Food Tech Mexico Summit 2024: Embracing AI, Sustainability, and Innovation
The AI market in the F&B sector is expected to grow from approximately $3 billion to $30 billion by 2028, highlighting a significant shift towards technology-driven solutions.
At the Food Tech Mexico Summit & Expo in October 2024, industry leaders gathered to discuss how technology is reshaping food production, sustainability, and health. Key topics included regenerative agriculture, nutrition and health, AI and digitalization, and sustainability, highlighting how the sector must adapt to meet future demands.
The role of organizational culture in transformation
One of the key insights from the summit was that the biggest barriers to innovation are not technical, but cultural. Many challenges companies face in adopting new technologies, such as AI, stem from internal dynamics. Although the technology itself is available, its effective implementation is often hindered by the lack of alignment with existing processes and organizational structures.
In this context, adopting technology is not just a technical challenge but also a process that requires shifts in mindset and company structure.
“Technological systems may be available, but if they don’t align with the motivations and incentives of the people within the organization, their adoption will be slow or ineffective.”
-José MarÃa Pérez Figueredo, Global Business Development Manager
AI’s growing influence in the food industry
The summit emphasized the role of AI and digitalization in the food industry, particularly in improving supply chain management, reducing waste, and optimizing processes. However, the panel noted that before AI can fully deliver its benefits, foundational operational issues—such as product traceability—must be addressed.
For example, inefficient product tracking, particularly when it comes to expiration dates, can result in significant waste. While AI has the potential to address these issues, it needs to be built on solid operational systems to provide effective solutions.
At the Food Tech Mexico Summit & Expo 2024, experts discussed how AI can revolutionize supply chains by providing real-time data that improves everything from procurement to inventory management. This digital transformation offers opportunities for more efficient and sustainable processes, but the implementation must be supported by a strong operational foundation.
Sustainability and regenerative agriculture
Sustainability was another key topic at the Food Tech Mexico Summit & Expo 2024. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring soil health and enhancing biodiversity, was presented as a crucial strategy for creating more sustainable food systems.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in advancing these practices. During the summit, it was emphasized how the intersection of AI and sustainability is helping food producers optimize resource use, improve yields, and reduce waste. For example, AI in regenerative agriculture provides real-time data that allows farmers to make smarter decisions, promoting sustainable practices without compromising efficiency.
As consumers continue to demand more sustainable products, regenerative agriculture supported by AI is emerging as a viable solution for F&B companies.
The road ahead for food tech and corporate transformation
The Food Tech Mexico Summit & Expo 2024 made it clear that the future of food tech is tied to the seamless integration of AI, sustainability, and corporate transformation. While technologies like artificial intelligence and automation will undoubtedly play a significant role, it’s equally important for organizations to be prepared to adapt both culturally and structurally.
In this context, Tastewise empowers F&B brands by providing the tools they need to stay ahead of these trends. Our platform enables brands to validate concepts, execute precise campaigns, and innovate without risk, helping companies transform efficiently and stay competitive.
With corporate transformation and technology advancing hand in hand, the insights discussed at the Food Tech Mexico Summit & Expo 2024 will serve as a roadmap for how companies can embrace AI, tackle sustainability challenges, and drive their organizations toward a more efficient, sustainable, and innovative future.