In this episode, Maxime talks with Ivo Bigaré, the industry lead for food companies at Delaware, a global ICT consultancy company. From the rise of plant-based alternatives and the impact of technology on food production to the importance of food safety and sustainability, the discussions highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry. By embracing innovation, prioritising food safety, and adopting sustainable practices, the food industry can continue to meet the evolving needs of consumers while ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.
WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE?
The recipe for success has 3 main ingredients: automation, innovation and data
Delaware has been active for 25 years and serves both small and large food companies. Over the years, food companies have evolved from basic ERP solutions to more advanced processes and innovations. Today, they face challenges such as changing consumer preferences, scarcity of products, and finding staff. Innovation and automation are still useful in this environment and have become a game changer. Automation can eliminate repetitive tasks and improve food quality, while innovation can lead to cost reductions and revenue growth. Quality assurance managers should focus on interpreting and exploiting the vast amount of data available in their companies.
Computer Vision enhances food safety standards
Food safety and regulation are fundamental pillars of a responsible and trustworthy food industry. The solutions of challenges associated with maintaining high standards of food safety, ensuring proper labelling, and combating food fraud, are directly related with implementing automation on the labour. Automation, including AI and computer vision, can solve quality control problems by enabling early detection and monitoring of production processes. From one side by staying informed about food safety issues, consumers can make informed choices, and from another side this customer expectation and control hold companies accountable for maintaining high standards.
Sustainability is more important than ever
Nowadays, companies can see increasing demand for sustainable sourcing, reducing food waste, and minimising environmental impact. More people are seeking out environmentally friendly and ethically sourced food options, prompting companies to adopt sustainable practices to meet this demand. Initiatives such as composting, recycling, and responsible packaging as essential steps toward creating a more sustainable food system. Automation can have a significant impact on increasing sustainability of food companies by reducing waste and minimising environmental impact. Additionally, AI projects offer good predictability of return on investment and can provide a more intelligent and efficient approach to product development.