A new digital tool powered by artificial intelligence is being tested by companies throughout the United Kingdom, with Nestle among those trialing the technology. The system has already demonstrated a dramatic drop of 87 percent in food that is safe to eat but would otherwise be wasted at one of the company’s sites within just two weeks.
By analyzing food production in real time, the tool delivers insights on the volume and types of surplus items as they arise. Nestle estimates the pilot could lead to saving as much as 700 tonnes of usable food, equal to about one and a half million meals, while also cutting down as much as 1,400 tonnes of carbon emissions, which could lower operational expenses by close to fourteen million pounds.
Technology Targets Surplus in Production
The software, developed by Zest, is intended not just for food makers but could be adopted throughout the supply chain as early as March of next year through subscription. Every item flagged in the system is safe to eat but unsuitable for sale, such as a chocolate bar that gets chipped or products that have sell by dates that are too close for retailers to accept.
Zest has already started a second phase of testing with Nestle, following support through Innovate UK’s BridgeAI initiative. Innovate UK, which backs digital innovation with government funds, awarded nearly two million pounds in matched funding to the project as part of a broader effort to support artificial intelligence in industry.
Esra Kasapoglu, who oversees AI and the data sector at Innovate UK, described the project as a key step in reimagining how food is sourced and distributed throughout Britain. She believes the tool’s impact will go beyond preventing waste and extend to shrinking the industry’s overall carbon footprint as well as lowering costs.
Across the country, roughly four and a half million tonnes of edible food is discarded annually, amounting to about ten billion missed meals. Simon Millard, who directs food redistribution at the nonprofit group FareShare, said this type of technology could greatly expand their ability to get unused food to charities and community organizations.
The latest trial also involves several other startups and logistics experts who focus on sustainable operations. Among them are Bristol Superlight, Howard Tenens Logistics, FuturePlus, the data platform FareShare, AI food waste reduction UK, Nestle surplus food technology, and food waste reduction UK, Nestle surplus food.
