Market growth driving processing machinery advances
The demand for processed fruits and vegetables is expected to expand at an annual rate of 5.5% — growth that may be tied to increased consumer interest in organic products, according to a recent report from Global Market Insights (GMI) exploring processing equipment needs from 2025 to 2034.
GMI research also found that fresh vegetable market size, valued at $949.8 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2034. This expansion is being driven by health-oriented consumer behavior, evolving sustainability concerns and innovations in agricultural technology.
At the same time, a growing number of machine builders are expanding their service portfolios in response to changing customer demands, according to State of the Industry 2025, a new report from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
“Increased attention to manufacturing optimization, remote support and sustainability transitions are top industry priorities,” Jorge Izquierdo, PMMI vice president of market development, said. “For example, efficiency reviews and control system upgrades are being offered by OEMs more frequently to extend the lifespan of existing equipment.”
Machinery is being designed for longer unattended run times, washdown compatibility and improved safety, with upgrades like cleanroom-ready conveyors, as well as smarter controls for precise orientation and tracking. Sanitation and flexibility remain central design considerations, as machine builders incorporate advanced materials, servo-driven systems and modular designs to handle delicate and/or sensitive products efficiently.
Beyond the manufacturing optimization trend, sustainability remains top of mind at food processing firms due to growing consumer interest in curbside recyclability. Although compostable packaging materials have generated interest over the past few years, several interviewees in PMMI’s study suggested that the momentum has slowed.
While some food companies are still exploring compostable films, many are pausing on implementation because most U.S. municipalities do not have the industrial composting capabilities required to process these materials at scale. As a result, some brands are choosing to focus instead on improving the curbside recyclability of their packaging or reducing the use of plastic.
Meanwhile, workforce challenges continue to shape equipment needs. Interviewees in PMMI’s State of the Industry 2025 report consistently highlighted the strain on manual labor at the end of the line, where workers are responsible for keeping pace with increasingly faster front-end production. As upstream throughput continues to rise, it has become difficult to case, palletize and wrap products fast enough using manual processes alone.
Consequently, machine buyers are prioritizing solutions that reduce both headcount and the number of touchpoints and are seeking integrated systems that can handle multiple tasks in a single, streamlined process that is also safe for the workforce.
Technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are revolutionizing safety management systems, according to Grand View Research. For example, IoT devices enable real-time monitoring of workplace conditions and provide alerts for potential hazards, while AI and ML can predict safety risks by analyzing historical data and identifying patterns that could lead to accidents.
Wearables and smart personal protective equipment are becoming more common, offering features such as biometric monitoring to track employee health and safety metrics, enhancing proactive risk management.
In addition, mental health and overall well-being are becoming integral parts of workplace safety strategies. Employers are increasingly recognizing the impact of mental health on productivity and safety, leading to the integration of mental health support programs and stress management tools within safety initiatives. This holistic approach to workplace safety is expected to continue driving market growth in the coming years.
Labor challenges, sustainability and automation were featured in exhibits and free educational sessions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, held Sept. 29–Oct. 1. For example, at the Industry Speaks learning stage, thought leaders from PACK EXPO Las Vegas Partner Associations provided a snapshot of the trends and issues shaping specific industries.
Packaging and processing innovations for consumer-packaged goods and life sciences companies will also be highlighted at PACK EXPO East, set for Feb. 17-19, 2026, in Philadelphia. Expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors, the event will include a Containers and Materials Pavilion.
