claim overcharging by Swiggy, company attributes it to a tech bug

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September 22, 2023

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A controversy flared up on Thursday as numerous social media users leveled allegations of overpricing against Swiggy. Nevertheless, the prominent foodtech company asserted that no customer had been subjected to overcharges and attributed the problem to a technical glitch.

“We confirm no customers have been overcharged and they have paid the correct amount. This was due to a tech bug, which we have fixed. We continue to deliver thousands of orders every minute to our customers,” a Swiggy spokesperson said.

The issue came to attention when a user posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to report that Swiggy had levied an extra INR 3 during their food order through the app.

Deepak Shenoy, the Founder and CEO of the wealth management startup Capitalmind, also brought attention to the identical problem. He pointed out that although his bill amounted to INR 255.6, he was provided with a bill of INR 259.

Meanwhile, numerous other users went online to voice their concerns, denouncing the incident as a contemporary form of fraud.

Amidst the uproar, Swiggy issued a clarification stating that the order history page of users displayed incorrect discount amounts due to the technical bug. The company further assured that customers had paid the accurate amounts during the checkout process and were not subjected to overcharges.

“Some users may note incorrect discount amounts in their order history page. However, users have actually paid as per the prescribed discount amount during the checkout. Customers have paid the correct amount. This discrepancy in order history and actual paid value is due to a tech bug which our teams have fixed,” said Swiggy on X.

Even Shenoy later acknowledged that the problem “might just be” a display error, as the platform fee of INR 5 was discounted to INR 2 in his bill, thus explaining the remaining amount.

In the midst of this, users also expressed apprehensions regarding the rounding-off mechanism employed by the foodtech platform. In response, the company explained that it “rounded off the billed amount to the nearest whole amount as per the directives from the RBI to minimize any inconvenience to the public and to align with the established banking industry practice.”

The matter arises at a juncture when both Swiggy and its competitor, Zomato, have recently introduced platform fees of INR 2-3 as part of their efforts to bolster their earnings and enhance their financial performance.

Also Read: Zomato extends platform fee to wider user base, implements INR 3 charge in select cities

Tech-Driven Growth: Essential Technologies for Scaling Your Brand

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September 22, 2023

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Technology is the driving factor behind growth and scalability in today’s fast-paced corporate world. Whether you’re a startup wanting to scale or an established brand looking to expand, including the correct technology into your operations is crucial.

Cloud Computing

Embracing cloud computing, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, is paramount for scaling your brand. Cloud infrastructure provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. It enables your business to expand or contract resources on-demand, ensuring you only pay for what you use.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Harnessing the power of data analytics and business intelligence tools can unlock invaluable insights. These technologies allow you to analyze customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency. Implement solutions like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategies.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Building and nurturing customer relationships is at the core of growth. CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM help you manage interactions, track leads, and personalize communication. These tools enhance customer engagement, leading to higher retention rates and increased sales.

E-commerce Platforms

If your business involves selling products online, choosing the right e-commerce platform is vital. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento offer customizable solutions that streamline the online shopping experience, manage inventory, and handle transactions efficiently.

Marketing Automation

Marketing automation tools like Marketo, Mailchimp, or HubSpot Marketing Hub empower your brand to deliver targeted and personalized marketing campaigns at scale. Automate email marketing, lead nurturing, and customer segmentation to reach the right audience with the right message.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are transforming businesses across industries. Implement AI-driven solutions to enhance customer service through chatbots, optimize supply chain management, and analyze large datasets for predictive insights. AI technologies can automate tasks, save time, and improve decision-making.

Cybersecurity Solutions

As your brand scales, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Protect your business from cyber threats with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security solutions. Prioritize data privacy to maintain customer trust.

Collaboration and Communication Tools

Effective teamwork is essential for growth. Collaboration and communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom facilitate remote work, streamline project management, and improve internal communication. They enable teams to work seamlessly across geographic boundaries.

