Technology offers solution to India’s food waste crisis in restaurants

It can also help improve efficiency and support sustainable practices in the industry.

Food wastage continues to be a major issue for India’s foodservice sector, affecting restaurant profits and contributing to environmental concerns, especially in a country grappling with hunger and malnutrition, GlobalData reported.

The report suggested that technology can help reduce food waste, improve efficiency, and support sustainable practices in the industry.

Parthasaradhi Reddy Bokkala, lead consumer analyst at GlobalData, said that many restaurants struggle with inefficiencies, particularly in predicting customer demand, leading to over-preparation and unsold meals.

He added that small- and medium-sized restaurants, with limited resources, face challenges in negotiating better pricing with vendors or accessing services to help reduce waste.

“In addition, financial challenges are particularly acute for smaller eateries, which often lack the capital to invest in waste-reduction systems or processes,” Bokkala said. “Additionally, the dynamics of the food delivery market, such as shifting consumer preferences, create challenges in maintaining predictable and efficient inventory management.”

With increasing scrutiny from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), restaurants are under pressure to minimize food wastage.

“The evolution of technology has ensured that even smaller outlets can benefit from it,” said Francis Gabriel Godad, Consumer Business Development Manager at GlobalData.

For example, Zomato’s Food Rescue initiative allows customers to purchase canceled orders at discounted prices. This helps reduce food waste and offers consumers affordable options.

A GlobalData 2024 survey showed that 39% of respondents consider sustainability when choosing where to order from.

Moreover, technology is also streamlining operations. Features like order scheduling on Swiggy and Zomato allow customers to pre-order and ensure timely delivery, helping restaurants plan better and reduce waste.

“Large restaurant chains have always had access to technological solutions to streamline their operations,” said Bokkala. “However, these are out of bounds for small businesses that cannot invest in the technology due to financial constraints.”