Cheating the Food & Ingredients System

AI and machine learning algorithms are being exploited to analyse customer data and preferences to create custom-tailored products based on geography, demographics and other factors known to have subtle differences in taste preferences. This exploitation is allowing organisations in the food and ingredients industry to respond quickly and accurately to consumer trends. The increasing data capability of the industry has enabled companies to "cheat the system."

It's true that cloud technology has enabled an explosion of advancement, and it's this technology that has built the foundation for what is now achievable. The more we dive into this topic, the more apparent the mind-bending potential of technology in the food and ingredients industry becomes.

So what have the innovators been up to? And how are they accelerating product development to a pace which appears unachievable from the outside looking in? How are they CHEATING the system?

We've taken the time to highlight some of the innovators that are allowing the food and ingredients industry to operate at such a pace.

Here are our top "13" innovators. (Don't ask why 13)

#1 Aromyx has developed technology that uses sensors to "smell" food products (I know what you're thinking - WHAT!), they have created sensors to detect and record over a thousand different taste and smell molecules. This data can then be used to create custom-tailored products that are designed with specific customer preferences in mind.

#2 Foodpairing uses advanced algorithms to pair ingredients together that would normally not be seen together. This allows for the creation of unique and flavourful dishes that could not have been created without the help of technology.

#3 Tastewise helps companies and their customers make informed decisions about the food they eat and purchase. Using big data, Tastewise can identify trends in consumer tastes, preferences and behaviour.

#4 Azzur Labs is accelerating new product development through its data-driven approach to food and beverage innovation. Using its proprietary technology, Azzur Labs helps companies understand their products better and develop new ones faster.

#5 Innova Market Insights is a global market research firm that offers insights into product development and trends in the food and beverage industry. Innova's data-driven insights help companies gain a better understanding of the market and how to best position their products for success.

#6 Food Genius provides data-driven solutions to help companies optimise their product offerings. By understanding consumer preferences, Food Genius can help companies create the optimal product mix for their customers.

#7 Clear Labs is a San Francisco-based startup that uses advanced genomic sequencing to analyse food products for safety and authenticity. Clear Labs provides an unprecedented level of transparency into food production, helping companies ensure that their products are safe and of the highest quality.

#8 Sensory Spectrum is another company allowing food and ingredients companies to cheat the system through sensory analysis and consumer insights. These data-driven solutions offer companies the ability to make informed decisions about their products, from product formulations right through to marketing. Sensory Spectrum gives brands the ability to understand the impact of their product changes on consumers' perceptions in order to create better products.

#9 But, how is FlavorActiV affecting new product development? Well, FlavorActiV is a flavour and aroma analysis company. Their proprietary testing equipment allows companies to precisely measure the organoleptic properties (taste, smell, texture) of their products in order to create the optimal product mix for their customers. With FlavorActiV's technology, companies are able to develop products that are optimised for sensory appeal as well as nutritional value.

#10 Excella Labs is another way companies can cheat the system through sensory analysis and consumer insights. Excella Labs uses AI technologies to measure and analyse sensory data from thousands of products, giving companies the ability to identify trends in consumer preferences and develop better-tailored products. By leveraging Excella's AI-driven insights, companies can gain a deeper understanding of their customer's needs and create more successful products.

#11 DINAMIX Technologies offers a comprehensive sensory analysis platform. This platform combines chemometric models, machine learning, and data analysis to give companies an objective measure of flavour, aroma, and texture. With this data, companies can develop products that are tailored to the needs of their customers.

#12 FlavorWiki might just be the partner you're looking for if you want to take your sensory analysis efforts to the next level. FlavorWiki offers a comprehensive platform that combines sensory science with machine learning and data analytics, allowing companies to gain deeper insights into consumer preferences and develop products that are better tailored to their customers. FlavorWiki integrates with major ERP systems, making it easier for companies to leverage the data for their product development.

Whilst there are many vendors that are worthy of our list, I am conscious that this is not a directory of potential partners, and you don't have all day to read this week's newsletter, so our final pick, but by no means any lesser in their ability to accelerate your product development is...

#13 Innoscentia - Innoscentia has the ability to provide companies with deep insights into consumer preferences and behaviour, as well as the tools to help them make informed decisions about product development. Innoscentia offers an integrated platform that combines sensory science, machine learning, and data analytics to provide companies with deep insights into consumer preferences and behavior. The platform also provides access to powerful analytical tools to help companies make informed decisions about product development.

Conclusion

So you can see how it's possible for businesses in the food and ingredients industry to "cheat the system."

The traditional system of months, even up to a year of trial and error employing sensory specialists and technologists that, unfortunately, lack the data insight that these new tools and platforms offer, appears to be coming to an end.

Whilst I don't believe technology will ever replace these very specialist roles, it is clear that tech vendors like those listed here are accelerating new product development and allowing businesses in the food and ingredients industry to thrive, grow and succeed.

Technological advancements in the food and ingredients industry are joining the movement to feed the planet without killing it!

Will new product development ever become completely automated? How will AI and ML advancements have affected the industry in another 12 months? Will robots take over the world!?!?