Key Business Outlooks For 2026: Raymond Nogael, President and CEO, MECATHERM
In 2026, market demand will continue to move toward greater automation, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether for premium breads or delicate savory products, our priority is to help customers produce better products more consistently and sustainably at industrial scale through solutions that are easier to operate, more energy-efficient, and increasingly data-driven.
We asked the most important players in the European and American baking industry about their expectations for the year ahead. They talked about opportunities, changing consumer expectations, what type of support the industry needs, but also about the drawbacks of an unstable political climate and the challenges that come with labour shortage and energy prices increasing.
Raymond Nogael, President and CEO, MECATHERM
How would you assess MECATHERM’s performance over the past year?
Over the past year, MECATHERM delivered a solid and resilient performance, with a strong focus on our customers. We prioritized reliability, performance, and long-term partnerships.
Despite a challenging market, we supported our customers in securing production, improving line performance, and adapting to new constraints related to energy, labor, and product quality.
We also strengthened our project execution and expanded our service capabilities, all while continuing to invest in advanced baking technologies, modular solutions, and connected equipment that improve consistency, productivity, and total cost of ownership.
What are your expectations for 2026, taking into account the evolving market dynamics?
In 2026, market demand will continue to move toward greater automation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Whether for premium breads or delicate savory products, our priority is to help customers produce better products more consistently and sustainably at industrial scale through solutions that are easier to operate, more energy-efficient, and increasingly data-driven.
We will further strengthen our service, digital, and retrofit offerings. We also plan to reinforce local support and focus on pragmatic innovation and execution to deliver measurable results and long-term value.
What are the most significant forces driving change in your business for 2026, and how are you preparing to address them?
Key forces include pressure surrounding operational efficiency and labor availability, rising expectations for energy efficiency and sustainability, and accelerating digitalization.
We are responding with highly automated, robust, and flexible solutions, enhanced training and support, energy-optimized technologies, and connected systems that improve visibility, diagnostics, and maintenance.
Our goal is to help customers turn these challenges into competitive advantages.
Looking ahead to the next five years, what is your vision for the industry?
Over the next five years, the baking industry will evolve toward high-performance industrial systems, where reliability, digital tools, and sustainability are standard requirements. As consumers continue to seek new flavors, formats, and experiences, we expect a steady rise in demand for healthier, more sustainable options, along with an increasing need for diversified products.
MECATHERM is positioning itself as a long-term partner by combining our industrial robustness, process expertise, and practical digital solutions. Our goal is clear: to address complex industry challenges with reliable and scalable solutions that create real value and help our customers flourish in a competitive and rapidly changing environment.