In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of food manufacturing, slim profit margins and unreliable supply chains leave little room for mistakes. To stay competitive, businesses are increasingly turning to digital transformation, not as an option, but a necessity. According to the 2024 CommBank Manufacturing Insights Report, nearly 90 per cent of food and beverage manufacturers and distributors plan to ramp up their technology investment this year. Digital systems not only reduce human error and waste, but they also streamline critical processes like allergen tracking and product recalls. Automating manual tasks cuts labour costs and boosts efficiency. At FoodTech, held June 19-20 2025, in Queensland, several exhibitors will be on hand that are AI and automation specialists.
The Power of AI
Traditional spreadsheets can’t keep up with today’s demands for real-time data. AI-driven inventory management platforms provide centralised, up-to-date insights across operations.
For example, COYO, Australia’s pioneer in coconut yoghurt alternatives, switched from managing multiple spreadsheets to using Fishbowl inventory software. This change solved frequent stock shortages and data errors that worsened during the pandemic.
“Before Fishbowl, COYO was facing stock shortages every week or two,” said co-founder Sandra Gosling. “It was hard to pinpoint where the mistakes were happening. Fishbowl fixed that.”
Now, data retrieval that once took days can be done in just 90 minutes. “Fishbowl has had a huge positive impact by centralising our information,” Gosling added. “If there’s a product issue, getting that information out quickly is vital.”
The transition was made easier with expert support from Fishbowl, ensuring staff adapted quickly. Fishbowl’s APAC Managing Director, Simon Jupe, noted, “Once staff embrace the new system, businesses can streamline operations, lower costs, and improve profitability.”
With instant visibility across stock, costs, and orders, COYO now runs more smoothly. “It’s invaluable to our entire organisation—sales, logistics, production, finance, we’re all working together as one,” said Gosling.
Advancements in Packaging Automation
Packaging has also gone digital. Robotic palletising, which began over 50 years ago, has evolved with advanced robotics that can now handle various package sizes precisely. As demand from eCommerce and supply chains grows, manufacturers are turning to collaborative robots, or cobots, for tasks like labelling and quality checks.
Visy, a packaging leader, offers robotic palletisers that boost output and cut costs. Their solutions are scalable and tailored from setup to ongoing support.
Brisbane-based dessert maker Priestley Gourmet Delights recently installed AI-driven robots to manage stacking, temperature checks, and ingredient monitoring. “This tech increases our productivity while helping staff grow their skills,” said CEO Xanny Christophersen. The project, part of the National Robotics Strategy, will also create new jobs in Queensland.
Towards Smarter, More Sustainable Systems
True efficiency means more than speed—it’s about reducing waste and using resources wisely. Yet many manufacturers still depend on delayed, error-prone manual data.
OFS, founded in 2006, helps companies digitise real-time data across departments, fostering transparency and empowering workers. “Operators often know better ways to work—but they’re not always heard,” said founder Shoni Even-Chaim. “OFS gives them data to drive change.”
With rising expectations and tougher competition, digital adoption is the path to long-term success.
Interested in meeting the exhibitors featured in this article who will be at FoodTech? Register for FoodTech Qld 19-20 June 2025 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre