Freshness Scanners - ForeSights

Freshness Scanners - ForeSights

Summary

Freshness scanners are a growing application for infrared technology which could revolutionize how we assess the shelf life of products. Current methods of identifying the shelf life of food and drink products, including manufacturer expiry information and sensory checks, are inefficient and unreliable. Freshness scanners provide a fast and accurate way to check the freshness and longevity of food and beverages, thus reducing potential food waste.
While it has been noted that industrial-scale scanners checking for food hygiene have been in place for some time, the smaller freshness scanner is still in the early stages of development for commercial use. The technology still has a relatively high cost, which can be off-putting for businesses such as retailers and virtually inaccessible to end consumers. Since the pandemic, the market has been relatively quiet but many start-ups are now launching products for use by producers, retailers, and eventually consumers.

Scope

• Technological solutions are needed to tackle the issue of food waste.
• The gradual phasing out of expiry dates by retailers is leaving a knowledge gap that freshness scanners have the potential to fill.
• The portability of scanners makes them suitable for consumers and businesses long-term.
• Scanners could make significant cost savings, stabilize supply chains, and create greater transparency between suppliers, retailers, and consumers.
• The technology is still in the early phases of development, meaning it will only work with homogeneous products, but eventually has huge potential beyond food and beverages.

• Understand the relevant consumer trends and attitudes that drive and support innovation success so you can tap into what is really impacting the industry.
• Gain a broader appreciation of the fast-moving consumer goods industry by gaining insights from both within and outside of your sector.
• Access valuable strategic take-outs to help direct future decision-making and inform new product development.