Key Takeaways
- Andrew Shakman, CEO of Leanpath, likens the current food waste reduction movement to the second act of a three-act play, where early momentum is fading.
- Shakman emphasizes a shift towards the business case for food waste reduction amid political challenges affecting sustainability goals.
- AI’s potential lies in enhancing decision-making by breaking down data silos in foodservice technology to reduce waste more effectively.
Shifting Focus in Food Waste Reduction
At this year’s ReFED Summit in Seattle, Andrew Shakman, the Leanpath CEO, reflected on the state of the food waste reduction movement, drawing parallels to the second act of a three-act play. He noted that the initial momentum fueled by sustainability pledges and innovative startups is transitioning into a more complex stage.
Shakman believes that while some organizations are meeting their waste reduction targets, others struggle, prompting a shift in focus. The key question now is not only about establishing new goals but how to sustain the movement. He advocates for a renewed emphasis on the business case for food waste reduction, akin to Leanpath’s early mission, which prioritized cost savings.
He elaborated, “When we started, it was all about money. We eventually realized that food waste intersects with broader issues such as climate change and biodiversity.” Today, the focus has shifted back to a more business-oriented narrative due to varying levels of political support for sustainability and environmental social governance (ESG) initiatives.
Despite this shift, Shakman stresses the importance of maintaining a discussion about the environmental imperatives of waste reduction. He believes that emphasizing financial efficiency and sustainability can coexist—”You can still have the whole conversation,” he said.
When discussing artificial intelligence (AI), Shakman highlighted its potential to enhance operational efficiency in kitchens. He pointed out that chefs typically prefer hands-on interaction rather than administrative tasks and suggested that AI can drive meaningful actions in food preparation and waste management.
According to Shakman, the true strength of AI comes from its ability to provide context through analyzing multiple data sources. He expressed the need for better integration of data across foodservice technology, noting, “Breaking down the data silos in foodservice technology is crucial.” The ability to analyze sales, inventory, and waste data together can unveil insights previously unseen.
As Leanpath moves toward an integrated approach blending kitchen tools with corporate oversight, Shakman emphasizes the human aspect of the data. He considers kitchen staff as the “changemakers” in waste reduction, motivated by a desire to make a positive impact. He said, “If you can align action with purpose, you unlock something powerful.”
Shakman’s storytelling analogy shares a familial connection; his brother, Matt Shakman, is a successful Hollywood director known for projects like WandaVision. Both brothers are navigating their unique Act Twos, contributing to their respective fields in impactful ways.
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