Decoding Tomorrow:
Futurism and Foresights Today

Cost of living pressures are hurting everyone.

Grocery and food has never felt more expensive - I know from personal experience as a single dad feeding 2 hungry boys who incidentally seem to stack my shopping cart with extra "essential" items every time we are at the super market. At the same time 48% of fresh produce in places like the US is wasted - meaning it doesn't even get to feed the hungry mouths who need the nutrition and people who are struggling to pay for the inflated prices of food. Yet nearly half of our veggies get thrown away!

Could technology and Twin Transformation (digital x sustainable transformation) provide some answers to this dilemma?

The answer is Yes - as we step into the future of the food and grocery sector, the merging forces of digital and green transformations are revolutionizing how we produce, distribute, and consume food - from farm to fork. I highlighted the transformative power of this convergence at the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Emerging Leaders Summit and have included some of the megatrends from this keynote in this week's Decoding Tomorrow.

But what does this mean for the future of food, grocery and ultimately how you afford to feed your family?... read on for more.

Twin Transformation, the simultaneous evolution of digital and sustainability initiatives, is reshaping industries around the globe. In the food and grocery sector, these transformations hold the potential to not only improve operational efficiencies but also to address growing concerns around sustainability. The pressing question for the industry today is: How can technology and sustainability work in harmony to tackle the challenges of tomorrow?

The Digital Revolution: From Farm to Fork

Digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are no longer on the horizon – they are transforming every step of the supply chain. For example, digital twin technology enables food companies to model their supply chains, predict disruptions, and identify opportunities for waste reduction.

Imagine a future where AI predicts and mitigates supply chain issues before they occur, ensuring consistent product availability and minimizing waste.

This kind of transformation goes beyond efficiency—it’s about building resilient supply chains that adapt to fluctuations in demand and environmental pressures. Companies like Campbell Soup are already using AI to tailor products to consumer preferences, as seen with their introduction of spicier flavors for key future segments like Ghost Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup based on AI-driven consumer data.

But the real power of AI lies in how it can help optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and lower carbon footprints. The adoption of 5G technology, in addition, promises energy savings of up to 90% compared to previous generations of networks, paving the way for more environmentally friendly food production and logistics - and ultimately better prices for mums and dads.

Green Transformation: Meeting the Conscious Consumer

On the sustainability front, today's consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and eco-friendly practices. A 2023 study revealed that 70% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally sourced, organic, and sustainable food options (even in the face of inflation). This trend is driving brands to invest in green practices, from plastic-free packaging to sustainable sourcing.

For example, Vytal, a German company, is leading the way with its reusable packaging system for take-out food, partnering with over 3,500 entities to reduce waste from single-use containers. Similarly, Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer helps cities and businesses set emissions baselines and identify opportunities for reduction, using advanced data modeling and machine learning.

Implications for the Future

As digital and green transformations accelerate, we are likely to see a shift towards real-time supply chain visibility and energy-efficient smart grocery stores. AI will play a key role in creating personalized consumer experiences, with tailored recommendations based on shopping habits and sustainability preferences. The future grocery experience might include digital labels that show a product’s environmental impact or smart fridges that track food expiration and reduce waste.

But with great transformation comes responsibility. The rise of digital tools will bring regulatory challenges around data privacy, while increased reliance on tech means businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to avoid disruptions.

In conclusion, the Twin Transformation offers immense opportunities for the food and grocery sector. By embracing the power of AI, digital twins, and sustainable practices, companies can not only meet the needs of today’s conscious consumers but also build a future where technology and nature work hand in hand to create a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient industry - one that produces more nutritious food for families around the planet.

The above tech trends may not offer you immediate relief at today's check out counter, so in the meantime, here are my lo-tech tips for saving money (and the environment):

1. Buy "Ugly" Fruit and Vegetables - the carrot may look wonky, but reality is you will cut or slice it so does it really matter?
2. Buy food that keeps and can be used for a multitude of purposes - for example I buy a leg of free range ham - and we turn this into pizza toppings, breakfast "bacon", Spaghetti a la Carbonara and we keep the ham in a ham bag soaked in Vinegar to keep it fresh
3. Meal Planning and utilising your leftovers mindfully - I often cook up a bit batch of Spaghetti Bolognaise with grass fed beef from regenerative farms, and which contains home made bone broths made from previous roast dinners, and which we then re-use for several meals that week including for Nachos, and a bonus is that Bolognaise sauce is also great to freeze for future usage when inspiration runs dry.

Hang in there - there is a better and more affordable future ahead - courtesy of technological innovation. 

Stay curious, inspired, and well fed - and let's decode tomorrow together.

PS. For Conference, Keynote and Strategy Retreat Speaking enquiries, email me now.