Bits and Bites

Recently the IBM supercomputer Watson (which first appeared on Jeopardy! in 2008) was doing some creative computing using algorithms to make meals.

“The system begins by capturing and analyzing tens of thousands of ingredient pairings and dish composition, which it rearranges and redesigns into new recipes. It then cross references these with data on the flavor compounds found in ingredients, and the psychology of people’s likes and dislikes…to model how the human palate might respond to different combinations of flavors,” according to a statement on IBM’s company website.

A little closer to home we see the internet of everything moving into the home refrigerator. The wifi connected device has a touch screen on the door, monitors what is inside, how long it has been there and it will even find you a recipe using what you have on hand.

We need to be conscious of these trends. As the apps develop it will be exceedingly important that fresh produce be a crucial part of the recipe. We have to realize that much of what we sell is not just a piece of produce, but an ingredient in a meal.