Ram Rampalli, VP of Walmart Global Tech, is set to deliver the opening keynote at the Deeptech & AI SIAL Summit on Monday

In an exclusive interview with SIAL Daily, Ram Rampalli delves into how AI is transforming the food industry, revolutionising everything from supply chain efficiencies to sustainability and innovation. Looking towards the future, he highlights the immense potential of AI to reshape the sector and lead to lasting change.

How has AI become a game-changer for life sciences and the food industry? 
Overall, the integration of AI in the food industry is not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also fostering innovation that is reshaping how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. From a retailer’s perspective, we’ve witnessed firsthand how AI has helped revolutionise certain aspects of the industry, particularly in areas across the supply chain. Traditionally, determining which products to stock has been a complex and time-consuming process. AI-powered algorithms can now help us analyse vast amounts of data to identify trends, preferences and purchasing patterns to determine the demand more accurately. This helps us ensure that the right products are available at the right time, minimising overstock and reducing food waste. AI is also helping foster a more sustainable food system by optimising everything from production to distribution. By enhancing forecasting and supply chain visibility, AI helps us ensure fresher products reach consumers faster, creating a more reliable and efficient food ecosystem.

What challenges do you foresee for AI when it comes to innovating food production processes? 
The most significant challenge I foresee for leveraging AI in the innovation of food production processes is the availability of high-quality, granular data. AI systems depend heavily on data to be effective, and without it, progress can be limited. If greater accessibility to high-quality data is ensured, the immense potential of AI in transforming food production could be unlocked more easily, leading to improvements in efficiency, sustainability and product quality, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers alike. 

Can you share any specific AI-driven innovations that Walmart Global Tech is currently working on in the food sector? 
Most recently, we announced a strategic partnership with Agritask, a crop supply intelligence company, to pilot a technology solution in collaboration with Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate programme. Our partnership is geared to enable sourcing managers to make more well-informed decisions on seasonal fruit crop yields such as cherries and blackberries. This initiative aims to help secure surety of supply, reduce food waste and guarantee fresh produce for shoppers. 

What can SIAL Summit attendees expect from your keynote on Monday? What do you hope they will take away from your presentation? 
Attendees can look forward to learning more about the evolving landscape of the Food Value Chain, including the key trends and opportunities that are driving innovation in this field. My goal is for attendees to leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities within the industry, and learn how technology companies, particularly startups, can help address these challenges by participating in initiatives like Walmart’s  Sparkcubate programme,  Which was designed to accelerate innovation by providing resources, mentorship, and support to start-ups and entrepreneurs.

What are the ethical considerations when deploying AI in the food industry, particularly in areas like product formulation and safety? 
Each use case within the food value chain presents its own nuanced ethical challenges, whether it’s ensuring AI is used responsibly in product formulation or maintaining high standards in safety and quality control. For this reason, we must ensure that safety, transparency and fairness are always prioritised when deploying AI. By tackling issues like data privacy, bias and environmental sustainability, ethical AI practices not only safeguard consumers and maintain the integrity of the food supply but also foster long-term innovation and growth within the industry. 

At Walmart, we are committed to the ethical and right use of AI, ensuring that it is always applied in ways that align with our values. Our Responsible AI Pledge is centred around our commitments to be transparent and use technology in ways that are safe and beneficial to our customers, members and associates.

How is the food industry currently preparing to integrate AI technologies? Are there areas where the sector is lagging? 
From an innovation standpoint, I believe this should be approached from  three different perspectives. First, we need to continuously identify areas where AI can transform or disrupt established practices within the food industry, fostering a culture of innovation. Second, it is essential to stay updated on emerging technologies, as they can open new frontiers for growth and improvement. Lastly, significant investment in data infrastructure is crucial; high-quality, accessible data is the foundation upon which effective AI applications are built. While some areas of the food industry are embracing these technologies, there are still sectors where integration may be lagging. By addressing these challenges and focusing on these perspectives, the food industry can fully harness the power of AI to drive efficiency, sustainability and innovation.

What big changes do you predict for the next decade?
I foresee continued investment and development in both the hardware and software infrastructure of the food industry, particularly through AI. We’re already seeing companies innovate on the “application layer” – the tools and technologies like automated kitchens, smart appliances, and advanced logistics. But it’s not just about having the best tools; it’s about how they’re used. The real value will come from those that know how to leverage this advanced infrastructure to deliver meaningful, practical results – like improved food quality, faster deliveries, and personalised nutrition. And as I mentioned previously, data will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of AI in everything. The focus will shift from just building better tools to using those tools, along with high-quality data, to create transformative experiences in the food industry.

Deeptech & IA – Walmart Global Tech Keynote
Monday, 21 October
10:30a.m. – 11:15a.m.
SIAL Summits – Hall 5A