Major food corporations implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for product innovation and quality control assert that these platforms are giving them a competitive edge in a fast-evolving market while enabling them to stay ahead of potential market disruptions. Companies like Kellanova and the ingredients giant Ingredion are harnessing AI to optimize their supply chains, refine recipe formulations, and ensure compliance with current regulations. During a virtual “State of Innovation in Food Manufacturing” event hosted by Food Dive and Manufacturing Dive on April 9, representatives from these companies discussed their AI initiatives, including partnerships with AI provider Tastewise.
David Lestage, Chief R&D Officer at Kellanova, which is known for brands like Pringles and Rice Krispies Treats, explained how the company is utilizing AI to address operational, regulatory, and consumer-related challenges. In 2024, Kellanova identified AI as one of its top five technology priorities, alongside digital twins and data analytics. The company employs AI to determine substitute ingredients when specific raw materials are unavailable. Lestage mentioned that the technology can identify various grades or types of rice or corn, allowing for more efficient ingredient substitutions, reduced downtime, and a lighter labor load.
Both Kellanova and Ingredion are increasingly relying on AI to navigate regulatory compliance, particularly in light of uncertainties arising from trade tensions. Kellanova utilizes a platform called RegAsk to stay updated on global regulatory changes affecting various sectors, including packaging and carbon emissions. This technology helps employees avoid the complexities of navigating different countries’ regulations, allowing them to concentrate on other important tasks.
At Ingredion, Vice President of Global Supply Chain Chad Davis shared that the company employs AI to forecast which ingredients may be most impacted by supply chain disruptions, such as tariffs or unexpected events like a ship getting stuck in the Suez Canal. Davis noted that Ingredion has developed a “digital twin” of its supply chain, incorporating data from manufacturing and distribution sites, material costs, and global consumer trends. This advanced modeling enables the company to anticipate the effects of disruptions, ensuring preparedness for potential challenges.
Beyond supply chain management, AI is also being utilized to keep pace with changing consumer preferences and identify emerging flavors or product opportunities. Kellanova’s food scientists leverage Tastewise to enhance creativity in areas like packaging design, claims, and recipe suggestions. Additionally, they utilize Microsoft’s AI tools on platforms like Edge and Copilot to derive insights for product development.
Lestage emphasized that the tools available for obtaining consumer feedback can significantly accelerate product development timelines, sometimes by several months. Tastewise analyzes vast amounts of data, including social media interactions and restaurant menus, to predict upcoming trends in the food industry. The platform features a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, allowing users to ask specific questions, which helps companies forecast consumer demand more accurately rather than relying solely on static research trends.
“Companies that succeed are those that can personalize their approach and truly understand their consumers,” said Tastewise COO Tal Tochner. “They ask highly localized questions to tailor their marketing strategies effectively.”
Incorporating products like Spring Valley Calcium Citrate 600mg 300 Count into their offerings could also align with consumer health trends, further enhancing Kellanova’s and Ingredion’s market strategies. As they adapt and innovate, the emphasis on AI technologies will continue to be critical for these companies as they strive to meet consumer needs and stay ahead in the competitive food industry.