Diageo AI Innovation

Having launched one of the first Branded Alexa skills in the UK with Voxly Digital in 2017, plus a range of chatbots, Diageo has a strong record of innovating new ways for consumers to interact.

In 2021, the Global Digital Innovation team used Voxly Digital to establish a longer-term strategy to help navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of Conversational AI. Building on that work, Diageo launched its first Generative AI consumer service in Nov 2023 via a Seedlip Conversational AI chatbot.

Voxly Digital partnered with Diageo to develop a long-term conversational AI strategy, aiming to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of voice and chat technologies. The collaboration focused on creating consumer-led experiences, such as "The Bar" Alexa skill, which provides hands-free mixology advice and personalized cocktail recommendations. This strategic roadmap culminated in the launch of "Elli," Diageo’s first generative AI assistant, designed to drive sales and engagement for the non-alcoholic brand Seedlip.

The Bar was recognised as a 2019 Webby Award Winner in the category of Best Voice Skill.

Want amazing cocktails - all you have to do is ask! The Bar’s Master Mixologist has hand-picked a range of the world’s best cocktails – from crowd favourites like an Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan, to tailor-made recipes like the Pimm’s Cup or Southside Fizz. Just say Alexa, open "The Bar".

Voxly was proud to be partner with the Diageo Collaboration Center (DCC) in Stamford, Connecticut to provide a cutting-edge, AI-powered experience called Clara AI.

The core challenge from the Diageo DCC was to showcase future shopping and consumption behaviour in the home, moving beyond a scripted setup to a more flexible and immersive demonstration.

Our solution, Clara AI for DIAGEO, is designed to be the next generation of customer engagement. The system utilizes a seamless user experience: guests simply speak into their own casted device—whether an Apple or Android phone/tablet—and the AI on the main TV answers with audio and a visual interface.

Click below to learn more about the DCC.