Artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm. While some are concerned about the threat of “existential risk” posed by technology, others are more optimistic.
Swiss cola maker Vivi Kola seems to fall into the second camp. Founded in 1938 in Switzerland, the long-established company has used artificial intelligence to design its latest product, his Vivi Nova.
The idea of using AI for beverage development came after experimenting with OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT, a natural language processing tool that creates “human-like” conversational interactions.
Obsessed with AI fever, the Vivi Kola team realized they could develop a low-sugar, vegan soda product with health benefits in just two days by leveraging AI tools.
The first step was to ask ChatGPT to develop vegan recipes using ingredients with known health benefits. Responses included water, lime juice, haskap berry juice, ginger juice, chicory root powder, and cane sugar. The team was “surprised”. According to ChatGPT, the drink is rich in antioxidants, which boosts the immune system, promotes a healthy gut, and stimulates digestion.
“Haskap berries are known to be rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage. They also boost immunity and promote healthy bones.” It is also rich in vitamins C and K, which ChatGPT pointed out. “Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and protects against oxidative stress. It also contains flavonoids that have been linked to reducing the risk of chronic disease.
“Chicory root powder is a prebiotic fiber that promotes healthy gut bacteria and improves digestion. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation and support blood sugar control.”
The Vivi Kola team sourced the ingredients, put them together and conducted the first taste tests. Early results were positive, they recalled.
To come up with a new beverage name, the team turned to AI again. To harmonize with other brands in Vivi Kola’s portfolio, the company needed his four-letter word. ChatGPT’s suggestions included Vivi-Life, Tron, Best, Fuel, Tide, Luxe, Plex, Tone, and Nova. “I love Vivi Nova!” The Vivi Kola team has responded. ChatGPT replied: “It’s a great choice. Vivi Nova is a catchy, unique brand name that has the potential to attract customers looking to try a healthy, refreshing craft soda.”
Finally, for the label, Vivi Kola asked generative AI bot Midjourney and 3D creation tool Unreal Engine for their visual input. From the “pretty boring” image of haskap berries described by the team, AI tools developed a detailed “futuristic” illustration, which was used to label Vivi Nova.
The team was aware of current trends and was “impressed” by AI’s ability to generate creative content, commented Vivi Kola Managing Director Camilo Antezana. “Artificial intelligence is an exciting aid, but [the processed] I have confirmed that at this time it is not a substitute for people. “
Vivi Nova has been stocked by Swiss retail giant Migros, and Vivi Kola hopes to stock the soda at sister company Vicafe starting this month.
Article updated 6/14/23 with input from ChatGPT conversations and images provided by Vivi Kola.
