Tech revolution Tech revolution INTERNATIONAL Water treatment Software spotlight Sieves and separatorsExhibitors 1,500 Joinusattheultimate businesseventforfood&drink productdiscovery ScantheQRtoregister forfreeorvisit: www.ife.co.uk 30,000 Attendees IFEisco-locatedwith: Weareproudlysupportedby Products 10,000 Event Sections 15 ScantheQRtoregister forfreeorvisit: IFEisco-locatedwith: Weareproudlysupportedby ExhibitorsProductsAttendeesEvent SectionsContents March 2025 This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. FoodandDrinkInternational @fdiforumwww.fdiforum.net company/fdiforum News 4 • General news • On line - production news • On the shelf - new products and initiatives Import and export12 A crucial partner in global supply chains, Brazil continues to expand the visibility of its agri-food products whilst contending with and cleaning up its environmental reputation. Software spotlight16 The landscape of technology has changed forever, but the big question is “how involved” food and drink companies should get with AI. Labelling, coding and marking 20 The industry has seen a surge of product recalls and health scares in late 2024 and early 2025, highlighting the value of effective labelling and traceability in combating the issue. Flavouring and colouring24 A growing consumer awareness of health, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing is reshaping the food industry, placing immense pressure on manufacturers to innovate while navigating a complex web of regulations and evolving preferences. Sieves and separators28 Sieves and separators allow for fine particle control, not only removing potential contaminants and lumps but ensuring smooth, even texture. • Endecotts Q&A Group Editor: Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor: Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor’s PA: Angela Sharman (a.sharman@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist: Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales Director: Teri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales: Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310302 Accounts & Subscriptions: John Downes (j.downes@blmgroup.co.uk) Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial: Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310305 Email: fdi@blmgroup.co.uk Part of the Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE England All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. Main: stock.adobe.com/Subbotina Anna • Top: stock.adobe.com/siculodoc • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ siculodoc • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ ntania Meat, poultry and seafood 34 From reducing methane emissions in beef production to minimising antibiotic use in poultry, UK producers are embracing sustainable practices to meet consumer demand and retailer expectations. This shift, coupled with ongoing innovation, is reshaping the industry. Water treatment 38 Water is in the spotlight due to fears of contamination, health, and environmental pressures. The food and drink industry cannot escape the need for water, but can it handle it more cleanly? Foodex 42 Thirty thousand visitors and 1,500 exhibitors will come together in April for the ultimate event in the UK food and drink industry calendar. IFE 45 Taking place on the 17-19th March at ExCel in London, the show will see over 30,000 industry leaders arrive to network and do business. Events 46 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 48Newly merged Advanced Material Processing and Automated Handling Solutions will go to market under new brand name, Akona Process Solutions Material processing and material handling solutions companies, Advanced Material Processing (AMP) and Automated Handling Solutions (AHS), have announced their merger and rebranding as Akona Process Solutions (Akona), a portfolio company of Chicago-based, May River Capital. Akona unifies the technologies and global reach of AMP and AHS to deliver an extensive portfolio of processing and handling solutions for high value materials in the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and chemicals industries. The new company will continue to leverage AMP’s and AHS’s Cablevey, Kason, Marion, and Spiroflow brands, together bringing over 200 years of collective experience in solving the most demanding material handling and material processing challenges. Akona is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, with engineering, sales, and service centres of excellence across the USA and Europe. Akona is uniquely positioned to address customers’ growing need for integrated solutions that are scalable, reliable, enhance efficiency, and ensure hygiene in their high-stakes, regulated operating environments. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news New SHOTT ENERGY caffeine concentrates SHOTT has infused Yerba Maté, Guarana and Green Coffee Bean extract with cold pressed fruit blends to create a new caffeine concentrates range – SHOTT ENERGY, a hassle-free way to serve the modern energy consumer with a hand-crafted beverage with the functionality of caffeine. For a long and refreshing high-margin cooler loaded with authentic fruit flavour and 60mg of caffeine per serve, simply add one 30ml shot of SHOTT Energy concentrate, ice, and top with still or sparkling water, garnish and serve. Flavour options: Apple & Tahitian Lime; Blackcurrant & Tahitian Lime; Gold Kiwifruit; Peach & Mango; Watermelon & Tahitian Lime plus a neutral flavoured ENERGY BOOST that can be used in any beverage, adding 40mg of caffeine for every 10ml serve. POS materials plus the SHOTT ENERGY