Study ties digital maturity to measurable ROI and food safety performance; 290 food manufacturer respondents, full findings debut at the Food Safety Consortium, October 21-23 in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Food Safety Tech Research (FSTR) today announces initial findings from its inaugural Food Safety Digital Maturity Benchmark, the first independent study linking digital maturity in food safety operations to measurable performance and ROI. The study surveyed 290 qualified food manufacturing companies against a five stage maturity model combining self-assessment with verified technology adoption and performance data.
The findings are stark. Just 3.4% of the industry has reached full digital integration; most manufacturers remain in the middle of the journey. Every food safety objective measured, from CAPA cycle time to audit readiness, climbed consistently with maturity, and organizations further along the curve are 2.6 times more likely to report strong, quantified ROI.
"This data replaces assumption with evidence," said David Hatch, Co-Founder and Chief Research Officer of FSTR. "Food companies can learn what separates high performers from the rest, and the paths available for improvement. Solution providers get proof of what actually drives outcomes, and align their product strategies and innovation plans more effectively."
"The industry has never had a study like this," said Rick Biros, Founder and President of Innovative Publishing and FSTR Co-Founder. "It provides a roadmap for tech investment based on outcomes instead of marketing hype or perception."
FSTR will unveil the full findings, plus dedicated ROI and AI adoption analyses, in a working session at the Food Safety Consortium in Washington, D.C., October 21 to 23.
The full findings report will be made available to survey respondents, conference attendees, and via FSTR Advisory Membership. Details are available at foodsafetytech.com/research.
About Food Safety Tech Research
Food Safety Tech Research (FSTR) is an independent research and advisory organization advancing food safety through primary research, benchmarking, and data driven intelligence. A subsidiary of Innovative Publishing, it is the research division of Food Safety Tech.
About Food Safety Tech
Food Safety Tech is a leading media, education, and events platform serving the global food safety community through original journalism, events, and digital content that informs, connects, and advances food safety professionals.
Learn more: foodsafetytech.com/research
MEDIA CONTACT
David Hatch
Chief Research Officer
508-868-3869
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SOURCE Food Safety Tech Research
