Food Automation Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Type:

Based on the Type, the market is categorized into Motors & Generators, Motor Controls, Discrete Controllers & Visualization, Rotary Products, Linear Products, and Others.

Trends in the Type:

• Growing trend towards the adoption of VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) is integrated with IoT for real-time data analytics and energy optimization.
• Integration of smart sensors for predictive maintenance is enhancing the reliability and lifespan of rotary products.

Motors & Generators accounted for the largest revenue share of 27.48% in 2024.

• Motors provide the motive force for machinery involved in tasks such as mixing, blending, conveying, sorting, slicing, packaging, and material handling, thereby driving food automation market.
• Additionally, many processes in food automation require precise motion control for tasks like robotic handling, filling, and cutting, which necessitates the use of advanced motors and related control systems.
• Food processing environments involve challenging conditions such as high-pressure washdowns, exposure to caustic cleaning agents, and varying temperatures. This requires specialized motors and generators built with robust materials and protective features, which can have a higher value, further boosting the food automation market trend.
• For instance, in May 2023, Kollmorgen released its AKMA servo motor, engineered for durability, cleanability, and versatility in medium to heavy washdown environments. Utilizing a hardened anodized aluminum surface, the AKMA provides machine designers with a cost-efficient hygienic alternative to stainless steel.
• Thus, as per the food automation market analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving the motors & generators segment growth.

Discrete Controllers & Visualization are predicted to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Discrete controllers (like PLCs) are essential for managing the sequential and logical operations of various automated tasks, ensuring precise control over mixing times, temperatures, filling levels, and packaging sequences.
• Additionally, visualization systems provide operators with real-time insights into the status of various automated processes, including temperature monitoring, equipment performance, and potential contamination risks.
• Discrete controllers integrated with sensors and data acquisition systems collect crucial information at each stage of processing and packaging. Visualization tools then present this data in an understandable format, enabling manufacturers to track products, identify potential issues, and comply with regulations regarding origin and handling.
• Discrete controllers act as the central "brain" coordinating various other automation components like robots, sensors, and actuators.
• In conclusion, the above-mentioned factors are contributing significantly in spurring the market growth.

By Function:

Based on the Function, the market is classified into Processing, Packaging & Repackaging, Palletizing, Sorting & Grading, Picking & Placing, and Others.

Trends in the Function:

• Increased trend towards the adoption of robots for various packaging tasks due to their speed, precision, and ability to handle diverse packaging materials and formats.
• Use of cobots for palletizing tasks in environments where interaction with human workers is required, offering flexibility and safety.

Processing accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is also projected to witness the fastest growth.

• A shift towards continuous flow processing systems for higher efficiency, consistency, and reduced downtime compared to batch processing is driving the food automation market demand.
• Increased use of real-time sensors and sophisticated control systems to optimize processing parameters and ensure quality.
• Strong emphasis on equipment designed for easy cleaning and sanitation (following standards like NSF/3A), often utilizing stainless steel and smooth surfaces to prevent contamination.
• Moreover, the integration of digitalization is also contributing significantly in accelerating the global food automation market.
• For instance, in Mar 2024, GEA launched GEA InsightPartner, a new cloud-based web application designed to optimize food processing lines. This digital tool analyzes machine data to help food manufacturers maximize machine uptime, minimize downtime, prevent shutdowns, and manage resources effectively.
• Thus, as per the food automation market analysis, the aforementioned factors are driving processing segment.

By Application:

Based on the Application, the market is categorized into Dairy, Bakery, Confectionery, Fruit & Vegetable, Meat, Poultry, and Seafood, and Beverages.

Trends in the Application:

• Increasing trend towards the adoption of robots and automated systems to precisely measure and dispense ingredients, ensuring consistency and reducing waste in dough preparation.
• Robots with specialized grippers gently handle chocolates, candies, and other delicate confectionery items without damage.

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024.

• Advanced robotic systems are being developed to automate tasks like cutting, deboning, and trimming meat and poultry, improving yield.
• High-speed packaging systems handle various meat, poultry, and seafood products while maintaining hygiene standards.
• Integration of automation with technologies like blockchain to track products from farm/sea to consumer, ensuring food safety and transparency.
• Equipment designed for easy and thorough cleaning to meet stringent food safety regulations in meat and seafood processing.
• In conclusion, the aforementioned factors are contributing to the growth of global food automation market expansion.

Dairy is predicted to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Robotic milking systems are becoming increasingly popular for increased milk yield, improved animal welfare, and reduced labor costs.
• Growing trend of using sensors, data analytics, and AI monitor cow health, milk yield, feeding patterns, and reproduction cycles for optimized farm management.
• Further, advanced filtration technologies like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are used for component separation (fat, protein, lactose) with higher efficiency.
• Moreover, packaging with embedded sensors monitors temperature, humidity, and freshness, providing real-time data to consumers and retailers, ensuring product quality and reducing waste.
• Robots and vision systems are used for quality checks, ensuring consistent texture, color, and identifying defects in dairy products.
• For instance, India boasts the world's largest dairy industry, responsible for 23% of global milk production. This vital sector contributes 5% to the nation's economy and provides direct livelihood support to over 80 million farmers.
• Subsequently, as per the market analysis, the aforementioned factors are collectively responsible in accelerating the market during the forecast period.