Abstract
In this chapter, augmented reality (AR) and its use in the food industry are evaluated under important headings. AR applications that aim to improve the customer or user experience and the contents of these applications are explained. The use and effects of these applications have been examined separately in important steps of the food industry, such as food safety, food cooking stage, food education, food promotion, and user/consumer experience. The aim is to deeply understand the use of AR and to show that the power of the technological opportunities provided by AR can be used at every step of the food industry. In addition, the perspectives of the applications developed and considered to be developed in the literature are examined to present the aspects that should be considered when planting seeds for new applications.
TopIntroduction
Contemporary advancements in food science have successfully integrated diverse disciplines and cutting-edge technologies, resulting in convenient availability of a wide range of nourishing and delectable food options. The food system has embraced numerous technologies, reflecting a growing and pervasive trend towards embracing novel approaches (Antonucci et al., 2019; Suprem et al., 2013).
As companies constantly compete for the acceptance of consumer products in today's highly innovative and global food environment, the need for sensory evaluation in the food industry is becoming increasingly complex. The latest technological developments in virtual and augmented reality provide the food industry with new opportunities to create more reliable insights into consumers' sensory perceptions of food and beverages and contribute to the design and development of new products with optimized consumer benefits (Crofton et al., 2019). In the upcoming years, the food technology industry holds significant potential for growth, and we are already witnessing the emergence of visible connections between augmented reality (AR) technology and the food industry (Casari et al., 2021).
With the rapid adoption of the food and beverage industry, augmented reality (AR) technology has become an industry investment to improve the customer experience and has had a huge impact (Fritz et al., 2022). Considering its relationship with the food industry, it is known that augmented reality can affect the eating and drinking experiences of individuals and includes a series of technological innovations that improve the quality of the experience in food and beverage businesses. The use of augmented reality applications in gastronomy experiences is considered a valuable process with the potential to provide unforgettable memories. (Aydın & Uçkan Çakır, 2022).
Academic research often highlights the advantages of augmented reality (AR) technology for the food industry. Beck et al. have noted that utilizing AR technologies can offer real-time inventory location information, instant food identification, heightened situational awareness, enhanced visibility of preparation areas, and identification of potential food hazards to food businesses (Beck et al., 2016).
Moreover, the utilization of mobile applications incorporating AR technology is believed to empower users to make healthier dietary decisions, explore novel taste experiences, enhance their cooking and food shopping endeavors, boost workplace productivity, and refine precision agriculture applications (Xie et al., 2022).
In this review, it is aimed to understand the reflections of augmented reality technologies in the food industry. In this direction, AR technology and its use in restaurants, as well as the effects of this technology under the headings of food safety and education, food supply chains, food marketing, customer satisfaction, which are important components of the food industry, are discussed.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Digitalization: It is the process of replacing traditional methods in the food industry with technology-oriented and digital solutions.
Food Industry: The food and beverage industry that includes processes such as production, processing, distribution, and consumption.
Augmented Reality: A tool that offers richer and more interactive experiences using technology that combines the virtual and real worlds.
Food Marketing: It is the process of promoting, branding, and delivering food and beverage products to the consumer.
Mobile Applications: They are software used on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and can be used for various purposes in the food industry.
Food Safety: Measures and practices that ensure that food conforms to health standards and is delivered safely to consumers.
Technology: Various innovative tools and methods used in the food industry.