Serve System which features interchangeable concentrates that are all formulated to the same 9:1 concentration is also available. For more information contact Louis Dobson on 77746 77660 or louis@shott.co.nz or visit www.shottbeverages.com Star Refrigeration launch low charge ammonia chiller Azanechiller 3.0 Star Refrigeration have launched the latest generation of their award-winning Azanechiller, continuing to set the industry benchmark for efficiency, safety, durability, and sustainability. The newly introduced Azanechiller 3.0 is a state-of-the-art, industrial air-cooled ammonia chiller designed to deliver superior performance and minimise environmental impact. Azanechiller 3.0 exceeds EcoDesign energy efficiency requirements by up to 110% and consumes up to 52% less electricity than a standard-rated EcoDesign chiller. It delivers cooling from -20°C to +25°C, with capacities from 140kW to 1,600kW, and is suited for industries including food production, pharmaceuticals, data centres, and brewing. “With over 120 chillers installed across the UK, Europe, and North America, Azanechiller is the most successful and efficient air-cooled, low-charge ammonia refrigeration system on the market today,” said Brooke McKenna, Azanechiller Product Specialist. Fully exempt from F-gas and PFAS regulations, it has an ultra-low ammonia charge of 0.18kg/kW and withstands ambient temperatures up to 40°C. The system is ready to connect to Star’s Ethos AI-led performance optimisation monitoring system. To find out more about Azanechiller 3.0, visit https://tinyurl.com/Azanechiller03 Givaudan collaborates with Dole Asia Holdings to upcycle green, unripe bananas into natural texturising food ingredient Givaudan has agreed to distribute a unique upcycled Green Banana Powder ingredient produced by Dole Specialty Ingredients (DSI), a Business Unit under Dole Asia Holdings Pte. Ltd. The new ingredient will expand Givaudan’s existing Sense Texture range of clean-label emulsification and texturiser solutions. Texture is one of the keys to creating a complete and enjoyable multisensorial food experience. Green Banana Powder delivers powerful natural texture and viscosity along with water and oil holding capacities comparable to modified starches. The ingredient can serve as an effective replacement for gum, pectin and modified starches in applications like soups and sauces. It can also increase the softness of baked goods and enhance the mouthfeel of extruded snacks. Packed with fruit content, Green Banana Powder adds fibre and nutritional appeal to products along with the desired texture and mouthfeel. Made exclusively from upcycled green bananas, Green Banana Powder offers an innovative way to address food waste concerns. Trusted by professiona hygienicfurnitureand Leading the w , Tals worldwideeeknomek provi equipmenttailoredtothehigh way in hygienic des des hest sign hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the high industry standards. •High quality materials •Innovative designs •Bespoke and customised solutions Visit our website at teknomek.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1603 249 663 today! kp launches venture with Tesco and Hilton Foods for 100% recycled PET food trays made from recovered tray material Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions firm, is launching a “UK market- first” venture with Tesco and Hilton Foods to pilot the first-ever 100% recycled PET (rPET) food trays made from recovered tray material through its kp Tray2Tray initiative. Marking a leap forward in the journey towards full circularity in food packaging, the pilot will see Tesco’s Finest minced beef product packed in the 100% rPET kp Tray2Tray, and sealed with kp FlexiLid, a high-performance barrier film containing 30% recycled PCR content. “While this is a pilot, it’s clearly a massive step forward for the packaging circular economy,” said Rebecca Harris, Global Account Director at kp. “We launched our kp Tray2Tray® initiative because valuable food-safe tray material enters the recycling loop, but all too often the rPET material is downcycled to other product applications. “Until something changes and demand is boosted, the required collection, sorting and recycling at scale will not be sufficient. So, what we’re doing here has real significance.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Treatt’s European HQ set to save 97 tonnes of carbon a year with new on-site renewable energy Treatt, a global manufacturer of natural extracts and ingredients, has installed an on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its European headquarters. Covering the facility’s entire roof, the system is expected to generate 650,000 kWh of clean energy annually, meeting 25% of Treatt’s UK electricity needs and reducing carbon emissions by 97 tonnes per year. CEO David Shannon highlights this investment as a key step toward Treatt’s Net Zero goal for 2050. The company’s purpose-built facility, opened in 2021, holds a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and features eco-friendly designs, including advanced thermal efficiency, smart management systems, and energy-efficient HVAC. Katie Severn, Global Sustainability Manager, notes that the new site has cut Scope 1 emissions by 52%. The £650,000 investment in solar PV is part of Treatt’s broader sustainability strategy, contributing to its goal of a 42% carbon reduction by 2030. The project was completed with renewable energy specialists 3ti. For more information on Treatt visit www.treatt.com Mars shifts to 100% recycled plastic jars for major candy brands Mars has partnered with Berry Global to transition all pantry jars for M&M’S, Skittles, and Starburst to 100% recycled plastic, excluding lids. Now rolling out nationwide, the new packaging replaces jars that previously contained only 15% recycled plastic. The shift eliminates more than 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually and supports Mars’ goal of making its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable. The jars in 60-, 81-, and 87-ounce sizes use post-consumer resin sourced from curbside recycling. Berry Global manufactures the jars using certified food-grade recycled plastic, maintaining product quality while advancing sustainability targets. The initiative aligns with broader industry efforts to increase recycled content usage and strengthen recycling infrastructure. Nine UK agri-tech and food-tech projects secure funding for innovation Nine agri-tech and food-tech projects in Mid and North Wales have secured a share of £400,000 from Innovate UK’s New Innovators in Agri-Tech and Food Technology competition. The funding will support advancements in sustainability, food production, and efficiency across the sector. Among the recipients, Madarch Cymru is developing a mushroom-based vegan jerky designed as a healthier, umami-rich snack alternative. Pant Du is creating a Welsh heritage apple cider vinegar with enhanced health benefits, utilising surplus cider to minimise waste. Tirlun.ai, a project by Pasture Farming Ltd, is launching a mobile learning platform to modernise farm training and improve efficiency. Tyn yr Onnen Farm is focused on scaling up mushroom production with automated blockmaking technology to meet rising demand. Bionerg Ltd is enhancing soil fertility and crop yields for sheep farmers by promoting the use of locally produced biochar as a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilisers. UK Hospitality Solutions Ltd is developing a new range of ready meals using locally sourced ingredients and eco- friendly packaging. Dyfi Dairy Ltd is designing a mobile, renewable energy-powered milking parlour to support rotational grazing, improve soil health, and contribute to the UK dairy sector’s carbon neutrality goals. LanoTech Ltd is researching the potential of lanolin, a by-product of British sheep wool, as a sustainable fat source for animal feed, reducing reliance on imported ingredients. Ymchwil Tetrim Research (YTR) is optimising ginger processing through advanced spray drying techniques to expand its use in food and beverages. The funding aims to strengthen Wales’ position as a leader in agri-tech and food-tech innovation while promoting sustainability and efficiency in the industry. © Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) © stock.adobe.com/Mdv Edwards © stock.adobe.com/Antony McAulayFood & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net Valio acquires Raisio’s plant protein business Valio has acquired Raisio’s plant protein business, the related fixed assets and the Härkis and Beanit fava bean brands for EUR 7 million. The fixed assets include the production equipment of the factory that makes plant protein products in Kauhava. In connection with the acquisition, 16 employees will transfer to Valio. Valio’s Executive Vice President Tuomas Salusjärvi said: “The food system of the future will include plant-based and animal-based food, as well as food produced by cellular agriculture. All of these are needed to provide enough food for a globally growing population. “This is the foundation of Valio’s strategy, which sees us growing from a dairy company into a food company. This business acquisition is one step on our path of growth. A strong and innovative product selection has been Valio’s foundation for 120 years. In addition to milk-based products, we as a food company are now also investing in growth in foods based on other raw materials.” news Karnova Food Group sold to US multinational OSI Group Karnova Food Group has been acquired by OSI UK, part of OSI Group. Karnova Food Group was created through the acquisition and integration of Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray by Endless LLP (Endless) in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The combined group created one of the UK’s leading value-add business-to- business protein ingredients suppliers with revenues of over £135 million. The buyer, OSI Group, is a privately owned global business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, with 67 manufacturing facilities, more than 20,000 employees operating out of 16 countries and supplying customers in 77 countries. Di Walker, Chair of Karnova, said: “Since Endless acquired both Yorkshire Premier Meat and Smithfield Murray we have delivered significant growth with new and existing customers and focused hard on quality and service. “Endless has been instrumental in helping us on this journey and we are very grateful for the true partnership and financial support they have given us. “I am absolutely delighted that OSI have decided to acquire Karnova as it is a great strategic fit and they will be a fantastic long-term owner for the business and its employees.” © stock.adobe.com/vkuslandia © stock.adobe.com/abitz arehousing & logw s larges 11000+ the uk’ gistics EVENT st & leading TTENDEESa 11,000+ S + EXHIBITORS 350+ tionat gement arehouseautoma , BARCt,AREHOUSE manaW avturing all THE LATEST innoatfea year with more vis speakers aFTER THE INCREDIBLE SUCCESS OF 60+ safetysolutionsgementansportmana tion,atapicking & sorta, CODE & labelling R,ACKAGINGP, MATERIALS HANDLINGtions inata sitors & exhibitors expected than even be c, Intralogistex will be ba,F the 2024 event nd much more ,Mobile scanning STORAGE, ,ROBOTICS efore! nec next t the atck a #ilx25 OUR TICKET!VISIT OUR SITE TO GET Y FREE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN an, safety solutions,, transport managementtion,atw UK .CO.INTRALOGISTEX. arehouse automa WWWSeasoning and sauce brand secures £90,000 investment on Dragons’ Den Birmingham-based entrepreneurs Brendon and Jaydon, the brothers behind the rapidly growing seasoning and sauce brand Lumberjaxe, have secured a £90,000 investment for 20% equity from guest Dragon Emma Grede on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den. The brothers’ emotional pitch captured the hearts of both the Dragons and viewers, with Brendon visibly moved as he discussed their journey of struggle from humble beginnings. Jaydon, hailed by the Dragons as one of the brightest 21-year-olds to ever grace the Den, impressed the fiery 6 with his business acumen and vision for the future. Founded with just £100 each in their kitchen, Lumberjaxe has now become a standout name in the competitive BBQ market, with over 70 stockists and a turnover of £150,000. “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” said Jaydon. “Emma’s investment and mentorship are a game-changer for us. Her support and guidance will help us elevate our brand and make our vision a reality. Our goal has always been to cook up good times while bringing people together through food, and now, with her backing, we can make sure this goal reaches even more people.” Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net news allplants bought out of administration Ella Mills, the founder of Deliciously Ella, has bought allplants out of administration, combining it with her business Plants, which she owns with Matthew Mills. The allplants brand name and associated brand assets have been acquired, following “significant financial difficulty” at the business. Based in East London, allplants is a plant-based pre-prepared meal manufacturer. In common with a number of other companies across the plant- based food sector, the company had faced trading headwinds in recent years. After a period of sustained losses, the directors sought to explore their strategic options, including exploring the possibility of a sale or refinancing. However, when a solvent solution could not be found, Will Wright and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators in November 2024. Ella and Matthew Mills and the Plants team said: “We have long admired the allplants brand, and the brand name has remarkable consumer awareness across the UK. Unfortunately, the business ran into significant financial difficulty, and we know that the resulting administration has been an incredibly difficult time for the community, customers, suppliers, team members and investors.” Multimillion-pound research project to advance next-generation sustainable packaging SustaPack, a multimillion-pound research project, is aiming to overcome manufacturing challenges for the next generation of sustainable, paper-based packaging for liquids. Backed by a £1 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of UKRI’s co-investing programme, packaging technology company Pulpex Ltd has joined forces with the University of Surrey to refine its manufacturing processes to provide a viable solution to plastic pollution. Contributing matching support towards the project, Pulpex has already made significant strides in the development of its patented technology, which produces degradable bottles made from natural wood fibres. The packaging offers a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic materials and can be recycled in existing paper waste streams. However, designing the next generation of production technology and materials requires novel and fundamental research to address current limitations, including new analytical techniques to improve product quality, optimising performance and reducing in-process imperfections. J.M. Smucker to divest Cloverhill and Big Texas brands Food manufacturer, The J.M. Smucker Co. has reached a definitive agreement to divest its Cloverhill and Big Texas brands, as well as certain private label products, to JTM Foods. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $40 million, subject to a working capital adjustment, and includes relevant trademarks and licenses and the company’s manufacturing facility in Chicago, Illinois. Approximately 400 employees will also transition with the business. “This divestiture reflects our continued commitment to portfolio optimization to prioritize resources to support the execution of our Sweet Baked Snacks strategy, focused on growing the Hostess® brand, and advancing our leadership in the sweet baked goods category,” said Dan O’Leary, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sweet Baked Snacks and Pet. “This decision continues the ongoing work to ensure our manufacturing network is optimized to mitigate costs and reduce complexity.” For fiscal year 2025, the company anticipates full- year net sales from the divested value brands and private label products to be approximately $60 million. © stock.adobe.com/lenscap50 From left to right: Dr Hui Luo and Professor Robert Dorey (University of Surrey’s School of Engineering); Professor Joseph Keddie (University of Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics); Scott Winston, CEO at Pulpex; Barrie Harvey, COO at Pulpex; Dr Simon Hadfield (University of Surrey’s Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing); Professor Charley Wu (University of Surrey’s School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering). Credit: University of Surrey © stock.adobe.com/Jenifoto © stock.adobe.com/KuzmickNext >