Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Size - By Product Type, By Operation, By Heat Technology, By End Use, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Size

The global food industry heat processing equipment market size was valued at USD 21 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 4.9% between 2025 and 2034. The rapid growth of the world’s population and altering consumer behavior are clearly affecting the increasing demand for ready to consume and processed food products. Customers are now more focused on convenience, longevity, and reliability, all of which are well done by modern food processing equipment.
 

Urbanization along with an increasing workforce population which leads to a higher view in finished food consumption, as stated by the Food Processing Suppliers Association. Such trends have also stimulated the growth of the market for heat processing equipment for baking, cooking, sterilization, and frying applications.
 

The introduction of microwave and induction systems within heat processing technology greatly increases efficiency, speed and accuracy during food production. Such advancements also meet worldwide sustainable development goals by lessening energy use and waste of food. Kessler associates claims that energy regulations combined with safe food regulations are routed in advanced solutions and therefore are successful in convincing food manufacturers to replace their old equipment with advanced heat processors. This trend has been beneficial to the economies of both developing and developed nations.
 

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Trends

The market of heat-processing equipment in the food sector is clearly developing towards more environmentally-friendly and energy-saving technologies, such as induction and microwave systems. An increase in the use of automation and IoT-capable solutions is also swift, improving efficiency and monitoring of processes. Besides, the increasing requirements for personalization of equipment designed for particular food items are boosting the evolution in the sphere. As indicated by the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA), the trend among consumers to buy organic materials and food that has undergone minimum processing is stimulating suppliers to purchase machinery which preserves the ingredients’ nature in accordance with the changing standard requirements of the industry.
 

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Analysis

As a result of their technical sophistication, high-grade engineering, and strict adherence to safety regulations, thermal treatment systems manufacturing in the food sector necessitates extensive resources. Because of the considerable expenses, these generally hinder the advancement of small and medium enterprises (SME's), since upgrading technology becomes impossible. Also, the additional cost of installing energy-efficient and automated systems, while helpful in the long run, increases upfront costs. Such economic problems may slow market development, especially in areas where industrial credit or government assistance is not readily available, as highlighted by the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA).
 

The  heat exchangers segment exceeded USD 6.2 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to see 5.2% CAGR during 2025-2034. A crucial part of food industry heat processing equipment is heat exchangers; this is because they have a large degree of efficiency in transferring heat for pasteurization, sterilization and cooking. Their ability to maintain precise temperatures and help conserve energy makes them desirable for products sensitive to heat like dairy and beverages. As per research by the International Association for Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS), heat exchangers occupy a huge portion of the market due to their operational and reliable nature.
 

The conventional segment dominated 63.9% share of the food industry heat processing equipment market in 2024 and is expected to develop at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2025-2034. Conventional heating technologies like gas and electricity are widely available and highly economical, reliable, and flexible to suit a host of food processing operations.
 

The microwave technology segment is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2034. Within the Heating processing market for food, microwave technology has been gaining great prominence especially due to its competitiveness in speed and operation. Uniform heating is achieved efficiently within the active processing and energy cost which make microwave technology efficient and economical to produce ready to eat and snack food products.
 

In the year 2024, the U.S. food industry heat processing equipment market size crossed USD 4.2 billion and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5% from 2025 to 2034. The US continues to be one of the key beneficiaries in the food market heat equipment processing market due to their food producing capabilities and technology driven advances. The region has been aided by a strong processed food market and a rising focus on energy efficient technology for equipment. As noted by the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) the US food processing equipment industry is always new innovations and new sustainable goals.
 

North America: As a result of significant equipment improvements and its exceptional food production capacity, the United States retains its central role in the food industry equipment for heat processing market.
 

In Canada, the food equipment heat processing market is projected to grow gradually due to the increasing need of packaged and processed food. With the support of policies encouraging sustainable systems, the energy efficient and automatic equipment is on the rise. As per CFIA, newer equipment with innovative technologies are significant in fulfilling all food safety parameters along with the efficiency expected which helps in improving the market.
 

