< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net BEVERAGES When it comes to packaging, thought may soon have to be given toward whether our age of plastic should continue. Plastic bottles are being seen as damaging to the environment already, and adding damage to the human body on top of that may be a step too far. In a study of leading soft drink brands, researchers found that Coca Cola and Pepsi were the worst offenders when it came to plastic particles in their drinks, and while Sprite was found to be the lowest at 5 particles per litre, doctors are arguing those five particles may be five too many. Now, the fear is that even tap water may not be safe due to the saturation of plastic in the ocean. Currently, there is not much in the way of momentum for a push toward legislation against this, but that’s due mostly to competing factors for political attention, due to global wars and falling economies across the world. Those won’t last forever, and governments will soon be forced to take notice of microplastics, perhaps when the first deaths happen. When those do occur, the beverages industry is likely to see itself as the first casualty. It makes sense, then, for businesses to look at how they can take pro-active action to reduce plastic content in their drinks, but aside from repeated boiling and treatment of intake water, it’s hard to point companies in a good direction. The best course of action is likely to be having current brands under a company’s umbrella tested first to see which are the worst offenders and consider why that might be. In the research, Coca Cola reported more than twice as many plastic particles on average compared to Sprite, so there must be some difference in the manufacturing process causing that. Identifying those factors and mitigating them could go some way to reducing risk. This is a frightening new set of scientific findings however, and many beverage companies are sleepwalking through it, hoping that their consumers will continue to pay no attention to it as they have for some time. That won’t last, however. Not when medical complications start occurring. © stock.adobe.com/dottedyeti © stock.adobe.com/chonesFood & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net VITAFOODS EUROPE VIVATIS Pharma We are thrilled to announce our participation at Vitafoods Europe, the international nutraceutical exhibition. We are there for you and we would be pleased if you would visit us at our VIVATIS Pharma booth H54. Our VIVATIS team is going to showcase our latest product “GreenIuronic®”, along with our special ingredients, services and latest formulations. In addition this year we have planned something very special for our guests. It will be definitely worth a visit. To make the most of your visit, feel free to schedule a meeting with us and learn more about how we can assist you in taking your business to the next level. Just contact us via NE@vivatis.de We can't wait to connect with you at the event. V itafoods is the leading global platform for the nutraceutical, functional food and beverage, and dietary supplement industries. After 26 highly successful years in Geneva, the 2024 edition of the world’s nutraceutical event is anticipated to be the biggest yet, featuring the debut of a Technology & Equipment Area and a R&D Pavilion, as well as an expanded Finished Products Area. Over 20,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors are expected to attend the Palexpo exhibition centre this May before the event’s relocation in 2025. The event’s returning and new features will offer even more opportunities for collaboration across the full supply chain – including suppliers, retailers, distributors and brand owners, like Arla, P&G and Coca- Cola. Plus, back by popular demand, the Future of Nutrition Summit (13 May, Marriott Hotel) and Vitafoods Europe Conference (14-15 May) return for 2024. To celebrate the event’s last year in Geneva and to thank the nutraceutical community for its continued support over the years, the Vitafoods Europe Conference will be free to attend on the show floor, providing access to industry-leading content for all. Vitafoods Europe launched in 1997 with just 100 exhibitors, 1,200 attendees and a mission to create a platform that meets the growing demands of the emerging nutraceutical industry. The event has since grown to be the leading global event for nutraceutical, functional food and beverage, and dietary supplement professionals, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors and more than 1,100 exhibitors each year. Reflecting on the brand’s journey, Julien Bonvallet, Group Brand Director at Informa Markets remarks: “We could never have imagined all those years ago that our small corner of the Palexpo exhibition centre would grow to the bustling hub of the industry we see today. Our success is not only measured in the size or scale of the event, but also the astounding love and loyalty shown to the event by the nutraceutical community that continues to this day. As always, we’re committed to growing and evolving our offering in line with market developments and community needs, to keep us at the heart of the nutraceutical industry for many years to come.” To find out more or to attend, visit www.vitafoods.eu.com Vitafoods Europe 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. automationukshowautomationUK_24automation UKautomationukshowFood & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net AUTOMATION UK T he wide spectrum of features in the show ensures it delivers something for everyone. This includes showcasing the very latest innovative technologies and solutions, to providing an abundance of thought-provoking seminars where visitors can soak up the knowledge and be inspired to improve their own businesses. The show also provides many great networking opportunities