Brought to you by ofi:
As 2024 is coming to an end and a new year is beginning, food processing companies need to know how they can prepare for what will come. What’s certain is that the industry is now experiencing a transformative evolution driven by shifts in tech advancements, consumer preferences, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
While there are always challenges, overall, the outlook for food processors is mainly positive. This article, explores some of the trends from this year that will help companies in the industry prepare for 2025.
Food Safety is More Important Than Ever
Food processors need to pay attention to a significant trend: the growing emphasis on food safety. While plants were already focusing on this aspect, recent news headlines have shown that awareness is now heightened, as there’s no processor out there who will ever want their consumer to be ill. Besides, recalls can be very costly, so it’s better to prioritize food safety and prevent any unwanted issues from occurring.
It’s worth noting that procedures to sanitize equipment in food processing are already in place, it’s also essential to pay attention to the design of the equipment, which can make a tremendous difference in ensuring that a facility remains clean and runs efficiently.
In fact, the importance of sanitary equipment design cannot be overstated – every processor should make it a priority and collaborate with suppliers to ensure that their equipment is designed for sanitation and comprehensive training on the procedures. It’s essential to take precautions because this will prevent an outbreak from happening.
Automation isn’t Going Anywhere
The automation trend isn’t new, but what’s certain is that it won’t slow down in the next year. And for good reason, as it has transformed the food processing industry by enabling more efficient and faster operations and helping manufacturers enhance quality and safety standards.
From robotics and conveyor systems to automated packaging equipment and process control systems, there are different types of automation that can be used in food processing. Processors need to be aware of the automation trend and adapt because this is how they’ll ensure their production levels remain high. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough workers who can fill open positions, which is why it’s so important to automate processing lines.
Finding Talent Remains Difficult
As mentioned earlier, the industry has embraced automation because of the lack of human workers. One thing that can impact negatively the hiring process is the uptick seen in M&A activity, as major players are merging, and layoffs happen alongside M&A, meaning that those who are let go seek new roles, and more talent becomes available.
The job market seems to have settled a little, and workers are now less determined to leave their secure roles. Despite this, a portion of the workforce keeps aging out, representing an industry-wide discussion topic. The mix of workers consists mainly of Gen X and boomers, but leaders are also considering attracting younger workers.
Sustainability is at the Forefront
The food processing industry is experiencing a major shift towards sustainable practices, with consumers being more conscious than ever regarding their food choices and how they affect the planet. For instance, it isn’t a secret that cocoa products tend to be the most harmful to the environment, which is why consumers now look for cocoa ingredients that are produced in an eco-friendly way to contribute to a brighter and healthier future.
These trends need to be on food processors’ radar, as they need to make the necessary changes to meet consumers where they are, and reevaluate their supply chains, production processes, as well as their packing materials. From farm to fork, eco-friendly practices are a driving force in today’s decision-making in the food processing industry. To this end, many manufacturers are increasing collaboration with reliable suppliers that also care about sustainability, such as ofi, which gives them a competitive advantage and keeps them relevant in today’s evolving landscape.
The Choice of Eating at Home Continues to Increase
Regarding meal trends, there’s a notable preference to eat at home. Simultaneously, people have busy lives, and many of them are too tired to cook meals from scratch, making prepared foods an incredibly appealing alternative. A large part of the population now consists of households with one or two individuals, meaning that smaller serving and portion sizes are needed, and this is something processors need to pay attention to.
Furthermore, services offering meal kits are growing in popularity because they not only save time but also help home cooks decrease waste by providing the right portions for meal preparation. Consumers are also increasingly prioritizing their wellness and health, with people increasingly looking for plant-based options. Food processors need to respond by developing plant-based products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Similarly, they’re interested in nutrient-dense and functional foods, which requires a different strategy from manufacturers and the creation of products that provide tangible health benefits besides tasting good.
Heading into 2025 Confidently
2024 was definitely strong, but the next year should be a lot more robust. While challenges are always anticipated along the way, it’s important to remember that people will always have the need to eat, so what remains to be done is to keep an eye on the industry trends and adapt based on the trends and shifting consumer behavior.
Obviously, it’s of the utmost importance for food processors to revisit future plans because they may no longer align with the current realities of the food industry. As a result, they may need to make some significant adjustments and embrace new tools (such as automation) to keep their processes going. Overall, the future is bright, and food processors can expect the demand for their products to continue, no matter what lies ahead.
Ultimately, when it comes to preparing for 2025, food processors need to position themselves as forward-thinking leaders and not be afraid to do what is necessary to meet changing consumer expectations and stay ahead of the trends in the industry.
Leave a Reply