Food Safety in Asia: Opportunities with Automation and Technology
Food safety and security remain critical challenges in Southeast Asia, where the complexity of supply chains, high rates of food loss, and vulnerabilities in storage and handling continue to impact both businesses and consumers. As supply chains become more intricate and regulations tighten, the need for robust traceability, security, and efficient inventory management has never been greater. Across the region, advancements in automation and digital tracking are transforming food logistics, offering solutions to long-standing issues such as shrinkage, theft, and cold chain integrity, while also improving food quality, shelf life, and availability.
The rising challenge of food loss and theft
One of the most pressing concerns in Southeast Asia is the sheer volume of food lost between harvesting and reaching consumers. According to the World Economic Forum, up to 40 percent of food in Asia is lost due to inefficiencies in handling and storage. Perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables, face significant spoilage risks when not stored under the right conditions.
A fruit supplier in the region reported losing up to 15 percent of its produce when stored in ambient conditions, but it was able to completely eliminate this waste by shifting to a modern temperature-controlled facility with system directed processes and intelligent management software. This is just one example highlighting the role that advanced solutions play in extending product lifespan and reducing unnecessary waste.
Beyond waste, theft is an increasingly urgent problem in food supply chains. The latest report from BSI indicates that food and beverages are one of the most stolen commodities globally, with thefts rising by 2.8 percent. Within facilities, on average, theft accounted for more than a quarter of all losses.
Incidents of theft not only create financial losses for businesses but also pose risks to food safety, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance when stolen goods re-enter the market through unofficial channels. The rise in food theft underlines the importance of secure storage and tracking systems to prevent unauthorised access and tampering.
Cold chain integrity and automation
Cold chain integrity is a crucial factor in food safety for perishable products that require strict temperature controls. Automated cold storage facilities have proven to be far more energy-efficient than traditional manual operations. Some of these facilities report up to a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption using high-density storage technologies that reduce cubic space and eliminate the need for lighting. Beyond operational cost-savings, automation maintains consistent storage conditions. This reduces the risk of spoilage and contamination and optimizes product lifespan, improves quality, and extends shelf life.
Cold chain operators are increasingly adopting solutions specifically for temperature-controlled environments. These include automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) capable of storing pallets in high-density configurations up to 45 metres tall and robotic shuttle technologies that can buffer and sequence the retrieval of cartons and crates. The solutions operate effectively in cold storage facilities, even at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. They ensure fast, reliable, and accurate handling, and they provide secure storage with full traceability of the inventory. Every step of a product’s journey is recorded from receiving to dispatch.
By automating key processes, manual handling and human error are minimised, reducing errors, pilferage, and product damage. The intelligent system management software for the automation provides real-time reporting and predictive analytics that allow businesses to optimise their operations, improve efficiency, and achieve the highest levels of regulatory compliance.
Strengthening food safety with automation and traceability
Automation is increasingly essential in mitigating several key risks throughout the food supply chain. Traditional handling processes expose products to multiple touchpoints, increasing the likelihood of damage, spoilage, and contamination. Automating key logistics functions can significantly reduce these risks while improving efficiency. For example, robotics can automate the order assembly process to eliminate the risks associated with manual handling.
Paperless technologies, such as voice and vision-directed picking, reduce errors to improve accuracy and tracking. Intelligent software systems provide real-time monitoring and transaction-by-transaction tracking so that every movement within the supply chain is documented and controlled. In addition to improving food security and traceability, these technologies improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
Building a resilient and secure food supply chain
Investing in supply chain improvements is essential for businesses looking to ensure food security, maintain compliance, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Whether the challenge is improving quality, shelf life, visibility, tracking, temperature integrity, or productivity, there are significant opportunities for optimisation with automation and technology.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, partnering with experienced providers who offer end-to-end support (from design and implementation to ongoing service) will help find the right solution to will achieve and sustain targete business outcomes.
In a region such as Southeast Asia where food demand continues to rise and regulatory scrutiny is increasing, businesses cannot afford to overlook the advantages of automated solutions. A more resilient, efficient, and secure food supply chain ultimately reduces waste, improves food safety, and mitigates risk associated with shrinkage and theft.