Market Trends of Food Processing Machinery Industry
Increasing Automation in Food and Beverage Processing
Advances in food processing equipment technology have led to improved efficiency, productivity, and product quality. Automation, robotics, IoT integration, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are being increasingly adopted to streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and enhance food safety and traceability. Automation is helping reduce production time while increasing output as demand and costs continue to rise. Food processors are increasingly aware of the value of data-driven insights in maximizing the utilization of raw materials, ensuring traceability and support for constant improvement, and improving food quality and safety. The robotic butchery machine, which helps speed up the process, is among the most common types of automation gear. This automated equipment also makes facilities safer since it reduces the amount of personnel handling potentially harmful tools and apparatus.
For instance, in November 2023, the University of Birmingham Enterprise launched EvoPhase. It uses evolutionary AI algorithms, coupled with simulations of particulates in systems such as industrial mixers, to evolve an optimized design for the mixing blade and the shape or size of the blending vessel. EvoPhase offers a diverse range of process equipment, including mills, dryers, roasters, coaters, fluidized beds, and stirred tanks, and is expected to result in huge cost and energy savings for the industry.
The meat, baking, and dairy segments of the market are among the major segments adopting automation in terms of processing and packaging, resulting in increased production efficiency in the market. With a significant number of players operating in the market, technical advancements in terms of automation are expected to drive the market in a positive direction over the coming years.
Europe Holds the Largest Market Share
Europe, one of the prominent regional markets, is likely to witness significant growth over the coming years owing to the growing demand for high-quality systems. France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Denmark are the important markets in Europe. Firms belonging to Europe are also major exporters of food and beverage products. France is a major exporter of food products, including dairy, meats, wines, and processed foods. To meet the growing demand for French food products in international markets, food processors require efficient and reliable equipment that can scale production to meet export requirements while maintaining product quality and consistency. For example, according to Eurostat, the volume of cheese from France reached 665.4 thousand tons in 2022, while it was 657.06 thousand tons in 2020. Similarly, according to UN Comtrade, the export of meat from sheep or goats, in fresh, chilled, and frozen forms, in France increased and reached EUR 340.61 million in 2022, registering an increase from EUR 297.29 million in 2021.
There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in the food industry. Food processors are investing in equipment that reduces energy consumption, minimizes waste, and optimizes the use of resources to achieve sustainability goals and reduce their environmental footprint. Equipment with features such as energy-efficient technologies, water recycling systems, and waste reduction measures are in demand to support sustainable food production practices. Thus, companies have started to manufacture food processing machinery with energy-efficient technology. For example, OctoFrost Processing Solutions provides energy-efficient food processing machinery, particularly in the fields of freezing and thermal processing. The company offers innovative solutions designed to optimize energy usage while maintaining the quality and integrity of food products.
