InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology across its restaurant and bar operations in a bid to achieve a 30% reduction in food waste.
The Winnow technology is set to be installed in a further 30 properties over the next few months
Working with technology firm Winnow, IHG has installed technology that uses cameras and smart scales to analyse ingredients during food preparation and plates returned to the kitchens at its hotels. AI technology is then used to assess which food items are wasted most to build a data bank that will inform buying decisions, improve food preparation and shape menu options.
The technology has been trialled in seven hotels across the Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) region, with the Fujairah Resort, UAE, hotel reducing food waste by more than 50% during a six-month period.
IHG EMEAA’s chief executive, Kenneth, Macpherson said: “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.”
Winning technology
The Winnow technology is set to be installed in a further 30 properties over the next few months, and 60 more hotels within the region have expressed interest in utilising the technology.
IHG is currently exploring whether rollouts across the Americas and Greater China are possible.
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