The latest technology has become integral to almost every field and business. Technology has also been incorporated into the food industry, and it has changed many of the traditional practices that prevailed in this business.
Companies involved in the food industry are always looking for more ways to improve and enhance their existing procedures for greater sales and profits. And it seems that the use of technology is the way to go for them.
Let’s go over the different ways technology impacts the food industry.
Distinguishing Impacts of Technology on the Food Industry
The incorporation of technology in the food industry has skyrocketed in the past few years. Here are some of the most distinguishing impacts it holds on the food industry.
1. Improved Efficiency and Productivity
Technology has made the food industry’s processes more efficient, advanced, and productive. All the different steps involved in growing the produce, harvesting it, processing it, and finally manufacturing and delivering the final products have become a faster and smoother process.
2. Better Sourcing of Raw Materials
Businesses can use technology to find out the best suppliers for raw materials and other ingredients. They can ensure that their suppliers are genuine and provide the best quality ingredients without any additives involved.
3. Ease of Shopping
The availability of online grocery shopping, through which you can order food from your homes via smartphones or computers, has made grocery shopping a lot more convenient and relaxing. Hence, eliminating the need to wait in long queues and traffic in supermarkets to get what you need.
4. Enhanced Quality Control
The use of technology allows us to keep a close eye on the safety of the food we receive. It tells us about the quality and presence of any contaminated products there might be.
5. Global Sustainability
With climate change and global warming being major issues, businesses are now more concerned about ensuring that their practices do not harm the environment.
Technology allows them to operate their industries in an environment-friendly manner and also helps them monitor their carbon footprint levels.
6. Better Customer Feedback
Technology allows customers to connect directly with the food business authorities and provide them with genuine feedback. This improves the customer experience, helping them receive what they want,
Different Technologies Used in the Food Industry
The food industry uses various kinds of technologies that help them improve their work. Here are some of the different food industry technology used today:
1. Robots and Machinery
The food industry uses robots and other kinds of machines in its processes. These help them expedite their manufacturing as well as ensure all their products are of standard quality.
Many different kinds of robots and machines are used. For example, modern robots can harvest fruits and vegetables better than humans since they make sure no product gets damaged.
They can also do this a lot faster than the human workforce, hence, increasing the productivity of the food industry and at the same time, reducing food waste to quite an extent.
Additionally, technology such as a bakery packaging machine is used quite a lot in factories that produce baked goods. Such machines help preserve and package freshly baked products in time without any delay, thereby, keeping the freshness within the package itself to provide the best quality bakery items to the customers.
2. Artificial Intelligence
AI has been very helpful in the food industry as well. It can manage the overall workforce of the entire business, keep track of the demand and supply of the food industry, and make sure all their factory equipment is working up-to-date.
AI even keeps a watch on all the financial investments of the business and makes sure that the company faces no loss.
3. Blockchain
The use of blockchains in the food industry has become an essential component of the business.
It can record and manage all the transactions that take place from getting the raw materials to manufacturing the final products. This helps keep track of food safety and ensures all products are contamination-free and safe for everyone to use.
4. Feedback Collected Data
Different software is being used by the food industry that helps connect their customers directly to them through feedback, suggestions, and complaints.
This allows the business to exactly know how their products are doing in the market and helps them make all the necessary amendments and additions to improve the quality of their products.
Impacts of Food Industry Technology on the World
Technology has improved the food industry quite a lot. It is not only beneficial for those involved in the food business but also for the consumers using the products.
The technology ensures greater profits for the food businesses while also ensuring top-quality products to the customers and ensuring a cleaner and greener environment.
I am Adeyemi Adetilewa, a media consultant, entrepreneur, husband, and father. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Ideas Plus Business Magazine, online business resources for entrepreneurs. I help brands share unique and impactful stories through the use of public relations, advertising, and online marketing. My work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Addicted2Success, Hackernoon, The Good Men Project, and other publications.