Spray Drying Equipment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Nozzle Atomizer, Closed Loop, Rotary Atomizer, Fluidized, Centrifugal and Others), By Drying Stage (Single Stage and Multistage), By Flow Type (Counter-Current Flow Spray Dryers, Co-Current Flow Spray Dryers and Mixed Flow Spray Dryers), By Application (Pharmaceuticals, Food, Chemical Industry and Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Spray Drying Equipment Market was valued at USD 5.29 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.51 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.97% through 2030. Spray drying equipment, a versatile technology utilized in numerous industries, plays a crucial role in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. It facilitates the transformation of liquids into powders through a meticulous process. This process involves the precise spraying of the liquid into a hot drying medium, commonly air, which prompts rapid evaporation and results in the formation of dry particles. The equipment's value lies in its exceptional efficiency, its ability to preserve the quality of heat-sensitive products, and its remarkable capability to produce particles with controlled size and moisture content. Its widespread application and reliability make it an indispensable tool in various manufacturing processes.

Driving the growth of the spray drying equipment market is the rising demand for processed and convenience foods, particularly in emerging economies. The food industry leverages spray drying technology for producing ingredients like milk powder, coffee, egg powder, flavorings, and nutritional supplements. As consumer preferences shift toward long shelf-life products with consistent quality, manufacturers are increasingly adopting spray drying systems for their precision and scalability. Additionally, the equipment enables the encapsulation of sensitive compounds such as probiotics, flavors, and vitamins, enhancing product stability and delivery, which is vital for maintaining nutritional and sensory attributes in modern food formulations.

Moreover, the pharmaceutical sector is significantly contributing to the adoption of spray drying equipment due to its utility in enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The ability to produce fine, uniform particles with desired morphology makes spray drying ideal for drug delivery applications, particularly in the development of inhalable medications and controlled-release formulations. The growing investment in drug R&D, coupled with advancements in spray drying technology such as closed-loop systems and advanced atomization methods is expanding its application in biologics, vaccines, and novel therapeutics. These innovations are driving efficiency, reducing material wastage, and supporting regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Key Market Drivers

Technological Advancements in Spray Drying Equipment

Recent technological advancements are playing a key role in accelerating global demand for spray drying equipment. Innovations such as high-speed rotary atomizers, fluidized bed dryers, and enhanced nozzle atomizers are significantly improving product uniformity, drying speed, and energy efficiency. These systems now offer better control over particle size, moisture content, and powder flowability. According to a 2023 industry report, over 60% of global food and dairy processing facilities have upgraded to automated or semi-automated spray drying systems demonstrating the growing preference for advanced machinery capable of meeting rising quality and efficiency standards.

Automation and precision control are further driving adoption across industries. The integration of smart sensors, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and IoT-based monitoring systems enables real-time adjustments and predictive maintenance, reducing operational downtime. Industry 4.0 continues to influence manufacturing practices, and a 2024 global manufacturing survey found that 47% of companies across food and pharma sectors plan to digitize their drying systems in the next two years. This push toward smart manufacturing enhances product traceability, boosts throughput, and aligns with modern quality assurance protocols, making advanced spray drying systems a vital component of contemporary production facilities.

Sustainability is also a major force behind the innovation in spray drying equipment. Manufacturers are increasingly designing systems with improved heat recovery, lower energy consumption, and minimal environmental impact. For example, energy-efficient spray dryers now consume up to 30% less energy than conventional models, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. As global industries face stricter environmental regulations, such technologies are becoming essential. These advancements are helping companies meet their sustainability targets while maintaining cost-effective and high-quality production.

Beyond food and pharmaceuticals, sectors such as chemicals, ceramics, and nutraceuticals are expanding their use of spray drying technology. In these applications, consistent particle formation, scalability, and the ability to handle heat-sensitive compounds are crucial. The growing trend of personalized medicine and high-value formulations further boosts the need for precision drying systems. As industries diversify and product complexity increases, technologically advanced spray dryers offer the flexibility and performance needed to meet evolving demands—positioning them as indispensable assets in modern manufacturing ecosystems.

