Food Processing Automation Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Food Processing Automation Market is accounted for $25.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $43.09 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. The food processing automation market encompasses technologies and systems designed to automate various stages of food production, from processing and packaging to quality control and distribution. This market includes robotic solutions, conveyor systems, sensors, and software that enhance operational efficiency, ensure product safety, and maintain consistent quality. 

According to Barth-Haas Group, in 2022, the global beer production amounted to approximately 1.89 billion hectoliters. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the United States produced about 226.6 billion pounds of milk for human consumption in 2022, an increase from 218.3 billion pounds of milk in 2019.  

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Increased efficiency and productivity

The food processing business has undergone a revolution due to automation, which has greatly increased productivity and efficiency. Automated solutions minimize downtime, cut down on manual labour, and streamline procedures. For example, sophisticated sensors track quality factors in real time, and robotic arms can precisely handle delicate food products. In addition to speeding up manufacturing, this minimizes waste and errors and guarantees constant product quality. Automation also makes it possible to operate around-the-clock, enhancing productivity and satisfying rising customer demands.

Restraint:

High complexity and integration

The intrinsic complexity and diversity of food products present major obstacles for the food processing automation sector. Food items differ greatly in size, shape, and texture compared to homogenous industrial commodities, making activities like sorting, cutting, and packaging more difficult. Furthermore, sophisticated automated systems are required to prevent contamination and guarantee correct handling due to strict food safety and hygiene regulations. Despite these challenges, developments in AI and robots present viable ways to improve uniformity and efficiency in food processing operations.

Opportunity:

Improved quality and consistency

In order to guarantee constant product quality and lower errors in the food processing sector, automation is important. Temperature, pressure, and other crucial process variables can be accurately controlled by automated systems, producing more consistent and predictable outcomes. Furthermore, advanced sensors and vision systems can identify flaws or irregularities in products early on, enabling prompt corrections and avoiding the creation of inferior goods. 

Threat:

High initial investment

High initial investment costs present a significant barrier for companies looking to adopt automation in the food processing. Advanced automated system purchases, installations, and maintenance can be prohibitively expensive, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Without definite guarantees of a positive return on investment, many companies are reluctant to commit to such large upfront expenditures. This uncertainty may restrict the industry's ability to implement automation technologies, impeding all operational and efficiency enhancements.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on the market for automation in food processing and sped up the adoption of automation technologies. Manufacturers used automation to maintain output levels and guarantee safety as workforce availability was restricted by lockdowns and health issues. This change brought attention to the necessity for effective, contactless procedures, which led to investments in cutting-edge machinery that reduced the need for human contact. Furthermore, the epidemic revealed weaknesses in supply systems, highlighting how crucial automation is for adaptability and resilience. 

The industrial robots segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

During the forecast period, the industrial robots segment is anticipated to register the largest market share, due to the growing demand for improved food safety and hygiene, labour shortages, and the need for increased production efficiency. Automation enhances precision, reduces human error, and enables consistent quality control. Rising consumer expectations for packaged and processed foods, coupled with stringent food safety regulations, further fuel adoption. Additionally, the high cost of labour and the push for sustainable practices motivate manufacturers to integrate industrial robots, optimizing resources and reducing waste in food processing operations.

The food manufacturers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The food manufacturers segment is projected to witness substantial growth during the projection period, due to the need to increase food safety, boost operational effectiveness, and satisfy growing consumer demand for packaged and processed goods. Automation improves overall product quality by lowering production costs, streamlining processes, and minimizing human error. Automation is also driven by regulatory compliance, particularly with regard to cleanliness requirements. Additionally, manufacturers are being forced to embrace automation in order to maximize resources and minimize waste in food manufacturing processes due to workforce constraints and the growing emphasis on sustainability.

Region with largest share:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold the largest market share, due to the rising demand for processed foods as a result of urbanization and shifting lifestyles. Furthermore, the need for effective and scalable food production is being fuelled by the region's expanding population and rising earnings. Additionally, food producers are being encouraged to embrace automation in order to cut expenses and boost output due to manpower shortages and growing wages. Furthermore, the industry is expanding as a result of government programs and regulations that support industrial automation.

Region with highest CAGR:

During the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to register the highest CAGR; owing to Strict regulatory standards and consumer concerns regarding food borne illnesses have led to increased investment in automation technologies to ensure product safety. Additionally, the region's high labour costs and the need for improved efficiency have made automation a compelling solution for food manufacturers. Furthermore, advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and IoT are providing innovative tools to enhance production processes and reduce operational costs.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Food Processing Automation Market include ABB Ltd., Siemens AG, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Schneider Electric SE, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, KUKA AG, Fanuc Corporation, Omron Corporation, B&R Industrial Automation, GE Automation & Controls, Adept Technology, Inc., Key Technology, Inc., Ishida Co., Ltd., SPX FLOW, Inc., Tetra Pak International S.A., Danfoss A/S, and JBT Corporation.

Key Developments:

In July 2023, ABB launched a new range of robotic solutions tailored for food packaging and processing, aimed at improving hygiene standards and operational efficiency for manufacturers.

In March 2023, FANUC introduced the CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot for food processing tasks, designed to work safely alongside human workers, reducing the need for extensive safety barriers.

In November 2022, Siemens unveiled its digital twin technology for the food industry, allowing manufacturers to simulate and optimize production processes before implementation.

In September 2022, Schneider Electric partnered with a major food processing company to integrate advanced automation systems, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability in production.

Components Covered:
• Hardware
• Software
• Services

Technologies Covered:
• Industrial Robots
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Variable-Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Valves and Actuators
• Sensors and Transmitters
• Electric Motors

Applications Covered:
• Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Processing
• Dairy Processing
• Fruits and Vegetables Processing
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Beverage Processing
• Grain and Oilseed Processing
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Food Manufacturers
• Beverage Manufacturers
• Food Service Providers
• Retailers
• Packaging and Repackaging
• Palletizing
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances