The Future of AI in Food and Beverages: A Competitive Imperative for Growth 

At the 2024 Institute for Food Technologists meeting in Chicago, one message was clear: AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a business necessity in the food industry. While AI once served primarily as a tool for managing big data, it has now become essential for driving efficiency, accelerating product innovation, and optimizing workforce productivity. 

For food companies looking to expand, AI isn’t just an operational upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage. Companies leveraging AI are streamlining production, reducing waste, and responding faster to evolving consumer trends.  

For example, AI can monitor equipment conditions to reduce down time and sort food and ingredients to predict expiration dates to help with production and reduce waste. To respond to the ever-changing trends, AI is a great tool in analyzing customer data. In a market where agility and innovation define success, leaders must prioritize AI adoption to remain competitive.  

The reality is clear: AI is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a must for sustainable growth and market leadership. 

However, AI alone isn’t enough. To truly scale and reach new markets, food and beverage brands need a partner that understands how to position their products globally. If your company is ready to expand its footprint and maximize its market potential, working with experts who specialize in global placement can provide the strategic edge you need.