In today’s competitive business landscape, technology is the linchpin of growth and scalability. By embracing cloud computing, leveraging data analytics, nurturing customer relationships with CRM systems, and employing automation and AI technologies, your brand can efficiently expand its reach and offerings. Additionally, cybersecurity measures, e-commerce platforms, and collaboration tools ensure your operations remain secure and agile.

To stay ahead in the digital era, it’s imperative to adapt to the ever-evolving tech-driven landscape. Continuously assess your technology stack, invest in innovation, and align your brand’s growth strategy with the right technologies. By doing so, your brand can not only scale efficiently but also thrive in the rapidly changing business environment.

Emerging Voices: Strategies for Building Effective Communication as a New Brand

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September 22, 2023

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Launching a new brand into the competitive business arena can be both exhilarating and daunting. As an emerging voice, you have a unique opportunity to shape your identity and connect with your target audience. Effective communication is the bridge that will carry your brand’s message to the hearts and minds of your potential customers.

Define Your Brand’s Voice and Identity

Before communicating with your audience, you must have a clear understanding of who your brand is and what it stands for. Define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. Are you youthful and innovative, or reliable and traditional? Understanding your identity will guide your communication strategies.

Know Your Audience Inside Out

Effective communication begins with understanding your target audience. Conduct thorough market research to identify their needs, pain points, and preferences. Create detailed buyer personas that represent your ideal customers, including demographics, behaviors, and aspirations.

Craft a Compelling Brand Story

People love stories, and your brand’s story can be a powerful tool. Share the journey that led to the creation of your brand, highlighting the problems you aim to solve and the impact you aspire to make. A compelling narrative can help consumers connect with your mission on a personal level.

Build a Consistent Visual Identity

Visual elements, such as logos, color schemes, and design aesthetics, play a significant role in brand recognition. Ensure that your visual identity is consistent across all communication channels, from your website and social media profiles to packaging and promotional materials.

Leverage Digital Platforms

In the digital age, your online presence is pivotal. Create a user-friendly website, optimize it for search engines (SEO), and establish a strong social media presence. Share valuable content that aligns with your brand’s values and resonates with your audience.

Engage in Content Marketing

Content marketing is a valuable tool for new brands to showcase their expertise and provide value to their audience. Publish blog posts, videos, and other forms of content that address your audience’s needs and interests. Consistency is key to building trust.

Harness the Power of Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with influencers in your niche can give your brand a significant boost. Seek out influencers who align with your values and target audience. Their endorsement can introduce your brand to a broader, engaged audience.

Listen and Adapt

Effective communication is a two-way street. Listen to your audience’s feedback and engage in conversations with them. Be open to adapting your strategies based on their input and evolving market trends.

Building effective communication as a new brand requires careful planning, a deep understanding of your identity and audience, and a commitment to consistency. By crafting a compelling brand story, leveraging digital platforms, engaging in content marketing, and listening to your audience, you can establish a strong presence and create meaningful connections. Remember, as an emerging voice, you have the opportunity to shape perceptions and build lasting relationships, so make every communication count in your brand’s journey to success.

Beyond Transactions: Strategies for Cultivating Lasting Consumer Relationships

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September 22, 2023

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In today’s commercial world, success goes well beyond the moment of sale. It is no longer sufficient to regard customers as one-time transaction possibilities. Instead, thriving firms understand the importance of developing long-term consumer connections.

Personalized Experiences

One of the most effective ways to move beyond transactions is to personalize every interaction with your customers. Leverage data analytics to understand their preferences, purchase history, and behaviors. Use this information to tailor product recommendations, marketing messages, and even customer support interactions. When consumers feel understood and valued as individuals, they are more likely to remain loyal.

Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of lasting relationships. Train your customer support team to be responsive, empathetic, and solution-oriented. Resolve issues promptly, go the extra mile to assist customers, and actively seek feedback to continuously improve your service. Positive service experiences are memorable and contribute to consumer loyalty.

Loyalty Programs

Implementing a well-designed loyalty program can be a powerful tool for fostering lasting relationships. Offer rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to loyal customers. The sense of belonging to an exclusive club encourages repeat business and increases customer retention.

