According to Food Processing’s 15th annual Manufacturing Outlook Survey, published this month, which surveyed 251 food professionals in October–November 2015, 29% of respondents were very optimistic about the industry in 2016 and 49% were somewhat optimistic. As for their capital spending outlook for 2016, 22% chose “don’t know,” followed by 17% that predict an increase of more than 10%, 15% who estimated a 5%–10% increase and 10% who expect less than a 5% increase. Plant production is expected to increase 2%–9% for 37% of respondents, stay about the same for 23% and increase 10%–19% for 15%. As with last year, food safety was ranked as the highest priority by 25% of respondents, the highest percentage. Cost control and automation were ranked first by 13% and 12%, respectively. The Food Safety Modernization Act and new regulation was ranked first by 10%.

Source: Food Processing