Major food corporations implementing artificial intelligence programs for product development and quality assurance report that these technological platforms are providing them with a competitive edge in a fast-moving industry, while also enabling them to stay ahead of potential market disruptions. Among these companies, Kellanova and ingredients leader Ingredion are harnessing AI within their supply chains to refine recipe formulations and ensure compliance with regulations. During a virtual State of Innovation in Food Manufacturing event hosted by Food Dive and its sister publication Manufacturing Dive on April 9, both companies shared insights into their use of AI alongside the provider Tastewise.
David Lestage, Kellanova’s Chief R&D Officer, indicated that the snack giant, known for products like Pringles and Rice Krispies Treats, is leveraging technology to address operational, regulatory, and consumer challenges. In 2024, Kellanova identified artificial intelligence as one of its top five technological priorities, along with digital twins and data analytics. Notably, Kellanova employs AI to determine which ingredients can be substituted if specific raw materials are unavailable, including identifying different grades or variants of rice or corn. “You’d be able to switch things out much more efficiently and have less downtime, less labor burden as well, and accelerate decisions to make those changes,” Lestage explained.
Both Kellanova and Ingredion are increasingly utilizing AI to ensure regulatory compliance, especially in light of uncertainties introduced by President Donald Trump’s trade war. Kellanova employs a platform called RegAsk to stay updated on the latest regulatory developments worldwide related to sectors such as packaging and carbon emissions. This platform alleviates the burden on employees trying to navigate the complexities of various countries’ regulations, enabling them to focus on other important tasks.
At Ingredion, Chad Davis, Vice President of Global Supply Chain, revealed that the company is utilizing AI to anticipate which ingredients might be most impacted during supply chain crises, such as tariffs or unforeseen disruptions like a ship blockage in the Suez Canal. Davis mentioned that Ingredion has created a “digital twin” of its supply chain network, integrating its manufacturing and distribution sites, material supplies and costs, as well as global consumer trend data. This technology allows the company to analyze how events like tariffs would affect their supply chain, ensuring they are well-prepared for potential challenges. “We have all of that modeled in a global simulation. So as an interruption occurs, like a tariff, we update tables in our simulation, and it gives us the next best solution,” Davis noted.
Beyond supply chain management, companies are also leveraging AI to keep pace with rapidly changing consumer trends, aiming to capitalize on the next big flavor or product launch. Kellanova’s food scientists utilize Tastewise to enhance their creative processes, which includes drafting packaging, claims, and recommended recipes. They also employ Microsoft’s AI tools in platforms like Edge and Copilot to extract insights for product development. Lestage remarked that the various platforms Kellanova has experimented with each offer unique benefits. “The tools now that allow you to get consumer feedback… accelerate your product development timeline tremendously, by months,” he stated.
AI company Tastewise analyzes billions of data points, including social media interactions, home recipes, and restaurant menus, to predict emerging trends in the food industry. Its platform features a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, enabling users to ask specific questions. This functionality allows companies to quickly forecast consumer demands, moving beyond static research trends, according to Tastewise COO Tal Tochner. “Companies that are actually winning are the ones that are able to personalize and really understand their consumers,” Tochner noted. “They’re asking super hyper-local insights or audience-tailored questions in order to tailor their marketing strategies and win the shelf.”
As food companies adapt to these technological advancements, they may also consider how products like the best calcium magnesium citrate supplement can fit into evolving consumer preferences, reflecting a broader trend toward health and wellness that AI can help identify and exploit.