This section provides Food Manufacturing Industry links and resources to assist your startup or small business. Additionally, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
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Food Manufacturing Industry Overview and Forecast
The food manufacturing industry is undergoing significant changes to keep pace with new challenges and shifts in the market. One major concern is the food supply chain, which continues to struggle with inefficiencies and food waste. The introduction of new tariffs may further strain the system, increasing costs and complicating logistics. In response, manufacturers are turning to automation and artificial intelligence to improve productivity and streamline operations.
Looking ahead, food manufacturers will need to address the growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food options. A recent study found that 83% of consumers read food labels before making a purchase. This will push manufacturers to reformulate products and embrace more transparent, Eco-conscious practices. Although it may take some adjustment, these factors are transforming the food manufacturing industry toward a more promising future.
Here are a few notable food manufacturing trends likely to shape the industry in the coming years:
- Food Industry Executive – article exploring consumer demand and AI automation.
- Food Dive – brief reviewing the impact of tariffs on canned foods
- The Food Institute – article on the food industry forecast and how businesses can navigate tariffs
- Food Processing – industry outlook for the food and beverage industry
Food Processing & Distribution
Food processing refers to the methods and techniques used to transform raw agricultural products like grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables into edible food ingredients or processed products. After food is processed, it moves into the distribution stage. Distributors are a key part of the food supply chain, connecting producers with retailers and wholesalers by moving food from farms and processing facilities to stores. With supermarkets carrying over 31,000 items on average, an efficient supply chain is needed to reduce waste and keep products available to consumers. Retailers depend on reliable distribution to maintain a steady flow of food. Ultimately, food manufacturing relies on this entire system to produce and deliver our food.
- Aggregating, Processing, and Distributing – resources from the U.S Department of Agriculture
- Food Safety and Quality – legal requirements & standards to reduce food risk for manufacturers
- Resources – Food Protection Solutions Association
- Processing Resources – American Commodity Distribution Association Resources
- Grocery Trends – key trends impacting the grocery industry
Food Manufacturing Industries
The food manufacturing industry covers a diverse range of sectors that create food and beverage products. Major sectors include meat, dairy, bakery, and snack production. Each sector follows its own unique production methods and is subject to specific regulations based on the types of products it produces. Below are resources that offer trends, regulations, and industry news for the following food manufacturing groups:
Meat, Poultry, & Seafood
- Poultry Products Inspection Act – U.S. Department of Agriculture
- News & Press – American Association of Meat Processors
- Meat & Poultry Processing – news, analysis and resources for the meat industry
- Regulated Meat & Meat Products – U.S Food & Drug Administration
- Industry News Releases – U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
- Seafood Processing Effluent Guidelines – United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Sustainable Seafood – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Meat Processing Line Speeds – news release on USDA approving faster line speed for pork and poultry processing
- Pork Industry – news and resources on the pork industry
Dairy Products
- Dairy – Policy – U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Milk Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Dairy Products Processing Effluent Guidelines – United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Dairy Guidance and Regulations – State resources from the Association of Food and Drug Officials
- Dairy Industry Outlook – dairy executives survey results exploring operational challenges, sustainability, and AI
- Trends – dairy trends impacting the industry
- Dairy News – news and press releases on the dairy industry
Bakery & Snacks
- Bakery Items, Desserts, And Crackers – U.S Department of Agriculture
- Food Safety – American Bakers Association
- Private Labels – article on growing demand for private label brands
- Consumer Trends – American Bakers Association
- State of the Industry – market data on the best-performing snack
- FDA Announcement on Food Dyes – National Confectioners Association
- Grains – article on the use of ancient grains in the baking industry
Organic and Plant-Based Foods
Demand for organic and plant-based foods continues to rise in the US. Consumers are increasingly focused on the quality and sourcing of the products they purchase. One study found that nearly 75% of U.S. consumers aged 18 to 59 are open to trying plant-based meat and dairy products in the future. As interest in this sector grows, food manufacturers should carefully consider both the opportunities and challenges of incorporating plant-based ingredients into their product lines.
- National Organic Program – U.S Department of Agriculture
- Labeling of Plant-Based Alternatives to Animal – U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Policy – Plant Based Food Association
- Emerging Trends in the Plant-Based Industry – an article exploring growth opportunities and innovations in the plant-based industry
- Alternative Proteins – collection of articles and multimedia on the alternative protein industry
- Innovation and Inflation – opportunities and challenges for the milk alternative industry
Food Manufacturing Technology Trends
From production to distribution, artificial intelligence, automation, and technological advancements are transforming the food manufacturing industry. As manufacturers work to reduce waste and address food safety concerns, AI and other food technologies are offering effective solutions. In fact, 41% of food retailers and 69% of suppliers are already using AI to improve efficiency and decision-making. These tools may continue to help optimize operations and enable faster responses to supply chain challenges.
- Use of AI in food Supply Chain – Association for Supply Chain Management
- Tech Trends – five trends redefining food and beverage manufacturing
- How AI Is Transforming Food Production – an article discussing how AI is optimizing production processes
- Technology Trends – Institute of Food Technologies
Food Manufacturing Trade Associations
- The Food Industry Association
- North American Meat Institute
- Food Production Solutions Association
- American Association of Meat Processors
- American Bakers Association
- American Frozen Food Institute
- American Shrimp Processors Association
- Association for Dressing & Sauces
- Cookie & Snack Bakers Association
- National Confectioners Association
- Institute of Food Technologists
- National Frozen Food Association
- Food Industry Suppliers Association
- Glass Packaging Institute
- Private Label Manufacturers Association
Additional Small Business Resources
Already in business or thinking about starting your own small business? Check out our various small business resources:
- View small business help topics here: Small Business Information Center
- View more business reports here: Small Business Snapshots
- View industry-specific research here: Market Research Links
- View business plans samples here: Sample Business Plans
- View our small business cybersecurity resources here: Cybersecurity
Remember, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
Photo by Fikri Rasyid on Unsplash
