a16z Podcast | The Data Science of Food and Taste | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Gobble CEO Roush Magog discusses how technology and data science are used to create personalized meal kits, and shares insights on holiday food trends.

Key Insights

• 😋 Gobble believes that a food company should be a tech company, leveraging customer data to personalize the dining experience.
• 😋 Comfort foods like mashed potatoes and homemade biscuits are popular during the holidays.
• 🙃 Gobble's Thanksgiving feast includes sides and turkey with integrated instructions for easy cooking.
• 😅 Gobble sees a shift in eating habits after the holidays, with a focus on healthier options and vegetarian meals.
• 😋 The future of food may involve a combination of efficient meal kits, powder or pill solutions, and traditional dining experiences.
• 😋 Transparency and resource efficiency are important factors in the future of food.
• 🍳 Gobble's CEO believes that a balance of solutions, including hobbyist cooking, efficient daily cooking, and dining out, will shape the future of food.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Gobble use data and technology to create personalized menus?

Gobble relies on user surveys, past year behavior, and data science to forecast ingredient quantities and create menus based on customer preferences.

Q: What are the top-selling items on Gobble's Thanksgiving menu?

According to Gobble CEO Roush Magog, homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes are the highest-selling items, as they remind people of comfort and home.

Q: How does Gobble ensure that customers receive their Thanksgiving meals on time?

Gobble ships all Thanksgiving meals on Monday for arrival on Tuesday, ensuring that customers have enough time to cook their meals for Thursday's dinner. They also have contingency plans in place for any missed deliveries.

Q: How does Gobble handle the logistical challenges of producing and delivering thousands of meals?

Gobble focuses on software development to optimize food production and relies on delivery partners like OnTrac and FedEx for shipment. Their goal is to reach as many homes as possible, making them more similar to Amazon than a traditional restaurant.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gobble is a food preparation service that provides fully prepped meals for customers to cook at home in a short amount of time.

• The company relies on data science and user surveys to forecast ingredient quantities and create personalized menus.

• During the holidays, comfort foods like mashed potatoes and homemade biscuits are the top-selling items on Gobble's menu.