Interactive consortium engages F&B experts, highlights the transformative power
of tech and human intelligence
Taguig City, Philippines – In a move to address the critical issue of food waste in the food and beverage industry, delaware Philippines, a global leader in advanced ICT solutions and services, hosted the first Food and Beverage Consortium last May 28 at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event, centered on the theme “Balancing Productivity and Sustainability: Strategies for Minimizing Food Waste in the Food and Beverage Industry,” brought together experts and key industry players to discuss innovative strategies and the pivotal role technology plays in minimizing food waste.
Food waste is a significant global problem, with approximately one-third of all food produced for
human consumption lost or wasted each year. This not only worsens food insecurity but also contributes to environmental degradation.
“Recognizing the urgency, we organized this consortium to spotlight practical, tech-driven
solutions through a roundtable setting where all participants have equal footing when sharing their
points of view based on their individual expertise. We need a quality exchange of ideas amongst
all the participants for this critical topic,” said Simone Pigason, Senior Vice President for Customer
Success of delaware Philippines who moderated the event’s roundtable.
SAP Head of Supply Chain and Operations Advisory for Asia Pacific and Japan Mehmet Kunter
talked about the importance of leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance supply chain efficiency and minimize waste.
Kunter noted that the use of AI models allows for more precise demand forecasting thus reducing
overproduction and subsequent waste. Work that integrates AI into supply chain systems has proved that it cuts 20 percent of fresh food waste by improving the accuracy of consumer demand
forecasting.
“Human intelligence is indispensable when it comes to managing the supply chain. However,
businesses cannot ignore the power of technology, particularly AI, and the critical role it plays in
improving existing processes and in realizing a more sustainable future. Effective food waste
management is more than just a logistical challenge; it’s a key component of sustainability. Only
by addressing its impact thoughtfully, can organizations ensure long-term, sustainable success,”
said Kunter.
Supply Chain Management Consultant Tessa Estrella, in her sharing, she underlined the
importance of matching supply to demand. Effective inventory management, driven through real-
time data analytics, ensures that food products are stocked just right so they do not spoil through
unnecessary overstocking. But this can only happen if the proper communications and
collaborations between the people across the supply chain networks are in place.
“Engaging suppliers, logistics providers, and other stakeholders helps optimize the flow of goods,
ensuring that perishable items reach consumers in the best condition. This is the number one
proof point where humans and technology go hand in hand,” said Estrella.
Highlighting further the importance of adopting innovative solutions, Kunter emphasized how
combating food waste requires a collective effort. “By combining human ingenuity with cutting-
edge technology, we can create a sustainable food system that benefits both the planet and its
people,” Kunter reiterated.
The consortium encouraged all stakeholders in the food and beverage industry to implement
these advanced strategies to significantly reduce food waste and enhance sustainability. For
delaware Philippines, their commitment to bringing innovative technologies and solutions remains
undeniable.
“We continue to lead the charge in transforming the food and beverage industry through
innovative technology and sustainable practices. Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in
hand with our dedication to driving business success,” said Rosette Carrao, Partner and Delivery
Head of Delaware Philippines.
To learn more about Delaware’s solutions and services, visit their website at
https://www.delaware.pro/en-ph.