< Previous30 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING I dentifying solutions predominately based on scale of operations, particular focus should be paid to the flexibility of any given solution, allowing for scaling up or down of processes. Often more overlooked than weighing scale operations, the benefits of investing in industrial sorting solutions include yield maximisation and reduction of product waste via spillage or loss. From a wider perspective, it also promotes sustainability, enhances operational efficiency, and maintains premium product quality, thereby significantly benefiting diverse industries and businesses. Kicking things off with sorting machines, there are several potential solutions depending on your product type. The Optical Sorting machine is perfect for grains and dried foods, offering a versatile solution by using sensors to identify and remove items which do not meet set criteria, providing invaluable assistance in meeting stringent food handling requirements and ensuring superior product cleanliness. This is achieved through the use of camera technology, precision lighting systems, and innovative Machine Learning software, which receives regular upgrades. This setup enables the machine to effectively detect and eliminate defective items and foreign materials based on their colour, shape, and surface characteristics. Identifying outliers ensures that only the highest- grade items continue to the final product, enhances its’ quality and reliability. Widely recognised as the food industry’s premier sorting machine, FOCUS Optical Sorting Machine, a cutting-edge solution designed to streamline grain, food, and plastic sorting processes, meticulously eliminate product defects and foreign materials based on colour, shape, and texture. The particular specialty of the FOCUS is its’ unparalleled ability to sort items exhibiting various optical imperfections. Capable of identifying stains, deformities, and foreign objects within a large volume, this machine Sorting and weighing solutions Whether you are looking to modernise your current sorting and weighing equipment, seeking extra efficiency, or scaling up operations, accurate sorting and weighing must always be paramount. Food & Drink International 31 www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING accurately removes these anomalies from the product flow. Versatile in its application, the FOCUS Sorting Machine caters to a wide array of dry items, including fresh, dried, vegetables, fruits, crustaceans, and shellfish. As the perfect add-on, the optical belt sorter features a unique camera arrangement tailored for items like French fries, carrot cubes, or other processed root vegetables, adhering to the 3R laser class. Sorting for the belt option is based on shape, structure, and colour, with its’ smaller and less intricate design creating a maintenance-friendly operation, and fast product switching. For smaller manufacturing operations, the camera sorting machine is worthy of consideration as an ideal and cost- effective solution for the handling of frozen food, vegetable, and organic products. A condensed version of an optical sorting machine, products are placed onto a conveyor belt and undergo laser-focused camera inspection. By leveraging advanced camera technology, it meticulously identifies and eliminates unwanted foreign materials, stains on a product, and deformed items, ensuring maximum potential yield and impeccable product quality. Crafted for integration into pre- grading or packing lines, multi-lane 32 Á © stock.adobe.com/Grafvision32 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING sorters boast the ability to shorten, or lengthen the lines, or feed into other lines, allowing companies to meet precise production demands. Operating at speeds of up to 800 carriers per minute per lane, these sorters facilitate rapid sorting and packing processes. The machines are customisable to include pack weight optimizers, reducing product giveaway, and smart produce distribution, optimizing efficiency. For smaller production lines or as an extension to multi-lane sorters, single and dual-lane sorters can also be used. Ideal for fruit and vegetable packing, the smaller lanes are perfect for packing into cartons and punnets, whereas multi-lane solutions are ideal for crates and pallets. If space constraints are a pressing concern, single-lane sorting machines can be used with packing outlets on both sides of the machine, maximizing utilization without enlarging the footprint of the production line. Turning our focus to weighers, versatility and flexibility is nowhere more apparent than with Multi-headed Weighers. As a dosing solution, multi- head weighers come with a variety of pockets, so-called “dosing components” designed for products varying in size. Each dosing component can be calibrated to the specific product, ensuring cost-effective management while prioritizing accuracy. The machine typically features a hopper suitable for hand feeding, and the option for the product to be fed into it via a conveying system. This ability to automate the weighing, and weigh multiple products at once, increases the versatility, speed, and accuracy of the process. Furthermore, routine maintenance and cleaning is much © stock.adobe.com/ItsananFood & Drink International 33 www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING easier, as less down time is required for an all-in-one system. However, multi- head weighers are unsuitable for particularly large volumes of product. For large scale weighing needs, standalone linear units are often the preferred solution. Using a low, stainless-steel platform, large crates or drums can be easily lifted or wheeled onto the platform for weighing. This is especially useful for containers of liquids, for which the multi-head weigher is not applicable. Linear machines offer versatility, functioning as standalone units with foot pedal control for manual bag filling or seamlessly integrating with automatic bagging machines. The utilisation of stainless steel aligns perfectly with industry food safety standards, as an easily cleanable and sanitary material. To be used in large facilities, manufacturers of linear units offer the machines in a mobile version to be moved around the production area, or static versions to be integrated into existing production lines. Combined with the low platform, these solutions help to mitigate potentially hazardous floor pits and ramps, lowering the risk of accidents. This modular system provides a high degree of flexibility, catering specifically to loose, bulk materials across food production, perfect for use pre- processing. Similarly, Big Bag systems allow product to be fed down into a large bag, sat atop a scale. A key feature of this method is that a tubular conveyor can be used to seamlessly integrate the weigher into existing production and packaging lines. The system’s modular nature allows for customizable solutions, featuring expandability and upgradability using various assemblies, such as inflatable sleeves, movable filling heads, vibrating tables, and conveying devices. Utilising MEC 4.0 weighing electronics, the systems ensure accurate filling by controlling and networking individual bags. © stock.adobe.com/Suranto34 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY C onsumers are set to create a balancing act between trading down while selectively splurging, shopping ubiquitously, embracing the familiar yet exploring diverse brands, and demanding both sustainability and affordability. According to ConsumerWise’s 2023 research spanning diverse global markets, a staggering 84% of European consumers perceive branded products to be on par with private labels, and thus not worth the splurge. Interestingly, 44% of global consumers (notably, 60% among Gen Zers and millennials) express their intent to indulge, particularly in experimental or instantly gratifying products. This surge in selective splurging dovetails neatly with the value-seeking behaviour. Moreover, the confectionery shopping landscape is evolving rapidly, with a majority of consumers engaging with at least three different channels. This change stems from the adoption of new avenues during Covid, notably grocery delivery services, indicating a significant shift in consumer behaviour and preferences away from traditional storefronts. Today, households are embracing variety like never before, with one’s kitchen pantry showcasing a diverse array of bread types—ranging from everyday sandwich loaves to the elegance of sourdoughs reserved for special occasions and the global appeal of flatbreads complementing increasingly international taste preferences. This shift has been particularly evident among Gen Zers and millennials (consumers aged approximately between 18 and 40 years) who actively explore new products and brands. Whilst sustainability has become a paramount consideration for around 84% of consumers in their purchasing decisions, the impact of inflation somewhat counteracts the sustainability drive, with 50% unsure whether they’d pay a premium for greener goods. Nonetheless, products incorporating sustainability-related claims are swiftly outpacing those without such credentials in new product development. As consumers navigate this dichotomy of conscious spending and ethical decision making, their prioritization in discretionary spending The changing face of bakery and confectionery Moving into 2024, the bakery and confectionery world is due to undertake a nuanced shift this year due in no small part to food scarcity and worsening economic conditions. 36 ÁFood & Drink International 35 www.fdiforum.net BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY © stock.adobe.com/YesPhotographers36 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY has transformed. The out-of-home market now witnesses a shift where weekend indulgences take precedence over weekday “pick-me-ups”. This shift is most notable in breakfast and brunch outings, presenting a substantial opportunity for breads, cakes, and pastries. Since the cessation of lockdowns, there’s been a noticeable elevation in the appreciation of “simple pleasures,” resonating with the increased emphasis on mental health awareness in society. Indulging in a leisurely breakfast with friends or family is the perfect way to enjoy the company of loved ones and is seen as a positive way to kickstart the day. In fact, Innova’s 2023 research underscores that 61% of individuals worldwide seek everyday moments of happiness as their primary source of treats and rewards, bridging generational gaps with this universal desire. So, we know that consumers could be harder to tempt this year. What flavours are likely to capture their hearts? Something that resonates, according to Innova. Flavours should be carefully chosen to evoke a certain emotion, given consumers’ strong nostalgic and emotional attachments to certain tastes. Surprisingly, tropical fruit flavours have emerged as the top choice among consumers, fostering feelings of cheerfulness, vitality, and refreshment. For products wishing to give healthy vibes, berries, summer