According to the Snack Foods Packaging Trends white paper and infographic released by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (the organization that produces the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows), 92% of snack food manufacturers are optimistic about the future and expect at least some growth over the next three years.

“Fueled by an increase in demand and a proliferation of new products and packaging variations such as variety packs, single-serving sizes, and different unit counts, 88% of survey respondents intend to acquire new machinery between now and 2027. About 57% of the new machinery will replace existing equipment, often 20-30 years old,” according to a recent press release.

Speed of throughput was cited as the most important factor when selecting new equipment, and many snack manufacturers intend to completely automate hybrid manual/automatic lines. The requirement to operate various packing materials also motivates equipment acquisitions. Customizability, usability, cost, quality and dependability, and the capacity to continuously create high-quality goods are additional crucial factors to take into account when buying equipment.

OEMs are selected based on their location and customer service capabilities while keeping equipment details in mind. The white paper states that while many snack manufacturers favor US-made equipment, non-US-made equipment is also accepted, especially if the OEM is based in the US to guarantee prompt service. On snack food lines, the most often used machines are those for filling and dosing (65%), form/fill/seal (74%), and labeling, decorating, and coding (78%).

“The proliferation of different products, types of packaging, and sizes is expected to continue in the future. Other industry drivers include the need for longer shelf life, demand for clean and healthy recipes and sustainable packaging, interest in new flavor profiles, and the addition of convenience stores and e-commerce channels,” the document also reveals.

Snack food manufacturers expressed worry about persistent difficulties in hiring and retaining employees, which led to the use of technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality headsets to help with operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training.

Additionally, snack manufacturers are looking to enhance automation, equipment adaptability, food safety, and throughput. These demands are driving the incorporation of automation technologies like remote access and predictive maintenance, as well as quality-control systems like metal detectors and sensors to assist in alleviating bottlenecks. Although most people prioritize sustainability, different people have different levels of focus and dedication to it.

At the all-new PACK EXPO Southeast 2025, which takes place from March 10–12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, snack food manufacturers may find the newest solutions to meet the growing market demand. PACK EXPO Southeast, the most comprehensive expo in the area, provides crossover solutions for over 40 vertical markets and all of today’s largest production needs. Brands will discover that the Atlanta site, a regional manufacturing center, is handy and easy to get to for teams to attend, evaluate the newest technology, pick the brains of top industry professionals, and form important relationships to meet ongoing or future projects. Although most people prioritize sustainability, different people have different levels of focus and dedication to it.