This article, part 2 of a series discusses key trends and challenges in food and beverage industry construction according to 47th Annual Plant Construction Survey, 2024. Aspects covered include: automation (machine learning, vision systems) in packaging and warehousing to address labour challenges and improve return on investment (ROI); improvement in design of employee welfare areas for recruitment and retention; food safety strategies and zoning adjustments; incorporation of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) clean rooms and high ingress protection (IP)-rated equipment in alternative protein manufacturing for hygienic design and personal protective equipment (PPE) safety; and selection of equipment technology for efficient water use and sustainability.
