Artificial intelligence is rapidly infiltrating every aspect of our lives, and foodtech is no exception. In 2024, we expect to see an increase in the use of AI in mobile applications for personalised nutrition. AI will tailor individual recommendations, taking into account personal preferences, health status, goals, and lifestyle. It will help users improve their quality of life and achieve the desired results.

According to DigitalFoodLab, the production of animal protein is directly linked to 18% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It pushes scientists to search for alternative protein sources, from lab-grown meat to flour made from insects. While insect-based products are currently used for animal feed, they will soon be available for human consumption. For example, at the end of 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture in Italy approved the production of food products from insects. Government representatives rushed to assure the population that insect-containing food would be labelled and undergo various checks.
The big question is: will people actually eat food made of bugs?

While robots in the food tech industry may not sound as exciting as humanoid robots, they’re already playing a crucial role today by assisting with routine tasks and minimising risks associated with human error.
Robots are being utilised in both the delivery and agriculture sectors. Next-generation robots developed by food tech startups are equipped with AI and computer vision systems, enabling them to autonomously make decisions. Unlike conventional agricultural machinery, these robots can perform more intricate tasks such as soil and plant analysis, pest control, and harvesting.

Instant delivery emerges as the new trend of 2024. Unlike traditional services with delivery times spanning hours or days, instant delivery promises fresh products within just 30 minutes. This approach allows customers to procure items as needed, reducing unnecessary purchases and subsequently curbing food waste.

According to data from DigitalFoodLab, 40% of all food is wasted at various stages of the supply chain. This issue not only harms the economy but also has a detrimental impact on the environment. While stores previously resorted to simply discounting items nearing their expiration date, today, more companies are adopting comprehensive software solutions.

• Specialised programs on farms will help streamline production and cut down on waste.
• In stores, "smart" labels will monitor the freshness of products, and apps like Too Good to Go will enable consumers to purchase unsold food at discounted rates.
• At home, consumers will have access to composting gadgets that transform food waste into fertiliser.