Europe: The Europe food industry heat processing equipment market is estimated to hold 22.8% of the revenue share with CAGR of around 4.5% between 2025 to 2034. Europe is a crucial region for the food industry heat processing technologies as it has strong food manufacturing capability and evolution for better processing technology. As Europe has stringent food safety regulations, it increases the energy efficiency for the machines and enhances the welding equipment.
 

Germany is responsible for significantly boosting the Europe food industry heat machines market by approximately revenue share 5.5% in 2024. Germany dominates the Europe food industry heat process equipment market owing to its quality control and high quality of products. It is apparent that German’s strongly prefer food industry heat processing machinery using organic materials as this shows their superiority in sustainability.
 

Asia Pacific: The estimated market growth of APAC is anticipated to be attain over 5.7% CAGR through 2-34, consequently granting them with a market share of roughly 30.7% by 2024. It has been estimated that the food industry heat processing equipment market will grow the most in the Asia Pacific sector compared to others. This growth can be attributed to factors such as enhanced industrialization, lattice of processed foods, and improved standards of living.
 

Considering each country separately, China rises as the fastest market for the food industry heat processing equipment along the lines of APAC especially with the growth rate of over 5.8% till 2034. Due to the large scale of the food processing and constant demand for processed packaged food the Chinese region is expected to excel in the APAC sectors. Constant investment in energy efficient equipment plays a vital role in ensuring a stronghold over the leadership across the region. 
 

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Share

The global food industry heat processing equipment industry is highly competitive with leading names like GEA Group, Alfa Laval, SPX FLOW, Bühler Group and Tetra Pak commanding ~30-35% of the total market share.
 

Discord is rampant among market players as there has been constant efforts to innovate technology, enhance efficiency, cut costs, and promote eco-friendliness. The implementation of automatics and modernization have risen on the agenda list as it helps a firm reinforce their position in the market, boost operational metrics, and remain compliant with regulations. Moreover, said innovations ensure food safety, a much needed component in this field. Leading industrial bodies such the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), and the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) confirm that the use of automatic equipment markedly improved the level of performance and adherence to international requirements.
 

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the food industry heat processing equipment industry are:

• Alfa Laval
• Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.
• Bühler Group
• FMT Food Machinery & Technology
• GEA Group
• Heat and Control, Inc.
• IDMC Limited
• JBT Corporation
• Krones AG
• Marel
• Scherjon Dairy Equipment
• SPX FLOW
• Tetra Pak
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• TSC Food Processing Equipment
   

Food Industry Heat Processing Equipment Industry News

• Beginning of January 2024, Tetra Pak heat process machinery that uses 20% less energy than its predecessors will be implemented. The motivation for this product is the continuous and increasing desire for cheaper products in the food industry which encourages the spirit of change that is needed across the globe.
   
• In Germany, there was a food industry trade exhibition and Marel’s most contemporary advancements in heat processing equipment were on display to the public. The equipment which has recently been introduced came with modern features designed to improve food safety measures and preserve products for an optimal amount of time, both of which are highly important in the food processing industry. The Food Processing Equipment Manufacturers Association (FPEMA) has stated an increasing trend of implementation of invention and better practices compliant with the high demands of food safety protocols.
   

This food industry heat processing equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Heat Exchangers
• Pasteurizers & Sterilizers
• Evaporators
• Dehydration Equipment
• Fryers
• Ovens
• Others (blanchers, roasters, etc.)

Market, By Operation

• Manual
• Semi-automatic
• Fully automatic

Market, By Heat Technology

• Conventional (gas, electricity)
• Infrared
• Microwave
• Induction

Market, By End Use

• Bakery and confectionery (bread, cakes).
• Meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Dairy products (milk, cheese).
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Beverages (juices, soft drinks).
• Snacks (chips, nuts)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa