Gears, drives and controls Transport and logistics Import and export Manufacturing Excellence Manufacturing Excellence INTERNATIONAL www.eriez.eu | info-europe@eriez.com | +44 (0)29 2086 8501 Your Best Defence Against Metal Contamination Eriez High Strength Magnets provide the Best Defence against metal contamination. Our magnetic separators are designed for any process whether it’s wet, dry, gravity, pneumatic or conveyed. Install Eriez and know you’re protected. Contact an Eriez Representative for details. Powerful Magnetic Systems Round Pipe Grates Pneumatic Magnetic Separators Trap Magnets GLOBAL LEADER IN SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES Self-Cleaning Grate MagnetContents April 2024 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 FSC Construction & Maintenance Q&A10 This month we meet with FSC Contracts Director, Steve Brown to learn more about the challenges of construction in the food and drink sector. Import and export12 While Japan aims to increase annual agricultural and seafood exports to ¥5 trillion by 2030, a range of challenges are slowing down progress. Transport and logistics16 The food supply chain has vast and complex requirements, ranging from the ebb and flow of harvest seasons to the intricacies of warehousing and the precision of delivery logistics. End of line packaging20 As the food industry faces increasing pressure to balance product integrity and environmental responsibility, the drive for sustainable end-of-line packaging solutions intensifies. Gears, drives and controls24 Gears, drives and controls are integral to efficient operation, reliability and safety in food and drink, bringing these critical aspects to every operation on any production line. Mixing and blending28 Mixing and blending are responsible for everything from texturizing and emulsification to incorporating powders, flakes and pellets into food products. • Silverson Machines 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: Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@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/Oksana Schmidt • Top: stock.adobe.com/Jelena • Middle: stock.adobe.com/Grafvision • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/Travel mania Ingredients spotlight 34 These days, consumers want more from their food. Functional ingredients are bioactive compounds, obtained from a variety of sources including primary produce, microorganisms, and marine sources. Beverages38 The beverages industry has a problem – and what has long been environmental may soon become medical with he amounts of microplastics found in human blood. Vitafoods Europe 41 Taking place from the 14th-16th May in Geneva, Vitafoods is one of the most important shows in the calendar for food and drink manufacturers in functional and health foods. Automation UK 43 Taking place from the 18-19th June in Coventry, Automation UK is a renowned event recognised for bringing industrial automation and robotics to life. Machine Vision Conference45 The two-day Machine Vision Conference opens in just over three months’ time on 18th June at the CBS Arena in Coventry. Events 46 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 50UCC launches Thermoplan’s ground- breaking BLACK&WHITE4 CTS two-step automatic equipment in UK & Ireland UCC, the UK’s exclusive distributor of Thermoplan, has launched the innovative and ground-breaking BLACK&WHITE4 CTS two-step automatic coffee machine into the UK and Irish market. Perfect for any hospitality or retail outlet with a served coffee offer of medium and or high daily demand, the BLACK&WHITE4 CTS allows operators to make consistently outstanding coffee up to 20% faster than a traditional coffee machine, thanks to its ground-breaking technology and innovation, saving labour and waste with every cup. Elaine Swift, OOH Director, UCC Europe says: “We are incredibly excited to bring the BLACK&WHITE4 CTS to market on behalf of our long-term partner Thermoplan. Designed with the operator’s needs in mind, this machine offers exceptional espresso quality, endorsed by Baristas and the SCA. The CTS is an absolute game changer for any venue selling served coffee – quality, consistency, reductions in waste and labour are the critical success factors that every operator is crying out for in today’s trading environment, making the CTS an invaluable asset for enhancing their coffee offer and improving the overall consumer experience.” 