Food and Beverage Tech Review : News

Technology is a differentiator because its implementation may deliver a consistent customer experience while eliminating human interpretation of brand guidelines. This article evaluates how technology is changing the food service industry and what are the latest technologies that are responsible for this change. The world is constantly changing, thanks to technological advances. Many sectors and areas are changing as firms find new ways to use cutting-edge technology, and restaurants are no exception. In many ways, the epidemic has hastened customer acceptance of technology, as they have become more savvy and open to the use of apps for ordering, quick response (QR) codes for menus, and other technologies. Restaurants are now utilizing the power of technology in a variety of ways. Geofencing, ordering kiosks, and even artificial intelligence (AI) are examples of customer experience innovations. Including digital tools and programs does incur additional costs for restaurant franchise operators. Franchise companies increasingly include technology fees in franchise disclosure documents to ensure that their brands have the funds to continue investing and restaurant owners can adopt new technologies into their operations. Some of the latest technologies taken for the food service industry include: AI For Taking Orders: Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking orders at many restaurants, and its initial testing yielded significant results, such as the machine or AI being more efficient than people for order-taking, the guest experiencing a consistent customer journey with a lovely voice all of the time, and upselling. Employees discovered that implementing AI for order-taking reduced the staff's burden and increased time to concentrate on higher-value jobs and customer contact. Kiosks are another method that technology may help you with your ordering procedure. Touch-screen ordering kiosks have been added to several franchise sites, particularly quick-service restaurants (QSRs). Finally, client acceptance of online ordering apps indicates they can place their own orders and are comfortable with the process. People are also ordering more frequently online. Geofencing: Geofencing is another technology application that eateries are quickly adopting. The use of sensors for Global Positioning System (GPS) or radio frequency identification to construct virtual boundaries in a geographical area is known as geofencing. Restaurants can use this to track clients who have downloaded smartphone apps and are on their way to the eatery. Restaurants and food delivery services use this to help coordinate cooking and customer service so that food is cooked based on the client's location to ensure proper temperature and quality. Shared kitchens: Some food service businesses make use of shared kitchens. These are commercial kitchens that are rented to various operators on an hourly or daily basis. These facilities allow businesses to operate without being concerned about the costs and obligations of building ownership, as they share real estate fees and expenses. They also enable newer franchises to benefit from the expertise and counsel of those who have been in business for a while. These surfacing technologies in the food service industry are predicted to revolutionize the industry. While technology is transforming the food service sector, a personal touch will always be required. While automation and digitization help franchises compete, a lovely face to go with the cuisine is still needed. A winning combination of technology and teamwork will be required. ...Read more

The food system is in crisis due to rising food prices, ongoing supply chain issues, decade-high inflation, worker shortages due to Covid and working conditions, and climate. McKinsey estimates that 73 million jobs, including those in the food production and manufacturing industries, will be lost to automation by 2030. The converging crises place human rights and global health at the center of the plate. Various factors influenced the top forecasts for 2022, such as food policy and innovations. Latin America Becomes the Leading Region for Food Technology Innovation In 2021, venture capital investments in Latin America set records. According to Crunchbase, the region experienced a 300 percent year-over-year increase in funding, reaching nearly $19.6 billion. Firms are expanding their presence; Softbank has committed $8 billion to the region since 2019 after announcing an additional $3 billion investment. NotCo and Daki were also among the 18 Latin American unicorns in 2021. Profitability is the pursuit of zero food waste. Creative solutions have existed for years, but it has been challenging to scale zero-waste solutions. Frequently, the economics did not work out. California's new legislation, which states that composting is the next climate crusade, may change that. Landfill methane emissions are a significant contributor to climate change. California Senate Bill 1383 requires businesses and individuals to separate organic material, and those who do not comply face fines. The potential for progress is unlocked if this is the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Food rescue company Goodr, for example, uses proprietary technology and data to match surplus food with those in need. Also, for instance, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the company's client that manages the supply chain for excess food. Food system "Re-Regionalization" More and more consumers want to know where their food comes from and verify its origin. With rising food and freight costs and food shortages, purchasing has become more economical and appealing. Farm subscription programs or "CSAs" for produce and meat saw unprecedented growth in 2020 and 2021. It benefits farmers as well. Despite a 20 percent increase in meat prices, ranchers are earning less than ever. To name a few, Tyson, Cargill, JBS, and National Meatpacking, the four largest meat packers, control 85 percent of the industry. To re-regionalize the food system, however, infrastructure is imperative. It is notoriously difficult for small-scale farmers to access processing capacity and retain more of their supply chain. President Biden recently announced a $1 billion investment in regional meat processors; this infrastructure bill could help startups like Southwest Black Ranchers and 99 Counties address the market opportunity. ...Read more

Amsterdam/ New Delhi : The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) announced the appointment of two distinguished leaders, namely, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius and globally recognized scientist, and Mr. Carlos Magariños, an esteemed diplomat and economic strategist from Argentina, to its Board of Directors. Their visionary leadership and expertise will be instrumental in advancing WAF’s mission to drive sustainable agricultural development through innovations, policy agenda advocacy, and global development partnerships. Dr. Gurib-Fakim brings a wealth of experience as a scientist, biodiversity advocate, and the first female President of Mauritius. She has earned global acclaim, including the L’Oreal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science and recognition as one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women. Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Gurib-Fakim said, “Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges that demand innovative, science-driven solutions. I am eager to contribute to WAF’s vision for a resilient and food-secure world.” She added that the challenge of climate change requires global collaborations to work with a sense of urgency to ensure global food security and to save the future generations. Mr. Carlos Magariños, known for his transformative leadership, became the youngest Director-General of UNIDO at just 35 and has authored 10 influential books on economic innovation. His career spans pivotal roles, including Argentina’s Secretary for Industry and Ambassador to Brazil. “WAF is a vital platform for addressing disparities in agriculture,” said Mr. Magariños, “I look forward to leveraging my experience of diplomacy and development, industry and international cooperation to promote sustainable food systems and empowering farmers worldwide.” Dr. Jaqueline Hughes, Secretary General of WAF, welcomed the appointments, saying, “Dr. Gurib-Fakim and Mr. Magariños embody innovative spirit and commitment to global progress that define WAF. Their contributions will enhance our ability to address global food security issues, promote biodiversity, and foster economic prosperity through sustainable agriculture. ” With these appointments, WAF reinforces its commitment to bridging gaps in agricultural systems by uniting governments, businesses, and communities, and promoting South-South Triangular Cooperation. The Forum is poised to accelerate global efforts to create a resilient and sustainable food system through policy, trade facilitation, and cutting-edge technologies.   ...Read more