In a world where personalized experiences are increasingly central to consumer satisfaction, Ben McKean has built Hungryroot into a leader in personalized grocery.
into a leader in the personalized grocery service industry. McKean, who founded the company in 2015, shares his journey from a traditional packaged food business to a cutting-edge, AI-driven platform that tailors grocery shopping to customers’ goals and preferences. In this interview, McKean discusses the pivotal moments that shaped Hungryroot ’s success, the role of AI in revolutionizing food delivery, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to disrupt industries.
There were two reasons for this shift. First, convenience. People don’t want to buy yogurt from one website, ice cream from another, and fresh produce from yet another. They want a one-stop shop. Second, order value. Delivering food directly to consumers is expensive, and larger orders improve the economics for both the company and the customer.
Hungryroot, on the other hand, has always focused on demand-side innovation. We aim to create the best possible shopping experience for customers, while outsourcing as much of the supply side as possible. This approach took a few years to refine. Initially, in 2017, we were producing all our food ourselves. At the time, we offered about 30 SKUs, ranging from chopped produce to sauces to baked goods. Managing such a diverse supply chain was overly complex and inefficient.
In 2019, we built an operations research algorithm, a subfield of AI, which allowed us to encode human logic and hard constraints into our system. For example, if an item isn’t in stock, the algorithm knows not to recommend it. If a customer indicates they’re vegan, it ensures non-vegan products aren’t suggested, no matter how much the system might think they’d enjoy them.
SmartCart encourages customer engagement, such as reviewing and adjusting their carts or rating items. This feedback is invaluable for improving the system. The branding has fostered positive reactions and engagement. For example, in our Facebook group of over 30,000 customers, people now discuss the algorithm’s improvements. This focus on benefits, rather than technical jargon, has resonated well.Our COVID story is unique.
Despite all this planning, 70% of what we buy at the grocery store is the same as the week before. The challenge of meal planning leads us to fall back on what’s familiar. However, 30% of what we buy ends up being thrown out because it spoils before we can use it. And yet, 82% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, meaning our food choices are often harming our health. While not everyone fits this mold, the majority of Americans struggle to make good food choices. AI can address most of this.
AI Artificial Intelligence Personalization
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. Learns He's Starting While Grocery ShoppingAtlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. received the news that he would be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season while shopping at Costco with his girlfriend.
Read more »
Last-Minute Grocery Shopping for Christmas: What's Open?This article provides information about grocery store hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, emphasizing the need for early shopping due to limited availability. It also mentions that some gas stations and convenience stores might remain open on Christmas Day.
Read more »
The European Grocery Shopping Method: Less is MoreThis article explores the European grocery shopping method, a trend on TikTok that encourages a more intentional and pared-down approach to buying groceries. It contrasts this method with typical American grocery shopping habits and highlights its benefits like reduced waste, affordability, and enjoyment.
Read more »
Tom Holland Breaks Up a Fight at Whole Foods While Grocery ShoppingActor Tom Holland revealed he sometimes has to use his Spider-Man alter ego in real life, sharing a story about breaking up a fight at a Los Angeles Whole Foods market. Holland said one of the men involved recognized him instantly and seemed conflicted between his anger and the calming influence of Spider-Man. He also confirmed that the fourth Spider-Man film is in development and set to start shooting next summer.
Read more »
Tom Holland Breaks Up a Fight While Grocery ShoppingTom Holland, star of the Spider-Man franchise, shared a story about breaking up a fight at a Whole Foods while out grocery shopping. He also revealed updates about the upcoming 'Spider-Man 4' movie, including its release date and production status.
Read more »
21 Editor-Loved Anthropologie Gifts (Yes, There’s Still Time)Our shopping editors handpicked the best gifts from Anthropologie to complete your holiday shopping.
Read more »