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Over the years, various new food technology trends have completely changed the food and beverage industry as well as related industries, resulting in positive adjustments and advancements on a global scale. But not all of these developments may be considered technological in the conventional sense. However, it goes without saying that you must keep up with consumer trends if you do not want to fall behind your competitors. And for food and beverage manufacturers, this is especially true.
It is also true that customers are getting more knowledgeable about the methods and motivations used in food production. The days of ignoring labels and investigating manufacturing and production procedures in-depth are long gone. People are concerned about environmental responsibility, natural components, and sustainability.
And these being said, emerging food technology advances signal a shift towards individualized and sustainable eating choices. Alternative protein sources, regional foods, nutraceuticals, and individualized nutrition are a few of them. Even food technology businesses and brands are incorporating waste reduction techniques as well as zero-waste workflows due to concerns about the environment.
Actually, the innovation that can be anticipated in the food and beverage industry during the coming year includes everything from packaging methods and materials to facility equipment. And to understand more about those helpful advancements, keep reading.
Smart Packaging
Since plastic has consistently been the most affordable and practical option, many food manufacturers have utilized it in some capacity in their packaging for decades now. However, consumer perceptions are changing as a result of recent successes in the fight against climate change, and they are now looking to manufacturers to implement some environmentally friendly modifications.
Single-use plastics were first outlawed in a number of EU member states before being gradually outlawed in many other nations, including the United States. Businesses have occasionally used edible and biodegradable packaging. Food-grade polymers, like seaweed, are used in edible packaging and are suitable for consumption.
Biodegradable packaging is actually made using plastic that is made of polymers, which will break down with the help of living organisms. The edible packaging will gradually decompose over time without affecting the environment, even if consumers opt not to eat it.
Additionally, smart packaging, a form of “nano-packaging”, uses nanotechnology to identify microbial changes in food through physical or chemical means. The food item’s safety, quality, and if it is about to spoil can all be determined using the nanotechnology utilized in the packaging.
Functional Beverages
As nutritional research develops, individuals are becoming more aware of what is in their preferred beverages. Thus, they tend to avoid sugary, highly processed drinks that are more harmful than beneficial.
Because of this, health drinks like kombucha and other functional beverages that offer a variety of advantages are still very popular. Over the coming year, you can anticipate a surge in various functional beverages, such as fermented beverages and dairy products with omega-3 added, in addition to the prebiotic- and probiotic-rich drinks already on the market.
Computerized Food Processing Technology
Automation and autonomous equipment are now among the essential components of the food production and processing sector because of ongoing developments in computerized food processing technology. Automation helps in reducing production time while improving output as demand and costs continue to rise.
The robotic butchery machine, which helps speed up the operation, is one automated piece of equipment that is gaining popularity. By reducing the burden of managing potentially hazardous tools and machinery on workers, these automated technologies help make the workplace safer.
Robotic Machines
And to fill this need, some businesses may decide to just add additional employees, but others are looking to smart technology. Robotic robots are now available that can help line employees and carry out some of their similar duties. They are frequently utilized to lessen risk for human employees because they can complete these tasks quickly and safely.
Robotic butchers, for instance, can conduct complex meat cuts in factories, freeing up staff employees to work on less dangerous tasks. These machines are even used in restaurants, where certain establishments use them to cook and prepare food before it is served to customers. They are reducing labor hours and raising production rates by doing everything from making salads and warming bowls to steaming pasta and plating dinners.
Automated Systems
In the food and beverage industry, a substantial percentage of work is done in the background. Back-office duties like staffing and scheduling can rapidly become too much for a business, especially if employees are still handling these activities by hand.
Manufacturing ERP systems are among the automated systems that help remove the stress and arduous work from the process. Many administrative and operational duties can be automated using these cloud-based solutions. This comprises tasks that take time from staff members but are necessary for industry compliance with regard to food safety and maintenance.
Some restaurants have actually gone one step further and implemented online ordering platforms that enable customers to avoid the third-party costs imposed by the majority of delivery and takeout services. Numerous of these systems also come with additional tools like marketing automation, customer loyalty features, and data analytics for generating tailored order recommendations.
Plant-Based Animal-Free Products
Over the past few years, the demand for plant-based, animal-free meat substitutes has completely soared, in large part because of worries about climate change, ethical dilemmas surrounding factory farming, and health trend after health trend. These vegan delicacies have been around for a while, but it is only recently that they have gained in popularity. Thus, a larger variety of product offerings and the entry of new players into the market are expected in 2023.
Key Takeaway
By looking at these technological trends and advancements in the food and beverage industry, you can visualize where they are actually headed. Each new year ushers in a fresh set of trends and developments in the field of food technology. Even seemingly insignificant changes can have a big and long-lasting effect on the market. In the future, we may anticipate seeing increased usage of intelligent systems to support the work of teams on the ground. Companies will thereby develop greater intelligence, safety, and long-term growth readiness.
