Nestlé and Google Pilot AI Food Redistribution in UK

A group including a major food company, a leading technology firm, brands, and food charities are working together to test a new system using artificial intelligence. The project aims to redirect surplus food in the UK, potentially redistributing the equivalent of up to 1.5 million meals.

Each year, the UK wastes roughly 4.6 million tonnes of edible food. This amounts to about 10 billion meals.

Other organisations taking part in this effort include a logistics technology company, a large food redistribution charity, a sustainability firm, a logistics provider, and an AI technology company focused on food waste.

The project is part of a larger initiative by a government innovation agency that provides funding for projects using AI to improve efficiency and drive new ideas. This specific project received a grant of £1.9 million. The initiative aims to show how different sectors like food, transport, technology, climate, and charity can work together using funding and innovative ideas. It is seen as a starting point for future projects that will help create circular economic models and advance sustainability efforts.

During the trial period, the group plans to develop and test the AI system, which is expected to redirect up to 700 tonnes of good quality surplus food. This amount is equal to up to 1.5 million meals. Estimates suggest these trials could prevent up to 1,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released. They could also lead to cost savings of up to £14 million. Earlier tests by the AI technology company involved in this group showed an 87% drop in edible food waste at one factory over two weeks.

The AI-powered system will connect food manufacturers, logistics companies, and charities. It is designed to make the process of getting available surplus food to where it is needed faster and more efficient. The system will use technology from the technology company to quickly match available surplus items with demand. A separate system from the logistics technology company will help measure and track the quality of the food as it is moved.

After the trial, this AI system for managing surplus food could be used more widely across the food supply chain. This could create opportunities for businesses and charities throughout the sector. The major food company involved sees this multi-industry effort as building on its previous work over the last ten years to tackle food waste and help manage surplus food within its own operations more effectively. The food redistribution charity involved, which has been bringing partners together for 30 years to address food waste and food needs, believes this new system will make a significant positive difference.