Automated Food Sorting Equipment Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (Optical Sorting Machine, Gravity/Weight Sorting Machine), By Application (Fruits, Vegetables, Seeds and Grains), And By , Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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AUTOMATED FOOD SORTING EQUIPMENT MARKET OVERVIEW

The global automated food sorting equipment market size at USD 1.77 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.85 billion in 2026, growing further to USD 2.68 billion by 2035 at an estimated CAGR of 4.7% from 2026 to 2035.

The automated food sorting equipment market is witnessing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for efficient and hygienic food processing solutions. These systems utilize advanced technologies such as machine vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics to accurately sort and classify food products based on various parameters such as size, shape, color, and quality. With the rising concerns regarding food safety and quality, food manufacturers and processors are increasingly adopting automated sorting equipment to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with stringent regulations. Moreover, technological advancements and innovations are further fueling market expansion, catering to the diverse needs of the food industry globally.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market Growth Restrained by Pandemic Due to Project Delays and Cancellations

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the automated food sorting equipment market, disrupting supply chains and causing economic uncertainties across the globe. With lockdowns and restrictions on movement, many food processing facilities faced challenges in maintaining operations at full capacity, leading to a decrease in demand for new equipment investments. Additionally, financial constraints and budget cuts among food manufacturers and processors due to economic slowdowns have further dampened the market growth. However, as the situation stabilizes and industries adapt to the new normal, the market is expected to gradually recover, driven by the ongoing need for automation and efficiency in food processing operations.

LATEST TRENDS

Enhanced Sustainability Features in Automated Food Sorting Equipment to Help Market Grow

Another emerging trend in the automated food sorting equipment market is the integration of enhanced sustainability features. With growing environmental concerns, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing sorting equipment that minimizes energy consumption, reduces waste, and maximizes resource efficiency. This includes the adoption of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient components, and optimized processes to lower carbon footprints throughout the equipment's lifecycle. Additionally, some sorting systems are incorporating innovative recycling and waste management functionalities, aligning with the industry's shift towards more sustainable practices.

• According to government sources, AI technologies are increasingly utilized in food industry automation, enhancing food safety testing, production processing, and data analysis. This integration has improved efficiency by 23% and reduced operational costs by 18%.
• According to association sources, investment in advanced optical sorting machinery has increased processing efficiency by 30%, supporting 116 cooperative producers in improving product quality.

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AUTOMATED FOOD SORTING EQUIPMENT MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into optical sorting machine, gravity/weight sorting machine

• Optical sorting machines: Utilize advanced imaging technology to identify and sort food products based on visual characteristics such as color, shape, and size.

• Gravity/weight sorting machines: Rely on gravitational forces or weight measurements to separate food products based on their mass or density, ensuring accurate sorting according to predetermined criteria.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized as fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains

• Fruits: Automated food sorting equipment used for sorting various types of fruits based on size, ripeness, and quality.

• Vegetables: Sorting machines designed to classify different vegetables according to factors such as size, shape, and color.

• Seeds and Grains: Equipment specialized in sorting seeds based on characteristics like size, shape, and viability. Sorting machinery used to separate different types of grains based on size, weight, and quality parameters.

DRIVING FACTORS

Stringent Food Safety Regulations to Drive the Market

The implementation of stringent food safety regulations by governing bodies worldwide is a key driving force behind the increasing adoption of automated food sorting equipment. Food manufacturers and processors are under pressure to ensure compliance with regulatory standards to maintain consumer trust and avoid penalties. Automated sorting equipment helps in achieving consistent quality control, minimizing the risk of contamination, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, thereby driving its demand in the market.

• According to government sources, programs promoting mechanization and automation in specialty crops have led to a 25% increase in adoption of automated sorting technologies among producers.
• According to association sources, autonomous machine vision-guided robotic systems have improved labor efficiency by 28%, addressing workforce shortages and enhancing production safety.

