Food Sorting Machine Market to Hit USD 4.0 Billion by 2035 — Growth Driven by Automation & Food Safety Demand

The global Food Sorting Machine Market is poised for steady growth, projected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2035 from USD 2.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a CAGR of 4.3% between 2025 and 2035. The industry’s expansion is driven by rapid automation in food processing, growing food safety regulations, and the rising consumption of packaged and processed foods worldwide.

Food safety and quality assurance have become paramount as global food trade and consumption rise. Sorting machines — particularly optical and laser-based systems — are increasingly deployed to ensure contamination-free, uniform, and high-quality products. With regulatory agencies such as the FDA, FSMA, and HACCP tightening compliance standards, manufacturers are investing heavily in automated sorting technologies to reduce human error, improve yield, and minimize waste.

Automation and Quality Control Drive Market Growth

Technological advancements such as AI, machine vision, and robotics are transforming the operational efficiency of food processors. Automated sorting systems help manufacturers reduce labor dependency while maintaining precision and speed. The growing preference for automation stems from its ability to enhance consistency, cut operating costs, and improve traceability in food production lines.

According to recent analysis, the optical sorter segment dominates the global market, holding 41.3% revenue share in 2025. These machines detect contaminants and defective items with high accuracy using advanced imaging systems, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.

Meanwhile, laser-based sorting technology, projected to account for 35.0% of revenue share in 2025, continues to gain traction due to its ability to identify impurities based on texture and chemical composition. This precision makes it an essential solution for high-volume processors seeking quality assurance and efficiency.

End-Use Insights: Packaged and Processed Foods Lead

Among end-use industries, the dry and packaged food processing segment leads the market with a 32.9% share in 2025. The surging demand for ready-to-eat and convenience foods in urban regions has pushed food producers to adopt sophisticated sorting machines. These systems ensure hygiene, reduce waste, and maintain compliance with safety certifications, making them indispensable in high-output food facilities.

Urbanization and changing dietary habits are further accelerating demand in developing economies. In India and China, rapid industrialization and growing middle-class consumption of processed foods are driving investments in automated food processing facilities.

Regional Analysis: Asia Pacific and North America Take the Lead

The Asia Pacific region is projected to exhibit the fastest growth, with India forecast to grow at 5.6% CAGR, followed by Japan (5.1%) and China (4.6%) through 2035. Favorable government initiatives, such as India’s incentives for food processing startups and China’s food safety modernization programs, are fostering rapid market adoption.

In North America, strong regulatory frameworks and a focus on automation are fueling demand. The United States alone is witnessing robust adoption of AI-integrated sorting systems, with packaged food manufacturers modernizing facilities to meet growing consumer expectations for clean and safe food.

Europe, led by countries such as Germany and Spain, continues to invest in food safety technologies, supported by the EU’s stringent quality regulations.

Competitive Landscape and Market Concentration

The Food Sorting Machine Market remains moderately fragmented, with top manufacturers accounting for 35–40% of the total market share. Key players include TOMRA Systems ASA, Bühler Group, Satake Corporation, NPI Sorters (Duravant), Cimbria, and Sesotec GmbH.

Tier 1 companies dominate global production and product innovation, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 players focus on region-specific solutions and cost-effective equipment for emerging markets.

Industry leaders are pursuing mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations to strengthen technological capabilities and expand market reach. For instance, in February 2025, Cimbria launched BRAIN, an AI-powered software platform enhancing optical sorter accuracy. Similarly, Duravant LLC acquired National Presort LP in August 2025 to expand its automated sorting portfolio.

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Market Challenges: High Costs and Skill Shortages

Despite the promising outlook, high capital investment remains a barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Advanced AI-enabled sorters require substantial upfront costs, specialized operators, and continuous maintenance — challenges that often restrict adoption among smaller processors.

The industry also faces a shortage of skilled professionals capable of managing advanced sorting systems, highlighting the need for technical training and workforce development programs in food manufacturing.

Outlook: Automation and AI Pave the Future

From 2020 to 2025, the market grew at a modest 1.9% CAGR, reaching USD 2.4 billion in 2025. With rising automation and regulatory compliance requirements, the decade ahead promises stronger momentum. By 2035, the market is expected to touch USD 3.89 billion, driven by modernization in food processing, AI integration, and sustainability-focused practices.

As global food producers strive for higher efficiency and reduced waste, the demand for intelligent sorting systems is set to accelerate.

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