#Japan #Tokyo #Food Industry #AI Data #AI Forum

The Future of Food Powered by AI: Insights from AI Data Company’s Forum

On October 23rd, AI Data Company, based in Minato, Tokyo, conducted a significant event titled "AI Agent x AX Forum - Food Industry". The forum focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX) in the food sector, underlining crucial methodologies and innovative practices that highlight AI's growing relevance in addressing the industry's challenges.

Session 1: AI Agent and the Food Industry - Enhancing Competitiveness through Data-Driven Management

Mr. Takahito Sasaki, the representative of AOS Group, initiated the discussions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven management in overcoming issues such as labor shortages, complex supply chains, and diverse consumer needs. He remarked that integrating dispersed data within operational frameworks and utilizing AI agents to support business decision-making would be fundamental to enhancing competitiveness. Mr. Sasaki introduced an initiative to document and structure the tacit knowledge accumulated within companies, facilitating the transfer of expertise to the next generation while enabling rapid decision-making through AI. This strategy aims at utilizing data across the entire value chain from food manufacturing to distribution and retail, establishing it as a foundation for sustainable growth.

Session 2: Japanese Food Products on the Global Stage - JETRO’s Initiatives

Katsu Nishiura from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) highlighted the significance of not just domestic consumption but also the overseas potential of Japanese food products. He analyzed emerging trends where the strengths of Japanese foods, such as health benefits, quality, and traceability, are being validated and visualized through AI technologies. Furthermore, he presented JETRO's digital initiatives and support strategies in promoting food exports, emphasizing that leveraging data is crucial for enhancing accountability and trust in food safety standards.

Session 3: Introducing AI FoodChain on IDX - A New Infrastructure Supporting Sustainable Growth

Daisuke Shida, CTO of AI Data Company, presented an extensive overview of their self-developed platform, "AI FoodChain on IDX." This platform integrates data management from raw materials to consumers in the food distribution and restaurant sectors, enabling predictive analytics and inventory optimization through the use of generative AI. He stressed the significance of creating an environment that fosters transparency and quality audits, proposing that this platform could serve as a common data infrastructure for the industry, hence pioneering AI-driven transformations within the food supply chain.

Session 4: Digital Transformation in the Food Supply Chain

Kenta Kawamoto, President of Shikomeru Food Tech, discussed the necessity of DX across the entire food supply chain. He outlined a three-stage approach focusing on “on-site challenges,” “data utilization,” and “AI support.” He posed that resolving disconnections across processes—from ingredient sourcing to logistics through store services—by leveraging interconnected data is imperative. He introduced concepts such as smart scheduling, visualizing shipping losses, and demand forecasting AI, emphasizing that the continuous digitalization in food DX cannot be confined to localized optimizations but must involve cross-industry cooperation and platformization.

Session 5: Creating New Customer Experiences in Food Service through AI Transformation

Lastly, Yoshihisa Uchida, CEO of Okage, explored the integration of AI in the dining and food service sectors, focusing on the human and experiential aspects. He showcased various AI initiatives targeted at enhancing customer experience such as self-ordering and AI-driven customer interactions, optimizing traffic patterns, and menu arrangements. Addressing critical issues in the restaurant industry—labor shortages, maintaining service quality, and attracting new customers—he proposed a model where AI agents function as support rather than substitutes, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The intertwining of experiential value with AI was particularly notable.

About AI Data Company

Founded in April 2015, AI Data Company has established a robust business centered around data and intellectual property infrastructure. With a solid capital base and an unwavering track record of trust from over 9,000 firms and more than 900,000 customers, AI Data continues its mission to safeguard and leverage data assets. Their array of services encompasses data sharing, backup, recovery, transitions, and secure disposal, demonstrating their commitment to building a data ecosystem reinforced by cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, they have emphasized contributing to societal infrastructure strengthening through partnerships and initiatives focused on nurturing the next generation of engineers.

In summary, the forum organized by AI Data Company illuminated the transformative potential of AI in the food industry, setting a clear path forward for digital innovation and sustainable practices.