Consumer preferences are shifting toward simplified ingredients, higher protein density and perceived nutritional quality, reinforcing a clean-label phase in U.S. food consumption. In addition, emerging factors such as GLP-1 adoption may further influence portion size and nutrient prioritization, increasing potential demand for protein and vegetable products.

Ongoing labor shortages also remain a challenge. While conditions have moderated from peak disruption levels, skilled technician gaps, high turnover and hiring volatility continue to influence capital planning and operating models. To address these issues, processors are prioritizing automation that stabilizes throughput with fewer operators, while original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expanding aftermarket services and designing equipment that reduces manual intervention and maintenance complexity.

Equipment design is also being shaped by workforce constraints and integration demands. In fact, processors are prioritizing intuitive controls and systems that require less internal engineering oversight. At the same time, demands for turnkey, fully integrated solutions are rising as companies seek suppliers capable of delivering coordinated, ready-for-production systems.

In addition, sanitation concerns rank among the core investment drivers. Rising recall visibility, higher SKU complexity and formulation changes are accelerating the importance of hygienic design, cleanability, and repeatable sanitation workflows.

Implementation Based on ROI

The list of major trends affecting food and beverage manufacturing would not be complete without including AI, big data and sustainability.

AI adoption in processing remains gradual and risk-weighted, with its current use focused on data monitoring, inspection enhancement and decision support rather than autonomous control. Reliability, accountability, cybersecurity and return on investment (ROI) continue to govern the pace of deployment as processors prioritize validated, repeatable performance. 

Meanwhile, sustainability efforts are increasingly framed around cost reduction and efficiency. Water use, energy consumption and waste minimization are influencing equipment upgrades, sanitation practices, and system design decisions.

Innovative Tools Help Manufacturers Uncover Solutions

The largest concentration of packaging and processing innovations in North America will be on display at PACK EXPO International 2026, Oct. 18–21, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. With 2,600 exhibitors and 48,000 professionals from 40-plus vertical markets expected to attend, the trade show helps the industry evaluate equipment, identify emerging trends and make informed investment decisions — all in one place.

To help food and beverage processors stay competitive and move their operations forward, three innovative tools are being introduced: SMB FastTrack, PACK EXPO Discovery Tours and PACK EXPO Solutions Finder. 

The SMB FastTrack program highlights exhibits and educational sessions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This new tool simplifies the way attendees connect with the right suppliers — quickly and conveniently. Just look for the SMB Friendly logo. 

Curated, expert-led PACK EXPO Discovery Tours, produced by PMMI Media Group, are designed to help professionals efficiently navigate the expansive show floor and discover relevant innovations. The guided experiences provide insight and context as attendees explore emerging technologies, observe live product demos, meet suppliers and discover trends.

With the new PACK EXPO Solutions Finder, attendees can enter their product, packaging or processing need — or upload an image to the website and initiate an AI-powered search. The result is a tailored list of product category recommendations, a step-by-step guide to the solutions and a list of PACK EXPO International exhibitors that can deliver them.

In addition to these new tools, registered attendees also have access to the Food & Beverage Processing Zone. This area of the show floor also houses the Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, where expert presenters will discuss how to streamline production, improve food safety, reduce waste and integrate new technology.