# food processing

> transformation of raw ingredients into food, or of food into other forms

**Wikidata**: [Q627371](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q627371)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_processing)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/food-processing

## Summary
Food processing is the transformation of raw ingredients into food or converting food into other forms. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, including fermentation, bottling, and specialized processes like malolactic fermentation and fish processing. This industry is integral to the broader food system and supports various specialized sectors such as winemaking, cheesemaking, and breadmaking.

## Key Facts
- Food processing is part of the broader food system, which includes all processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population.
- It involves specialized techniques such as malolactic fermentation, fish processing, and bottling.
- Major subcategories include winemaking, cheesemaking, breadmaking, and smoking.
- Related fields include academic disciplines, processed food, and specific companies like Mars, Incorporated and Kikkoman.
- Companies like COFCO Group, Chobani, and Republic Biscuit Corporation are notable examples of food processing entities.
- Additional processes like curing and smoking are also part of food processing techniques.
- Notable companies in the industry include Nabisco, Pepperidge Farm, and Strauss Group Ltd.
- Food processing is a key industry for companies like Marel, Morinaga Milk Industry, and FrieslandCampina.
- Other significant players include Nordzucker, Hellmann's and Best Foods, Saclà, and Campofrío Food Group.
- The industry also includes companies like Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Mamee Double-Decker, and Mitr Phol.
- Major food conglomerates like Grupo Bimbo, Tate & Lyle, and MannanLife are part of the food processing sector.
- Companies such as Boyer Brothers, Garoto, Mother Dairy, and Toyo Suisan are also involved in food processing.
- Kraft Foods Inc., Ottogi, and Archer Daniels Midland are prominent in the global food processing industry.
- Other key players include Osem, Zvečevo, Grupo Nutresa, Keebler Company, and Post Holdings.
- NutriAsia, Feastables, and Associated British Foods are also significant in the food processing sector.

## FAQs
**What is the purpose of food processing?**
Food processing transforms raw ingredients into finished food products or alters food into other forms, ensuring safety, shelf life, and desired textures or flavors.

**Which industries are part of food processing?**
Food processing includes subcategories like winemaking, cheesemaking, breadmaking, and specialized techniques such as malolactic fermentation and fish processing.

**What companies are involved in food processing?**
Notable companies include Mars, Incorporated, Kikkoman, COFCO Group, Chobani, Republic Biscuit Corporation, Nabisco, Pepperidge Farm, and Strauss Group Ltd.

**What are some common food processing techniques?**
Common techniques include bottling, curing, smoking, and specialized processes like malolactic fermentation and fish processing.

**How does food processing contribute to the food system?**
Food processing is an integral part of the broader food system, ensuring the production, distribution, and consumption of food on a global scale.

## Why It Matters
Food processing is essential for transforming raw materials into safe, palatable, and shelf-stable food products. It plays a crucial role in the food system by ensuring food availability, safety, and variety. The industry supports specialized sectors like winemaking, cheesemaking, and breadmaking, which are integral to global food production. Companies in this sector contribute significantly to economies worldwide, employing millions and driving innovation in food technology. Without food processing, the modern food supply chain would be unable to meet the demands of a growing population efficiently and safely.

## Notable For
- Integral part of the global food system.
- Supports specialized sectors like winemaking and cheesemaking.
- Involves diverse techniques such as fermentation, bottling, and smoking.
- Home to major companies like Mars, Incorporated and Kikkoman.
- Includes notable players like COFCO Group, Chobani, and Republic Biscuit Corporation.
- Features processes like curing and specialized fermentation techniques.
- Houses companies like Nabisco, Pepperidge Farm, and Strauss Group Ltd.
- Involves key players such as Marel, Morinaga Milk Industry, and FrieslandCampina.
- Includes significant entities like Nordzucker, Hellmann's and Best Foods, and Saclà.
- Features major conglomerates like Grupo Bimbo, Tate & Lyle, and MannanLife.
- Houses companies like Boyer Brothers, Garoto, Mother Dairy, and Toyo Suisan.
- Includes prominent players like Kraft Foods Inc., Ottogi, and Archer Daniels Midland.
- Features key entities like Osem, Zvečevo, Grupo Nutresa, Keebler Company, and Post Holdings.
- Involves significant companies like NutriAsia, Feastables, and Associated British Foods.

## Body
### Overview
Food processing is the transformation of raw ingredients into food or converting food into other forms. This industry encompasses a wide range of techniques, including fermentation, bottling, and specialized processes like malolactic fermentation and fish processing. It is an integral part of the broader food system, which includes all processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population.

