- The FoodTech scaleup expands on Microsoft Copilot to drive product innovation
- AI enhances Planted’s productivity and optimizes manufacturing processes
- Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service powers data-driven product development
Zurich, Switzerland – July 24, 2024 – Planted, a leading Swiss FoodTech scaleup known for its clean label plant-based meat, is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to drive sustainable productivity and optimize its manufacturing processes. Following its successful adoption of generative AI to enhance brand and marketing productivity, Planted is now expanding its use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to spearhead data-driven product development.
Headquartered in Zurich, Planted is deepening its collaboration with Microsoft to support its rapid growth by enhancing the efficiency and scalability of its manufacturing operations. Leveraging Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI, Planted aims to streamline everyday tasks and innovate its process development. Planted is Europe’s fastest-growing FoodTech scaleup in the alternative protein sector and has been voted 2nd most innovative company in Switzerland by Bilanz/Handelszeitung in 2023. Since its founding five years ago, the company has expanded from four co-founders to over 200 employees across Europe, whereas over 65 of those work in the areas of Research & Development.
«Our organization is evolving weekly, with data points regularly shifting due to our hyper growth,» said Christoph Jenny, Co-Founder at Planted. «The integration of AI through Microsoft’s solutions is a game-changer for us, enabling us to achieve further growth by simplifying processes and setting new standards with higher quality products. Microsoft’s AI capabilities are integral to our strategy, allowing us to innovate and optimize in ways we never thought possible.»
Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland, commented, «Planted is at the forefront of sustainable food innovation, and we are proud to support their journey with our AI technology. By leveraging Microsoft Azure and Copilot, Planted can enhance their productivity, drive sustainable practices, and accelerate product development. Our collaboration exemplifies how AI can transform industries and contribute to a more sustainable future.»
Initially, Copilot enhanced the productivity of Planted’s brand and marketing team. Now, it supports product development, providing capabilities such as explaining fermentation processes, translating confidential topics, and inspiring product concepts and presentations. Copilot also aids Planted’s data team in coding more efficiently, particularly in cleaning, structuring, and error handling.
Planted’s rapid growth underscores the rising importance of alternative proteins. Plant-based meat offers significant health benefits and a lower environmental impact, emitting up to 97% less CO2 and using 90% less water than animal-based meat. The continued use of AI and the expansion of Copilot are expected to drive further innovation to meet growing demand.
Currently, Planted produces approximately 14 tonnes of plant-based meat daily at its main factory in Kemptthal, with its products available in over 6,100 restaurants and more than 8,700 retail outlets across Europe, including Tesco, REWE, Edeka, Migros, and Coop.
