< PreviousTo advertise your services on the news pages contact us on 01472 310302New blockchain tracking platform launched for food industry A new blockchain-enabled food tracking platform has been launched to track individual products from origin to consumer. Developed in partnership between WWF-Australia and BCG Digital Ventures, OpenSC aims to help businesses and consumers avoid illegal, environmentally damaging or unethical products, while improving supply chain accountability and transparency. OpenSC enables businesses to track their products by adding a unique blockchain code at the product’s point of origin – such as the moment a fish is caught at sea. The blockchain is a digital ledger that cannot be tampered with. It records the movement of a product along the supply chain and can store a range of information, such as when, where and how the product was produced, plus any social and environmental certifications or other data. Consumers can also use OpenSC to learn more about the products they purchase. newsEnjoy Life Foods installs Loma Systems’ X5C Compact X-ray inspection machine Enjoy Life Foods – a rapidly growing manufacturer of certified gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified snacks – recently installed four X5C Compact X-ray inspection units from Loma Systems at its 200,000 square foot baking facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Chosen for its reliability, robustness and space-saving design, the compact machine is inspecting a range of allergen-free snack bars wrapped in metallized film for contaminants. Enjoy Life Foods has installed the X5C X-ray system at the end of its packaging lines where it is inspecting wrapped solid chocolate bars and snack bars containing seeds, chocolate chips or caramel pieces. The X5C is operating at speeds up to 240 packs per minute, on a continuous 24/7 basis. Aaron Jackson, Project Engineer at Enjoy Life Foods, said: “The overall service from Loma is excellent and I would happily recommend the company and its products to other food manufacturers.” 10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.net© Shutterstock/ sdecoret04-13.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 12:30 Page 7Food & Drink International 11www.fdiforum.netAldi launch own-brand bleeding vegan burger Aldi has launched a new plant-based burger in the UK which it says is the most “meat-like” vegan burger on the market. The new quarter pounder, described as tasting “just like a real burger”, is the result of twelve months work during which time the supermarket honed its recipe to capture a smoky flavour it says is “often lacking from other meat-free alternatives”. The new Meat Free Butcher Quarter Pounders are made from soya protein and intended to look, taste and “bleed” like a real burger thanks to the inclusion of beetroot. But where Aldi is really making an impact is on price, selling a two-pack over 75% cheaper than other supermarket alternatives. The burgers are available now in stores and have been tailored toward vegans and meat-reducers alike.Wonky chicken breasts launched in UK first Online food retailer MuscleFood is launching the UK’s first range of wonky chicken breasts. The chicken breasts – billed as not the “right shape for supermarkets” – are aimed at cash conscious consumers looking to eat healthily on a budget. Indeed, the new product will retail for almost half the price of some popular supermarket equivalents. Each chicken portion ranges in size from 100g to 350g cuts, and they can be bought in 2kg-2.5kg packs. Despite being a slightly different shape and size to conventional chicken breasts, the ‘Beautifully Wonky Chicken Breasts’ contain no added salt or water and are 100% fresh. Darren Beale, founder of MuscleFood, said: “Chicken, particularly the breast cuts, is one of our most popular products, so after the success of our ‘Beautifully Wonky Steaks’ last year, we decided to launch the UK’s first wonky chicken breast range – offering unconventionally shaped but great quality chicken breast portions at budget prices.”on the shelfChadwicks launch transparent pre-cut lid Heat seal pre-cut lid manufacturer Chadwicks of Bury (part of the Clondalkin Group) has developed its first transparent pre-cut lid for enhanced product appeal. The ultra-clear lid is suitable for a wide variety of products and will seal to PP, PS and PET pots and containers. Sales and Marketing Director Alastair Bearman explained: “A transparent lid offers the consumer a clear visual of the item they are about to purchase. It suggests freshness so is suited to food products, such as dips and deserts. Brands that want to show what is unique about a product, or have something that is visually appealing, for example confectionary or snacks can also benefit from the ultra-clear lid. “The lids can either be unprinted or partially printed offering brands a versatile and cost-effective packaging solution, and there are no additional process changes required when sealing the lids to the pots or containers.” Soylent adds ‘in-between meal’ to range Rosa Foods is bolstering its Ready-to-Drink and Powder lines with the addition of Soylent Bridge, a new low-calorie option designed as an “in-between meal”. The company said Soylent Bridge was intended to be “the perfect solution when hunger strikes between meals” and joins its iconic Soylent range. CEO Bryan Crowley said: “We know that mealtime isn’t the only time our customers are faced with these difficult food decisions, so we set out to create a more complete and nutritious way to get you to your next meal. Our customers have been asking for a lighter, lower-calorie option that still