### Subcategories
Food processing includes several specialized subcategories:
- **Winemaking**: The production of wine, starting with the selection of the fruit, its fermentation into alcohol, and the bottling of the finished liquid.
- **Cheesemaking**: The activity or craft of making cheese.
- **Breadmaking**: The process of making bread.
- **Fish Processing**: The processes associated with fish and fish products between the time fish are caught or harvested and the time the final product is delivered to the customer.
- **Bottling**: The process where a food product is inserted into bottles.
- **Smoking**: Exposing food to the smoke to flavor or preserve it.

### Related Fields
Food processing is related to several academic disciplines and industries:
- **Academic Discipline**: The field of study or profession related to food processing.
- **Processed Food**: Food that has undergone a cooking or other preparation process to convert it into a different form.
- **Industry**: The sector that includes companies involved in food processing.

### Notable Companies
Several companies are notable in the food processing industry:
- **Mars, Incorporated**: An American global food company and manufacturer founded in 1911.
- **Kikkoman**: A company in Noda, Chiba, Japan, founded in 1917.
- **COFCO Group**: A Chinese company founded in 1952.
- **Chobani**: A USA dairy processor specializing in strained yogurt, founded in 2005.
- **Republic Biscuit Corporation**: A Philippine snack food company founded in 1963.
- **Nabisco**: An American snack company founded in 1898.
- **Pepperidge Farm**: An American commercial bakery founded in 1937.
- **Strauss Group Ltd.**: An Israeli company founded in 1933.
- **Marel**: A company from Iceland founded in 1983.
- **Morinaga Milk Industry**: A Japanese dairy company founded in 1949.
- **FrieslandCampina**: A Dutch dairy company founded in 2009.
- **Nordzucker**: A sugar manufacturer founded in 1997.
- **Hellmann's and Best Foods**: A line of mayonnaise and other foods founded in 1905.
- **Saclà**: An Italian multinational food company founded in 1939.
- **Campofrío Food Group**: A Spanish food processing company founded in 2008.
- **Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated**: A company founded in 1902.
- **Mamee Double-Decker**: A Malaysian food manufacturing company founded in 1971.
- **Mitr Phol**: A Thai business, producer of sugar and biofuel, founded in 1946.
- **Grupo Bimbo**: A Mexican multinational food company founded in 1945.
- **Tate & Lyle**: A British-based multinational agribusiness founded in 1921.
- **MannanLife**: A Japanese food company founded in 1964.
- **Boyer Brothers**: An American company founded in 1936.
- **Garoto**: A Brazilian chocolate manufacturer founded in 1929.
- **Mother Dairy**: A subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board, founded in 1974.
- **Toyo Suisan**: A Japanese food company founded in 1953.
- **Kraft Foods Inc.**: An American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage conglomerate founded in 1923.
- **Ottogi**: A South Korean food company founded in 1969.
- **Archer Daniels Midland**: An American global food processing and commodities trading corporation founded in 1902.
- **Osem**: An Israeli company founded in 1942.
- **Zvečevo**: A Croatian public limited company producing food products, founded in 1921.
- **Grupo Nutresa**: A Colombian food conglomerate founded in 1920.
- **Keebler Company**: The second-largest cookie and cracker manufacturer in the United States, founded in 1853.
- **Post Holdings**: An American consumer packaged goods holding company founded in 2012.
- **NutriAsia**: A manufacturing company in the Philippines founded in 1990.
- **Feastables**: An American brand founded in 2021.
- **Associated British Foods**: A British food processing and retailing company founded in 1935.

### Techniques and Processes
Food processing involves various techniques and processes:
- **Malolactic Fermentation**: An anaerobic enzymatic conversion of L-malate to L-lactate and carbon dioxide, yielding energy in the form of ATP.
- **Fish Processing**: Processes associated with fish and fish products between the time fish are caught or harvested and the time the final product is delivered to the customer.
- **Bottling**: The process where a food product is inserted into bottles.
- **Smoking**: Exposing food to the smoke to flavor or preserve it.
- **Curing**: Food preservation with salt.

### Industry Impact
Food processing plays a crucial role in the global food system, ensuring the production, distribution, and consumption of food on a global scale. It supports specialized sectors like winemaking, cheesemaking, and breadmaking, which are integral to global food production. Companies in this sector contribute significantly to economies worldwide, employing millions and driving innovation in food technology. Without food processing, the modern food supply chain would be unable to meet the demands of a growing population efficiently and safely.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BBC Things
4. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1297.02008?OpenDocument)
5. KBpedia
6. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)