Food supply chain optimization and waste reduction through AI: An approach towards sustainable food systems

Abstract

Industry 4.0 technologies should be adopted in the current era of the digital economy to meet the growing demand for food supply due to population growth, climate change, geopolitical instability and resource scarcity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising avenue in ensuring food security and sustainability in food systems through optimization of the food supply chain (FSC) from farm-to-fork and waste reduction along the FSC. More than 40-50% of global food production is wasted throughout the FSC. This review examines the potential of AI in addressing these challenges by optimizing food supply chain efficiency, reducing waste and ensuring food safety as a sustainable approach in food systems. This comprehensive study was conducted based on indexed journal articles published in the last 20 years, collected from ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. AI-driven technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, advanced algorithms, computer vision, image processing, Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics capabilities were explored in this review for optimizing the FSC. AI will play a crucial role in revolutionizing traditional FSCs by enhancing resilience and mitigating risk through real-time, automated and optimal data-driven decision making. AI enables the simplification and reconfiguration of supply chain designs through learning, reasoning and self-correction. AI is important in ensuring transparency, traceability, food safety and quality. A I ensure FSC optimization and waste minimization by enabling precise demand forecasting through predictive analytics in market trends, customer demands, climate change and seasonality. AI can be successfully applied in inventory management, intelligent decision-making, freshness and spoilage monitoring of foods and streamlining logistic operations. The review emphasizes the importance of adopting AI technologies in FSC optimization to ensure sustainability in food systems while addressing the barriers and challenges faced by developing countries.