Global Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Size

• The global food processing and food material handling equipment market size was valued at USD 156.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 253.90 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.23% during the forecast period
• The market growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for processed and packaged food products, advancements in automation technologies, and the growing need for efficient supply chains to meet rising global food consumption
• In addition, rising consumer preferences for convenience foods, coupled with stringent food safety regulations, are propelling the adoption of advanced food processing and handling equipment, significantly boosting industry growth

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Analysis

• Food processing and material handling equipment are critical components of the food and beverage industry, enabling efficient production, packaging, and distribution of food products while ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards
• The surge in demand is fueled by the growing global population, increasing urbanization, and a rising preference for ready-to-eat and packaged foods, particularly in emerging markets
• Asia-Pacific dominated the food processing & food material handling equipment market with the largest revenue share of 42.5% in 2024, driven by rapid industrialization, a large consumer base, and significant investments in food processing infrastructure, particularly in countries such as China and India
• Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period due to advancements in automation, increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and stringent regulatory standards for food safety
• The food processing equipment segment dominated the largest market revenue share of 68% in 2024, driven by its critical role in transforming raw materials into finished food products across various applications such as bakery, meat, dairy, and beverages

Report Scope and Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Segmentation  

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Trends

“Increasing Integration of IoT and Automation Technologies”

• The global food processing and food material handling equipment market is experiencing a significant trend toward the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and automation technologies
• These technologies enable real-time monitoring, data analytics, and process optimization, providing insights into equipment performance, production efficiency, and quality control
• IoT-powered solutions allow for predictive maintenance, identifying potential equipment failures before they cause production downtime, thus reducing costs and improving operational reliability
  • For instance, companies are developing IoT-driven platforms that monitor production parameters to optimize bakery and confectionery processes or streamline meat and poultry processing lines based on real-time demand and supply chain data
• This trend enhances the efficiency and value proposition of food processing and handling systems, making them more appealing to manufacturers and food producers
• Automation systems can analyze a wide range of operational data, including processing speeds, temperature control, packaging accuracy, and hygiene compliance, to ensure consistent product quality

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Demand for Processed and Convenience Foods”

• Increasing consumer demand for processed and convenience foods, such as ready-to-eat meals, bakery products, and packaged beverages, is a major driver for the global food processing and food material handling equipment market
• Food processing equipment enhances production efficiency by enabling high-volume processing of bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, dairy, and fish and seafood products with features such as automated cutting, mixing, and packaging
• Government initiatives in regions such as Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, to boost food processing industries are contributing to the widespread adoption of advanced equipment
• The proliferation of IoT and advancements in automation technologies are further enabling the expansion of food processing applications, offering faster production cycles and improved safety standards for food products
• Manufacturers are increasingly integrating advanced food processing and packaging equipment as standard solutions to meet consumer expectations for quality, hygiene, and convenience

Restraint/Challenge

“High Initial Investment Costs and Data Security Concerns”

• The substantial initial investment required for acquiring, installing, and integrating advanced food processing and material handling equipment can be a significant barrier to adoption, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets
• Retrofitting existing production facilities with modern equipment, such as automated packaging or IoT-enabled processing systems, can be complex and costly
• In addition, data security and privacy concerns pose a major challenge. IoT-enabled equipment collects and transmits large amounts of sensitive production and operational data, raising concerns about potential breaches, misuse of information, and compliance with stringent food safety and data protection regulations
• The fragmented regulatory landscape across different countries regarding food safety standards, data collection, and environmental compliance further complicates operations for global manufacturers and service providers
• These factors can deter potential adopters and limit market expansion, especially in regions with high cost sensitivity or stringent regulatory oversight

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of equipment type, application, and form.

• By Equipment Type

On the basis of equipment type, the global food processing and food material handling equipment market is segmented into food processing equipment and food packaging equipment. The food processing equipment segment dominated the largest market revenue share of 68% in 2024, driven by its critical role in transforming raw materials into finished food products across various applications such as bakery, meat, dairy, and beverages. The demand for advanced processing technologies, such as non-thermal processing and automation, further supports its dominance.

The food packaging equipment segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate of 6.8% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing consumer demand for hygienic, convenient, and sustainable packaging solutions. Innovations such as IoT-enabled smart packaging and automation in form-fill-seal and labeling technologies are enhancing efficiency and traceability, driving adoption across the food industry.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the global food processing and food material handling equipment market is segmented into bakery & confectionery products, meat & poultry products, dairy products, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, fish & seafood products, and others. The bakery & confectionery products segment is expected to hold the largest market revenue share of 31% in 2024, driven by the high global demand for bread, pastries, and confectionery items, particularly in Europe and North America, where bread consumption averages 50 kg per person annually. The fragmented nature of this market and the need for equipment such as industrial ovens, mixers, and molders further bolster its dominance.

The non-alcoholic beverages segment is anticipated to experience the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by rising consumer preference for diverse flavors, sparkling waters, and ready-to-drink beverages. Advancements in beverage processing equipment, such as high-speed bottling and aseptic packaging, along with increasing social acceptance of non-alcoholic options in various settings, are key growth drivers.

• By Form

On the basis of form, the global food processing and food material handling equipment market is segmented into solid, liquid, and semi-solid. The solid segment is expected to hold the largest market revenue share of 45% in 2024, driven by the high consumption of solid food products such as processed meats, baked goods, and vegetables. The ease of handling, packaging, and longer shelf life of solid foods, coupled with consumer preference for ready-to-eat products, supports this segment's dominance.

The liquid segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate of 7.1% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing demand for packaged beverages such as juices, milk, and functional drinks. The adoption of advanced processing technologies, such as pasteurization and ultrafiltration, and the growing focus on sustainable liquid packaging solutions are key factors driving growth in this segment.

