COLLABORATION is the key to horticulture making the most of a digital future, according to Perry Sansom.
Mr Sansom is the vice president of marketing and product at Compac, a company which specialises in accurate, high speed packhouse technology for the produce industry.
During his presentation at Hort Connections 2018, he said by embracing “big data”, the produce industry could improve in operational efficiency, validating quality in the supply chain for retailers and growers, food safety and traceability, and in particular, reduced waste.
RELATED READING
"Waste in this industry is scary. About 30-50 per cent of food in this industry is wasted,” Mr Sansom said.
"Food waste is something we aren't really focused on at all.
"The thought that we are throwing out that much food is wrong and we need to do better.”
The figures on waste came with a warning from Mr Sansom who said: “One day someone will make an example of us and it will really hurt us.”
He asked the question: How can the fresh produce industry make digital disruption work for everyone?
“We need to provide quality data back to the grower to be efficient to guarantee the end user’s eating experience,” he said.
“Everything here is about a brand and a brand is about a promise of quality. Ultimately it's about providing what your brand stands for.
“Just because you grow good fruit doesn't guarantee you a future.”