The food industry is taking a significant step towards sustainability by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address the issue of food waste. In the United States, about 30% to 40% of the food grown is wasted and thrown out, which is a major environmental concern. To combat this problem, companies are using AI to analyze food waste, inventory, and purchases in order to make more informed decisions about their operations.
AI technology is being used not only to streamline processes but also to reduce waste. By examining what food is being discarded, restaurants and grocery stores can make more informed decisions about their purchases and inventory. This data allows them to determine which products are not selling well and are ending up in the trash. They can then adjust their purchasing practices accordingly to reduce waste.
Companies like Afresh and Winnow are at the forefront of this effort to combat food waste. Afresh uses AI to monitor grocery store inventory and purchases in order to minimize waste and improve accessibility to nutritious food. Winnow takes a similar approach with restaurants, using cameras above garbage bins to track the food being discarded and provide data to help kitchens make changes to their menus and portion sizes.
By utilizing AI to address food waste, companies in the food industry are not only reducing their own costs but are also contributing to a greater environmental cause. With the global population expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, reducing food waste is crucial
