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“AI-driven technology is revolutionising mixology in India”
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Monday, 16 June, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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 Barsys India Pvt. Ltd, is a company building a community of spirits enthusiasts through its original product line such as the Smart Coaster and Barsys 2.0. Meticulously engineered in-house, the company product delivers liquids with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating wastage entirely and ensuring consistent, high-quality cocktails with every use. The advanced technology such as weight sensors and induction technology, honed over years of development, enables to measure liquids with unmatched precision, down to a mere 2 ml. Akshet Tewari, founder and CEO, Barsys, in an email interaction with Harcha Bhaskar talks about how AI driven technology is transforming the future of mixology in India, automation in hospitality industry and digitisation of cocktail making. Excerpts:
How is AI-driven technology transforming the future of mixology in India, especially in upscale bars and the broader F&B industry?
AI-driven technology is revolutionising mixology in India by enhancing precision, creativity, and personalisation. In upscale bars, AI tools assist bartenders in crafting unique cocktails through data-driven insights into customer preferences and ingredient trends. These technologies enable the creation of innovative drink recipes and streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks. For the broader F&B industry, AI improves inventory management, predicts demand, and optimises pricing strategies. The integration of AI ensures consistency in drink quality and enhances the overall customer experience.
What are the ethical implications of AI and automation in the hospitality industry?
The integration of AI and automation in the hospitality industry offers remarkable opportunities for enhancing guest experiences and optimising operations. By harnessing advanced technology, businesses can provide highly personalised services and streamline their processes. For example, Barsys’ AI-powered cocktail recommendation engine delivers tailored beverage suggestions, enhancing each guest's experience through personalised recommendations. We are dedicated to supporting ethical AI practices by prioritising transparency, fairness, and responsible data management. This commitment helps maximise the positive impact of AI, enriching the guest experience while upholding high standards of integrity and inclusivity.
How does the digitalisation of cocktail making enhance customer engagement?
Digitalisation of cocktail making enhances customer engagement by providing interactive and personalised experiences. Through digital platforms, customers can explore cocktail menus, receive recommendations based on their preferences, and even create custom drinks. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies can offer immersive experiences, allowing customers to virtually explore the drink ingredients or the cocktail-making process. Additionally, digital tools enable seamless ordering and feedback, fostering a more engaging and tailored interaction with the bar.
How does Barsys’ AI-powered cocktail recommendation engine give personalised beverage experience to guests?
The AI-powered cocktail recommendation engine personalises the beverage experience by analysing guest preferences, past orders, and real-time feedback. The engine uses machine learning algorithms to suggest cocktails that align with individual tastes, dietary restrictions, and mood preferences. By leveraging data from previous interactions, we can offer highly tailored recommendations that enhance guest satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
What about plans such as expansion, diversification, collaboration and so on?
We have ambitious plans for expansion, diversification, and collaboration in the Indian market, aiming to capitalise on the growing trend of at-home experiences and premium beverage consumption. Here’s a breakdown of strategy:
Expansion Plans:
- Geographic Expansion: We plan to expand footprint across India, moving beyond metropolitan cities and reaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By partnering with local distributors and leveraging e-commerce platforms, we aim to make our products more accessible to a broader audience.
- Retail Partnerships: The brand is looking to collaborate with premium retail outlets and experience centres where customers can experience the product in real-time before purchasing. We also intend to strengthen our presence in online marketplaces to tap into the growing trend of digital shopping in India.
Diversification:- New Product Lines: We are exploring the introduction of a wider range of products to cater to different market segments. This includes more affordable, entry-level models to attract first-time buyers, as well as higher-end products with advanced features for cocktail enthusiasts and professional use.
- Local Adaptations: To resonate more with Indian consumers, we plan to diversify our cocktail recipe library by incorporating local and traditional Indian drinks, such as cocktails using indigenous ingredients like nimbu, aam panna, or masala-infused spirits. This approach will allow the brand to appeal to regional preferences and drinking habits.
- Non-Alcoholic Offerings: As the trend of wellness and mindful drinking grows, we are working on expanding our range of non-alcoholic beverage options, offering users mocktail recipes, wellness drinks, and even healthy juices through smart technology.
Collaboration:- Partnerships with Liquor Brands: We are actively seeking collaborations with major liquor brands in India to co-create branded experiences for consumers. By teaming up with spirit companies, we can offer curated cocktail menus, exclusive recipes, and joint marketing initiatives that highlight their combined offerings.
