Facing Food and Beverage Challenges: Insights From Our Expert Roundtable

Between navigating digital transformation initiatives, the rise of artificial intelligence, growing workforce challenges and ever-evolving regulatory changes, the food and beverage industry now stands at an important crossroads. Do you stay where you are, taking the easy road and sticking with the status quo, or do you forge ahead, choosing to tackle these challenges head on? Sure, it may seem daunting, but it’s a no-brainer. To help you embark on that path forward and turn challenges into opportunities, we gathered top experts in our 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Webinar Roundtable to explore key trends shaping the sector and offer actionable insights.

Moderated by Luc VandeWeyer (Benelux) and featuring Lee Walker (UKI), Joris Kolff (Benelux) and Heiner Meiwes (DACH), the session dug deep into today’s hot topics. In this blog, we unpack the critical points discussed, supported by live poll data and insights from Aptean’s 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report and outline what you should consider for a future-proof strategy.

Four major trends were explored during the webinar roundtable. These included the topics of digital transformation via cloud solutions, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), workforce challenges and the increasingly complex regulations faced by the food and beverage industry.

Trend No. 1: Digital Transformation Driven by Cloud Migrations

The panel kicked off by emphasising the urgency of digital transformation, specifically that fuelled by cloud migration. Moving to cloud-based systems isn’t just about replacing legacy software—it’s about unlocking greater agility, scalability and innovation.

“Businesses that prioritize cloud migration now will be the ones driving industry innovation in the next five years.” Luc VandeWeyer, Senior Account Executive, Aptean

Live Poll Results

The first live poll shows that agility is king. With 63% of respondents valuing increased mobility and 56% aiming to cut operating and maintenance costs, it’s clear that real-time data access and efficiency are top priorities. Meanwhile, 44% are focused on faster innovation and better scalability.

Food and Beverage Report Key Takeaways

• 91.6% of food and beverage companies are undergoing digital transformation, with cloud migration at the forefront

• Companies using cloud ERP software project an average 11.5% revenue growth and 12.1% profit growth in the coming years

• DACH: Once hesitant, companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland now embrace the cloud 84% have either migrated or are in the process

• Benelux and UKI: These regions lead the charge, recognising the cloud’s role in ensuring agility amid shifting market demands

Insights from Aptean’s 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report

Trend No. 2: AI’s Growing Role in Food and Beverage Operations

The adoption of AI should be a key focus of your strategic growth plan. AI’s applications in predictive analytics, automation and improved production quality are reshaping operational strategies. Imagine streamlining tasks such as demand forecasting and quality control while freeing up resources for more strategic activities.

“AI isn’t just about automation—it’s about making data-driven decisions in real time. Companies that embrace AI today will be more efficient, more profitable and more resilient.” Lee Walker, Senior Manager-Solutions, Aptean

The live poll results reveal a sector in transition—while 39% are already using AI, a significant 56% are either investigating or beginning implementation. However, with 28% still having no plans to leverage AI, there’s a clear divide between early adopters and those yet to take the plunge. These results show our live webinar audience members are less likely to be planning AI initiatives compared to the majority of our annual report respondents already taking action.

Food and Beverage Report Key Takeaways

• 97% of respondents are currently investigating, implementing or making use of AI already

• AI-powered predictive analytics is already helping businesses optimise production and reduce food waste

• Still, challenges remain—40% of UK companies cite AI’s complexity as a barrier, while 38% worry about ethical concerns

Insights from Aptean’s 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report

Trend No. 3: Addressing Labour Shortages With Technology

Labour shortages continue to challenge the industry, particularly in manufacturing and logistics. The discussion focused on how technology can bridge the gap by automating tasks, optimising workflows and enhancing employee retention through better work environments.

“Companies must invest in technology not to replace workers , but to make their employees smarter and more effective.” Joris Kolff, Senior Regional Account Director, Aptean

Live Poll Results

While Aptean’s 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report indicates a broader industry shift towards outsourcing and wage adjustments, our live poll results suggest a different perspective from attendees. Only 7% saw outsourcing as a key solution, and none identified salary increases as the answer to workforce challenges. Instead, 64% favoured automation, and 21% prioritized workplace improvements.

