OPUS International
Industry Update - June 2026

June opened with encouraging signs for the broader manufacturing economy. U.S. manufacturing activity reached its highest level in approximately four years, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI climbing to 54.0. New orders, production activity, and backlogs all expanded during May.
While food manufacturing was not the primary driver of this expansion, food and beverage companies benefited from:

• Improved business confidence
• Strong consumer spending
• Continued investment in manufacturing capacity
• Increased focus on supply chain resiliency

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that total U.S. job openings increased to 7.6 million in April, indicating a labor market that remains competitive despite slower hiring rates in some sectors.
At the same time, manufacturers began reporting renewed cost pressures due to:

• Higher transportation costs
• Rising energy prices
• Packaging inflation
• Global supply chain disruptions

These concerns were echoed across manufacturing sectors as geopolitical uncertainty increased input costs and complicated sourcing decisions.
The food industry also continued to rationalize production networks. For example, Campbell's completed its transition of the Paris, Texas facility from soup production to sauces and salsa manufacturing, reflecting a broader trend toward specialization and category-focused manufacturing networks.

June's outlook remains positive, though increasingly focused on efficiency and profitability.
The strongest growth areas continue to be:

• Functional beverages
• Ready-to-drink coffee
• Dairy innovation
• Flavors and ingredients
• Better-for-you snacks
• Automation and smart manufacturing

Companies are still hiring, but they are becoming increasingly selective. Candidates who combine technical food science expertise with commercialization, operations, or leadership experience continue to command premium compensation and attract the strongest interest from employers.