Food waste is a global problem that affects us all: around 1.3 billion tons of food end up in the bin every year – that's around a third of the food produced worldwide. The hospitality industry is particularly affected, with around 40% of wasted food coming from restaurants and foodservice companies.
With so much focus on tackling climate change, the issue of food waste is often overlooked – yet with the right approaches, it could be a huge success. AI can be a real help, especially for restaurateurs who face the daily challenge of planning for demand and minimizing waste.
In this article, we will show you everything you need to know about AI against food waste:
Food waste in the restaurant industry is not only a financial loss for restaurateurs, it's also a serious environmental crisis that we can no longer afford to ignore. We have collected the following facts to show why food waste deserves our attention now more than ever:
It's no wonder that consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainability and transparency from the foodservice industry. Restaurateurs are now faced with the challenge of meeting these demands. This is where green strategies combined with artificial intelligence come in, which are already making remarkable strides in reducing food waste.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a vision of the future. It is increasingly becoming a foundational technology and an important part of our everyday lives. By helping us automate processes and make better decisions, AI is playing a vital role in the fight against food waste in the restaurant industry.
Demand forecasting and planning
Every restaurateur knows the challenge of accurately planning demand in their own business, while ordering and preparing the right amount of food without wasting it.
This is where AI comes in, helping restaurant operators analyze historical data in order to predict future demand in the restaurant. Factors such as past sales figures, seasonal trends and even the weather are considered.
With this information, the AI can determine exactly what ingredients will be needed at what time. This avoids overstocking and food waste, and also allows restaurateurs to respond more flexibly to fluctuations.
Procurement and ordering
Did you know that around 20% of restaurant food ends up in the bin before it has even been prepared because it has spoiled or expired?
To avoid food waste, AI can be used effectively in procurement. Based on predicted demand, artificial intelligence automatically calculates the required order quantity, considering the current stock levels. This way, restaurateurs always know when and how much they need to reorder, reducing food waste in their business.
Warehouse management and inventory
AI not only eases the burden of procurement, but also on inventory management and stocktaking. By monitoring stock levels in real time, AI can easily track best-before dates. It provides early warning of spoilage and ensures that older products are used up first on a FIFO basis.
Today, many restaurateurs still rely on manual stocktaking, which is error-prone and time-consuming. AI systems, on the other hand, make it easy to digitally record and update stock levels. This significantly reduces inventory errors and food waste caused by inefficient stock management.
Tracking food waste
A staggering 65% of food waste in the foodservice industry is caused by overproduction, spoilage or leftovers. AI is a real game changer when it comes to understanding exactly where food waste is occurring.
Successful companies such as "Winnow" and "Kitro" are already helping to track and analyze food waste through weight measurement or visual estimation. They identify where and how much food is being wasted and provide detailed reports. With this valuable insight, decision-makers can use AI to take targeted action to better plan their purchasing and reduce food waste in their own organization.
Despite the many benefits that AI can offer the hospitality industry in the fight against food waste, there are also challenges that need to be considered. It is important to remain realistic and aware of both the potential and the limitations of the technology. As useful and powerful as AI is, it is not a cure for everything.
Data accuracy and quality
Accurate data is necessary for AI to work effectively. An AI system is only as good as the information available to it. If sales figures, stock levels or other key data are inaccurate, AI will struggle to make reliable predictions. Missing or incomplete historical data from the past can severely limit the use of AI. It is therefore important to ensure that the information is accurate before deploying an AI-based solution in the business.
Cost and implementation
For smaller businesses in particular, the question often arises as to whether the use of new technologies makes sense and is affordable. The upfront cost of AI-based solutions can be a barrier, as moving to digital processes may require initial investment and training for your team. However, it is worth seeking comprehensive advice and finding bespoke solutions that can be gradually integrated into your business over time. After all, modern technology can often lead to long-term cost savings.
Acceptance and employees
Acceptance of the new technologies also plays a very important role. Many hospitality companies have relied on manual processes for years and often have reservations about using AI. Open communication about these changes is important to show the team that AI is a useful tool that makes day-to-day tasks easier. When employees see how artificial intelligence can help them, for example – by optimizing stock levels or ordering on demand – buy-in is quick to follow.
Unforeseeable events
Despite all the data and predictions, AI cannot anticipate every eventuality. Factors such as sudden supply shortages or global events, such as a pandemic, can have a major impact on demand or the operation of a hospitality business. These circumstances are beyond the control of an AI. It is therefore important to be flexible and always rely on experience and common sense.
Cultural differences and individual needs
Every hospitality business is unique: eating habits, in particular, vary by region and culture and are not always easy to integrate into standardized AI systems. While AI is good at recognizing general trends and patterns, it can be difficult to capture specific regional preferences or short-term trends. It is therefore important that restaurateurs keep their individual needs in mind and do expect AI to make all the decisions.
Implementing AI in your business is easier than many people think. With a clear, step-by-step plan, you can make the process smooth and effective:
Step 1: Set clear objectives for your strategy
Before you start, define your goals. Think about the challenges you want to solve with the help of AI: reduce food waste, lower operating costs, increase guest satisfaction? Also consider your available budget, as AI solutions – including training and maintenance – are a long-term investment.
Step 2: Choose the best AI solution for you
From free to paid options: Thoroughly research the AI tools available on the market to find the right solution. Talk to different vendors to find out which solutions are best for your business. Finally, choose a trusted technology partner who understands and supports your specific requirements.
Step 3: Actively engage your team
Adopting AI requires not only a certain amount of technical preparation, but also the involvement of your employees. Involve your team right from the start to reduce concerns and fears. Training and regular communication about the benefits of AI are essential to ensure that your team sees the technology as an enabler and can use it effectively.
Step 4: Test the AI
Before you fully integrate the AI into your business, you should first run a pilot test. This internal test will help you verify the functionality and impact of the AI on your daily work. Use carefully collected data to make the algorithms work accurately and refine the system based on the initial results.
Step 5: Implement the AI system
After successful testing, the full implementation takes place. Ensure that the AI system works seamlessly with your existing processes and technologies. Continue to involve your staff in the project and train them to use the new system effectively.
Step 6: Continuously monitor and optimize the system
Implementation is just the beginning. Now it is important to continuously monitor the results and get feedback from guests and staff. Regular updates and maintenance are important to keep the AI up to date. Adjust the system as necessary to ensure long-term improvements and sustainable success.
Food waste is a serious environmental problem that has a significant impact on our society, the environment and the economy. But there is hope: AI solutions are already showing promising approaches to gradually reduce food waste in the restaurant industry – although they still face challenges.
The key for restaurateurs today is to give modern technology a chance and plan its use carefully. When properly integrated into their business; AI can not only optimize processes, but also make a positive contribution to protecting our planet and ensuring a more sustainable and healthier foodservice industry.