The AI Advantage: Why Food Manufacturers Can't Afford to Wait

According to a new 2026 article from national business consultancy RSM, rapid technological change is reshaping Australia’s food processing sector, leaving slower-moving firms exposed in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Responsiveness to consumer demand

Automation through AI and data-driven platforms is accelerating as food businesses respond to rising consumer and regulatory expectations around efficiency, sustainability and traceability. These technologies are said to be no longer viewed as optional upgrades, but as “essential competitive differentiators”.

Supply chain traceability: a win–win

Greater adoption of digital tools is delivering more agile and transparent supply chains. Inventory management, in particular, has become a priority, with AI-enabled systems improving visibility across warehouses and production lines. This allows operators to track ingredients and materials more accurately, supporting compliance while demonstrating responsible practices to customers and regulators alike.

Industry transitioning quickly to AI tools

Simon Jupe, Managing Director, APAC at inventory management software platform Fishbowl, says food processors and manufacturers relying on legacy inventory systems risk being left behind as AI-driven forecasting and automation become industry standard.

“With smarter inventory technology now readily accessible, the opportunity for businesses to move beyond outdated tools and unlock real growth has never been clearer,” Simon said. “Those adopting modern systems today are already pulling ahead on efficiency, agility and profitability.”

“AI represents a step-change rather than an incremental upgrade,” he added. “We’re seeing measurable financial and operational gains across our client base. This includes cultural improvements that come from having clearer data, smoother workflows and far less friction in day-to-day operations.”

Case study: Chung’s Gourmet Foods transforms performance to drive 20% sales growth

Simon points to Fishbowl clients that have seen significant gains after replacing outdated systems. One example is Chung’s Gourmet Foods, a leading producer of egg rolls, pot stickers, spring rolls and Asian entrées supplying grocery chains nationwide.

When Gary Ballard, new VP of Finance, joined the business following its acquisition by Yellowstone Brands Ltd, he recalls, “Upon arriving at Chung’s, I literally learned what it meant to take a step back in time.”

At the time, core accounting and inventory processes relied heavily on Excel spreadsheets. Stock had to be manually checked and rechecked before distribution, while annual closing could take up to a month. Monthly reporting required files to be saved manually, and the system offered no ability to retrieve prior-period information.

Fishbowl drives culture shift and performance boost

The adoption of Fishbowl delivered rapid improvements across both culture and performance.

“I am amazed each and every day how much Fishbowl does at only a fraction of the price of other options we considered,” said Gary.

“We originally purchased Fishbowl as a tool to help our purchasing manager,” continued Gary. “We never dreamed we would be using Fishbowl as a completely integrated system to track items from ordering to invoicing and integrating into a general ledger package. It’s amazing how much Fishbowl does versus more expensive packages we used at my prior company.”

Chung’s now uses Fishbowl to automate and manage production, distribution, sales and inventory, covering raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods. Integration with QuickBooks has eliminated double data entry and enabled the business to maintain an up-to-date general ledger, while providing clearer visibility of costs and profit margins by product.

Saving $25,000 per year in operational costs

Improved reporting has also delivered tangible cost savings.

“This lets us see what has been committed, so we know what else needs to be ordered,” said Gary.

After several years of average sales growth of 20%, Chung’s has been able to meet rising demand without expanding its team.

“Before Fishbowl when we received sales orders, copies were made for each department so they knew what was coming. That’s four hours a week we saved. Sales orders are now distributed to the company through Fishbowl.”

A further benefit of moving to Fishbowl and QuickBooks was the ability to outsource IT functions, saving the business $25,000 per year.

“The more we learn about Fishbowl, the more we understand how it will help us save money in the future,” said Gary.

Free resource for food processors

To support food processors navigating this shift, Fishbowl has developed a practical guide to help businesses recognise when it’s time to move on from outdated systems and how to transition smoothly. Check out our whitepaper AI in Manufacturing: Benefits, Impacts, and Use Cases to learn more or Book a Demo today and find out how Fishbowl can streamline operational efficiencies and scale operations for growth in your business.

Simon Jupe, Managing Director, APAC