Food Ultrasound Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Food Ultrasound Market was valued at USD 162.71 Million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 243.65 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.92%. The ultrasonic technique is employed for testing various materials and substances. In the food industry, these methods are widely used for the analysis and modification of food products. Low-intensity ultrasound provides valuable insights into physicochemical properties such as composition, structure, physical state, and flow rate.

High-intensity pulse ultrasound is utilized to induce changes in the physical and chemical properties of foods, including emulsion creation, cell disruption, chemical reactions promotion, enzyme inhibition, meat tenderization, and modification and crystallization processes. Ultrasound finds diverse applications in the food sector, including freezing, harvesting, drying, tampering, bleaching, and sterilizing. The combination of ultrasonic radiation with sterilizing agents helps reduce the presence of microorganisms in food. By minimizing processing costs and ensuring food purity, ultrasound technology plays a crucial role in the food industry.

Ultrasound technology is increasingly gaining traction in the food processing industry due to its non-thermal, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly nature. It offers significant advantages over conventional methods by preserving nutritional value, improving texture, and enhancing flavor without the need for high temperatures or chemical additives. Applications such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction are becoming popular for recovering bioactive compounds, essential oils, and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This not only boosts product quality but also supports the production of functional and clean-label foods. Furthermore, the scalability and adaptability of ultrasound equipment make it suitable for both small and large-scale operations.

The growing demand for innovative, sustainable, and high-quality food products is accelerating the adoption of ultrasound across various segments, including beverages, dairy, bakery, and meat processing. Governments and food safety authorities are also encouraging the use of non-invasive, residue-free technologies to meet stringent hygiene and labeling standards. As consumer preference shifts towards minimally processed foods with extended shelf life, manufacturers are investing in ultrasonic systems to improve operational efficiency while maintaining product integrity. With continuous advancements in transducer design and process integration, the global food ultrasound market is poised for robust growth over the forecast period.

Key Market Drivers

Rising in the Demand of Processed Foods

The rising demand for processed foods - ranging from frozen meals to packaged meats and beverages - continues to play a significant role in the growth of ultrasound technology in food processing. As modern lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced, consumers are turning to convenient, ready-to-consume options. In 2023, over 75% of urban households in Asia reported a weekly consumption of processed food items. This shift has intensified the need for efficient, non-invasive, and clean-label processing techniques. Ultrasound technology addresses this demand by enhancing product quality, extending shelf life, and preserving nutritional content without relying on heat or additives.

The growing elderly population and rising incidence of chronic diseases are further contributing to this trend. According to recent global health data, individuals aged 65 and older now make up over 10% of the world’s population, a demographic that prefers easy-to-digest, minimally processed, and allergen-free food options. Ultrasound technology is gaining importance in producing tailored food solutions for this segment by improving texture, breaking down tough structures, and enabling fat and sodium reduction without compromising taste or safety. These benefits make ultrasonic methods ideal for addressing dietary restrictions while maintaining the sensory appeal of processed foods.

Moreover, increasing regulatory focus on food safety and accurate labeling is encouraging manufacturers to integrate technologies that ensure purity and transparency. In 2024, nearly 61% of food recalls in Europe were linked to allergen mislabeling or contamination issues. Ultrasound-assisted processing plays a key role in deactivating allergens and improving homogeneity in processed products. By offering precise control during emulsification, sterilization, and crystallization stages, ultrasonic systems help reduce the risk of cross-contamination - thereby supporting compliance with global food safety standards and reducing the likelihood of costly recalls.

In developing countries, growing investments in food infrastructure and processing capabilities are accelerating the adoption of modern techniques like ultrasound. As per a 2023 survey, more than 48% of mid-sized food processors in Southeast Asia plan to adopt ultrasonic systems within the next two years. The ability of ultrasound to enhance efficiency, reduce water and energy usage, and preserve product integrity makes it especially appealing for cost-sensitive markets. Coupled with rising consumer demand for safe, high-quality processed foods, this trend is expected to drive further integration of ultrasonic solutions in the global food processing industry.

Key Market Challenges

Lack Of Skilled Labors

The lack of skilled labor poses a significant challenge to the adoption and scalability of ultrasound technology in the food industry. Despite its numerous advantages, including precision, energy efficiency, and versatility, the operation of ultrasonic equipment requires specialized training and a deep understanding of food science and processing dynamics.

Many food processing facilities, especially in developing regions, struggle to recruit or retain personnel with the technical skills necessary to calibrate, operate, and interpret data from ultrasonic systems. Additionally, the integration of ultrasound with automated processing lines and digital quality control systems demands familiarity with advanced software and instrumentation. Without adequately trained staff, companies face increased downtime, improper usage, and even equipment damage - negating the intended benefits of the technology. This skill gap limits the widespread implementation of ultrasound, especially in small and mid-sized enterprises that often lack the resources to invest in ongoing training and technical support.

Moreover, the absence of skilled labor extends beyond equipment operation and impacts decision-making at the managerial and strategic levels. Food safety and quality control teams must understand how to align ultrasonic technology with regulatory requirements, product-specific variables, and emerging processing trends. In many cases, the workforce lacks sufficient exposure to non-thermal and novel food processing methods, making them hesitant to adopt or trust such solutions. This slows down the rate of innovation and leads to a continued reliance on outdated techniques, even when superior alternatives like ultrasound are available. Training institutions and food tech programs often lag in updating their curricula to include modern processing technologies, contributing to a talent shortage in this niche field. Bridging this knowledge gap is critical for maximizing the potential of ultrasound in food safety testing and production environments.

Key Market Trends

Adoption of Technology by Dairy Industry

Ultrasound food testing is gaining popularity in the dairy industry, as highlighted in the report. This technology is being adopted by dairy companies for the analysis of milk and dairy products, offering advantages over manual testing methods that are both time-consuming and costly. Ultrasound analysis allows for the detection of changes in milk composition, such as fat and protein content, which play a critical role in maintaining product quality. Additionally, it enables the measurement of milk homogenization, cheese texture, and other parameters that are vital in the dairy industry. As a result, the increasing utilization of ultrasound technology in the dairy industry is expected to have a positive impact on market growth during the forecast period.

Key Market Players

• Hitachi Corporation
• Siemens Healthcare
• Analogic Corporation
• FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
• Koninklijke Philips N.V
• Esaote S.p.A
• Mindray Medical International Ltd.
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• Emerson Electric Co.
• Buehler’s Fresh Foods

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Food Ultrasound Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Food Ultrasound Market, By Food Product:

• Meat and Seafood
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Beverages
• Dairy
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Others

Food Ultrasound Market, By Frequency Range:

• High-Frequency Low-Intensity
• Low-Frequency High-Intensity

Food Ultrasound Market, By Function:

• Quality Assurance
• Microbial Enzyme
• Inactivation
• Cutting
• Emulsification and Homogenization
• Cleaning
• Others

Food Ultrasound Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Food Ultrasound Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).