packs a protein punch to satisfy these occasions and with Soylent Bridge, we’ve delivered.” Each 11oz bottle of Soylent Bridge contains 15 grams of plant-based protein and 36 essential nutrients with 180 calories and 3 grams of sugar. The vegan and nut-free drink will launch in a chocolate flavour.Kemin launches NaturCEASE Dry, a food safety solution for processed meats Kemin Industries, a leading provider of shelf-life extension and food safety solutions for the global food industry, recently launched NaturCEASE Dry, a new food safety solution. NaturCEASE Dry is a clean-label combination of buffered vinegar and natural plant extracts developed to keep processed meat products safe and fresh. “Meat spoilage can be divided into two criteria: oxidative rancidity and microbial spoilage. Both have a sensory impact and an impact on colour, but, more importantly, microbial contamination affects meat safety,” said Anja Verbiest, Customer Laboratory Services and Quality Assurance Manager, Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA. NaturCEASE Dry combines multiple benefits into one blend. The one-stop solution controls spoilage bacteria while maintaining the bright red colour and fresh flavour of processed meat products. “Our NaturCEASE Dry solution offers a total freshness package. It’s user-friendly for customers and provides the needed convenience they seek,” said Kelly De Vadder, Marketing Manager, Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA. © MuscleFood© Rosa Foods© Aldi04-13.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 12:30 Page 812 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netThe Ranger3 camera – SICK’s pocket-sized powerhouse SICK has pushed the boundaries of 3D vision inspection in food and beverage processing and packaging operations with the launch of the SICK Ranger3 camera, thanks to a breakthrough CMOS sensor that powers unprecedented high-speed image processing in a compact device. SICK’s Ranger3 high-definition streaming camera is the first to be powered by its innovative Imager with Rapid On-Chip Calculation technology. Faster than any comparable device available, its next-gen technology can capture 7,000 profiles per second at full sensor acquisition. Compact and rugged, the SICK Ranger3 is easily built into standalone inspection units or integrated into automatic quality control systems with other sensing devices. “The SICK Ranger3 is built around our new M30 CMOS sensor, which is seven times as sensitive as anything SICK has used before in its vision cameras,” says Neil Sandhu SICK (UK) vision specialist. “This means that lighting is never going to be an issue, even with low contrast dark objects at high speeds.“ on lineProseal GT1s give one heck of a boost to sausage maker The high speed and low maintenance of three Proseal GT1s tray sealers are providing Heck Foods with increased efficiency in its factory operations as well as better quality packaging for its sausage and burger products. The tray sealers deliver a fast and reliable sealing operation, running for 12 hours a day and at a speed of around 60 packs per minute. The top sealed trays have replaced Heck Foods’ previous shrink-wrapped packaging, ensuring the company’s products are now better protected, more effectively presented, and more convenient for both retailers and customers. Andrew Keeble at Heck Foods said: “Maximising throughput is vital to the efficiency of our operation and the Proseal machines are helping us to achieve this. On top of everything else, the aftersales support we have received from Proseal has been the best of anyone we work with. We are also looking at different pack formats, and Proseal are working with our tray manufacturers on this.” Come see us on stand No D3004-13.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 12:31 Page 9appointmentspladis appoints global CEO Snacking company pladis has appointed A. Salman Amin as global CEO after a three-decade career. Most recently, Salman was the Global Chief Operating Officer, Global Commercial Division for SC Johnson & Son where he was accountable for all categories and geographies. He will build on pladis’ focus to strategically diversify its global brand, McVitie’s, alongside Ulker and a range of Godiva chocolates exclusively for consumer-packaged goods channels and core markets. He will also focus on inspiring a global workforce to capitalise on ever-changing, multi-channel, dynamic environments. Murat Ulker, Chairman of Yildiz Holding, said: “pladis is just over two years old and already we’re fast becoming a global snacking leader. With Salman’s proven track record in driving transformation and growth among global FMCG players, we’re delighted to welcome him to lead our ambitious and entrepreneurial team.”New CEO for Greene King Greene King, the pub company and owner of the Old Speckled Hen brand, has appointed Nick Mackenzie as its new CEO effective from 1 May. Mr Mackenzie replaces Rooney Anand and joins the brewer from Merlin Entertainments where, as a member of the Executive Committee, he is responsible for the Midway portfolio of attractions, which comprises over 100 businesses around the world including Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and SEA LIFE aquariums. Chairman Philip Yea said: “After a comprehensive search we feel that Nick's broad experience and track record at one of the world's leading leisure businesses as well as his knowledge of the pub business, both early in his career and more recently as a non-executive, make him the best candidate to lead Greene King through its next phase.” Mr Mackenzie added: “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver on our vision to be the best pub company and brewer in Britain.”Don’t forget you can now read Food & Drink International Digital Editions now available on iPad & iPhone www.fdiforum.netIdeal for those who spend time away from the officeon the go!