As we look ahead to 2025, the food and beverage manufacturing industry faces a landscape of both challenges and opportunities.
Building on the insights from our CEO, Bill Remy, in a recent “Food for Thought Podcast”, let’s explore the key trends and strategies that will shape the sector in the coming year.
Food Safety Takes Centre Stage
Food safety has emerged as a critical focus for processors, with an increasing emphasis on sanitary equipment design and thorough cleaning procedures. This trend is driven by heightened consumer awareness and the potentially devastating costs of recalls. Companies are investing in equipment that’s easier to clean and maintain, recognising that sanitary design leads to higher productivity and reduced cleaning time2.
Labour Challenges Persist
The industry continues to grapple with labour shortages, a trend expected to extend through 20251. With fewer people entering the manufacturing workforce, companies must prioritise retention and engagement strategies. Successful organisations will focus on:
- Developing robust onboarding programs
- Creating a positive workplace culture
- Implementing effective skill development initiatives
While some companies may consider relocating to areas with larger talent pools, this strategy comes with significant risks and costs, especially given the capital-intensive nature of food and beverage production1.
The Critical Need for Human Skills in Automation
The move towards automation shows no signs of slowing down, as processors seek to maintain high production levels amidst worker shortages2. However, the increasing complexity of automated systems presents new challenges:
- Skilled maintenance personnel: There’s a growing gap in maintenance technicians and leaders, which could become an Achilles’ heel for many companies1
- Software and system technology: Modern automation requires expertise in software and complex systems, creating a skills gap even among newer workers1
To address these issues, companies should invest in comprehensive training programmes and consider implementing AI-assisted maintenance systems to preserve and share critical knowledge.
Industry Consolidation and Economic Outlook
Industry consolidation is expected to continue, with mergers and acquisitions reshaping the food processing landscape2. Examples include Mars acquiring Kellanova, PepsiCo acquiring Siete, and JBT acquiring Marel. This trend, along with potential interest rate cuts, may drive economic activity in the sector.
Data Utilisation and Analytics
Despite the abundance of data generated by connected systems, the food and beverage industry is only scratching the surface of its potential. Recent studies suggest that large companies use only about 51% of their available data, while smaller firms utilise even less1. To improve data utilisation:
- Establish clear data ownership and quality control processes
- Focus on solving specific business problems with existing data before investing in new data sources
- Bridge the gap between IT, engineering, and business teams to better leverage factory system data
A Balancing Act for the Year Ahead
As the food and beverage manufacturing industry navigates 2025, success will hinge on balancing technological innovation with a strong focus on people, processes, and operational excellence. By addressing labour challenges, leveraging data effectively, and embracing new technologies while maintaining core principles, companies can position themselves for growth and resilience in the evolving market landscape.
