Foodtech Industry in 2025: Market Overview, Key Trends, and In-Demand Careers
02.04.2025
Food delivery, robots cooking your favourite meal in a cloud kitchen, AI-designed diets, and grasshopper burgers: what ties these seemingly random things together? They’re all part of the foodtech industry, already impacting the lives of countless people. Foodtech startups attracted over $ 3.4 billion in investments in 2023, and the numbers will only increase.
Today, we explore different foodtech sectors, the most requested jobs in the field, and share the top trends to watch for in 2025.
Today, we explore different foodtech sectors, the most requested jobs in the field, and share the top trends to watch for in 2025.
What is Foodtech?
Foodtech is an industry that uses technology to transform the food system. Innovation is transforming the way we produce, prepare, deliver, and consume food. This fast-growing sector is making eating more convenient, accessible, and eco-friendly.
Food tech covers a wide range of areas—from delivery services and alternative food products to smart kitchen gadgets, digital tools for restaurants, and even solutions to reduce food waste. According to analysts, the global food tech market was worth $ 172.66 billion in 2022, and by 2032, it could reach $ 405 billion.
Food tech covers a wide range of areas—from delivery services and alternative food products to smart kitchen gadgets, digital tools for restaurants, and even solutions to reduce food waste. According to analysts, the global food tech market was worth $ 172.66 billion in 2022, and by 2032, it could reach $ 405 billion.
Main Areas of Foodtech
Foodtech spans a wide range of areas, each playing a key role in transforming the food industry.
- AgritechAgritech improves the production and quality of agricultural products. It includes automated farms, drones for monitoring fields, sensors that track soil moisture and nutrient levels, and smart climate control systems for greenhouses. On top of that, next-generation farming and urban agriculture are on the rise, making it possible to grow fresh produce right in the heart of big cities.
- Food Delivery and LogisticsLogistics and delivery use online platforms, mobile applications, and self-driving vehicles to optimise food delivery.
Innovative solutions like drones and autonomous vehicles are helping speed up deliveries and make them more efficient. Online platforms also assist restaurants and retailers in forecasting demand, which helps reduce food waste. - Kitchen & Restaurant TechModern food tech solutions are transforming the restaurant industry with tools like online table reservations, digital menus, smart POS systems, high-tech kitchen gadgets, and even robot waiters.
- Next-Gen Food & DrinksThis category includes alternative food products like plant-based and lab-grown meat, dairy substitutes, and proteins derived from algae and bacteria. These innovations help reduce environmental impact and support a more sustainable food system.
- Consumer Apps & ServicesA range of apps are making it easier for people to manage their diet—whether it's calorie counters, product recommendations, recipe platforms, or personalized nutrition services.
- Food Safety & TraceabilityThese technologies help ensure food stays fresh and safe, while also reducing waste. Think freshness sensors, smart packaging, and supply chain tracking systems that monitor products from farm to table.
- Food ProcessingInnovative processing methods like 3D-printed food, biotechnology, ingredient encapsulation, and robotic production lines are reshaping how food is made.
- Surplus & Waste ManagementThis includes solutions for recycling food waste, reusing products nearing their expiration date, using biodegradable packaging, and building more eco-friendly consumption systems.
Main Areas of Foodtech
Pros and Cons of Food Tech
Like any fast-evolving industry, food tech comes with both advantages and challenges.
Pros
The upsides include:
Pros
The upsides include:
- Advancing the food industryTechnology is helping tackle major global issues—such as food shortages, food security, and environmental impact. Food tech is also creating new jobs and business models that didn’t exist before.
- Eco-friendlinessModern innovations help reduce pollution. The rise of food delivery services, for instance, has encouraged the use of greener transportation—like bikes, e-scooters, and drones. Food tech also contributes to lower CO₂ emissions and less food waste.
- Simplifying the food service sectorNew tech is streamlining the restaurant and delivery industries, making them more efficient. We now have animal-free alternatives that retain nutritional value without relying on large-scale livestock farming. Automation is also speeding up service and improving the customer experience.
- Economic growthThe global food tech market is valued between $ 400 billion and $ 1.5 trillion, with annual growth of over 6%. This growth is driven by the need to solve food-related issues, meet environmental challenges, and respond to rising demand for healthy eating.
Cons
Although there are several drawbacks:
Although there are several drawbacks:
- Unknown health effectsMany innovative products — like lab-grown meat or insect-based foods — haven’t been fully studied for their long-term health impact. This raises concerns about possible side effects or allergic reactions.
