Hitachi Digital Services & OneThird Fight Food Waste

While the human population increases, so does the volume of food waste. Now, digital consultancy company Hitachi Digital Services has partnered with food waste prevention specialists OneThird to work on a solution to prevent the global food waste crisis.

Hitachi Digital Services is an independent services business, positioned within the Hitachi Digital portfolio to leverage the synergies between operational technology, information technology and product and service offerings. 

Margarida Marques, Vice President - Head of Continental Europe & General Manager Portugal & Spain, Hitachi Digital Services, spoke with Food Digital to discuss the goal of the partnership and how OneThird’s technology helps to reduce food waste. 

Hitachi Digital Services and OneThird see food waste as a pressing issue globally

For Margarida, the primary goal of this partnership is to address the global food waste crisis, by developing an innovative solution that enhances the efficiency of the food supply chain. 

“By combining Hitachi's expertise in cloud technology and data analytics with OneThird's cutting-edge sensing technology, Hitachi DS aims to create a real-time data insights platform that enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and significantly reduce food waste,” she tells us. 

Food waste is a critical issue for Hitachi Digital Service, because approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide is lost or wasted, despite unprecedented levels of consumption fueled by a growing global population. 

“With estimates suggesting that the population will increase by nearly 2bn people in the next 30 years, the financial costs associated with food wastage - around USD$1trn each year-are staggering,” she shares. “This situation poses a serious challenge to food security, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure there is enough food for everyone.”

Margarida Marques, VP - Head of Continental Europe & General Manager Portugal & Spain, Hitachi Digital Services

How OneThird’s technology helps to reduce food waste

OneThird has developed an innovative portable scanner that can analyse fresh produce at a molecular level using non-destructive, near-infrared sensing technology. This scanner evaluates key components such as water, sugar and starch content to predict the shelf life of fruits and vegetables accurately. 

“By leveraging this technology, the solution allows supply chain participants to access real-time shelf-life data, enabling them to make strategic decisions about the distribution and use of produce, ultimately reducing waste significantly,” Margarida explains. 

The technology provides retailers with critical insights that allow them to:

• Optimise distribution routes based on the actual shelf life of products, ensuring fresher items reach consumers faster.
• Repurpose near-expiry items by directing them to food banks or processing facilities instead of letting them go to waste.
• Provide accurate best-before and expiration dates based on real-time shelf life data, rather than relying on default values that may not reflect the actual condition of the produce.
• Implement discount strategies for items nearing expiration, which can enhance sales while improving inventory management by placing longer-lasting items at the front.

Hitachi DS have a track record of working with clients to improve resource efficiency, including initiatives that have successfully reduced energy costs and enhanced agricultural practices.

“Hitachi Digital Services is deeply committed to advancing sustainability across various sectors,” she adds. “This collaboration with OneThird is a prime example of Hitachi DS dedication to developing innovative solutions that promote sustainable practices.”

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