Mintel: Nearly Three in 10 Americans say Technology is Ruining the Hospitality Industry

Technology plays a prominent role in nearly every aspect of US consumers’ lives and the dining out experience is no exception. But it seems that for some Americans, the spread of mobile, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technology is unwanted as new research from Mintel reveals that 28% of US consumers agree that technology is ruining hospitality.

However, it may be the fear of the unknown that’s influencing these perceptions as a large minority of Americans have not only never used certain types of technology when dining out, but they are not interested in trying them. For example, two in five consumers have not used and are not interested in trying a restaurant mobile app (44%) or kiosk (40%) to pay. Nearly half (48%) of diners have not used and are not interested in trying...

Glencore Agriculture Joins Initiative to Modernize Global Agriculture Commodity Trade Operations

The industry-wide initiative to modernize global agricultural commodity trade operations announced today that another major partner, Glencore Agriculture Limited, has joined the effort.

“We’ve been interested in the initiative from the very early days and we’re excited now to join as a full partner,” said Glencore Agriculture Limited CEO David Mattiske. “The digital platform this group intends to develop will leverage the newest technologies and has the potential to revolutionize our industry, making contract execution processes more efficient, more accurate and more transparent. These advances are necessary for our industry to continue serving...

Walmart’s New Intelligent Retail Lab Shows a Glimpse into the Future of Retail

Over the past few months, a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Levittown, New York, has been quietly transforming. With artificial intelligence-enabled cameras, interactive displays and a massive data center, this store suggests a retail future that seems like science fiction.

But this store isn’t just a shiny new object, equipped with tech for the sake of tech. It’s a unique real-world shopping environment designed to explore the possibilities artificial intelligence can contribute to the store experience. It’s Walmart’s new Intelligent Retail Lab – or “IRL” for short.

While the application of AI in e-commerce is now table stakes, there haven’t been many physical explorations of its potential. But IRL is designed...

COFCO International Joins Initiative to Modernize Global Agricultural Commodity Trade Operations

COFCO International Ltd (“COFCO International”) is partnering with Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) (“ADM”), Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) (“Bunge”), Cargill Incorporated (“Cargill”), and Louis Dreyfus Company (“LDC”) to standardize data and digitize global agricultural shipping transactions. Together, the companies are looking to increase transparency and efficiency for customers through digital technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence.

“We are pleased to join this initiative as a founding member,” said Johnny Chi, Chairman and CEO of COFCO International. “Emerging technologies like blockchain give us the opportunity to create a transparent, secure and efficient platform and transform global agricultural trade operations. Our shared vision is to develop a new standard available to everyone, bringing ...