“ALL GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE ON OUR RADAR”

The food industry has experienced a significant change with technological developments, and these developments have become prominent as better service and safer food offerings, according to Purnur Uner Obek, CEO of Ajinomoto Istanbul. “Food innovation, for instance... Digitalization promoted innovation in the food sector. Food technologies are frequently utilized to develop new tastes and products,” Obek noted. Restaurants and food service providers can improve customer experience by using technology. “For example, the usage of technologies such as digital menus, online bookings, and payment systems increase each passing day, which enables to make better decisions and optimize operations,” Obek said, adding that mobile applications and online platforms contribute to a hike in food delivery services. Restaurants and food service providers use these platforms to serve their customers more. With online shopping, consumers have easier access to food and food products, and they have started ordering food via online platforms. “As Ajinomoto Istanbul, we have kicked off the blockchain project,” Obek noted. Thanks to the project, when consumers buy a bottle of apple cider vinegar, they can transparently see all stages from farm to fork, including which fruit was used, when it was harvested, which villages it grew, what the acidity level is, its product certificates, production process, by scanning the QR code on the bottle. “Thus, we can show all phases to our consumers with our naturality and transparency. So, all developments in the world are on our radar. I can say Turkey and food companies in Turkey are doing very well in the sector.”