LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Technavio’s latest report on the global food processing machinery market provides an analysis on the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2016-2020. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.
Rising demand for high-pressure processing technology to impact the food processing machinery market until 2020. [Tweet this!]
Sharan Raj, a lead packaging research analyst at Technavio, says, “The global food processing machinery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8% during the forecast period. One of the factors boosting market growth is the demand for processed foods in countries such as China, India, and Saudi Arabia due to hectic lifestyles and rise in disposable income in these countries. The other factors contributing to market growth include increased demand for dairy products, concerns regarding food safety, and need for automation.”
China: the key revenue contributor in APAC
The food processing machinery market in APAC was valued at USD 16.32 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 25.13 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of around 9%. China is the major revenue contributor, and represents the largest market for food processing machinery in APAC. One of the major factors for the growth of the market is increased demand for processed foods in developing nations such as China and India. In addition, a shift in dietary habits in countries like China and Japan toward higher value-added foods, such as meats and chocolates, will propel food manufacturers to expand their operations and invest in additional manufacturing capacity in these countries. Rise in disposable income is also expected to increase the demand for processed foods and costly non-staple items. In addition, industrial advancements are expected to make the processing of basic foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts more efficient by way of automation of processes.
The top four emerging trends driving the global food processing machinery market according to Technavio transportation and logistics research analysts are:
- Advances in technology
- Changes in lifestyle of consumers
- Demand for high pressure processing (HPP) technology
- Upgrading and modernization
Advances in technology
Food processing has evolved from being a simple basic process to a more complex, diverse, and detailed operation that enables the production of a wide variety of food products. For example, SPX‘s patented APV Cavitator is an advanced mixing and blending system that combines an APV centrifugal pump and a controlled cavitation chamber that enable efficient, high-shear mixing at a microscopic level, and prevent surface burn-on and fouling of food products. In addition, food processing is undergoing a shift toward continuous processing, which will eliminate several tools used in batch processing, such as tanks.
“Simultaneous processing involves the processing of ingredients in different machineries and offers advantages such as reduced wastage, consistency, and reduction in manufacturing costs. Manufacturers of processed foods are also introducing wireless integrated sensors in their manufacturing plants to acquire real-time data and make rapid adjustments in processing when required. Advances in technology such as these will contribute significantly to the development and growth of the market,” according to Sharan.
Changes in lifestyle of consumers
Hectic lifestyles have led to consumers seeking convenience and easy-to-cook foods. Additionally, processed foods have a longer shelf life compared to fresh food. Also, processed food products are available in packages that list the nutritional values and benefits of these food products, which helps consumers choose products as per their requirements.
Demand for high pressure processing (HPP) technology
The global food processing machinery market is witnessing increased demand for HPP technology due to its superiority in terms of the resultant microbiological quality of food compared to conventional thermal pasteurization.HPP technology can eliminate micro-organisms in food products without eliminating nutrients, color, or flavor, by subjecting them to pressures ranging from 60,000 psi to 87,000 psi. This helps preserve the natural freshness of food products. This technology can be implemented in a batch, semi-continuous, or continuous process. While the initial cost of machinery is high and most suitable for high-value niche products, this technology has great potential, as it will enable food manufacturers to innovate and bring value-added products to the market.
Upgrading and modernization
Many food-processing plants are modernizing their facilities and upgrading their machineries to keep pace with the growing demand for processed foods. Consolidation and upgrading of facilities into UHT facilities are expected to drive the demand for processing machineries. This technology helps producers prepare UHT milk from powder in a continuous process, thereby lowering operational costs.
Stringent food processing regulations and lower profit margins are forcing manufacturers of processed foods to improve efficiency by investing in advanced food processing machineries and larger processing plants. They are demanding features such as energy efficiency, automation, and inspection systems to optimize production, enhance product quality, and reduce overall manufacturing costs. In addition, there is a growing demand for technologies that can offer reliable performance, robustness, a high degree of efficiency, ease of installation, and low maintenance.
Top vendors in the market include:
- Anko Food Machine
- Buhler
- GEA
- Krones
- Tetra Laval
The other prominent vendors are as follows:
A&B Process Systems
Alfa Laval
C. van’t Riet
Farm and Ranch Depot
Feldmeier Equipment
IDMC
JBT
John Bean Technologies
Marel
Marlen International
Paul Mueller
Scherjon
SPX
Source: Technavio
