2015 Food and Beverage Manufacturing Trends Survey

Optimism with a side of hope

grantthornton.com/2015foodtrends

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INTRODUCTION

Every year, Food Processing magazine's Food and

Beverage Manufacturing Trends Survey examines

the leading trends shaping the food and

beverage industry.

What's noteworthy about 2015 and beyond?

And, more importantly, how can your company be

successful?

Trend #1: Optimism permeates

the industry.

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INTRODUCTION

76% are optimistic about 2015,

up from 67% in 2014.

Trend #2: Focus on innovation.

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INTRODUCTION

Trend #3: Companies are hiring.

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INTRODUCTION

36% are planning to hire new staff,

up from 31% in 2014.

View the infographic >

Compared to the prior year,

in 2015 food and beverage

manufacturers expect to:

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INTRODUCTION

• Expand in-house technical training

• Hire more line operators for

semiautomated tasks

• Outsource more job functions

But finding skilled talent is

a persistent challenge.

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INTRODUCTION

1 in 3 companies plan to partner with

community colleges and participate in

campus recruitment to boost hiring

efforts.

See what else companies are doing to boost hiring >

Trend #4: Automation.

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INTRODUCTION

Plans to automate the entire production line

have more than doubled compared with 2014.

See a breakdown of automation plans >

Of course, innovation and

automation require spending.

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INTRODUCTION

Case in point:

46% are planning to increase

capital spending, up from 37%

in 2014.

Trend #5: Sustainability

matters.

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INTRODUCTION

1 in 3 companies say green initiatives are more important in 2015 than in 2014.

Top 3 energy management strategies

Reductions in electricity usage 39%

Efficient lighting 29%

Energy usage monitoring 18%

Trend #6: Food safety

remains leading issue.

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INTRODUCTION

But companies embrace more action,

less talk than last year:

• More than twice as many companies report

IFS Food Standard certification.

• Fewer say food safety is their top concern.

Get the numbers >

How does your food and beverage

company stack up against those trends?

Talk to us to find out more about the changes that are

shaping the industry in 2015 and beyond.

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Dexter ManningPractice Leader

Food and Beverage

Grant Thornton LLP

T +1 404 475 0061

E dexter.manning@us.gt.com

Jeff PeraManaging Partner

Northern California

Grant Thornton LLP

T +1 415 365 5490

E jeff.pera@us.gt.com