Post-Harvest Equipment Market Report, Size, Share, Opportunities, and Trends Segmented By Type, Application, End-User, and Geography – Forecasts from 2025 to 2030

Description

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Size:

The Post-Harvest Equipment Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.31%, reaching USD 5.867 billion in 2030 from USD 4.321 billion in 2025.

The Post-Harvest Equipment Market is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of the global food value chain. This market encompasses the machinery and technologies used for cleaning, sorting, grading, and storing agricultural commodities after they are harvested and before they reach the consumer. The core function of this equipment is to mitigate post-harvest losses, which the FAO has identified as a major challenge to global food security. These losses, a result of poor handling, inadequate storage, and pest infestation, represent a significant economic and social burden, particularly for smallholder farmers in developing regions. The market’s evolution is now being shaped by a convergence of factors, including technological innovation, shifting consumer preferences for high-quality produce, and a global movement to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

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Post-Harvest Equipment Market Analysis:

• Growth Drivers

The primary growth driver for post-harvest equipment is the global effort to minimize food loss and waste. The FAO estimates that approximately 14% of the world's food, valued at around $400 billion, is lost annually between the farm gate and the retail market. This staggering figure has compelled governments, non-governmental organizations, and private enterprises to invest in technologies that can extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of agricultural products. The adoption of post-harvest equipment, such as high-capacity dryers and modern storage solutions, directly increases demand as it offers a tangible solution to this problem, leading to higher yields and greater economic returns for farmers. This is an especially potent driver in developing economies, where traditional methods of post-harvest handling are a major source of loss.

Technological advancements are another powerful catalyst. The integration of advanced sensors, machine vision, and automation into equipment like sorting and grading machines is transforming the market. These technologies allow for the rapid and precise separation of produce based on criteria such as size, color, and defect, which was previously a labor-intensive and error-prone process. This enhances product quality and uniformity, which is a prerequisite for entry into high-value domestic and international markets. The shift toward a high-tech approach directly increases demand for automated and precision equipment, as it provides a clear return on investment through reduced labor costs and improved product value. Additionally, the expansion of global trade in perishable agricultural commodities necessitates sophisticated cold chain infrastructure and efficient handling systems, which further propels demand for specialized post-harvest equipment like climate-controlled storage units and packing lines.

• Challenges and Opportunities

The post-harvest equipment market faces several key constraints, including the high initial capital investment required for modern machinery, particularly for small and medium-sized farms. The cost of advanced sorting, cleaning, and storage equipment can be prohibitive, which limits adoption in regions with a high concentration of smallholder farmers. This challenge is compounded by a lack of access to financing and technical knowledge regarding the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

However, these challenges are giving rise to significant opportunities. The demand for more affordable and scalable solutions is driving innovation in the market. Manufacturers are now developing modular and smaller-scale equipment that is specifically tailored to the needs of small farms. This creates an opportunity for new market entry and the development of business models that offer equipment on a lease or rental basis, thereby mitigating the high upfront costs. Furthermore, the global push for agricultural sustainability presents an opportunity for companies to develop and market energy-efficient and low-emission equipment. Technologies that reduce water usage in cleaning processes or utilize renewable energy sources for drying and storage are in high demand, as they align with both environmental goals and long-term operational cost savings. The establishment of post-harvest aggregation centers and cooperative models in developing countries also presents an opportunity, as they can provide shared access to expensive machinery and professional expertise, thereby increasing the overall market for equipment sales.

• Raw Material and Pricing Analysis

The post-harvest equipment market is a physical product market, with demand and pricing influenced by the cost of raw materials. The primary materials used in the manufacture of this equipment are steel, aluminum, and various plastics and electronic components. The price of steel, a foundational material for the fabrication of machinery frames and components, is subject to global commodity market fluctuations. An increase in steel prices can directly raise the manufacturing cost for post-harvest equipment, which is often passed on to the end-user, thereby affecting demand, particularly among price-sensitive buyers. Similarly, the availability and cost of electronic components, which are crucial for the advanced sorting and grading technologies, are a factor in both production cost and supply chain stability. The global supply chain for these materials is intricate and can be subject to geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks. A disruption in the supply of a key component, such as microprocessors for a sorting machine, can delay production and increase costs.

• Supply Chain Analysis

The global supply chain for post-harvest equipment is complex and multi-layered. It begins with the procurement of raw materials, including steel sheets, fabricated metal parts, and a variety of electronic and mechanical components. These materials are sourced from a global network of suppliers, often from different regions, before being shipped to manufacturing facilities. Major production hubs are located in countries with strong manufacturing capabilities and a history of producing agricultural machinery, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and China. Once the equipment is manufactured, it is then distributed through a network of dealers, distributors, and direct-sales channels. Logistical complexities include the transportation of large, heavy machinery over long distances and the need for specialized shipping to prevent damage. The supply chain's efficiency is also dependent on the timely availability of spare parts and a robust after-sales service network, as equipment downtime can result in significant economic losses for farmers during critical harvest periods. The supply chain for advanced equipment, which includes sophisticated software and sensors, also requires a high level of technical support and training for end-users.

• Government Regulations

Governments and international bodies are playing an increasingly active role in shaping the post-harvest equipment market through regulations and financial incentives. These policies are often designed to address issues of food security, farmer welfare, and food safety. By providing subsidies and favorable loan schemes, governments directly increase the purchasing power of farmers, thereby stimulating demand for post-harvest equipment.

Jurisdiction | Key Regulation / Agency | Market Impact Analysis

• India: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). SMAM provides financial assistance and subsidies to farmers for the purchase of agricultural machinery, including post-harvest equipment. This policy directly increases demand for a wide range of products, from dryers to cleaners, by making them financially accessible to a larger segment of the farming community, including small and marginal farmers.
• European Union: Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP, particularly its rural development pillar, provides funding and support for farm modernization and investment in technologies that enhance sustainability and efficiency. This framework indirectly drives demand for post-harvest equipment by incentivizing farmers to adopt advanced machinery to improve product quality and meet stringent food safety and environmental standards.
• China: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) - Agricultural Mechanization Plan. The MARA's Five-Year Plan for agricultural mechanization sets clear objectives for increasing the level of mechanization in harvesting and post-harvest operations. The government provides subsidies and support for domestic machinery manufacturers and promotes the adoption of modern equipment, which creates a direct and robust demand for new and technologically advanced post-harvest solutions.

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Segment Analysis:

• By Application: Grains

The grains segment represents a fundamental and high-volume application for post-harvest equipment. This market is intrinsically linked to the global production of staple crops such as wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans. Grains are highly susceptible to moisture-related spoilage and pest infestation, making efficient and effective post-harvest handling an absolute necessity. The primary growth drivers for equipment in this segment are the need for proper drying and storage to prevent spoilage and the requirement for efficient cleaning and sorting to meet quality standards for milling, processing, and export. For example, the demand for large-scale grain dryers and silos is directly proportional to a country's agricultural output and its capacity for long-term food storage. Furthermore, the increasing global trade in grains, which often involves long-distance shipping, has created a heightened demand for advanced cleaning and grading equipment that can ensure uniform quality and purity, thereby minimizing losses and maximizing market value. This is particularly crucial in emerging markets where modernization of the grain supply chain is a key government priority to ensure food security.

• By End-User: Food Processing Companies

Food processing companies are a critical end-user segment for post-harvest equipment, driven by their need for high-quality, uniform raw materials and their commitment to food safety. Unlike individual farmers, food processing companies operate on a large scale and require industrial-grade, high-throughput equipment to handle massive volumes of produce. The necessity is specifically for equipment that can perform precision sorting, grading, and cleaning to meet specific product specifications for their final goods. For instance, a frozen vegetable company requires sorting equipment that can accurately reject substandard vegetables based on color, size, or blemishes to ensure product consistency and safety. This end-user segment is highly sensitive to food safety regulations and consumer expectations for quality, which drives a consistent demand for the latest technologies in cleaning and sanitization. The focus on automation and efficiency in the food processing industry also propels demand for integrated systems and automated packing lines, which reduce labor costs and increase production speed, directly impacting the market for this specialized equipment.

