Agtech firm DiMuto has launched its AI-Powered Marketplace Assistant, a tool the company says can change procurement operations for the industry.
Developed as part of the exclusive Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First (Singapore) program, DiMuto is one of the companies selected to harness AI innovation in their business operations, according to a news release.
Research suggests that retailer procurement teams spend up to 30% of their time wrestling with the inefficiencies of sourcing high-quality produce during off-seasons and verifying the reliability of suppliers, the release said; furthermore, with increasing supply chain disruptions, constant cost fluctuations and demand forecasting challenges, new buyers in retail procurement teams face a steep learning curve that even experienced buyers find challenging.
DiMuto said these challenges are not just about logistics; they translate into significant delays in decision-making and lost sales opportunities in a market that cannot afford downtime.
The AI-Powered Marketplace Assistant addresses these inefficiencies by streamlining the entire procurement process, enabling teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than administrative tasks, according to the release. The AI-Powered Marketplace Assistant allows businesses to effectively outsource their procurement process, making sourcing produce faster and simpler, the company said.
With the AI assistant integrated into the DiMuto platform, businesses can instantly tap into information about seasonal produce, including storage tips and supplier recommendations. By engaging with the AI, users can inquire about an array of procurement-related topics — from seasonal availability to storage best practices — and receive accurate, real-time responses, all backed by DiMuto’s network of verified suppliers, the release said.
DiMuto said the AI assistant also serves as an educational tool for new buyers, helping them learn more about the products they are considering for purchase, including key features and usage tips. In addition to sourcing, users can simply tell the AI assistant what they need, and it will automatically create a quote on their behalf, according to the release. This cuts down the entire process to order by up to 80%, significantly enhancing efficiency, the company said.
Beyond aiding procurement teams, the platform’s traceability features significantly enhance the capabilities of quality control and sustainability teams, DiMuto said. Each product is linked to a unique QR code that ensures its authenticity and safety while promoting sustainable practices through transparent supply chain insights. This traceability allows quality control teams to monitor the product journey, identifying any issues that could compromise quality, according to the release.
Furthermore, by providing real-time data on freshness and shelf life, the platform helps reduce food waste, DiMuto said, adding that this traceability feature empowers commercial teams to drive business growth, ensuring consistent access to high-quality products year-round.
“Imagine being able to source top-quality, traceable products without the hassle,” Gary Loh, DiMuto founder and CEO, said in the release. “That’s what we’ve built with our AI-powered assistant. We’re not just simplifying procurement — we’re reimagining it, and we’re proud to do so with the support of Google’s AI First Accelerator program.”
With the launch of its AI-powered assistant, DiMuto said it is changing interactions across the agriculture industry, reshaping how suppliers, buyers, retailers, and teams focused on procurement and sustainability collaborate and conduct business.
