Key Food Processing Industry Trends - Plant-Based, Sustainability, Automation

Examining Emerging Trends in the Food Processing Industry

The food processing industry is rapidly evolving to meet changing consumer demands and preferences. Several major trends are shaping the future of food manufacturing and processing worldwide.

Rise of Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins

One of the biggest shifts involves the surging interest in plant-based meat alternatives and other substitute protein sources. Sales of products like non-dairy milks, vegetarian burgers, and meat analogues grew 5x faster than total food sales from 2018-2020.

Drivers include perceived health benefits, sustainability concerns, animal welfare interests, and new technologies enabling more realistic textures and flavors. The global plant-based protein market alone could reach $85 billion by 2030.

Food companies are reformulating existing products and launching new brands to capture this demand. Tyson Foods, Perdue, Hormel, and other major meat producers now offer plant-based lines showcasing the mainstream appeal.

Focus on Natural and Minimal Processing

Consumers increasingly seek out minimally processed foods with simple, recognizable ingredients. The pandemic accelerated this, with shelf-stable staples like beans, rice, oats, and canned fish surging in popularity.

To align with this trend, manufacturers are streamlining formulations, removing artificial additives, and highlighting natural processing methods. Transparency about sourcing, ingredients, and production is also becoming important to consumers.

Terms like "organic," "whole food," and "clean label" now dominate packaging. Some brands showcase processing through videos showing how nature and technology can combine for healthy, sustainable products.

Personalization and Customization

Mass customization using consumer data and flexible production methods enables more personalized nutrition options tailored to individual needs and preferences.

For example, services like Persona allow customers to take in-depth surveys and receive vitamin packs formulated specifically for them. Food processors could eventually produce crackers, granola, baby food, and more tailored to personal nutrition profiles.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will assist with predictive analytics and adaptable manufacturing techniques to make customized foods scalable. Personalized nutrition could reshape how consumers shop and engage with brands.

Advances in Automation and Robotics

Automating repetitive, unsafe, and labor-intensive tasks with robots and cobots (collaborative robots) is increasing across food facilities. Robots excel at precise, consistent application of ingredients, packaging items, palletizing, and sanitation.

Digital optimization of supply chain logistics through AI and machine learning also improves efficiency. For example, Ocado's automated warehouses and end-to-end fulfillment reduce food waste. Automation enables mass production with less human error.

Augmented and virtual reality are additional technologies seeing wider adoption for equipment maintenance, troubleshooting issues remotely, monitoring operations, and training workers in virtual simulations.

Sustainability as a Priority

Sustainability is a rising priority for food companies due to consumer demand, regulations, resource constraints, and cost savings. Initiatives aim to reduce water usage, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, food waste, and packaging.

Examples include vertically integrated aquaponic and hydroponic farms, upcycled ingredients, plant-based packaging, renewable energy investments, and converting waste into new products. Blockchain supports supply chain transparency.

Brands market sustainability credentials to attract ethically minded consumers. Sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution innovations also cut costs over the long-term while benefiting the environment.

Key Food Processing Technology Innovations

Advances in food science and production technology are enabling many of these industry shifts.

High Pressure Processing

High pressure processing (HPP) uses extreme water pressure to eliminate harmful pathogens and extend shelf life. Pressure purees produce for smoothies, dips, and sauces without heat damage. It enables chilled, fresh-tasting entrees with clean labels by avoiding preservatives.

Non-Thermal Processing

Additional non-thermal techniques like pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, and cold plasma avoid exposing foods to heat. This retains more nutrients, flavors, and textures. It allows producing high-quality, safe products like juice and guacamole without using heat or chemicals.

3D Printing

3D printing shows promise for creating unique, nutritious foods via techniques like extrusion and binding powders. Complex personalized nutrition products, artistic presentations, and intricate patisseries are possible. NASA is also exploring 3D printing food for astronauts.

Artificial Intelligence

AI and machine learning optimize complex production networks, predict outcomes, and customize individual products. Computer vision improves safety and quality control. Chatbots handle customer service queries.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Networked sensors enable real-time monitoring and data collection to precisely adjust processes, reduce downtime, and track products across the supply chain. Smart packaging enhances safety and traceability.

Robotics and Automation

Advanced robots excel at repetitive tasks in picking, packing, palletizing, cleaning, and moving products through facilities safely and efficiently.

VR/AR

Immersive simulations enhance training and education for workers. Remote expert guidance improves equipment operations and maintenance. VR tours build brand transparency about sourcing and manufacturing.

Key Considerations for Food Industry Players

Food processors, manufacturers, and related businesses should consider the following strategies to capitalize on emerging trends:

• Develop or acquire plant-based brands to capture growing consumer demand in this space.
• Simplify ingredient lists and production processes to meet desires for minimal processing.
• Leverage personalization technologies to provide tailored products and experiences.
• Invest in automation, AI, IoT, and other innovations to increase flexibility, efficiency, and data-driven insights.
• Commit to ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, renewable energy, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Partner with tech providers to implement solutions enhancing productivity, responsiveness, and transparency.
• Reorient business models and workflows around consumers rather than products.

Companies proactively evolving to align with emerging trends and consumer values will gain a competitive advantage in the food processing industry of tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.