Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-12.3 (UNSDGs) urgently call to halve food waste by the year 2030. Hospitality industry documents 28% food waste globally and a staggering 26% in India. By employing a phenomenological approach, this study explores managers’ ‘lived experiences’ on food waste and the Tripple Bottom Line while it uncovers thier perceptions towards monitoring technology. Semi-structured questionnaires guided the interviews conducted with hotel managers involved in foodservice operations. This study integrates thematic analysis with interpretive phenomenological analysis, unearthing valuable managerial insights. The findings reveal that food waste monitoring in the Indian hotel sector presents much scope for standardisation. Most managers prioritise economic gains, overlooking the impacts of food waste on society and the environment. While they are unaware of global technological advancements, they are receptive to adopting the AI-based monitoring technology that could impact operational profitability. They emphasise the liaison role of industry associations in bridging gaps between the UNSDGs, national policies, and industry practices by sharing policy information and technological trends. Collaborations between hotels and the government could encourage a scientific approach to mitigation. The study spotlights on government interventions to raise consumer awareness, legislation to facilitate surplus food donations, and support technology adoption through guidance, training, and incentives.
Raju et al. (Wed,) studied this question.