Fruitcast

FruitCast provides an AI-enabled data analytics and yield forecasting platform for soft-fruit growers. The company was founded in 2021 by Dr. Raymond Martin, who serves as Chief Technical Officer, and Richard Williamson is the CEO. The concept originated from Dr. Martin's doctoral research at the University of Lincoln, which started in 2017, focusing on using AI to improve yield forecasting in direct response to requests from growers.

The company's core technology utilizes a sophisticated blend of computer vision, machine learning, and time-series forecasting. By using moving cameras to capture thousands of daily images, the platform analyzes the number, weight, and maturity of millions of individual berries. This data is combined with weather forecasts and historical yield data to generate precise yield predictions up to six weeks in advance. This allows growers to optimize labor scheduling, reduce food waste, manage customer contracts more effectively, and improve profitability.

FruitCast operates on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription model, with pricing per hectare to cater to farms of different sizes. The platform is currently focused on strawberries, servicing over 20% of the UK's crop, with plans to expand to other soft fruits like blueberries and raspberries. The company has received significant financial backing, securing over £3 million in total funding from investors including Ceres Agri-Tech, Cambridge Enterprise, Innovate UK, and other private investors.

Keywords: yield forecasting, soft fruit, AgTech, AI in agriculture, data analytics, crop management, computer vision, precision agriculture, farm management, strawberries, supply chain efficiency, labor optimization, food waste reduction, machine learning, sustainable agriculture, horticulture technology, crop imagery analysis, SaaS, berry farming, climate resilience