Food for Thought: AI in Food Industry Talent Trends

We began gathering insights through our LinkedIn network to learn how AI in food manufacturing, quality, and sales, among other spaces, was affecting human talent.

A key question we posed: Has automation been successful in food & beverage operations? The answer? A resounding yes.

48% of respondents said automation has been very successful.
Another 36% called it somewhat successful.

That’s over four in five professionals reporting positive outcomes.

From reducing waste and energy use to streamlining packaging and quality control, AI technology is equipped to produce considerable improvements (Forbes.com). 

But our numbers also reveal something deeper: technology alone isn’t the solution—it’s the combination of tech and skilled workers that delivers real impact. Behind every successful AI deployment is a team of engineers, QA experts, production leads, and integration specialists ensuring that processes remain safe, efficient, and responsive to regulatory demands.

Brunel continues to see rising client demand for professionals who can oversee automation rollouts and ensure compliance, sustainability, and operational continuity. To us, this proves that human expertise is essential to unlocking AI’s full potential.

Another common misconception is that automation leads directly to job loss. What we see instead is a reshaping of roles.

Repetitive, time-consuming tasks—like manual data entry or routine inspections—are being automated, freeing up workers to focus on more strategic and technical responsibilities. In most cases, AI is augmenting human labor, not eliminating it.

68% of professionals report there has been no change in their responsibilities since the industry began leveraging AI.

AI-powered systems and processes create a huge opportunity for companies and professionals alike. Employers can upskill and reskill their teams to take on more value-added work. Conversely, employees can embrace new career pathways that blend operational knowledge with technical fluency.

"I believe that as a PhD, AI presents an opportunity to support me rather than replace me, and that is the point of having a PhD, ” 

comments Raheleh Ghassem Zadeh, PhD, Associate Registrar & Environmental Program Accreditation and Program Development Lead at ECO Canada.

Brunel supports both sides of this transformation. We partner with food companies to assess workforce readiness and connect professionals with roles that let them grow alongside new technology.

We also asked the bigger question: How do people feel about automation replacing human jobs in the food industry?

While a third of respondents support automation, a larger portion, 41%, still values the human touch. And rightly so.

AI surpasses human talent in consistency and speed, but it's not as adaptable, intuitive, or responsive. In high-stakes environments like food production, where quality, safety, and traceability are critical, human oversight remains non-negotiable, despite the application of AI.

Food & beverage organizations understand this. Most aren’t looking to fully automate—they’re looking to scale responsibly. And doing that requires balancing tech investments with people investments.

That’s why hiring is more important than ever. AI tools can identify patterns—but it’s human talent that interprets the data, makes informed decisions, and ensures the right course of action.

As we dug deeper into AI in food and beverage and saw the levels of support it has among professionals, the data revealed a clear trend—not a wave of job loss, but a shift toward more technical, skill-driven roles.

But which roles will outpace others in growth as a result of new technologies? Of professionals who responded, 40% believe system integration specialists will thrive after automation in the industry. And for good reason.

Why System Integration Specialists Are the Real MVPs of AI in Food Manufacturing

As artificial intelligence in the food industry ramps up, it’s not just about having smart machines—it’s about making sure all those machines, sensors, software platforms, and data pipelines talk to each other. That’s where System Integration Specialists come in.

Their job? Connect the dots across legacy equipment, new AI systems, cloud-based analytics, and real-time monitoring tools. In food manufacturing, that means syncing robotics on the line with vision systems, ERP data, quality control software, and even supply chain logistics.

Here’s why they matter more than ever:

• Minimize Downtime: A single integration issue can halt production. These specialists keep operations smooth.

• Ensure Data Flow: AI is only as good as the data it gets. Integration ensures accurate, real-time input from every point in the process.

• Scale AI Quickly: Want to roll out predictive maintenance or real-time QA across multiple facilities? You need pros who can replicate and connect those systems reliably.

As more food and beverage companies invest in AI, the demand for specialists who understand both operational tech and software ecosystems is skyrocketing. This isn’t just a support role—it’s a strategic growth driver.

For professionals looking to future-proof their careers in the food industry, systems integration is one of the smartest plays on the board.

Other roles like QA and food safety professionals remain critical as automation introduces new compliance considerations. Engineers are also needed to design and adapt infrastructure, and project managers to lead digitization efforts.

These roles aren’t future-proof in spite of AI—they’re thriving because of it.

And that’s what we’re seeing in the market. Companies don’t just want tech-savvy hires—they want people who understand operations, regulations, and the nuances of food production. Brunel specializes in placing exactly those professionals, helping organizations grow their digital capabilities without losing sight of what’s most important: delivering safe, consistent, high-quality products.

Confidence in AI Tools—With the Right 

Of course, embracing AI also means trusting it. When asked about confidence levels in AI, 64% of professionals were at least somewhat confident of its capabilities.

Confidence is there—but not universally. That’s understandable. AI in food industry applications introduces unfamiliar tools and a learning curve.

As with any tech innovation, organizations want to ensure AI enhances operations without introducing new risks—whether that’s production errors, compliance issues, or data integrity problems. Trust in AI isn’t just about how advanced the tools are; it’s about how reliably they perform in high-stakes environments like food safety, data analytics, quality assurance, and food supply chain logistics.

The keys to boosting trust will undoubtedly be training, transparency, and people-first implementation.

Confidence increases when workers are part of the automation journey. When companies explain the “why,” show the “how,” and invest in proper implementations, teams feel empowered—not replaced. 

A clear trend has emerged from our surveying of professionals: AI is improving the food industry—but it’s not replacing its people.

• The majority of professionals have not lost their jobs to AI

• Most say automation has been successful

• Confidence in AI is rising

• Strategic roles are growing, not shrinking

• And human labor is still valued—even among those embracing change

Companies that approach AI as a collaborative force, not a replacement strategy, are the ones seeing the biggest returns. And they’re the ones attracting and retaining talent in a competitive labor market.

AI in food manufacturing is here to stay. It’s helping reduce waste, increase efficiency, and future-proof supply chains. But it’s not a shortcut to eliminating the workforce, It’s a catalyst for evolving it.

The future of food and beverage will be built on smart systems and smart teams—tech-driven operations and values-driven leadership.

At Brunel, we believe this is a defining moment for the food and beverage sector. The businesses that will lead are those that embrace change, empower people, and build workforces that are adaptive, skilled, and supported by technology—not replaced by it.

Whether you’d like more insights on automation, expanding production, or hiring for critical food safety and engineering roles, we’re here to help you do it right—with people at the core.

Want to build a future-ready workforce in the food industry?

Let’s start the conversation.