UHT Processing Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type of Operation, Nature and Application : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

The global UHT processing market was valued at $3.0 billion in 2020, and is projected reach $5.7 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2030. The indirect heating segment led in terms of UHT processing market share in 2020, and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period.

Ultrahigh temperature (UHT) processing involves heating of food & beverages to temperatures close to 140°C for 2–5 seconds, followed by rapid cool down of the product. The exposure to such high temperatures inhibits the growth of majority of bacteria and microorganisms in the food & beverages, while the small amount of remaining bacteria is rendered useless. This results in complete sterilization of the product, thus making it shelf stable for many months, even without the use of refrigerators. UHT machines can use direct or indirect heating to raise the temperature of the product, both of which uses steam as the primary heating element. UHT is most commonly used for sterilization of milk, but it can also be used for the sterilization of cream, yogurt, honey, soup, stew, wine, tomato paste, and juices.

UHT processing market is not only limited to dairy and dairy products but can also be used for the processing of other food items such as soups, fruit juices, dairy alternatives, honey, wine, and soups. The use of UHT processing in the production of these food items is aiding market diversification. Many organic food products such as fruit juices, pulps, and honey consists of bacteria and microorganisms in their raw form.

Consuming these products raw can lead to health problems, which can be prevented by treating these foods and beverages. Similarly, dairy alternatives, including milk form soy, almonds, oats, rice, and products made from them such as dairy-free cheese and ice creams require processing, for which UHT proves to be effective. In addition, UHT can increase the life of products such as canned soups, broths, stews, and wines. Thus, UHT is now being extensively used for the treatment of such products. Hence, diversification of application of UHT technique is anticipated to propel the UHT processing market growth.

Segment review

The global UHT processing market is segmented into type of operation, nature, application, and region. On the basis of type of operation, the global market is bifurcated into direct heating and indirect heating. By nature, is categorized into liquid and semi liquid. The applications covered in the study include milk, dairy products, dairy alternatives, and others. The global UHT processing market is also studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

By type of operation, the indirect heating segment dominated the market. This is attributed to the fact that the indirect heating process is used more frequently than direct heating, due to its cost-effectiveness and the ability to set up indirect heating units in smaller spaces. 

Depending on nature, the liquid segment was the major revenue contributor to the market in 2020. This is attributed to the fac that UHT processing is highly used for the sterilization of liquid foods and beverages such as milk, dairy beverages, and milk alternatives. Conversely, UHT finds its applications in the processing of semiliquid foods, however, its share is relatively low as compared to liquid segment.

On the basis of application, the milk segment led the market. This is attributed to the fact that the most widespread use of UHT is in the sterilization of milk. 

The report focuses on the growth prospects, restraints, and opportunities of the global UHT processing market. The study provides Porter’s five forces analysis to understand the impact of various factors such as competitive intensity of competitors, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of substitutes, threat of new entrants, and bargaining power of buyers in the UHT processing market.

Some of the major players profiled for in the UHT processing market report include Alfa Laval, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, Iwai Kikai Kogyo Co. Ltd., MicroThermics, Neologic Engineers Private Ltd., Proxes GMBH, Reda S.P.A., Shanghai Triowin Intelligent Machinery, SPX FLOW, and Tetra Laval International S.A. The other prominent players analyzed in the report are Elecster Oyj, Shanghai Jimei Food Machinery, Goma Engineering, JBT Corporation, Krones AG, Scherjon Dairy Equipment Holland B.V, and Repute Engineers Private Limited.

Covid-19 Impact Analysis

The UHT processing industry did not observe a significant difference in sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sourcing of essential electric components and small parts became difficult in the early phases of lockdown due to closure of supply chains through China.
Increase in demand for safe food that is free from bacteria and microorganisms led to a greater adoption of UHT technology by manufacturers, helping in increasing UHT processing market size.

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• The report provides an extensive analysis of the current and emerging UHT processing market demand, trends and opportunities.
• The report provides detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current trends and future estimations that help evaluate the prevailing market opportunities in the market.
• The UHT processing market forecast is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• The UHT processing market analysis is conducted by following key product positioning and monitoring the top competitors within the market framework.
• The report provides extensive qualitative insights on the potential and niche segments or regions exhibiting favorable growth.

  UHT Processing Market Report Highlights

Aspects	Details
By Type of Operation	Direct Heating Indirect Heating
By Nature	Liquid Semi Liquid
By Application	Milk Dairy products Dairy Alternatives Others
By Region	North America  (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe  (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific  (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) LAMEA  (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina, Rest of LAMEA)
Key Market Players	TETRA LAVAL INTERNATIONAL S.A., PROXES GMBH, GEA GROUP AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, SHANGHAI TRIOWIN INTELLIGENT MACHINERY CO., LTD, IWAI KIKAI KOGYO CO., LTD., REDA S.P.A., SPX FLOW, INC., ALFA LAVAL, NEOLOGIC ENGINEERS PRIVATE LIMITED, MICROTHERMICS INC.

Analyst Review

The past couple of decades has seen a huge adoption of UHT technology for sterilization of milk, dairy products, dairy alternatives, soups, sauces, and juices. This is attributed to the fact that the UHT process increases the shelf life of food products to several months without refrigeration. In addition, it completely eliminates any kind of microorganism or bacteria present in the food, which makes the food completely safe for consumption.

Increase has been witnessed in the demand for packaged foods and beverages that have a long shelf life, as consumers are leading fast paced lives and such products further adds convenience to their busy lives. In addition, consumers are now focused on the health aspects of food, demanding longer shelf life of products with freshness intact. UHT serves both of these purposes, as it eliminates any sort of bacteria or microorganism present in foods & beverages, thus making them safe for consumption while also increasing the shelf life.

The CXOs further added that rapid developments in machine technologies have significantly impacted the growth of the UHT market. In addition, automation plays a key role in the machinery in modern times, and it has been implemented vigorously in UHT machinery. Furthermore, integration of artificial intelligence (AI) expedites operation processes. Thus, automation coupled with AI technology makes the machines self-sufficient, precise, and highly time saving, which add extensive benefits for engaged stakeholders.              

Author Name(s) : Himanshu Vig | Roshan Deshmukh

Related Tags

• Food Quality Control
• Food Manufacturing Technology
• Food Equipment
• Beverage Packaging
• Food Automation
• Clean Label Food
• Food Innovation