AirPurchase on HoyTV & i-CABLE: AI That Actually Works in a Real Kitchen

We are proud to share that AirPurchase was featured on Episode 24 of i-CABLE News’ 《智創未來》 (Innovating the Future) — a programme dedicated to showcasing local Hong Kong innovators shaping what comes next.

Our General Manager, James Yip, joined alongside client partners Top Blade Steak Lab and Sushi Raku to demonstrate how AI-powered procurement is changing the daily reality of running a restaurant in Hong Kong.

The segment opened with a simple observation: digital transformation in the F&B industry isn’t just possible — it’s already happening, and it’s reducing real operational pressure for restaurants today.

Sushi Raku — operating four branches in Hong Kong with daily direct imports from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market — shared how the platform helps them manage multi-currency procurement in real time. Their Regional Operations Manager, Alex Yeung, explained how the system allows their Japan-side team to make better purchasing decisions based on what Hong Kong customers actually want:

“We can set upper and lower price limits in the system so our Japan team knows which price points are most popular in the Hong Kong market — and can immediately decide what to buy. On the Hong Kong side, we no longer need to worry about what arrives each day.” — Alex Yeung, Regional Operations Manager, Sushi Raku

Beyond procurement, the segment also highlighted how AI analyses incoming seasonal ingredients alongside each branch’s customer profile and dining preferences — enabling more targeted, location-specific menu decisions. A commercial district branch skews toward set meals; a premium venue leans toward à la carte. The system helps operators act on that difference.

James on Why Units Matter More Than You Think

James shared a detail that resonates with anyone who has managed F&B operations: the unit problem.

“Units are actually very important — pounds, catties, taels, Hong Kong catties. In older systems, handling these was a real headache. But once AI reads the different units, converting between them becomes effortless.” — James Yip, General Manager, AirPurchase

It is a small detail that represents something larger: AirPurchase was built for the specific complexity of Hong Kong F&B — not adapted from a system designed somewhere else.

The Numbers After One Year

Since launch, AirPurchase has served over 600 restaurant clients, delivering:

• 90% reduction in paperwork time

• 3–5% reduction in food ingredient costs

James also shared a longer-term vision — that the platform’s impact extends beyond restaurants to their suppliers. Many traditional suppliers, particularly in fresh produce and seafood, are still operating on paper. As restaurants shift to digital procurement, it creates a natural pull for suppliers to follow.

“Traditional suppliers — vegetables, seafood — many of the owners are older and find the transition difficult. But gradually, everyone is starting to see that electronic invoices are better. We can help push suppliers toward digital transformation too, giving restaurants more electronic invoices.” — James Yip, General Manager, AirPurchase

The team believes Hong Kong’s F&B industry is three to four years away from completing its digital transformation. And while AI can surface the right data, James was clear: ultimately, it is the decision-maker’s commercial judgement that determines whether a business succeeds.

Watch on i-CABLE News 《智創未來》: View Now

About AirPurchase

AirPurchase is a one-stop AI-powered procurement and inventory management system built exclusively for the F&B industry. Integrating procurement, inventory, central kitchen management, AI analytics, and accounting — AirPurchase helps restaurants cut costs and make decisions backed by real data.