IPPE 2026: automation, intelligence and next‑generation packaging take centre stage

As the global poultry, meat and alternative‑protein industries gather in Atlanta for IPPE 2026, the event reveals a sector in the midst of rapid technological change.

Across the Georgia World Congress Center, exhibitors are presenting equipment and digital tools designed to streamline production, strengthen decision‑making and improve product quality.

This year’s show makes one thing unmistakably clear: the future of protein processing will be shaped by connected systems, intelligent automation and integrated workflows that reduce waste, enhance efficiency and support more sustainable operations.

Munters FoodTech unifies its digital ecosystem
One of the most ambitious showcases comes from Munters FoodTech, which has brought all its brands together under one roof for the first time.

At Booth B7019, the company is demonstrating how climate control, feeding, sensing, software and IoT‑enabled automation can function as a unified ecosystem rather than isolated tools. The stand is designed as a collaborative “house,” where producers and integrators can see how real‑time data flows across systems to support earlier, more confident decision‑making.

Munters argues that many farms still operate with fragmented technologies that do not communicate, leaving teams to fill the gaps manually. Its goal is to close those gaps by linking mission‑critical activities into a single, scalable platform.

“Transforming the future of food systems starts with the decisions made every day in operations as well as at farms,” said Pia Brantgärde Linder, president of Munters FoodTech. “Our role is to make those decisions easier and more informed. By applying digital solutions enabled by AI to bring climate, feeding, automation and data together in a practical way, we help producers move from reacting to problems to acting early with confidence.”

Inside the stand, visitors can explore how MTech Systems’ hardware‑agnostic analytics unify data across farms, how Hotraco’s precision automation improves control of climate, feed, water and egg flow, and how Inobram’s smart feeding systems enhance consistency and animal welfare. AEI is demonstrating environmental controllers and egg‑flow management tools for layer operations, while Munters Rotem is presenting IoT‑enabled climate control systems that support optimal air quality and remote management. Munters will also take the IPPE TechTalks stage, where Padmini Persaud will present a case study on technology‑driven greenhouse gas reductions.

Amcor showcases high‑performance packaging systems
While Munters focuses on the farm and early‑stage production environment, Amcor is drawing attention to the final stage of the protein supply chain: packaging.

At Booth C38139, the company is showcasing a full suite of flexible packaging solutions for fresh and processed proteins, including its FreshCase vacuum technology, which extends shelf life and reduces markdowns. Amcor is also highlighting its Amplify print and finishing technologies, designed to help brands stand out at retail while maintaining sustainability goals.

The centrepiece of Amcor’s exhibit is its live demonstration of the Moda vacuum packaging system and the Liquiflex AV vertical form‑fill‑seal machine. The Moda line includes a high‑speed product loader that optimises film consumption, an AI‑driven bag maker that scans products and dispenses customized bag sizes to reduce waste, and a smart conveyor that ensures smooth product flow into the vacuum sealer.

The Moda Vac 20 and Vac 18S rotary vacuum systems provide real‑time diagnostics, remote access and fast cycles that improve product appearance and shelf life. The integrated shrink, chill and dry tunnel further enhances efficiency by combining multiple steps into a single energy‑saving system.

Amcor’s Liquiflex AV machine, meanwhile, is designed for zero‑headspace foodservice pouches and supports both hot‑fill and cold‑fill processes, offering processors a compact, high‑output solution for sauces, marinades and other liquid products.

“Amcor continues to demonstrate its industry leadership and commitment to innovation and sustainability,” the company said. “The showcased machinery not only improves operational efficiency but also aligns with our sustainability goals by reducing material waste and energy consumption.”

Fortifi brings a comprehensive portfolio of processing innovations
Beyond these two major exhibitors, Fortifi Food Processing Solutions is presenting one of the most extensive collections of equipment at the show.

