Tech in F&B Business: Empowering Women’s Innovation

The Food and Beverage (F&B) business has become an inseparable part of our lives. Every time we eat at a restaurant, café, or street food stall, we interact with this industry. F&B, which stands for Food and Beverage, refers to food and drinks. However, its meaning goes beyond food and beverages, including production, processing, distribution, and sales.

In the past, F&B businesses operated conventionally, with food orders taken directly on-site or via telephone. Customers had to visit restaurants or cafés, and payments were made in cash or via credit cards at the cashier. This process was often time-consuming and inefficient for consumers and business owners, who relied heavily on word-of-mouth promotions or traditional advertisements like brochures and billboards.

Technology Transforming the F&B Business

The F&B business has undergone a massive transformation in today’s technological era. Technology innovations simplify online food ordering, improve payment systems, and offer insights for F&B entrepreneurs to analyze consumer behavior, enhance product quality, and improve services. Digitalization brings significant benefits for some businesses, but for those unable to adapt, the results can be the opposite.

F&B entrepreneurs must proactively adapt by staying updated on the latest technology trends. This is crucial for integrating innovations efficiently into their operations, improving competitiveness in the digital market, and optimizing customer experiences. Quick adaptation to new technology will help F&B businesses stay relevant and excel in a constantly evolving industry.

Technology adoption for F&B businesses in Indonesia has skyrocketed, particularly among MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). According to katadata.co.id, based on a 2022 report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Telkom Indonesia, MSMEs in the food and beverage sector has the highest technology adoption compared to other industries. Out of 3,700 surveyed MSMEs, 71% used digital technology to source suppliers, 69% to reach customers, and 26% to analyze the market.

Women Entrepreneurs Driving MSME Success

Among these MSMEs are many remarkable women running food and beverage businesses. Their products vary from homemade dishes to frozen foods, marketed through daily technology tools such as social media, WhatsApp, and live streaming. Live streaming as a promotional tool for MSMEs in Indonesia began during the COVID-19 pandemic as an adaptation to PPKM (social restrictions).

While 83% of MSMEs have started digitalizing their businesses, the MSME Empowerment Report 2022 by DSInnovate reveals that around 70% still face difficulties marketing their products. This is due to a weak brand image and limited knowledge of marketing strategies. To address this, the SheHacks Innovate program was launched to help and collaborate with women entrepreneurs, enabling them to unlock their businesses’ full potential.

Inspirational stories come from participants of SheHacks Innovate, including winners from Sumbawa and Pekanbaru. The program allows participants to develop their ideas into prototypes that are ready for presentation. During two-day face-to-face sessions, participants identified challenges, created innovative business ideas, and formulated solid business proposals.

Success Stories of Women-Led MSMEs

One standout story comes from @baleseafood, an MSME from Sumbawa. With support from SheHacks Innovate, they successfully marketed Ikan Bage as a popular side dish and snack. Using Instagram as their primary promotional platform, they increased product visibility and expanded their market reach by offering online orders through WhatsApp. This innovation allowed them to access a broader customer base and significantly boost their sales.

On the other hand, Es Teler Barbarita from Pekanbaru took advantage of the viral trend of “bar-bar” toppings to capture consumer attention. While leveraging trends, they also prioritized product quality by using premium ingredients and offering a variety of flavors. Es Teler Barbarita actively uses social media for promotion and provides delivery services to make it easier for customers to purchase their products. They frequently offer promotions and maintain affordable prices, contributing to their success in the market.

The SheHacks Innovate program has had a significant positive impact on women entrepreneurs. By covering topics such as business frameworks, digital transformation, and digital marketing strategies, the program equips participants with essential skills to create and develop new business ideas. The program has helped develop more than 75 new business ideas, with the best receiving intensive mentoring to maximize their potential and success.

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Written by Diyah Trisasmita