7 Keys Factors to consider when choosing food processing equipment

September 3, 2024

Author: Emma Hodgson, Marketing Executive

The food processing industry is a rapidly evolving field, driven by growing consumer demand for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Choosing the right food processing equipment is a critical decision that can have long-lasting implications on your business’s productivity, profitability and sustainability. From ensuring a quick return on investment (ROI) to staying aligned with current technological advancements, there are multiple factors that businesses must weigh before making an investment. This blog post will explore the seven key factors to consider when selecting food processing equipment: ROI, expertise, sustainability, automation, facilities, services and quality.

1. Return on Investment (ROI)

One of the primary factors when selecting industrial food machinery is the potential for Return on Investment (ROI). Whether you’re a small start-up or a large multinational company, the cost of new equipment is always a significant expenditure. While upfront costs may appear daunting, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits such as increased productivity, reduced labour costs, and improved product quality.

• Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: Start by calculating how quickly the equipment will pay for itself. For instance, will it reduce labour costs or increase throughput? Analyse factors like maintenance costs, energy consumption, and potential for downtime.
• Lifespan of Equipment: Consider the equipment’s durability and longevity. How often will it need repair or replacement? Investing in high-quality equipment may seem expensive initially, but it can save significant costs over time.
• Scalability: Look for equipment that can scale with your business. As your production volumes increase, you want to ensure that the equipment can handle higher capacity without needing a complete overhaul.

In short, when assessing ROI, it’s crucial to not only think of the immediate costs but also to measure the equipment’s contribution to long-term profitability.

2. Expertise

Consider the need for specialised product and process knowledge right at the start of your project, as it is essential to select the right food processing machinery solution for your product.  Having access to an expert team, and product development kitchen for trials and training is an essential part of the buying process.  When the industrial cooking equipment is on-site and commissioned, the ability to have a team to train and support your staff, and ensure the equipment is running to its full potential is essential.

• Manufacturer Expertise: Does the equipment supplier have a strong reputation in the industry? Look for manufacturers that offer solid training programs, in-depth installation support, and after-sales service. Make sure they have a history of reliability in providing food processing equipment.
• Internal Expertise: You should also assess whether your team has the expertise to operate and maintain the new equipment. If not, consider if the supplier offers thorough training to help your workforce get up to speed.
• Technical Support: Ongoing technical support is essential. Equipment downtime can result in costly delays, and you want to ensure that any issues can be quickly addressed. Always check for warranty periods, availability of spare parts, and the supplier’s response time for repairs.

In an industry where precision and uptime are critical, having access to technical expertise is a game-changer.

3. Sustainability

Choose food processing equipment that supports your sustainability goals by reducing food waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact.  Factors such as reducing the amount of water used and optimising energy consumption play an essential role in mitigating global warming.

• Energy Efficiency: One of the main concerns in food processing is the high energy consumption. Look for equipment designed to minimise energy use without sacrificing performance. High energy-efficient models may come with an initial premium but can lead to significant savings on operational costs over time.
• Waste Reduction: Waste management is another critical aspect of sustainability. Choose equipment that minimises food waste or makes use of by-products, which will contribute to both environmental goals and financial savings.
• Materials and Design: Many manufacturers now offer equipment made from recyclable or sustainable materials. Additionally, equipment designed for ease of cleaning and maintenance reduces the use of harsh chemicals, further contributing to eco-friendly practices.

Incorporating sustainability into your equipment choice not only helps the environment but also meets consumer expectations and regulatory requirements, enhancing your brand image.

4. Automation

Look for equipment that leverages enhanced automation, recipe management, precision, and data-driven decision-making.  Advance automation can improve productivity, traceability, batch consistency, reduce errors, and adapt to changing production needs.

The rise of automation in food processing has been transformative, offering significant benefits in efficiency, consistency, and labour reduction. Investing in automation technology is no longer a futuristic goal; it’s becoming essential for staying competitive.

• Labour Savings: Automated equipment can reduce the need for manual labour, lowering your labour costs while also minimising the risk of human error.
• Consistency and Quality: Automation ensures consistent results, especially important for food safety and quality. Automated processes can handle repetitive tasks with precision, reducing variability in product quality.
• Data Integration: Many automated systems can now integrate with your business’s data platforms to provide real-time insights into performance metrics, downtime, and production efficiency. This data can help you make better decisions to optimize production processes.

The food industry is moving towards fully automated production lines, making automation one of the most important factors to consider in equipment selection.

 5. Flexibility

Assess whether the food processing equipment fits seamlessly within your existing production line and space constraints. Consider compatibility with other food machinery, scalability for future growth, and ease of installation.  Customisable bespoke solutions can be tailored to your specific production and facility needs.

Equipment flexibility is critical because of shifting market demands, seasonal trends, and ever-changing consumer preferences.

• Multi-functionality: Choose equipment that can handle multiple tasks or process a variety of products. This flexibility allows you to adapt quickly to market demands, whether it’s scaling up production or introducing new product lines.
• Quick Changeovers: If your business deals with seasonal products or frequent product variations, having equipment that allows for quick changeovers is essential. This reduces downtime and increases efficiency.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your equipment should be able to grow with it. Look for systems that can be easily upgraded or expanded without significant disruptions to operations.

Flexibility ensures that your equipment can adapt to future changes in market demands and business growth, saving you the need for constant reinvestment.

6. Utilities

When evaluating equipment, it’s also important to consider the existing utilities and infrastructure available at your site. For instance, larger food processing plants might already have steam boilers for heating, glycol systems for cooling, or other specific utilities like compressed air.  If your facility is equipped with these, you should ensure that the new equipment is compatible. On the other hand, smaller facilities might only have electrical systems in place, which would necessitate equipment that runs on electricity alone, such as electric kettles or mixers. Matching the equipment to your facility’s capabilities can reduce installation costs and streamline integration.

Strong after-sales support and the right infrastructure ensure that your investment remains in optimal condition and minimises disruption to your business.

7:  Quality

Prioritise high-quality food processing equipment that is durable, reliable, and meets industry standards.

• Material Quality: Choose food machinery that is manufactured in the UK, using the finest materials such as 316 stainless-steel for food contact parts and 304 stainless-steel in other areas. This will ensure consistent product output, reduces downtime, and minimises long-term maintenance costs.
• Precision and Accuracy: Equipment that delivers precise and accurate processing ensures consistency in product quality. This is especially crucial in processes like mixing, cutting, cooking and cooling where even slight deviations can affect the final product’s taste, texture, or safety.
• Quality Control Features: Modern food processing equipment often includes built-in quality control features such as sensors, automated inspection systems, and real-time monitoring. These features help in detecting and correcting any deviations from the desired quality standards during the production process.

By prioritising quality, you not only ensure that your products meet consumer expectations but also reduce the risk of costly recalls and enhance your brand’s market position.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food processing equipment involves more than simply evaluating the initial purchase price. Key factors such as ROI, expertise, sustainability, automation, flexibility and quality play crucial roles in determining whether your equipment will serve your business effectively in the long term. By carefully considering each of these factors, you can make an informed decision that supports operational efficiency, meets safety standards, and aligns with future growth and sustainability goals.

Ultimately, the right choice in food processing equipment can significantly impact your bottom line and your ability to stay competitive in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.