Hong Kong, 5 June 2024 — In celebration of the United Nations’ World Environment Day, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is thrilled to announce its ambitious plan to implement Winnow’s food waste technology across all its properties by the end of 2025. This significant step underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and setting new benchmarks in the luxury hospitality industry.
The effectiveness of Winnow’s AI technology has already been proven, with a remarkable 36% reduction in food waste reported from pilot programs at Mandarin Oriental hotels in Hong Kong, Hyde Park (London), Miami, and Jumeirah (Dubai). These impressive results highlight the Group’s dedication to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
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Mandarin Oriental’s broader sustainability strategy is heavily focused on reducing food waste, which is responsible for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and sees between 5-15% of purchased food wasted. By implementing Winnow’s technology, the Group aims to halve its food waste intensity by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which seeks to reduce global food waste by 50%.
The data provided by Winnow’s system will empower hotel teams to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their financial bottom line, with potential savings of 2-8% on food costs. The initiative will build on existing efforts, such as educational campaigns for staff, revamping buffet operations, donating surplus food, and innovative composting programs to enhance soil quality and water absorption.
With 26 Michelin stars across its restaurants, including a Michelin Green Star for Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, the Group plans to leverage its culinary expertise to raise awareness about food waste. Insights from Winnow’s data will enable chefs to create zero-waste menus and recipes, further enhancing their commitment to sustainability.
Torsten van Dullemen, Group Director of Sustainability and Area Vice President Operations, remarked, “Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our promise to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The integration of Winnow’s technology across our global portfolio is a bold step towards reducing our ecological impact and reinforcing our position as an industry leader.”
Marc Zornes, CEO & Co-founder of Winnow, added, “Mandarin Oriental is at the forefront of sustainability in luxury hospitality. Our collaboration is already demonstrating the powerful impact of technology and data in reducing food waste. We’re honored to support Mandarin Oriental in their ambitious goals, and together, we’re not only setting new industry standards but also making a tangible difference for our planet.”
The successful pilot programs have resulted in annualized net savings of USD 207,000, a reduction of 66 tonnes of food waste, and a decrease of 289 tonnes of CO2e emissions. Building on this success, Mandarin Oriental plans to deploy Winnow’s technology across all 40 of its hotels by the end of 2025.
Winnow’s system, which combines a camera, smart scale, and tablet, enables kitchen staff to effortlessly track food waste. The AI-powered camera, trained to recognize over 600 food items, identifies waste as it is discarded. The weight and cost of the discarded food are instantly calculated and displayed. This data is then uploaded to the cloud, where it is analyzed to produce daily, weekly, and monthly reports, helping kitchens to optimize efficiency, change behaviors, and innovate in preparation, cooking, and plating techniques.
Using AI in its kitchens, Mandarin Oriental aims to enhance its renowned service quality while significantly reducing costs and environmental impact.
Winnow, a B Corporation, operates in 77 countries and helps over 2,500 sites globally to reduce food waste, saving the equivalent of 50 million meals annually. For more information, visit www.winnowsolutions.com.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, known for its luxurious hotels, resorts, and residences, continues to lead in luxury hospitality, reflecting its oriental heritage and local culture. With a mission to inspire and delight guests through passionate service, the Group has expanded from its Asian roots to a global brand, operating 40 hotels, 12 residences, and 23 exclusive homes in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
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