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Breakthrough Innovation Challenges

Nestlé

A digital app using Big Data and AI to help users minimise food waste by managing their groceries and planning their meals.

Date of publication: 10 February 2017

The Company

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company, with over 2,000 brands and a presence in over 191 countries around the world. Nestlé's stated purpose is enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. They recognise that it is this contribution to society that will ensure their long-term success.

The Challenge

As a company moving incredibly high volumes of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), Nestlé is acutely aware of the importance of tackling waste. The company has a history of working with the farmers of some of its key ingredients to improve farming practices, as well as committing to zero-waste-to-landfill in all of its factories.

However, the problem remains that much of the waste Nestlé’s products create happens after they have sold it to a customer. As part of the Challenge, they wanted to find a way to help families to make smarter purchasing decisions which can save them money, whilst reducing the negative impact on the planet.

The Solution

Nestlé’s solution is an app that will be launched as part of a wider platform aimed at making their interaction with consumers less transactional and more of an ongoing relationship. Initially to be launched in the US market, the app will employ Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, and help consumers who struggle day-to-day to find the time to effectively manage their groceries and plan their meals.

If successful, the app will not only help reduce the negative environmental impact of over producing food and discarded packaging, but it will also mean Nestlé will begin to play a new role in the life of its customers. This could potentially lead to new business models as they become a service provider, not just a product provider, to their customers. Transforming from a product to a service is one of the key challenges facing FMCG companies as they try to create more circular business models.

Get to know the team:

Estefania Acuna Betancourt
Estefania Acuna Betancourt

Estefania, B.Sc. Chemical Engineer and M.Sc. Food technology, has worked 5 years at Nestlé. She has always been fascinated with the promising future of food technology and the vital role of food, especially the power to be able to have an impact on the lives of billions of people.

Hélène Lanctuit
Hélène Lanctuit

Hélène, B.Sc. Instrumentation and Applied Science and P.G.D.S.C Sustainable Value Chains, has worked 10 years at Nestlé and has significantly contributed to food waste reduction initiatives. She believes it is everyone´s responsibility to contribute towards building a sustainable future.

Get in touch:

For more info please contact BIChallenge@unglobalcompact.org

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