Across Booth C31129, companies within the Fortifi platform — including Bettcher, Frontmatec, MHM Automation, LIMA, Nothum, REICH, Kais, Cantrell‑Gainco, Greenline and partner Völur — are demonstrating technologies that span trimming, deboning, automation, thermal processing, software, weighing, filtration and more.

Bettcher highlights precision tools for yield and ergonomics
Bettcher Industries is showcasing its full suite of precision trimming and skinning tools, including the Whizard Versa Trimmer with its TWIST‑N‑GO head and dual‑speed options, as well as the Quantum Flex and Flex+ trimmers, which are designed for durability and compatibility with all Bettcher motor systems. Bettcher is also highlighting Grasselli’s membrane skinners and derinders, including the MS600P and the fully automatic NAB520, both engineered for high‑yield performance and operator safety.

Frontmatec advances robotic automation for red meat
Frontmatec is drawing significant attention with its Robotic Chine Bone Saw for beef strip, a system capable of processing up to 850 pieces per hour while delivering an additional $4–$9 per head in yield. The machine uses a 6‑axis robot and advanced vision technology to optimise cut angles and improve consistency.

Frontmatec is also presenting solutions for packaging, labeling, sorting and pork processing, alongside Kais’ ERP, MES and MOM software for digitized production control. Völur, a leader in AI‑driven sorting and planning, is also featured as part of Frontmatec’s commitment to intelligent automation.

MHM Automation demonstrates automated RPC handling
MHM Automation is showcasing its RPC Erector, a compact system that automatically de‑stacks and erects reusable plastic containers at a rate of 12 crates per minute. The machine reduces manual handling, improves safety and fits seamlessly into space‑constrained environments.

LIMA focuses on high‑quality meat recovery
LIMA is presenting its RM 350 GDM grinder‑desinewer, which produces high‑quality ground meat from boneless raw materials without the need for pre‑grinding. The machine’s anti‑bridging arm and energy‑efficient design make it suitable for continuous operation.

Nothum highlights coating and frying efficiency
Nothum is showcasing a full suite of further‑processing equipment, including the SuperFlex breading machine with multiple application modes, the BatterKing all‑in‑one batter and tempura system with automatic viscosity control, the VersaCoat flatbed breader with a low‑charge breading system, and the ProTherm Continuous Fryer, which uses significantly less oil while maintaining consistent product quality. Supporting systems such as the EzFlow Oil Filter, AcuFeeder and HydroFilter Dust Collector round out the offering.

Reich demonstrates thermal processing and digital monitoring
Reich is highlighting its AIRMASTER UKQ 5000BE AIRJET, a multifunctional cross‑flow unit capable of smoking, cooking, baking and drying with up to 120% more capacity than standard systems. The company is also presenting its BlueConnect cloud platform, which provides real‑time monitoring, predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics.

Cantrell‑Gainco showcases weighing, bagging and X‑ray inspection
Cantrell‑Gainco is demonstrating its AccuFill Indexing System, Dual‑Station Bagger and DuraWeigh heavy‑duty bench scale, all designed to improve accuracy and throughput. The company is also showcasing AICON X‑Ray inspection systems for raw, case, bag and pipeline applications, featuring IP69K construction and advanced detection capabilities.

Greenline presents precision‑engineered poultry parts
Greenline Poultry Parts is presenting its precision‑engineered chains, trolleys and replacement components designed to extend service life and reduce maintenance costs for leading OEM equipment.

A clear direction
Across all these exhibits, the trends are unmistakable. Automation is accelerating, from robotic saws to automated crate handling. Data is becoming central to decision‑making, powering climate control, feeding, diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Sustainability is embedded in equipment design, whether through reduced oil usage, lower packaging waste or energy‑efficient systems. And integration is replacing fragmentation, with companies building ecosystems rather than isolated machines.

IPPE 2026 makes it clear that the protein industry is moving toward a future where equipment is smarter, systems are connected and decisions are driven by real‑time insight rather than reactive troubleshooting. The technologies on display this year show an industry ready to embrace that future — one innovation at a time.