The future of the table olive sector: unlocking the potential of process analytical technology (PAT) in the era of digital transformation

Abstract Table olives are considered as the most widely preferred fermented vegetables globally, due to their enhanced nutritional characteristics. Therefore, according to the updated Mediterranean Diet Pyramid for a balanced and healthy lifestyle, table olives should be consumed daily in moderate amounts. In recent years, the food industry has experienced substantial transformations, due to the innovative technologies introduced by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. Within the context of the Internet of Things, Process Analytical Technology (PAT) facilitates in-line, on-line and at-line monitoring, utilizing multivariate data collected through analytical techniques and multivariate data analysis. Therefore, the implementation of PAT enables the analysis of a higher number of samples, resulting in enhanced comprehension and control of the raw materials, intermediate products during production, and, ultimately, the end products for consumption. This review summarizes the existing literature on the application of PAT in different stages of table olive production. Finally, the possibility of using PAT for table olive authentication is also discussed.