The potential of artificial intelligence technologies is beginning to manifest across various sectors, including food and beverage. Hershey, an early adopter of AI, is utilizing the technology to perfect its Twizzler production. This not only allows the company to cut costs but also generates excitement in the media about its products. The ability to harness artificial intelligence presents a significant opportunity for food manufacturers. Like many companies, Hershey’s products come with a guaranteed weight, which they must consistently meet. If there are any discrepancies, even minor ones, Hershey and other producers often resort to overproduction to compensate for weight variations. This leads to considerable overproduction—and financial loss—over time.
Other innovative applications of AI are emerging in the food sector as well. For instance, Wal-Mart has recently filed a patent for a system designed to monitor consumer usage of products ranging from toothpaste to shoes, automating reorders and suggesting additional items. This technology would utilize sensors attached to products and pose a strong competition to Amazon’s Dash Buttons. Should consumers embrace this type of technological advancement, such systems could significantly streamline the grocery shopping experience. While the widespread adoption of this technology may still be on the horizon, the ultimate goal is for essential household items—like calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, diapers, laundry detergent, coffee, and other consumables—to no longer require manual reordering.
Incorporating AI into these processes could lead to more efficient inventory management and potentially reduce waste, especially for products that are critical for health, like calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. By leveraging AI, companies like Hershey could not only enhance product quality but also transform the way consumers interact with everyday necessities.