FoodNet - part 3. The main directions of the food industry 4.0

The third section of the study is devoted to the formalization of the main directions of FoodNet - the Russian concept of «food industry 4.0», and also the description of the experience of development, The development and implementation of relevant products and technologies by Russian companies.

FoodNet's key areas of focus

AgTech (Agrotechnology)

Description:

• Improving the efficiency in growing agricultural products.
• Includes biological and organic farming, smart and high-yield agriculture.

Examples of companies:

• Ufenal – producer and processor of grains, pulses, oilseeds.
• Bejo – production of organic seeds.
• Geoscan - drones for precision farming.
• iFarm – automated vertical farms.

Key focus areas:

• Organic raw materials and organic products of primary and deep processing.
• Devices and equipment for automation and robotisation of agricultural processes.
• IT services for agricultural production management, detectors, sensors and the Internet of Things in agriculture.

FoodNet market segments

FoodScience

Description:

• Creating new, healthier food products and packaging.
• Includes alternative raw material and food sources, personalised and specialised nutrition.

Examples of companies:

• Ochakovsky Combine of Food Ingredients - development of cultured meat.
• Sady Pridonya (Nemoloko brand) - production of plant milk.
• Infoprim –production of specialised nutrition and clinical nutrition.
• MyGenetics - DNA tests and personalised recommendations.

Key focus areas:

• Artificial cell-based food products and ingredients.
• Products for specialised and functional nutrition.
• Digital solutions for personalised nutrition.

FoodService

Description:

• Creating technology-enabled business management tools for the catering industry.
• Includes smart supply chain and data management.

Examples of companies:

• Delivery Club Daily – robotisation and smart kiosks.
• Le Click – automation in HoReCa.
• AgroCargo – logistics solutions in agriculture.

Key focus areas:

• Solutions and related services for automation and robotisation of internal processes in retail and HoReCa.
• Online services and marketplaces for the sale and delivery of food products and ready-to-eat meals to end consumers.
• Traceability services for the production cycle and supply of agricultural and food raw materials.

Food delivery

Description:

• Delivery services for groceries, meal preparation kits or ready-to-eat meals.
• Includes ordering and delivery platforms, as well as meal prep and delivery services.

Examples of companies:

• Justfood, BeFit, Grow Food – meal kits.
• Delivery Club, Yandex Eats – delivery from restaurants.
• SberMarket, Pyaterochka - food delivery from grocery stores.

Key focus areas:

• Delivery of meal kits, products with recipes, food delivery from restaurants and grocery stores.
• The farm-to-table concept and dark kitchens.

Conclusion

The study emphasises the importance and rapid growth of various segments of the FoodTech market in Russia. Key focus areas include food delivery, automation of catering processes, innovative product development, waste management and production of environmentally friendly packaging. Each of these segments shows significant growth prospects and is attracting major investments. FoodTech companies play an important role in creating more sustainable and efficient food production and consumption systems.