Processing operations are evolving in response to workforce constraints, heightened food safety requirements, sustainability goals, and pressure to improve productivity and efficiency. To address these challenges, processors are increasingly turning to automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies. In the food and beverage industry, health-driven shifts in consumer preferences and increased sanitation demands are also driving change, according to Processing State of the Industry 2026, a report from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the organizer of the PACK EXPO family of trade shows. 

Multiple factors are shaping processing equipment investments

Labor shortages remain a challenge due to a lack of skilled technicians, high turnover, and hiring volatility. These difficulties in hiring and retention are influencing capital spending and machine design. As a result, processors are prioritizing automation that stabilizes throughput with fewer operators. This is driving demand for turnkey, fully integrated solutions, more intuitive controls, and systems that require less internal engineering oversight. To address these needs, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are designing machines and integrated systems that are production-ready and reduce the time required to ramp up to full, high-quality output while minimizing manual intervention and maintenance complexity. OEMs are also expanding aftermarket services. 

For food and beverage manufacturers, higher recall visibility, a proliferation of stock keeping units (SKUs), and formulation changes are accelerating the importance of hygienic design, cleanability, and repeatable sanitation workflows and driving capital investments. 

Adoption of AI in processing remains gradual and risk-weighted, with its current use focused on data monitoring, inspection enhancement, and decision support rather than autonomous control. Reliability, accountability, cybersecurity, and return on investment continue to govern AI’s rate of deployment as processors prioritize validated, repeatable performance. 

Meanwhile, sustainability goals remain an investment driver and are increasingly framed in terms of cost reduction and efficiency. Thus, water use, energy consumption, and waste minimization are influencing equipment upgrades, sanitation practices, and system design decisions. 

With these trends driving equipment purchases, demand is outstripping supply. As a result, the report notes, order backlogs are expected to increase, adding urgency to decisions about new installations and upgrades. The innovations decision-makers need to make their processing operations more productive, efficient, sustainable, and hygienic will be on display at PACK EXPO International 2026, Oct. 18–21, at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the largest concentration of processing and packaging innovations in North America. 

PACK EXPO International showcases processing innovations 

In today’s food and beverage manufacturing environment, processing and packaging are integrated systems, making it critical to bring solutions for both under one roof. At PACK EXPO International 2026, attendees will discover the latest solutions to increase efficiency, achieve total system integration, and ensure safety. 

Of particular interest to processors, the Food & Beverage Processing Zone will present the widest variety of equipment to date, including systems for mixing, batching, forming, hygienic design, inspection, thermal processing, plant engineering, food safety, and automation. This area of the show floor also houses the Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, where expert presenters will discuss how to streamline production, improve food safety, reduce waste, and integrate new technology. 

PACK EXPO tools help manufacturers navigate solutions 

The following new show tools are designed to help manufacturers maximize their show experience by finding the products and suppliers they need.