Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has unveiled plans to use AI technology to reduce food waste at selected properties.
The Winnow Vision AI technology uses intelligent cameras, smart scales and meters to analyse ingredients used during food preparation, as well as plates returned to the kitchen, to assess which food items are most wasted and in what quantities.
IHG says that the data will inform buying decisions at the hotels, as well as shaping menus and honing food preparation techniques.
The group says that the technology will help its hotels achieve a 30 per cent reduction in food waste, and has already been installed in seven properties in the EMEAA region, with 30 more to following in the coming months.
It highlights the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort, which has been able to reduce food waste by over 50 per cent using the technology, and says that 60 more properties in the EMEAA region have expressed interest in signing up.
IHG is also looking at rolling out the technology to properties in Greater China and the Americas.
Commenting on the news Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, EMEAA, IHG, said:
“With more than 5,600 hotels right across the world, a commitment to operating responsibly is at the heart of all we do. We know there’s always more that can be done to make a greater difference – whether that’s minimising waste through the removal of plastic straws or introducing innovative technology to reduce our environmental impact.
“Our partnership with Winnow will help our hotels be smarter and savvier in their approach to creating compelling menus that result in less waste whether it’s a grab-and-go breakfast, a family restaurant or a Michelin dining experience.
“I’m delighted that this is being led by some of our hotels in the Middle East, who are already seeing significant food waste reductions, and I’m looking forward to seeing this technology take off in more and more of our hotels around the world.”
Subscribers can read our feature on the steps hotels are taking to become more sustainable in the forthcoming July / August edition of Business Traveller.