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Regional Analysis

• Asia-Pacific dominated the food processing & food material handling equipment market with the largest revenue share of 42.5% in 2024, driven by rapid industrialization, a large consumer base, and significant investments in food processing infrastructure, particularly in countries such as China and India
• Consumers prioritize equipment for enhancing production efficiency, ensuring food safety, and meeting diverse consumer preferences, particularly in regions with growing populations and urbanization
• Growth is supported by advancements in automation, smart technologies, and energy-efficient equipment, alongside rising adoption in both small-scale and large-scale food processing facilities

Japan Food Processing & Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

Japan’s food processing and material handling equipment market is expected to witness rapid growth, driven by strong consumer demand for high-quality, safe, and efficiently processed foods. The presence of major food and beverage manufacturers and the integration of advanced equipment in production lines accelerate market penetration. Rising interest in automation and aftermarket upgrades also contributes to growth.

China Food Processing & Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

China holds the largest share of the Asia-Pacific food processing and material handling equipment market, propelled by rapid urbanization, increasing food consumption, and growing demand for processed and packaged food products. The country’s expanding middle class and focus on smart manufacturing support the adoption of advanced equipment. Strong domestic manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing enhance market accessibility.

U.S. Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

The U.S. food processing and food material handling equipment market is expected to witness significant growth, fueled by strong demand for automated processing solutions and stringent food safety regulations. The trend towards sustainable and energy-efficient equipment, coupled with growing consumer demand for packaged and processed foods, boosts market expansion. Integration of advanced technologies in both new installations and retrofitting supports a robust market ecosystem.

Europe Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

The Europe food processing and material handling equipment market is expected to witness the fastest growth rate, driven by regulatory focus on food safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Consumers and manufacturers seek equipment that enhances production capacity while reducing environmental impact. Growth is prominent in countries such as Germany and France, where automation and smart technologies are increasingly adopted in food processing and packaging.

U.K. Food Processing & Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

The U.K. market for food processing and material handling equipment is expected to experience rapid growth, driven by demand for efficient processing and packaging solutions in urbanized settings. Increased focus on food safety standards and consumer preference for high-quality processed foods encourage adoption. Evolving regulations and sustainability initiatives further influence equipment choices, balancing efficiency with compliance.

Germany Food Processing & Food Material Handling Equipment Market Insight

Germany is expected to witness significant growth in the food processing and material handling equipment market, attributed to its advanced food and beverage manufacturing sector and high consumer focus on quality and sustainability. German manufacturers prefer technologically advanced equipment that optimizes production processes and reduces energy consumption. Integration of automation in premium food processing facilities and aftermarket solutions supports sustained market growth.

Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market Share

The food processing and food material handling equipment industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• ALFA LAVAL (Sweden)
• FENCO Food Machinery s.r.l. (Italy)
• JBT (U.S.)
• SPX FLOW (U.S.)
• TNA Australia Pty Limited (Australia)
• Krones AG (Germany)
• Schaaf Technologie GmbH (Germany)
• BAADER (Germany)
• Marel (Iceland)
• Bühler Group (Switzerland)
• The Middleby Corporation (U.S.)
• Lehui (China)
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany)
• Tetra Pak (Sweden)

What are the Recent Developments in Global Food Processing and Food Material Handling Equipment Market?

• In May 2024, Tetra Pak partnered with Outokumpu to introduce Circle Green, a revolutionary stainless steel with a carbon footprint up to 93% lower than the global industry average. This low-emission material is now used in Tetra Pak’s homogenizers, helping reduce Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain. Manufactured using recycled steel and 100% low-carbon electricity, Circle Green supports Tetra Pak’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The collaboration also explores broader applications of Circle Green across food processing equipment, reinforcing sustainability in packaging and manufacturing
• In April 2024, JBT Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Marel hf., a global leader in advanced food processing solutions for poultry, meat, and seafood. The deal marks a strategic move to expand JBT’s global footprint and diversify its product portfolio across high-value segments of the food industry. Marel shareholders were offered a mix of cash and JBT common stock, with the combined entity to be named JBT Marel Corporation. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals
• In March 2024, GEA Group unveiled GEA InsightPartner, a cloud-based web application designed to optimize food and beverage processing operations. Introduced at the Anuga FoodTec trade show in Cologne, InsightPartner enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making by providing 24/7 access to live and historical machine data. The platform helps manufacturers maximize equipment uptime, minimize unplanned shutdowns, and reduce operational costs, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership. It can be retrofitted to existing GEA machines or integrated into new equipment, offering a user-friendly dashboard to track key performance indicators and identify efficiency improvements
• In February 2024, SPX FLOW, Inc. confirmed that its CU4 and CU4plus valve control units received ATEX and IECEx certifications for use in Zone 2 hazardous environments. These control units feature impact-resistant enclosures and advanced safety mechanisms, including manual override solenoids, high-precision position sensors, and LED indicators for valve status. Designed to operate in explosive atmospheres, they support fluid handling applications across industries such as food and beverage, chemicals, and personal care. The certification ensures compliance with stringent safety standards, boosting operational reliability and efficiency in high-risk settings
• In January 2024, Alfa Laval AB introduced the Free Rotating Retractor, a high-efficiency retractable Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) device engineered for hygienic processing environments. Designed to clean hard-to-reach areas inside tanks and ducts, it delivers 100% cleaning coverage using a dynamic 310° spray pattern. The device remains flush with the vessel wall during production and extends only during cleaning, minimizing contamination risks and boosting uptime. Compared to static spray ball systems, it offers up to 35% savings in water, chemicals, and time, supporting sustainability and operational efficiency across food, beverage, and personal care industries

SKU-66137