Literature Review on Innovation Activities of the Food Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

Much of the previous literature argues that innovation activities are not as brisk in the food manufacturing industry as in other industries. In particular, the food manufacturing industry's low level of R&D intensity compared with other industries has been highlighted. In this context, the EU analyzed the competitiveness of the food manufacturing industry in the EU area and stressed the need to strengthen the industry's innovation capability. Consequently, capturing returns from innovation has become a challenge. Given the ongoing shift in food demand, customization must be focused upon as a platform for innovation in food companies. Today's consumers have come to prefer products tailored to their tastes. This preference is partly due to the aging of society across developed countries. Based on these background, this article reviews the previous studies on the innovation activities of the food manufacturing industry.