Increasing R&D Activities in Spray Drying Equipment

The rising focus on research and development (R&D) across multiple industries is significantly boosting the adoption of spray drying equipment. As manufacturers aim to optimize processes and develop advanced formulations, spray drying remains a preferred technique for its ability to produce uniform, stable powders. In 2023, over 35% of global food and pharmaceutical companies reported increasing their R&D budgets, targeting improvements in drying technologies. This investment is fostering innovations in spray dryer design, including better thermal control and finer particle engineering, which are critical for enhancing the performance and applicability of the drying process.

One of the major R&D goals is to improve energy efficiency while maintaining high product quality. Spray drying is an energy-intensive process, and manufacturers are working to reduce operating costs through technology enhancements. Recent developments include closed-loop drying systems and heat recovery solutions, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. As environmental regulations tighten, R&D-driven innovations in energy-efficient drying solutions are becoming increasingly essential. These advances help manufacturers align with sustainability goals while maintaining productivity, reinforcing the role of spray drying equipment as a valuable asset in modern production lines.

The pharmaceutical industry is especially benefiting from intensified R&D in spray drying, particularly for improving drug solubility and bioavailability. As more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are poorly soluble, spray drying enables the production of amorphous solid dispersions that enhance drug effectiveness. A 2024 pharmaceutical innovation report noted that 42% of new drug delivery projects now consider spray drying as a primary formulation method. This marks a growing reliance on spray drying technology in the development of advanced therapies, personalized medicine, and biologics, thus expanding the technology’s market relevance.

Furthermore, R&D efforts are diversifying the applications of spray drying across emerging sectors such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemicals. The ability to encapsulate flavors, vitamins, enzymes, and bioactive compounds with high precision is driving adoption in these high-growth industries. Researchers are exploring novel carrier materials and atomization techniques to enhance encapsulation efficiency. As companies look to differentiate their products and improve functionality, spray drying’s role in innovation-driven markets continues to strengthen—fueled by robust R&D investments and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Increase in Health Consciousness Among Consumers

The rising global trend of health consciousness among consumers is expected to significantly drive the demand for spray drying equipment. Spray drying, a method used to produce dry powders from a liquid or slurry, is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are leaning towards organic and natural products. These products often require the use of spray drying equipment in their manufacturing process, which ensures the products' nutritional value and freshness are maintained.

Additionally, the process of spray drying is key to preserving the bioavailability of nutrient-rich food and pharmaceutical products, an aspect that's highly attractive to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, spray drying allows for the extended shelf life of products without the addition of artificial preservatives, aligning with the clean-label trend among health-conscious consumers. In the pharmaceutical industry, spray drying is used for the precise particle size reduction necessary for drug absorption, an aspect crucial for health supplements and medications. The increase in the consumption of these products by health-focused consumers has resulted in a surge in demand for spray drying equipment. Therefore, the rise in health consciousness among consumers globally is anticipated to bolster the spray drying equipment market significantly. This trend is expected to continue as awareness of health and wellness grows and consumers demand high-quality, natural products.

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Key Market Challenges

High Initial Investment & Maintenance Costs

High initial investment and maintenance costs are key factors expected to decrease the demand for Spray Drying Equipment on a global scale. Spray drying is a sophisticated process used across various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to chemical sectors. Although the technique offers substantial benefits such as improved product quality and efficiency, the significant capital required for initial investment presents a substantial obstacle for many potential users. The high-end spray drying equipment involves advanced technologies, necessitating a hefty upfront cost that may be prohibitive for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the expenses associated with the continual maintenance and potential replacement parts of these machines are substantial, adding to the overall operational costs. These factors, together with the economic uncertainty in many parts of the world, result in a reluctance among potential users to invest in spray drying equipment. This trend is expected to decrease the global demand for such equipment, especially in resource-constrained settings and developing markets.