Consistent Brand Messaging

Ensure that your brand messaging remains consistent across all touchpoints. From your website and social media profiles to advertising campaigns and product packaging, a cohesive brand message reinforces your values and mission. Consistency builds trust, which is essential for long-term relationships.

Content Marketing and Education

Establish yourself as a trusted source of information in your industry. Create valuable content that educates and informs your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, webinars, or informative videos, offering useful resources builds credibility and keeps consumers engaged even when they’re not making immediate purchases.

Feedback Loops

Actively seek feedback from your customers and use it to shape your products, services, and business operations. Show that you value their opinions and are committed to making improvements based on their input. Consumers appreciate being part of a brand’s growth and evolution.

Surprise and Delight

Surprise your customers with unexpected gestures of appreciation. It could be a personalized thank-you note, a small gift, or an exclusive preview of upcoming products. These unexpected moments of delight create positive associations with your brand.

Cultivating lasting consumer relationships goes far beyond a simple exchange of goods or services for payment. It involves personalized experiences, exceptional customer service, loyalty programs, consistent messaging, educational content, feedback integration, and the occasional surprise and delight. Brands like Zappos have proven that these strategies can lead to customer loyalty and advocacy, which in turn, translate into sustained business success. Remember, in today’s world, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about nurturing a bond that lasts for the long haul.

Feeding Your Sales Funnel: Strategies for Generating Leads in the Food Industry

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September 22, 2023

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In the fast-paced and ever-changing food sector, creating a steady supply of high-quality leads is critical to development and profitability. Having a comprehensive sales funnel loaded with potential consumers is critical whether you’re a restaurateur, food manufacturer, distributor, or supplier.

Leverage the Power of Social Media

In an age where food photos dominate social feeds, harnessing the potential of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is a must. Share visually appealing content showcasing your food products, restaurant dishes, or culinary expertise. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and hosting interactive contests or challenges.

Create and Share Mouthwatering Content

Content marketing can be a game-changer in the food industry. Regularly publish blog posts, recipes, cooking tips, and videos that resonate with your target audience. Share your passion for food and provide value by addressing common culinary questions or challenges.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with food influencers can significantly expand your reach. These influencers often have a dedicated following who trust their recommendations. Invite them to review your products or dine at your restaurant. Their endorsement can drive interested customers your way.

Optimize Your Website for Local Search

For restaurants and local food businesses, local search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Ensure that your website is optimized for local keywords, and create a Google My Business profile. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, which can boost your visibility in local search results.

Attend Food and Trade Shows

Participating in food and trade shows provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your products and network with industry professionals. These events can be a goldmine for generating B2B leads, especially if you’re a supplier or distributor.

Offer Tastings and Samples

For food producers and manufacturers, offering tastings and samples can be an effective way to introduce potential customers to your products. Attend farmers’ markets, food festivals, and local events to engage with your target audience directly.

Email Marketing and Loyalty Programs

Build a database of customer email addresses and use email marketing to nurture leads. Offer exclusive discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business. Personalize your emails to make customers feel valued.

In the competitive food industry, generating leads is a continuous process that requires creativity, dedication, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By leveraging the power of social media, content marketing, influencers, local SEO, and more, you can fill your sales funnel with potential customers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. Remember, the goal isn’t just to gain leads but to convert them into loyal patrons who savor your food and become advocates for your brand, ultimately leading to long-term success in the food business.

Crafting the Perfect Sales Journey: Steps to Design Your Product’s Sales Process

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September 22, 2023

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A well-crafted sales process is like a finely tuned machine in the business world; it can take a potential consumer from first awareness to a pleased, devoted champion of your company. Creating the ideal sales journey is a deliberate endeavor that may make or break your product’s success.

Know Your Customer Inside Out

Before you can design an effective sales journey, you must have an intimate understanding of your target audience. What are their pain points, desires, and purchasing behavior? Conduct thorough market research and create buyer personas to guide your efforts. The better you know your customers, the more tailored and successful your sales process will be.

