The global optical sorter market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. The optical sorter is an automated method that allows the user to sort solid objects utilizing cameras, lasers, sensors, and the image processing system's software-driven intelligence. Through its use of it, the color, size, shape, structural qualities, and chemical makeup are all recognized. A growing focus on automation to increase productivity in various industries, increasing adoption in the food industry for food processing activities and for reducing process and delivery time, increase in wages of the manual workforce in various countries, and stringent government regulations regarding food safety all are factors that are driving the market growth. All of these reasons are important in propelling the optical sorter market forward. 

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Optical Sorter Market

The optical sorter market has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its dissemination. From a geographical perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed countries with export-oriented economies by forcing the closure of manufacturing firms. The mining industry is the one that has been hit the worst. Mining and recycling infrastructure growth decreased in the first half of 2020 due to a slowdown in hardware supply and lower production capacity, which persisted in 2021 with delayed recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic had the least influence on the food business.  As food is considered a need, the increased demand for healthful and hygienic food during COVID-19 boosted the demand for optical sorters in the food business. TOMRA was able to generate solid financial results in 2020 despite the need for temporary closures of container collection locations in several markets and other business disruptions. Lockdowns and social distancing procedures had a negative influence on the food service industry during the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, increasing home consumption has benefited the grocery industry and kept fresh food production on track for 2020. As the world recovered from the global pandemic in 2021, the corporation concentrated on the necessities during the COVID-19 recovery in Africa and Europe's food markets. Due to the gradual global recovery from COVID-19, Hefei Meyer Optoelectronic Technology's (China) sales performance in Europe and Africa is accelerating.

Segmental Outlook 

The global optical sorter market is segmented based on type, and applications. Based on the type, the market is sub-segmented into cameras, lasers, nir sorters, hyperspectral cameras & combined sorters. Based on application, the market is further segmented into food, recycling, and mining. 

Global Optical Sorter Market Share by Application, 2021 (%)

The Camera Segment is Anticipated to Hold a Prominent Share in the Global Optical Sorter Market

The Camera segment is expected to hold a prominent share in the market. As camera-based optical sorters are more precise and can detect minute flaws in items, they are favored in a variety of industries, including food and recycling. In the quick-frozen vegetable and fruit processing business, camera sorting machines are the most appropriate and cost-effective optical food sorting equipment. The Blizzard, a free fall optical sorting system by TOMRA (Norway), is an example of camera-based optical sorting equipment that uses pulsed LED technology to sort frozen vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, the RGB full-color camera series is perfect for multi-color applications or slight shade fluctuations. As a result, camera-based sorters are an excellent platform and series of sorters for detecting and sorting/separating small shade and color differences, speck flaws, foreign material, bug damage, and other factors. 

Regional Outlooks

The global optical sorter market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).  The market can be analyzed for a particular region or country level as per the requirement. Among these, the North American regional market is expected to cater to considerable growth during the forecast period followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe. 

Global Optical Sorter Market Growth, by Region 2022-2028

The North America Region is Expected to Hold a Prominent Share in the Global Optical Sorter Market

The North American region is expected to hold a prominent share in the global Optical Sorter market due to the growing popularity of optical sorting machines in the food industry. Rising population, technological improvements, burgeoning industries, strong industrial sectors, and overall increased demand for automation are all contributing to this expansion. Automated sorting is a critical technology for many food processing companies in North America. Another factor fueling this market's growth is the existence of strong food safety laws. Recycling is another important application area in North America, owing to the US's emphasis on waste management. The existing well-established infrastructure for mining applications in the region also contributes to the market's growth in North America. Automation in the food, recycling, and mining industries is all adding to the demand for optical sorters in the US. North America is home to major corporations such as Key Technology, Machinex, NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES (NRT), and CP Global.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global optical sorter market include Buhler Holding AG, TOMRA, Satake USA, and Key Technology Inc(A Duravant Company), amongst others., among others. The players have adopted various developmental strategies for expanding their market share, increasing profitability, and remaining competitive in the market. For instance, TOMRA announced the TOMRA ACT in March 2021, which is a new user interface, as well as a new image processing pipeline and extra process data for TOMRA Insight, to improve overall sorting productivity and profitability.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2021 and forecast to 2028.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global Optical Sorter market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.