It’s a question many in the food industry grapple with: What drives change in food manufacturing? The answer isn’t straightforward. Various factors, from economic shifts to technological advances, play a role.
Recently, we conducted our 46th State of Food Manufacturing survey in partnership with myCLEARopinion. We asked food and beverage professionals to share the trends they believe will influence manufacturing in the next five years.
Topping the list this year is artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. About 35% of those surveyed identified this as a key trend, up from 27% last year. One industry professional noted, “AI-assisted programs will revolutionize food manufacturing and many other sectors. Its rise is happening fast.”
Another respondent shared insights on how AI will enhance operations: “We intend to use predictive maintenance, collaborative robots (cobots), and improved supply chain management in the coming year.”
Consumer demand also plays a crucial role, with 19% highlighting a shift towards ready-to-eat and clean-label products. This reflects our changing preferences as consumers increasingly seek transparency in food ingredients.
Health and wellness factor in too, with 13% of respondents emphasizing this trend. The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped many aspects of food production, changing protocols and launching new products aimed at boosting immunity. The rise of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has prompted companies like Nestlé and Conagra Brands to introduce nutrient-dense, smaller portion products. Additionally, there’s a growing push to replace artificial colors with natural alternatives, suggesting health will continue to influence food choices and manufacturing.
Participants also mentioned cost control and regulatory compliance as pressing concerns. Given economic pressures like rising tariffs and inflation, manufacturers are focused on keeping expenses manageable.
As technology, consumer tastes, and the economic climate continue to evolve, predicting the future is challenging. However, the resilience and adaptability of food and beverage manufacturers give us reason to believe they will tackle these challenges head-on.
For more insights on AI’s impact on industries, you might explore research from McKinsey & Company here.
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artificial intelligence (AI),consumer trends,automation technology