© Shutterstock/ Keith HomanFood & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netA. Salman AminTo advertise your services on the news pages contact us on 01472 31030204-13.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 12:31 Page 10In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, the UK has been forced to cast its net wider than Europe to secure new trading partners. Its gaze has turned increasingly towards the Middle East, but it’s to China – its eighth largest export market for agri-food – that the Government is really looking to intensify relations. With trade delegations and visits from ministers and Prime Minister Theresa May herself, the two nations have already secured closer trading ties. Last year alone, China lifted its long-standing ban on the imports of British beef. The landmark deal, worth an estimated £250 million to British producers over five years, comes more than two decades after the Chinese government first imposed its embargo in the wake of the BSE outbreak. This was followed mere months later with the UK securing a dairy export deal worth £240 million over five years. But what about China itself? With a widening middle class and more disposable income per household, the nation’s star is certainly rising. But at present China is embroiled in an ongoing trade war with the United States with both parties disputing tariffs placed on goods traded between them from consumer goods to food ingredients. China is the biggest trade partner of the US, so it’s no exaggeration to say that increasing friction between the two nations has caused a © Shutterstock/ 06photoAs the trade war between the US and China continues, Food and Drink International looks at the causes, the fallout and how China is securing new deals. Between a rock and a hard place 14 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORT14-16.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:40 Page 1IMPORT AND EXPORTwith Beijing retaliating with its own tariffs of $110 million on US goods. Although they largely took a blanket approach, targeting chemicals, coals and medical equipment, China made a strategic play imposing tariffs on Republican districts and goods like soybeans, pork and dairy that can be purchased elsewhere. “China is likely targeting these products for political reasons,” explains Dr Larry Karp, Professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of California at Berkley. “The states that grow or raise these products supported Trump. If voters in these areas are hurt from the fallout of a trade war, they might pressure Trump into changing tactics.” In theory, it makes sound sense. For example, China imports sixty per cent of the world’s soybeans making it the single biggest importer and consumer. Half of all the soybeans produced in Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.net16 Áheadache for ministers, manufacturers and consumers alike. US President Donald Trump has stated that he wants to fix China’s “long-time abuse of the broken international system and unfair practices” – something he has complained about since first taking office back in 2016. The trade war itself began with the US launching a formal investigation into Chinese trade policies in 2017. This resulted in imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese products including industrial and consumer items and tech goods. Since then, Trump has threatened further tariffs that would effectivity impact all Chinese imports – including food. This was far from ignored in China, normal year in the US are exported to China. For China to then look elsewhere to meet its import quota could be devastating for American soybean farmers. Yet it’s the pork industry that China is targeting hardest. In April 2018, it introduced a twenty-five per cent tariff on pork products which was followed in July by a further twenty-five per cent. Needless to say, American pig farmers are feeling the squeeze. China is a major importer of offal and, in light of the tariffs, farmers are being forced to sell offal to pet food suppliers for significantly less and left with a loss in profits. While food products and ingredients are currently caught between a rock and a hard place, it’s the entire agriculture supply chain that’s at risk. Import tariffs imposed by the US on seeds and crop protection products © Shutterstock/ Aritra Deb14-16.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:41 Page 216 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTcould result in higher food prices. Back in September 2018, the US slapped a ten per cent tariff on weed killers, pesticides, beans and vegetable seeds for sowing. This increased to twenty-five per cent on January 1 2019, dragging the trade war into the new year and presenting an even greater burden to the global seeds and crop protection industry. However, there was a glimmer of a hope in December when both countries agreed to halt new trade tariffs for ninety days. This, it was agreed, would allow for debate and discussion and provide the US and China until early March to resolve their differences and reach some amicable conclusion. With both US and international firms saying they are being harmed, it’s in everyone’s best interest to resolve these issues swiftly. But fears of further escalation persist and investors are spooked. The International Monetary Fund has cautioned that a full-blown trade war could weaken the global economy. Coupled with Brexit on the other side of the Atlantic and things are looking bleak indeed for global trading. It’s not all doom, gloom and trade tariffs for China with the nation opening itself up to the wider word. This has instilled within its populace a hunger for more exotic foods, with tropical fruit now highly sought after all year round. Dragon fruit from Vietnam and Chilean cherries, for example, have become popular commodities in winter. Elsewhere, China is securing new trade deals and importing its goods around the world. Recently, it announced a new deal with Pakistan, its fourth largest export market, for the export of potato, cherry and wheat, further cementing bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries. While we’re still in the middle of the agreed-upon ninety-day period, there might yet be a happy ending in sight for trade relations between China and the US with new deals that both nations and their respective food producers and manufacturers can get behind. © Shutterstock/ chuyuss14-16.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:41 Page 3Food & Drink International 17www.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETSThe quality of containers and pallets is increasingly important to an organisation. Indeed, with the rise and rise of no-frills retailers in the past few years, in many cases the pallets are now no longer used for transportation along the supply chain but also to display the products at the end of it. strong and sturdy 18 Á© Shutterstock/ Dmitry KalinovskyA balance of strength, reliability and hygiene is demanded within the pallets and containers industry, but with many now appearing on supermarket floors – aesthetics and safety must be taken into account as well. 17-20.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:43 Page 1quality for granted when they’re an everyday piece of equipment used in warehouse or factory operations. But pallets are designed and made specifically for moving massive weights, which mean accidents can and do happen if a company cuts corners by using inferior pallets. In many ways, the containers and pallets market is battling with two different and seemingly contradictory requirements. It’s certainly the case that, as the supply chain moves faster, pallets need to benefit from simple construction that can allow them to be stacked and picked up in a fairly simple fashion, and from a decent capacity 18 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETS© Shutterstock/ GtsStrength and security are absolutely key with the need to keep products in good condition and those who deal with them safe top priorities. However, convenience and efficiency is also a major driver of innovation. Increasingly the pallets themselves are often on display in stores so have to allow consumers the ability to access the products, while lightweight construction also ensures they are easier to transport and use less storage space. This brings with it increased responsibility. In fact, under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations a pallet is classed as work equipment and therefore an employer is under “strict liability” to keep it in good working order and repair. This means that if an accident involving a faulty pallet occurs, the employer is liable for what could be thousands of pounds paid out in personal injury claims brought by employees or members of the public. For some it’s easy to take pallet that ensures as few are required as possible. Yet at the same time security is paramount and the load has to be secured incredibly firmly, with the introduction of anti-slip intermediate layers, wrapping in plastic or by strapping which, you would expect, provide additional complexity. Generally plastic pallets – with their advantages of precision dimensions and increased hygiene – are becoming more and more popular throughout the supply chain, making huge inroads into sectors which previously relied entirely on wooden pallets. Their durability has also been illustrated with companies looking to returnable transit packaging 17-20.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:43 Page 2Food & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETSas opposed to single trip packaging. The benefits of this kind of packaging include reduced product damage, security and easier handling, while there are also obvious environmental benefits from using packaging on several occasions – after a hygienic wash down. Another benefit of plastic containers and pallets is also their recyclability. An ever-increasing concern given the stringent requirements and expectations placed on food and drink companies – and those who work alongside them. With the requirements regarding environmental efficiency and health and safety in mind, it’s becoming increasingly the case that companies are making use of pallet networks, meaning they can be assured that the pallets are of the highest quality, and providing 20 Á Stainless steel conveyor systems Stand alone units or fully integrated Robotic and end of line equipment Bespoke engineering capabilities Turnkey and standalone solutions Integration and project management Service support and upgrades Partnered with Lita Palletising Systems for over 30 yearswww.kensal.comsales@kensal.com | tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777Kensal Handling Systems Ltd, Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NREmbracing the latest technology, Kensal consistently delivers improved line efficiency for customers, whilst reducing operating costs. Handling a Better Solution17-20.qxp_Layout 1 28/01/2019 09:43 Page 3Next >