ESG and AI: Transforming the Future of the Food Sector
Mark Lumsdon-Taylor · Posted on: February 18th 2026 · read
The Future of Food series: Risk, Resilience and the Path to Sustainable Value Chains
The Sustainable Foods conference held the last week of January highlighted a rapidly evolving landscape in which ESG expectations, consumer behaviour and artificial intelligence are converging to reshape how the food sector operates. As businesses across the value chain face mounting pressure to deliver environmental and social impact while still meeting consumer expectations, AI is emerging as one of the most significant enablers of meaningful progress.
A key theme throughout the discussions was the growing responsibility consumer brands are accepting regarding the nation’s nutrition. Major retailers and household-name brands spoke openly about a shift in mindset - from simply supplying products to actively educating consumers and shaping healthier food choices. This signals a notable transition: Brands are no longer just reacting to demand; they are actively influencing it.
Practical Uses of AI in the Food Industry
Waste management
Enhanced product formulation
Across the conference, AI was presented not as a distant possibility but as a practical tool already delivering impact. Two notable applications stood out.
First, AI is helping companies calculate waste more quickly and more accurately. Faster waste measurement enables more responsive decision-making, reducing both environmental impact and cost.
Second, AI is enhancing product formulation, allowing businesses to trial recipe variations, optimise nutritional profiles and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive ingredients—all while maintaining taste and quality.
What became clear is that AI will increasingly underpin ESG progress in the food sector. Whether enabling more reliable data, supporting responsible sourcing strategies or improving nutritional outcomes, AI offers a way to navigate the sector’s growing complexity. For organisations looking to accelerate their ESG agenda, embracing AI is no longer optional - it is a strategic differentiator.
The Future of Food Series: Risk, Resilience and the Path to Sustainable Value Chains
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