The landscape of the food and beverage (F&B) industry is witnessing a significant transformation, epitomized by the launch of Avolta Next, a pioneering innovation hub established by Avolta, the globe’s largest travel retailer. Located in Milan, this initiative was a year in the making and recently welcomed its first cohort of five diverse startups. The ambition of Avolta is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that leverages technology and creative thinking to elevate the travel experience through innovative F&B solutions. This article delves into how Avolta Next aims to achieve its objectives and the innovative startups it has begun to incubate.
Avolta Next was inspired by the successful innovation efforts at Aeroporti di Roma. The initiative is driven by the vision of fostering a collaborative community where imaginative minds converge to develop projects that enhance traveler experiences. By focusing on the F&B sector, the hub is responding to the increasing demand for novel experiences among travelers. According to Avolta, the mission is twofold: to serve the practical needs of travelers and to provide a platform where startups can thrive under the guidance of industry veterans.
Avolta’s call for innovative ideas resonated broadly, receiving over 100 submissions from entrepreneurs across four continents. After a rigorous selection process, five distinct startups were chosen to set up shop in a well-equipped 2,400 square foot hub. Located adjacent to Autogrill’s Factory Food Designers, where new culinary concepts are regularly explored, the new facility is poised to become a powerhouse for creative F&B solutions catered to modern travelers.
These five chosen startups are not only diverse but also address critical issues within the F&B landscape, utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
1. **GANIGA INNOVATION**: Pioneering technological integration, this startup has developed Hoooly!, an advanced waste management solution that employs artificial intelligence and robotics. By automating waste separation and providing actionable analytics, GANIGA aims to revolutionize waste management practices in the F&B sectors.
2. **GEORADIO**: This innovative platform hosts travel podcasts tailored to millions of global listeners. With content spanning seven languages and various themes—including food and drink—GEORADIO connects travelers to the culinary richness of their destinations.
3. **PLASTIZ**: Functioning at the intersection of design and sustainability, Plastiz develops aesthetically appealing panels through thermoforming techniques. This initiative seeks to tackle plastic waste constructively through interior design solutions.
4. **SENSEI**: Emulating Amazon’s groundbreaking Just Walk Out technology, SENSEI is designed to redefine the grocery shopping experience. The startup has already seen its technology applied in fully autonomous supermarkets and aims to optimize efficiency for brick-and-mortar F&B retailers.
5. **SIMPLY SFA**: Focused on sensory analysis, Simply SFA provides tools for advanced taste analysis. Through customized testing of flavors, aromas, and visual elements, this startup empowers producers to refine recipes and cater to consumer preferences more effectively.
The establishment of Avolta Next represents a strategic pivot towards innovation as key to competitive advantage in travel retail. Alessandro Benetton, chairman of Edizione, remarked on the significance of nurturing creative ideas within a supportive environment, with aspirations of developing new global champions. Xavier Rossinyol, CEO of Avolta, emphasized the importance of collaboration with startups to swiftly enhance traveler experiences through new technologies and data-driven insights.
As Avolta Next seeks to mimic the success of Autogrill within the travel retail space, it faces the challenge of identifying startups and innovations that resonate with the traveling public. The goal is to not only refine existing concepts but also scale them to meet the evolving demands of international travelers.
The implications of Avolta Next extend beyond the immediate cohort of startups. Avolta plans to broaden its scope, making calls for further innovative proposals across diverse sectors in the travel retail space. The company intends to invest in promising businesses on a case-by-case basis, whether through equity stakes or full acquisitions.
With an evolving landscape, the travel retail industry requires agility and foresight. Avolta, through Avolta Next, is strategically positioned to lead the charge in blending innovation with consumer demand. The travel sector will be watching closely as these startups venture forth, poised to redefine how travelers interact with food and beverage options on their journeys. The future of travel retail seems to be on track for a transformative shift, thanks to initiatives like Avolta Next.