What once would have been something out of a science fiction novel is rapidly becoming our tech-savvy reality... Drone deliveries!
In a time where speed is king companies like Amazon, Matternet, FedEx, UPS, DHL, Flirtey and Flytrex have adopted this prompt delivery alternative to the long-established way of using trucks, planes and trains. The concept - to improve delivery speeds, expand delivery radiuses, and gain a competitive advantage in sales.
According to Emergen Research, the global drone delivery service market size was USD 520.0 Million in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 9.51 Billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 44.2%. This new direction in transporting goods has some companies reimagining their business model, enter stage right, The Ice Cream Shop, Unilever’s first-ever digital storefront and new way to order your favorite ice cream brands right to your front door. With fan-favorite products from beloved ice cream brands Ben & Jerry’s, Talenti, Magnum, Klondike, Breyers, Popsicle and Good Humor, The Ice Cream Shop will be able to satisfy your craving in minutes!
The Ice Cream Shop has partnered with Flytrex, a leader in on-demand, ultrafast delivery for food and retail. They are offering ice cream delivery via drone across all of Flytrex’s U.S. locations: Holly Springs, Fayetteville and Raeford, North Carolina, and Granbury, Texas. 
Image credit: Refrigerated & Frozen Foods
So what should you expect?
According to RFF, orders from The Ice Cream Shop will be delivered via the skies to front and backyards of local residents with a flight time under three minutes. Orders are placed using the Flytrex app, which provides customers with real time updates along the delivery route until the package is lowered safely by wire into their yard.
“We’re excited to team up with Flytrex as our first-ever drone delivery partner to bring The Ice Cream Shop to new heights,” said Russel Lilly, general manager, Unilever North American Ice Cream. “Not only are we providing an exciting, innovative and ultra-fast way for ice cream fans to enjoy their favorite Unilever ice cream brands, but The Ice Cream Shop and Flytrex have exclusive ice cream bundles available for purchase. Whether you need some treats to sweeten up your backyard BBQ or are craving a cookie crunch - we’re ready to fly straight to your doorstep.”
The Flytrex app will also offer exclusive bundles from The Ice Cream Shop, perfect for any craving or occasion, including:
- Chocolate Lovers Bundle featuring Breyers Chocolate Truffle, Klondike Original Vanilla Bar, Magnum Mini Double Caramel Bars, Popsicle Fudgsicle, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
- Cookie Crunch Bundle featuring Breyers Cookies & Cream, Klondike Vanilla Sandwich, Talenti Caramel Cookie Crunch, Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies, Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
- Backyard BBQ Bundle featuring Breyers Natural Vanilla, Breyers Chocolate, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Popsicle Grape, Cherry, Orange Pops, Klondike Vanilla Sandwich, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food, Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream.
- Berry Fruity Bundle featuring Breyers Strawberry, Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Popsicle Grape, Cherry, Orange Pops, Talenti Roman Raspberry, Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake.
• Ice Cream Favorites Bundle featuring Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, Breyers Natural Vanilla, Klondike Original Vanilla Bar, Magnum Ice Cream Bars Double Caramel.
• Ben & Jerry’s Favorites Bundle featuring Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia, Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
The Upside:
Along with having your sweet tooth satisfied within minutes, this new way of transportation also reduces traffic congestion which in turn reduces carbon emissions, thereby helping the environment with less pollution. It will also help with transportation costs for both consumers and companies. Delivery times take just a few minutes to hours rather than two to three days. There is also less risk of cargo damage during transportation and handling because drone flying is reasonably smooth.
Challenges:
Emergen Reserarch says while many drones may be autonomous, there are various obstacles to overcome, such as landing a drone in known or unknown locations. Dropping things or delivering them from the air is no easy task. Also, because drones are expensive machinery, there is a chance that they will be stolen or damaged. Client safety is the issue that all the major participants in the drone delivery market are currently dealing with. As is common with the development and launch of all new technologies and ideas, there are many obstacles to overcome. But with the right software, development time, and adequate training, we are hopeful that all of them can be overcome.
The future is here and it tastes sweet!
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