Artificial intelligence technologies by companies like Winnow and Afresh are being deployed to significantly reduce food waste in the US by translating trash into tangible cost savings for food-related businesses.
Main Points:
- Two leading companies, Winnow and Afresh, have introduced AI technologies aimed at reducing food waste in restaurants and grocery stores by monitoring trash and inventory, respectively.
- Winnow’s AI cameras analyze food waste in restaurant kitchens, helping businesses save an average of 8% on food costs by reducing waste, while Afresh optimizes grocery store inventory to minimize unsold products.
- These AI solutions not only aim to cut financial losses and food waste but also address environmental concerns and global hunger by potentially reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and making nutritious food more accessible.
Summary:
The United States faces a daunting challenge with nearly 40% of its food going unsold or uneaten, translating to 80 million tons of waste annually. In an effort to combat this issue, AI technologies developed by Winnow and Afresh are offering groundbreaking solutions. Winnow’s system installs cameras above garbage cans in kitchens to analyze and reduce waste, boasting significant cost savings and environmental benefits among its 2,000 clients worldwide, including major brands like IKEA and Marriott. Afresh focuses on optimizing grocery store inventory, aiming to make nutritious food more accessible and reduce waste.
These technological advancements are pivotal at a time when global food demand is soaring and hunger remains a critical issue. By providing businesses with the tools to track and minimize waste, these companies are making strides towards a more sustainable and efficient food industry. The efforts of Winnow and Afresh highlight the potential of AI to address critical global challenges such as food waste, hunger, and environmental sustainability, marking a significant step forward in the fight against global food inefficiency.
Source: Artificial intelligence technology tracks US food waste
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