< Previous10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FSC CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE Q&A Can you tell us a little about FSC and what you do? FSC specialises in construction and maintenance projects primarily within the food and drinks sector. We have been operating since 2012 from our base in North East Lincolnshire, and garnered extensive experience in our field. We place a heavy focus on ensuring food safety standards and regulations are always met. We realise that every business is different and offer an extensive range of services tailored to the unique requirements of clients. Food production facilities and new builds have many different laws and legislations to adhere to. What would you say is often the most challenging? We have a wealth of industry experience and keep up to date with the evolving landscape of law and legislation within the sectors we serve. Furthermore, we work with independent health and safety auditors who regularly visit all of our sites to check we are maintaining the highest of industry standards. In terms of challenges, safety is paramount to us, so we ensure that everything is checked and double checked. Working closely with an independent health and safety body certainly helps. We don’t see challenges, we see opportunities. It’s that mindset that has played a significant role in our growth. We are always looking for ways to improve. Does FSC offer design as well as build for bespoke requirements, and can a whole project from end to end be managed and contained by your company? FSC offers design and build services for bespoke requirements. We understand that every business is unique and their processes differ. This is why we put design at the heart of the process and design an environment that meets client needs. Through a mixture and of our in-house team and trusted external architects and designers we use a wide variety of expertise to ensure success. Additionally, we can manage the entire project from start to finish, ensuring that all aspects are coordinated and controlled by us. Our team will oversee the construction process, from initial design concepts to final completion, ensuring a seamless and successful project delivery. From an interior perspective, our in- house team offer bespoke interior design services for all non-production areas including foyers, offices, boardrooms, canteens, commercial kitchens and more… We take great pride in being able to work with some brilliant brand guidelines or design something completely bespoke depending on the brief. The FSC Flooring Division delivers an extensive range of commercial and industrial flooring finishes, as part of Q&A FSC Construction & Maintenance This month we meet with FSC Contracts Director, Steve Brown to learn more about the challenges of construction in the food and drink sector. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net FSC CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE Q&A our repertoire we offer a bespoke design service for a wide variety of environments. What kind of facility management and ongoing maintenance can FSC offer? FSC offer a range of maintenance services to ensure that facilities remain in optimal condition and continue to meet the needs of its occupants. Our team is a available 24-hours a day for emergency call-outs and long-term maintenance contracts. These services may include but is not limited to routine maintenance tasks such as building fabric repairs, HVAC system inspections, plumbing and heating repairs, and electrical system checks. Our in-house Mechanical Services Division manages such maintenance tasks as industrial plumbing and heating as well as appliance repair, servicing and installation. FSC’s facility management and ongoing maintenance services are designed to support the long-term functionality and sustainability of the facility. Apart from being experts in the food production environment do you offer construction and project solutions for different companies and concerns too? Although our background is providing construction and maintenance solutions for food and drinks production environments, our expertise extends to various industries and sectors. We regularly work with clients within other hygiene-conscious industries such as pharmaceuticals, packaging and chemicals. Moreover, our expertise extends to a plethora of commercial and industrial endeavours including retail and storage/warehousing. We have a dedicated team of professionals who are well-versed in delivering high-quality construction services and customised solutions to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients. Whether it’s a new construction project, renovation, expansion, or facility upgrade, we have the experience and capabilities to handle a wide range of challenges. Feel free to reach out to us for your construction and project needs, and we will be happy to discuss how we can assist you. 7-8 Pegasus Square, Innovation Way, Europarc DN37 9TJ Tel: 01472 355 454 Email: office@fscl.co.uk Website: https://fscl.co.uk12 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORTFood & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/Grafvision While Japan aims to increase annual agricultural and seafood exports to ¥5 trillion by 2030, a range of challenges are slowing down progress. W ith its food and drink exports becoming more well known worldwide, Japanese cuisine — from sushi to sake to Wagyu beef — continues to gain popularity, with the country ready to capitalise on this as it seeks to raise annual agricultural and seafood exports to ¥2 trillion by 2025 and ¥5 trillion by 2030. In 2023, Japan reported progress towards this with record food exports, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, with exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products rising by 2.9% over the year prior to ¥1.45 trillion. While increasing for the 11th consecutive year, a number of challenges stumped greater potential growth, with the results illustrating a more muted expansion in 2023 compared to 2022 (14.2%). Where there was heightened recovery and demand post-COVID from restaurants, complex trading conditions and economic downturns in numerous countries caused harm. This is primarily a result of a decrease in sales to China following an import ban on Japanese marine products in August due to the 14 Á14 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Though this did not stop China remaining Japan’s top export destination, importing ¥237.6 billion worth of products in 2023, it did see Chinese imports dip 14.6% and demand crash for Japanese seafood, which also makes use of Chinese factories for processing and re-export, creating further problems. The severity of the situation has pushed the Japanese government to offer emergency funds to the industry, initially setting up two funds worth ¥80 billion, helping to develop new markets and keep fish frozen until they can be sold, as well as for other measures. This was followed by an additional ¥20.7 billion of support. Other actions taken include commercials airing in the United States (US) promoting scallops — hit particularly hard by the ban — and other fishery products from Japan, and finding new locations for processing, such as scallops in Vietnam and Mexico, with the latter expected to be exported to the US. In line with the implementation of the ban, China’s imports of Japanese seafood dropped 67.6% in August, according to China’s customs authority. To counter this issue moving forwards, officials are looking to increase seafood exports to numerous countries, to reduce future risky reliance on single markets. As China, the largest market for Japanese seafood exports, shows hesitance to wider Japanese goods following the ban, the European Union (EU) conversely agreed last year to remove restrictions on Japanese food imports put in place after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. Previously requiring pre-export testing of food products for radioactivity and certificates showing levels of radioactive isotopes in wild mushrooms, some fish and edible wild plants from Fukushima and nine other prefectures, the European Commission lifted these restrictions, reducing the administrative burden on exporters. In return the EU and Japan agreed to work on removing Japanese trade barriers to EU beef, fruit and vegetables affected by food safety rules. The export relationship between the EU and Japan is not all smooth sailing however, with potential hinderances to Japan’s exports cropping up this year (2024) as new regulations from the EU on food packaging go under consideration, making it tougher for Japan to export products like sake, scallops and wagyu beef, and even effectively cause a ban, with these goods often utilising more unsustainable packaging. Fortunately for the country, following lobbying by the government, officials have cleared Japanese sake from the regulations, as reported by Nikkei Asia, which will require businesses selling alcohol to put at least 10% of products in reusable or refillable containers, which due to the unique nature of sake bottles would be difficult. The EU’s regulations for recyclable packaging may still yet affect other goods, however. Concurrently, as the country looks to sure up its exports and expand markets for food and drink, it is fighting a rising number of overseas counterfeiters claiming food and agriculture products to be of Japanese origin. In a move to prevent this, Japan recently set up an Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT anti-counterfeit consultation desk in Thailand — the first of its kind created by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the first step in a planned new framework. Reported by Food Navigator Asia, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a statement that the high regard for Japanese food and agriculture products has led to many counterfeits in various markets, leading the ministry to improve the quality and assurance of export products in collaboration with related ministries. Another positive step has seen the UK and Japan grant special protected status to iconic food and drink products in either country to safeguard against imitation. It follows the completion of UK and Japanese scrutiny processes, with an additional group of protections set to be announced once further work has concluded. The UK will be protecting the Geographical Indications of Japanese food and drink products including Hokkaido wine and Hiba beef, meaning British consumers can shop with confidence, knowing they are purchasing authentic Japanese goods. As Japan aims to bolster its food and drink exports in line with growing popularity of its cuisine worldwide, and looks to overcome challenging conditions, these actions will only become more essential as a shrinking population causes concern for a declining domestic market. © stock.adobe.com/Nishihama © stock.adobe.com/CrunchyBeans16 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS 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. Complicating matters further are the unpredictable shifts in consumer preferences, adding a layer of volatility to an already dynamic industry. A midst this complexity, the cold food chain logistics sector emerges as a crucial player, tasked with ensuring the safe and efficient transport of perishable goods. Projections indicate substantial growth in this sector, with expectations soaring from $233.8 billion in 2020 to a staggering $366.8 billion by 2026. This article explores the foremost trends in the food logistics industry, both affecting the wider sector and those with a particular influence on cold storage. In the era of heightened environmental consciousness, consumer demands for sustainability are increasingly reshaping the food industry landscape. Recent survey findings reveal that 78% of consumers are actively advocating for increased efforts toward sustainable food production, yet a notable 38% remain sceptical about the honesty of companies regarding their environmental impact. Addressing this trust deficit hinges on bolstering Future-proofing food logistics Food & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS transparency, particularly through expanded Scope 3 reporting, which is a voluntary reporting procedure designed to account indirect emissions resulting from activities within a company’s supply chain. Surprisingly, a mere 5% of companies currently disclose emissions originating from their supply chains and customers, a