Sodexo explores the future of food services at the CES Las Vegas

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas isn't just a hub for cutting-edge technology; it's a dynamic intersection where Innovation merges seamlessly now with the future of food. In 2024, the CES unveiled strong trends in food technology that promise to transform our catering services. As the leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, Sodexo is at the forefront of these trends. We are eagerly adopting groundbreaking solutions to elevate your dining experience.

Let's delve into the top 5 food service innovation trends that stole the show at the 2024 CES Las Vegas: 

1. AI magic unleashed:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage this year, and its impact is truly inspiring! From plates being automatically scanned after meals to minimize food waste (Nuvilab) to digitalized shelves providing real-time insights into pantry inventory movements (Moos). These AI solutions aren't just futuristic; they're poised to revolutionize our operations and simplify the lives of our teams on the field.

2. Sustainability by design: 

Sustainability was at the heart of the CES, just as it is at Sodexo. Of course, we saw a lot of electric cars and solar panels, but also new decarbonized refrigerants for food transportation - like Coldway - IoT sensors revolutionizing facilities management and smart solutions monitoring everything from temperature to water waste and air quality. The spotlight was on creating a more energy-efficient world. These sustainable innovations align perfectly with our Net Zero commitments.

3. Robots in the kitchen (and beyond):

Automation and robotics aren’t just tools; they're our food services allies. At the CES, we encountered robots helping craft complete dishes compatible with our menus and offering a spectrum of choices. Self-cooking robotics is no longer a trend and automation will be soon in any industrial kitchen. From automated bubble tea, robotic ramen or just to grab your favorite flavored water - the kitchen of the future is here, and it's all about creating new memorable food experiences, everywhere. 

4. Food tech rising:

For the past years, food tech emerged steadily as a powerhouse, and this year was the first one where an entire pavilion was dedicated to its solutions. And we can bet it will grow fast! We witnessed a lot of great solutions addressing Sodexo’s variety of use cases, even some with a real sense of community and sharing, like an automated cocktail machine, Barsys, creating perfect cocktails or smoothies each time. Using the always-correct dosages, it relies on a mobile app linked to either your own recipes or others shared by online creators. It's all about convenience and interaction, without compromising on flavor and nutrition.

5. Health Tech and Well-Being:

Our activities go beyond the plate, for our employees and our clients. In a world gearing up for significant population growth, stress management and mental well-being are rising too. A lot of new solutions were showcased in the CES addressing this topic. For example, HappyBase for self-development with an AI coach, or 2daysmood, an employee engagement platform offering tips for team happiness and recommending wellness articles based on individual feelings. This innovative solution also aligns employee experience with client satisfaction, reflecting our holistic approach to wellbeing and our focus on providing valued experiences.