PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and the Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA), are releasing the 2026 Processing State of the Industry Report, along with a companion infographic designed to provide a quick, accessible snapshot of key findings. The report aims to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. food and beverage processing machinery market.

Developed collaboratively by PMMI and FPSA, this inaugural report reportedly establishes a baseline for the processing machinery market, including shipment values, growth forecasts and segmentation by end user industry and equipment category.

According to the findings, the U.S. food and beverage processing machinery market reached $6.2 billion in shipment value in 2025, with modest growth of 3.2% over 2024, and is expected to continue expanding, with projections indicating the market could reach $6.7 billion by 2027.

The report highlights key industry segments, with meat and poultry (29.2%), prepared foods (14%), and dairy (12.4%) representing the largest shares of the market, while sectors such as inspection equipment are expected to see some of the strongest growth through 2030.

In addition to market sizing and forecasts, the report identifies several major trends reportedly shaping the industry, including:

• Increasing demand for automation amid persistent workforce shortages
• Growing emphasis on sanitation and food safety, driven by recall visibility
• Rising adoption of AI and data-driven technologies for monitoring and inspection
• Shifts toward health-focused and protein-rich food production
• Greater focus on sustainability and operational efficiency

To complement the full report, PMMI and FPSA also released an infographic summarizing these insights in a concise format to support quick understanding and broader industry awareness. The infographic is designed to help stakeholders easily digest key data points and trends.

“This report and infographic represent a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to provide actionable market intelligence to the processing industry,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “By delivering a clear view of market size, growth drivers, and emerging trends, we are equipping our members and the broader industry with the insights needed to make informed investment and operational decisions.”

“The collaboration between FPSA and PMMI brings together deep industry expertise to create a comprehensive resource that truly reflects the realities and opportunities within food and beverage processing,” says Chris Lyons, president and CEO, FPSA. “This report delivers meaningful value by helping companies better understand where the market is headed and how they can position themselves for future growth.”

The 2026 Processing State of the Industry Report is available for download through PMMI’s website, with additional data accessible via an interactive dashboard for PMMI and FPSA members seeking deeper analysis and segmentation.

Related: PACK EXPO to showcase packaging, processing solutions