7 Sep 2026 – 10:50 – 30 min
Location: Dream Stage (Hall 25)
Format: Panel

AI in the Kitchen: Helpful, Hype, or Harmful?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the modern kitchen, from smarter cooking guidance and food recognition to personalised recipes and automated appliances. But where does AI genuinely improve the cooking experience, and where does it risk becoming more intrusive than helpful? Industry leaders explore how AI is reshaping the kitchen, discussing the balance between convenience, privacy, personalisation and consumer trust, and what it will take for intelligent cooking to become an everyday reality.

Presented by
 
Speakers
Ben Harris
CEO & Co-founder, Fresco
Dr. Stefan Breit
Executive Director Technology, Miele & Cie. KG
Dr. Victoria Spadaro-Grant
Chief Science & Innovation Officer, Tate & Lyle
Surj Patel
(Moderator)
Technologist, The Spoon
Track: World of AI & Future of Tech
Language: English
What happens when AI is truly integrated into the kitchen, not just added as a feature? This session explores the technical foundations that make “AI kitchens” possible, how they reshape services and consumer behavior, and where the hype breaks down—privacy, reliability, and the risk of turning cooking into just another automated workflow. The discussion will also examine how AI kitchens must be designed for trust-first markets, where expectations around data protection, transparency, and consumer consent are higher.
Key Takeaways:
-Understand where AI delivers real value in the kitchen today—and where it remains more hype than reality.
-Learn how AI is transforming cooking, personalization, appliance design, and connected food experiences.
-Explore how brands can balance innovation with consumer trust, privacy, and user control.
AI in the Kitchen: Helpful, Hype, or Harmful?