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Numerous industries rely extensively on food processing and handling equipment to offer quality products by transforming raw materials into consumable products. This equipment is vital in poultry rearing, seafood cultivation, dairy and beverage production, and more. According to Extrapolate, the food processing and handling equipment market is gaining rapid expansion. It was valued at $140.21 billion in 2022 and is expected to gain revenue of $221.15 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.86% over 2023–2030.
Advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are being increasingly integrated into various applications across diverse industries to improve user experiences, lower processing risks, and enhance food safety standards. For example, the I.M.A. Group introduced the IMA Control Room and Industry 4.0, the IoT-based smart services.
Food safety problems have become a global concern. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost one in ten individuals become ill consuming contaminated food, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths each year. To address these concerns, the market aims to achieve operational efficiency and meet the demand for food products while adhering to stringent quality standards. These factors and emerging trends in this market are shifting the industry toward digitalization, sustainable processing methods, and automation.
Let’s take a closer look at some leading companies excelling in this field.
Exploring the Top 10 Food Processing and Handling Equipment Manufacturers in 2024
Here are some of the leading manufacturers of processing and handling equipment shaping the market landscape with their innovative products.
1. Bühler Group
With a rich history spanning over 160 years, Bühler Group is a global leader in food processing technology. Its product line includes advanced grain milling solutions, optical sorters for food safety, and extrusion systems for snack production. In Nov 2023, Bühler launched its latest optical sorter, the SPARK Pro, which aims to provide food safety to small and medium businesses worldwide. This optical sorter addresses the challenges such as expensive raw materials and unpredictable weather conditions.
2. Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak is a global leader renowned for its expertise in packaging and processing solutions. Its innovative products ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and minimize environmental impact. Recently, on May 9, 2024, Tetra Pak launched Outokumpu Circle Green, a stainless steel material with a 93% lower carbon footprint than the global industry average. This innovative material is expected to reduce its Scope 3 emissions and achieve net-zero goals.
3. Alfa Laval AB
Alfa Laval, a renowned company in food processing and handling equipment, specializes in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling methodologies. Its advanced solutions enable efficient food processing and handling. With a major focus on sustainability, Alfa Laval launched the Free Rotating Retractor in January 2024, a retractable cleaning device to ensure complete cleaning, improve product safety, and promote uptime and productivity in hygienic processing settings. This dynamic device can quickly and economically prepare hygienic vessels for production, ensuring all interior surfaces are spotlessly clean.
4. Marel HF
Marel HF is a leading provider of advanced food processing equipment for the poultry, meat, and fish industries. Its innovative products encompass automated processing lines, portioning systems, and quality control solutions. In April 2024, Marel and US company John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT) agreed to a transaction agreement, setting the terms and obligations for a potential offer from JBT of €3.60 in Marel for all confirmed and outstanding shares.
5. Heat and Control Inc.
Heat and Control, Inc. is a global leader in the food processing and handling equipment market. Its innovative products cover a wide spectrum, including frying, coating, and conveying systems.
6. The Middleby Corporation
The Middleby Corporation is a global leader in commercial food service equipment. Its high-quality products cater to the evolving needs of professional kitchens, ensuring efficiency and culinary excellence. In 2023, Middleby partnered with Davisware, a cloud-based software provider. The partnership solidifies Davisware's presence in the food service industry, addressing the challenges of a fragmented ecosystem involving manufacturers, service agents, and distributors.
7. Bucher Industries AG
Bucher Industries AG specializes in machinery and equipment for the agricultural and food processing sectors. Its advanced technologies, like the Kuhn I-SPRAY, are critical innovations for farmers. The technology equipped with sensors can detect and spray weeds precisely, saving farmers 70–75% of the volume of herbicide applied and up to 95% on less-infested fields.
8. GEA Group
GEA Group specializes in process engineering and equipment for the food and beverage industry. Its solutions focus on efficiency, hygiene, and sustainability. In March 2024, GEA launched GEA InsightPartner, a cloud-based web application, at the Anuga FoodTec trade show in Cologne, Germany. The application aims to maximize machine availability, minimize downtime, prevent unplanned shutdowns, and manage resources efficiently. It enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and lowers the total cost of ownership for plant equipment.
9. SPX FLOW, Inc.
SPX FLOW, Inc. offers an extensive range of food processing and handling equipment. Its innovative products encompass mixing, separation, and filtration solutions. In February 2024, its two control units, ATEX and IECEx, obtained certification for hazardous environments, providing impact-resistant enclosures for electrical equipment. These units are essential for distilleries, breweries, and personal care, preventing ignition risks and corrosive environments in food processing.
10. JBT Corporation
JBT Corporation is a global leader in food processing and air transportation technologies. Its product offerings include high-speed filling systems, food sterilization solutions, and automated material handling equipment. In April 2024, JBT Corporation and Marel hf. executed a definitive transaction agreement for a voluntary takeover offer of all issued and outstanding shares of Marel.
What Does the Future Hold for Food Processing and Handling Equipment?
The future of food processing and handling equipment appears promising, as technology continues to advance. Automation and the integration of technologies are expected to play a significant role in streamlining operations, increasing efficiency, and reducing human error. Companies operating in this field are expected to prioritize more sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient equipment and waste reduction, to overcome their carbon footprint.
