The trends in the foods industry in 2025 reflect a sector in complete transformation, boosted by technological advances, changes in consumer behavior and new regulatory requirements.
In a market that is ever more competitive and dynamic, understanding these trends is essential for those working in the production, distribution or storage of foods.
In this article, we will show how these changes are directly impacting logistics and the supply chain — and how Emergent Cold LatAm is responding with innovation, efficiency and sustainability.
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What are the trends in the foods industry in 2025?
Here you can find out what are the principal trends impacting logistics and the supply chain:
1. Sustainability
The concern of consumers over environmental responsibility has led to companies from various sectors, including perishable foods, using more sustainable practices.
The choice of organic ingredients, the use of biodegradable packaging, the implementation of renewable energy sources and optimized distribution routes of products to reduce carbon emission are some strategies to contribute to sustainability, and consequently remain competitive in the market.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It is impossible to talk about trends in the foods industry without mentioning Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Systems based on AI enable adjustments in real time to the production and distribution, improving efficiency and reducing waste. Furthermore, the technology has been incorporated into logistics to support operational decision making and optimize workflows in distribution centers.
With AI, companies in the sector gain greater agility to react to variations in consumption and guarantee more assertive deliveries. These aspects favor the reduction of losses and the use of more efficient logistics resources.
3. Process Automation
Automation is another factor in the trends affecting the foods industry.
Automated warehouses speed up the movement and stock control, whereas autonomous vehicles for transport reduce delivery time and increase operational efficiency.
Thus companies gain greater agility in dealing with variations in demand, reduce losses and use their logistics resources better — decisive factors to standing out in a competitive market.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is also a great support for the perishable foods industry. Do you want a specific example?
At Emergent Cold LatAm, connected sensors monitor the transport and storage conditions in real time, guaranteeing that the perishable products maintain their quality throughout the whole cold chain.
This constant monitoring allows immediate interventions if there is any diversion, guaranteeing the integrity of the foods until the final delivery.
5. Customization
Many consumers, both in Brazil and worldwide, look for specific foods to meet their particular needs. In this regard, it is worth thinking about the possibility of selling new products, for example, gluten-free foods; in greater quantity of proteins per portion; such as vegan foods.
6. Trackability
This practice enables irregularities to be identified quickly, facilitating the removal of damaged products and preventing health risks. Furthermore, technologies such as RFID (identification by radio frequency) simplify the stock control and recall processes.
Trackability also strengthens consumer trust and increases competitivity by attending to regulatory requirements and improving operational efficiency.
Principal trends in the transport of foods
Below, we summarize the principal trends for transport of perishables:
- optimization of routes: use of algorithms to plan more efficient journeys, saving time and fuel;
- smart vehicles (with temperature control): trucks equipped with sensors that monitor and adjust the internal temperature automatically, maintaining the quality and safety of the greens, vegetables, meats etc.;
- sustainable packaging: use of recyclable and biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact;
- transparency in the supply chain: implementation of systems that enable tracking of each stage of the transport, increasing consumer trust.
Trends in foods storage with controlled temperature
For the storage of perishable foods, we can highlight the main strategies:
- automated warehouses: systems that manage the stock and distribution in an efficient manner, reducing errors and increasing productivity;
- monitoring in real time: sensors that accompany the conditions of temperature and humidity, guaranteeing that the foods are stored in perfect conditions;
- sustainable solutions: use of renewable energy and ecological practices to minimize environmental impact.
What are the innovation challenges in the foods industry?
Despite the various trends in the foods industry, many companies face challenges to innovate in their activities.
Complex standards and regulations that vary between countries; the high cost of implementing advanced technologies and the lack of specialized professionals to operate new solutions are some of the obstacles.
Given this, it has become fundamental to consider outsourcing logistics as an efficient strategy to overcome barriers and maintain competitivity.
Find out about our innovative cold chain solutions
At Emergent Cold LatAm, we offer advanced solutions to guarantee the integrity, quality and safety of the food throughout the cold chain.
With leading edge technology and optimized processes, we attend to the demands of the market with efficiency and sustainability. Among our principal solutions, the following can be highlighted:
- automated warehousing: use of latest generation systems for high capacity and precise stock control;
- monitoring in real time: IoT sensors that accompany temperature and humidity during the transport and warehousing;
- complete trackability: technologies such as RFID and blockchain for transparency and food safety;
- optimization logistics: AI and automation that improve routes, reduce waste and increase agility;
- smart refrigerated vehicles: equipped with sensors that maintain the ideal temperature of the product;
- value-added services: labeling, kit assembly and customized solutions depending on the need of the client.
Our expertise transforms the cold chain into a competitive differential, guaranteeing excellence throughout Latin America.
Check out some of our cases of success, which include the implementation of upcoming trends in the perishable foods chain:
- From chaos to precision: the importance of stock control with real time weighing in foods logistics
- From frustration to efficiency: the importance of on-line inventory in foods logistics
