Food delivery is more popular than ever as a means for customers to take a break from cooking. In addition, businesses rely on AR delivery or food pick-up services. There are a number of ways this is a win-win situation for both customers and the food industry.

Augmented Reality has completely changed the consumer experience today since most customers shop from online platforms. AR helps customers to view a particular product in the form of a simple purchasing app, and it also has benefits for the restaurant industry.

Photo: Joseph Gonzalez

Customer benefits

With AR, customers can gain a better understanding of the product and interact with it.

In this way, the customer can determine whether it will suit their lifestyle.

According to reports, 61% of customers prefer to shop with sites that provide AR as it helps in making the customer experience engaging, presenting them with numerous choices before they purchase anything [1]. Various colours, patterns, designs, and textures can be delivered through AR, increasing customer interaction and engagement with the brand.

Food delivery

A variety of creative ways can be used by restaurants to interact and engage with new and existing customers using augmented reality. For example, a customer can view a three-dimensional digital rendering of a food item on a restaurant’s menu, where a digital 3D model of the restaurant’s food, is made with photos stitched together from different angles.

From staff training to improving the customer experience, augmented reality technology can be used in various situations. According to a report published by Research and Markets in 2021, the augmented reality market was valued at £12.36 billion in 2020 [2].

Bring the menu to life

AR technology can be used for a variety of purposes, including staff training and improving customer service. This realistic and immersive experience will satisfy the customer as well as build their trust in the brand. The food service industry provides customers with a menu that comes to life when scanned through their mobile phones.

The customer can see what the food will look like and can add or remove ingredients as they wish. The source of the food is of great importance to some customers. By using AR, the customer can see where food is produced, including fish.

Photo: Victoria Shes

Engaging customers

Restaurants benefit from AR because it engages customers, and is wallet-friendly. Menus can use AR to show all the dishes to the customers, making it easier for them to decide what to order. Using AR to present dishes in an interactive and immersive manner will not only help maintain the restaurant’s good reputation but will also increase customer engagement.

Through interaction and active participation, the customer will become more engaged with the restaurant in the future. Depending on their tastes and preferences, they will be able to customize their meals by adding or removing specific ingredients, feeling engaged.

Order customization

Another advantage of AR is order customization. AR can show the customer what the food will appear should they choose to add or remove ingredients. Order customization refers to the customer combining their own ideas and preferences and giving them a personal touch.

When it comes to food, most people enjoy familiar, comforting meals. Customization helps the customer to choose a familiar taste, which in turn retains their trust and loyalty.

Photo: emy

Boosts reviews & social shares

Since reviews on Yelp, Places App and social media platforms are so important to a restaurant’s long-term success, any method which will add to a customer’s positive experience is an invaluable attribute of your business [3].

Also, by giving the customer an interactive experience together with your food, they might be more likely to share on social media. This advertises your business and expands your outreach for free.

Beer & wine clubs

Even beer and wine delivery services can benefit. Customers who taste wine at the vineyard or sip a beer at the brewery where it’s made have a better chance of building trust with the brand. This same principle can apply to AR. By showing customers a 3D rendering of a vineyard full of grapes, even a winery halfway across the globe can sell wine.

For example, Winerytale is a ground-breaking concept that uses augmented reality to create a virtual experience for every wine label [4]. The AR-friendly company was founded by three recognized specialists in their respective fields of augmented reality, software development, and digital marketing strategy.

Delivery apps provide an important channel for food operators to reach new and existing customers, increase revenue, and grow and maintain their businesses.

To search for a selection of restaurants across the UK, download the Places App now and be first to get lots of food promo offers around you.

Photo: Chelsea Pridham

Sources

1. http://www.retailperceptions.com/2016/10/the-impact-of-augmented-reality-on-retail/

2. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/10/06/2309582/28124/en/Global-Augmented-Reality-Market-Report-2021-Surging-Demand-for-AR-Devices-and-Applications-in-Healthcare-Forecast-to-2026.html

3. https://www.yelp.com

4. https://winerytale.com/media-release/how-an-augmented-reality-wine-label-app-is-changing-the-ar-industry/