Major Industry Trends in Cold Food Processing

Construction projects are being completed in cold food processing to accommodate the rising demand.

FREMONT, CA: Consumers and companies that provide cold food processing have adjusted to the pandemic's easing. Everything people choose to eat, how it is purchased, and how it is distributed can all be considered new. Producing finished goods delivered directly to clients or shops is a popular choice. Following the pandemic, many customers are switching to healthier lifestyles. Many consumers, especially those who buy dairy and pet food, want access to a greater variety of frozen meals prepared with fewer, higher-quality ingredients. Consumers buy more frozen foods, more kinds of frozen foods, and different brands than before the pandemic. The demand for cold storage is rising as a result of this transition.

Supply chain digitization

Supply chain management is quickly transforming due to the Internet of Things (IoT). Cold food processors now have more data from devices and software than ever before. This data can establish an integrated network that gives owners a real-time global view of inventories. Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are all on the horizon and are expected to improve supply chain decision-making across the board, from inventory and intra-logistics to weather and delivery routes.

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Omnichannel retail

Omnichannel retail is another area of emphasis for cold food producers. Consumer expectations have changed due to a seamless buying experience across all media. The standard is immediate access to goods, round-the-clock availability, and the capacity for small-batch purchases. Cold food processing companies have been forced to reconsider how they handle food storage and logistics due to the difficulties with packaging and order fulfillment that have arisen as a result of this change. They become more agile and adapt to the shifting environment thanks to on-site blast freezing. By enabling case selection at the facility, the VRT enhances case quality.

Labor shortage

The problem that the provider of cold food processing faces is employee retention. The Great Resignation and the ongoing labor dispute have done this business in desperate need of a fresh approach. The key is automation. In the past, owners used labor expenses to justify automation costs. Due to a shrinking labor pool, owners now see automation as a crucial component of maintaining the supply chain.