Skewering on the Rise: Why UK & Ireland Producers Are Investing in Automation

Demand for skewered products—from premium BBQ lines and ready-to-cook meals to innovative plant-based options—is soaring across the UK and Ireland. Retailers are expanding their fresh and frozen ranges, putting immense pressure on manufacturers to deliver consistent quality, enhanced hygiene, and vastly higher output.

The core challenge? A persistent and acute labour shortage in the food manufacturing sector. With industry-wide labour shortages in UK food production recently reported at around 4.9% (compared to 2.8% for the wider UK economy), and the food-to-go market alone forecast to hit £24 billion in 2025, relying on manual skewering is no longer sustainable. (Sources: FDF State of Industry Report Q2 2024; Lumina Intelligence UK Food to Go Market Report 2025).

For food producers, investing in smarter skewering technology is now an operational imperative.

Why the Shift to Skewering Automation?

• Scaling Demand: The UK food-to-go market is forecast to hit £24 billion by 2025, driving huge demand for convenient, ready-to-cook items like skewers. (Source: Lumina Intelligence)
• Labour Crisis: Automation provides the necessary throughput to overcome acute labour shortages, with ROI often realised within 2–4 years.
• Retail Quality: Automated systems guarantee the uniform skewer positioning and consistent presentation required by major supermarkets.

The Right Skewering Solution for Every Production Goal

All systems use premium, food-safe, FSC Certified and approved beechwood skewers for excellent product appeal.

Timing is Everything: Don't Toast Your 2026 BBQ Profits

The 2026 BBQ Season is right around the corner, and if your automated skewering solutions aren't ready, your potential profits will be toast. We know how it goes: the sun hits, demand explodes, and suddenly you're caught in the lengthy Potential Delay Window (up to a 14-week lead time), wishing you had ordered back when you were wearing sweaters. To secure your systems for pre-season delivery and avoid high-demand queues, the optimal time to speak to us is now—ensuring you hit the necessary 8-12 week Optimal Window for perfect market readiness. 

Ready to enhance efficiency and product quality?

Our mantra— Consulting | Delivering | Supporting — ensures you receive a complete partnership, not just equipment. Whether you are upgrading existing lines or scaling up production, our future-proof food processing solutions deliver measurable ROI while driving efficiency forward.

Contact us today to explore how Sealpac UK & Partners can transform your production line with automation, efficiency, and expert support.

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~Ready to stop skewering around and start automating your success? Let’s make it happen.