statistic highlighted by Bloomberg research. Often overlooked in this reporting framework is the role of warehousing, overshadowed by the focus on transportation processes. However, warehouses hold immense potential for sustainability initiatives, whether through eco-friendly designs, utilization of renewable energy sources, or even striving for grid independence. The strategic placement and capabilities of warehouses can significantly mitigate transport emissions, underscoring the importance for companies to incorporate such © stock.adobe.com/phaisarnwong2517 18 Á © stock.adobe.com/kalafoto18 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS considerations into their operational strategies. Moreover, looming regulatory changes, such as multiple governments proposing mandates for Scope 3 reporting, add urgency for companies to proactively embrace sustainable practices. As consumer preferences align increasingly with sustainable values, companies that prioritize eco- friendly operations not only stand to meet market demands but also wield the power to drive meaningful societal change. In the pursuit of future-proofing logistics operations, hyperautomation emerges as a soon-to-be indispensable tool. From vendor selection to fulfilment, logistics teams are embracing hyperautomation across the entire supply chain by seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into their processes. Hyperautomation is a comprehensive approach to automating processes, which should incorporate solutions like advanced analytics, low- code/no-code software, virtual assistants, and optical character recognition to be its’ most effective. This empowers businesses to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. One example of the revolutionary capabilities of hyperautomation is the adoption of pilotless drones within warehouses. Equipped with GPS trackers, the drones autonomously navigate through aisles, revolutionizing inventory management by automating counts and identifying damages or errors in goods. Moreover, the rise of driverless vehicles signals a transformative shift in the industry, addressing the persistent shortage of truck drivers worldwide and paving the way for enhanced logistics capabilities. The last mile, a notorious challenge in the cold food supply chain, presents the greatest opportunity for hyperautomation adoption. Semi- autonomous robotic fleets, equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and GPS tracking, are revolutionizing last- mile delivery across local communities, college campuses, hospitals, and businesses. This innovative approach not only ensures efficient and secure delivery but also mitigates risks associated with human error, the most significant risk in the cold food logistics sector. Looking ahead, hyperautomation is Gressenhall | Dereham | Norfolk | NR20 4DT | +44 (0)1362 861066 | www.premierpalletinverter.co.ukFood & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS info@rubbuk.com | +44 (0) 191 482 22 11 | www.rubbuk.com Building Systems Flexible cold storage solutions poised to intersect with other emerging technologies, including isochoric freezing (low energy freezing solutions which prevents food damage as ice crystals form inside the product), smart labelling with time-temperature indicators, and zero-emission solutions. Additionally, the integration of phase change materials for cold thermal energy storage promises further advancements in cold chain logistics, heralding a new era of sustainability and efficiency in the industry. An example of focused hyperautomation, digital twinning is proving to be an invaluable tool for businesses facing unexpected challenges that threaten product quality, offering valuable insights and smart solutions. This technology is increasingly prevalent, with companies now creating digital replicas of entire rail and road networks, oceans, and even end-customers’ domestic and workspaces. To further enhance its capabilities, digital twinning is increasingly being integrated with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), fostering what is known as “collaborative intelligence,” where machines and humans interact seamlessly. AR glasses worn by workers are revolutionizing various aspects of operations, allowing for innovative testing of packaging performance, route optimization, and streamlined delivery processes. By digitally overlaying task requirements and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), AR enables workers to execute tasks in real-time with unprecedented efficiency, eliminating the need for manual intervention. VR headsets are facilitating collaboration among geographically dispersed stakeholders by immersing them in a virtual representation of supply chain environments such as warehouses. Working together within this virtual realm, stakeholders can devise customized solutions tailored to specific locations, subsequently applying their insights to enhance the performance of cold food supply chains in the physical world. As a final example, Natural Language Processing (NLP) is encouraging holistic approaches to improving supply chain management through data gathering and analysis. Using a process known as “web scraping,” NLP scours through a plethora of online content, including news articles, websites, and videos, in search of key terms relevant to logistics operations. This analysis identifies critical information and news that can significantly impact the efficiency of logistics processes, allowing targeted responses to emerging issues. Moreover, NLP extends its reach beyond traditional data sources to encompass the realm of social media through a practice known as “social listening.” By monitoring social networks, reviews, and customer service channels, NLP conducts sentiment analysis to gauge public perception of supply chain themes. This not only offers insights into customer bugbears but also highlights areas within the chain that may require optimization. The utilisation of technology to drive sustainability and efficiency initiatives throughout the supply chain is the foremost current trend. Early adoption of this technology will give businesses a competitive edge and help to preserve operations well into the future. © stock.adobe.com/Travel maniaNext >