Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a trend—it's fundamentally changing how brands communicate with consumers, particularly in the food and beverage sector. With the ability to process massive datasets in real time, AI enables brands to craft personalized campaigns, forecast demand more accurately, and engage consumers in context-aware ways.

A 2024 global research study on AI in food marketing highlights how machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation are transforming marketing strategies. Instead of broadcasting broad, one-size-fits-all messages, food brands are using AI to listen, interpret, and act on consumer behaviors in real time. In India, where cultural diversity, linguistic complexity, and rapid digital adoption converge, these tools are proving even more valuable.

Domino’s India: Predictive Ordering and Dynamic Menu Suggestions

Domino’s India, operated by Jubilant FoodWorks, has integrated AI into its app and backend ordering system to streamline customer experience and boost conversion rates. Using AI algorithms, the platform tracks individual ordering patterns, preferred meal times, and location-based preferences. For example, a customer who often orders on Friday evenings might receive a tailored combo offer just before their usual order time.

This is made possible by real-time behavioural data and purchase history, which Domino’s feeds into its AI engine. The system also adapts based on past order modifications—such as removing onions or choosing a thin crust—to recommend customized pizzas. The brand has also begun testing voice-based AI ordering assistants to further simplify the user journey.

The result is higher customer retention, a smoother ordering experience, and increased average order value. Domino’s also uses this technology to drive up selling by suggesting relevant add-ons like beverages or desserts based on individual user profiles.

ITC Aashirvaad: Supply Chain Intelligence Meets Market Targeting

ITC’s Aashirvaad brand leverages AI not just for consumer engagement but also for optimizing backend supply chains. With a presence across both urban and rural India, ITC uses predictive analytics to understand regional buying behaviours, seasonality, and even micro-location demand shifts.

For example, during the festive season in North India, demand for premium flour products tends to spike. AI systems analyze past sales, weather patterns, and regional festival dates to inform manufacturing schedules and distribution planning. This ensures that the right products reach the right markets at the right time—minimizing both stockouts and surplus inventory.

On the marketing front, ITC runs geo-targeted digital campaigns to promote relevant Aashirvaad product lines based on local preferences. In Maharashtra, ads for multi-grain variants tend to perform better, while in Punjab, traditional wheat products dominate.

Haldiram’s: Dialect-Driven Regional Targeting

Haldiram’s, one of India's most iconic snack brands, faces the challenge of engaging a culturally diverse audience. The brand has adopted AI-powered sentiment and language analysis tools to localize messaging at scale.

By partnering with MarTech platforms, Haldiram’s runs digital campaigns in multiple Indian languages and dialects. Their AI tools analyze which creatives work best in different regions using A/B testing and user engagement metrics to optimize performance.

For instance, a campaign in Bihar might feature Bhojpuri voiceovers and culturally relevant visuals, while a similar one in Tamil Nadu would use Tamil idioms and local festivals. This approach has significantly boosted engagement and brand recall in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where regional identity is strong.

The brand also uses AI chatbots on its digital platforms to provide customer support and gather real-time feedback, which feeds back into improving products and campaigns.

Rebel Foods: AI at the Core of a Cloud Kitchen Empire

Rebel Foods, which operates brands like Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and Oven Story, runs one of the world’s largest cloud kitchen networks. Its business model is heavily reliant on AI for marketing, logistics, and pricing.

Rebel uses AI to launch hyper-targeted campaigns across delivery apps and digital platforms. These campaigns are synced with CRM systems to ensure each ad impression is tailored based on user data, including location, order history, and food preferences.

In addition, Rebel applies AI to real-time campaign optimization. If a specific dish underperforms in a certain area, the system automatically adjusts the offer, ad creative, or stops the campaign altogether. This closed-loop system has enabled Rebel to scale quickly while maintaining efficiency.

AI is also used for pricing strategies. Rebel monitors how small pricing tweaks affect demand across localities, allowing the company to optimize menu prices on a granular level.

Cadbury India: A Benchmark in Hyperlocal AI Advertising

Cadbury India’s AI-powered Diwali campaign, "Not Just a Cadbury Ad," offers a benchmark in hyperlocal marketing. In collaboration with IBM Watson, the brand created over 2,000 video ads that each promoted a local small business in different parts of India.

Each ad dynamically integrated the name and location of a small shop, making viewers feel as though the campaign was made just for their neighbourhood. For example, a store in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi was featured in a video seen only by users in that area.

The campaign utilized AI to analyse browsing behaviour, location data, and past engagement to serve relevant creatives. It not only boosted Cadbury’s seasonal sales but also enhanced its brand image by supporting local businesses.

BigBasket & Blinkit: Grocery Shopping Gets Smarter

Online grocery players like BigBasket and Blinkit are applying AI to personalize the entire shopping experience. Their platforms use recommendation engines to show users customized products and offers based on shopping history and real-time behaviour.

For example, a customer who regularly buys organic produce will be shown similar items and bundle deals. During monsoons, users may be served "chai-snack" combos or rainy-day essentials.

Blinkit also uses predictive analytics for inventory management. If a certain product, like a trending snack or imported item, gains popularity on social media, the AI system triggers restocking in responsive zones to meet anticipated demand.

The New Ingredient in Marketing Strategy

From AI-driven voice assistants to dynamic regional ad targeting and real-time campaign optimization, food marketing in India is undergoing a significant transformation. In a country as diverse and rapidly digitizing as India, delivering the right message to the right consumer at the right time is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Brands that combine cultural understanding with data-driven precision are not only improving ROI but also fostering stronger, more loyal customer relationships. In today’s ever-evolving marketing landscape, AI is proving to be the most versatile and potent new ingredient in the food marketer’s toolkit.