Lollipop AI: Build Recipes & Shop Groceries Online

The Rise of Recipe-Based Online Grocery Shopping

The shift towards online grocery shopping, accelerated by recent global events, has prompted consideration of why supermarkets haven’t yet fully embraced integrated ‘recipe’ functionalities. Such features would streamline the process of gathering ingredients for home-cooked meals. This perceived gap in the market is now being addressed.

Introducing Lollipop AI

Lollipop AI, a new British online grocery marketplace, is launching its public beta today with the aim of simplifying meal preparation. The platform was conceived by Tom Foster-Carter, a UK entrepreneur with a proven track record, having been involved in the early stages of successful ventures like Osper, Monzo, and Curve.

Platform Features and Benefits

Foster-Carter’s vision centers on a platform that empowers users to construct meal plans directly from recipes. Ingredients are then automatically compiled into a shopping basket, with suggestions for essential household items also provided.

He believes Lollipop AI has the potential to support health objectives, enhance cooking abilities, and significantly reduce food waste.

Partnerships and Business Model

Operating as a marketplace, Lollipop AI is initially partnering with Sainsbury’s and BBC Good Food, with plans to expand to include additional partners. Fulfillment will be managed by these retail collaborators.

The business model relies on collecting a small commission from retail partners, alongside opportunities for targeted advertising from consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand owners.

Access and Pricing

The site will be available for free, with a premium subscription tier planned for the future. The first 10,000 beta testers who join the waitlist will receive lifetime access to premium features at standard supermarket prices.

Addressing a Real-World Need

Foster-Carter developed the concept after becoming a parent and realizing the considerable time commitment involved in traditional supermarket shopping. He estimates the platform could save the average household several hours each week. It’s noteworthy that the need for such a solution was identified following personal experience.

Lollipop AI asserts that 80% of households dedicate over an hour weekly to meal planning and online grocery shopping.

The Team Behind Lollipop AI

The founding team comprises former employees from Monzo, Farmdrop, Amazon, Sainsbury’s, and HelloFresh, including co-founders Chris Parsons and Ib Warnerbring.

Investment and Backing

While Foster-Carter remains discreet about the exact funding amount, he confirms securing a pre-seed round supported by JamJar Investments, Speedinvest, and a group of prominent figures in the grocery and technology sectors.

This includes Ian Marsh (formerly UK GM of HelloFresh), and leaders and founders of established online grocers both within the U.K. and internationally, as well as ‘super angels’ Charles Songhurst and Ed Lando.

Potential Impact on Weight Management and Recipe Boxes

The platform is particularly likely to resonate with individuals focused on weight loss, as simplified meal planning could positively influence their dietary habits and potentially impact the market for recipe-box services.

Competition in the Market

Lollipop AI is not operating in isolation. Jupiter.co in the U.S. offers “groceries on autopilot,” while Jow and Side Chef focus on recipe-led shopping. Cooklist, also based in the U.S., combines meal planning with cooking assistance.

A Broad Range of Potential Partnerships

Foster-Carter explained that the marketplace model allows for collaboration with a diverse range of retailers, including traditional supermarkets (Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, etc.), online retailers (Ocado, Amazon), direct-to-farm and organic providers (Riverford, Farmdrop), mission-led suppliers (Oddbox, Milk & More, etc.), recipe box companies (Gousto, Hello Fresh, Mindful Chef, etc.), and rapid delivery services (Gorillas, Getir, Weezy, etc.).

Future Expansion Plans

“This is merely the beginning,” Foster-Carter stated. “Our goal is to become the central hub for all your food requirements – enabling you to order from Deliveroo or access restaurant meal kits (like Dishpatch) through our platform. Groceries will be delivered by our partners, and a cooking companion app, scheduled for release next month, will assist you during meal preparation. Ultimately, we aim to help users improve their culinary skills through Lollipop.”

A Unique Selling Proposition

Few companies have successfully streamlined the process of purchasing a large number of items (50-100+) quickly, even Amazon. If Lollipop AI can achieve this, it could represent a significant competitive advantage.