Using AI for Food Sustainability

AI and centralized data platforms are increasingly being used to accelerate product development, reduce waste, and improve sustainability by food and beverage companies, according to a presentation at the Sustainable Food Summit this year by Alexis Flores-Betancourt, senior account manager at Uncountable Inc.

Flores-Betancourt emphasized that structured, clean data is the foundation of any effective AI application. Without it, even sophisticated AI models can produce unreliable outputs. In practice, this means consolidating multiple Excel files and standardizing measurements, ensuring, for example, that “water” is consistently labeled across datasets, so AI tools can accurately analyze shelf life, formulation, and production outcomes.

Case studies demonstrate tangible benefits. One food manufacturer streamlined 10 disparate Excel templates into a single platform, drastically reducing time spent consolidating data and enabling daily AI-driven analysis of shelf life and production metrics. This approach also supports sustainability by minimizing waste, optimizing raw material use, and reducing energy consumption.

Flores-Betancourt stressed that successful AI deployment requires more than technology, it demands high-quality data, standardized processes, and robust infrastructure. As Michael Bortinger from TasteWise noted, AI can also bring brands closer to consumers, translating insights into smarter, faster decisions that support both innovation and sustainable practices in the food sector.

Sustainable Food Summit 2026. Panel: “Using AI for Food Sustainability.” Alexis Flores-Betancourt, Michael Ben Uncountable Inc; Michael Bortinger, Tastewise. Presentation, 2026.

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