The fruit and vegetable processing equipment market is forecast to grow by USD 2.75 billion at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2023 and 2028, driven by the global shift toward convenience, plant-based diets, and technological modernization. In this 2025 Outlook and Comprehensive Guide, we explore the dynamics of a sector that is both foundational to the food industry and a bellwether for global consumer trends.For more details about the industry, get the PDF sample report for free
As consumers worldwide prioritize health, longevity, and convenience, processed fruits and vegetables are no longer just pantry staples—they’re nutrition-forward lifestyle choices. With population booms and urbanization in APAC and North America, demand for high-efficiency, automated processing lines is rising. From fresh-cut convenience packs to vacuum-cooked high-value exports, food processors are upgrading fast.
"Advanced sorting technologies, such as optical grading and IoT-enabled quality monitoring, are transforming traditional operations into agile, intelligent factories," explains Senior Technavio Expert.
This segment is estimated to experience significant growth through 2028, fueled by the increasing need to ensure product uniformity and safety right from the start. Processes such as sorting, washing, grading, and dewatering have evolved into high-tech, sensor-based operations, especially critical for products like fresh-cut fruits and vegetables that are prone to spoilage and browning.
The segment was valued at USD 2.27 billion in 2018, and has grown consistently as vegetarian diets and plant-based food products dominate consumer trends. Specialty equipment for antioxidant retention and fiber separation is becoming mainstream in leading markets like the US, China, and India.
As the demand for frozen, canned, dried, and juiced fruit and vegetable products surges, companies are investing in machinery capable of high throughput with minimal nutritional degradation. Equipment with vacuum cooking, blanching, and sterilization functions is particularly valued in high-volume operations.
This subsegment sees continuous innovation, especially in response to retail and e-commerce growth. New formats in ready-to-eat (RTE) meals and sustainable packaging solutions are influencing equipment purchases. Features like modular filling systems and smart conveyors help maintain shelf life while ensuring visual appeal.
Automation is the decisive trend, with fully automatic systems rapidly replacing semi-automatic alternatives due to their reliability, hygiene, and reduced labor needs. However, semi-automatic machines remain vital for SMEs trying to balance cost with operational upgrades.
Pros of Automatic Systems:
Reduced labor cost
Enhanced product consistency
Real-time monitoring and traceability
Cons:
High upfront investment
Complex maintenance requirements
Accounting for 31% of global market growth, North America remains a core region due to strong demand for convenience foods, robust food safety regulations, and the dominance of organized retail chains. Major processed items include frozen berries, canned vegetables, and fruit powders, supported by investments in dewatering and seasoning technologies.
Driven by sustainability mandates and veganism trends, European companies prioritize energy-efficient systems and recyclable packaging machinery. Germany and the UK lead in integrating automation with IoT platforms.
The fastest-growing region, APAC is transforming its processing base with large-scale adoption of value-added and pre-processing equipment. Health awareness, growing middle classes, and urban dietary shifts are the primary drivers.
These regions are increasingly investing in entry-level and modular processing systems to support growing domestic consumption and export ambitions. Equipment customization and cost-effectiveness are key purchase drivers.
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Busy lifestyles are redefining food choices globally. Processed fruits and vegetables, offering extended shelf life and ready-to-use formats, are winning over urban populations. Products like canned beans, frozen mangoes, and vegetable juices deliver both nutrition and convenience.
Automation, AI, and computer vision are modernizing how fruits and vegetables are handled. For instance, Tomra Systems’ optical sorters can detect imperfections down to the cellular level, reducing waste and boosting consumer trust.
Cost is the greatest barrier to adoption—especially for SMEs in developing countries. A commercial juicer may cost $5,000 to $20,000, while industrial dehydrators can go up to $50,000. Despite the cost, the ROI in productivity, safety, and product shelf life often justifies the expenditure.
The Fruit and Vegetable Processing Equipment Market is evolving rapidly due to the increasing global demand for packaged and convenience food products. The market is driven by the widespread adoption of peeling equipment, slicing machines, and dicing equipment for primary processing tasks. In early-stage operations, washing systems, sorting machines, and grading equipment ensure that raw produce meets hygiene and quality standards. Advanced cutting tools, blanching machines, drying equipment, and freezing systems play a critical role in preserving nutritional content. Furthermore, innovations in aseptic packaging and vacuum packaging enhance product shelf life, supported by high-speed filling machines, sealing equipment, and conveying systems. Quality control is maintained through inspection systems, while sanitation is managed with industrial cleaning equipment and sterilization units
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Automation is non-negotiable for companies aiming for scalability and compliance.
Pre-processing equipment remains the most dynamic segment, especially for fresh-cut and ready-to-eat segments.
APAC and North America are the strategic hotspots, offering volume and innovation-led opportunities respectively.
Sustainable and smart packaging technologies are defining purchase priorities in the EU.
Cost flexibility, modular systems, and aftermarket services are crucial to unlocking SME adoption.
As e-commerce grocery sales rise, supply chain resilience, traceability, and smart packaging will become even more critical. Expect increased M&A activity, with large players acquiring regional specialists to expand processing capabilities. Further, AI and IoT will converge with robotics, bringing real-time adaptive processing to the forefront.
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In-depth analysis of the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Equipment Market highlights the importance of downstream processes that enhance efficiency and product variety. Equipment such as pulping machines, juicing equipment, and extraction systems is essential for liquid and puree products, while evaporation units, homogenization equipment, and pasteurization systems help in ensuring stability and consistency. Drying technologies like dehydration machines, along with cooling systems, support product preservation. Further, mixing equipment, grinding machines, shredding equipment, and specialized tools like coring machines, pitting equipment, and destoning machines provide tailored processing capabilities. Finishing operations utilize chopping equipment, filtration systems, and clarification equipment, followed by concentration using concentration units. End-of-line solutions include labeling machines, canning equipment, bottling systems, cartoning machines, palletizing equipment, and wrapping machines, all supported by heat exchangers and spray dryers to finalize high-quality processed goods.
SMEs should consider phased automation with semi-automatic systems that offer upgrade paths.
Invest in pre-processing solutions that integrate quality control, particularly for premium fresh-cut products.
Leverage regional insights—target APAC for volume, North America for tech adoption, and Europe for sustainability innovation.
R&D should focus on antioxidant retention, modular systems, and eco-efficient operations.
Partner with packaging tech providers to align with retail demands and regulatory trends.
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