In the fast-paced world of travel retail, keeping up with consumer demands and technological advancements is imperative. Avolta, the largest travel retailer globally, has instituted a transformative step towards fostering innovation with the launch of Avolta Next. This innovation hub in Milan is designed specifically for food and beverage (F&B) startups, providing them the platform to develop ideas that can significantly enhance the traveler experience. By merging the creativity of startups with industry expertise, Avolta Next aims to explore new avenues in the F&B sector, positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving travel landscape.
Having taken a year to materialize, Avolta Next has already welcomed five startups, with plans to expand its portfolio further. This initiative was prompted by a successful blueprint from Aeroporti di Roma’s innovation hub, which showcased the power of collaborative environments for incubation. Avolta Next’s primary mission is not merely to encourage innovation but to create a thriving community of thinkers and doers who can address the unique challenges of the travel sector with novel solutions.
Avolta Next’s opening was marked by a global search for innovative ideas specifically targeting the F&B and transportation industries. This initiative attracted more than 100 applications from diverse geographical locations, illustrating the widespread interest in reimagining these sectors. After rigorous evaluation, five standout companies were selected to participate, each bringing their unique technological capabilities and creative concepts to the hub.
These startups, operating within a space adjacent to Autogrill’s Factory Food Designers, are positioned to collaborate closely to develop groundbreaking projects. For instance, one of the teams, GANIGA INNOVATION, is pioneering waste management solutions utilizing advanced artificial intelligence. By integrating robotics and generative AI, their product, Hoooly!, stands to revolutionize waste separation in travel settings while promoting sustainability—a pressing concern in today’s world.
The cohort of startups at Avolta Next is diverse, showcasing the breadth of innovation in the F&B space. GEORADIO, another participant, has crafted an engaging travel podcast platform, freeLoquis, which hosts millions of listeners and connects them with stories from around the globe. This platform not only provides valuable travel insights and highlights local cuisine but also adds a layer of personalization to the traveler’s experience.
Meanwhile, PLASTIZ works to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste. Their cutting-edge thermoforming technology produces aesthetically pleasing panels suitable for interior design—a vital consideration for retail and hospitality environments that aspire to create inviting atmospheres. These initiatives signal a commitment to sustainability that resonates with the modern consumer and aligns with the broader goals of both Avolta and the participating startups.
The innovations being explored at Avolta Next also encompass AI-led initiatives. Sensei, yet another startup within the program, is pioneering autonomous shopping technology inspired by Amazon’s Just Walk Out concept. With its application in fully autonomous supermarkets in Brazil, Sensei represents a future where travelers can enjoy seamless purchasing experiences without traditional checkout processes—an enticing prospect for the fast-paced travel environment.
Moreover, SIMPLY SFA is transforming the way flavor profiles are developed. By leveraging advanced taste-analysis platforms, they can optimize recipes through detailed consumer preference data. This approach is crucial in ensuring that F&B products cater to the ever-evolving tastes of global travelers, setting a standard for future product development in airport retail.
As Avolta Next paves the path for innovation, key figures within Avolta express a strong belief in nurturing emerging businesses. Alessandro Benetton, chairman of Edizione, highlighted the significance of fostering environments that nurture brilliant ideas into successful businesses. CEO Xavier Rossinyol echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between established companies and startups to enhance traveler experiences through utilizing global data, innovative technologies, and a fresh perspective on customer engagement.
Looking ahead, Avolta Next aims to expand its outreach further across the travel retail sector, providing fertile ground for new concepts to flourish. Through this initiative, Avolta is not only seeking to replicate successes elsewhere but is committed to nurturing the next generation of industry champions.
Avolta Next stands as a beacon of potential for F&B startups, fueling innovation through collaboration and a focus on sustainability. As the travel industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these highlight the critical intersections of creativity, technology, and consumer demand, paving the way for a brighter future in travel retail.
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