Agility becomes critical for food producers

Pressure on food manufacturers is not easing. Quite the opposite. Moving toward 2026, costs remain high, markets uncertain, and consumer demands continue to shift. According to international consulting and engineering firm NIRAS, this calls for production strategies that can adapt more quickly. Flexible and efficient production is therefore becoming increasingly important.

That is the picture outlined by Jonas B. Borrit, Vice President Process Industries at NIRAS. “Manufacturers across Europe have faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2025 alone, we saw constantly changing import tariffs, stagnating economic growth, and rising labor costs, on top of the ongoing challenge of shifting consumer needs.” Those conditions will not disappear overnight, Borrit expects. Remaining flexible in both thinking and action is therefore essential.

Notably, there is a growing focus on avoiding new capital investments. First, existing operations are optimized to the fullest, with expansion considered only afterward. Ongoing cost and budget pressure means this approach will remain relevant next year as well.

Plant-based proteins reach scale

According to Jolmer Nieuwkerk, Manager Engineering Expertise at NIRAS, 2026 could become an important year for plant-based proteins. “2026 could be the year in which the plant-based protein revolution truly scales up.” Demand is high, supported by improvements in taste and texture and growing environmental awareness.

Start-ups and pioneers in particular are moving toward pilot and factory-level production. In doing so, they encounter familiar obstacles: financing and technical expertise. Both are required to translate ideas into safe, scalable, and commercially viable production that can compete with established players.

Nieuwkerk also sees increasing attention for hybrid products. “Plant-based differs fundamentally from animal-based, both in process and product.” By adapting processes, the share of animal protein can be reduced without sacrificing product characteristics.

Energy transition, TCO, and flexibility

According to Borrit, more sustainable production remains essential, especially under cost pressure. Lower emissions, higher energy efficiency, and cost savings are necessary for growth. New technologies play a role in this. Heat pumps are reaching ever higher temperatures, while green fuels and Power-to-X solutions are also gaining ground.

At the same time, investments are being scrutinized more closely. “This increased level of scrutiny makes a better analysis of total cost of ownership (TCO) necessary,” says Nick Hickman, Vice President Business Development. A stronger focus on TCO helps companies better substantiate investments.

Flexibility remains a key concept in this context. Factories capable of handling multiple products are inherently more agile. Many existing sites are not yet designed that way. Location strategy is also changing. New factories are increasingly being built closer to urban areas, which supports staff retention but places new demands on supply chains and logistics.

Niras.nl