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.

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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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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.