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Technological Advancements in the Food Business and Their Implications
Food and Beverages Tech Review | Thursday, March 30, 2023
AI and automation can improve the way food is grown, produced, distributed, and supplied by using food tech.
Technological advances are reshaping the food industry, allowing companies to manage production, distribution, and consumption more efficiently.
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The USDA estimates that the food industry contributes more than $1 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product. An industry this large has several challenges, including food sustainability. Technological advancements in the food industry are transforming the global food industry.
What is food tech?
Technological advancements in the food industry affect how people sell, produce, and distribute food and how food is produced.
It may sound new, but technology and food have been intertwined since the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The industrialized agriculture of this period set the standard for farming and led to the emergence of industrial farming. Leaders in the industry and inventors collaborated during this time to increase food production and quality—many significant agricultural developments, including artificial fertilizers, pesticides, electric power, and steam-powered machines.
Food tech has become its sector with the rise of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet of things (IoT). IoT in all stages of the food supply chain can help the food industry become more sustainable.
Food sustainability challenges
According to Nature Food, the food system contributes nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Land-use changes, waste management, raising livestock, production, and packaging all contribute to these emissions.
According to a report by the FAO, about one-third of the world's food is wasted. Despite all this food waste, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 828 million people do not have enough to eat.
With the energy consumed for food production and waste generated, agriculture, the food industry, and people's diets affect the environment. Agricultural practices affect the land and deplete it of nutrients. Agricultural land is declining along with water shortages.
The food tech industry is looking to address some of these issues. Startups are using the latest technology to create jobs, reduce hunger, and promote responsible consumption and production of food.
The impact of food tech
Emergen Research estimates that the global food tech market will grow to $342.52 billion by 2027 from $220.32 billion in 2019.
As technology advances, food production is increasing to reduce hunger and feed the world. With smart farming, agriculture is becoming more automated by using digital and advanced technology. Food production uses technology in the following ways:
Genetically modified organisms: GMOs are inserted into the genes of plants to help them grow in unfavorable environments. Large crops such as rice, wheat, and corn contain GMOs.
3D food printer: The use of food printers can create pizza, snacks, and candy at a higher rate. AI assists with the design of the layers and structure of the food by placing each ingredient one at a time. Reusing leftover ingredients could reduce waste.
Crop monitoring: AI can detect pests and diseases in crops with drones. Numerous digital apps, such as AgroPestAlert, Farm Scout Pro, and IPM Toolkit, can detect pest infestations and soil changes to prevent significant losses.
Meat industry technology: With AI, poultry producers can detect health issues with birds by listening to their sounds. AI robots can be used at poultry farms to collect eggs or assist with butchery.
Drones: Drones can provide satellite imagery to monitor crop growth and identify problem areas.
Various sectors in food tech
The food tech ecosystem includes lab-grown meat, vertical farms, and subcategories for each step of the food cycle.
Food science
Startups are exploring new ways to develop products that are both environmentally friendly and can address health concerns at the same time. Plant-based meat substitutes, including Beyond, are an example of a recent product in this category. The researchers use high-moisture extrusion and shear cell technology to create meal replacements for people with health issues and remove common allergies such as lactose intolerance.
Foodservice
Restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and cafes are looking at automation to make their businesses more efficient. Restaurants of the Future will use robots to prepare and serve food.
Also, restaurants use IoT technology to manage supply orders and track ingredients. Restaurant owners can monitor storeroom shelves and delivery trucks' temperatures with sensors. All safety standards can be monitored throughout the journey.
Staff can maximize their time while they wait for items to cook by using smart appliances like meat temperature sensors and set-and-forget technology. Chefs can also manage time and orders using kitchen automation systems by tracking what needs to be cooked or how long something has been in a hot bin.
The delivery process
Transporting food is challenging due to supply chain disruptions. As direct delivery to consumers grows, including restaurant and grocery delivery and meal kits, technology is needed to track and ensure safe packaging and delivery.
Consumer services
Technology apps are helping consumers improve their diets, find restaurants, find recipes, and track allergies and specialized diets. For example, consumers can use apps to find allergen-free restaurants and follow their diets.
Additionally, startups are educating people on the benefits of proper nutrition in managing chronic health conditions and other fitness goals.
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Restaurant operators increasingly adopt cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) systems to improve operational efficiency and streamline their systems. These systems offer excellent connectivity among digital products and robust data capture, enabling better management and personalized customer experiences. The rapid evolution of the restaurant industry makes it crucial for operators and owners to transition from on-premise to cloud-based systems. The four top reasons for the delay in the transition are increased order volumes, improved operational efficiency, and consolidating systems.
Organizing all point-of-sale operations
In recent years, restaurants have adopted an omnichannel approach to the dining experience, utilizing multiple digital channels for orders from dine-in to take-out. This has added complexity to POS systems and led to the development of personalized rewards experiences for guests. Restaurant owners and managers aim to consolidate all channels into one, reducing the need for multiple systems and increasing organizational flow. A cloud-based POS allows for virtual system updates and seamless standardization of ordering media across locations. This streamlines point-of-sale tasks, saving time by eliminating the need for on-premise hardware updates and promoting automatic updates and standardization across sites.
Personalized dining experiences are the secret to being exceptional.
POS systems play a crucial role in providing a personalized dining experience for customers. However, many operators need to gain ownership of customer data, which third-party apps or delivery partners often hold. Upgrading POS systems to a unified cloud experience allows operators to centralize customer data, enabling them to create customized dining experiences for both in-person and online diners. Understanding customer preferences, such as contactless delivery, regular order preferences, allergies, and dietary restrictions, contributes to a more personalized dining experience.
Gaining a 360-degree perspective of front- and back-of-house
activities .
A cloud-based POS system can unify front and back-of-house operations in restaurants, allowing for a cohesive environment across all locations and touchpoints. This system streamlines processes, reduces inefficiencies, and provides a clearer view of business activities. In the post-pandemic society, restaurateurs face inflation, supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and a pending recession. By streamlining operations, they can support owners in maintaining their business margins and overcoming the challenges of inflation, supply chain constraints, and labor shortages.
Promoting higher profitability
Restaurants focus on improving their tech stack to drive long-term success and bounce back from the pandemic. A cloud-based POS system can help capture customer insights, drive sales, and increase brand loyalty through intelligent marketing opportunities. Operators can use customer information like orders, location, frequency, and spending to drive loyalty and repeat sales. Transitioning to the cloud also reduces costs by consolidating operations and providing an insightful overview of sales and operational costs. This helps restaurants identify areas to reduce costs and invest more money to increase overall revenue.
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● The largest edition yet , nearly double the size of the 2023 edition.
● Hall A1 fully booked six months in advance , highlighting overwhelming demand from exhibitors worldwide.
● Exciting new features, including the Startup Pavilion, Lab Design & Construction Pavilion, and Contract Lab Pavilion.
● More country pavilions are expected in 2025 from Singapore, Germany, China, the UK, South Korea, and Thailand.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — analytica Vietnam, the largest international exhibition for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology, and diagnostics in Vietnam, will hold its 8th edition from April 2 to 4, 2025. The show is set to expand significantly with the addition of Hall A2 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), bringing the total exhibition area to 8,000 square meters—nearly doubling the space of the 2023 edition.
The expansion is supported by major governmental and scientific organizations, including the Ministry of Science and Technology , National Agency for Science and Technology Information (NASATI) , Center for Science and Technology Information (CESTI) , Vietnam Association of Testing Laboratories (VINALAB) , and VNU University of Science (VNU-HUS) , all of which solidify analytica Vietnam's position as Vietnam’s leading platform for advancing laboratory technology and science.
Expanded Space and Record Exhibitor Lineup
For the first time, Hall A1 reached full capacity six months ahead of the event, driven by strong interest from international exhibitors eager to explore Vietnam’s rapidly growing laboratory and biotechnology markets. The addition of Hall A2 will not only accommodate more exhibitors but also enhance the event’s capacity for networking and knowledge exchange, solidifying analytica Vietnam 2025 as the region’s most comprehensive industry platform.
LECO Corporation , a key returning exhibitor, expressed strong support for this expansion:
“It is a fantastic idea for expanding the exhibition space for analytica Vietnam 2025. This increased space will provide LECO and our customers with more opportunities to meet, exchange information, and share experiences. Additionally, it will allow LECO to showcase our services and products to a wider range of consumers in a more efficient and visually appealing manner. Expanding analytica Vietnam is essential, and we fully support this initiative.”
The upcoming edition is expected to welcome over 350 exhibitors and brands from various countries, including Vietnam , Singapore , Germany , the USA , Switzerland , the Netherlands , Japan , China , Taiwan , Hong Kong , Malaysia , and India . These exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions to more than 6,000 professional visitors from Vietnam and the ASEAN region. Confirmed exhibitors include industry leaders such as ITS Vietnam , DKSH Vietnam , HTI Scientific , Shimadzu , Merck , Anton Paar , FUJIFILM Wako , Waters , Hóa Việt , Kimteco , 2H Instrument , Oriental Giken , Metrohm , LECO , Mettler Toledo , ESCO , Labware , Yamato Scientific , Azenta Life Sciences , METHOD , and Asciotech .
Hóa Việt, another returning exhibitor, commented on the expansion:
"We’re excited about the additional space, which will allow us to present our latest technology products and core solutions to a broader audience. This expansion is a great opportunity for us to increase our visibility and connect with more customers in Vietnam’s fast-growing laboratory market."
Comprehensive Supporting Programs
Beyond the exhibition, analytica Vietnam 2025 will offer a range of supporting programs to foster meaningful engagement and professional development. These include an Academic Conference featuring thought leaders discussing the latest research and trends in laboratory sciences. The Exhibitor Forum will provide a platform for exhibitors to share insights on industry developments, while a series of seminars will address key challenges and emerging technologies in the laboratory sector. Additionally, a Business Matching Area will facilitate targeted networking opportunities, and the Hosted Buyer Programme will connect high-level decision-makers from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other ASEAN countries with exhibitors, fostering strategic partnerships.
