Food processing

Food processing is the conversion of raw bulk ingredients (agricultural products) into food for human consumption or transforming one form of food into another.

frozen-food-processing-bulkinside

What comes to mind when you think of processed foods? You’re right if you think of items such as snack chips, cookies, and soft drinks.

But you might be surprised to learn that most foods we eat are processed.
Processing food definition = Food processing is any deliberate change in a food that occurs before it’s available for human consumption.

It can be as simple as drying or freezing food to preserve nutrients and freshness or as complex as formulating a frozen meal with the right ingredients and nutrients.

A few examples of processed foods include:

  • Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables,
  • Packaged foods labeled “natural” or “organic,” such as cereals, fresh meat, and poultry, and jarred baby foods,
  • Foods with health and nutrition claims on the label, such as “may reduce the risk of heart disease,” “low in fat,” or “high in calcium,”
  • Foods strengthened with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids,
  • Foods that are prepared in restaurants, cafeterias, sports arenas, and other locations.

Primary food processing

Primary processing is the conversion of raw materials to food commodities. Milling is an example of primary processing.

Secondary food processing

Secondary processing is the conversion of ingredients into edible products – this involves combining foods in a particular way to change properties. Baking bread is an example of secondary processing.

Tertiary food processing

Tertiary food processing produces prepared convenience foods like canned soups or frozen dinners.

 

Food processing companies manufacture, package, or store food for human consumption.

A food-producing company sells its products to households, restaurants, or institutional food services through a grocer or wholesaler. Food processing companies are responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumption.

Companies active in industrial food processing mainly process dairy products, preserved fruits and vegetables, grain mill productspet foods, bakery products, confectionery products, fats and oils, and more.

The food manufacturing process can be organized in unit operations, such as:

These operations are controlled to maintain consistent product quality, safeguard staff health, and food safety standards, and avoid problems that may stop the production line from running, which would result in ‘downtime.’

 

In an economy with rising production costs, new regulations, and changing safety standards, food processors have an even more challenging time remaining profitable.

By focusing on controlling and monitoring costs related to food processing and storage, food manufacturing and processing companies can make measurable improvements in their business.

Food processing software provides the functionality and value needed to improve operational efficiency.

Food processing software offers the following benefits:

  • Traceability
  • Reduced materials consumption, and therefore less waste
  • Improved decision-making
  • Measurement of key performance indicators
  • Greater visibility of operational performance
  • Consistently deliver reliable food products
  • Keep up with the latest food safety standards

The response drives the food manufacturing industry to both customer and consumer trends and needs.

The food processing industry is a large segment of the overall food industry, from farming and food production, packaging and distribution to retail and catering.

Finding a source covering all aspects of processing bulk dry foods and food manufacturing is challenging.

Product supervisors and plant and project engineers must keep up-to-date with the latest food processing news.

Access to news on breakthrough technologies in food processing, food processing innovations, and general food industry news and events is crucial for any food industry professional.

Subscribe to our E-newsletters

Get the extensive coverage for dry material handling professionals who buy, maintain, manage or operate equipment, delivered to your inbox (it’s free!).