- Potential environmental risksWhile food tech aims to be sustainable, some technologies could have unintended environmental consequences. For example, mass-producing certain alternatives might lead to new types of pollution or resource depletion.
- Ethical and cultural concernsSome products — like insect-based foods or lab-grown meat — may clash with cultural or religious beliefs, leading to public resistance and debate.
- Economic impact on traditional producersRapid advances in food tech can leave small farmers and traditional producers struggling to keep up. This could result in financial losses and widen the gap in economic inequality.
- Tech dependence and cyber threatsAs more digital tools are integrated into the food industry, the risk of cyberattacks, technical failures, or data breaches grows. These issues could compromise food safety and erode consumer trust.
Top-10 IT Roles in Foodtech
Food tech isn’t just about innovations in food and delivery—it's also a major field for IT professionals. As technology in the industry evolves, there’s a growing demand for experts in data analysis, programming, automation, and cybersecurity. Here are 10 key IT roles that are in high demand in the food tech sector:
- IoT DeveloperMain responsibilities:
- Develops smart sensors to monitor humidity, temperature, and other factors in agriculture.
- Integrates IoT devices with cloud platforms for data collection and analysis.
- Builds automated systems like irrigation drones or autonomous farms.
- UX/UI designerMain responsibilities:
- Designs user-friendly and intuitive interfaces for mobile and web apps.
- Analyses user behaviour and adapts designs to meet their needs.
- Enhances the visual experience of delivery services, restaurant apps, and other food tech digital products.
- Data Scientist and ML EngineerMain responsibilities of ML engineers and Data scientists:
- Build machine learning algorithms to optimise supply chains, personalise recommendations, and manage logistics.
- Develop AI models that help reduce food waste and improve product quality.
- Work on automating food tech operations through intelligent systems for inventory, logistics, and demand analytics — boosting efficiency and cutting costs.
How we found a Machine Learning Team Lead for a complex project in just one month
- System AdministratorMain responsibilities:
- Manages servers, networks, and databases used in food tech systems.
- Ensures the security and stability of cloud-based solutions for order management and production processes.
- Tester / QA EngineerMain responsibilities:
- Tests applications, sensors, and automation systems.
- Automates testing processes and develops quality control methodologies.
- Ensures the smooth operation of smart devices and software used in the restaurant industry.
- Systems AnalystMain responsibilities:
- Analyses business processes and identifies opportunities for tech-driven optimisation.
- Works with developers and engineers to find technical solutions to food tech challenges.
- Collaborates with product, automation, and data analysis teams.
- Blockchain DeveloperMain responsibilities:
- Develop and implement cutting-edge solutions using blockchain technology.
- Streamline processes in the supply chain, focusing on registration, storage, and processing of product data.
- Build robust and reliable systems for product origin tracking, boosting consumer trust in brands.
How we found a Blockchain Developer for an International Company in just two weeks
- App DeveloperMain responsibilities:
- Develops mobile and web apps for food delivery, smart kitchen device control, CRM, and ERP systems.
- Integrates payment services and automated order management systems.
- Cybersecurity SpecialistMain responsibilities:
- Protects customer and company data from cyberattacks.
- Develops encryption systems and tools to prevent data leaks.
- Oversees the security of digital platforms, including delivery services and automated production systems.
- DevOps EngineerMain responsibilities:
- Automates the development, testing, and deployment of software.
- Ensures the stability and scalability of digital services used in food tech.
Foodtech Around the World
Food tech is transforming the entire system of food production, distribution, and consumption. This transformation looks different across regions: some focus on automation, others on sustainability or food accessibility.
Foodtech in the USA
The U.S. is the largest food tech market, bringing together startups, venture capital, and scientific research. It’s a hub for leading developments in alternative proteins, restaurant automation, digitalisation, and food delivery.
Key areas of focus:
- Alternative proteins. Rapid growth in plant-based meat (Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods), cultured proteins (Eat Just, Upside Foods), and innovative protein sources from fungi and microorganisms.
- Restaurant automation. Companies like Miso Robotics are developing kitchen robots that cook faster and more cost-effectively than humans.
- Digitalised delivery. Platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, and Instacart use AI for personalised recommendations and demand forecasting.
- Smart farming. Growth in automated agriculture using drones, IoT sensors, and AI control systems.
According to DigitaFoodLab data for 2024
Foodtech in Latin America
In Latin America, food tech is growing thanks to booming online delivery services and alternative protein production.
Key areas of focus:
- Rapid growth of e-grocery and delivery. Services like Rappi (Colombia) and iFood (Brazil) dominate the market, delivering food, groceries, and daily essentials.
- Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. NotCo (Chile) is a major startup using AI to develop plant-based milk, meat, and ice cream.
- Eco-friendly tech. Food tech projects focused on reducing food waste and carbon footprints are actively developing across the region.
Foodtech in Asia
In Asia, food tech is actively supported by governments investing in innovative food production technologies.
Key areas of focus:
- Robot-run restaurants and smart kitchens. Autonomous, staff-free restaurants are being tested in Japan and China (e.g. SoftBank Robotics, Alibaba’s Hema).
- Alternative proteins. China is investing in Zhenmeat (plant-based meat) and CellX (cultured meat) to reduce reliance on traditional livestock.
- Fast delivery and autonomous services. Companies like Meituan (China) and Baemin (South Korea) are pushing forward with drone and robot delivery.
- Government support. Singapore was the first country to officially approve cultured meat for consumption.
Foodtech in Europe
European food tech emphasises sustainability, waste reduction,
and supply chain transparency.
and supply chain transparency.
Key areas of focus:
- Food waste reduction. Startups like Too Good To Go (Denmark) and OLIO (UK) help restaurants and stores sell surplus food at discounted prices.
- Alternative proteins and plant-based products. Nestlé (Switzerland) is expanding its Garden Gourmet line to compete with Beyond Meat.
- Blockchain for food traceability. Carrefour (France) uses blockchain to track the origins of food products.
- Automated retail and robotic warehouses. UK-based Ocado develops automated fulfillment centers for grocery retailers.
Venture Investment in Food Tech
In recent years, the food tech industry has been undergoing major changes, reflecting both global and local trends in venture capital investment.
Investment Climate Worldwide
According to data from PitchBook, between mid-2022 and mid-2023, food tech companies attracted around $ 11 billion in venture funding across 1,225 deals. Despite an overall dip in investment activity, the average deal size grew—indicating increased confidence in promising startups.
Most In-Demand Solutions
Investors and startups in the foodtech space are focusing on solving major global challenges, including:
In addition, automation and robotics are becoming key investment areas, especially in response to labor shortages. Startups offering solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine learning are attracting strong interest from investors.
- World hunger. Startups are developing affordable meat alternatives, new methods of food production and packaging, and logistics optimization systems to support global food security.
- Global warming. Companies are adopting eco-friendly production and packaging technologies, as well as alternative delivery methods—like drones and robots—to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Health and well-being. From superfoods enriched with vitamins and minerals to fast delivery services for healthy meals, food tech is helping people in fast-paced urban environments maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, automation and robotics are becoming key investment areas, especially in response to labor shortages. Startups offering solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine learning are attracting strong interest from investors.
How Can Foodtech Companies Attract Investment?
Attracting investment in foodtech requires a strategic approach and thorough preparation. Here are some key recommendations to help increase your chances of securing funding.
Participate in Specialised Trade Shows and Conferences
Attending and exhibiting at foodtech events is a great way to showcase your product to potential investors and partners.
Here are some of the major foodtech trade shows in 2025:
Here are some of the major foodtech trade shows in 2025:
- Anfas Food Product 2025. An international trade fair in Turkey where food, beverage, and HoReCa equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors meet potential partners and investors. A strong opportunity to enter the European and Middle Eastern markets.
- Foodtech Japan Osaka 2025. One of Asia’s largest exhibitions focused on food industry automation. Participants can showcase technologies in food tech management, AI, robotics, and sustainable production.
- NAFEM 2025. Organised by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, this event features the latest innovations in restaurant tech, production lines, and logistics. A prime networking space for connecting with U.S. investors.
- Foodtech & Packtech 2025. A combined event for the food and packaging industries, offering a great platform for companies working on sustainable solutions and innovative packaging materials.
Develop Team Skills and Expertise
Investors look closely at the strength of the team. Having professionals with experience in food tech management boosts investor confidence. Consider hiring or upskilling team members in food tech operations to strengthen your company’s market position.
Keep an Eye on the Job Market
Tracking current foodtech job trends helps you understand which skills and roles are in demand. This insight can guide your team-building strategy and help attract the right talent — making your company more appealing to investors.
Join Accelerator Programmes
Accelerators like those run by Global Venture Alliance (GVA) offer startups mentorship, funding access, and opportunities for business scaling. Participation in such programs can significantly improve your chances of getting investment.
