In this episode of "Oh For Food's Sake," we engage in an enlightening conversation with Simon Bos, the founder of Mezze and Gravity Well. Simon shares his insights on the technological inefficiencies plaguing the food manufacturing industry. Highlighting the journey of Mezze, a platform born from a critical project with Adelie Foods, Simon discusses how the software has revolutionised order management, reducing manual labour and embracing sustainability through AI optimisations. The episode delves into the challenges of integrating technology in food manufacturing, the benefits of early tech adoption, and the vision of empowering small regional manufacturers to compete on a larger scale. Whether you're a small business owner or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leveraging technology to drive growth and efficiency in the food sector.
In today's episode, we welcome Simon Bos, the visionary behind Mezze and Gravity Well.
Simon, who has a deep understanding of both tech and food industries, discusses the pressing issue of technological inefficiencies in food manufacturing. He narrates the story of how Mezze was conceptualised during a collaboration with one of the UK's largest food manufacturers, which initially relied on a call centre in India for order management. By introducing a custom software solution, Mezze transformed the process, allowing customers to place and track orders online efficiently.
Simon explains the function of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and why many existing systems fall short for food manufacturing needs. Mezze, as an Amazon-like B2B ordering platform, addresses these gaps by providing tailored solutions that reduce administrative burdens and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the episode highlights the pivotal role of AI in sustainability efforts, significantly cutting down food waste by optimising order decisions based on various factors.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the benefits of early tech integration, particularly for scaling businesses. Simon backs his argument with practical examples, demonstrating how tech investments can streamline operations and reduce future headaches. The conversation also touches on government support through Innovate UK, and Simon’s aspirations to expand Mezze's reach to the US market, ensuring small manufacturers can stand toe-to-toe with industry giants.
Throughout the episode, we emphasise the importance of technological evolution in the food sector and how platforms like Mezze can be game-changers. We also encourage listeners to rate and review the podcast and join our community on Facebook.
Timestamps:
Links and Resources:
Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/
FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/
You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/
For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.
See you next time!