Growing smarter: Isle of Wight Tomatoes tackle waste with data innovation
The University and Isle of Wight Tomatoes have teamed up to use data and machine learning to reduce waste, boost forecasting, and grow smarter.
As a company independently certified to meet high standards for people and the planet, sustainability sits at the heart of Isle of Wight Tomatoes’ operations.
Their onsite kitchen plays a vital role in ensuring every tomato grown is valued, including those that fall outside retail cosmetic standards but still offer exceptional flavour. By transforming these into sauces, passatas and other products, the business embraces a circular approach that reduces waste while celebrating the full potential of the harvest.
This latest collaboration with the University of Portsmouth represents a significant step forward, not only for Isle of Wight Tomatoes, but potentially for the wider industry.
Led by Dr Huijing Chen, the project aims to harness the power of predictive analytics to understand the impact; from weather-driven crop growth to major sporting events, such as the World cup influencing tomato sales.
This collaboration has been made possible by a government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which drives innovation and growth in businesses and organisations. With a portfolio of live projects worth over £4 million at the University of Portsmouth, it is this investment that has made the collaborative partnership a reality.
The team of researchers will use predictive models to maximise the production of tomatoes across the whole farming process, from growing to sales and distribution. This includes forecasting demand based on weather, promotions and seasonal trends.
Paul Thomas, Managing Director at Isle of Wight Tomatoes, said: “One of the most valuable aspects of this project is the range of challenges that data can help address. On one side, we're looking at demand patterns across a range of customers in different categories – which can vary significantly and using those insights to shape smarter commercial strategies.
“On the other, there's a broader opportunity to support UK production and reduce dependence on imports. Helping UK retailers’ source domestically isn't just good for business, it's good for sustainability and national food security too.”
This project builds on a number of other innovative initiatives made possible by the KTP, including the development of an AI- enabled, self-service supply chain automation platform for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), a scientifically validated Tyre Toxicity Index, an AI technology enhanced service and a system for recycling aircraft composite materials.
Find out if the government funding through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership can help your business at http://port.ac.uk/ktp