Iceland Foods deploys AI platform to cut food waste across stores
Iceland Foods has announced it will deploy Retail Insight’s WasteInsight AI platform to reduce food waste across its store estate. The platform analyses operational data to flag products nearing expiry and recommends margin‑protective markdowns so staff can act before waste occurs.
The software prioritises items that need attention and suggests specific actions based on a range of operational data points. By providing these prompts, the system aims to standardise markdown decisions across all Iceland stores, moving away from reliance on manual checks or retrospective reports. The platform aims to enable store staff to act before waste occurs by stepping in earlier than manual checks or retrospective reports would allow. He said the opportunity lies in shifting from reporting past events to pinpointing where action is needed before waste occurs. He added that the retailer is continually seeking ways to use operational data to help colleagues make faster, better‑informed decisions in stores. He also noted that working with Retail Insight will help explore how AI‑driven operational intelligence can support waste‑reduction objectives while improving consistency across store operations.
“Retailers have access to more operational data than ever before, but data only creates value when it enables better decisions,” Martin Rigby, Retail Insight general manager for EMEA and APAC said.
“an important priority,” Steve Shirley, Iceland Foods stores director said.
What we know
Iceland Foods will deploy Retail Insight’s WasteInsight platform.
The platform analyses operational data to identify products at risk of going to waste and recommends markdowns designed to clear stock while protecting margin.
The tech is intended to help store teams intervene earlier, rather than relying solely on manual processes or retrospective reporting.
Martin Rigby said retailers have access to more operational data than ever before, but data only creates value when it enables better decisions.
Steve Shirley said reducing food waste remained “an important priority” for the retailer.