The Future of Food Tech: Expert Predictions Special
As the food industry moves full steam ahead in 2026, long-standing practices are being reshaped by accelerating technology and shifting consumer expectations. In this special compilation episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Katy Jones presents insights from 17 industry experts on the forces driving this transformation.
The episode opens with a focus on artificial intelligence, exploring how Generative AI is moving beyond hype and becoming essential for business operations. As traditional search and research methods decline, companies are turning to internal AI models to increase speed, accuracy, and decision-making across the supply chain.
Experts also examine:
- How consumer spending is shifting toward transparent, high-quality products
- The growing influence of the “Food as Medicine” movement
- A return to in-house delivery models as restaurants seek more control over safety and service
- Innovations like drone delivery and automated freshness checks that are reshaping logistics
- The emerging need for food professionals to understand chemical safety with the same rigor as microbiology
- The rising importance of human-centered leadership to reduce burnout and maintain resilience under pressure
Throughout the episode, contributors stress that technology alone isn’t enough. Companies that can translate complex systems into clear, trustworthy communication will be best positioned to lead in this next chapter of the food industry.
