---
title: "Skewering on the Rise: Why UK & Ireland Producers Are Investing in Automation"
description: Automate your skewering for the BBQ season. Combat labour shortages, achieve retail quality, & boost output with MIVEG solutions from Sealpac UK.
---

[Sealpac UK & Partners Blog ](https://www.sealpac-uk.com/blog)

# [Skewering on the Rise: Why UK & Ireland Producers Are Investing in Automation](https://www.sealpac-uk.com/blog/skewering-on-the-rise-why-uk-ireland-producers-are-investing-in-automation)

 Written by [Akshita](https://www.sealpac-uk.com/blog/author/akshita) | Nov 19, 2025 11:29:06 AM

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.

**Explore Our Blogs:** Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in food processing and packaging by visiting our [blogs](https://www.sealpac-uk.com/blog).

 

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

 

[View full post](https://www.sealpac-uk.com/blog/skewering-on-the-rise-why-uk-ireland-producers-are-investing-in-automation)

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