Digital Lag Persists Across Food Manufacturing Industry

The study measured firms against a five-stage maturity model, finding that the vast majority remain stuck in the middle of their digital transition. Despite the industry's focus on modernization, clear performance gains remain out of reach for companies relying on fragmented or legacy systems. Organizations further along the maturity curve are 2.6 times more likely to report strong, quantified financial returns.

David Hatch, co-founder and chief research officer at FSTR, noted that the data replaces industry assumptions with hard evidence, offering a clear roadmap for both food companies and technology providers. By focusing on outcome-based investment rather than marketing trends, firms can better align their innovation strategies with tangible safety and efficiency goals. Full findings, including specific analyses on artificial intelligence adoption, will be presented at the Food Safety Consortium in Washington, D.C., scheduled for October 21-23.