Delaware Philippines recently hosted the inaugural Food and Beverage Consortium at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The event, themed “Balancing Productivity and Sustainability: Strategies for Minimizing Food Waste in the Food and Beverage Industry,” convened industry experts to explore innovative strategies and the transformative role of technology in reducing food waste.
Food waste is a pressing global issue, with about one-third of all food produced for human consumption lost or wasted annually. This exacerbates food insecurity and contributes to environmental degradation.
Simone Pigason, Senior Vice President for Customer Success of Delaware Philippines, who moderated the event’s roundtable, said, "We organized this consortium to highlight practical, tech-driven solutions. We aimed for a quality exchange of ideas among all participants on this critical topic.”
Mehmet Kunter, SAP Head of Supply Chain and Operations Advisory for Asia Pacific and Japan, emphasized the importance of leveraging advanced technologies like AI and ML to enhance supply chain efficiency and minimize waste. He noted that AI models allow for more precise demand forecasting, thus reducing overproduction and waste.
Kunter said, “Human intelligence is indispensable in managing the supply chain. However, businesses cannot ignore the power of technology, particularly AI, and its critical role in improving processes and realizing a more sustainable future. Effective food waste management is more than just a logistical challenge; it’s a key component of sustainability."
Supply Chain Management Consultant Tessa Estrella underscored the importance of matching supply to demand. Effective inventory management, driven by real-time data analytics, ensures optimal stocking of food products to prevent spoilage due to overstocking.
Estrella said, "Engaging suppliers, logistics providers, and other stakeholders optimizes the flow of goods, ensuring perishable items reach consumers in the best condition. This is where humans and technology work hand in hand.”
Kunter further highlighted the importance of adopting innovative solutions, emphasizing that 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. Delaware Philippines remains committed to bringing innovative technologies and solutions.
Rosette Carrao, Partner and Delivery Head of Delaware Philippines, said, “We continue to lead the transformation of the food and beverage industry through innovative technology and sustainable practices. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with our dedication to driving business success.”
To learn more about Delaware’s solutions and services, visit their website at https://www.delaware.pro/en-ph.
FAQs
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What was the Food and Beverage Consortium about? The consortium was an event hosted by Delaware Philippines to discuss strategies for minimizing food waste in the food and beverage industry.
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Who were the key speakers at the event? The key speakers were Simone Pigason, Senior Vice President for Customer Success of Delaware Philippines, Mehmet Kunter, SAP Head of Supply Chain and Operations Advisory for Asia Pacific and Japan, and Tessa Estrella, a Supply Chain Management Consultant.
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What are the key takeaways from the event? The event highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced technologies like AI and ML to enhance supply chain efficiency and minimize waste. It also emphasized the need for effective inventory management and stakeholder engagement in the supply chain.
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Where can I learn more about Delaware’s solutions and services? You can learn more about Delaware’s solutions and services on their website at https://www.delaware.pro/en-ph.