What it is?
The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, is something you may have heard about but haven’t fully explored yet. The fact is that the IoT is already all around you! The IoT is the many billions of physical devices that are now connected to the Internet, collecting and transmitting data in the process.

As wireless networks spread around the world and the cost of computer chips plummeted, it became possible to connect almost anything to the Internet. Do you have a smart refrigerator, TV or scale? These are all examples of devices that are part of the Internet of Things.

Apart from the equipment found in modern kitchens, the food industry is also implementing IoT in almost every area. Today, the technology is used everywhere from agriculture to managing food outlets. This is pretty good news for manufacturers and retailers as well as consumers. When used correctly, the Internet of Things (IoT) can help the industry run smoothly while improving product quality, consumer experience, and manufacturing efficiency.

Why is it important
As you know, the goal of the food and beverage industry is to provide the end consumer with high-quality food, and the Internet of Things only helps to facilitate this task. Innovations that enable accurate monitoring of all parts of the food supply chain and the HoReCa industry help to achieve this goal easily, efficiently and cost-effectively.

Consumers are also becoming more informed. They are interested in where products come from, how they are grown, and consumers have become more aware of the origin of certain products. Digital solutions enable food and beverage companies to ensure product quality and provide consumers with detailed information, ensuring predictable sales and consumer peace of mind.

And there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role. With new restrictions on trade and the movement of goods, the use of the Internet of Things has helped companies simplify, reduce costs and start working more efficiently. While the expansion of the use of the Internet of Things was already a given, the pandemic has significantly accelerated the transition to digital innovation.

Usage examples
For restaurants and food service businesses, the Internet of Things is a boon, helping operators streamline their operations and allowing diners to order at their desk (especially important now due to COVID-19) and automate tasks. And these are just a few of the many benefits.

Another example is the innovations that help automate the cooking process, from the smart Sous-vide Mellow machine, which can take orders via smartphone and refrigerate food until the exact time it starts cooking, to the Rotimatic robot that bakes tortillas.

Security measures are also updated thanks to IoT. Cold chain logistics: from field to table is one area where IoT adoption is particularly beneficial. Smart sensors like those made by Aeris and Telit allow companies to track data in real time.

IoT food waste management solutions also help restaurants reduce waste and save money. Swiss KITRO is a fully automated food waste management system designed for restaurants, hotels, etc. Similarly, Shelf Engine uses machine learning to help grocery stores minimize waste and out of stock.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is also enabling the next generation of smart supermarkets. For example, smart shopping carts have recently been trialled in Canadian grocery stores, and contactless shopping using, for example, Amazon Go is becoming more common.

The Internet of Things is also transforming the work of those who grow and produce our food. The global smart farming market is expected to triple to $15.3 billion by 2025. For example, smart greenhouse devices such as Growlink and Farmapp allow farmers to precisely control crops and adjust conditions remotely