fruits, and orchard flavours are the way to go. A summer staple, citrus flavours ground a product, and provide a sense of solace to the consumer. Interestingly, regional preferences can be identified for these flavours – for example, citrus dominates in Western Europe, North America favours blueberry, and exotic fruit flavours will continue to dominate Asian and Latin American bakery creations. Understanding these nuanced preferences presents an opportunity for bakeries to craft with a holistic experience in mind and tailor flavours to elevate moods, forge emotional connections, and curate unforgettable moments. For instance, whilst German consumers lean towards finding the pleasure in everyday treats, their engagement often revolves around the experience itself, necessitating a sensory amalgamation of texture, flavour, ingredients, and packaging. Given this lean towards wellness, nearly half of consumers worldwide indicate that healthy or better-for-you flavours © stock.adobe.com/BlazingDesignsFood & Drink International 37 www.fdiforum.net BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERY significantly influence their food choices. Floral offerings have seen a surge in demand, with chamomile, honeysuckle, and rose emerging as the fastest-growing flavours in new global launches. The desire for new experiences can be seen within the cake market, which in recent years has witnessed a rise in unique flavours like pistachio, cocktail- inspired concoctions, and blonde chocolate. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources—from nostalgic tastes such as biscuits, sweets, and breakfast cereals to more global sources such as Japanese miso, matcha, and mochi— seemingly, the more unique the flavour profile, the more it captures attention. Having dominated the 2010s, peanut butter is set to be replaced by healthy pistachio, not just as a filling but also as a visually stunning topping. Coffee, once confined to traditional coffee and walnut cakes, has now developed nuances, embracing chai and cappuccino notes and often combined with banana or Irish cream. The rise of such ‘brown flavours’—including chocolate, vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel amongst others —presents a rising desire to hold on to the nostalgia of traditional, cosy flavours, but with a modern twist for intrigue. The allure of showstoppers continues into the design of cake and confectionery, most notably, the rise of luxury miniature cakes. While small- sized cakes like cupcakes, cake pops, and mini muffins have graced dessert tables for years, these dainty delights are undergoing a contemporary renaissance. The humble cupcake has reinvented itself in the form of a miniature replica of a classic cake. As discussed, wellbeing continues to be a consideration for consumers, and these mini cakes offer the perfect portion size for a guilt-free indulgence, alleviating the temptation to overindulge. These petite confections emerge as an ideal balance, allowing for an indulgence without compromising on portion control. These creations also encourage taste experimentation, where consumers may be hesitant to gamble with a large cake. Bakers can unleash their creativity, inspiring consumers to explore beyond their familiar tastes. Designed to be instantly consumed, mini bakes often incorporate more fresh ingredients (such as fresh flowers and fruits), perfectly complimenting the 2024 desire to reconnect with nature. © stock.adobe.com/fahrwasser38 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net NEW YEAR - NEW SUPPLIERS How effective are your suppliers? Are they pulling their weight? With rising economic strife across the world, it may be worth spending the first few months of 2024 checking if yours are supporting you as much as they should be. L oyalty is its own reward, or so the saying goes, but 2023 has been a difficult year with the state of the economy and the geopolitical strife, and food and drink manufacturers are having to cut costs wherever they can. Quite often, it’s the suppliers who take the brunt of that – and it may be with good reason. It’s difficult to overhaul a line without adding more work, whereas switching one supplier out for another can be much easier, assuming the new supplier is good enough that they don’t run into instant problems. Furthermore, new suppliers are often prepared to offer better deals to secure a new client. Loyalty may be its own reward, but it often feels like existing suppliers grow complacent with your business and don’t reward your loyalty to them with much else. For the most part, it’s all about stability. The years past have been The best supplier Food & Drink International 39 www.fdiforum.net NEW YEAR - NEW SUPPLIERS choppy to say the least and it’s easy to see why businesses might appreciate a less complicated relationship with suppliers. For many, there are also good relations with suppliers to consider, perhaps friendships or times where their directors have wined and dined you. Keep in mind that this is intentional, however. Most businesses do it. Key customers are worth taking the time to ingratiate yourself with, and it’s ultimately nothing more than a means of building loyalty. A business owner or manager should never feel beholden or indebted to a supplier because their service has already been repaid. However, there is risk in bringing in a new and untested supplier, which is why it’s so important to do your research and ensure they will be a good fit for a company. While there’s less risk of © stock.adobe.com/visoot © stock.adobe.com/2ragon 40 ÁNext >