Map Out the Customer Journey

Visualize the path your customers take from the moment they become aware of your product to the point of purchase and beyond. Identify touchpoints and interactions they have with your brand. This mapping exercise provides a clear blueprint for your sales process and highlights areas that need improvement or enhancement.

Create a Consistent Brand Experience

Consistency is key. Ensure that every interaction a customer has with your brand, be it through your website, social media, or sales team, aligns with your brand’s values and messaging. A cohesive brand experience builds trust and credibility.

Craft Compelling Content

Content marketing is a powerful tool in the sales journey. Create high-quality content that educates, informs, and engages your audience. From blog posts and videos to ebooks and webinars, offer valuable resources that guide potential customers toward a purchasing decision.

Implement a CRM System

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is invaluable for managing and nurturing leads. It allows you to track interactions, set reminders, and automate follow-up processes. This not only saves time but also ensures no potential customer falls through the cracks.

Train and Empower Your Sales Team

Invest in training and development for your sales team. Equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively communicate your product’s value proposition and address customer concerns. Empowered salespeople build stronger customer relationships.

Monitor, Measure, and Iterate

Continuously monitor your sales process’s performance. Use analytics to track conversion rates, identify bottlenecks, and assess the effectiveness of your strategies. Based on these insights, be prepared to adapt and refine your sales journey as needed.

Case Study: Amazon

Amazon’s sales journey is a prime example of excellence. They have perfected the art of personalized recommendations based on user behavior, making the purchasing process effortless and enjoyable. Their seamless checkout process, backed by robust customer reviews and quick shipping options, has created a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.

Designing the perfect sales journey for your product is an ongoing endeavor that requires a deep understanding of your customers, a commitment to consistency, and a willingness to adapt. By following these steps and learning from successful examples like Amazon, you can craft a sales process that not only converts leads into customers but also nurtures lasting relationships. Remember, a well-crafted sales journey isn’t just about making a sale; it’s about creating satisfied customers who become brand advocates, driving sustained success for your business.

Joe Coffee teams up with NotCo to elevate coffee experience with NotMilk Barista

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September 21, 2023

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Joe Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster headquartered in New York, has joined forces with NotCo, a Chilean food tech company, to substitute their almond milk with NotCo’s Barista plant-based milk, known as NotMilk.

NotCo announced that this collaboration signifies the debut of NotMilk Barista’s presence in U.S. coffeehouses.

At Joe Coffee’s various New York City locations, they have opted to utilize the rich and creamy NotMilk Barista as a replacement for almond milk on their menus.

NotCo mentioned that their fresh plant-based milk is crafted from a combination of chickpeas and oats. This offers customers a low-sugar choice and a creamier, frothier plant-based substitute to enhance their Joe Coffee experience.

The foam-friendly and exceptionally smooth NotMilk Barista is reputed to excel in both hot and cold foaming, making it perfect for creating velvety textures. Additionally, it exhibits impressive stability when used for crafting intricate latte art designs.

NotCo CEO and Founder Matias Muchnick said, “NotMilk Barista allows plant-based coffee lovers the opportunity to enjoy the full, frothy latte experience without compromising on taste, look, feel and functionality.

“Joining hands with Joe Coffee as our initial outlet allows us to give consumers the most elevated, plant-based coffee experience – one that not only tastes better but is better for the planet.”

NotCo is actively seeking to broaden its alternative protein ventures by forming strategic partnerships with major food chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, Starbucks, and Papa John’s. In addition to these partnerships, NotCo has also joined forces with Cafe Daily Provisions, a New York-based establishment owned by Danny Meyer.

Shake Shack recently collaborated with NotCo to introduce a new line of non-dairy chocolate shake and non-dairy frozen chocolate custard in the US, using NotMilk as a key ingredient.

The food technology company offers its AI platform, Giuseppe, through its Business-to-Business (B2B) Unit to assist other Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands in curating their innovations.

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