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news DataLase launch new laser-active clear-to- white coatings DataLase, a leader in laser coding and marking solutions, has launched a new range of colourless to white coatings for a range of packaging applications. Centred on a biodegradable and sustainably sourced raw material, the coatings provide highly contrasting white prints at flexographic and gravure coat weights, even on difficult substrates such as 12-micron PET and shrink film. The range includes pad printable coatings, for direct-to-shape marking of objects, such as bottles, caps and closures. The versatile coatings are also available for folding cartons, flexible films, foils, pouches and labels. High opacity, laser-sharp print quality and QR code readability are realised across a range of lasers, providing CO2, fibre and UV lasers, offering a multitude of options to accommodate different user needs. DataLase’s CTO, Ally Grant, said: “In line with the high expectations set by our market-leading coatings and pigment technology, our innovative clear-to-white coatings are designed to reduce consumables and waste in production environments. They not only enhance throughput and productivity, but also feature scuff and rub resistance, which minimises the need for potential rework and further waste.” Moisture control is a crucial step in quality food processing: MoistTech represents the diamond standard Moisture is important in any manufacturing process, but when it comes to food processing, excess moisture can ruin products and create excess waste. And what is worse than a wasted effort? Economical losses and decreased productivity. With continuous online moisture measurement, food production plants will find huge money savings. Knowing the moisture content of the materials used throughout the food and baking process has become one of the most critical components in the industry as many raw materials sold today are based upon weight. MoistTech moisture sensors can provide a quick test of the moisture levels of the manufacturer’s raw ingredients, effectively saving purchasing plants a lot of money. While moisture is MoistTech’s major focus, it also supplies analyzers for the continuous online measurement of protein, fat/oil, sugar, seasonings, caffeine, and other constituents or elements that absorb the NIR beam. Moisture measurement and control can provide immediate benefits: * Reduce dryer usage and energy costs * Proper control of the infeed and dryer exit * Better final product quality * Consistency of your final product * 100% product inspection Find out more about MoistTech at https://www.moisttech.com/ Kason launches KR3020-SS High- Capacity Batch Sifter Kason Corporation, a leader in manufacturing screening and processing equipment, has announced the launch of its KR3020-SS High-Capacity Batch Sifter. The KR3020- SS, so called for its 30 x 20-inch (76.2 x 50.8 cm) dimensions, is a product of customer- centric innovation, created initially for a specific requirement in the food processing industry. The sifter, which is designed to be mounted on top of a mixer or hopper to provide a sanitary gap-free solution for food-grade applications, features a convenient bag-cutting shelf design to assist operators rip and tip. Capable of managing high-capacity processing, it incorporates an ingenious magnet drawer beneath the screen. This feature is instrumental in capturing ferrous materials, further guaranteeing product purity and safety. Furthermore, its single-motor design not only reduces power consumption, but also streamlines maintenance. Commenting on the launch, Tom Finnegan, director of sales - AMP/AHS, Kason’s parent company, said: “The KR3020-SS typifies our commitment to providing solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of industries we serve. The sifter represents a step forward for the safety and efficiency of our customers.”news Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses acquires artisan cheesemaker Fourth-generation family cheesemakers, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses in rural Lancashire, has acquired Hampshire Cheese Company, home of much-loved soft cheeses Tunworth and Winslade, for an undisclosed sum. Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has invested significantly in its soft cheese capacity in the last two years, with own-label and branded soft cheeses like Button Mill and Kidderton Ash driving Butlers’ mission to be a powerhouse in British farmhouse soft cheese. Butlers is now the largest independent soft cheesemaker in the UK. Hampshire Cheese Company, a multi award-winning artisan cheesemaker, was founded in 2005 by Stacey Hedges and has amassed a legion of fans for Tunworth and Winslade. Matthew Hall, fourth-generation owner at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, says: “Bringing two incredible cheeses like Tunworth and Winslade into our family is super exciting and consistent with our soft cheese strategy. “The quality and reputation that Stacey, Charlotte and the team have established for Tunworth and Winslade is something we will be proud to nurture with their loyal customers.” Drinks business Belu pledges £368,038 of its 2024 net profit to WaterAid charity Belu, the social enterprise drinks company that gives 100% of its net profits to WaterAid, has announced a further £368,038 donation to the charity in 2024. This contribution brings Belu’s total charitable contribution since 2011 to £5.8 million, impacting approximately 391,944 lives. The company is celebrating its best revenue year to date. Company accounts filed on World Water Day (Friday 22 March) report a turnover £8,747,327 in 2023 (2022: £7,086,640). Specialising in mineral water, tonic water, flavoured mixers, and filtration systems for hospitality and workplace settings, Belu remains steadfast in its pledge to give annual net profits to WaterAid until 2030. These contributions are unrestricted, allowing WaterAid to allocate funds where they are most urgently needed to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. As Belu and WaterAid celebrate their 13th year of partnership, the success of their collaboration shows the importance of long term corporate-charity partnerships, especially where there is clear values alignment. © stock.adobe.com/George Dolgikh © stock.adobe.com/Hyrma As marketing is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer advice and packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account executives. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO? • Print • Online • E-Newsletters • Regular News • Topical Features The perfect medium to give your brand the best chance of being seen! Contact us below for our 2024 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk www.fdiforum.net INTERNATIONAL Sti INTERN bl NATION AL bus Sus bus Sus sness stana i ti s able bl business s End off line packkaging Interpack INTERN NATION AL g ro Hea h althy o wth ah chan eden wth g uncF ctional ingr e edients y upplS ly ychai spotlight spotlight INTERN NATION AL ma r Cha r ket ang s g y try yand ma r kets m s Meat, poul d f ltt seaf oood v Sie es and separ aators spotlight separ aators e Softw a re sp INTERN NATION AL ahe Sta d ayng d i ea ngspogh ahea da eadyR ymea ackPP kaging s Microbiolog testing gyy and MINIMUM COST… MAXIMUM IMPACT! Food & Drink International 5 www.fdiforum.netArla Foods reveals plans to become major UK exporter of mozzarella Arla Foods, the dairy cooperative, is investing over £179m in the UK to enable the business to export mozzarella in the next three years. As part of the investment, Arla’s Devon based creamery, Taw Valley, will be updated to include state-of-the-art technology. In addition to benefiting its farmer owners, one of the cooperative’s biggest ever investments in the UK will create over 100 skilled jobs for the Devon region. Bas Padberg, Managing Director of Arla Foods UK, said: “Today is a momentous occasion for our UK business, and we are so proud to be announcing this news to our farmer owners, colleagues and customers. “As one of the biggest food companies in the UK, it is only natural that we look for further opportunities to grow so we can continue to return a fair price back to our farmer owners. We want to continue to increase the value of our farmer owners’ milk, which we believe can be achieved through exploring further export opportunities.” Bespoke in-house courses available from Verner Wheelock Food industry training experts Verner Wheelock are renowned for top quality training at all levels in HACCP, food safety and auditing and for providing relevant specialist courses. However, companies might not be aware that they also provide bespoke training solutions. “Sometimes companies need specific content, and we are always happy to help,” says Business Development Executive, Claire Lennon. “We can tailor existing courses, combine elements of 2 or more courses, or write an entirely new course.” Recent bespoke courses include Root Cause Analysis and Investigation Training; Working Hours and Record Review for ethical audits; a combined course on HACCP, Food Safety & Food Safety Culture; and bespoke food hygiene management training for cleaning contractors. The training is delivered either in-house at customers’ premises or remotely. The latter option is particularly suitable if there are employees from multiple sites requiring the same training. For more information visit www.vwa.co.uk 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Aagrah Foods launches new authentic Indian restaurant experience Aagrah Foods is launching a new range to bring the authentic Indian restaurant experience to homes nationwide. The assortment includes nibbles such as real poppadoms and a variety of chutneys, starters with spice mixes for dishes like Onion Bhaji and Seek Kebab, mains with award-winning cooking sauces like Karahi and Tikka Masala, and sundries like hand- pulled naans and Pilau Rice Mix. Aagrah’s range offers customers the chance to indulge in the flavours of the Indian subcontinent with ease and affordability, with prices ranging from £1.40 for spice blends to £3.15 for cooking sauces. The eye-catching packaging is designed to attract customers and reflect Aagrah’s fusion of cultures. The brand is committed to delivering the vibrant flavours synonymous with Indian cuisine through their range of products. Potential buyers should contact Shezad Aslam at Aagrah Foods at shezad@aagrah.com Plant-based product potential soars with the help of membrane filtration technology As consumer demand increases for plant-based products and proteins, manufacturers are turning their attention to tried-and-true technology in hope of unearthing new discoveries for financial growth and company expansion. Many manufacturers are turning to crossflow membrane filtration in search