Magnum to harness NotCo AI for new ice cream products and reformulation
Unilever’s Magnum ice cream business, which is preparing for a public listing in November, will use Chilean food-tech start-up NotCo’s artificial intelligence to develop new products and reformulate existing ones. The partnership aims to address calorie reduction, plant-based innovation, and rising commodity costs, according to Zbigniew Lewicki, Magnum’s chief of research, design and innovation.
Lewicki noted that consumers increasingly want indulgent treats that also come in smaller portions and use more sustainable ingredients. Magnum, which also oversees the Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto brands, joins over a dozen consumer goods firms leveraging NotCo’s AI to keep up with shifting consumer demands.
NotCo CEO Matias Muchnick said global food makers are turning to AI to adapt quickly to trends driven by health-conscious consumers and inflationary pressures in key commodities like cocoa. NotCo’s technology is already helping companies:
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Replace synthetic dyes
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Reduce sugar content
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Identify new viral flavors, such as “Dubai chocolate”
The start-up has previously partnered with Kraft Heinz on plant-based versions of macaroni and cheese, cheese singles, and mayonnaise.
By integrating NotCo’s AI, Magnum aims to balance indulgence with nutrition, cut costs, and accelerate the rollout of innovative ice cream options tailored to modern consumer expectations.
