Food and beverage makers adopt AI fast but use only 45% of their data
Nearly 90% of food and beverage manufacturers already use AI and machine learning or plan to do so soon, but they effectively use only about 45% of the data they collect, according to Rockwell Automation. The company says this gap is a major barrier to scaling AI beyond isolated pilots.
- Nearly 90% of food and beverage manufacturers use AI and machine learning or plan to soon, per Rockwell's 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
- Manufacturers report effectively using only about 45% of the data they collect.
- AI-supported manufacturing processes are expected to grow from approximately 37% today to more than 60% by 2030.
- 93% expect smart manufacturing to reshape their workforce, and 40% reskilled employees in the past year.
Wide adoption, limited data use
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) released new insights on how food and beverage manufacturers can move past isolated AI pilots and reach measurable business outcomes at scale. The analysis draws on the company's 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report.
According to that report, nearly 90% of food and beverage manufacturers are using AI and machine learning or plan to in the near future. At the same time, manufacturers say they effectively use only about 45% of the data they collect. Rockwell describes this as a significant barrier to scaling AI initiatives and realizing their full value.
Greg Schmidt, Vice President, CPG Global Industry at Rockwell Automation, said that "many manufacturers have moved beyond asking whether AI can deliver value." In his words, the focus now is on how to scale successful pilots across the enterprise, which "requires more than new technology. It requires connected data, integrated operations and a clear link between AI initiatives and business outcomes."
What successful adopters do differently
Rockwell says the organizations achieving the greatest success treat AI as part of a broader digital transformation strategy instead of focusing on standalone use cases. According to the findings, they:
- invest in stronger connections between operational and business systems;
- improve data accessibility;
- align AI programs to objectives such as improving quality, increasing productivity, reducing costs and minimizing risk.
The analysis also points to the growing importance of IT/OT integration. Industry respondents expect AI-supported manufacturing processes to rise from approximately 37% today to more than 60% by 2030. That makes access to connected and contextualized data increasingly critical, according to the research.
In its FAQ, Rockwell adds that leading organizations establish strong data foundations, integrate IT and OT systems and create repeatable processes. It argues that companies aligning AI with measurable goals are often better placed to demonstrate return on investment and win support for broader deployment.
Workforce readiness as a factor
The research also treats people as a key part of long-term success. The report found that 93% of manufacturers expect smart manufacturing initiatives to reshape their workforce, while 40% reported reskilling employees during the past year. Rockwell says organizations that align people, processes and technology are often better positioned to scale innovation and sustain results.
What it means for manufacturers
The figures suggest that for food and beverage producers the main hurdle is no longer deciding whether to use AI, but making it work across the whole business. Based on Rockwell's analysis, that depends on connecting data across systems, tying projects to concrete goals such as quality and cost, and preparing staff for change.
The full FAQ, titled From AI Pilots to Enterprise Impact: How Food and Beverage Manufacturers Can Scale AI for Measurable Business Outcomes, is available from Rockwell Automation. As the source is a company release, the findings and recommendations reflect Rockwell's own framing of its report.
PR Newswire: Food & Beverage Manufacturers Race to Scale AI Beyond the Pilot Stage
