Food and drink start-up Matcha Works has launched what it believes is the world’s first SMS ordering system for consumer products.

Arguing that subscriptions aren’t workable and a more ‘on demand’ system is the future of online retail, the company launched the new technology to allow customers to register via the website then order matcha products quickly and easily via a simple text message.

Matcha Works is one of the innovative new companies showcasing at this year’s London Food Tech Week (May 20 – 24, 2019).

HaveyHodd, CEO at Matcha Works, said: “We think this technology could really disrupt the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) landscape and become the new way we all order food, drinks and other consumer products online. We initially tested WhatsApp for the platform but we decided SMS would be more effective as it’s used by more countries around the world.”

To demonstrate how the new tech works, Harvey Hodd (23) and Rory Jeffries (23) have also launched the ‘world’s first’ Text to Try vending machine. Consumers text the machine, choose their flavour then it dispenses their matcha for free.

You can see the vending machine in action at London Food Tech Week on Wednesday May 22 at the Dutch Hall near Liverpool Street station.

Harvey Hodd added: “We’re so excited to be showcasing at this year’s London Food Tech Week – it’s a huge opportunity for us to show our new SMS tech and vending machine to potential investors, future business partners and other food brands. Our goal is to see if other food and drink brands want to license our SMS technology for their own products then hopefully also expand into the US next year.”

London Food Tech Week is the world’s largest week-long festival and showcase of the latest food trend and companies using technology to transform the food and drink ecosystem.

Nadia El Hadery, Founder and CEO at YFood, which organises London Food Tech Week, said: “Matcha Works is just one of the innovative companies showcasing its cutting edge technology on Wednesday’s ‘Shop’ themed day of London Food Tech Week. We now have much more defined expectations of supply chain transparency and sustainable packaging solutions. The day will look at new business models and channels that harness data and technology to deliver a personalised and efficient experience which keep the retail landscape relevant, exciting and thriving.”

Among the other sessions on the Wednesday include a ‘Disruptors’ talk featuring Isabel Hoffman, Founder & CEO of Tellspec LTD. Isabel will inform us on the transparency of food fraud and how technology can help manufacturers and retailers future proof their business. Another one of the key speakers on the Wednesday to watch out for is David McDowall, CEO, Retail at BrewDog, which now has almost 90 locations around the globe

A passport to London Food Tech Week starts from £1,000 + VAT with 70% off for Food Tech startups. Festival and booking information can be found at http://bit.ly/YFood19. Group discounts may occur based on relevancy and business specifics.

You can see a video preview of this year’s London Food Tech Week here.