< PreviousNew milk processing facility set for Wales The Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council have completed the sale of land to a Pembrokeshire-based company for the development of a new milk-processing facility in the county, as part of a multi-million-pound investment. Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd. (PCL) has acquired a development plot at Pembrokeshire Food Park, bringing with it £17 million investment and the creation of 80 new jobs over the next three years. The Pembrokeshire Food Park in Withybush, near Haverfordwest was established in 2021, following a £2 million investment by the Welsh Government and £1 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welsh Government, which was awarded to Pembrokeshire County Council for the delivery of the first phase of infrastructure works at the food park. The new milk processing plant has also received financial support from the European Union through the Rural Development Fund. KPM Analytics acquires food focused AI developer Smart Vision Works KPM Analytics, a Union Park Capital portfolio company, has acquired Smart Vision Works, a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) technology company providing computer vision systems for agriculture and food industries. “With this acquisition, KPM Analytics has significantly enhanced our vision inspection portfolio with new AI technologies,” said Brian Mitchell, KPM Analytics CEO. “The addition of Smart Vision Works to our existing Sightline Process Controls and Eye Pro System machine vision businesses allows us to provide additional data and technologies for our customers to leverage in their production processes. We strongly believe that the advanced AI capabilities within Smart Vision Works will advance our offerings across all of the end markets we serve.” Smart Vision Works systems quickly and automatically sort products by size and defect, allowing the defective items to be removed from the line. Using artificial intelligence, the foreign material detector is engineered specifically for finding things that simply don’t belong. 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Corrugated packaging manufacturer acquires specialist sustainable corrugated tray producer Cepac Group has completed the acquisition of a majority shareholding in EW Cartons Ltd, the specialist microflute corrugated food tray manufacturer. Located in Altham, Lancashire, EW Cartons Ltd is now being rebranded under the name Flutepac, as it is brought under the umbrella of Cepac Group. Adam Clifton, the previous owner, remains a shareholder and is appointed as Flutepac’s general manager. Flutepac’s portfolio of microflute corrugated packaging is entirely food safe, with its products being fully BRCGS AA accredited. The packaging solutions are utilised extensively for fresh produce, bakery items, ready meals and ‘food-to-go’ containers. Thanks to a wide range of available coatings, Flutepac’s products can be barrier coated, grease proof, moisture resistant and leak proof. The company also offers a range of food trays that can be placed straight into the oven. “As innovators and manufacturers of food tray packaging, Flutepac is now positioned as one of the UK’s most dynamic suppliers of microflute corrugated packaging solutions as part of Cepac Group,” says Steve Moss, Managing Director, Cepac Group. McCain Foods makes largest global investment in its history McCain Foods is making a substantial investment in Coaldale, doubling the size of its facility and output in Coaldale, Alberta. The project is a significant economic boost for the region that will create 260 new jobs. The investment is reflective of McCain’s strong business growth and reconfirms the company’s commitment to food production and agriculture in Canada. “The development in Alberta marks our largest global investment in our 65-year history, totalling $600 million, while underscoring our commitment to the future of agriculture and innovation in Canada,” said Max Koeune, president & Chief Executive Officer, McCain Foods. “This will fuel continued growth for the business, allowing us to serve key markets further by bringing customers high quality potatoes that begin with our dedicated local farming community.” Kite Packaging launches ventilated pallet wrap Kite Packaging, the leading UK packaging supplier, has launched an innovative ventilated pallet wrap ideal for packaging products that require ventilation to maintain their quality in storage and transit. This includes fresh produce, dairy products, meat, fish, beverages, and refrigerated and frozen goods. It is also intended for pharmaceutical and chemical products, animal feed and horticulture. The film is BRC certified, making it ideal for food products. Small holes in the film’s surface stops condensation from forming and becoming trapped within stretch wrap layers. It does this by allowing air to escape via the holes, preventing any moisture from forming and spoiling packaged goods. Ventilated pallet wrap is 100% recyclable and uses less material due to its perforated surface, offering a cost saving when compared to other films. © stock.adobe.com/ 279photo © stock.adobe.com/ Katsiaryna © stock.adobe.com/ 5ph 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:40 Page 7Coconutea launches organic range of King CoconutWater and Premium Green Tea to the UK Coconutea is launching a range of six drinks to the coconut water category after it identified a gap in the UK market for premium offering. A ‘superfood in a bottle’ it combines the magic of pure coconut water and green tea celebrating the king coconut grown in Sri Lanka. With a 35% growth in the coconut water category predicted by 2026 according to Mintel, Coconutea is on trend with its exceptionally health benefits and strong focus on sustainability. The distributor and brand owner, Vivo Tea Company, is launching the brand into the UK market in March 2023 and will be targeting a range of formats including multiple retail, independent luxury retail, farm shops and delicatessen and the hospitality and food service sectors. It is available in a range of six flavours – lemon, peach, pineapple, passionfruit, strawberry and soursop. The RRP per bottle is £3.49. on the shelf Captain Morgan is today unveiling its biggest ever global responsible drinking campaign in partnership with multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and rapper Bree Runway, calling on people around the world to ‘Enjoy Slow’ and moderate their drinking. Following the launch of Captain Morgan’s Spice On campaign in Summer 2022, the latest global campaign features Bree Runway and her smooth, slow jam remix of 90’s track, ‘Rhythm of the Night’; encouraging people to sip slowly. The up-tempo song was chosen not only for its significance as one of the most prominent dance classics of the 90s, but also for its lyrics. Echoing the words, this is the rhythm of the night, ‘Enjoy Slow’ encourages drinkers to set their own pace, and not be afraid to say no to a drink or another round. The ambition is to normalise moderation in social settings as aspirational and fun, contributing towards Diageo’s Spirit of Progress ambition of reaching 1 billion consumers with moderation messages by 2030. PrOatein Fine and PrOatein Organic - two new innovative plant-based proteins from oats Lantmännen, the Swedish agricultural cooperative, has announced the launch of PrOatein Fine and PrOatein Organic, two new versions of the plant-based oat protein concentrate PrOatein. PrOatein Fine and PrOatein Organic are the latest additions to Lantmännen’s oat ingredients portfolio, which also includes the PromOat family of oat beta-glucan ingredients. PrOatein oat protein is a natural and unique plant-based protein concentrate, based on Swedish non-GMO oats, that meet the fast- growing consumer demand for nutritious, protein-enriched foods and beverages, as well as food supplements. It can be used to boost the protein content of a wide range of applications, including bread, cookies, biscuits, pasta, dairy alternatives and lifestyle nutrition products. In meat analogues, PrOatein enhances the texture, flavor, and amino-acid profile of legume-based TVP products. The protein concentrate works especially well in combination with pea protein. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net Joe & Seph’s launch fiery popcorn in celebration of Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves movie release Popcorn connoisseurs Joe & Seph’s are bringing extra fire to the release of the new Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves movie, with a Limited Edition Dungeons & Dragons Chilli Chocolate Caramel Popcorn. If there’s two things that Joe & Seph love (other than popcorn), it’s films and games. With the announcement of the Dungeons and Dragons coming to the big screen they could not help but be a part of it, and there is no better way than bringing a fiery experience to movie lover’s than through delicious air-popped popcorn. Worthy of Wizards, Bards, and Barbarians, the Chilli Chocolate Caramel Popcorn is sweet yet fiery. If spice doesn’t appeal, no worries as Joe & Seph’s have kept it a little tamer. Think sweet caramel chocolate, with a warming heat to finish, perfect for munching throughout the movie or a D&D games night treat. Jnck Bakery launches Non- HFSS, 90% less sugar cookies Jnck Bakery is set to revolutionise the sweet snacking and fresh bakery markets with the launch of its range of delicious cookies, which have 90% less sugar, 50% less saturated fat, 3x protein and 5x fibre compared to existing products*. Founded by brothers Alex and Sean Brassill, the company aims to completely disrupt the cookie sector, by proving that health and indulgence can co-exist. The category-first range of fresh, chewy cookies has been created in response to rising consumer demands for healthier, more sustainable treats** - they have been rated Non-HFSS with a nutriscore of zero, using ingredients such as pea protein for satiation, prebiotic fibre for gut health and perhaps most impressively, a bespoke, low sugar, protein chocolate. They do not include any palm oil - and are sold in fully recyclable packaging. The range has already been recognised for its outstanding taste and texture; receiving Gold Award for Product Innovation at LUNCH! 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:40 Page 812 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/david hughes 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:41 Page 1Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT W ith the global situation becoming more and more unsure, countries are asking themselves big questions on how effectively they could feed their populations if global trade were to shut down. The UK has long relied on imports for many of the food goods sold on its shelves, but recent shortages of fruit and vegetables in the UK - blamed on everything from weather in Africa and Spain, to Brexit, to supermarkets not wanting to pay farmers good rates – has led many to question the food security of the country and its over-reliance on imports. A lot of voices raised in this manner may well be driven by the jingoism of Brexit and wishes for a country that can disconnect itself from the seafloor and float off inti the ocean, but even more reasonable organisations are now asking how self-sufficient the country would be in the event of a worsening of the war in Ukraine, or the loss of 14 Á Recent shortages of goods in the UK have led many to ask just how secure the food supply lines are, and whether the UK should become more self-sufficient. 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:41 Page 214 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT Ukraine entirely. The country makes up almost a fifth of the world’s barley, and 12% of the world’s wheat exports after all. Ever since World War 2, the UK Government or agencies related to it have, at times, run what is called a U- Boat Analysis. This references the dreaded submarines of the German Reich that would sink convoys bringing much-needed supplies to the UK, and the hypothetical scenario asks how well the country would do at feeding its own population should all international trade somehow be cut off. The answer, surprisingly, is that the country could survive – but it would mean a lot of changes. Right now, the UK produces about 50% of the food that it eats. It actually produces more – closer to 70%, but much of that is exported to other countries. Exactly why the UK imports the other 50% is to enable variety among consumers. Certain seasonal fruits and vegetables impossible to grow in the UK in certain months can be brought in from elsewhere, allowing options of foods that would not be seasonable in the UK. Similarly, spices and tastes that we have gotten used to from other countries make for staple diets for much of the population. If the UK were to be cut off for whatever reason then one of the first things to go would be the range of goods on shelves. Suddenly, the UK would be forced to adapt to very seasonal and limited ranges, especially in the colder months. Similarly, there might need to be a significant reduction in meats. While British and Irish meats are popular across the world and make up a bulk of our exports, the production of livestock is land-intensive, and they also feed off crops that humans could eat. As a result, meat © stock.adobe.com/veneratio 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:41 Page 3Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT would be cut down and available only to the wealthier consumers, with much of the land dedicated to its production re-allocated to productive crops instead. Food manufacturers in the UK would initially face struggles sourcing specific materials commonly used in their recipes, and they would also be faced with shortages at key times of the year. Those that do not go bust might adapt and be able to change recipes or move to plant-based goods entirely, and carve a niche for themselves, but given that cost of living would rise even further, it’s unlikely they could raise costs much on their produced goods without consumers being unable to afford them. The result would be a United Kingdom that could “technically” feed its population, albeit on a reduced diet of crops and barley and other plant- based meat alternatives. It should go without saying that this is not an ideal any country should aim for, but the results do raise questions for the UK’s food security and could shape policy in the coming years. A commitment to higher levels of agriculture and more streamlined import and export structure should be high priorities, and with Rishi Sunak’s achievement of a Brexit deal for Northern Ireland (after years of blustering of it being impossible by Boris Johnson) it remains to be seen if laws might be put into place to cut back much of the red tape holding back the UK’s trade. © stock.adobe.com/Mara Louvain 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:42 Page 416 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net INGREDIENTS SPOTLIGHT As we move further into the year, bold and distinct ingredient trends are beginning to emerge. P rimary amongst them is the ever- growing desire for sustainable and vegan friendly options. With the numbers of people making ethical choices increasing, demand for more varied and flavourful options is at an all-time high. In fact, bold flavour choices are set to define consumer trends in 2023. The continued popularity of Tik Tok has opened eyes to more diverse cuisines, which has lead those from countries with typically blander tastes to become more experimental when home cooking. As a result, spice blends that contain sweet ingredients are skyrocketing in popularity. As individuals increasingly prioritize their health and environmental sustainability, a wider range of plant- based protein choices have become readily available. The consumption of plant-based foods is no longer considered unconventional, and is attracting not just devout vegans, but also those seeking variety in their weekly dining habits. As concerns surrounding overfishing and depleted populations grow, customers are placing greater value on transparency and reliability in The unique taste of 2023 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:44 Page 1Food & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net INGREDIENTS SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/nguyen khanh vukhoa their purchasing decisions. As consumers continue to become more informed and attuned to the intricacies of food systems, it is reasonable to anticipate the emergence of seafood substitutes and more diverse meat alternatives (particularly where appearance and texture is integral to the experience, like bacon and steak) Rice protein is emerging as a favourite cod alternative, with the consistency of tofu remaining the preferred basis for fishier substitutes such as tuna and salmon. Despite the growing amount of vegan alternatives available, the market for genuine fish remains alive and well thanks to Tik Tok. During the pandemic, consumers sought out tinned seafood as a practical, shelf-stable alternative to the dishes they were no longer able to enjoy at restaurants. This has led to a surge in the consumption of canned seafood, especially those sourced from species lower on the food chain, such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. The hashtag #Tinnedfish has amassed 25 million views on TikTok, while #TinFishDateNight – a trend featuring couples enjoying a romantic evening dining on tinned fish – has alone garnered 22 million views. Beyond social media, the growing popularity of canned fish aligns with consumers’ desire to save money on their grocery bills. These store-cupboard ingredients are both economical and easy to incorporate into meals such as tuna pasta bake and sardine spaghetti. In a similar vein, there will be a growing trend towards pasta, rice, and snacks that emphasize sustainability and innovation. These products often utilize upcycling, which repurposes plant-based food components that would typically go to waste by incorporating them into other products such as flour. This practice helps to minimize food waste and promotes sustainable food production. Additionally, a survey conducted by IFIC in December 2021 revealed that 28% of respondents expressed interest in trying sea green-based products, such as foods made from algae or kelp. There is likely to be a growing trend for innovative food products that incorporate mushrooms, seaweed, and jackfruit. Combining this newly found taste for adventure and sustainability, is the next generation of dairy-free milk alternatives. Milk derived from sesame seeds and pistachio nuts has a rich taste and good consistency, thus being set to rival industry staples such as soya and almond. The use of alternative sweeteners, such as maple sugar and coconut sugar, will also likely gain traction. Not only are these healthier alternatives, but they can also be sourced more sustainably and ethically. 18 Á 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:44 Page 218 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net INGREDIENTS SPOTLIGHT For those in search of a sweet treat, an unlikely trend has emerged, once again, thanks to Tik Tok. In 2022, dates gained widespread popularity when an influencer shared a recipe for a Snickers-like treat using the Middle Eastern fruit, which is often dubbed “nature’s candy” due to its natural sweetness. This newfound interest is likely to increase the visibility of different varieties, including Halawi, Khadrawi, Mazafati, and Barhi. These varieties offer unique flavours and textures, richer and stickier than what consumers may be used to, that will capture the palates of individuals seeking novel options. In fact, social media has proven its’ influence to extend well beyond dates and fish. Viewers are exposed to a myriad of innovative, and culturally varied recipes in a way previously unseen. The most common searches include recipes for hot chicken, spice- New PEPPADEW ® Bites - the ultimate bite to pep up menus and profits PEPPADEW ® - the UK’s No. 1 pepper brand - has launched new PEPPADEW® Bites, a premium branded bite exclusively available for foodservice. With 9/10 consumers looking to treat themselves when eating out and 87% of consumers saying they’d order new PEPPADEW® Bites, this latest innovation from Peppadew® is set to take menus by storm. Made in the UK in their AA BRC accredited facility, these delicious new added-value bites balance the sweet, tangy flavour of their signature whole Piquanté Pepper, with a smooth, sumptuous West Country Soft Cheese filling, all coated in a crisp, panko-style crumb. Crucially, these delicious bites also offer an easy way to drive margin, as over half of consumers would pay more for PEPPADEW® Bites, than jalapeno poppers, with each 5kg case serving up a substantial £200 return. Whilst their frozen format, 18-month long shelf life and versatility help minimise waste, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice. PEPPADEW® Bites are now available through leading wholesalers including Bidfood, Booker and KFF. For more information visit www.peppadewfoodservice.co.uk 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:44 Page 3Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net INGREDIENTS SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/whitestorm infused cocktails (and spirit-free creations), and global flavours that pack the heat. Proprietary research from Mintel found two-thirds of Americans are interested in sweet and spicy sauces. Furthermore, almost three-quarters of global consumers said they like food and drink products with new and unusual flavours. Consumers were asked why they liked diverse flavours, and the most popular answer was a desire to try new flavours from around the world. Recent launches of spice blends from Ghana, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and France have been very well received, with home cooks looking to connect with new-to- them global flavours and culturally specific cuisines from around the world. Covid-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions have inspired people to ‘travel’ by exploring other cultures through food from their own home kitchens. Consumers are also more willing to make one-time impulse purchases if food and beverage flavours are innovative. Research has shown this to be especially true of younger generations such as Gen Z and Millennials. The key to understanding trends is staying on top of social media, especially Tik Tok. On a platform where anything can go viral, the trend for trying unusual recipes is yet to reach its peak. Whereas more mature consumers have relatively predictable buying habits, younger millennials and Gen Z’s demand innovation and a unique taste experience, particularly when it comes to cocktails and ready meals. The younger generations are defining a new type of consumer, one that is willing to pay more for ingredients that are labelled as sustainable. Whilst not all will be entirely vegetarian or vegan, they are likely to become consistent purchasers if they enjoy it. Ultimately, developing alternative ranges beyond the current offering and expanding available spice ranges is likely to ensure long term custom. Apply Now… 0044 (0) 20 8446 7127 info@halalfoodauthority.com www.halalfoodauthority.com London - Ireland - Belgium EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES Get Halal Certified Halal Food Authority is an industry leading Halal Food Certification Company. We specialise in Halal Certification of Food and Non-Food items including cosmetics, logistics, chemicals, additives & aromas, cleaning substances, packaging, pharmaceutical, ingredients and much more. Our certification is globally recognised including GCC countries and other developing markets such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Turkiye, Pakistan and rest of the world. 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2023 09:44 Page 4Next >