Technology is helping the F&B sector bounce back

While the food and beverage sector in the Philippines has a rich tradition, its recovery is fueled by innovation in technology across several different segments. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Philippine food service industry, forcing many businesses to close. or significantly reduce their operations. The industry has been hit hard by lockdown restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and declining consumer demand. However, the food service industry in the Philippines is gradually recovering with sales growth in the last quarter of 2022. In a few months, food sales in the country are expected to increase by 12 percent year on year this year to a three-year high of $9.3 billion. In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that the number of business registrations reached a 10-year high in 2022, with restaurants and food service establishments second in terms of new business registrations last year. clear signs of recovery, the catering industry has not yet emerged from the forest. The same study, conducted by the USDA-FAS office in Manila, says food service sales in the country are still well below pre-pandemic levels. Given that the industry is one of the pillars of the economy, which accounts for 32 percent of GDP, many industries are looking to support food service business owners. One example in the public sector is applying for “Revival of the Restaurant Industry”. Law of 2022″ senator. Lauren Legarda in Senate Bill 499. Legarda said the purpose of the bill is to strengthen the restaurant industry and provide a much-needed boost to the economy. Technology solutions are being developed in the private sector to help address the pain points of the food business, such as logistics, marketing, cost control, and operations. As the industry recovers, technology solutions play an increasingly important role in industry recovery.

Foodservice Technology One of the most important technological solutions that have helped the foodservice industry during the pandemic are online ordering and delivery platforms. As many consumers remain wary of dining in restaurants, online ordering and delivery platforms have allowed businesses to continue serving customers while respecting quarantine restrictions. Online food delivery revenue in Southeast Asia is expected to grow at a rate of 17.54 percent annually from 2023 to 2027. Momentum Works shows that food delivery gross value (GMV) is still four times higher than it was before the pandemic. In addition to online ordering and delivery, contactless payment systems have also become more prevalent in the food service industry. Contactless payment methods such as mobile payments, QR codes and NFC technology allow customers to pay for their orders without the physical transfer of cash or credit cards, reducing the risk of Covid transmission. The technology also benefits businesses by reducing the need for cash handling and enabling a smarter payment process. Restaurant management systems are another technology solution that has helped the food service industry during the pandemic. As many businesses are forced to cut staff or change hours of operation, restaurant management software has helped businesses manage their operations more efficiently. Features such as inventory tracking, order management, and data analytics have enabled companies to streamline their operations, reduce waste, and maintain high service levels. Finally, digital marketing tools have also become more important to the food service industry during the pandemic. As more consumers shop and dine online, companies have had to adapt their marketing strategies to reach customers where they are. Digital marketing tools such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization have enabled companies to reach more customers and drive more traffic to their online ordering and delivery platforms.

Benefits of Technology The benefits of technology solutions for the food service industry are numerous. By improving efficiency and productivity, technology solutions help businesses reduce costs and operate more profitably. For example, online ordering and delivery platforms allow companies to reach more customers without the need for costly physical offices. Restaurant management systems help businesses streamline their operations by reducing waste and increasing profitability. Last but not least, in order to prevent the industry’s recovery from being interrupted, business owners also fear another possible health crisis. Technological solutions are helping businesses improve safety and sanitation measures in the wake of the pandemic. Contactless payment systems and online ordering and delivery platforms reduce the risk of virus transmission by reducing physical contact between customers and staff. Restaurant management software helps businesses track inventory and control food safety protocols, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. By implementing these technologies, businesses can create a safer and more hygienic environment for both customers and staff.

Further Investment Needed As the food service industry continues to recover in 2023, it is important that businesses continue to invest in technology solutions to remain competitive and resilient in the face of future challenges. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of technology in the food service industry, and businesses that do not use these solutions may be left out. As consumers get used to online ordering and delivery, businesses that don’t offer these services may find it hard to compete. Similarly, companies that do not implement contactless payment systems or restaurant management systems may find it difficult to operate efficiently and profitably. profitability. Customer experience. For example, new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics could revolutionize the food service industry by lowering labor costs, increasing efficiency, and improving the customer experience. By investing in these technologies, businesses can secure long-term success and growth.

Brett Doyle is the CEO and Founder of Mosaic Solutions, a Philippine restaurant management system provider that provides a comprehensive suite of technology solutions to help the catering industry.