Technology in food service has taken a leading role in an industry defined by fast-paced routines, tight margins and increasingly demanding consumers. With the growth of delivery, the consolidation of digital ordering and the constant search for convenience, restaurants, bars and cafés now see automation and digitalization as natural paths to support growth, standardize operations and stand out in a highly competitive market.
Understanding how these solutions work across the entire operation, from order placement to post-sale, has become part of the daily reality for businesses seeking greater efficiency, control and profitability. Data from Abrasel indicates that 28% of Brazilian restaurants and bars already use artificial intelligence in at least one process, whether for marketing management or automated customer service. In 2026, this pace of adoption accelerates, bringing more personalized experiences, leaner operations and decisions guided by information that was previously difficult to access, such as menu development aligned with customer behavior, more competitive pricing strategies and even optimized delivery routes.
It is within this context of continuous evolution that the key insights presented by Anuga Select Brazil emerge, along with the movements that begin to shape the next steps of the market.
Technology trends in food service
Technology adoption in food service happens across multiple fronts, but some trends have become clear pillars of digital transformation.
Among the most widely used management tools are specialized ERP systems that integrate sales, purchasing, inventory, production and financial management into a single platform. These solutions centralize information, reduce parallel controls and provide managers with a comprehensive view of operations, making analysis and adjustments more agile.
Business Intelligence (BI) platforms are also gaining ground by turning large volumes of data into visual dashboards and strategic reports. With just a few clicks, operators can identify top-selling items, peak hours, profit margins per dish and opportunities for improvement.
Another strong trend is the use of self-ordering apps, digital kiosks and online menus, which give customers more autonomy and help reduce lines. In the kitchen, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) replace printed tickets and organize orders on screens, prioritizing preparation sequences and reducing mistakes.
Integrations with delivery platforms remain important, but increasingly connected to proprietary systems that centralize orders and prevent rework. At the same time, a strong digital presence on social media has become essential, supporting brand building, promoting new products and acting as a primary entry point for new customers.
What are the benefits of technology in food service?
The benefits of technology in food service appear in both the short and long term and affect every area of the operation. One of the main gains is operational efficiency. Automated processes reduce errors, streamline workflows and minimize waste, resulting in cost savings and better use of staff time.
Another important benefit is expanded service capacity. With digital solutions, restaurants can serve more customers without increasing headcount at the same rate, improving the relationship between operating costs and revenue. This aligns with the growth of at-home consumption: the Brazilian delivery market grew more than 50% between 2019 and 2023 and reached approximately R$ 139 billion in 2023, according to estimates from Euromonitor and Abrasel.
Customer experience also improves significantly. Faster ordering, fewer mistakes, multiple contact channels and smoother journeys increase satisfaction and repeat visits. In parallel, technology strengthens strategic management by providing reliable data that supports decision-making and reduces risk.
Automated service, chatbots and WhatsApp ordering
Service automation has become one of the foundations of digitalization in food service. According to the Panorama Mobile Time survey, chatbots enable companies to complete sales in 52% of automated interactions. The same study shows that 62% of brands that adopted automated service reported increased sales.
These numbers demonstrate that automated service is no longer just a support channel. It now plays a direct role in revenue generation.
Chatbots can present menus, answer questions, suggest items, register orders and guide customers to payment, operating continuously without human availability. For customers, the experience becomes faster and more organized. For restaurants, service capacity increases without proportional growth in costs.
Within this scenario, the popularity of WhatsApp ordering stands out. The app has become one of the main communication channels between consumers and restaurants, used both for questions and direct sales. Projections indicate that around 90.4 million Brazilians will use food delivery services by 2029, reinforcing the importance of building proprietary ordering and relationship channels.
In addition to bots, WhatsApp ordering systems and branded websites increase business autonomy, reduce dependence on marketplaces and strengthen direct relationships with customers, offering greater control over data, purchase history and communication.
Accessible technologies for small and medium-sized businesses
The evolution of digital solutions has made technology in food service more accessible. Today, small and medium-sized operations can start their digital journey without large upfront investments by adopting modular tools that generate real impact.
- Cloud-based POS systems
Cloud POS platforms allow businesses to register sales, control cash flow, manage orders and access reports from any internet-connected device. A small restaurant can track daily performance on a smartphone, identify best-selling dishes and analyze peak hours.
- Digital menus and QR codes
Digital menus replace printed versions and enable quick updates. Prices, items and promotions can be changed instantly. Photos, descriptions and add-on suggestions also help influence choices and increase average ticket size.
- Self-service kiosks
Kiosks allow customers to place and pay for orders independently. In high-volume operations, they reduce lines, organize demand and free staff for production and finishing tasks.
- Automated inventory management
Systems integrated with POS automatically record ingredient usage as sales occur. When minimum levels are reached, alerts are generated, preventing shortages and emergency purchases.
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)
Screens in the kitchen organize orders by time, station or priority. Teams see the flow in real time, reduce reading errors and speed up preparation.
- Digital loyalty programs
Loyalty platforms automatically track purchases and rewards. Customers accumulate points, receive discounts or earn free items without physical cards or manual control.
- Simple analytics platforms
Analytics tools present operational data in easy-to-read dashboards, allowing managers to monitor sales by product, margin, time, channel and payment method.
- System integrations
Connecting POS, inventory, finance, delivery and payments reduces inconsistencies and manual work. Each order updates all areas simultaneously.
These technologies can be adopted gradually, according to each operation’s maturity level and budget, allowing steady evolution and early gains.
Where to follow solutions and trends in food service technology
Technological progress in food service accelerates in environments that connect companies, specialists and suppliers and strengthen an ecosystem focused on innovation and solution development.
Anuga Select Brazil brings together companies, experts and brands presenting technologies, products and solutions for food service, automation, digitalization and customer experience. Attending the event means entering a space where innovation, business and knowledge converge, making it possible to explore opportunities, compare solutions, test technologies and build strategic connections. These are the spaces where insights emerge that help anticipate market movements and understand what lies ahead for the sector.
The countdown has begun! Want to exhibit or visit the next edition of Anuga Select Brazil? Secure your participation and connect your business with the leading solutions transforming food service. Click here and register now!
