Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
Lopesan Hotel Group has introduced an innovative system to cut food waste across its hotel buffets, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and computer vision. The scheme has been launched at the Lopesan Baobab Resort in Gran Canaria as a pilot project, with plans to roll it out gradually across the rest of the hotel chain.
Smart technology tackles kitchen waste
The initiative gives the company far greater insight into exactly which food items end up as waste, and in what quantities, across its restaurant operations. Armed with this data, kitchen teams can fine-tune both purchasing plans and menu compositions, reducing losses without compromising the variety of the gastronomic offer.
The programme has been developed in partnership with consultancy Open Revenue Consulting and is working towards the international certification THE PLEDGE on Food Waste. With this move, Lopesan aims to stay ahead of the requirements of Law 1/2025 on the prevention of food losses and waste, embedding waste management into its day-to-day operations.
Impressive results at buffet stations
One of the key tools in the project is Buffet Waste, a system that pairs intelligent weighing stations with artificial vision technology. Waste generated at buffet counters is recorded and analysed in real time, allowing the data to be used to improve catering management and optimise purchasing and logistics costs.
Results from 2025 show the technology delivered a striking 79.6% reduction in food waste at the buffets where it was in operation. During that period, waste levels fell to just 0.011 kilogrammes per hotel stay.
From buffet leftovers to farm compost
The scheme also embraces the reuse of organic waste. Leftovers generated at the hotels are transformed into compost, which is then used as fertiliser at the group’s own Finca de Veneguera estate, supporting the production of locally-sourced, kilometre-zero agricultural goods.
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