A Vital Platform for Growth and Innovation
As Vietnam’s laboratory market continues its rapid growth, analytica Vietnam 2025 will serve as a critical platform for companies seeking to tap into this burgeoning industry. The expanded exhibition space, coupled with new features and global participation, ensures that this year’s event will be a pivotal moment for professionals in the laboratory, biotechnology, and diagnostic sectors. Attendees can expect unparalleled opportunities to discover the latest innovations, forge international partnerships, and gain insights into market trends. Whether you’re an exhibitor or a visitor, analytica Vietnam 2025 will offer a transformative experience, providing the tools, connections, and knowledge to navigate the future of the industry.
For more information, please visit www.analyticavietnam.com or contact our team at analyticavietnam@mmiasia.com.sg
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This article provides an overview of the different types of yeast extract available for food manufacturing and tips on selecting the best extract for a particular recipe.
Yeast extracts have gained popularity since being introduced to the market in the 1950s and are now a crucial component used by food formulators to create delectable, nutritious, clean-label dishes. Because of its special qualities and intricate makeup, yeast extract is a natural substance that can be helpful in many different applications. It comes from fresh yeast, a naturally occurring non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan foodstuff.
In the list of sweet and savory items, yeast extract is used to improve flavor, add freshness, minimize or remove the need for excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and fat, and mask off flavors. Yeast extract is frequently used to enhance the flavor of meat or cheese in meat replacements and animal-free products because it is entirely vegan. Because of this, food formulators now use it as one of the key ingredients to create a fully realized flavor profile in their food and beverage products. Without chemical additives or flavor enhancers, yeast extract produces wholesome, nutrient-dense, and delicious products. That's what the astute shoppers of today are searching for. They offer a good supply of complete protein as well.
Yeast extracts are utilized in low-fat, low-sugar, and low-salt goods to generate taste and flavor, as well as high-protein snacks, dairy substitutes, and alternative beverages. Because of its complicated features, it is crucial to select the appropriate yeast extract (or mixture).
When buying yeast extracts, some factors to think about could be as follows:
The Type of Yeast Ingredient Required:
Your first concern should be whether yeast extracts are appropriate for your finished product. There are numerous varieties of yeast products, such as dried yeast, protein, bark, extracts, and more. The intended use, the finished product's texture, and flavor all play a role in selecting the appropriate product.
Ingredient Form: Powder, Particulate, Liquid, Semi-Liquid or Paste?
The final yeast extract's shape is a crucial consideration as well. Depending on the intended use or commercial procedure, the product may be a powder, particle, liquid, semi-liquid, or paste. Following the typical processes of evaporation and concentration, paste and liquid forms are produced. Powders need an extra action step: Spray drying turns a yeast extract into a dry extract using hot air to evaporate the water. This process impacts the final product's texture and appearance. The final product's color and structure, consistency, liquid solubility, concentration of nutrients, and ease of transport are all affected by the form of component used. Particulates, for instance, dissolve better in water than powders, although pastes and liquids might work better in sauces.
Form or Packaging of Yeast:
The packaging should be considered while selecting the best yeast extract product. Naturally, the format will impact how the yeast extract is packaged and stored. For instance, pastes and liquids can be kept in drums, IBCs, or other tanks, whereas powders and particles can be packaged in bags. The format must be compatible with your current procedures and supply chain. The format and packaging selection may also impact the amount of space needed and the cost of transporting and storing yeast extracts.
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There is an increasing demand for sustainable food due to climate change's imminent consequences and the expanding population. Agricultural technology advancements greatly influence farmers' capacity to supply expanding demand while conserving the environment. Since they emphasize innovation and spend on technological innovations to manage their farms more sustainably, U.S. soybean farmers play a significant role in determining the future of farming. This is due to the changing environment. Farmers, customers, and food corporations recognize this advantage.
The agricultural sector has experienced tremendous growth in fields like seed technology, machinery design, and precision planting. Still, a significant change in the industry has been its focus on evaluating the positive outcomes of cutting-edge soil management techniques, which are essential to agriculture development.
In addition to soil health, technology is essential to agriculture. Developing on-farm technology helps farmers grow more food on less land with more accuracy when applying pesticides, fertilizer, and water, protecting soil and rivers. No two farmers farm the same or in the same way as any two crops. Technology developments are essential for profitable and sustainable farming since farmers must contend with varying climates, soil compositions, and economic realities.
Today's farmers use modern equipment such as:
● Sustainable practices focused on continuous improvement:
Various agricultural techniques improve soil health and make it sustainable for long-term use, including crop rotation, cover crops, and no-till farming, which increases soil carbon levels.
● Autonomous farming:
Artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and auto-steer technology all strive to boost productivity and dependability while also producing affordable and efficient tools that may help fulfill the demands of our expanding population.
● Precision farming:
Precision farming employs technology to accurately plant seeds, irrigate crops, apply fertilizer, and more. This improves agricultural yields while optimizing the use of every resource - decreasing waste and runoff. GPS, drones, and satellites power precision farming.
● Bioengineering:
Farmers are using the newest seed technology, which reduces the need for herbicide treatments. It lessens weed and insect pressure, increases yields and revenues, and has other positive environmental effects.
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