Three Food Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2019

Every year brings new opportunities and challenges to every industry. But for food manufacturing, 2019 will be particularly noteworthy, with important issues facing both food processors and equipment manufacturers alike.

This year, new regulations, new technology and new competitors will all play significant roles in shaping the food manufacturing industry. Let’s take a look at each of these trends and how they could affect the industry this year.

FSMA implementation concludes, but FSMA effects continue

The sweeping implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act will head towards a definitive close in 2019. By the end of the year, all but the very smallest businesses will have to be fully in compliance with the new rules instituted by the Act.

But the effects of FSMA implementation will last well beyond this year. Food manufacturers are obligated to comply with the regulations as long as they exist in their current form, and that means that equipment manufacturers like Lee will have to be prepared to respond to them.

Much of the existing equipment in the industry today may not adequately meet FSMA standards and will have to be brought up to par. As a custom manufacturer, Lee is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges. We can help our customers meet FSMA requirements now while positioning them to navigate future challenges that may arise.

Versatility is becoming paramount and equipment technology makes it possible

As the industry landscape shifts, many food processing companies are attempting to expand their product lineup without making significant changes to their production process. This has led to many operators trying to find versatile equipment that can produce many different product types, allowing companies to increase their output without major changes to their facilities.

Vessels that can handle multiple varieties of products within similar product categories are increasingly desirable. If an equipment manufacturer can produce a unit capable of making a soup, sauce and salsa within one vessel, processors won’t have to buy custom solutions for every product line they produce within those categories. Lee’s line of steam-jacketed kettles with inclined agitation is an example of this, as it allows processors to manufacture a wide range of products using the same kettle, without adding additional equipment.

Smaller manufacturers are becoming bigger players

Versatility has made it easier for smaller food manufacturers to play a bigger role in the industry, but equipment manufacturers can still improve their service to these companies. It’s important to provide educational resources and guidance for manufacturers that may not have the experience to make informed decisions on equipment purchases and other crucial aspects of expanding their operations.

The better manufacturers can educate their customers, the stronger the industry as a whole will be. Equipment manufacturers would do well to provide what help they can to up-and-coming food processors.