The Advancement of Digitalization Processes in Food Industry Enterprises in the European Union

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the article is to assess the directions, pace, and advancement of digital transformation in food industry enterprises in the European Union (EU). The analysis uses statistical data collected in public databases as well as secondary data from the state-of-the-art literature and surveys carried out in enterprises in the sector. Moreover, the Digital Intensity Index developed by Eurostat was used. The progress made by food industry enterprises in terms of digitalization was assessed in terms of their relevance to the prospects of building a more sustainable food system in the EU. The conducted analysis allows to conclude that even though the pace of digitalization in the sector’s enterprises has accelerated in recent years, the level and scope of digital changes is still limited. What is more, large inequalities in the level of digitalization, visible both within the sector itself and between EU Member States, remain a problem. The directions of using digital solutions show that digitalization is seen mainly to increase production efficiency and attract new customers and sales channels. Parallel possibilities to support environmental and climate protection are not yet sufficiently exploited. Given the challenges related to the implementation of the European Green Deal, it is necessary to accelerate and expand the scope of digitalization in EU food industry enterprises.