Free ice cream as Alphabet’s drone delivery firm Wing connects with Blue Bell and Walmart

Wing is partnering with Blue Bell Creameries and Walmart to offer a free taste of Blue Bell’s newest ice cream flavour, delivered directly to customers' doors via drone for a limited time. 

According to a press release: “Ice cream is a great way to experience the benefits of drone delivery. Orders arrive so quickly that we’re able to handle delicate items that are difficult to deliver by traditional means. Our average flight time from stores to customer homes is about four minutes, which means your ice cream will arrive frozen and ready to enjoy.”

Starting now and running through to 5th October, eligible customers in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex can get one free pint of the new Classic Pecan Pie through the Wing drone delivery app. There are no delivery fees, tips, or minimum purchase requirements, and this is available from 14 Walmart locations around the DFW area. 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Drone delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.