This difference may be due to the regional mix of attendees, with a stronger representation from Europe, as well as the operational focus of their roles, making technology-driven solutions more immediate and practical than broader corporate strategies.

Food and Beverage Report Key Takeaways

• Globally: 58% of businesses have implemented technology to automate more tasks

• Benelux: 48% are actively using technology to improve the work environment to attract and retain staff

• DACH: 60% of companies are exploring the impact of increasing salaries

• UKI: Hybrid working models and cross-training are proving effective in retaining and upskilling talent

Insights from Aptean’s 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report

Trend No. 4: Navigating Complex Regulatory Changes

Regulatory compliance in the food industry remains a major concern as frequent legislative updates impact product labelling, safety standards and sustainability practices. The panel stressed that technology is key to staying ahead and avoiding costly operational disruptions.

“Regulatory changes are not just a hurdle—they’re a business imperative. Companies must be proactive in adopting the right technology to stay compliant and competitive.” Heiner Meiwes, Account Executive, Aptean

Live Poll Results

The poll results highlight a growing urgency around regulatory compliance—55% of respondents are actively seeking new technology solutions, while 18% have already invested. With 27% considering future investment, it’s clear that compliance is no longer just a box to tick but a critical business priority. Notably, 0% of respondents dismissed technology’s role in overcoming these challenges, reinforcing that digital tools are now essential for staying ahead of evolving regulations.

Food and Beverage Report Key Takeaways

• DACH: Mandatory e-invoicing in Germany is pushing businesses to modernise financial processes

• UKI: HFSS regulations (targeting high fat, salt and sugar content) are tightening, requiring better ingredient tracking and labelling

• Benelux: New cybersecurity and sustainability regulations are affecting suppliers across the region

• Across all markets, 90% of companies have or are investing in technology to manage compliance—those that don’t risk falling behind

What Should Your Business Do Next?

With a new perspective on the challenges and opportunities that digital technologies present to the food and beverage sector, what should be your next move? Whether you’re at the start of your digital transformation journey or looking to refine your strategy, the following insights can offer you a clear roadmap.

• Define Your Cloud Strategy: Transitioning to cloud-based systems is essential. The data speaks for itself—businesses that adopt cloud ERP solutions see significantly higher revenue and profit growth.

• Develop an AI Action Plan: With rapid AI adoption in the food and beverage industry, now is the time to integrate it into your operations. Whether through predictive analytics or process automation, AI provides real-time data-driven insights that can boost your profitability and accelerate growth.

• Focus on Workforce Technology: Address labour shortages by automating routine tasks and improving the work environment. An empowered workforce is the foundation of operational efficiency.

• Strengthen Your Regulatory Compliance: As legislative requirements become more complex, investing in technology to ensure compliance is crucial for long-term success.

Take a seat at the table and watch the whole discussion on demand now.

Explore Aptean’s Food and Beverage Suite

It’s clear looking at these trends that food and beverage businesses must take immediate action to tackle the industry’s challenges. Thankfully, technology solutions designed for your unique industry requirements can help you do just that..

At Aptean, we know that digital transformation is about more than technology—it’s about building an agile, innovative and resilient business. Our cloud-based, industry-specific software helps you harness the power of AI-driven insights, and purpose-built technologies to enable you to overcome everything from labour shortages to evolving regulatory demands.

We’re dedicated to delivering strategic value that transforms challenges into competitive advantages. Our cloud ERP solutions enable enhanced operational performance, while our agile approach to AI integration streamlines processes and drives efficiency. With a proactive focus on regulatory compliance, you can trust that your business is well-prepared to adapt and thrive amid change.

Our extensive suite of dedicated applications is crafted to support your digital journey, enabling you to optimize workflows, boost productivity and achieve operational excellence. We continuously innovate to provide tools that not only meet today’s challenges but also open new opportunities for growth and success.

Discover the Aptean food and beverage solution suite and see how our innovative offerings can empower you to turn challenges into opportunities. Your journey of transformation starts here.