We spoke about Data Analytics for a coffee shop in my last blog (you can find it here) https://thebigmarketingbite.blogspot.com/2022/01/lets-face-it.html. Now let’s look at the bigger and more complex picture - Big Data! This technology is becoming a main course ‘behind the scenes’ in the food industry.
Firstly, what is Big Data?
An example of where Big data would be used in everyday life could be your SMART home hub from Google/Alexa from Amazon. They can be connected to other SMART home products and can speak to each other independently weaving a web of complexity!
Big Data can be categorized as Structured, Unstructured, and Semi-Structured (a bit of both) the former being linear and clearly defined, the latter being more of a qualitative nature and scattered so more difficult to analyse (like social media activity).
So what does this have to do with the food industry anyways?
For those of you, like me, who may have choked at the mere mention of the words big and data in the same sentence, let’s simplify it within an industry we are all know! The Food Industry!
Today I am going to take a peek into an area that will contribute to our planet’s future – Food Waste. Can Big Data help in reducing food waste in our society? Let's see...
The UN has reported that worldwide one third of food produced is wasted, with some countries (Italy and France, included) being ordered to donate rather than waste this food. This begs the question why isn’t this an EU or indeed a Worldwide standard?)
The UN has reported that worldwide one third of food produced is wasted, with some countries (Italy and France, included) being ordered to donate rather than waste this food. This begs the question why isn’t this an EU or indeed a Worldwide standard?)
Introducing chemical and biological sensors at different stages within the supply chain to manage the process, is a game-changer! These sensors can detect temperature, freshness, toxins, allergens, used to check soil quality for harvest management, etc.
Sensors can also be used within packaging (SMART packaging) to monitor freshness, thereby improving shelf life and reducing waste. Algorithms will further enhance the effectiveness of maintaining freshness and reducing waste by combining data from all stages of farm to fork, ensuring the best quality product for the customer, that being the end consumer, or restaurant, etc. Blockchain Technology will further secure this data, allowing it to be shared but not to be altered.
I have merely whet your appetite with an helicopter view on how Big Data can be applied to one consequence of the food industry i.e. food waste. The technology is evolving all the time. This one area of food waste management - supply chain management - contributes in a major way to stop food wastage in the future.
There are many other facets within the Food Industry in the area of waste management, not least using mobile apps to buy otherwise-wasted food at a reduced price. How amazing is it that this exciting and ever-changing technological trend in the food industry can contribute to the Circular Economy.
You can find out more about these technologies in these excellent articles below: https://theconversation.com/how-sensors-and-big-data-can-help-cut-food-wastage-128563 and https://www.warpnews.org/food-tech/3-smart-technologies-that-reduce-food-waste/ and https://supplychaindigital.com/digital-supply-chain/big-data-key-reducing-food-waste-says-new-report
From a domestic perspective this food planner can help reduce food waste at home using https://www.airfield.ie/stories_news/seasonal-meal-planner/
I hope you found this post as interesting as I found researching it. I tried to keep it as simple and thought-provoking as I could. Feel free to comment and help me improve!
Thank you for joining me again this week. Lots more to come…
Until then…
Colette Breen-O’Boyle
Hi Colette, what a thought provoking and interesting article this week - well done. I never would have thought that big data could be applied to something as important as the issue of food waste. You're absolutely right that more could and should be done and that this should be brought as an EU/Worldwide initiative. Even from an economical perspective rather than an ethical one, giving the consumer the option of purchasing products that use this data technology could save millions.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like how you have linked further articles regarding this issue, as I am intrigued how I can now find out more about this topic, and also through the use of your at home food planner - i have already downloaded and look forward to how I can contribute and become more sustainable. Thanks for such a great article this week, you have given me a lot of food for thought.
Great Post Colette.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, your statistic of one third of all food produced being wasted was quite shocking especially with all the poverty and hunger in the world.
The use of technology such as big data analytics to address this is a very intersting concept. The introduction of sensors at different stages of food production from origin through to packaging and then the use of this information to continually improve processes and decrease waste is a great use of this technology.
It's also win win as it makes sense both ethically and economically!
Looking forward to your next installment.
Suzanne Mc Cabe
Wonderful information here Collette. Really enjoyed reading your blog as always. You have really struck on something here, its amazing to think about the amount of food waste society generates. I've never heard of this SMART packaging before. What a very clever idea and benefits the world globally. I have to say the links you have provided within the article are very interesting especially the planner for use within the home.. I think if everyone made a few changes within there lives it would really make a difference.
ReplyDeleteDavid Donnelly