Transforming food industry and supply chain through digital innovation to reduce food waste: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Food waste represents a complex global challenge with significant environmental, economic, and social implications. Emerging digital technologies (DTs), which are reshaping food supply chains by enhancing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, hold significant potential to reduce this waste. This study aims to investigate areas where DTs have the potential to reduce food waste in the food industry and downstream supply chain and identify the mechanisms through which they contribute to this goal. To address this aim, the study employs a systematic review of publications indexed in the Web of Science database covering 2020–2025. Based on 73 studies selected from 488 identified records, the study summarizes the current knowledge on the impacts of digital solutions, emphasizing t