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Using technology to mitigate food waste is emerging as a critical solution for India’s foodservice industry, according to a recent report. The integration of technological tools not only addresses environmental concerns but also helps restaurants improve efficiency and profitability.
Food wastage remains a significant issue for the restaurant sector, eroding profits while exacerbating environmental and social challenges. This comes at a time when millions globally suffer from undernourishment and malnutrition. Parthasaradhi Reddy Bokkala, Lead Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, highlighted that difficulties in predicting customer demand often lead restaurants to overproduce, resulting in unnecessary waste.
“Small- and medium-sized restaurants often lack the resources and expertise to negotiate better pricing with vendors or access services to minimize waste,” Reddy explained.
Leveraging Technology to Streamline Operations
The report emphasized the importance of adopting technology to address this pressing issue. Tools that assist with operational planning, purchase optimization, and waste reduction are pivotal, especially for smaller establishments that face tighter margins and limited access to advanced solutions.
One promising example cited in the report is Zomato’s new “Food Rescue” initiative, which aims to help restaurants tackle food waste effectively. Similarly, Swiggy and Zomato’s order scheduling features enable customers to plan meals in advance, allowing restaurants to optimize kitchen operations and minimize surplus.
“These innovations empower foodservice businesses to align production with demand more accurately, reducing unnecessary waste,” the report stated.
Overcoming Barriers for Small Businesses
While large restaurant chains often have the financial means to implement sophisticated technological solutions, smaller businesses face significant barriers. However, the proactive efforts of online food delivery platforms are beginning to bridge this gap.
“The adoption of technology by small businesses is often hindered by financial constraints,” Reddy noted. “However, initiatives from platforms like Zomato and Swiggy can help these businesses overcome such challenges, making waste management more accessible and efficient.”
Though still in their early stages, these technological advancements have the potential to transform waste management practices across India’s foodservice industry. By streamlining operations and fostering sustainability, technology offers a pathway to addressing one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.