Risk Of Product Degradation During the Drying Process

Spray drying is a process integral to many industries, particularly in the production of food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, the potential risk of product degradation during the drying process is a significant concern that may decrease the global demand for spray drying equipment. The intense heat exposure involved can compromise the physical and chemical properties of the product, resulting in altered taste, color, consistency, and, crucially, nutritional value in the case of food products. Similarly, for pharmaceutical applications, degradation can lead to a reduction in drug potency, directly impacting the therapeutic effectiveness of the end product. Consequently, industries are seeking alternative drying methods to preserve the quality of their products. These concerns have been amplified by the rising consumer awareness and demand for superior-quality products. The preference for natural and high-quality products in food and pharmaceutical markets adds another layer of complexity to the existing challenges. The combination of these factors is expected to decrease the demand for spray drying equipment on a global scale, as industries explore lower-risk drying methodologies that can maintain product integrity and meet the stringent quality expectations of today's discerning consumers.

Key Market Trends

Expansion of Dairy Sector in Developing Countries

The dairy sector in developing countries is rapidly expanding owing to growing consumer demand for dairy products, which in turn, is expected to significantly boost the global demand for spray drying equipment. Spray drying is a prominent method used in the dairy industry for the conversion of milk into dry powder form, ensuring longer shelf life and ease of transportation. This technology offers advantages such as moisture removal, thermal efficiency, and product quality preservation, which are essential for the dairy sector.

As developing countries continue to industrialize their dairy production to cater to the rising local and global demand, the need for efficient, scalable, and quality-preserving drying methods is paramount. Hence, the adoption of spray drying equipment is projected to surge. The burgeoning middle class in these countries, coupled with dietary shifts towards protein-rich foods, is further fueling the expansion of the dairy sector.  Moreover, the push towards modernization of traditional farming practices and enhancement of dairy processing infrastructure is also propelling this trend. Therefore, the combination of these factors creates a substantial demand for spray drying equipment globally, strengthening its market growth. A testament to the interconnectedness of industries, the growth of one sector can indeed stimulate the evolution and expansion of another.

Increased Demand in Food & Pharmaceutical Industries

Spray drying equipment holds a pivotal role in the production process of many food and pharmaceutical goods, and the global demand for these machines is set to rise. In the food industry, spray drying is employed to manufacture a wide variety of products, ranging from dairy and bakery goods to instant beverages and flavorings. As global populations and their demands for processed and convenience foods surge, the need for efficient, high-volume production methods like spray drying follows suit. Simultaneously, the pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a similar trend. Spray drying technology is integral to creating many pharmaceutical products, especially when precise particle size distribution, solubility, or bioavailability are required. The escalating prevalence of chronic diseases and the concomitant demand for effective medication necessitate efficient production methods, thereby boosting the need for spray drying equipment. Hence, the amplified demand in both the food and pharmaceutical industries is expected to be a major catalyst for the global expansion of the spray drying equipment market.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

Based on the Application, the pharmaceutical industry has been dominating the market for decades, thanks to the extensive use of spray drying in drug formulation processes. This innovative technique, which involves the conversion of liquid formulations into dry powders through atomization and drying, offers a multitude of benefits. By precisely controlling the particle size and morphology, spray drying enables the production of high-quality, uniformly sized particles. This not only enhances drug efficacy but also ensures consistent product performance and patient experience.

