BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and ingredient innovation are among the technological advancements on show at Alimentaria FoodTech, one of Europe's leading food industry trade fairs, being held in Spain from Oct. 6 to 8.
The fair has attracted more than 330 companies from 22 countries and regions in the Spanish city of Barcelona to share the latest breakthroughs in equipment and technologies for food and beverage production, processing and preservation.
One of the central goals is to address major challenges currently facing the food industry, including enhancing production efficiency, advancing automation and digitalization, and improving sustainability.
Among the technologies on display are AI systems capable of detecting contaminants and defects on production lines, cold high-pressure processing solutions designed to extend the shelf life of food, and sensors aimed at minimizing product waste and water consumption.
A key area of this year's fair is the Startup Corner, which brings together some 30 start-ups to present innovative solutions with the potential to transform the food industry.
The FoodTech Innovarena space features 60 presentations, panel discussions, and events involving more than 140 domestic and international experts from companies, technology centers and universities, who are analyzing the trends shaping the food industry in the coming years.
The event's organisers said that the emerging technologies having the greatest impact on the sector include the application of AI to the evolution of the foodtech ecosystem, advances in food safety, new packaging materials, as well as healthier and more sustainable alternative ingredients. ■