Research and innovation in the supply chain and in logistics in the food manufacturing sector are on the rise.
The most recent figures show the number of patent applications centred on the supply chain and logistics in the industry stood at 11 in the three months ending October – up from eight over the same period last year.
Go deeper with GlobalData
However, figures for patents granted followed a different pattern to applications, shrinking from three in the three months ending October last year to two this year.
The analysis is compiled by GlobalData, which tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Using textual analysis, as well as official patent classifications, these patents are grouped into key thematic areas and linked to key companies across various industries.
The figures also provide an insight into the largest innovators in the sector.
Japan-based Mitsubishi Corp. filed eight supply chain and logistics-related patents in the three months ending October. That was up from zero over the same period last year.
It was followed by Nestlé, Mars and another and Japan-based food group, Ajinomoto, each with applications.
Further GlobalData analysis on patents:
Food companies’ big-data innovation on the rise
Patents on automation in food – what are the trends?
Which food manufacturers are active in artificial intelligence R&D?
