#USA #Washington D.C. #Digital Maturity #research study #Food Safety Tech

Food Safety Tech Research's First Digital Maturity Benchmark

On October 5, 2026, Food Safety Tech Research (FSTR) announced the release of key findings from its inaugural Food Safety Digital Maturity Benchmark. This landmark study marks the first independent exploration of how digital maturity relates to food safety operations and measurable performance metrics, including return on investment (ROI). The comprehensive survey included responses from 290 food manufacturing organizations and utilized a five-stage maturity model that combined self-assessment with validated technology adoption data and overall operational performance metrics.

Overview of Findings

The results of the study uncovered some striking statistics. Only 3.4% of the surveyed companies reported achieving complete digital integration, indicating that the majority remain in varying stages of digital maturity. Key metrics relating to food safety, such as the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) cycle time and audit readiness, see a steady improvement aligned with higher levels of digital maturity. In fact, firms that are further along in their digital transformation journey are 2.6 times more likely to report strong, quantified ROI.

“The data provided by this benchmark replaces conjectures with hard evidence,” stated David Hatch, Co-Founder and Chief Research Officer of FSTR. “Food companies can now identify critical differentiators between high and low performers, as well as the various paths available for business improvement.” Additionally, technology providers can leverage these insights to refine their product strategies and innovation efforts based on actual outcomes rather than marketing assumptions.

Rick Biros, Founder and President of Innovative Publishing, and Co-Founder of FSTR, remarked that the industry has never had access to research of this nature before. “This study offers a tangible roadmap for technology investments, emphasizing results over superficial perceptions and ad campaigns,” he said.

Upcoming Presentation of Full Findings

FSTR plans to present the complete results, including specific analyses of ROI and AI adoption, during a dedicated session at the Food Safety Consortium taking place in Washington, D.C., from October 21 to 23. This marketplace for food safety professionals will also provide a platform for attendees and survey respondents to access the full report. Interested parties can find more details at Food Safety Tech's research page.

About Food Safety Tech Research

Food Safety Tech Research operates as an independent research and advisory arm dedicated to enhancing food safety through primary research, robust benchmarking, and insightful data analytics. As a subsidiary of Innovative Publishing, it serves as the research division for Food Safety Tech, a reputable media and educational organization that provides valuable content and events for food safety sectors across the globe.

This study marks a pivotal moment for the food industry, as it seeks to push boundaries in technology utilization and optimize operational efficiency within food safety domains. As serious as ensuring public health remains, the pathways illuminated by this research could potentially save countless lives through improved food safety practices.

For additional inquiries or media engagements, please contact:
David Hatch, Chief Research Officer, Food Safety Tech, 508-868-3869, [email protected]