In 2023, the production value of food processing and packaging machinery hit a record-high of € 16.5 billion, marking a 5 % increase from the previous year. This notable achievement was highlighted in a press release by the VDMA (Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association), establishing the sector as the fifth-largest in the mechanical engineering industry.
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High Demand for Packaging Machines
According to the press release, packaging machines significantly contributed to the growth, accounting for nearly half of the total production value. Production in this segment increased by 10 % to nearly € 8 billion, with the beverage packaging machinery sector seeing an impressive 18 % growth to € 2.8 billion.
Impact of EU Packaging Regulation
A large part of the 2023 turnover was based on orders from the previous year, as incoming orders remained rather restrained in 2023, due to the uncertainties that surrounded the new EU packaging regulation. However, after the regulation was adopted in April 2024, it provided standardized conditions and greater planning security for the industry.
Developments in Food Machinery
The food machinery industry showed a mixed performance, with meat and protein processing technology maintaining high production levels at € 1.3 billion, while bakery machinery production remaining steadily at € 688 million. The confectionery machinery sector, recovering from previous challenges, saw a 23 % increase in production to € 354 million.
Industry Outlook
The outlook for 2024 remains positive, with global demand for food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products on the rise. Despite a 6 % decrease in incoming orders in the first four months of 2024 compared to the previous year, experts anticipate a positive trend in orders, particularly for packaging machinery.
