Delaware Philippines, a global leader in advanced ICT solutions and services, recently hosted the first Food and Beverage Consortium at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event, themed “Balancing Productivity and Sustainability: Strategies for Minimizing Food Waste in the Food and Beverage Industry,” aimed to address the critical issue of food waste through collaboration and innovative technology.
Food waste is a major global problem, with roughly one-third of all food produced annually lost or wasted. This not only impacts food security but also contributes to environmental degradation.
“Recognizing the urgency, we organized this consortium to showcase practical, tech-driven solutions through a roundtable discussion. We need a quality exchange of ideas among all participants for this critical topic,” according to Simone Pigason, Senior Vice President for Customer Success of delaware Philippines.
The event featured discussions on the importance of leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to improve supply chain efficiency and minimize waste. Experts highlighted how AI models can enhance demand forecasting, leading to reduced overproduction and food waste.
“Human intelligence is indispensable in supply chain management. However, businesses cannot ignore the power of AI and its role in improving processes and achieving a more sustainable future,” said Mehmet Kunter, SAP Head of Supply Chain and Operations Advisory for Asia Pacific and Japan.
Supply Chain Management Consultant Tessa Estrella emphasized the importance of matching supply with demand through real-time data analytics. This ensures optimal food stocking to prevent spoilage. However, effective communication and collaboration across the supply chain network are crucial.
“Engaging suppliers, logistics providers, and stakeholders helps optimize the flow of goods and ensure perishable items reach consumers in the best condition,” said Estrella. “This is a prime example of where humans and technology work together.”
The consortium encouraged stakeholders in the food and beverage industry to adopt these strategies to significantly reduce food waste and promote sustainability. Delaware Philippines reiterated its commitment to providing innovative technologies and solutions for sustainable practices within the industry.