Emerging Trends in Food Process Engineering: Integrating Sensing Technologies for Health, Sustainability, and Consumer Preferences

Abstract

The food processing industry, a significant global economic driver, encompasses diverse sectors ranging from agriculture to food service and is currently undergoing transformative changes fueled by engineering innovations, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory demands. Cutting-edge advancements in food technology, such as precision agriculture, intelligent packaging, and advanced food processing methods like high-pressure processing and 3D food printing, are revolutionizing efficiency and sustainability. These innovations are reducing waste, improving food safety, and enhancing traceability throughout the supply chain. Simultaneously, consumer demands for healthier, sustainable, and ethically produced food are reshaping product offerings. Emerging trends include functional foods, clean labels, plant-based diets, personalized nutrition, and allergen-free products, all reflecting a focus on health and wellness. Sustainability remains a critical priority, with emphasis on eco-friendly farming practices, food waste reduction, and biodegradable or recyclable packaging solutions. Digital technologies like IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and robotics are enhancing operational efficiency and transparency. Intelligent food packaging featuring embedded sensors for monitoring freshness and quality is further bolstering consumer confidence and supply chain efficiency. These advancements position the food processing industry to address global challenges, ensuring food security, safety, and sustainability while adapting to dynamic market demands.