By signing up for our list, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

Articles about Food processing

Experts for Food processing

Nathan Grube is Regional Vice President of Sales for BinMaster covering the central United States including a ten-state area stretching from North Dakota to Texas. He joined BinMaster in 2001, already equipped with five years of experience in agricultural equipment. Grube has worked with end users, distributors, and OEMs across the US. His vast expertise covers many industries including agriculture, aggregates, cement, plastics, and mining, among others.
Read more
Chris has been working at Spiroflow for over 10 years and is currently in the role of technical sales manager. He handles all the technical drawings and specifications during the sale and aides our drawing office while the equipment is designed, he also assists the manufacturing department with the build. His vast knowledge of powder handling and mechanical design is why he is involved in every aspect of designing our powder handling solutions.
Read more
Gareth Meese works as Regional Sales Director – EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Northern Africa) for Eriez-Europe, a global leader in several key technology areas, including magnetic separation, metal detection, and material handling equipment. With nearly 20 years of experience in continuously-evolving positions, Gareth is well versed in bulk material handling applications. When Gareth joined Eriez as an Export Sales Engineer, he led several Eriez teams tasked with expanding business throughout Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and the Czech Republic. Later, as Export Sales Manager, he concentrated on growing Eriez-Europe in Russia, Europe and Northern Africa. His recent promotion expands his geographic responsibilities further with the addition of the Middle East and India. Gareth has been instrumental in pursuing Eriez’ vision and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Cardiff University. Gareth is more than prepared to discuss and recommend a tailored solution for any unique bulk material handling application.
Read more
Design Engineer, Project Manager, Territory and Sales Manager with 40+ years of experience in capture at source designs, sales and installation projects for high and low vacuum and dust collection and filtration systems and explosion and fire mitigation in dust collection systems.
Read more
Travis has over 20 years of experience in the dry bulk solids industry and is the President at Vortex, an engineering and manufacturing company that specialises in process valves and loading solutions specifically for solids handling. Travis has worked on solution-driven installations across six continents and has a strong knowledge of market-specific regulations and requirements within the industry.
Read more
Malcolm has an extensive background as a Mechanical Engineer in Material Handling and Sieving Technology and has been working on Vibratory Sifter Technology for well over 40 years, with the last 21 years at Kason Europe. Malcolm currently holds the role of Technical Sales Engineer. He handles all the technical aspects of providing the Regional Sales Managers with the quotations they require to sell the AMP/AHS range of equipment globally. He also assists the RSM’S with customer queries and final deal negotiations as well as liaising with the Engineering team to ensure a smooth transition between sales and GA approval. His vast knowledge means that he also offers and provides training where required on the AMP product range of equipment across the European Sales group.
Read more
With over 32 years of experience in raw material handling and a specialization in weighing and mixing control systems, I provide comprehensive solutions that encompass the entire process—from raw material intake to the final product—all delivered from a single source. Supported by a team with a combined 140 years of experience and backed by a company with over 55 years of tradition, we develop and implement tailored systems that guarantee the highest standards of precision, efficiency, and safety. Our integrated solutions combine cutting-edge technology with deep expertise to achieve precise dosing and mixing, leading to optimized product quality, significant cost savings, and enhanced production efficiency. We manage every phase of the process, ensuring a seamless and reliable implementation for our clients.
Read more
Tim Porco is the the President of Erie Technical Systems Inc. He oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring top-notch solutions for customer needs. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University and is an active member of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Filling Association (FIBCA). With an extensive background in technical sales, product management, and sales management within the powder solids handling industry, Tim applies his diverse skills to develop economical solutions for clients. Tim is committed to listening carefully to customer requirements and translating them into effective applications of Erie Technical Systems equipment.
Read more
John has been working as a Mechanical Engineer in Mixing & Sieving Technology for over 47 years, the last 6 at Kason and is currently in the role of Technical Sales Engineer. He handles all the technical aspects of providing the Regional Sales Managers with the quotations they require to sell the AMP/AHS range of equipment globally. He also assists the RSM’S with customer queries and final deal negotiations as well as liaising with the Engineering team to ensure a smooth transition between sales and GA approval. His vast knowledge means that he also offers and provides training where required on the AMP product range of equipment across the European Sales group.
Read more
Since 2016, David Hyer has served as the President and General Manager of Thayer Scale and is responsible for daily operations. In 2013, he rejoined the company after serving as the division manager of the circuit-board test and inspection business at Teradyne. His professional experience includes senior management positions in sales and business development at Teradyne and two venture capital-backed startups. His first position was with Thayer Scale in 1985 as a college student writing machine-level code for the PI-164 instrument. David has expertise in the design and manufacture of market-leading conveyor belt scales and gravimetric feeders. With an unyielding focus on product line specialization and quality, the company’s portfolio of products and customized solutions are tailored to the unique requirements of its three key segments; Food, Energy & Building Products, and Chemical & Industrial. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. He is married with three children and enjoys tennis, golf, and spending time on his boat.
Read more

Promoted video

Upcoming events

Events