Food Chain - Issue 206 - June 2025 | Page 17

___________________________________________________________________________________________ Food Supply Chain

EMBRACING

INNOVATION

With the UK food industry facing significant challenges, is AI the answer?

According to a recent report by the Institute of Grocery Distribution( IGD), the UK food industry risks collapse in light of recent pressures, including rising global demand combined with domestic pressures, such as increasing labor costs and persistent workforce shortages.

With the food supply chain being an integral part of both the economy and critical national infrastructure, it is imperative that these challenges are addressed. However, effectively creating solutions to these challenges requires more than just incremental operational improvements. It is high time that the industry embraces advanced technological solutions and an overhaul of operations.
With the emergence of artificial intelligence( AI), automation, and advanced agentic systems revolutionizing a variety of sectors, the food manufacturing sector specifically stands to benefit from these technologies, which offer capabilities that go far beyond those of conventional machinery.
How will AI become the solution?
There are many facets to food manufacturing that require intervention. From optimizing supply chains and reducing food waste, each stage requires oversight and continuous improvement. AI offers a multifaceted solution to these challenges, providing targeted support at each stage of the food manufacturing process.
For example, AI can create a system where waste is minimized, quality is consistently prioritized, and production processes run seamlessly. This is done through intelligence driven visual inspection technologies which provide precise and continuous quality checks that go beyond human capabilities. Furthermore, these systems have the ability to strengthen operational resilience by continuously adapting to disruptions, such as supplier delays or shifts in consumer demand. These systems can also optimize numerous operational areas, including supply chain logistics, energy management, and detailed production scheduling.
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