Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the food industry, with major companies like Kellanova and Ingredion adopting AI programs for product development and quality assurance. These companies are leveraging technology to gain a competitive edge and stay ahead of market disruptions.
At a recent virtual event hosted by Food Dive and Manufacturing Dive, Kellanova and Ingredion shared how they are using AI in their supply chain operations. David Lestage, chief R&D officer at Kellanova, highlighted the company’s use of AI to address operational, regulatory, and consumer challenges. By utilizing AI, Kellanova can identify alternative ingredients in case of raw material shortages and stay compliant with regulations across different regions.
Ingredion, on the other hand, is using AI technology to predict and mitigate supply chain disruptions. Chad Davis, vice president of global supply chain at Ingredion, explained how the company has created a digital twin of its supply chain network to simulate various scenarios and prepare for potential challenges like tariffs or shipping delays.
In addition to supply chain optimization, companies are also using AI to anticipate consumer trends and develop innovative products. Kellanova’s food scientists are using Tastewise, an AI platform that analyzes social media interactions, recipes, and menus to forecast upcoming trends in the food industry. By leveraging AI tools like Microsoft’s Edge and Copilot, Kellanova can accelerate its product development timeline and create consumer-centric products.
Tastewise COO Tal Tochner emphasized the importance of personalizing marketing strategies and understanding consumer preferences through AI-driven insights. Companies that can tailor their products and marketing strategies based on hyper-local insights are more likely to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Overall, the adoption of AI in the food industry is transforming how companies operate, innovate, and connect with consumers. By harnessing the power of AI, companies like Kellanova and Ingredion are paving the way for a more efficient, agile, and consumer-centric food industry.
