To improve linkages between digital technology and the food and beverage sector, the APO Secretariat organized an online conference on the Digital Food and Beverage Industry, 7 March. Facilitated by three resource persons from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, it was attended by 70 participants from 15 member economies. The conference examined aspects of digital transformation within the sector and their impacts on productivity, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. The benefits and potential of digitalization, case studies, and opportunities for enhancing productivity in the sector were discussed. Linking technology with industry is aligned with the Smart Transformation goal of the APO Vision 2025.

Advances in digital technology are driving innovation in the food and beverage sector. Technologies like data analytics, AI, and the IoT are employed across supply chains, ensuring quality and enhancing productivity and sustainability through precise, real-time data. Digital transformation in the food and beverage industry includes the adoption of collaborative cloud-based platforms, integration of industrial IoT infrastructure, and utilization of AI for customer insights. While these advances have modernized business models and unlocked opportunities, they also present a new set of challenges.

The conference highlighted strategies to boost productivity, ensure food safety, and enhance consumer engagement. Attendees gained insights into ICT-based solutions for supply chain traceability and methods to optimize agricultural production, processing, and marketing. It showcased successful models for leveraging technology to drive sectoral efficiency and profitability. The conference was a platform for knowledge exchange for a deeper understanding of the potential of digital technologies to transform the food and beverage industry. APO members are primed to take advantage of digital transformation to increase sustainable growth and competitiveness in the region’s food and beverage sector.