The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

There may be fewer of them on the roads than in decades past, but milk floats remain as valued as ever by their loyal customers. How are these doorstep delivery pioneers keeping up with a new generation of on-demand grocery services? And why might Brexit and COVID-19 give them a boost?

With restaurants closed due to lockdowns, many were missing their favourite dishes. One brand to acknowledge this early on was Wagamama, with the March 2020 debut of its Wok At Home series. Since then, the company has launched at-home meal kits so people can have katsu curry whenever they want.

Meal delivery service Parsley Box makes itself approachable to Older Adults who may be reluctant to order food online – but it might need to work hard to stay relevant after COVID-19. How is the brand remaining engaged with its audience, while at the same time coming up with fresh ideas?

The pandemic halted festive gatherings, leaving people hungry for face-to-face celebrations. Instacart’s North American 2021 holiday campaign positions the grocery delivery service as key to rekindling family gatherings, leaning into the desire for reconnection at the dinner table.