Showcase an Innovative Approach
Investors are drawn to companies tackling real-world challenges with fresh ideas. If you’re working on eco-friendly packaging, reducing food waste, or developing alternative protein sources, make that a central part of your pitch—it can help you stand out from the competition.
Build a Strong Team
A skilled, experienced team is one of the most important factors for investors. Having food tech professionals on board builds trust in your startup and increases its attractiveness. Thoughtful recruitment of IT and tech specialists not only drives your company's growth but also demonstrates to investors that you can overcome challenges and scale effectively.
2025 Foodtech Trends
The foodtech sector continues to grow rapidly, despite the challenges of recent years. In 2024, the largest player in the food delivery market, Just Eat Takeaway.com, showed a significant improvement in its financial performance. The company’s adjusted EBITDA rose by 36%, reaching €460 million, highlighting effective cost management and operational efficiency.
Additionally, in February 2025, it was announced that Prosus would acquire Just Eat for €4.1 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of the food tech industry.
Additionally, in February 2025, it was announced that Prosus would acquire Just Eat for €4.1 billion, underscoring the strategic importance of the food tech industry.
What trends will shape foodtech in 2025?
- Artificial Intelligence and AutomationAI continues to make its way into every aspect of our lives — and food tech is no exception. In 2025, these technologies are being used not just for personalised nutrition, but also for supply chain optimisation, quality control, and cost reduction.
Algorithms analyse user behaviour and offer personalised recommendations based on preferences, health status, and lifestyle. AI is also helping restaurants and stores manage inventory, forecast demand, and minimise food waste. - Alternative ProteinAccording to DigitalFoodLab, the production of animal protein is directly linked to 18% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It pushes scientists to search for alternative protein sources, from lab-grown meat to flour made from insects.
However, attitudes toward alternative proteins vary widely across countries. While some regions are actively developing cultured meat technologies, others have opted for stricter regulations on such innovations.
For example, in 2025, Italy introduced a ban on the use of insect protein in traditional dishes like pasta and pizza. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida stated that the decision was aimed at preserving the country’s cultural heritage and ensuring transparency for consumers. That said, insect-based products can still be sold in Italy, but under strict labeling and usage rules.
Meanwhile, cultivated meat — grown in lab conditions without animal slaughter — is gaining broader support in other countries. Singapore and the U.S. were the first to approve its sale, and in 2025, the UK, Israel, and several EU nations may follow suit. This area of food tech is viewed as a promising alternative to traditional livestock farming, with the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact.
Although the widespread adoption of alternative proteins still faces cultural and regulatory hurdles, the push for sustainable and ethical food sources remains one of the defining trends in the food tech industry. - RobotisationWhile robots in the food tech industry may not sound as exciting as humanoid robots, they’re already playing a crucial role today by assisting with routine tasks and minimising risks associated with human error.
Robots are being utilised in both the delivery and agriculture sectors. Next-generation robots developed by food tech startups are equipped with AI and computer vision systems, enabling them to autonomously make decisions. Unlike conventional agricultural machinery, these robots can perform more intricate tasks such as soil and plant analysis, pest control, and harvesting. - Instant DeliveryWhile instant delivery was already a major trend in 2024, the segment is continuing to evolve in 2025. Companies are testing new distribution models to make delivery even faster — through micro dark stores (small local warehouses within city limits) and robotic pickup stations.
Services like Getir and Gorillas have proven that consumers are willing to pay for speed. Now, 10−15 minute delivery is no longer just a convenience — it’s becoming the industry standard. - Waste ManagementAccording to data from DigitalFoodLab, 40% of all food is wasted at various stages of the supply chain. This issue not only harms the economy but also has a detrimental impact on the environment. While stores previously resorted to simply discounting items nearing their expiration date, today, more companies are adopting comprehensive software solutions.
- Specialised programs on farms will help streamline production and cut down on waste.
- In stores, "smart" labels will monitor the freshness of products, and apps like Too Good to Go will enable consumers to purchase unsold food at discounted rates.
- At home, consumers will have access to composting gadgets that transform food waste into fertiliser.
In essence, foodtech will change our food system, making it more personalised, healthier, and accessible while new technologies will play a vital role in minimising environmental damage.
The FoodTech market is evolving faster than ever, and at Lucky Hunter, we support companies shaping the future of food. If you're looking for IT specialists for your FoodTech project, we'd be happy to help.
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Alexandra Godunova
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