Why is Pyramid Global Hospitality turning to AI to fight food waste? : A Q&A with James Messinger

Pyramid Global Hospitality, a hotel management company with over 240 properties worldwide, has partnered with Winnow to tackle food waste with AI. The initiative has started in four flagship properties across the US from Boston Harbor Hotel on the East Coast to Renaissance Newport Beach In California. In this Q&A, James Messinger, Corporate Director of Culinary Operations, shares how this partnership aligns with Pyramid's ambitious sustainability goals and their commitment to transforming operations for a greener future.

Can you walk us through Pyramid Global Hospitality’s journey toward sustainability?

Our sustainability journey began with the basics: saving energy, conserving water and reducing waste. Over time, it evolved into a larger ESG commitment, with a goal to achieve Green Key Certification at all properties. Through new technologies, partnerships, and policies, we’re making sustainability an integral part of what we do.

What are the most ambitious sustainability goals Pyramid has set for itself?

We’ve set bold goals: achieving net-zero carbon emissions, reducing landfill waste, transitioning to 100% renewable energy, and ensuring all of our properties are Green Key Certified in 2025. Meeting these goals means overcoming big challenges like upgrading old buildings and navigating regional regulations, but we see them as opportunities to continually innovate.

Why have you decided to prioritize reducing food waste?

Food waste is a key global issue and is essential to our ESG goals. Reducing food waste aligns with our values and makes a meaningful environmental and social impact. For me, as a chef, wasting edible food is unacceptable when so many people are in need. 

How have you managed food waste until now? How do you envision technology like Winnow transforming your approach?

We’ve relied on traditional methods like manual tracking, training and donations, but Winnow takes us one step further by providing real-time insights to pinpoint where waste occurs. This technology helps us prevent waste, improve planning, and support our Green Key Certification goals.

How have you successfully engaged your staff in the launch of Winnow’s technology?

We’ve engaged teams by connecting Winnow to our broader sustainability goals. We have created a sense of ownership and pride among staff through training, clear communication, and celebrating successes—like measurable reductions in waste.

Beyond environmental benefits, what other benefits do you expect from implementing Winnow?

Winnow reduces food costs, cuts waste disposal fees, and streamlines kitchen operations. These financial benefits directly support our sustainability investments. Operationally, it frees up our teams to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences rather than dealing with unnecessary waste and overproduction. 

What untapped opportunities do you see in tackling food waste, both within your properties and across the industry?

Within our properties, we can engage guests in sustainability through innovative dining experiences that showcase waste reduction efforts. Across the industry, there’s room for collaboration on food donation programs, predictive technologies for demand, and setting new ESG-driven standards. Tackling food waste is a key part of our journey and our larger mission of being the sustainability leader in the hotel management space.