“The Big Picture: Megatrends Shaping the Future of Food Waste”

Food waste isn’t a single problem with a single solution—it’s a complex, interconnected challenge shaped by forces that cut across every sector, setting, and stakeholder. This session zooms out to examine the sweeping trends that are redefining what’s possible in the fight against food waste, and how leaders across the field can harness them to accelerate impact. Artificial intelligence is transforming everything from demand forecasting to inventory management and supply chain visibility—but realizing its potential while navigating its risks requires intentionality. And social media platforms like TikTok—now so embedded in daily life that many can barely imagine a world without it—are emerging as a powerful force for driving awareness, shifting norms, and inspiring action at scale. We’ll bring these threads together in a dynamic conversation about where the biggest opportunities lie—and how the food waste field can ride these megatrends rather than be left behind by them. And we’ll close out the session by welcoming Andrew Zimmern to the stage for a special culinary demonstration!