Food has been subject to various characterization methods for centuries. Optical characterization methods like spectroscopy were implemented long ago. Different requirements arise from integrity (contaminations, foreign objects, spoilage) and quality (composition) issues. In our modern world, automated optical tools are being used for several tasks, in particular for testing raw materials and for in-line monitoring of food processing. In the future new options for optical food analysis and

more »

... ction will arise. On site testing from "field to fork" drives the development of mobile analysis units for harvesting, transportation, storage and distribution, which will enable a more detailed control during processing. In addition, the consumer is interested in an on-site analysis using household or mobile devices. Here, market opportunities for hardware integrators, software engineering and data service providers are identified.