Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Food charities and brands utilise AI solution built on Google Cloud to redistribute surplus food — Retail Technology Innovation Hub in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Andrew Wordsworth, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Ventures, says: “The collaboration between startups, corporates and charities in this project consortium demonstrated how Sustainable Ventures can de-risk piloting climate tech innovation in live business environments.”
“Collaborative technology development can only lead to better outcomes, especially in relation to artificial intelligence, where pilots like this help to bring its use case to life. Collaborative technology development is also an opportunity to understand how innovative solutions can be tailored to suit sector or organisational needs.“
Claire Antoniou, Head of End to End Transformation, Nestlé UK & Ireland, says: “It’s been fantastic to be part of this pilot project which has helped us turn data into action, reduce food waste while strengthening our ability to redistribute surplus food to where it’s needed most. This exciting cross-industry initiative could go on to benefit a whole industry.”
Dini McGrath, Founder and CEO at Zest, comments: “We are realists; while some surplus in manufacturing is inevitable, leaving it unmanaged is a choice the industry can no longer afford to make. We were fortunate to find a partner in Nestlé who shares our vision for a more resilient food system, and with the support of the FDF and its members, we have de-risked a new-to-market solution that is already delivering results.”
“By acting as an ‘AI factory intelligence layer,’ Zest unifies siloed data to help manufacturers make better decisions in real-time. This £1.9 million BridgeAI project proves that eradicating waste is no longer just ‘the right thing to do’, it is a fundamental business imperative for any manufacturer looking to remain competitive in an increasingly margin constrained market.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.