**London**: Chief Sales Officer Steve Raskin discusses the strategic advancements of Optimum Sorting amidst market volatility and supply chain challenges, forecasting a 25% growth by 2025 through innovation, tailored solutions and enhanced supplier relationships in the evolving potato processing sector.
In an exclusive insight from Steve Raskin, Chief Sales Officer of Optimum Sorting, featured in the “Potato Business” publication’s ongoing “Key Business Outlooks 2025” series, the current landscape of the potato processing sector and future expectations are meticulously examined. Raskin’s analysis highlights the intricate dynamics of supply chain management and the critical role of supplier relationships within the context of digital transformation.
Reflecting on the past year, Raskin described how Optimum Sorting has strengthened supplier relationships and diversified sourcing strategies amid a backdrop of market volatility characterised by supply chain disruptions, soaring energy costs, and a scarcity of skilled labour. This strategic focus has enabled the company to implement cost-effective energy solutions and invest in automation and workforce upskilling. As a result, the year was marked by significant accomplishments, including market expansion, enhanced product offerings, and stronger operational foundations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Raskin projected a continuation of this momentum, indicating an optimistic outlook with a target of 25% growth. This projection is rooted in sustained investments in innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centric strategies. The anticipated market evolution in 2025 centres around increasing demand for precision, efficiency, and sustainability, which Raskin emphasised as crucial for driving future growth.
Raskin underscored that opportunities for growth stem from a broad service range spanning multiple industries beyond just food processing, which has fortified the company’s resilience against sector-specific downturns. Additionally, targeted expansions into high-potential regions have created pathways to capitalise on emerging opportunities while mitigating localized risks. He remarked that adaptability and foresight have emerged as critical lessons during these rapidly changing times.
To maintain a competitive edge in a saturated market, Optimum Sorting is prioritising understanding customers’ unique needs, delivering tailored solutions, and adhering to stringent R&D efforts aimed at advanced optical sorting technologies. Raskin noted that the unexpected growth in customer trust and confidence during 2024 had enabled the company to engage in larger, more complex projects, reinforcing their leading market position.
As Raskin assessed the drivers of change for 2025, he highlighted the importance of customer trust and ongoing supply chain dynamics, energy costs, and workforce availability. The company plans to bolster its operations through strengthened partnerships, increased investments in innovation, and enhanced operational resilience.
Looking further into the future, Raskin expressed a desire for a conducive business environment in 2025 that promotes innovation, supports sustainable growth, and encourages cross-industry collaboration. Specific hopes include the establishment of clear, innovation-friendly policies, programs for workforce development in high-tech sectors, and ongoing market growth facilitated by strong collaborative efforts.
Concluding his vision for the industry over the next five years, Raskin forecasted significant advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, leading to enhanced sorting accuracy. The industry’s shift towards energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions, alongside the integral role of optical sorting in supporting circular economies, positions Optimum Sorting at the forefront of these transformations. The company’s overarching aspiration is to foster a smarter, more sustainable industry, equipping customers to navigate an increasingly dynamic market landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
