It doesn’t matter which industry you look it, the exponential advances in technology are having an impressive knock on effect to every sector in the business world. The food industry is no exception, from the way our produce is packaged and distributed right back to the manner in which it’s created.
With so much going on in the industry, it’s difficult to keep track of everything that’s helping benefit the world of food production. Here we talk about four of the biggest ways technology is changing one of our most important sectors.
Driving sustainability
Sustainability in our produce is a hot consumer concern right now and the big brands know it. With climate change concerns at an all time high in the conscience of the general population, a brand’s sustainability level is just as likely to win or lose customers as its products.
Recent tech has brought us edible packaging, micro packaging and bacteria fighting packaging, all designed to reduce waste and better protect the environment. What’s more, apps like Copia are working to reduce businesses’ food waste by connecting then with local food shelters to which they can donate surplus.
With ethical and environmental benefits having piqued in consumer interest, brands will be looking to technology to further enhance their “green” rating in the public eye.
The ever-advancing production line
Robotics and machinery in the production line are absolutely nothing new, but continuing advances in the area are helping to further reduce costs, improve quality and provide affordability for the customer.
Robotics are particularly prominent in the European food industry, with Germany and Scandinavian countries ranking highly for “robot density” in food production. As well as helping to produce lower priced, higher quality products, robotics is helping to improve safety in the production process.
Drone monitoring
Drones play a major part in “precision agriculture” – the newest and most effective method of crop farming. Utilising GPS tracking, satellite imagery and measurement technology to monitor crop yields, soil levels and weather patterns, farmers are able to maximise their output more effectively and efficiently than ever.
Drones can be used to locate diseased and damaged crops and are also able to carry out repair action quickly, minimising the need for human input.
A high-pressure industry
High pressure cleaning is a key part of the modern food industry. One example is coffee, where beans are subjected to frequent cleaning processes. Of course, there needs to be a stringent level of control in the process in order to create the desired product, which is where technology steps in.
The use of manometers to effectively monitor and measure liquid and gas pressure is now widespread, with retailers like RS Components providing a wide variety of handheld options to be used across all formats of business. Pressure management technology covers all environments, from commercial and industrial food production right through to the domestic level.
Across the board, technology is working to create safer, more efficient and more cost-effective production environments. Where food is concerned, this means smarter waste management, better crop conservation and increasing focus on robotic-led production lines. This should be good news for the consumer, who can expect to enjoy an increasingly higher standard of product at a lower cost in the coming years.
Recent Comments