Spending Highlights for the Food & Beverage Industry, a Feature of “Industry Today” on IndustrialInfo.com Radio

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The Food & Beverage Industry, with more than $8 billion in capital expenditures earmarked to begin construction in 2007, is experiencing tremendous growth in several segments of the industry. Randy Godet, VP Food & Beverage for Industrial Info, will highlight which sectors of the industry are hot. Particularly, investments in the wine and spirits sector are on the rise as producers plan to pour more than $1.5 billion to build new distilleries and expand alcoholic-beverage production.

Click on the image at right to view the 2007 Food & Beverage Industry Project Spending Analysis Chart

Demand for raw materials to drive the boom in alternative fuels has resulted in price increases for grains and similar agricultural products that are traditionally used as feedstock for food processors. This increase in demand for grain and related products is driving feedstock cost for food processors even higher, prompting some in the industry to plan to curb their plans for capital expenditures. Increased grain prices also influence the cost of raising livestock, especially turkey and chicken, and have forced price increases all the way to the consumer at the retail level. A misfortune for one segment of the industry is wealth, as crop plantings are reaching an all-time high.

Other segments of the industry performing equally as strong include meat processors for poultry and beef, prepared foods and a growing thirst for vitamin or mineral-enriched water. Grassroot plant construction is planned for each of these segments, as well as major plant expansions, with several topping $100 million. As societies across the globe continue to look for conveniences to speed up their already busy lives, the demand for prepared foods, such as french fries, snack foods and pre-packaged meals, continues to present significant growth opportunities for producers in the segment. These plants require some of the most sophisticated, high-speed, automated and cleanest processes in the industrial market, presenting a tremendous opportunity for equipment and service providers.

Future investments in this industry will continue to focus on long-term cost savings and expansions to meet population growth in specific regions. Health-conscious consumers will continue to drive demand for food products that offer increased nutritional value matched with convenience. Be sure to join Mr. Godet, along with Crazy Al of “Industry Today,” to learn more about the primary trends that continue to drive future spending and how it will play a role in budgeting plans for equipment and service providers. Click Here! Monday, September 17, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. (EST) to hear the broadcast. If you miss the show, Click Here to hear this or any of the over 260 previous “Industry Today” shows covering topics important to industry spending, including trends, outlooks and segments on specific industries.

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