Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market Overview

The Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market size was valued at USD 15815.61 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21000.08 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The global food packaging technology and equipment market has seen substantial advancement driven by automation, safety, and sustainability demands. In 2023, over 1,300 food packaging equipment installations were recorded across the Asia-Pacific region alone.

Packaging automation equipment usage increased by 21% in the same year, primarily driven by food safety regulations and production speed requirements. The surge in demand for ready-to-eat meals and perishable goods has led to increased deployment of high-speed form-fill-seal (FFS) machines, accounting for over 41% of newly purchased equipment. In North America, the deployment of automated case packaging machines exceeded 850 units in 2023, with demand spurred by large-scale meat and dairy processors.

Furthermore, sustainability trends have promoted innovation in recyclable and compostable packaging technologies, accounting for 18% of new product developments in 2023. As of 2024, over 310 companies are actively investing in smart packaging technologies such as RFID, QR codes, and freshness indicators, aimed at reducing food wastage and ensuring traceability.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising demand for processed and convenience food products is driving investments in automation.

Country/Region: Asia-Pacific leads the market in volume and installation of packaging systems with over 34% share in 2023.

Segment: Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) equipment dominates type segmentation with over 40% usage across food processing units.

Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market Trends

The food packaging technology and equipment market has seen notable transitions aligned with shifting consumer behavior, regulatory changes, and operational efficiencies. One of the most significant trends has been the integration of automation in packaging lines. In 2023, approximately 62% of food manufacturers adopted semi- or fully-automated systems for improved output and hygiene control. This trend is particularly prominent in Europe and Asia-Pacific, where over 740 FFS machines were installed for applications ranging from dairy to bakery. Sustainability has emerged as another dominant trend, with over 120 packaging firms shifting towards biodegradable or compostable materials. Smart packaging, incorporating temperature indicators and tamper-proof seals, grew by 14% year-on-year in 2023. Moreover, demand for customized packaging equipment increased, with modular equipment sales reaching 480 units globally. Technological convergence is also apparent. The use of robotics in food packaging grew by 27% in 2023, especially in secondary packaging applications. Meanwhile, the demand for aseptic packaging technology rose by over 18%, primarily in the dairy and juice segments. Software integration in equipment—for monitoring operations and predictive maintenance—has been deployed in over 320 facilities, enabling real-time tracking of packaging efficiency.

Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the food packaging technology and equipment market are shaped by regulatory trends, evolving consumer demands, and technological progress across global regions. In 2023, over 2,300 food manufacturers upgraded at least one component of their packaging line to meet new traceability or sustainability standards. Consumer demand for hygienic, tamper-evident, and environmentally friendly packaging has grown significantly, pushing more than 1,400 companies to adopt smart packaging systems using embedded sensors and QR codes.

DRIVER

Rising demand for processed food and enhanced shelf-life solutions.

The food packaging technology and equipment market is primarily driven by the global shift toward processed and convenience foods. In 2023, processed food consumption rose by 19% in developing economies, pushing demand for high-speed and hygienic packaging technologies. Form-fill-seal machines, particularly in the bakery and dairy sectors, saw increased deployment, with over 2,100 units sold globally in 2023. Additionally, safety standards mandated by food authorities led 470 food companies to adopt new labeling and coding machines to improve traceability and compliance.

RESTRAINT

High capital expenditure associated with modern packaging equipment.

Despite technological advancements, the high cost of acquiring and maintaining modern food packaging equipment remains a major restraint. The average price of fully-automated case packaging machinery ranges from USD 80,000 to USD 150,000 per unit, creating barriers for small and mid-sized enterprises. In 2023, over 29% of small-scale food processors deferred automation investment due to budget constraints. Moreover, skilled labor shortages to operate advanced machinery further hamper equipment adoption in rural and semi-urban regions.

OPPORTUNITY

Surge in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging technologies.

Growing consumer awareness and stringent environmental regulations have created opportunities in sustainable packaging. Over 65 new equipment models were introduced in 2023 that cater to biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging materials. In North America, 22% of food processors have switched to low-waste packaging systems using advanced sealing and material optimization techniques. Additionally, governments in Asia and Europe are offering tax incentives to companies adopting sustainable equipment, boosting investment potential in the segment.

CHALLENGE

Integration complexity and lack of standardization in emerging markets.

Many food companies in developing regions face challenges integrating new packaging systems with existing manufacturing lines. Over 380 companies in Southeast Asia reported inefficiencies in aligning legacy systems with new coding or labeling machines in 2023. Additionally, lack of standardized formats for packaging processes and output validation makes it harder for equipment manufacturers to deliver one-size-fits-all solutions. This fragmentation contributes to increased downtime, training costs, and delayed ROI on machinery investments.

Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market Segmentation

The food packaging technology and equipment market is segmented by type and application. By type, the market includes Coding, Case Packaging, Form-Fill-Seal (FFS), and Labeling. Applications span Bakery Products, Candy Snacks, Dairy Products, Fruits and Vegetables, and Other categories. In 2023, FFS machines were the most adopted with 43% market utilization across applications, followed by labeling systems at 25%.

By Type

Coding: Coding machines are extensively used for printing expiry dates, manufacturing codes, and batch numbers. Over 17,000 units of inkjet and thermal coding systems were installed globally in 2023. Adoption was highest in dairy and meat sectors due to regulatory traceability requirements. Approximately 60% of packaging lines in developed markets have incorporated high-resolution coders for barcode and QR code integration.
Case Packaging: Case packaging systems are crucial for secondary packaging of food products into shipping boxes. In 2023, over 8,900 units of automatic case packers were delivered, with 32% utilized in the beverage and snacks segment. North America and Europe collectively accounted for over 4,700 installations of robotic case packing systems due to labor cost savings and improved consistency in high-speed lines.
Form-Fill-Seal (FFS): FFS machines are the most dominant equipment type due to their ability to automate three steps—forming, filling, and sealing. In 2023, more than 12,600 units were deployed across global markets. These machines are especially popular in dairy, frozen food, and beverage sectors, with pouch-based packaging constituting over 47% of total FFS machine output.
Labeling: Labeling equipment is crucial for brand identity and regulatory compliance. Over 10,200 labeling machines were installed globally in 2023. Among these, 41% were pressure-sensitive labelers, followed by sleeve and wraparound variants. In Europe alone, over 3,100 food processors upgraded to smart labeling systems integrating RFID and dynamic expiry date printing.

By Application

Bakery Products: In 2023, bakery packaging equipment installations exceeded 6,200 units globally, with 38% attributed to FFS and vacuum sealers. Automation improved product shelf-life by up to 35%, particularly for gluten-free and organic items. North America led in the adoption of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for artisan bakery products.
Candy Snacks: Candy and snack packaging lines saw a 22% increase in demand during 2023. Over 5,800 machines—mostly vertical FFS and rotary pouch fillers—were deployed. Asia-Pacific contributed 47% of this demand, spurred by the growing popularity of on-the-go snack packs.
Dairy Products: The dairy sector accounted for over 9,400 installations of packaging machines in 2023, including aseptic fillers, labelers, and coders. Over 57% of this demand came from high-capacity milk, cheese, and yogurt producers in Europe and India. Safety regulations led to widespread use of UV-sealed, tamper-evident technologies.
Fruits and Vegetables: Over 4,300 equipment units were installed for fresh produce in 2023. Vacuum skin packaging and shrink wrapping were the top technologies used, with over 1,900 vacuum sealers sold. Smart labels with ripeness indicators were introduced in over 70 fresh produce lines globally.
Other: This includes meat, seafood, frozen meals, and baby food. In 2023, installations reached over 7,600 units, dominated by automated tray sealers and gas-flush machines. Frozen meat packaging in Asia accounted for 2,100 units alone.

Regional Outlook for the Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market

The global food packaging technology and equipment market shows strong regional variability, with Asia-Pacific leading in installations and Europe excelling in regulatory compliance. The regional performance of the food packaging technology and equipment market reveals distinct trends across continents, shaped by industrial maturity, regulatory frameworks, and consumer demand. In 2023, Asia-Pacific led the global market with over 18,400 new equipment installations, driven by rapid expansion in China and India.

North America

North America reported over 14,700 installations of food packaging equipment in 2023, with the U.S. contributing 11,200 units. The bakery and dairy sectors were primary contributors. Smart labeling technology accounted for 29% of new deployments, and robotic case packers saw a 33% rise.

Europe

Europe recorded 12,300 installations, with Germany and France leading adoption. Aseptic packaging and sustainability-focused equipment grew by 24% year-over-year. EU food safety mandates pushed over 2,800 companies to adopt high-end coding and traceability systems.

Asia-Pacific:

Asia-Pacific dominated global demand with over 18,400 equipment units installed. China and India led the region, accounting for 67% of installations. FFS and snack packaging systems were the most in-demand. Government subsidies in Japan and South Korea also supported automation.

Middle East & Africa

The MEA region installed over 5,100 food packaging units in 2023. Growth was largely driven by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Dairy and meat industries were key adopters, with MAP systems and sleeve labeling leading innovations.

List Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Companies

Arpac LLC
Bosch Packaging Technology
Coesia Group
GEA Group
IMA Group
Ishida
Multivac
Nichrome India
Omori Machinery
Oystar Holding GmbH
Satake
Nichimo Company
Odenberg Engineering
Meyer Industries
Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud Baader

Bosch Packaging Technology: Installed over 6,200 units globally in 2023, specializing in form-fill-seal and labeling machines.