of answers. Able to provide high-quality protein yields without the risk of altering the macromolecules’ structure, crossflow membrane filtration provides a way to separate desired molecules, like protein, from the undesired molecules. Using membrane filtration avoids the loss of functional and nutritional properties, as opposed to other processes such as acid-leaching or thermal treatments. Research indicates membrane filtration can achieve a protein retention rate of up to 97%. Axium Process has been helping such companies on the road to success. “This is not new technology,” said Jamie George, Projects & Business Development Director at Axium Process, “this is a trusted technology applied in new ways. For over 20 years we’ve helped market- leading manufacturers achieve results. The premise is the same, but the execution is a different matter entirely; we have the knowledge and experience to know where things diverge, and what to do when that happens.” “At Axium, we tailor our solutions to customers’ specific needs, whether it’s maximising pea protein isolate for plant-based burgers or extracting soy protein for shakes.” For companies looking to create plant-based products, membrane filtration can provide a cost-effective solution within a small footprint, helping maximise production output and efficiency. By embracing the automation of membrane filtration, companies can focus on product development and market demands, confident that their production line is up to the task. For more information visit www.axiumprocess.com Image courtesy of Arla Foods Food & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net Aldi launches ‘flat’ recycled PET wine bottles Aldi has announced the UK’s first, supermarket own-brand flat recycled PET wine bottles. The Chapter & Verse Shiraz and Chapter & Verse Chardonnay will be available to buy in lightweight, fully recyclable PET bottles, in stores nationwide. Made from 100% recycled PET, the new flat bottles weigh just 63g – making them nearly seven times lighter and stronger than a standard glass bottle, while being completely shatterproof. Removing 42 tonnes of bottle weight for this launch alone, the next-gen bottles not only make light work of heavy shopping baskets, but they also deliver impressive green credentials for eco-conscious shoppers. The compact design means 30% more bottles can be loaded onto pallets and transported to supermarkets; and converting to these innovative bottles compared to standard round glass, takes 30% of lorries off the road. Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, says: “We know shoppers are looking for greener, more sustainable products and our aim is to continue to deliver this, whilst offering great value and enhanced functionality. We’re pleased to be taking the next step in expanding our recyclable, eco-friendly range.” news To advertise your services on the news pages contact us on 01472 310302 Hovis form innovative new partnership with health focused start-up Modern Baker Hovis has announced a new, exclusive brand licensing agreement with Modern Baker. The agreement will run for three years and will see the brands working together on the manufacture, development and distribution of unique new bakery products. Hovis has worked with the Oxford based start-up since April 2023 focusing on the product development, manufacture and distribution of the Modern Baker Superloaf and Super Bakery franchise across the UK and Ireland. The partnership has enabled Modern Baker to work with the Hovis R&D team to develop and bake its unique gut-health loaf at scale, to launch the secret recipe nationwide. The new licensing agreement is a natural progression for Hovis, utilising almost over 140 years of experience in bread making and market leading innovation to launch new products that complement its existing portfolio. Modern Baker is known for its ‘health-plus’ approach and the new agreement will see the brands working together to create new bread recipes that appeal to the health-conscious consumer. Image courtesy of AldiEgg producer embarks on next venture with substantial investment in manufacturing site Egg producer, Noble Foods is embarking on its next venture with a substantial investment in an added-value manufacturing site. In addition to recent acquisitions in animal feed and agriculture, this strategic move, set to begin production in the summer in Leicestershire, signifies Noble Foods’ decision to diversify its offerings and expand its Consumer Foods business beyond traditional shell egg. Noble Foods aims to build on its legacy at the new 10,000 sq m manufacturing site by introducing a range of pre-prepared foods using eggs. At its peak, the site has the potential to use over 1.6 million eggs per week. Aimed at the retail, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) and wholesale market, foods including omelettes, egg bites, and frittatas will be made at the site, with a pipeline of innovative new egg-products already in development. Vegan Food Group gobbles up German tofu manufacturer Vegan Food Group (VFG) is set to become one of