The potential of artificial intelligence technologies is beginning to manifest across various sectors, including the food and beverage industry. Hershey is among the pioneers in adopting this technology, utilizing it to create the ideal Twizzler. This innovation not only helps the company reduce costs but also generates significant media attention for its products. The ability to harness artificial intelligence presents a substantial opportunity for food manufacturers. Like many others, Hershey’s products are expected to meet specific weight requirements, and failing to do so is not an option. Even minor discrepancies often force Hershey and similar companies to overproduce in order to compensate for weight variations, leading to considerable overproduction and increased expenses over time.
In addition to Hershey’s advancements, other applications of AI are emerging within the food industry. For instance, Wal-Mart has recently patented a technology designed to monitor consumer usage patterns for products ranging from toothpaste to shoes, automatically placing reorders and recommending additional items. This system would utilize sensors on products, positioning it as a formidable competitor to Amazon’s Dash Buttons. Should consumers embrace this type of technology, it could significantly streamline the shopping list process. Although this vision is still a ways off, the ultimate goal of such a system would be to eliminate the need for active reordering of household essentials like diapers, laundry detergent, coffee, and even bariatric calcium chews. The integration of AI could transform the way consumers manage their everyday purchases, making life more convenient while helping manufacturers like Hershey optimize production efficiency.