Two large retailers used artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to improve their order accuracy, which led to a 14.8% average reduction in food waste per store. While the two pilots were conducted at large retailers, the AI solutions also work for smaller chains. If the entire grocery sector were to implement these solutions, an estimated 907,372 tons of food waste could be prevented, representing 13.3 million metric tons of avoided CO2e emissions and more than $2 billion in financial benefits for the sector.

“Finish your plate!” From the time we’re kids learning to use a fork, to when we’re young adults learning to make our own meals, we’re taught not to waste food. And why would we want to? Every black banana or bunch of greens that have wilted to mush is a visual representation wasted hard-earned time and money.

Every day, people grow more conscious of the effects their consumer choices have on their personal and environmental health. We want to eat better and waste less; we want healthier, more affordable fresh food that nourishes our bodies and lasts long enough in our refrigerators to enjoy. We want the valuable time and money we spend in our grocery stores to yield the tastiest, most nutritious produce possible.