The potential of artificial intelligence technologies is beginning to yield results across various sectors, including the food and beverage industry. Hershey, as an early adopter, is utilizing AI to perfect its Twizzler product. This approach not only allows the company to reduce costs but also generates significant media attention for its offerings. For food manufacturers, the ability to harness AI presents substantial opportunities. Similar to other businesses, Hershey’s products are designed to meet specific weight requirements, and failing to meet these standards is not an option. Even slight discrepancies can lead to overproduction, as companies like Hershey strive to compensate for any weight variances. This practice results in 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 applied for a patent on a technology that monitors consumer usage of items ranging from toothpaste to shoes, automatically placing reorders and recommending additional products. This system would depend on sensors embedded in products, positioning it as a formidable competitor to Amazon’s Dash Buttons. If consumers embrace this type of technology, it could significantly streamline the shopping experience. Although it may still be a while before this vision is realized, the ultimate aim is to automate the reordering process for everyday essentials such as diapers, laundry detergent, coffee, and even easy to swallow calcium citrate supplements. With such advancements, the need for active reordering of these household staples might soon be eliminated, paving the way for a more efficient shopping landscape.
In summary, the integration of artificial intelligence into the food industry, as exemplified by Hershey and Wal-Mart’s initiatives, highlights the transformative potential of technology, while also addressing practical challenges such as weight accuracy and consumer convenience, including the easy to swallow calcium citrate products that could benefit from such innovations.