High tech foodservice: an overview of technological advancements

Investment in development of foodservice technology is considered a luxury as the sector comprises predominantly by small and medium size businesses that may not be able to afford the heavy costs involved. However rapid advancements in information technology have allowed dedicated suppliers to foodservice businesses to develop such innovative products or services. Such hardware or software developments enable food and beverage outlets to increase quality of product, productivity and profitability. Often these products may seem existing developments from industries leading the technological advancement arena such as airlines and retail, but this paper reveals that this is no longer the case. Technology is developing at an ever increasing pace and dramatically changes business models in the hospitality industry. The paper aims to illustrate that investment in technological advancement within the foodservice sector is happening in a number of areas and highlights benefits in the areas of quality, cost, speed, dependability, flexibility and employee training.