Demand for Increased Efficiency and Productivity to Propel the Market

There is a growing demand for enhanced efficiency and productivity in the food processing industry, driven by factors such as rising population, changing consumer preferences, and increasing global food demand. Automated food sorting equipment enables manufacturers to streamline their operations, reduce manual labor, minimize processing time, and optimize resource utilization. As a result, it not only improves overall productivity but also helps in reducing operational costs, making it a compelling investment for food processing companies.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Initial Investment Costs to Restrain the Market Growth

The high initial investment required for purchasing and installing automated food sorting equipment can act as a significant restraining factor for some food processing companies, especially smaller ones or those operating on tight budgets. The cost of acquiring sophisticated sorting systems, along with additional expenses related to installation, training, and maintenance, can pose financial challenges for businesses. As a result, some companies may hesitate to invest in automated sorting equipment, preferring to continue with manual sorting methods or delay equipment upgrades until they can justify the expenditure. This barrier to entry based on upfront costs can hinder automated food sorting equipment market growth, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.

• According to government sources, significant infrastructure investment remains a challenge, limiting adoption in low-density regions by 15%.
• According to association sources, complex regulatory approval processes have delayed adoption of new sorting devices for 12% of food processing facilities.
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AUTOMATED FOOD SORTING EQUIPMENT MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Asia Pacific to Emerge as the Pivotal Driver in the Market Due to Rapid Industrialization

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

The region expected to play a dominant role in the automated food sorting equipment market share is Asia-Pacific. This dominance is driven by several factors, including rapid industrialization, increasing urbanization, and the growth of the food processing industry in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Additionally, rising consumer demand for safe and high-quality food products, coupled with government initiatives promoting automation and technological advancements, further propel market growth in the region. Moreover, the presence of key market players investing in research and development activities and expanding their manufacturing facilities in Asia-Pacific contributes to its leadership position in the automated food sorting equipment market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Key industry players shaping the automated food sorting equipment market through innovation and market expansion include Tomra Systems ASA, Bühler AG, Key Technology, Inc., Satake Corporation, and Cimbria A/S. These companies prioritize innovation, developing advanced sorting technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality. They expand their market presence through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and global distribution networks. Through continuous research and development efforts, these industry leaders drive market growth, shaping the landscape of automated food sorting equipment with cutting-edge solutions and customer-centric approaches.

• TOMRA: According to association sources, TOMRA has over 5,900 units installed in more than 40 markets, demonstrating its global reach and expertise in automated sorting.
• Meyer: According to government sources, Meyer’s new equipment has improved meat sorting efficiency by 27%, enhancing overall product quality.

List of Top Automated Food Sorting Equipment Companies

• TOMRA (Norway)
• Buhler (Switzerland)
• Meyer (U.S.)
• Duravant (U.S.)
• Satake (Japan)
• SHIBUYA SEIKI (Japan)
• Cimbria (AGCO) (Denmark)
• GREEFA (Netherlands)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

October 2022: A significant industrial development in the automated food sorting equipment market is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. IoT enables connectivity and data exchange between sorting equipment and other devices, facilitating real-time monitoring and control of sorting processes. This integration allows for remote management, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability of food sorting operations. Additionally, IoT-enabled sorting equipment can collect and analyze vast amounts of data, enabling manufacturers to gain valuable insights into production trends, quality metrics, and equipment performance, leading to more informed decision-making and improved productivity.

REPORT COVERAGE

The automated food sorting equipment market is witnessing significant growth driven by factors such as increasing demand for food safety, efficiency, and productivity. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and high initial investment costs, the market continues to expand, fueled by advancements in technology and stringent regulatory requirements. Key industry players, including Tomra Systems ASA, Bühler AG, Key Technology, Inc., Satake Corporation, and Cimbria A/S, are driving innovation and market expansion through continuous research and development efforts. With the integration of technologies like AI, IoT, and machine learning, the future outlook for the automated food sorting equipment market remains promising, catering to the evolving needs of the food processing industry globally.