The State of Digital Transformation in Food & Beverage 2026
Disconnected data is still the biggest bottleneck in food & beverage
Our survey of more than 400 food & beverage professionals worldwide reveals that disconnected systems, siloed data, and fragmented workflows continue to undermine speed, compliance, and operational performance.
At the same time, the industry is exploring AI with cautious optimism. But accuracy and trust remain the #1 obstacle to wider adoption.
Uncover how teams are approaching digital transformation, AI adoption, traceability, and operational connectivity—and why connected ecosystems are key to future success.
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40%
of respondents identified disconnected systems and data as the single biggest barrier preventing their teams from moving faster
The operational drag
Many respondents shared that they spend too much time waiting on data, or working to connect. It’s slowing them down in an industry that increasingly depends on speed, visibility, and adaptability.
The cost of inefficiency
Rising ingredient costs, tariffs, shifting supplier conditions, and ongoing supply chain disruption are driving up prices—seemingly overnight. If you can’t move faster and make decisions with greater precision, it’s going to cost you.
What’s really holding food & beverage teams back?
In 2026, there’s no shortage of technology. But as the data shows, many F&B teams are still struggling to get their systems to work together. More tech doesn’t necessarily solve the fragmentation problem. Especially if you’re bouncing back and forth between emails, spreadsheets, and PDFs—as opposed to sticky notes, filing cabinets, and supplier documents.
The State of Digital Transformation in Food & Beverage report uncovers a number of surprising challenges. And an industry uncertain about how to move forward.
This report explores:
- Digital transformation priorities
- AI adoption and trust concerns
- Traceability and compliance trends
- Operational efficiency challenges
- The growing importance of connected ecoystems
And how does the F&B industry really feel about AI?
Everyone is talking about AI. Few are talking about how the front line actually feels about integrating it in meaningful ways. Our recent survey reveals a nuanced reality. The findings show an industry that is curious, pragmatic, and far from fully convinced.
Access the report to see where AI plays the biggest role.
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Get exclusive insights on the trends, priorities, and challenges shaping the future of food & beverage operations.
