This month, we turn our attention to the Food & Drink Manufacturing Industry in our 5 Industry-Specific Trends for 2025 series. As a vital sector that keeps supply chains moving and consumers stocked, it faces growing pressures to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the year ahead.
In our last edition, we explored the chemical industry, looking at how sustainability, digitalisation, supply chain resilience, growth in high-performance chemicals, and hydrogen and carbon capture technologies were set to be five key trends to watch in the coming year. Now, we shift focus to the food and drink sector, examining the key manufacturing trends, from automation to hygienic design, that will define 2025.
Spotlight: Food & Drink
In the third instalment of our Five Industry-Specific Trends for 2025 series, we focus on the Food & Drink Manufacturing Industry. With increasing demands for efficiency, hygiene, and sustainability, manufacturers are embracing automation, improving safety measures, and reducing waste to stay ahead in a competitive market.
The Food and Drink sector is a backbone of global supply chains, supporting industries from retail to hospitality. In 2024, manufacturers faced challenges such as rising operational costs, evolving safety regulations, and supply chain disruptions, prompting greater investment in smart manufacturing and hygienic design. The UK’s Food and Drink industry maintained its status as the nation’s largest manufacturing sector in 2024, with a turnover of £104 billion. This allowed the sector to outpace both the automotive and aerospace industries combined, highlighting its pivotal role in the UK’s economy.
As we move into 2025, innovation in fluid transfer, bulk handling, and precision filling will be key to enhancing productivity, safety, and sustainability. Let’s explore five major trends that are set to shape the future of the industry.
5 Trends to look out for in the Food & Drink industry for 2025:
Trend 1: Automation & Robotics in Processing & Filling
With rapid technological advancements, more companies are investing in automation to save time, reduce costs, and free up employees for other tasks. Automation and robotics are transforming bulk liquid and powder handling, making processes faster and more precise. A customer favourite is our Automated Filling & Emptying Equipment, including Engineered Delivery Nozzles and Drum Filling Heads, which provide a stress-free, efficient operation.
Trend 2: Hygienic & Sanitary Equipment Design
With stricter food safety regulations, the demand for sanitary-grade equipment is rising. To minimise contamination risks and ensure product integrity, equipment must meet CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilise-in-Place) standards. At EWFM, we offer a range of products, including Swivel Joints and Land Loading Arms, with FDA-approved materials and seals. Our food-grade Swivel Joints are designed for direct contact with food products, ensuring they remain safe for human consumption while maintaining the highest hygiene standards.
Trend 3: Sustainability & Waste Reduction in Liquid Handling
The Food & Drink Industry is prioritising energy efficiency and waste reduction, driving the adoption of precision filling technologies, closed-system transfers, and spill-prevention mechanisms to minimise product loss and environmental impact. Some of our products support sustainable operations, featuring options like vapour recovery, angled lance cuts to reduce splashback, and gas-tight accessories such as cones and IBC adaptors for a cleaner, more efficient process.
Trend 4: Improved Operator Safety & Ergonomics
With stricter workplace safety regulations, manufacturers are prioritising ergonomic, easy-to-use fluid transfer equipment to reduce strain and minimise risks for operators. Lightweight, hands-free filling solutions are gaining popularity, enhancing both efficiency and worker well-being. Our Automated Filling and Emptying Equipment offers hands-free filling, significantly reducing manual handling and improving safety on the production line.
Trend 5: High-Precision & Customisable Filling Solutions
As production lines become more specialised, the demand for customisable products is on the rise. At EWFM, we aim to provide our customers with solutions that fit their exact needs. Many of our products can be tailored with specific accessories or customised in their manufacturing process to ensure they meet the unique requirements of each operation.
Companies that prioritise sustainable practices, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and adapt to evolving regulations will be well-positioned for success in the ever-changing Food & Drink Manufacturing Industry. In the next edition of our 5 Industry-Specific Trends for 2025 series, we’ll shift our focus to another key sector and explore the trends that are set to define its future.
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