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Geographical Analysis:

• US Market Analysis

The US post-harvest equipment market is mature and characterized by a high degree of mechanization, driven by the country's large-scale commercial farming operations. The market is centered on high-capacity, technologically advanced equipment that can handle the massive volumes of grains, fruits, and vegetables produced. The demand for automation, precision agriculture, and data-driven solutions is a key trend, as farmers seek to improve efficiency and reduce their reliance on manual labor. The market is also heavily influenced by government and industry-led food safety standards, which create demand for equipment that can ensure sanitation and traceability. The US agricultural sector's robust export market, particularly for grains, further necessitates the use of modern sorting, drying, and storage solutions to meet international quality standards.

• Brazil Market Analysis

Brazil's post-harvest equipment market is defined by its position as a global agricultural powerhouse, particularly in the production of soybeans, corn, and sugarcane. The demand for post-harvest equipment is fueled by the rapid expansion of its agribusiness sector and the country's need to reduce significant post-harvest losses. The government's initiatives and the development of large-scale farms have created a strong need for industrial-sized dryers, silos, and processing equipment. However, logistical challenges, including the vast distances between production hubs and ports, create a unique demand for robust and efficient storage and transportation solutions. The Brazilian market's growth is also a result of foreign investment and a focus on improving agricultural efficiency to maintain its competitive edge in the global commodity market.

• Germany Market Analysis

Germany's post-harvest equipment market is a leader in technological innovation and specialized solutions. The market is driven by the country's highly efficient agricultural sector and its focus on producing high-quality food products. The market is characterized by a preference for technologically advanced and durable machinery, with a strong emphasis on automation and precision. German manufacturers are at the forefront of developing sophisticated sorting and grading systems that use advanced optics and robotics to meet the stringent quality standards of the European market. The market for small and medium-sized farms also drives demand for specialized, high-performance equipment that can operate efficiently on smaller land parcels. The country’s stringent environmental regulations also influence demand, with a growing focus on energy-efficient and low-waste solutions.

• South Africa Market Analysis

The post-harvest equipment market in South Africa is driven by its diverse agricultural sector, which includes both large commercial farms and a significant number of smallholder farmers. The market is concentrated in key sectors such as fruits (e.g., citrus, table grapes) and grains. The need to maintain the quality of high-value produce for export markets is a major factor driving advanced sorting, packing, and cooling equipment. However, the market faces challenges related to infrastructure and a lack of access to technology for smaller farmers. Government and private sector initiatives aimed at modernizing the agricultural supply chain and reducing food waste are creating new demand for more affordable and accessible post-harvest solutions, particularly in the areas of drying and storage.

• China Market Analysis

China's post-harvest equipment market is a massive and rapidly evolving landscape. The government's strategic focus on agricultural mechanization and food security has created a powerful growth driver. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs' Five-Year Plan has set ambitious targets for increasing the level of mechanization in post-harvest operations. This has resulted in a boom in demand for domestic and imported machinery, ranging from small-scale dryers for rice to large-scale grain storage systems. The market is increasingly shifting from a focus on sheer volume to quality and technological sophistication. This is particularly true as the country's agricultural sector modernizes to meet the demands of a growing middle class and to strengthen its position as a global food exporter. The government's direct subsidies for agricultural machinery purchases are a key factor in this market's exceptional growth.

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Competitive Analysis:

The competitive landscape of the post-harvest equipment market is fragmented, with a mix of large multinational agricultural machinery manufacturers and specialized, regional companies. Competition is based on technological innovation, product performance, and the strength of a company's distribution and after-sales service network. Major players often leverage their global presence and brand recognition to capture market share.

