Former White House Chef and Senior Nutrition Policy Adviser Sam Kass announced on April 3 that he has been named Chief Consumer Experience Officer at Innit, the California-based food technology startup. The company, which was founded in 2013, uses food science and technology to help people manage and prepare meals.
Kass had been working with Innit's founding team over the past year. He made the announcement of his new title at the International Association of Culinary Professionals Conference.
"Over the past decade I've seen many projects aimed at improving how people eat, but I can't recall one that has greater potential impact than Innit," Kass said. "By bringing the right technology into the equation, we can unlock information within food to help people with food management, preparation and cooking. We can tackle some of the toughest food challenges for consumers and get people cooking more often at home, which is the foundation of a healthier lifestyle. I'm thrilled to be part of the Innit team."
The Innit platform identifies and measures food based on advanced kitchen sensors. It can recommend recipes based on inventory and carry them out through connected devices throughout the kitchen.
"The Innit team is passionate about empowering people to get the best out of their food," said Eugenio Minvielle, president and co-founder of Innit. "Sam brings a tremendous level of experience and energy to Innit, and has already made major contributions in shaping our mission and strategy."
At the IACP conference, attendees were able to see first-hand how Innit-enabled kitchens could provide sustainability and nutrition advantages to users. Innit has already partnered with Good Housekeeping ahead of its first public demonstration of its platform, set to debut in New York City in May 2016. Home cooks will eventually be able to test the Innit platform in their own kitchens in the second half of 2016.
Innit reeled in $25 million in its first round of funding in November 2015. The company intends to market its platform to consumers and industry players alike.
"By connecting food information to appliances and devices, Innit can help people maximize simplicity, flavor and nutrition," said Kevin Brown, co-founder and CEO of Innit.