Europe’s largest plant-based manufacturers with the acquisition of TOFUTOWN, creating a major European CPG company alongside leading brands Meatless Farm, VFC, and Clive’s. This positions the combined entity for profitability in 2024, with a clear line of sight for scaling group revenues beyond € 100m. Established over 40 years ago by Bernd Drosihn, TOFUTOWN is a major supplier of 100% natural, organic tofu, spreads, and meat alternatives in the EU, predominantly in their home country Germany. The company, headquartered in Wiesbaum (North Rhine- Westphalia), supplies major retailers such as Aldi, Lidl, DM, and Edeka under the TOFUTOWN brand. With 55,000 sqm manufacturing across two sites, the Lüneburg (Lower Saxony) is one of the largest plant- based factories in Europe, with the capacity to produce a wide range of new plant-based lines. Dave Sparrow, CEO of the Vegan Food Group, said: “VFG will now be a major player in plant-based food, with a significant manufacturing scale across three sites, employing over 300 staff, and with a strong network of strategic manufacturing and supply chain partners.” 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line The SICK W10 Swipe-and-Set-up Touchscreen Sensor is a world first SICK has unveiled the world’s first photoelectric sensor with a touchscreen display, heralding the future for universal and easy-set-up sensing. The pioneering SICK W10 is a versatile all-in-one sensor that represents a major step forward in precise detection technology, adaptable for countless food and beverage applications. The SICK W10 photoelectric sensor’s swipe-up touchscreen technology and simple icons enable intuitive set-up and teach-in. The W10’s settings are pre-configured for rapid installation with common sensor functions, such as background or foreground suppression, available to select from a single device. “For the first time, it’s exciting to operate a sensor that feels as natural to use as a mobile phone,” explains David Hannaby SICK’s UK Market Product Manager for Presence Detection. “The touchscreen display is revolutionary. Just swipe up, select and configure. The W10 guides you effortlessly through the operating modes needed for any installation from the very big to the very small. With just four product variants, choosing the sensor you need for your application has never been more straightforward.” For more information visit www.sick.co.uk Image courtesy of Nestlé © stock.adobe.com/janonkas Paulig is aiming to strengthen its position in the Tex Mex and Snacking categories in Europe with a € 42 million investment into a new savoury snacks production facility in Spain. Paulig expects to start building the factory in 2025 and production to commence in 2026. “This investment marks an important step in the execution of our international growth strategy. It will further strengthen our position in the Tex Mex and snacking categories in Europe after the acquisition of the snacking company Liven in Spain in 2022. It will also increase the company’s innovation capabilities in these categories,” says Rolf Ladau, CEO of Paulig. Paulig operates in 13 countries and has production facilities in six countries including Finland, Sweden, Estonia, UK, Spain and Belgium. Paulig’s snacks factories are located in Spain and Belgium. “We want to be a trusted partner for our customers, and with the new facility, we are dedicated to maintaining a steady supply of innovative snacks to meet growing demand in the future,” says Thomas Panteli, SVP Supply Chain and Sourcing. Image courtesy of Paulig Nestlé Smithtown factory to receive $32m investment for Milo production Nestlé Australia has announced a $32 million investment to its Smithtown factory, which manufactures Milo – bringing investment in the site to approximately $80 million in the last decade. The investment will upgrade the Milo manufacturing line introducing state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to the factory and supporting an increased production capacity. Factory Manager James Garley said the investment in the site reflects Nestlé’s commitment to support local manufacturing. “We’re committed to investing in continuous improvements and upgrades to our Smithtown factory so we can continue to proudly make iconic brands like Milo right here. “Over the next 12 months, the project will inject an estimated $20 million into the local economy and support almost 200 jobs as we construct a new building to house Milo production. “It’s a complex project, but the team will work to ensure the facilities continue to deliver the choc-malt crunch of Milo Australians have loved for generations,” Mr Garley said.New Sea Salt multipacks launched by LOVE CORN In response to exceptional customer demand, LOVE CORN has launched new multipacks featuring its popular Sea Salt Delicious Crunchy Corn in mini pack sizes. Consumers are looking for the simple things in life and based upon overwhelming demand they are excited to launch LOVE CORNs Multipacks and offer individual portioned mini bags that are lunchbox friendly, perfect on the go, for sports or a quick