• John Deere: A global leader in agricultural machinery, John Deere's strategic position in the post-harvest equipment market is rooted in its comprehensive product portfolio and its commitment to precision agriculture. The company provides a range of solutions that extend from the field to the post-harvest process, with a focus on integrating data and automation. Its acquisition of GUSS Automation highlights its strategy to strengthen its high-value crop autonomy portfolio, which is a key area of future demand. This move directly enhances its capacity to serve growers with technologies that reduce labor costs and improve operational efficiency.
• AGCO Corporation: AGCO's competitive strategy is centered on providing a broad range of products through its multiple brands, including Massey Ferguson and Fendt. The company is actively focusing on smart farming solutions and precision agriculture technology to meet the evolving market requirements. AGCO's launch of the Fendt 1000 Vario Gen4 Tractor and the new Optimum Planter in August 2025 demonstrates its commitment to innovation in the core machinery segments. While these are field-based products, they are part of an integrated agricultural system that is increasingly tied to post-harvest efficiency.
• Buhler Group: The Buhler Group is a key player, particularly in the grain and food processing segments, with a strong focus on advanced sorting and cleaning equipment. The company's competitive advantage lies in its expertise in food processing technology and its ability to provide integrated, large-scale solutions for industrial clients. The opening of its new Protein Application Center in January 2024 and its expansion of manufacturing capabilities in India in September 2023 underscore its strategy to diversify its product offerings and expand its global footprint, particularly in high-growth markets.

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Developments

• September 2025: AGCO signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with BRUC, an initiative to advance European renewable energy supply. This is part of a broader sustainability strategy, which can indirectly influence demand for energy-efficient post-harvest equipment from AGCO.
• August 2025: John Deere completed the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy. This strategic acquisition expands John Deere's product portfolio with autonomous sprayers, a technology that complements post-harvest operations by improving crop quality and reducing the need for extensive post-harvest sorting.
• July 2025: Braskem completed its first commercial sale of circular polyethylene (PE) in South America, a product derived from certified post-consumer recycled resin. While this is in the plastics market, it indicates a broader trend of circular economy initiatives.

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Scope:

Post-Harvest Equipment Market Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Graders & Sizers
  • Cleaners
  • Waxing & Coating Machines
  • Dryers
  • Sorting Equipment
  • Others
• By Application
  • Grains
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Oilseeds & Pulses
  • Others
• By End-User
  • Large Farms
  • Small Farms
  • Food Processing Companies
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East & Africa

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Table Of Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. MARKET SNAPSHOT

2.1. Market Overview

2.2. Market Definition

2.3. Scope of the Study

2.4. Market Segmentation

3. BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

3.1. Market Drivers

3.2. Market Restraints

3.3. Market Opportunities

3.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

3.5. Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.6. Policies and Regulations

3.7. Strategic Recommendations

4. POST-HARVEST EQUIPMENT MARKET BY TYPE

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Graders & Sizers

4.3. Cleaners

4.4. Waxing & Coating Machines

4.5. Dryers

4.6. Sorting Equipment

4.7. Others

5. POST-HARVEST EQUIPMENT MARKET BY APPLICATION

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Grains

5.3. Fruits

5.4. Vegetables

5.5. Oilseeds & Pulses

5.6. Others

6. POST-HARVEST EQUIPMENT MARKET BY END-USER

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Large Farms

6.3. Small Farms

6.4. Food Processing Companies

6.5. Others

7. POST-HARVEST EQUIPMENT MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

7.1. Introduction

7.2. North America

7.2.1. USA

7.2.2. Canada

7.2.3. Mexico

7.3. South America

7.3.1. Brazil

7.3.2. Argentina

7.3.3. Others

7.4. Europe

7.4.1. Germany

7.4.2. France

7.4.3. United Kingdom

7.4.4. Italy

7.4.5. Spain

7.4.6. Others

7.5. Middle East and Africa

7.5.1. Saudi Arabia

7.5.2. UAE

7.5.3. South Africa

7.5.4. Others

7.6. Asia Pacific

7.6.1. China

7.6.2. Japan

7.6.3. India

7.6.4. South Korea

7.6.5. Others

8. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

8.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

8.2. Market Share Analysis

8.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

8.4. Competitive Dashboard

9. COMPANY PROFILES

9.1. AGCO Corporation

9.2. John Deere

9.3. Kubota Corporation

9.4. CNH Industrial N.V.

9.5. Caterpillar Inc.

9.6. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

9.7. Iseki & Co., Ltd.

9.8. Buhler Group

9.9. Claas KGaA mbH

9.10. Zetor Tractors a.s.

Companies Profiled

AGCO Corporation

John Deere

Kubota Corporation

CNH Industrial N.V.

Caterpillar Inc.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Iseki & Co., Ltd.

Buhler Group

Claas KGaA mbH

Zetor Tractors a.s.

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