Food Sorting Machine Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Material, Type of Sorting Machine, Automation Level, Size of Machine, Technology, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Food Sorting Machine Market is accounted for $4.15 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $7.81 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period. A food sorting machine is an automated device designed to separate food products based on specific criteria such as size, colour, shape, weight, or quality. Commonly used in industries like agriculture and food processing, these machines utilize technologies like cameras, sensors, lasers, and air jets to accurately identify and remove defective or unwanted items. Food sorting machines enhance efficiency, reduce labour costs, and improve product quality by ensuring that only desirable food items continue through the production line.

According to recent data, the food and beverage industry has experienced a significant increase in global demand, primarily due to manufacturers' focus on processing time and product quality.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for processed food

The rising demand for processed food directly and ready-to-eat products, manufacturers must ensure high-quality, safe and uniform food products. Food sorting machines automate the sorting process, ensuring that only desirable products reach the market while maintaining safety standards. With the increasing volume of processed food production, these machines become essential for handling large quantities quickly, reducing labour costs, and minimizing waste, thus driving market growth.

Restraint:

Technical expertise required

The need for technical expertise often requires specialized knowledge in areas such as sensors, software, and automation. This can lead to increased training costs or the need to hire expensive technical staff. Additionally, in regions with limited access to technical expertise, the complexity of these machines may deter companies from investing, slowing down market growth and adoption.

Opportunity:

Growing adoption in emerging markets

Growing adoption in emerging markets and their economies in regions modernize, there is an increasing need to meet international food safety standards and improve operational efficiency. Automated food sorting machines help reduce food waste, improve product quality, and boost production capacity, addressing the rising demand for processed and packaged food. Additionally, governments and companies in emerging markets are investing in advanced technologies to optimize labour costs, enhance food safety, further fuelling market growth.

Threat:

Stringent government regulations

Stringent government regulations often require frequent updates to machinery and software to meet evolving standards in food safety and quality. Companies may need to invest in costly certifications, inspections, and upgrades to ensure compliance, raising operational expenses. Additionally, smaller food processing firms might struggle to afford these upgrades, slowing market adoption. Regulatory complexities can also prolong the approval process for new technologies, delaying market entry and stifling innovation in the sector.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the food sorting machine market. Disruptions in supply chains, labour shortages, and social distancing protocols accelerated the need for automation in food processing. With heightened concerns over food safety and hygiene, companies sought automated solutions to reduce human contact in the production line. While the initial economic slowdown hindered new investments, the pandemic ultimately drove demand for food sorting machines as manufacturers aimed to enhance efficiency, ensure quality control, and meet evolving food safety standards.

The plastic sorting machines segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The plastic sorting machines segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to the efficiency of separating plastic contaminants from food products during processing. With growing concerns over plastic pollution and stricter food safety regulations, the demand for advanced sorting technologies that can precisely detect and remove plastic debris is rising. These machines use optical sensors, lasers, and AI to identify and sort plastic materials, ensuring cleaner, safer food products. As a result, the increased focus on food quality and safety propels market growth in this segment.

The fruits & vegetables segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The fruits & vegetables segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period, due to the need for high-quality standards in food processing. As consumers prioritize quality, colour, and size, automated sorting machines efficiently handle large volumes, ensuring only the best products reach the market. This segment benefits from technological advancements, enhancing sorting accuracy and reducing waste. Additionally, the rising trend of organic produce and sustainable practices further boosts the adoption of sorting machines, making them essential for maintaining quality.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to rising urbanization and increasing demand for processed and packaged foods. Countries like China and India are investing heavily in food processing technologies to enhance efficiency and quality. The region's diverse agricultural landscape promotes the need for advanced sorting solutions to handle various fruits, vegetables, and grains. Additionally, government initiatives supporting modernization in the food sector, coupled with growing awareness of food safety and quality standards, are propelling market expansion in this dynamic region.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to advanced agricultural practices and increasing consumer demand for high-quality food products. The region's focus on food safety regulations and quality assurance further propels the adoption of sorting technologies across various sectors, including fruits, vegetables, and packaged goods. Technological innovations, such as AI and machine vision systems, enhance sorting efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, the presence of key players and investment in automation technologies bolster the market, making North America a leading region in food sorting solutions.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Food Sorting Machine Market include Tomra Systems ASA, Buhler Group, Key Technology, Inc., GREEFA, Mettler Toledo, Cimbria, Sesotec GmbH, Weightron Bilanciai Ltd, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Allied Industrial Equipment, Inc., FANUC Corporation, Viscan, Sormac B.V., Fritsch GmbH, Danfoss A/S, Bainbridge, Pellenc ST, NIKKA DENSOKU CO., LTD. and Zanasi S.r.l.

Key Developments:

In Jul 2024, Greefa has recently established a significant partnership with Fresh Energy the two companies officially marked their collaboration through a signing ceremony. This partnership focuses on enhancing the sorting and packaging processes for vegetables, particularly peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, intended for the European market.

In Aug 2023, Tomra introduced the TOMRA 5S Advanced, designed specifically for high-efficiency sorting of fresh produce. This innovative product enhances sorting accuracy and efficiency, meeting the growing demands of the food industry.

In May 2023, Tomra announced a partnership with Plastretur AS to create Norway's first dedicated sorting plant for plastic packaging. This facility aims to enhance plastic recycling by sorting high-quality fractions from municipal waste. Tomra holds a 65% stake, with plans for the plant to be operational very soon.

Materials Covered:

• Plastic Sorting Machines
• Metal Sorting Machines
• Wood Sorting Machines
• Other Materials

Type of Sorting Machines Covered:

• Optical Sorting Machines
• Laser Sorting Machines
• Weight Sorting Machines
• Color Sorting Machines
• Magnetic Sorting Machines
• X-ray Sorting Machines
• Other Type of Sorting Machines

Automation Levels Covered:

• Manual Sorting Machines
• Semi-Automated Sorting Machines
• Fully Automated Sorting Machines

Size of Machines Covered:

• Compact Sorting Machines
• Standard Sorting Machines
• Large-Scale Sorting Machines
• Other Sizes of Machine

Technologies Covered:

• Machine Vision Technology
• Near Infrared (NIR) Technology
• Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
• X-ray Technology
• Electromechanical Sorting Technology
• Other Technologies

Applications Covered:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Grains & Pulses
• Nuts & Seeds
• Meat & Poultry
• Dairy Products
• Seafood
• Beverages
• Bakery Products
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances