BIG DATA APPLICATION; IT’S NOW A ‘MAIN COURSE’ IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

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?

Big data are large and complex data sets usually generated from newer data sources like social networks, SMART devices and those devices connected to the Internet Of Things. These data sets are so large they cannot be analysed in the usual manner. They are high volume, high velocity and high variety. 

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?)

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