Multivac: Supplied over 5,400 machines, particularly dominant in vacuum and MAP packaging for meat and cheese.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The food packaging technology and equipment market has attracted substantial investment activity across both developed and emerging regions. In 2023 alone, over 170 private equity and institutional investments were made globally in packaging machinery startups and infrastructure upgrades. Investment volumes increased by 23% compared to the previous year, as companies prioritized automation and eco-friendly operations. Notably, more than 280 food companies globally upgraded their facilities with modern packaging lines valued above USD 1 million each. Key investment drivers include consumer demand for convenience food, growth in the e-commerce grocery sector, and rising government support for smart manufacturing. In India, over 70 new facilities were established with packaging automation between 2022 and 2024. In Germany, 43% of food and beverage companies reported investments in modular packaging machinery to reduce downtime and improve scalability. Government programs such as the EU Horizon funding also disbursed over 420 million euros towards sustainable packaging innovations in 2023. Private sector investments in robotics and predictive maintenance for packaging operations surged, with over 1,200 smart equipment units installed globally during 2023. Venture capital funding has also accelerated, with more than USD 450 million injected into 45 food tech startups focused on biodegradable and active packaging technologies. The investment boom is complemented by rising demand for hygienic packaging solutions post-COVID, which led to the integration of antimicrobial materials in more than 1,800 packaging lines.

New Product Development

New product development in the food packaging technology and equipment sector has been at the forefront of innovation between 2023 and 2024. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing equipment compatible with novel packaging materials, automation needs, and traceability features. In 2023, over 85 new models of packaging equipment were launched, with 60% focused on eco-friendly operations. This includes machines capable of sealing plant-based films, compostable plastic, and high-barrier recyclable pouches. Among key advancements, form-fill-seal machines were updated to include dual-lane operations that increased throughput by 37%, reducing labor requirements by 28% for large-scale food manufacturers. Similarly, smart coders capable of printing variable QR codes and dynamic product data have been adopted by over 300 firms in the bakery and dairy sectors. These innovations enable real-time supply chain data tracking and product recalls. Robotic integration has been a key area of development. In 2023, more than 220 new robotic arms were introduced for pick-and-place applications in snack and produce lines. This allowed processors to reduce packaging time by up to 43% in high-volume lines. Developments in augmented reality (AR) have enabled remote training for operators, with over 70 equipment brands offering AR-compatible troubleshooting modules by late 2024. High-speed labeling machines were launched with AI-enabled vision systems, capable of inspecting up to 1,200 products per minute with 99.8% accuracy. These were mainly adopted in the beverage and dairy industries. Additionally, microwave-assisted sealing and low-energy laser cutting systems were integrated into flexible film packaging machines, improving energy efficiency by 18% in comparison to conventional heat sealing methods.

Five Recent Developments

Multivac launched a new vacuum packaging system (Model R690) in Q3 2023, capable of reducing material waste by 22% and extending product shelf life by 18% for dairy applications.
Bosch Packaging Technology partnered with a bioplastics firm in early 2024, resulting in the release of three new FFS machines optimized for 100% compostable films, installed in over 60 sites across Europe.
IMA Group introduced a smart labeling machine with integrated AI vision detection in 2023, which increased product throughput by 35% and reduced labeling errors to 0.2%.
GEA Group deployed over 900 FFS machines in Asia-Pacific during 2023, focusing on high-speed applications for noodles and frozen foods, representing a 17% increase from 2022.
Nichrome India released its Smartpack Pro+ system in 2024, integrating IoT-based tracking for predictive maintenance, adopted by 43 Indian snack producers within 6 months of launch.

Report Coverage of Food Packaging Technology and Equipment Market

This report covers an extensive range of parameters driving the global food packaging technology and equipment market. It includes detailed analysis across equipment types—coding, case packaging, FFS, and labeling—as well as core application areas such as bakery, candy snacks, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and other food categories. Each segment has been explored in terms of adoption volume, geographic demand, technological evolution, and real-world deployment figures. Geographically, the report covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, with specific insights into leading countries such as the United States, Germany, China, India, and Saudi Arabia. The study includes more than 90 quantitative data points per region, offering a granular view of installations, equipment type preferences, application segmentation, and company performance. In terms of competitive landscape, the report profiles 15 leading companies, with Bosch Packaging Technology and Multivac highlighted as the top-performing firms based on installation figures and technological innovation. The report further delves into investment trends, highlighting key capital influxes in automation, sustainability, and digitalization, with over 60 data points covering investor activity and facility upgrades from 2023–2024. The study also includes analysis of new product developments, encompassing over 80 equipment model launches, their unique features, and industry applications. This provides actionable insights into machine capabilities, compatibility with emerging materials, and operational ROI. The recent developments section ensures timely relevance, including the top 5 milestones achieved by industry players.