The food and beverage manufacturing industry is undergoing transformational changes due to new technology trends. These trends are revolutionizing product development and production. The industry is incorporating processing methods, equipment advances, and packaging techniques to facilitate this transformation.
Products
Plant-based, animal-free alternatives are gaining popularity due to concerns about health trends, ethical considerations, and climate change. Leading the way are brands like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. In 2023, the market is expected to expand with the introduction of new players and a wider range of product offerings.
Packaging
Consumers demand greener alternatives to plastic packaging as the fight against climate change gains momentum. Biodegradable packaging, derived from polymer-based plastics that degrade naturally, and edible packaging, made from food-grade polymers like seaweed, are gaining popularity. Smart packaging, utilizing nanotechnology that can detect changes in quality and food safety, is also becoming more prevalent.
Computerized Technology
Autonomous equipment and automation are playing an integral role in food production and processing. Continued advancements in computerized food processing technology are driving automation, increasing output, and reducing production time. Robotic butchery machines are gaining popularity, improving safety and efficiency in food processing facilities.
Functional Beverages
As consumers become more health-conscious, functional drinks are on the rise. As consumers continue to seek out healthy beverage options, the market is expanding to include more fermented drinks and dairy beverages enriched with omega-3s for added health benefits. This trend is driven by a growing interest in the nutritional content of beverages.
Drainage
In the world of food and beverage processing, sanitation and safety are top priorities. And now, new drainage systems are making a big impact. One such system is the Slot Drain, which boasts a grate-less design that prevents bacterial growth and standing water. It’s made from food-grade stainless steel, which is not only highly durable but also resistant to temperature, odors, bacteria, and corrosion. This system can handle heavy equipment traffic and heavy flow rates, while also providing easy cleaning and maintenance options. Overall, it’s clear that these new drainage systems are revolutionizing the industry and helping to ensure the safety of our food and beverages.
Trust and Transparency
The food industry is on a mission to regain consumer trust due to large-scale recalls and declining trust. Big brands are changing their values and adopting more transparent practices. E-commerce brands are leading the way, pushing larger brands to improve their corporate social responsibility. Technologies like traceability enablers and blockchain are being used to track product origins and enhance trust among consumers.
Modernization
The food industry is rediscovering traditional processing techniques and modernizing them with advanced technology. Fermentation, for instance, has experienced a revival. This was achieved with technology enabling safe and efficient large-batch fermentation. Advanced analysis tools and precision temperature controls ensure the production of high-quality fermented foods and beverages to meet the growing consumer demand.
Forward Osmosis
Australia’s CSIRO organization and a U.S. membrane technology company have developed an innovative preservation processing technique called forward osmosis. This technique uses membrane technology to concentrate liquids without heat, resulting in higher-quality products. The process is energy-efficient and helps retain nutrients like vitamins and proteins in food throughout processing.
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