crunch in between meals. A popular snack in the Mediterranean diet, LOVE CORN is made with whole crunchy corn kernels (right off the cob) with 3 simple ingredients and each mini pack boasts less than 90 calories, 50% less fat than crisps, high in fibre, low sugar, vegan, and gluten free. Each Multipack box contains five conveniently pocket-sized, 20g snack packs with the perfect amount of satisfying LOVE CORN crunch & moreish flavour which will make lunchtimes more exciting, road trips go quicker, the party more fun and life a little bit better, one kernel at a time! on the shelf Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net De Kuyper launches new range of six ready-to-serve cocktails William Grant & Sons launches an expert-made, ready-to-serve cocktail range from one of the world’s leading liqueur distilleries, De Kuyper. A four-strong range will debut with UK retailers this Spring. Designed to cater to the demand for consumers to experience top-quality drinks at home, the range includes the De Kuyper Piña Colada Cocktail, De Kuyper Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail, De Kuyper Passionfruit Martini Cocktail, and De Kuyper Espresso Martini Cocktail. De Kuyper’s ready-to-serve cocktails offer an unrivalled taste experience and are packaged in practical yet sophisticated glass bottles so consumers can do less to impress. The four variants are great for hosting, gifting, or a simple and easy way to enjoy the highest quality expert-made cocktails at home. Mark de Witte, CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers, said: “We are delighted to work with William Grant & Sons to bring our premium ready-to-serve cocktails to the UK. On a mission to democratise cocktails and offer everybody the chance to enjoy their favourite cocktail any time, the new launch is part of our halo vision to ‘Own the Cocktail’.” Top Caribbean food and drinks supplier launches Aloe Vera drinks PMP range A supplier of Caribbean food and drinks is launching price marked packs for one of its most popular drinks ranges. Grace Foods UK’s Say Aloe Vera drinks range is a soft drink made with real aloe vera pieces and juice, and natural grape flavour, and is packed full of vitamin C, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. From 1st April, Grace Say Aloe Vera drinks range will be in price marked packs at £1.29 for three flavours – Original, Strawberry and Mango – in 500ml bottles. The PMPs will be available at convenience stores across the country. Talking about the decision to launch Grace Say Aloe Vera PMPs, Dorota Dziedzic, Brand Manager at Grace Foods UK, said: “We haven’t done PMPs on our Say Aloe Vera range since 2021 and we are very mindful of the fact that research has shown that convenience-store customers trust PMPs, and 76% of convenience retailers being more likely to stock PMPs and 57% of retailers saying PMPs are now more important than ever.” Dole innovates salad category with 3 new Chopped Salad Kits The innovation team at Dole Fresh Vegetables is adding three new on-trend flavor varieties to its popular DOLE® Chopped Salad Kit product line. The three new DOLE® Chopped Kit SKUs are now shipping and will join the Dole refrigerated salad sets at supermarkets throughout North America starting April 1. They amplify the brand’s reputation for pairing Dole lettuces and vegetables with differentiated toppings and unique dressings in new, inspired ways that encourage healthier eating and increased vegetable consumption. The DOLE® Chopped Italian Sub Salad Kit draws on Americans’ growing nostalgia for classic Italian chopped sandwiches, which continues to be a top social media trend, while the DOLE® Chopped Creamy Greek Salad Kit taps into the popularity of Mediterranean flavors as seen by the growth of gyro-style sandwiches and Tzatziki-based snacks. As Mexican street corn-inspired dishes and products continue to pop up on restaurant menus and in the supermarket snack aisle, no Dole salad kit in recent memory has sparked more retailer anticipation than the DOLE® Chopped Sweet Corn Salad Kit, which also leverages the consumer appeal of chili-lime flavoring. Smirnoff launches seven new flavour innovations Smirnoff is rolling out seven new flavours as the brand continues to deliver unique taste experiences for drinkers around the world. Smirnoff draws on inspiration from popular culture to formulate bold new creations. From Spicy Tamarind or Electric Guava to Lavender Lemonade and Watermelon Lime Smash, the new lines feature flavoured spirits, perfect for crafting cocktails, and ready-to-drink mixers. Stephanie Jacoby, Smirnoff Global Brand Director, said: “Smirnoff is a brand that has been innovating since 1864 and, as the world’s #1 vodka, we think it’s important that our portfolio feels fresh and inclusive. “We innovate and develop exciting new flavours to appeal to as many different people as possible, making our drinks as diverse as the people who drink them. These new flavours draw inspiration from cultures around the world to create unique taste experiences that we hope everyone will enjoy.” Next >