The food and beverage industry relies heavily on efficient material handling solutions to ensure smooth operations, maintain product quality, and meet customer demands. From the moment ingredients arrive at the production facility to the packaging and distribution of the final products, the right equipment and processes are vital to maintain productivity, safety, and overall success.

Rising demand for material handling equipment

Material handling encompasses the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials throughout production and distribution. According to Manik Sarkar, senior general manager of Craftsman Automation, India's material handling equipment market is witnessing significant growth fueled by the rapid expansion of industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and eCommerce.

He adds, "With a growing emphasis on operational efficiency, safety, and technological advancements, the demand for innovative material handling solutions is on the rise. India's material handling equipment market is driven by increasing foreign investments, infrastructure development projects, and government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India. The country's favorable demographics, rising disposable income, and the shift towards organized retail also contribute to the market's growth."

Embracing automation and robotics

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial operations, the integration of automation and robotics has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping traditional material handling processes across various sectors, including the food and beverage industry. Sarkar shares his views, "Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and storage solutions are some of the key equipment in high demand. The adoption of automation and robotics is gaining momentum, enabling efficient and streamlined material handling processes. Moreover, implementing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) enhances inventory management and order fulfillment."

He states that India's material handling equipment market is witnessing intense competition among domestic and international players. Companies are focusing on product innovation, customization, and aftersales services to cater to the specific needs of different industries. He adds, "As the Indian economy continues to grow and industrial activities expand, the material handling equipment market is poised for significant opportunities. With technological advancements and a customer-centric approach, the industry is expected to witness robust growth and contribute to the overall development of India's logistics and supply chain ecosystem."

Demand for material handling equipment

In the food and beverage industry, the seamless movement and careful management of materials are essential for delivering products that meet stringent quality standards and consumer expectations. As the demands of these industries evolve, the need for advanced material handling equipment has risen significantly to ensure efficiency and product safety. According to Sarkar, "Both the solid food and liquid food industries demand material handling equipment, but the specific requirements and types of equipment may vary based on the nature of the products being handled. The solid food industry encompasses various sectors such as bakery, confectionery, dairy, meat and poultry, grains and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and packaged food products. The liquid food industry includes sectors such as beverages, dairy, sauces and condiments, oils, and alcoholic beverages."

Craftsman Automation's association with ANUTEC – International FoodTec India

Sharing about their experience at ANUTEC, India's largest international fair for food and drink technology last year and upcoming participation, Sarkar says, "We participated in last year's ANUTEC - International FoodTec India Exhibition, where we had a good number of visitors from top companies in the food and beverage industry. This year, we are excited to be back at ANUTEC and showcase our latest automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). Our AS/RS is designed to help food and beverage companies improve their efficiency, security, and responsiveness. We are confident that our AS/RS will be a valuable addition to any food and beverage company's operations."

Founded in 1986, Craftsman Automation is one of India's leading engineering firms, possessing diverse and deep knowledge in product design and development. Based in Coimbatore, the company's pan-India manufacturing unit houses a world-class infrastructure that uses cutting-edge technology to manufacture automotive products, gears and transmission, castings, special purpose machines, hoists, and automated storage systems to provide solutions that find acceptance with global OEMs operating in India.