PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab to Help Restaurants Thrive In The Evolving Digital Marketplace

Digital disruption driven by consumer engagement with technology is transforming the restaurant and hospitality industry.

That is why PepsiCo, Inc. announced the launch of PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab, a first-of-its-kind suite of capabilities built to connect foodservice operators with the companies, services, insights, and solutions best suited for their specific digital and online needs.

Powered by extensive proprietary and syndicated research into restaurant and food ordering interactions as part of the consumer digital journey, Digital Lab is the first offering of its kind from a foodservice manufacturer.

Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Foodservice:

“The digital age has disrupted everything – including the way people order, eat and experience food and beverages.”

“PepsiCo is helping our customers stay ahead of the curve in regard to understanding the latest technology and consumer trends impacting the foodservice industry.”

“With the customer-focused Digital Lab, we created a one-stop service for operators to access the resources and knowledge needed to drive a better consumer experience and impactful business results in the digital era.”

Technology has impacted every aspect of the dining and vending experience, leaving many foodservice operators seeking more information about how they can best use it to their advantage. In fact, a recent survey of foodservice operators found that nearly half (47%) felt unsure about the longevity of emerging technology and whether it's here to stay.

Still, nearly two-thirds (63%) say they plan to upgrade their foodservice tech in some ways in 2019, but many expressed frustration about the time and energy needed to research and onboard the best solutions for their business.

As an industry leader with an extensive portfolio and global reach, PepsiCo has knowledge that spans the entire food and beverage landscape and is bringing all of these insights together to address pain points and create a seamless operator experience that will in turn benefit consumers.

From managing online reviews and search engine results to implementing point-of-sale tools and consumer rewards programs, the Digital Lab will help operators maximize the most critical aspects of their digital footprint.

Thanks to the ongoing commitment to consumer-focused digital insights and a bias for testing and learning, the Digital Lab is equipped to offer tailored resources for operators of all sizes.

To help inform the Lab, PepsiCo Foodservice worked with key customers and partners, such as Grubhub, to identify and remedy friction points restaurants experience when fulfilling online ordering and delivery for beverages and snacks.

Additionally, the Digital Lab teamed with loyalty and digital consumer engagement providers, such as Mobivity, to find opportunities to improve incremental occasions for brands and deliver personalized experiences that delight consumers.

Goody Seif, Senior Director, Business Development at Grubhub:

“Collaborating with the PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab allows us to test creative solutions that ultimately help reach diners and increase average order size for our restaurant partners."

"The insights already gained have identified new opportunities to ensure beverages are top of mind for orders on our platform, and we're continuing to collaborate on ways Grubhub and Pepsi can work together on co-branded incentives moving forward.”

PepsiCo will share additional details about PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.