AI is being used by some large convenience store chains in Japan to support finding unique ideas and developing new products.
Lawson, one of Japan's major convenience store chains, said it will launch three new products this month in Tokyo and surrounding areas. Among them are lemon tarts with pickled vegetables and bread rolls with red beans, margarine and yogurt.
According to Lawson, the use of AI to find ideas is not limited by existing thinking or market trends. The company also does not rely on previous sales data or market data in this process.
Another convenience store chain, FamilyMart, also applies AI, but in a different way. The business puts sales data into an AI system to support the development of a French bakery called canele, with powder containing ground sweet potatoes and caramel sauce. The product is expected to be sold throughout Japan from next week.
A representative of FamilyMart said that AI is mainly used in the idea formation stage, while experts still directly participate in the product development and completion process.
This is not the first time FamilyMart has tested this approach. Last July, this chain tried to sell cream-based biscuits - the first product developed with the idea of AI support. The product achieved positive results, prompting FamilyMart to continue applying this technology and plans to introduce more products in the coming months.
The application of AI in food development in Japan is taking place in the context of this technology developing rapidly and increasing global debate. Some researchers warn about the risks from "super smart" AI systems that are likely to get out of human control. Meanwhile, leading AI laboratories in the US are calling for coordination to slow down some advanced research, as governments continue to discuss how to manage this technology.
