NEW YORK — Ingredion Inc., Westchester, Ill., is developing predictive artificial intelligence (AI) tools to speed innovation and identify new opportunities for growth. Calling the process the “next evolution,” Michael O’Riordan, senior vice president of texture and health solutions, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, said Ingredion is connecting the consumer’s textural preferences to ingredients and using AI predictive tools to develop formulations. And, so, this is our opportunity to become that co-creation partner with them.”The effort to harness the potential of predictive AI tools ties into the company’s overall plan to transition from an ingredient supplier to a solutions provider. “So, we are beginning to see the benefits of predictive formulation.”Mike Leonard, chief innovation officer and head of protein fortification for Ingredion, said underpinning the company’s AI efforts is years of proprietary data that links chemistry, structure and consumer insights. Ingredion is now focused on understanding what resources are required and how the process may be scaled.