Conversational Commerce is the Next Big Thing in Buying Online

A Swiss startup is challenging conventional meal delivery platforms with an AI-powered solution that operates entirely through WhatsApp. Châtaigne removes the friction of app downloads and account creation for consumers, leveraging a platform that billions already use daily. The system works intuitively: customers simply text their order to a restaurant's dedicated WhatsApp number. Châtaigne's AI then processes these natural language requests, compiles preferences, generates an order summary and facilitates payment within the same conversation thread. The completed order flows directly into the restaurant's existing systems, bypassing the costly intermediaries currently dominating the market. On the consumer's end, Châtaigne's focus on WhatsApp sidesteps app fatigue and taps into existing behavior. Born from a San Francisco hackathon, Châtaigne represents a deliberate shift toward conversational commerce. "Apps and websites are the past — conversation is the future," explains the founding team, who chose the challenging food delivery sector specifically for its high volume and tight deadlines. Recently awarded a CHF 20,000 FIT Digital Grant, the startup is expanding its functionality and preparing for rollout. Their vision extends beyond restaurants, positioning conversational AI as the natural evolution of commerce.