How artificial intelligence is revolutionising agribusiness

Intelligent logistics: use of AI systems for demand forecasting and stock optimisation, improving warehouse management and reducing waste.

Production efficiency: application of AI for predictive analysis and preventive maintenance of production equipment, reducing downtime and maximising operational efficiency.

AI-based targeting: use of machine learning algorithms to analyse data and increase the effectiveness of marketing and sales strategies.

R&D with AI: Artificial intelligence processing large volumes of data to drive the development of innovative food products, responding rapidly to market trends and consumer needs.

During the Assembly, some significant economic parameters were also provided to understand the impact of Unionfood on the Italian agri-food industry: according to the association, which groups together 530 companies employing 100,000 people, producers "seven out of 10 national agricultural products are purchased and processed by Unione Italiana Food". There are 900 brands for 20 product sectors represented (including pasta, desserts, ice cream, chocolate, coffee, tomatoes for processing, frozen foods, pickles and vegetables, ready-to-eat soups).
Turnover in 2023 is growing (56 billion, +10%) and investments in 2023 have reached 3 billion..

The best-performing products in 2023, with an average increase of +13% in value, were canned fruit, tomato and mushroom products; soups and stews; sauces and ready-made sauces; bakery preparations and gluten-free pasta. In absolute values, the leading sector remains confectionery, with a value of EUR 18 billion. This is followed by pasta with EUR 8.1 billion, frozen food with EUR 5.8 billion and vegetable products, which are worth EUR 5 billion and include, among others, jams and fruit juices, pickles and ready-to-eat vegetables.

"Our members are large 100-year-old companies that bring our Made in Italy to the world, global companies that operate in Italy, and many family-run SMEs. We have chosen a common home," says Paolo Barilla, president of Unione Italiana Food, "aware of the differences but also of what we have in common in terms of values, entrepreneurial thinking, and respect for the consumer. The government is supporting us in our journey and we are sure that it will continue to do so in the future. We need the institutions to be increasingly effective in the use of available resources and to create value for the entire Italian supply chain'.

According to data released during the Assembly, moreover, every 10 Italian food products consumed in the world 4 come from Unione Italiana Food. "With a value of 21 billion euros, exports weigh 38% of the Association's 2023 turnover. A result that is clearly higher than the average of the Italian food industry (27%),' underlines a note. 'In 2023 the best performing sectors on foreign markets were confectionery (+9%, in particular the caramels), vegetable products (+8%) and coffee (+6%).