Who’s protecting the future of food? According to the Guardians of F&B Report—created with the help of nearly 300 industry professionals who shared their insights at TraceGains’ Together conference—the biggest threats aren’t lurking in the supply chain shadows. They’re hiding in outdated documents, regulatory blind spots, and digital roadblocks. This report breaks down the data, exposing the industry’s greatest challenges and the bold moves needed to overcome them.
🚀 Innovation’s tug-of-war: collaboration vs. compliance
F&B companies are split on how to accelerate innovation:
- 34% favor supplier and co-man collaboration to fast-track formulation.
- 34% prioritize streamlining regulatory approvals, a nod to the ever-growing complexity of compliance.
- 15% are eyeing AI and automation for R&D, but its adoption is still in the slow lane.
- Only 13% are reformulating for clean label & sustainability trends, signaling that efficiency wins over formulation reinvention—for now.
💡 Translation? Fast beats fancy—companies are prioritizing efficiency over reinvention.
⚠️ The food safety problem no one talks about
Forget supply chain blind spots—bad paperwork is the real villain.
- 45% say incomplete or outdated documentation is the weak link.
- 27% blame unclear regulations.
- Meanwhile, supply chain visibility (17%) and slow crisis response (15%) still pose challenges.
💡 In F&B, it’s not just what you know—it’s what you can prove.
🌍 Sustainability: Turning intent into impact
When it comes to sustainability, F&B pros are making strategic moves:
- 30% are focused on reducing food waste—cutting costs while benefiting the planet.
- 26% are tackling their carbon footprint, staying ahead of climate regulations.
- 22% are pushing sustainable packaging, responding to consumer demand.
- 11% are investing in ethical & responsible ingredient sourcing.
- 2% are addressing deforestation and land use issues—an emerging focus with room to grow.
💡 Companies are prioritizing sustainability efforts that align with business growth and regulatory momentum.
📊 Sustainability KPIs: Strength in numbers
Who owns sustainability KPIs? ESG teams lead the charge—but they’re far from the only players in the game.
- 31% say it’s the ESG team’s job.
- 25% put it under Quality & Compliance.
- 15% say there’s no single owner—multiple teams are responsible.
💡 With multiple teams driving progress, the challenge lies in coordination, not commitment.
🔗 Supply chain: A compliance minefield
Staying ahead in F&B means navigating an increasingly complex web of regulations and supply chain uncertainties.
- 41% say supplier compliance is their biggest challenge—a stark reminder that regulations aren’t getting any easier.
- 26% struggle to find alternative ingredients, a lingering headache from supply chain disruptions.
- 17% are battling cost volatility, making long-term planning a challenge.
- 12% cite the lack of real-time tracking, highlighting the need for better data visibility.
💡 Moving goods is one thing—dodging risks before they derail operations is another.
💻 Digital transformation: The uphill battle
If technology is the future, what’s holding companies back?
- 75% say budget constraints—the bottom line still rules.
- 25% cite leadership or staff resistance, proving that even the best tech won’t work without buy-in.
💡 The tools exist, but the will (and the wallet) to use them is still catching up.
🔮 The big picture: 2025 and beyond
F&B Guardians say supplier compliance is their biggest challenge
Plus, some are still struggling to find alternative ingredients
Have ESG teams leading the charge on sustainability KPIs
Many identified incomplete or outdated documentation as the weak link in their supply chains
As the F&B industry looks ahead, success won’t come from just innovating—it will come from adapting. Companies must:
✔ Streamline compliance to speed up innovation.
✔ Fix documentation gaps before they become food safety crises.
✔ Prioritize sustainability efforts that make both business and regulatory sense.
✔ Give sustainability KPIs clear ownership to drive real progress.
✔ Invest in supplier visibility and compliance tools to build a more resilient supply chain.
Want to see how industry trailblazers are tackling these challenges? Watch on-demand sessions from Together 2025 for expert insights and strategies.