Moreover, the versatility of spray drying allows for the formulation of a wide range of drug compounds, including poorly soluble drugs, peptides, and biologics. The process can be optimized to encapsulate sensitive active ingredients, protecting them from degradation and enabling targeted drug delivery. Additionally, spray drying offers the flexibility to incorporate excipients and additives, enhancing stability, solubility, and taste masking of formulations. It's safe to say that spray drying has revolutionized the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, playing a crucial role in advancing healthcare worldwide. With its ability to produce high-quality particles, enable formulation of various drug compounds, and optimize drug delivery, spray drying continues to be a key driver of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Regional Insights

North America is currently dominating the Global Spray Drying Equipment Market owing to several key factors. The region's robust food processing and pharmaceutical industries serve as the driving force behind this dominance, as they heavily rely on the application of spray drying techniques. Additionally, North America's advanced technological landscape provides an ideal environment for continuous innovation and the widespread adoption of efficient, high-throughput spray drying systems. Furthermore, the presence of numerous industry-leading spray drying equipment manufacturers in North America ensures easy availability and reliable service support, creating a conducive ecosystem for market growth in the region. These factors combined contribute to North America's sustained leadership position in the Global Spray Drying Equipment Market, solidifying its reputation as a key player in the industry.

Recent Developments

• In May 2024, GEA unveiled its new ASEPTICSD® spray dryer at ACHEMA 2024 in Frankfurt (June 10–14), showcasing cutting-edge aseptic pharmaceutical spray drying. Tailored for sterile processing of vaccines, peptides, biologics, and antibiotic powders, it integrates advanced steam sterilization, multiple sterile filters, and filter integrity testing. Designed for seamless scale-up from non‑sterile PHARMASD® systems, ASEPTICSD® enables safe, efficient sterile-powder production in a single step.
• In September 2024, Evonik has inaugurated a new spray drying facility at its Darmstadt site dedicated to processing EUDRAGIT® aqueous dispersions for oral pharmaceutical excipients. The multi‑million‑euro plant is fully integrated with Evonik’s existing production network, enhancing supply security and shortening delivery times. Powered by green electricity and waste‑incineration steam, it will reduce CO₂ emissions by over 1,000 tonnes annually.
• In April 2025, Bend Bioscience has expanded its Gainesville, Georgia facility by installing a commercial-scale GEA PSD‑4 spray dryer alongside a Gerteis dry granulation system. The new standalone suite features vacuum drying, multi-sized tanks, and a dual-stage condenser, enabling advanced processing of potent APIs and various solvents. This upgrade significantly enhances capacity for oral dosage formulation, improving drug absorption, bioavailability, and production flexibility.
• In April 2025, Industrial-scale operations are set to expand capacity through updated industrial spray dryer rebuild and optimization services. These upgrades involve revitalizing existing spray dryers with upgraded atomizers, enhanced control systems, and precision-engineered nozzles to improve efficiency and output. Optimization includes energy-saving retrofits, advanced airflow design, and automation for consistent particle size. The service offering aims to extend equipment life, boost throughput, and reduce operating costs—helping manufacturers in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals modernize their drying infrastructure with minimum downtime.

Key Market Players

• GEA Group AG
• Dedert Corporation
• SPX Flow Technology Denmark A/S
• Acmefil Engineering Systems Pvt. Ltd.
• Buchi Labortechnik AG
• European Spraydry Technologies Llp
• Changzhou Lemar Drying Engineering Co. Ltd.
• Shandong Shungeng Drying Equipment Co. Ltd.
• C.E. Rogers Company
• Saka Engineering Systems Private Ltd.

In this report, the Global Spray Drying Equipment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Spray Drying Equipment Market, By Type:

o   Nozzle Atomizer

o   Closed Loop

o   Rotary Atomizer

o   Fluidized

o   Centrifugal

o   Others

• Spray Drying Equipment Market, By Drying Stage:

o   Single Stage

o   Multistage

• Spray Drying Equipment Market, By Flow Type:

o   Counter-Current Flow Spray Dryers

o   Co-Current Flow Spray Dryers

o   Mixed Flow Spray Dryers

• Spray Drying Equipment Market, By Application:

o   Pharmaceuticals

o   Food

o   Chemical Industry

o   Others

• Spray Drying Equipment Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Spray Drying Equipment Market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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