AUTOMATION AND AI IN BAKERY


sourdough has expanded into pastries and enriched breads, while in newer markets it remains focused on classic loaves.” By uncovering these distinctions, Puratos


enables brands to respond to regional nuances with precision, rather than relying on a single, globalised approach. “These distinctions matter,” Nanno notes. “They allow brands


to design products and


campaigns that reflect local tastes rather than relying on one-size-fits-all strategies.” The company’s use of AI goes further,


offering early visibility into the next wave of flavour and format innovation. “AI also enables early detection of ‘weak signals’ — like spotting a rise in pistachio flavour mentions prior to the explosion of the Dubai chocolate trend — giving companies a crucial head start,” he says. “Combined with real- time social and search data, these tools help teams make faster, evidence-based decisions and bring totally new innovations to market.” “One of the main challenges in using AI


to track bakery trends is ensuring that the data being analysed is actually relevant,” Nanno notes. “Online conversations are full of misleading signals — searching for ‘cookies,’ for example, can just as easily bring up browser settings as baked goods. Even the phrase ‘cake day’ can point to cryptocurrency milestones rather than sweet treats.” This challenge — the signal-to-noise


FORECASTING HAS


TRANSFORMED HOW WE IDENTIFY AND ACT ON EMERGING CONSUMER BEHAVIOURS. ITS BIGGEST


ADVANTAGE LIES IN REVEALING HOW GLOBAL TRENDS PLAY OUT DIFFERENTLY ACROSS REGIONS — INSIGHT THAT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GAIN THROUGH TRADITIONAL RESEARCH METHODS— NANNO PALTE, PURATOS


problem inherent in online data — has led Puratos to take a more disciplined, industry- specific approach to how information is processed. “At Puratos, we’ve aimed to tackle this early by partnering with Ipsos (Synthesio) to build a system that filters out irrelevant noise through industry-specific taxonomies and precise categorisation of products, flavors and ingredients,” Nanno explains. “This ensures that the insights we extract are genuinely about bakery, patisserie and chocolate – essentially, all the good stuff!” Despite the sophistication of


such


systems, Nanno emphasises that technology alone is not enough. “That being said, human expertise still remains vital,” he says. “AI can efficiently process data on a vast scale, but it’s the experience and intuition of analysts that transforms this data into meaningful, actionable insights. The balance of technology and human expertise is what makes AI forecasting truly powerful.” That


balance — between machine


precision and human interpretation — is precisely what will define the next chapter of the bakery industry’s evolution. Looking ahead, Nanno sees AI’s role expanding far beyond market analysis. “AI is set to play an even greater role in shaping the bakery industry over the next five years,” he says. “With the AI-driven foodtech market projected to reach $27.73 billion by 2029, its influence will extend far beyond trend forecasting — touching everything from supply chain efficiency and food safety to product innovation and personalised nutrition.” Where market research once took months,


the new generation of AI systems now deliver insights in days — even seconds. “This speed gives patissiers, bakers and brands a vital edge, enabling them to identify and respond to emerging trends before competitors can react,” Nanno explains. “As consumer preferences continue to shift rapidly, AI- powered forecasting will move from a competitive advantage to a fundamental requirement for success. The real opportunity lies in combining AI’s analytical precision with the creativity and intuition of human experts — ensuring innovation remains as thoughtful as it is fast.” That philosophy is already translating


into tangible results for Puratos’s customers worldwide. The company’s AI tools are now embedded within its consultancy and co-creation processes, helping partners navigate shifting consumer landscapes with far greater accuracy. “Our AI tools reveal fascinating insights


and spark new avenues for innovation with our partners,” says Nanno. “For example, if a customer is looking to expand their product range in a specific category or market, we deliver a deep-dive consumer insights research on formats and flavors that have the strongest potential in their area.” This tailored approach allows brands to localise innovation


strategies with


unprecedented confidence. “By delivering tailored, market-specific intelligence, our AI capabilities help brands understand what truly drives consumer interest and why — often before those trends surface in the mainstream,” Nanno continues. “This empowers our partners to move with greater confidence and creativity, accelerating product development and bringing more relevant, exciting bakery innovations to market.”


OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • 37


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