Innovations in food packaging, processing and production

On 15 October 2025, the NAEC in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, plays host to FoodManufacturing.Live. Now in its second year after a highly successful inaugural event, this unique exhibition is focused exclusively on the engineering aspects of food manufacturing - from system design to installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair. Expert and leaders in their particular fields have come together to bring you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the industry.

The sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from labour shortages and rising costs through the supply chain, to the need to reduce energy consumption and increase production efficiency. We can't control the uncontrollables, but we can make the business more resilient to those macroeconomic variables, and the engineering systems associated with food manufacturing have a key role to play.

Whether you work for food and drink manufacturers and processors large or small, you'll discover answers to technical needs covering everything from simple component replacement right up to the integration of complete manufacturing and processing lines. And it's not just about tackling the challenges; success is also about realising the opportunities for growth and innovation. At FoodManufacturing.Live, you'll be able to discover and evaluate a host of different solutions to keep yourself ahead of the curve.

PLUS Automation (stand 48) will be showing you how to '#MakeSenseofSensors' with technology-leading factory and process automation sensors from Contrinex, ReeR and SATRON.

For its part, ifm (stand 10) has unveiled a new multi-protocol IO-Link Master with integrated OPC UA server. Carrying IP69K certification for food industry applications, the AL159x is designed to meet the evolving demands of Industry 4.0 - an advanced solution that combines robust performance with flexible communication to ensure seamless integration at both OT and IT levels.

Highlighting how, in industries where hygiene, safety and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable, the smallest components can make a big difference, Elesa (stand 27) offers a range of SAN-certified products for food and beverage manufacturing applications. The product range includes knobs, handles, latches, levers, fasteners and positioning elements.

Built to resist bacterial growth, the dual benefit of hygiene and safety means they not only support compliance with stringent standards but also improve operational longevity and reduce maintenance requirements. As an example, Elesa says one dairy processing plant that adopted SAN-certified fasteners and grips reported a 40% drop in surface bacterial counts following installation, along with longer component lifespan and improved audit outcomes.

In an industry where accuracy, speed and compliance are crucial, Rotech (stand 42) will be highlighting the importance of reliable marking: from batch numbers and best-before dates to allergen tracking and traceability codes, Rotech's coding equipment integrates seamlessly with food production lines.

Increased automation

As food manufacturers look to increase the use of automation and robotics on production lines, one of the challenges can be that food products can have many different shapes, sensitive surfaces, and are sometimes soft and sometimes fragile. To address this issue, Schmalz (stand 167) has developed the mGrip finger gripper. Constructed in a hygienic design, it picks up delicate products such as vegetables or baked goods precisely and gently.

Energy efficiency is a further challenge for the sector, and WEG (stand 56) highlights its range of high efficiency IE4 electric motors for food and beverage applications. WEG offers a full range of solutions developed with a modern design and high performance standard, giving food and beverage applications low maintenance, high reliability and flexibility, resulting in industrial solutions of greater efficiency and safety.

FoodManufacturing.Live also includes a world-class programme of workshops that address real-world engineering requirements and explore the industry's most pressing concerns. Presentations by experts from the likes of SKF, Brownlow Utilities and PurpleSector to name just three, will be looking at topics including strategies for future-ready businesses, how Formula 1 techniques are solving complex food and beverage manufacturing challenges, and cutting edge solutions to enhance food safety.

The event will also include a panel session, chaired by Nikesh Mistry, sector head for industrial automation at Gambica, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to explore how real-world manufacturing environments are driving practical innovation to stay competitive and adaptable. The discussion will delve into actionable strategies for building resilient operations, from supply chain agility and digital transformation to workforce development and collaborative partnerships.

Importantly, FoodManufacturing.Live recognises that we are all busier than we have ever been. The event has been designed so that you can get the maximum return on your time investment: get ideas for your business, with solutions that will help you to boost productivity, efficiency, traceability, cleanliness, safety, sustainability and more.