Food Tech Showcased at CES in Las Vegas – Jay Lee’s U.S. Report (120)

Advanced Technology in the Food Industry: The Rise of Digital and Robotic Integration

Sustainable alternative meats, seafood, and 3D-printed meat showcased

Robot chefs and smart cooking for personalized nutrition

By Lee Jong-chan, CEO of J&B Food Consulting

At the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, food companies have been steadily increasing their presence, and now, the fusion of food, digital technology, and robotics is becoming mainstream. The emergence of AI, including ChatGPT, has influenced food technology, expanding its reach into the industry. Here are some key food tech trends that stood out at this year's CES.

Sustainability-Driven Technologies

One of the most prominent trends is sustainability. Smart farming and vertical agriculture are gaining momentum. Plenty, for example, has developed cutting-edge indoor farming technology that grows fresh, pesticide-free produce year-round, regardless of climate or season. This innovation allows restaurants to harvest leafy greens on-site, minimizing transportation and environmental impact.

Although the hype around alternative meats has cooled slightly, companies continue to showcase their innovations at CES. Beyond Meat and JUST Egg partnered to launch the ""Sunrise Scramble"", a plant-based breakfast sandwich, proving the continued demand for plant-based alternatives. Additionally, lab-grown meat and 3D-printed meat were featured, along with various innovative plant-based ingredients.

To address food waste, Apeel Sciences introduced edible coatings that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Companies like Finless Foods and Kuleana have developed alternative seafood products, including plant-based tuna, salmon, and shellfish, offering sustainable solutions to seafood consumption.

Technology-Powered Kitchens

Moley Robotics unveiled its Chef Moto, a robotic system capable of preparing and cooking sophisticated meals from scratch. Restaurants are expected to adopt robot chefs to improve efficiency, consistency, and customized meal options.

Meanwhile, Brava showcased smart kitchen appliances that connect to smartphones, allowing users to remotely control cooking and access personalized recipes. The seamless integration between kitchen appliances and smart devices is enhancing cooking convenience.

Personalized Nutrition Through AI and Data

Moving beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all diets, companies are integrating data and technology to tailor nutrition to individual needs. DayTwo and Nutrigene analyze genetic makeup and gut microbiomes to create personalized meal plans, optimizing health and disease prevention.

Companies like Nutrino use AI-based food tracking technology. Their smart devices and apps scan meals and track nutritional intake, providing real-time feedback and recommendations for healthier eating. Nutrino also introduced a wearable scanner that connects to a food database, instantly displaying nutritional information about meals.

The Future of Food Tech

Other innovations include AR/VR-enhanced cooking experiences, automated grocery stores like Amazon Go, AI-powered robotic chefs, and smart home appliances equipped with AI.

As industry boundaries blur, collaboration is becoming more essential than ever. With the global rise of K-Food and Korea's advanced IT technology, the food industry has a unique opportunity to gain even greater momentum.

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jay@jnbfoodconsulting.com or 714-873-5566

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