< PreviousAsahi to start brewing beer in U.S. with Octopi Brewing acquisition Asahi Europe & International (AEI) has acquired Octopi Brewing, a contract beverage production and co-packing facility located in Waunakee, Wisconsin. This investment represents a significant step forward in accelerating Asahi’s growth journey along with its global ambitions for Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s most popular beer, which will now be brewed in the U.S. for the first time. The addition of a North American production facility will allow Asahi to grow sales in the U.S. and Canada, as well as offer significant sustainability benefits, including reducing emissions and supporting Asahi’s ambition to become carbon neutral across its wider supply chain by 2050. “Local production in North America has been an ambition of ours for some time because of the benefits it will bring,” said Paolo Lanzarotti, CEO, Asahi Europe & International. “With complementary strengths and a shared growth mindset, Asahi and Octopi maintain a commitment to creating meaningful connections with our partners, the communities in which we operate and the planet.” Roberts Bakery secures industrial unit for biscuit manufacturing division Roberts Bakery has secured a newly refurbished 60,600 sq ft industrial unit at Winsford Industrial Estate, Cheshire. Legat Owen has signed up Roberts Bakery to a 15-year lease for the facility which is set within 2.45 acres. The bakery, owned by Frank Roberts & Sons Ltd, is a fourth generation family business dating back to 1887. The refurbished unit will become the new site for Robert Bakery’s biscuit manufacturing division, The Little Treats Bakery. Located 4 miles from its Northwich headquarters, the Winsford facility will create a “centre of excellence for biscuit production.” The building will also provide storage capacity for finished products and raw materials. Matt Pochin, director at Legat Owen, said: “Winsford Industrial Estate has grown to become a significant regional employment location with major manufacturing and distribution facilities. Roberts Bakery are a notable addition to the Estate and will be creating new jobs and reinforcing Winsford’s position as a key industrial location in the North West.” 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Nestlé Vietnam invests $100m in coffee factory Nestlé Vietnam has announced a $100 million investment to increase production capacity of its Tri An coffee factory, located in the southern province of ??ng Nai. This will help the company meet growing local and international consumer demand for high-quality coffee. The Nestlé Tri An factory currently exports coffee products from iconic brands, such as Nescafé, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Starbucks, to more than 29 countries all over the world. Nestlé has invested more than $500 million in this facility since 2011. Vietnam is currently the world’s second largest producer and exporter of coffee and an important coffee origin for Nestlé. The company is the largest coffee buyer in the country, with annual purchases reaching up to $700 million. Nestlé currently operates six factories in Vietnam, focusing on the production of coffee, cocoa malt beverages, cooking aids and water. The company has been present in the country for nearly three decades and currently employs around 3,000 employees. $237m Nature’s Bakery facility set for Salt Lake City Mars has announced a new $237 million cutting-edge baking facility for Nature’s Bakery in Salt Lake City, Utah. The facility, spanning 339,000 square feet, will create over 190 new jobs, and is scheduled to be fully operational in July 2025. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Nature’s Bakery, acquired by Mars, Incorporated in 2020, has since become the eighth best-selling and fastest-growing granola and snack bar brand in a +$4B category. “I am thrilled for our strategic expansion with the establishment of a cutting-edge baking facility in Salt Lake City,” shared Steve Gardiner, CEO of Nature’s Bakery. “This investment marks a significant milestone in our brand’s ability to drive greater capacity to meet growing consumer and retailer demand. “As a self-manufacturer, this facility joins our existing bakeries to reflect our commitment to innovation and quality, and underscores our confidence in the thriving business environment of Utah.” © stock.adobe.com/ Parilov © stock.adobe.com/ dimakp © stock.adobe.com/ vm2002 © stock.adobe.com/ charnsitr Cal-Maine Foods to acquire shuttered broiler processing assets from Tyson Foods Cal-Maine Foods, the producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri, that were recently closed by Tyson Foods. The company plans to repurpose the assets for use in egg and egg products production. Cal-Maine Foods will initially convert the broiler processing plant to an egg grading facility. Potential future expansion includes egg products processing capabilities, such as hard-cooked eggs. In connection with the acquisition, Cal-Maine Foods expects to enter into agreements with certain of Tyson’s former contract farmers. Sherman Miller, president and Chief Executive Officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., said: “This transaction is consistent with our growth strategy to expand our business through selective acquisitions in addition to our organic growth initiatives. The Dexter location offers an important opportunity to expand our geographic footprint and enhance our ability to serve our valued customers with added production and distribution capabilities in Missouri and surrounding markets.” © stock.adobe.com/ janonkasBaileys Chocolate expands range with new Birthday Cake Truffles Irish chocolatier, Lir Chocolates, has announced a new product joining its highly popular Baileys Chocolate range with the introduction of Birthday Cake Truffles. With a nostalgic vanilla birthday cake flavour and a hint of Baileys, the treats are available to purchase at selected retailers including TK Maxx, B&M, The Range and Card Factory. This new addition to the Baileys Chocolate range comes in response to the ever-growing demand for unique and indulgent chocolate experiences. 51% of chocolate consumers express an interest in purchasing newly launched flavours, and Lir Chocolates is looking to meet this demand with these luxurious and on-trend Birthday Cake Truffles. The Birthday Cake Truffles are encased in a white chocolate shell with a creamy vanilla truffle centre, infused with the unmistakable flavour of Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur alongside the traditional vanilla birthday cake flavour. The truffles are individually presented in confetti-patterned twist-wraps and come in a carton featuring a colourful celebratory design. All this makes for an ideal, affordable gift option. on the shelf Adaptogenic beer launches in the UK Collider, one of the UK’s first adaptogen infused, non-alcoholic beers, is launching into the UK market. The brand will debut two beers; Unwind Lager and Unwind Session Pale, both featuring its signature Unwind BlendTM - a bespoke blend of adaptogens. As people adopt healthier lifestyles and turn towards mindful drinking, Collider Founder, Harry Cooke noticed a gap in the market. Despite there being many non-alcoholic beers available to consumers, none offer the additional effects of those containing alcohol. That’s where Collider’s pioneering Unwind BlendTM comes in, offering a functional beer that can relieve anxiety, stress and improve cognitive function through the use of adaptogens. Made from British malted barley and wheat, hops, yeast, water and Collider’s signature Unwind BlendTM, Unwind Lager is crisp, dry and full bodied with a malty and lightly hopped refreshing finish. Unwind Session Pale is a clear, extra-sessionable Pale Ale made with British malted barley and wheat, American hops, yeast, water and Unwind BlendTM. Citrus and hop forward, Unwind Pale offers notes of stone fruit and florals on the nose with a dry malty finish. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net Blue in bottle, iconic in flavour - 1664 BLANC Kronenbourg 1664 is launching its super- premium offering to the UK this February with the arrival of the playfully elegant and iconic blue bottle of 1664 BLANC. Influenced by its chic, Parisian roots, BLANC’s arrival in the UK will coincide with boundary- breaking fashion partnerships including a series of design-led activations at the iconic London store, Selfridges. The super-premium drinks brand will see a summer of sampling and exclusive large-scale events, set to shake up the industry with its striking cobalt blue bottle and design-oriented approach. 1664 BLANC’s unique flavour profile features delicate touches of citrus fruits that echo the deluxe finish of champagne, refined and refreshing, brewed with a dash of French joie de vivre, creating an exceptional drinking experience. Elevating everyday shared moments through great taste, 1664 BLANC’s marketing activity will include industry-first strategic fashion and retail partnerships to drive awareness and trial whilst celebrating culturally relevant moments. Ukiyo Spirits unveils Tokyo Dry Gin Ukiyo Spirits, owned by Drinkslogy Kirker Greer (DKG), is launching a new small- batch classic dry gin that celebrates the exquisite tastes and aromas of Japan. Bottled in Ukiyo’s iconic and world-first two–colour graduated bottle, Ukiyo Tokyo Dry Gin is available to on- and off-trade retailers across the UK, Australia and the Netherlands from February. Traditionally distilled in copper pot stills, Tokyo Dry Gin is crafted using high-quality Japanese ingredients selected to stir the senses, and respect the country’s deep appreciation for balance, harmony, and equilibrium. The ingredients include indigenous rice grown in surrounding regions and five native Japanese botanicals; yuzu peel, mikan peel, sakura flower, sakura leaf and sansho pepper. Aimed at 25-50 year-old city dwellers who love travelling and visiting high-end cocktail bars, Ukiyo Tokyo Dry Gin is crafted to evoke the senses of those who appreciate excellence, style and the finer things in life. Granola Butter Co secures milestone listing in Holland & Barrett Granola Butter Co, the manufacturer of granola spreads, has secured a listing with health and wellbeing giant Holland & Barrett. The brand’s Granola Butters are now available to purchase across 774 stores. Granola Butter Co’s products are made from natural ingredients using a combination of pure British oats (gluten- free), British flax seed, cinnamon, organic coconut nectar, organic coconut oil, beet sugar, and sea salt to create a duo of versatile spreads. With an estimated 1 in 50 children and 1 in 200 adults in the UK having a nut allergy, the granola butters have been created nut-free to cater for this wide audience. The Granola Butters are also purely plant-based, dairy-free, gluten- free, high fibre, and free from palm oil. Committed to producing high-quality, sustainable products, the launch into Holland & Barrett stores is a significant milestone for Granola Butter Co and will help to raise the profile of the innovative products. 12 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT I rish food and drink exports exceeded € 16 billion for the second consecutive year in 2023 — but at almost € 16.3 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report 2023/24, the overall value of Irish exports declined by 4% compared to the previous year, when exports grew by a record 22%. This decrease reflected the impact of inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, which continued to affect consumer spending, in addition to significant downward pressure on trade prices. The value of exports does, however, remain 24% higher than 2019 (pre-COVID), and some key sectors showed stability and progress. The value of meat and livestock exports, for example, was largely stable at € 4.2 billion, where increases in the value of beef, poultry and live exports were offset by lower sheepmeat and pigmeat exports, while the prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector had a strong year in value terms, with sales growing by 7% to € 3.1 billion, due to increased exports of meal solutions, bakery products and soft drinks and juices, though volume growth was noted to be muted. On the other hand, Ireland’s important dairy sector, which accounts for almost 40% of the country’s overall food and drink exports, saw export values decline by 8% to € 6.3 billion last year, with a dip in the value of butter and casein exports partly offset by rises in the value of cheese, specialist nutritional powders, yoghurt, and whole milk powder. Moreover, the value of drink exports dipped by 8% to € 1.8 billion due mainly to short-term market factors in the North American spirits sector, as beer and cider exports conversely increased by 11%, and seafood sales declined by 14% to € 550 million, this due primarily to a reduction in the volume of pelagic fish and salmon exports. Furthermore, exports of Irish horticulture and cereals were valued at € 295 million in 2023, a 6% decrease on the prior year. Optimism in Irish exports While 2023 was a rockier year for Ireland’s food and drink exports, focus remains on expansion and market access. 14 Á Optimism in Irish exports Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/Atomazul14 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole remained positive, saying: “The Irish food, drink, and horticulture industry had a very solid performance last year, given the very challenging market conditions. Notwithstanding these challenges, based on our recent Exporter Sentiment study, the majority (73%) of Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about expected market growth in 2024. Companies were most positive about the potential for export growth to Europe and the US (68%), followed by the UK (63%). However, despite the positive outlook, more than half (53%) of Irish food and drink companies believe their competitiveness has been eroded over the past 12 months, with energy prices, inflation and labour costs having the biggest impact. Looking ahead, market volatility and inflation, although slowly easing, will continue to be two key factors for this year, while input and labour costs remain a risk to competitiveness. As such, the market for Irish food, drink and horticulture exports will remain challenged this year.” While exports to the EU saw a slight decline in 2023 of 2%, and the value of trade to international markets fell by 10%, the UK solidified its role as the largest single destination for Irish exports, with an estimated € 5.6 billion in food and drink exports, constituting a 34% share of total exports (up two percentage points on 2022) — though this is still lower than trading levels before the Brexit referendum. This pivotal relationship, however, is set to see fresh challenges in 2024, as new UK rules come into force from 31 January. Adding paperwork and costs, the changes are a further impact of Brexit, as the UK moves to enhanced border controls as part of its new Border Target Operating Model. Coming in addition to existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU, new UK requirements include the pre- lodgement of customs declarations and the pre-notification of agri-food exports which must, in some cases, be accompanied by an Export Health Certificate. Discussing the impact for the agri-food sector, Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said: “These new UK import control requirements represent a significant change in the trading environment for Irish agri-food exporters to GB, in what is our largest export market. All businesses in the agri-food supply chain to GB must continue to engage with their UK customers, their local supervisory competent authority team and logistics providers to confirm the processes are in place to meet the new UK requirements in the most effective and efficient manner.” There is optimism for the expansion of Irish exports in other markets — especially for meat and dairy — with the country forming and nurturing relationships with partners around the globe, particularly in South East Asia. In November 2023, Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, embarked on a campaign © stock.adobe.com/sezerozgerFood & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT to drive € 15 million in dairy export growth to Malaysia and the Philippines. The European Dairy – Ireland, working with nature campaign also aimed to target 10,000 Asian buyers in Malaysia and the Philippines. It comes as part of a wider campaign launched in 2022 in Japan and Vietnam. Malaysia and the Philippines have been identified by the Irish government as high-growth potential markets for dairy. Mr Patrick Lim, Bord Bia’s Market Specialist for South East Asia, said: “We know from our market intelligence that there will be an increased demand for adult dairy nutrition in the region in the coming years, representing an opportunity for Irish dairy exporters to grow their operations in these markets. We look forward to utilising this EU campaign to complement Bord Bia’s suite of activities in Malaysia and the Philippines to raise awareness of premium, sustainably produced dairy ingredients from Ireland. Under this EU campaign, awareness of European dairy is forecasted to grow by 15% in Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines by 2025.” As a result of the campaign investment of € 3.2 million across the five countries, Irish dairy exports are expected to rise by nearly € 60 million in South East Asia by 2025. The efforts follow the gaining of market access for Irish pigmeat to Malaysia in 2022, and a 2023 summer tour of Irish pig farms, processors, and a pig research facility, to give 15 Malaysian chefs and meat buyers an opportunity to experience Irish pigmeat production first hand. In South Korea, meanwhile, beef is key, with Ireland’s application for beef access recently advancing to the next stage, expanding and diversifying the meat’s markets to enable the development of the sector. The decision made by the National Assembly of South Korea will now see Irish and Korean authorities progress to the final steps of the process, including an agreement of a Veterinary Health Certificate and hosting an audit visit to approve plants for export. With a population of over 50 million people there is major potential for Irish agri-food exporters to grow their footprint in the Korean market, which is one of the world’s largest beef importers. In further good news for Irish beef exporters, the start of 2024 has seen the resumption of Irish beef exports to China after a ten week suspension following an isolated case of atypical BSE. In response, Bord Bia has reactivated its € 1.6 million EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign in China, part of which will see Irish exporters invited to exhibit at SIAL China, a meat trade show held in Shanghai in May. Irish beef information seminars will also be hosted in Beijing in March and Shanghai in May. According to CSO figures, over 3,200 tonnes of Irish beef, valued at € 19.7 million, was exported to China in 2023 prior to the November suspension. Despite a slight food and drink export decline in 2023, it is clear Ireland has its eye on expansion. © stock.adobe.com/Sławomir Fajer16 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/monticellllo Packaging revolution Packaging revolutionFood & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT T he landscape of food and drink packaging is forever undergoing a transformative journey, reflecting the evolution of consumer preferences and an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Balancing aesthetic appeal, functionality, and product integrity, packaging plays a crucial role in conveying nutritional information and protecting against contaminants, but must also remain adaptable to changing consumer tastes. In the realm of convenience-driven markets like snacking and food-to- go, packaging plays a pivotal role in meeting the challenge of offering quick, easy, and nutritious options with minimal mess and fuss. Recent innovations such as ovenable high- temperature packaging have not only permeated these markets but have also created a new category. Take, for instance, the rise of oven safe packaging for raw protein like chicken or fish, allowing consumers to transfer products directly from the fridge to the oven without direct contact. This innovation not only caters to the demand for convenience but also addresses critical food safety concerns, such as reducing the risk of Campylobacter- related illnesses. Beyond individual product innovations, broader categories like thermoformed packaging play a significant role in consumers’ daily interactions, containing everything from salads and snacks to ready meals. The market for easy-to-grab packages such as these continues to grow, driven by the shifting lifestyles towards healthier yet busier routines, coupled with the increasing importance of attractive presentation. But with an increased demand for convenience comes an essential compromise regarding plastic. The quest for sustainability goes beyond corporate social responsibility rhetoric, with reducing plastic packaging, particularly virgin plastic, becoming a non-negotiable imperative for food and drink producers. Reflecting the mutual concern for transparency between consumer and industry, the rise of packaging that lets customers see more of the product is a deliberate We explore the dynamic journey of food and drink packaging as it navigates the intersection of consumer preferences, regulatory shifts, and sustainability imperatives. 18 Á18 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT choice by food producers to showcase aesthetic appeal, convey nutritional value, and emphasise freshness. The window pack, with its clear view into the product and opportunity to minimise packaging material, also eliminates the need for extensive labelling. While graphics and nutritional information are still necessary for regulatory compliance and on-shelf appeal, modern packaging relies on the product itself to augment its visual presentation. In the ongoing battle against waste of all kinds, packaging plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of products and using fewer resources in manufacturing. A significant vulnerability lies in what often goes unseen – air. Air trapped in a product can hasten decomposition, rendering it BAG SEALING MACHINES RM Sealers remain a leading British manufacturer and supplier of high quality Bag Sealing Machines, also known as Rotary Band Sealers and Impulse Sealers. Call 01442 843387 to speak to a member of our team SEALERS © www.rmsealers.co.uk New paper-based packaging solution from SEE ® can reduce plastic usage in bottom webs SEE ® has developed a paper-based bottom web to support food processors and retailers in reducing plastic usage and meeting consumer demand for paper packaging. The new CRYOVAC ® brand Barrier Formable Paper is made from 90% FSC ® certified fibres and can enable 77% plastic reduction in bottom web packaging, when used in replacement of PET/PE webs*. The paper-based packaging bottom web is compatible with both Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) top webs. It has been designed to run on a range of rollstock, thermoforming and VSP equipment, and is ideal for packaging myriad products including fresh, smoked and processed meats, fish and seafood, cheese and alternative proteins. Aldo Galbusera, Senior Marketing Manager, Europe at SEE ® , said: “Our latest paper- based food packaging solution delivers the superior barrier protection that the CRYOVAC ® brand range is well known for. It has exceptional oxygen and barrier performance to keep food fresher for longer and extend shelf life, helping further reduce environmental footprint through lower levels of spoilage and wastage. “CRYOVAC ® brand Barrier Formable Paper is designed to help retailers drive sales. Its composition of 90% renewable fibres can appeal to sustainability-conscious shoppers, while virtually leak-proof seals help improve product presentation and deliver optimum taste, moisture, freshness and texture. The bottom-web is also easy-open to meet consumer demand for convenience.” The paper-based bottom web is available in white and kraft colours and is compatible with CRYOVAC® brand Darfresh® vacuum skin films to secure products in place and minimise in-pack movement. CRYOVAC® brand Barrier Formable Paper is made from 90% paper and 10% plastic and can be recycled with paper (in accordance with Aticelca® 501 UNI 11743 pass levels) where such local recycling services are available. Learn more: www.sealedair.com *77% plastic reduction based on comparisons between using CRYOVAC® brand Barrier Formable Paper and a PET/PE bottom web. © stock.adobe.com/SeventyfourFood & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT unfit for consumption. Addressing this concern, some innovative packaging solutions focus on removing oxygen from food containers to prolong shelf life, a particularly relevant consideration as consumers and retailers confront the stark reality of food waste. Corrugated packaging proves itself one of the best and most readily accessible among paperboard packaging options, combining sustainability with hygienic protection and ergonomics. It not only offers an ideal means of distribution but also boasts shelf appeal, presenting products in an efficient way within the fast-paced retail environment. Typically manufactured from recycled fibres, corrugated packaging aligns with both customer preferences and industry rhetoric, illustrating its versatility in various forms such as counter stand and hanging displays, shelf-ready packaging, and promotional boxes. Cutting down problematic packaging in the value chain involves proactive measures, and one of the most impactful strategies is to minimise the amount needed in the first place. However, the regulatory landscape poses challenges, requiring extensive information on packs, including ingredients, net quantity, storage conditions, and origin. Digital technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), offer a potential avenue to reduce or replace some of this information. Through AR apps on smartphones or tablets, consumers can access information about nutrition and BENCHTOP BAG SEALING MACHINE IMPULSE BAG SEALING MACHINE HORIZONTAL BAG SEALING MACHINE VERTICAL BAG SEALING MACHINE 20 Á © stock.adobe.com/OleksandrNext >