As climate change continues to disrupt crop yields and transport windows, the food sector finds itself navigating unprecedented uncertainty.
Sensors are giving us constant data on product conditions
Saurabh Kumar, CEO, Kaleesuwari, observes a profound shift underway. “Food companies are building modern farm-to-market pathways using emerging technologies that anticipate and adapt to climate realities,” he explains. AI-based analytics now absorb and compare thousands of data points; soil conditions, rainfall patterns, temperature spikes, and yield probabilities, before distilling them into actionable insights.
He points to the edible oil sector as an example of acute volatility. “Sunflower seed production and crude oil arrivals are among our most unpredictable raw materials,” he notes. With India relying heavily on imports from distant geographies, precision planning, real-time tracking, and robust data analysis have become essential to keeping supply lines intact.
Visibility that protects freshness
Kumar emphasises that real-time environmental visibility is transforming how food companies protect perishable goods. “Sensors are giving us constant data on product conditions, which is drastically reducing spoilage,” he explains.
Global retailers are now deploying IoT-enabled monitoring systems that track refrigeration units continuously, sending temperature, humidity, and environmental data to cloud-based platforms. Even air cargo has embraced this shift. “IoT sensors now alert us in real time on temperature, humidity, vibration, and even sudden shocks, ensuring that sensitive goods arrive safely,” he says. This continuous, automated vigilance is becoming the new benchmark for freshness and safety.
Fortifying the cold chain’s weakest links
The first and last mile, long considered the cold chain’s most vulnerable stages, is receiving unprecedented investment. “These legs are expensive, people-dependent, and prone to integrity issues,” Kumar remarks. From fresh produce and frozen foods to marine products, pharmaceuticals, and live shipments, the logistics demands are unforgiving.
He notes that companies are deploying a mix of pre-cooled systems, solar-powered equipment, and advanced active/passive cooling solutions to plug these gaps. In more advanced corridors, IoT data loggers and even video-based tracking are being used to monitor conditions end-to-end, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Predictive intelligence against waste
Predictive analytics, Kumar says, is emerging as one of the most powerful tools to fight food waste. “Companies are now using AI-driven demand forecasting, real-time inventory management, smart bins, and dynamic pricing models to cut spoilage,” he explains. These technologies have moved far beyond the pilot stage and are now visible across India’s retail ecosystem.
He highlights a recent case where food waste was tracked and analysed across every node of production. “The entire spectrum of waste quantities and types was monitored in real time to identify where improvement was possible,” he notes, a practical demonstration of how analytics can deliver measurable impact.
The capabilities that will define 2026
Looking ahead, Kumar underscores the growing need for integrated, technology-driven systems to ensure food stays safe, fresh, and fully traceable. “The future belongs to IoT, AI, and blockchain-enabled ecosystems,” he asserts. Food companies will need interoperable platforms that allow seamless data flow, AI-based quality inspection systems, smart packaging solutions, and Digital Twin-powered logistics control towers.
“Digital twins will extend us beyond tracking into simulation and foresight,” he says, describing a future where predictive visibility becomes standard practice rather than a competitive advantage.
