How AI Is Helping Tackle The Global Food Waste Crisis

Globally, five million different products are processed through trillions of tonnes of harvest - but not all of this gets used. 

Annually in the UK, 70kg of food waste is produced per person. A huge reason for this vast amount of wastage is because of the “push” market, products are pushed with obvious limitations to create the demand.

This results in a vicious cycle of overproduction and waste.

Accountability lacks on every chain level, farmers, harvest managers, companies and consumers all take and leave too much than warranted.

With the world population reaching nearly eight billion, studies show enough food is being produced for 16 billion people, with 40% of all produced food being wasted. 

Not only is the food waste issue spiralling, the knock-on effects of this is the generation of vast amounts of carbon emissions that go into making the food products - resulting in the second-largest contribution to climate change.

Daniel Khachab, CEO of Choco is on a mission to end food waste by using his AI company: “This is an issue that I am particularly passionate about – and frankly, one that keeps me up at night.

"This year, however, I am feeling more optimistic than ever about our ability to solve this pressing issue because of one thing: AI." 

The prosperity of AI

Unsurprisingly, the food industry has one of the lowest levels of digitalisation of any sector.

With the arrival of AI, the ability to change the lack of digital tooling and data-driven decision making, could transform how technology can be used at every level of the food supply chain.

The foundation of food production relies on farmers and manufacturers - output and sustainable growth methods could be cultivated with the use of AI, whilst inefficiencies could be tracked and solutions can be made at every level within the process.

Waste-free pull markets can be transitioned into the travel route of food, balancing supply and demand. There are multiple, huge corporations who are dedicated to incorporating AI into their business operations in relation to declining food waste.

Google is a giant in the innovation of AI use to tackle food waste and contribute to COP28 goals, using AI within its: 

• Supply chain transparency - To help consumers understand environmental impacts, for example Tracemark, which Unilever uses to trace raw materials and reduce deforestation.
• Reducing food waste - Companies like Coop and Carrefour use Google Cloud to improve demand forecasting and inventory management. Platforms like Reskued help redistribute food at risk of being wasted.
• Creating inclusive retail experiences: Shopping can be personalised by recommending seasonal, sustainable products and recipes, helping consumers reduce household waste and save money.

Microsoft are prevalent in using AI to help customers, providing personal assistance with grocery lists, taking into account:

• Household size 
• Dietary preferences
• Frequency of shopping
• Budget
• Type of inventory 

Microsoft also offers tips on where the cheapest shop is, where to find grocery coupons, how to buy eco-friendly inventory and how much money you should be spending. 

Going above and beyond, Microsoft have also created an AI tool to create recipe ideas based on available ingredients, dietary preferences or time constraints.

It’s not only tech companies that are taking advantage of AI, food companies are also doing so, including Walmart. 

Walmart, has facilitated AI to help provide quality customer service, forecast demand as well as assist the experience found within the shop. Multiple methods of AI are used:

• Voice and text shopping: Customers can use ‘Voice Order’ or ‘Text to Shop’ to add items to their carts or schedule deliveries through - making reordering as simple as talking or texting.
• Customer service chatbots: AI chatbots handle customer service tasks like checking order status and managing returns, freeing up people to deal with more complex issues - This has reduced customer contact volumes across multiple countries.
• Associate assistance: Ask Sam, ‘Sam’ helps locate products, check prices, and manage customer tasks more efficiently - Providing easier and quicker in-store operations.
• Generative AI for shopping experiences: Generative AI offers personalised product recommendations and assists customers in finding event-specific items - helps improve customer experience by providing curated and relevant results based on intent.

NesGPT is an AI tool created by Nestlé, the company has fully embraced the use of AI to enhance operations, innovation and problem solving. 

The aim of NesGPT aid in decision-making across all departments, upgrade production, demand forecast as well as supply chain processes. With the use of AI, product ideation has reduced from six months to six weeks, keeping consumer ratings high.  

What the future holds

Choco recognises the importance of connecting suppliers and restaurants, using AI to reduce inefficiencies, mistakes and over-ordering - all of which lead to waste. 

Daniel Khachab, Choco CEO explains: “We are already confronting significant challenges due to climate change, and by 2050, our food system will need to nourish a global population of 10 billion.

"The inefficiencies in today's food system are accelerating us toward a future where it exacerbates issues like poverty, inequality and political instability, highlighting the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis.

"By raising awareness of these problems, I hope to inspire individuals and businesses to take decisive action, including adopting AI throughout the food supply chain.

"Whether you are among the 1.23 billion people working in the food industry or a consumer, we all have a role to play in reducing food waste. Let's seize this moment to drive lasting change, starting now." 

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