Artificial intelligence is reshaping how food and beverage companies across Southeast Asia spot consumer trends and manage supply chains. From Singapore to Indonesia, the technology is being used to predict demand, reduce waste, and guide product development, with Thailand watching closely as it looks to strengthen its position as a regional food hub.
AI tools are being deployed to analyse consumer data from online shopping, restaurant orders, and social media. By tracking these patterns, companies can spot flavour shifts more quickly than with traditional research. Recent trials in neighbouring countries have focused on functional drinks, reduced-sugar options, and snacks adapted to local tastes—categories that continue to gain traction across the region.
Food companies in Southeast Asia are turning to AI to predict consumer tastes and streamline supply chains, with Thailand poised to follow.
Supply chains are also seeing change. Forecasting platforms that combine weather, logistics, and purchasing data are helping distributors anticipate shortages and balance stock more effectively. The goal is to cut waste and keep shelves filled in fast-growing urban markets.
Thailand hasn’t yet launched major projects on the same scale, but its role as one of the world’s largest food processors and exporters puts it in a strong position to adopt these systems. Officials and businesses see opportunities to pair Thailand’s export strength with digital tools that could boost efficiency and sharpen competitiveness in global markets.
Despite a tougher year for tech funding, foodtech startups in Southeast Asia continue to raise capital for AI-driven analytics and logistics tools. This suggests confidence that the technology is shifting from a niche experiment to an industry standard.
For Thailand, the question is how quickly it can move from observing the trend to embedding AI across its food sector. Doing so could help it stay ahead in exports, cut waste, and align with consumer demand—cementing its ambition to be both the kitchen of the world and a hub for food innovation.
