New research shows AI adoption moving from experimentation toward actionable decision-making; findings build on ORTEC's 2025 research into AI, ML and Agentic AI adoption across logistics
ORTEC will exhibit at the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Solutions Conference, September 13–15 in San Antonio, Texas. A Silver Sponsor and Mobile App Sponsor, ORTEC's team will be on hand at Booth #329 to discuss how foodservice distribution organizations can apply AI-powered decision intelligence to real-world transportation and logistics challenges.
ORTEC will also showcase findings from its latest survey of foodservice and beverage industry executives examining the adoption and application of AI, Machine Learning (ML) and Agentic AI. The research builds on the company’s 2025 AI research, which found that organizations were moving cautiously toward AI adoption while facing challenges around integration, explainability, data quality and ROI.
While the 2026 research focuses specifically on foodservice & beverage, the findings point to an evolution in the AI conversation; from exploring the technology's potential to identifying how it can deliver actionable, measurable value.
Actionable AI Takes Center Stage
More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents said actionable AI capable of executing routing and loading decisions is either "extremely important" or "very important" when evaluating AI vendors, including 41% who rated it extremely important.
The finding builds on ORTEC's 2025 research, which found that AI adoption was still largely limited to specific operational areas, with only 15.5% of respondents reporting extensive integration across their organizations.
AI Expected to Work Alongside Planners
The latest research also reinforces the importance of human-AI collaboration. 46% of respondents believe AI will act as an assistant that augments planner decisions over the next five years, while another 38% expect AI to handle routine decisions while planners focus on exceptions. Only 7% believe AI will fully replace most planning roles.
That compares with just 4.8% of respondents in ORTEC's 2025 research who believed AI could fully replace human roles within five years, reinforcing a continued preference for collaborative AI adoption rather than full automation.
Organizations Know AI's Potential, But Need Help Getting Started
Despite growing interest in AI, many organizations remain uncertain about where to begin. More than half (52%) of respondents said they are only somewhat confident in identifying the right first use case for AI or Agentic AI, while another 24% are not confident they know where to start.
At the same time, 44% said their primary goal through the end of 2026 is to significantly expand AI use into new departments or processes, suggesting organizations are increasingly looking to move beyond experimentation and apply AI more broadly.
“Foodservice & beverage distribution organizations are looking for AI that can move beyond insights and help them make better operational decisions," said Aaron Geiger, Director of Wholesale Industry Accounts at ORTEC. “Our research shows that they also see AI as a partner for their planners, not a replacement, and many are looking for guidance on where AI can deliver the greatest value. That's the opportunity for practical, field-ready AI decision intelligence."
Building on the survey findings, ORTEC representatives will be available throughout the conference to discuss how AI-powered decision intelligence can help foodservice and beverage organizations move from AI interest to practical improvements in transportation planning, routing, and load optimization.
For more information or to schedule a meeting with an ORTEC representative at IFDA 2026, please visit https://ortec.com/ifda-2026.