As this issue’s cover story explains, the state of food manufacturing is slowly trending upward. But, while business indicators are gradually improving, some of the current challenges in food manufacturing remain unchanged: the need for increased automation, advances in food safety and a more highly skilled workforce. However, the way the industry addresses these challenges is shifting.
For example, at last month’s PACK EXPO in Las Vegas, a clear theme emerged as I visited booths focusing on food and beverage processing and packaging equipment. The key trend was food safety and related hygiene issues in machinery and component design. Here are some of the features machinery and component exhibitors emphasized: sanitary machine design for quick and easy washdowns and the elimination of crevices where bacteria can hide; strict adherence to processors’ HACCP plans; the expanded use of stainless steel fabrication; and lubrication-free component applications.