- Collaborations with Restaurants and Bars: The brand is also targeting partnerships with high-end restaurants, bars, and hotels to integrate its technology into hospitality settings. This allows Barsys to showcase its products in a commercial environment, which can serve as both a marketing tool and a revenue stream.
- Influencer and Celebrity Collaborations: To further boost brand recognition, we plan to collaborate with local mixologists, celebrities, and influencers to create engaging content that highlights the innovation and fun of using the product.
Technology and Innovation:- App Ecosystem Expansion: We aim to enhance our mobile app by incorporating more features, such as AI-based drink recommendations, virtual bartending classes, and real-time user engagement to boost community building. The app will also integrate with smart home devices for a seamless experience.
- Data-Driven Personalisation: With the ability to track user preferences through the app, we plan to use data analytics to offer personalised cocktail suggestions, seasonal recipe updates, and even customised beverage plans for users.
By focusing on these strategic initiatives, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the Indian market while also staying relevant to the evolving needs of consumers.
What is your company’s vision for the intersection of technology and mixology, particularly in the Indian market, over the next five years?
Our strategic goal and long-term vision for Barsys in India is to become part of every individual's first experience with beverages. Over the next five years, we aim to ensure that this introduction is facilitated through its products, whether hardware or digital, in a manner that is responsible and adheres to legal standards. This vision places Barsys at the forefront of the digital transformation in the Indian spirits industry, aiming to shape the way consumers interact with and enjoy their beverages.
Tell us about the R&D that goes into your products?
Our R&D process involves rigorous exploration and experimentation to drive innovation in mixology technology. The team conducts extensive research on AI algorithms, user behaviour, and beverage trends to develop cutting-edge solutions. This includes refining advanced robotics for precise and consistent mixing, improving AI models for personalised cocktail recommendations, and ensuring IoT connectivity for seamless control via mobile apps. Additionally, material durability testing is a key focus to guarantee long-lasting and safe products, while continuous efforts in user experience design aim to create intuitive interfaces that simplify product usage. The goal is to ensure that our products not only offer technological innovation but also exceptional user experiences.
Give us some strong points about your products.
Our products stand out due to the below mentioned key strengths:
- Advanced AI Technology: Utilises sophisticated algorithms to offer highly accurate and personalised cocktail recommendations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, allowing both bartenders and customers to interact seamlessly with the technology.
- Innovative Features: Includes real-time feedback integration, customisable drink options, and interactive elements like AR/VR experiences, which become accessible when used with devices like Apple Vision Pro.
- Consistency and Precision: Ensures high-quality and consistent drink experiences, reducing errors and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Scalability: Adaptable to various bar sizes and types, from upscale venues to casual establishments, making it versatile for different market segments.
Precision and Consistency: Our products are designed to deliver consistently perfect cocktails every time. The precision in ingredient measurement ensures that each drink maintains the exact taste and quality, whether it’s made once or multiple times.
Advanced Automation: We lead in automated bartending technology, offering fully automated systems that can mix a wide range of drinks with minimal human input. This saves time and eliminates the need for manual mixing, making it ideal for both home users and busy commercial settings.
Smart Integration: Our products are compatible with mobile apps, enabling users to remotely control the device, browse through an extensive library of cocktail recipes, and even receive personalised recommendations based on their preferences.
Customisable Drink Recipes: Users have the flexibility to customise and create their own cocktails, adjusting ingredient proportions to their taste. Barsys allows for a high level of personalisation, catering to individual preferences.
Easy to Use and Maintain: With intuitive interfaces and a streamlined setup process, our products are designed to be user-friendly. They also require minimal maintenance, making them convenient for both home use and professional environments.
Sleek and Modern Design: Our products are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The sleek, modern designs fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces, adding a touch of sophistication to any setting.
IoT and AI Capabilities: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our products enhances the user experience. The AI learns preferences over time, while the IoT capabilities allow real-time tracking of ingredients and system performance.
Versatile for Different Environments: Our machines are suitable for various settings, from homes and personal bars to restaurants, lounges, and events. Their flexibility and scalability make them a great addition to any venue where drinks are served.
Time and Labour Saving: In commercial settings, our products significantly reduce the workload of bartenders by automating drink preparation, allowing staff to focus on other aspects of customer service.
Hygienic and Safe: Our products are designed with high-quality, food-safe materials and automated systems that reduce human contact with ingredients, ensuring a hygienic and safe process for preparing drinks.
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