Harnessing automation to transform the food and beverage industry

The Australian food industry is poised for continued growth between 2024 and 2028, driven by several key factors, according to the report Australia: Food Manufacturing Market Overview 2024–2028¹. Among the most significant trends are the rising demand for health-focused and sustainable food products, as well as more premium and convenience foods.

The report states that “these shifts are anticipated to spur innovation in product development and packaging, catalysing growth across various sub-sectors of the market.

“Simultaneously, sustainability and transparency are becoming increasingly important in the food manufacturing realm, with consumers demanding more eco-friendly packaging and clear, honest labelling. Manufacturers who successfully respond to these demands will likely enhance their market shares during this forecast period.”

The market will further be influenced by regulatory changes, trade agreements and macroeconomic factors. Therefore, understanding the competitive dynamics, market segmentation and growth opportunities will be essential for food and beverage manufacturers to navigate this evolving market landscape successfully.

The Australian food and beverage industry is also increasingly benefitting from advancements in technology, particularly in areas of automation, digitisation and artificial intelligence. These technologies, aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs, are expected to reshape the industry.

Bürkert a partner in food and beverage innovation

Specialising in automation and control systems, Bürkert can help food and beverage manufacturers enhance production efficiency and ensure consistency in product quality, key factors in responding to market trends. Bürkert’s solutions are designed to meet stringent safety and regulatory standards within the food manufacturing process. This is crucial for companies looking to reinforce consumer trust and adhere to legal requirements.

As sustainability becomes a central focus, Bürkert’s technology can support manufacturers in reducing waste through efficient processes, integrating functions that minimise energy consumption, and adopting eco-friendly practices. Bürkert’s advanced fluid control systems can also facilitate innovation in the development of healthier and more sustainable food products. This aligns with the trend towards premiumisation and health-conscious consumer preferences.

Enhanced energy efficiency

Bürkert process and solenoid valves provide precise control over compressed air flow, enabling manufacturers to optimise processes and reduce energy consumption. The valves can easily integrate into automated systems, allowing for streamlined operations and minimal manual intervention. Helping to manage compressed air accurately and minimise air leaks, Bürkert process and solenoid valves contribute to substantial energy savings. Efficient air management translates to lower operational costs, which is vital for businesses facing rising production expenses.

By optimising compressed air use, Bürkert valves support sustainability initiatives and reduced waste within manufacturing operations, aligning with the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices in the sector.

Consistent quality and safety

Designed for reliability and durability in demanding environments, Bürkert valves help to ensure stable operation, reducing the risk of production downtime and maintaining product safety.

Versatility across applications

Bürkert process valves can be utilised in various applications within the food and beverage industry — including bottling, packaging, and processing – making them an essential part of multiple production processes.

They can handle various gases and liquids, offering flexibility for manufacturers who may need to switch between different products or processes.

Enhanced maintenance and reliability

Designed for easy access and maintenance, Bürkert process valves offer reliability where it counts. Minimising downtime and ensuring that production can continue seamlessly by implementing predictive maintenance strategies, improves manufacturing output.

As a core manufacturer of fluid handling technology, including valves, controllers and networking equipment, Bürkert can customise solutions to suit diverse applications within the food and beverage industry. Whatever the application, Bürkert can provide expertise and experience to provide tailor-made solutions, from small-scale pilot projects to large-scale industrial facilities.

_{1. Reportlinker.com 2024, Australia: Food Manufacturing Market Overview 2024–2028}