Snack food manufacturers are displaying a strong sense of optimism regarding future growth, with a robust 92% anticipating at least some levels of expansion over the next three years. This promising outlook stems from insights gathered in the recently published "Snack Foods Packaging Trends" white paper and accompanying infographic by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, which is also the producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows.
A significant driver behind this optimism is an increase in demand paired with a diverse array of new products and packaging options, which include variety packs, single-serving sizes, and numerous unit counts. As a result, approximately 88% of survey respondents plan to invest in new machinery from now until 2027. Notably, 57% of these investments will be allocated towards replacing outdated equipment, often between 20 to 30 years old.
Among the pivotal factors influencing machinery purchases, speed of throughput has emerged as a primary concern, as many snack manufacturers are making plans to transition to fully automated hybrid manual/automatic production lines. Additional crucial considerations during the purchasing process include the capability to accommodate various packaging materials, customizability, ease of use, pricing, dependability, and the consistent production of high-quality outputs.
In the selection of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), customer service and geographical location are key determinants. The white paper indicates a preference among many snack producers for equipment manufactured in the United States. However, there is a growing acceptance of non-US manufacturers, particularly if they maintain a presence in the US to provide prompt customer support.
The types of machinery commonly employed on snack food lines include labelling, decorating, and coding machines (78% usage), form/fill/seal machines (74% usage), and filling and dosing equipment (65% usage).
Looking ahead, a continuing proliferation of diverse products and packaging sizes is projected, driven by various factors such as the demand for longer shelf life, interest in clean and health-oriented recipes, sustainable packaging solutions, and the exploration of new flavour profiles. Furthermore, the expansion of convenience stores and e-commerce channels is also shaping the landscape.
Despite the anticipated growth, snack food manufacturers are voicing concerns regarding challenges in workforce recruitment and retention. In response, many are turning to advanced technologies, including AI and virtual reality headsets, to facilitate training, operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance processes. Continuous improvement in throughput, food safety, automation, and equipment modularity remains a priority. This has led to the integration of sensor systems designed to reduce bottlenecks and enhance quality control, alongside the adoption of automation technologies such as predictive maintenance and remote access capabilities.
While sustainability resonates strongly within the sector, the level of commitment to sustainable practices can vary significantly across different manufacturers.
For those eager to explore the latest solutions to meet escalating market demands, the PACK EXPO Southeast trade show, set to take place from March 10 to 12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, presents a prime opportunity. As the largest show of its type in the region, PACK EXPO Southeast is positioned to offer a wide array of solutions catering to major manufacturing needs across more than 40 vertical markets. The Atlanta venue, recognised as a manufacturing hub, offers convenient access for industry teams to engage with leading technologies, learn from top professionals, and establish essential connections for ongoing or future projects.
For further details and registration for this event, interested parties can visit the PACK EXPO Southeast website.
Source: Noah Wire Services