22�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM As demand for predictive tools grows, food companies increasingly recognize that AI can protect not only consumer health but also brand repu- tation. Tis realization is driving in- vestments in technology at an unpre- cedented pace. Tackling Supply Chain Complexity Te global food supply chain has grown increasingly complex, spanning multiple countries and suppliers. Tis creates more opportunities for fraud, contamination, and weak links. AI pla- tforms improve traceability and track products through every stage of the supply chain. Te report notes that fewer than 30% of manufacturers have fully integrated AI-based traceability systems, sugges- ting strong growth potential. With regu- lators and consumers demanding higher levels of transparency, companies that adopt AI stand to build trust and gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, supply chain disrup- tions have made efciency a priority. AI-driven systems help pinpoint vul- nerabilities before they result in costly delays or recalls, reinforcing why tra- ceability remains central to long-term industry resilience. Consumer Transparency and Ethi- cal Sourcing Shoppers now expect to know whe- re their food originates and how it was produced. AI helps verify labeling, detect misrepresentation, and ensu- re ethical sourcing. By meeting both consumer expectations and govern- ment regulations, food companies can strengthen loyalty and avoid reputa- tional risks. Industry experts point out that transparency initiatives backed by AI not only improve safety but also help retailers and manufacturers diferen- tiate themselves in a crowded market. Tis heightened demand for honesty in labeling ties directly into sustaina- bility goals, as consumers increasingly choose brands that can prove their envi- ronmental and social responsibility. Predictive Safety and Personalized Nutrition Another critical driver is predictive risk management. AI systems harness historical and real-time data to fag potential equipment failures, spoila- ge risks, and compliance issues before they escalate. Automated quality con- trol reduces waste while maintaining consistent standards. Beyond safety, AI also supports personalized nutrition. By analyzing health data and dietary preferences, AI tools enable tailored food recom- mendations and product develop- ment. Tis approach caters to rising demand for customized, health-cons- cious oferings. Together, these applications show- case how AI improves both safety and consumer experience, giving compa- nies a powerful incentive to accelerate adoption. Emerging Startups Leading Innovation Several startups are gaining traction in the AI in food safety and quality control market. • Clearsense Technologies develops cloud-based predictive platforms that track microbial risks in real time, ofering compliance-ready solutions for manufacturers. • Strayos uses AI-powered compu- ter vision to automate packaging and labeling inspections, reducing errors and improving efciency. • ImpactVision, now part of Apeel Sciences, applies hyperspectral ima- ging to measure freshness and qua- lity in real time across supply chains. Tese innovators demonstrate how partnerships between AI providers and regulatory agencies are blurring the line between compliance and in- novation. Regulatory Pressure Drives Adoption Increasing regulatory scrutiny and frequent food safety incidents are forcing manufacturers to modernize monitoring systems. Governments and agencies are collaborating with te- chnology frms to establish AI-driven compliance platforms that can adapt to evolving standards. Te report emphasizes that regu- latory alignment will be key to global adoption, especially as new frameworks for digital food safety oversight emerge. Tis regulatory momentum ensures that AI adoption will not only be op- tional but, in many cases, essential for companies seeking to operate interna- tionally. ...Continuation of page 20 Challenges and Opportunities While AI adoption is rising, cha- llenges remain. High investment costs and the skills gap in data science slow implementation. Many food companies struggle to adapt their workforce to AI-driven processes. However, the opportunities ou- tweigh these barriers. Enhanced pathogen detection, stronger su- pply chain visibility, and advanced predictive tools position AI as a central pillar of food industry mo- dernization. With these advantages, com- panies that act early will secure a long-term lead over competitors hesitant to embrace change.