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Accelerating AI to answer the food sector’s biggest questions

As concerns about food security continue to grow, investigators are examining how artificial intelligence (AI) can help enhance the sector’s resilience.

In May, a study in the NPJ Science of Food journal explored the use of AI in food, specifically looking at how the industry can accelerate and democratise the technology’s discovery and innovation.

The AI-led food technology industry – a fast-growing application, expected to be worth $27.7 billion (€24.4 bn) by 2029 – is reshaping how we approach global food security.

“Its greatest strength lies in bringing order and insight to complex data – from field sensors to satellite images,” Dr Adam Adamek, innovation director at EIT Food, told Ingredients Network.

Can AI help fill the food security gap?

Scientists are analysing the role that AI can play in achieving resilient global food systems, which contribute to addressing climate change, environmental health, and food security.

The World Bank’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report for 2023 found that 733 million people suffer from hunger, accounting for 9.8% of the global population. Furthermore, nine million people die from hunger-related causes each year.

With the United Nations (UN) estimating that the global population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050, the industry is turning to technology, such as AI, to provide solutions.

To provide sufficient access to safe and secure food, the food sector needs “transformative changes to ensure nutritious, sustainable food for all”, the researchers of the recent study stated.

They identified eight core opportunities that AI can offer in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, enabling it to transform into a resilient industry for the global population.

Operators working in R&D and formulations can use AI to predict and optimise protein structures, identify novel ingredient creations, progress consumer testing, use automated modelling to anticipate texture and mechanical attributes, use generative models to improve flavour profiles, apply natural language prompts to develop new foods, and integrate multimodal data sources to produce foundational food models.

AI-driven systems are empowering farmers to anticipate and respond to threats before they escalate, whether that is drought, disease, or supply chain disruption.

By predicting risks and optimising every stage of production and distribution, AI can contribute to making food systems more resilient, adaptable, and efficient.

“AI is now an essential pillar in the drive to feed a growing world population sustainably,” said Adamek.

Transforming global food systems

AI is helping processors and retailers optimise logistics, cut surplus, and design circular value chains that keep resources in use for longer. For consumers, AI-driven tools are making traceability and food safety more transparent than ever.

“At every step – from seed to shelf – technology is enabling smarter decisions and supporting a more sustainable, secure food system,” Adamek said.

Predictive AI models that forecast weather events, pest outbreaks, and yield variations with unprecedented accuracy are emerging in the F&B sector.

“The pace of innovation is striking,” he added.

Personalised nutrition apps use AI to give dietary advice tailored to individuals' needs and sustainability goals.

In the supply chain, the food sector utilises AI to power real-time traceability platforms, reducing fraud and enabling instant recalls when necessary.

On the product side, algorithms are accelerating the development of next-generation plant-based and upcycled foods, optimising for taste, nutrition, and environmental impact.

“These advances are no longer experimental – they are already making a difference across the industry,” Adamek said.

Leveraging AI’s reach and capabilities

Numerous obstacles still need to be overcome to maximise AI’s potential.

“Despite real progress, there are still challenges to address,” said Adamek.

Data fragmentation, digital inequality, and the lack of common standards can limit AI’s reach and effectiveness.

Furthermore, many farmers, particularly in emerging markets, lack the necessary infrastructure and training to fully benefit from new technologies. Privacy, algorithmic fairness, and trust need to remain priorities as the sector scales these solutions.

“However, the opportunities are enormous,” Adamek said.

Fostering collaboration, investing in open innovation, and focusing on inclusivity are among these benefits.

“We can ensure AI delivers its full promise – not just for productivity but for a food system that is fairer, more sustainable, and truly global in its impact,” he added.