Food Processing Automation

Global Food Processing Automation Market to Reach US$35.4 Billion by 2030

The global market for Food Processing Automation estimated at US$24.4 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$35.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Distributed Control Systems, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 7.8% CAGR and reach US$11.3 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Manufacturing Execution Systems segment is estimated at 7.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$6.6 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 10.3% CAGR

The Food Processing Automation market in the U.S. is estimated at US$6.6 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$7.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 10.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% and 6.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.2% CAGR.

Global Food Processing Automation Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Automation Becoming Essential in Modern Food Processing?

Automation in food processing refers to the use of machinery, control systems, and digital tools to streamline operations across various production stages. These include raw material handling, cooking, packaging, inspection, and storage. Food manufacturers are increasingly adopting automation to improve productivity, ensure hygiene, reduce human error, and maintain consistent quality. With rising demand for packaged and ready-to-eat foods, automation is becoming integral to scaling operations while adhering to stringent food safety regulations.

Automation systems reduce dependence on manual labor, particularly in tasks involving repetitive motions or high sanitation requirements. Sensors, robotics, and programmable logic controllers enable real-time monitoring and precise process control. Food processors across meat, dairy, bakery, beverage, and snack segments are deploying automated systems to enhance throughput and ensure compliance with global standards. As consumer preferences shift toward convenience foods and diversified product lines, automation enables rapid changeovers and flexible production setups.

How Are Technologies in Food Automation Evolving to Improve Operational Efficiency?

Technologies such as vision inspection, robotic arms, automated guided vehicles, and digital twins are redefining the production environment. Computer vision is used to detect defects, grade produce, and monitor color, size, and texture during processing. Robotic systems handle tasks like cutting, portioning, packing, and palletizing with precision and hygiene. These systems are being designed to withstand washdown conditions and maintain consistent speed even in high-moisture environments.

Advanced software platforms allow centralized control of multiple production lines. SCADA systems, IoT sensors, and AI-powered analytics are enabling predictive maintenance, process optimization, and real-time decision-making. Integration with ERP and MES platforms allows seamless coordination across procurement, inventory, and logistics. Machine learning models are being trained on production data to predict demand fluctuations, detect anomalies, and guide formulation adjustments. These innovations support continuous production while minimizing waste and downtime.

Where Is Automation Adoption Expanding Most Rapidly?

Automation is gaining momentum across both large-scale and mid-sized food processing facilities. In developed economies, processors are upgrading legacy systems with robotics and AI to improve traceability, reduce labor dependence, and meet new consumer demands. In emerging markets, automation is being used to modernize traditional facilities and expand production capacities. Segments such as dairy, meat, seafood, and baked goods are witnessing high adoption due to hygiene-sensitive processes and labor-intensive operations.

Demand is also growing in central kitchens, cloud kitchens, and contract manufacturing units supplying quick-service restaurants. Cold chain players are investing in automation for sorting, grading, and packaging of perishables. Smaller processors are adopting modular automation systems that offer scalability without large capital expenditure. As food export requirements become more stringent, automated inspection and documentation systems are being deployed to ensure regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency.

What Is Driving Growth in the Food Processing Automation Market?

Growth in the food processing automation market is driven by several factors related to hygiene requirements, cost optimization, and product consistency. Rising demand for processed and packaged foods is accelerating the need for high-throughput, low-error production systems. Advances in robotics, sensor integration, and cloud-based monitoring are improving automation efficiency and adaptability across product categories. Growth is also supported by increasing regulatory scrutiny around food safety, prompting investment in automated inspection and traceability tools. As processors aim for greater flexibility, scalability, and operational resilience, automation continues to expand as a foundational element in modern food production.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Food Processing Automation market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Operational Technology & Software (Distributed Control Systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Variable-Frequency Drive, Valves & Actuators, Electric Motors, Sensors & Transmitters, & Other Technologies); Application (Packaging & Repackaging Application, Palletizing Application, Sorting & Grading Application, Processing Application); End-User (Dairy Processing End-User, Bakery & Confectionery End-User, Meat End-User, Poultry, & Seafood End-User, Fruits & Vegetables End-User, Beverages End-User)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 32 Featured) -

• ABB Ltd.
• ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH
• Bizerba SE & Co. KG
• Bühler AG
• Chef Robotics
• CHL Systems Inc.
• Cybernetik Technologies
• Deltamatic S.A.
• EOSYS Group
• Endress+Hauser Group
• Fortifi Food Processing Solutions
• Intralox LLC
• Jorgensen Engineering A/S
• KUKA AG
• Marel hf.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Motivo
• PFM Group
• Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
• Rockwell Automation Inc.
• Schneider Electric SE
• Siemens AG
• Stäubli
• Universal Robots
• Yokogawa Electric Corporation
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation

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