Factors Influencing the Future of Food Processing

As companies navigate emerging demands, food processors must consider a few techniques to prepare for future shifts in the industry.

FREMONT, CA: The post-pandemic era witnessed considerable uncertainties in the food processing industries. Inflation is also an essential concern for many countries. Despite the fact that the majority of businesses are benefiting from an unprecedented need for increased automation, it seems they cannot break the cycle of unfavourable scenarios long enough to recover fully.

Companies are today required to prepare for setbacks to occur, as anticipating impediments is also a way to succeed. However, constant encounters with obstacles that pull down should be addressed with caution. Therefore, companies can consider a few factors as they start to work to recession-proof the food processing business and help suppliers face challenging times.

Economy is Cyclical

The economy will always face ups and downs, and recessions are likely to occur from time to time. Having flexibility with the solutions offered by companies is the key to longevity. If a company can determine the important offerings required to meet the moment, it will lead to success. The ability to accelerate to fulfil the demand–whether growing or shrinking–and to produce the consumer’s requirements has always been given less priority.

Change Up Solutions

Changing the solutions of products produced based on consumer demands is also important. For instance, during the pandemic, there was an increase in specific food products as people were not dining out and staying at home. At the same time, during periods of inflation, processors must focus on producing more inexpensive food. Some goods will consequently become too expensive for the market, and as prices rise, consumers will shift to lower-priced goods. Having a better understanding of these shifts and emphasising the affordability of products is a crucial step to success.

Equipment Solutions Need to be Flexible

Equip manufacturers also need to offer solutions that can be a key turning point for businesses. It requires equipment that can be quickly rearranged to create more or less of a specific product or possibly moved to make the same product in a different form to quickly adjust to make food products that satisfy consumer demand. For example, the meat industry during the pandemic had to shift to packaging different cuts of meat based on customer demands. Without possessing accurate and flexible equipment, food processing companies can't make the required changes to capitalise on the shifts in their customer base.

Leverage Automation

Processors also can transition towards producing more frozen and prepared food items to be cost-effective for consumers as mounting prices affect customers. However, having the proper apparatus can automate some of the production. Processors should consider utilising automation factors even more as they move quickly to satisfy the increased demand for less expensive products to buy since it is already difficult to find enough individuals to hire to fill open positions. Because the food industry is recession-proof, the primary requirement is to supply current-demand products.