Insights

Current Trends in the Food Manufacturing Industry

Current trends in the food manufacturing industry include facility improvements and increased automation through the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). Other trends involve the implementation of digital tracking systems to enhance food safety and the growing demand for healthy foods.

Staying current on trends in the food manufacturing industry helps your company adapt to consumer demands. Providing the foods consumers are looking for helps maintain your competitive edge.

Learn more about current trends in the food manufacturing industry.

Improvements in Food Manufacturing Facilities

Many food manufacturers are putting profits back into their facilities. Many will emphasize continuous improvement within existing processes to control costs, reach sustainability goals, and elevate profitability.

Increased Automation in Food Manufacturing Facilities

The growing labor shortage is driving automation in food manufacturing facilities. For instance, Deloitte’s research on the state of the food industry found that some food manufacturers could automate 50% or more of the work, depending on their budget. Automating the lines supports flexibility in operations and helps maintain production lines to meet changing levels of demand.

Internet of Things

Automation will handle repetitive tasks, strengthen consistency, and reduce labor costs. For instance, investments in IoT technology, sensors, and control systems will enable real-time monitoring of machine uptime, compressed air, electrical consumption, and other factors while maintaining product safety and quality.

Research from Data Bridge anticipates the use of IoT technology in food manufacturing to grow by 9.5% between 2021 and 2028. The increasing development of wireless networking technologies likely will fuel this growth.

Artificial intelligence

Investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics provide actionable insights to make data-based business decisions. The results include better production planning, cost control, and continuous improvement. These factors help food manufacturers adapt to changing market demands, meet sustainability goals, and stay competitive.

Adoption of Digital Tracking Systems for Food Manufacturing

Ongoing improvements in food safety include finding the source of outbreaks. As new food safety standards are implemented, food manufacturers will improve their systems to elevate traceability.

The implementation of digital tracking systems will strengthen efficiency and transparency throughout the logistics chain. The food products will be scanned at each checkpoint and the real-time location information accessible on a dashboard.

Many food manufacturing companies will include pictures of packers on labels and share details of product origins and packing processes. As a result, consumers can learn about the product and its journey from production to the shelf.

Growing Demand for Healthy Foods

Many consumers have been choosing healthier foods since the coronavirus pandemic. Busy lifestyles, health and wellness goals, and growing demand for healthy snacks are driving the need for new products to fill changing consumer preferences.

According to the ATLAS 2023 study by Ingredion, 46% of consumers would pay 20-30% more for a product labeled as “natural.” Therefore, more food manufacturers are offering natural products to increase revenue.

Plant-based foods, ethnic foods, and spicy snacks are becoming increasingly popular. New flavor combinations include:

  • Jalapeno cheddar trail mix
  • Habanero pork rinds
  • Spicy jalapeno sweet potato chips
  • Habanero nacho sweet potato chips
  • Pineapple habanero honey roast sesame sticks

Do You Need to Hire Food Manufacturing Professionals?

Let Impact Staffing get to work providing you with experienced food manufacturing professionals to support productivity. Reach out to learn more today.