Oscar Mayer – Gastro Hub

Reposition Oscar Mayer from a manufacturer of ready meals to the thought leader on the future of ready meals; an exciting, different, and fun business.
Oscar Mayer produces millions of meals weekly for nearly every food retailer in the UK. They are passionate about their work and eager to do more. Recognizing the importance of food innovation, our client aims to lead in discovering new, desirable, sustainable, and commercially viable products.

The Gastro Hub is a dedicated food and packaging innovation centre for customers and suppliers, transforming the perception of Oscar Mayer from a ready meal manufacturer to the ‘go-to’ partner for food solutions innovation. This initiative aims to accelerate the innovation process among Oscar Mayer brands and retailer customers.

The Gastro Hub features a Mission Control with a 14-metre wide screen and a demonstration kitchen for presentations and group discussions. After discussing innovation plans, visitors tour the professional kitchen used daily by a team of ten for food trials and development.

Following this is Oscar’s Market, which hosts 10 market stalls staffed by various suppliers of meat, seafood, cheese, vegetables, stocks, and more. This collaborative approach with multiple experts fosters the creation of superior new products.

Next, the AI & Insights Lab is equipped with cameras, microphones, a viewing gallery, and sensory booths. Over 50 members of the public are invited weekly to eat and judge new concepts. This process is enhanced by the Gastro Hub’s new AI App, which sends tailor-made surveys to over 1,000 consumers for real-time feedback.

Adjacent to the Lab is the Packaging, ESG & Merchandising Shop, a mock convenience store that showcases packaging innovation and best-in-class chiller merchandising.
Ultimately, the Gastro Hub will help the industry create products that consumers truly want to buy, benefiting shoppers, retailers, and Oscar Mayer alike.