where visitors can both develop new contacts and build on existing contacts. According to the World Robotics 2023 report by the International Federation of Robotics, the robotics industry is predicted to continue its year-on-year growth, with a 7% increase forecasted for 2024. This provides an excellent opportunity for UK manufacturers to take advantage of the numerous business benefits that innovative automation and robotics solutions can deliver. Integrating these remarkable technologies offer many benefits including enhanced productivity through accelerating production, increased operational flexibility, a safer work environment, an ability to manage routine tasks efficiently, an attractive return on investment, and innovative solutions to address labour shortages. When combined, all of these benefits will deliver significant business improvements and enable the business to thrive in the future. Automation UK provides a perfect platform for automation and robotics technologies to be demonstrated throughout the hall, giving visitors a vast array of opportunities to see for themselves what can be achieved. An impressive list of well-known companies will be showcasing their cutting-edge products and services including robots, robotics systems, systems integration, automation control parts and systems, and sensor and machine safety. The leading experts from the exhibiting companies will be eager to answer questions, provide technical guidance and recommendations on the most suitable solutions for specific needs as well as highlight the advantages their solutions can bring to businesses. Throughout the two-day show, visitors will be treated to a broad range of inspiring seminar sessions delivered by the industry leading speakers. These captivating sessions will provide visitors with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to take away and digest how it can be used to deliver benefits to their business. In between fascinating presentations, visiting numerous interesting companies showcasing their products and services, experiencing live demos, and hearing about new product launches, there are many opportunities to meet new contacts and develop existing business relationships. These can be mutually beneficial for sharing knowledge, industry insights and problem solving. Automation UK is co-located alongside Machine Vision Conference (MVC), which is organised by the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA), providing visitors to Automation UK an additional benefit of being able to visit MVC to discover the latest innovative industrial machine vision and imaging technologies, all under one roof. For more information, please visit: https://www.automation-uk.co.uk/ Automation UK Taking place from the 18-19th June in Coventry, Automation UK is a renowned event recognised for bringing industrial automation and robotics to life. Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net MACHINE VISION CONFERENCE The two-day Machine Vision Conference opens in just over three months’ time on 18th June at the CBS Arena in Coventry. MVC is recognised as the leading event for the latest cutting-edge industrial vision in the UK and features a vast array of the latest machine vision technology as well as an outstanding seminar programme. This provides a perfect platform for visitors to discover the innovative industrial vision and imaging technologies, learn from the industry experts at the excellent seminars, and network with over thousand visitors expected in June. The MVC’s engaging seminar programme is a perfect place to be captivated with all machine vision industry future developments, learn about latest trends, and soak in the knowledge shared by the experts delivering a bumper selection of inspiring presentations. Some of the key topics to be discussed within the content rich seminar programme includes deep learning and embedded vision, vision in robotics, understanding vision technology, systems and applications, 3D vision, camera technology, optics and illumination, and vision innovation. These sessions will provide visitors with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to take away and explore how this knowledge can be used to deliver benefits to their business. The MVC exhibitors have a brilliant opportunity to present on the above topics whilst at the same time capture the attention of potential buyers and visitors with their expertise. Those exhibitors interested in this opportunity should contact the organisers via the MVC website. MVC is renowned for bringing the whole vision industry together, so in between fascinating seminar sessions there will be plenty to explore and experience. Over 50 well-known companies will be showcasing their most innovative products and services, including fascinating demonstrations and exciting product launches. They will be eager to discuss how they can help businesses deliver improvements through adopting machine vision solutions. Here are some of the companies that will be exhibiting: Acrovision, Advanced Illumination, Allied Vision, Alrad Imaging, Balluff, Basler, Bytronic Vision Automation, Chromasens, Clearview Imaging, Computar, Emergent Vision Technologies, Flir (Thermal), Flir IIS, Get Cameras, IDS Image Development Systems, IFM Electronic, Lambda Photometrics, Lincode, LMI Technologies, Lucid, Micro-Epsilon, Navitar, Neousys, OEM Automatic, Opto Engineering, Pro- Lite Technology, Scorpion Vision, SICK, Smart Vision Lights, Specim/Spectral Imaging, SVS Vistek, Teledyne Dalsa, The Imaging Source Europe, TPL Vision, Wenglor Sensoric, and Zebra Technologies Europe. The exhibition hall at the CBS Arena will be buzzing with visitors, exhibitors and industry experts that will provide significant opportunities to network, collaborate and connect with existing and new contacts. This creates an ideal environment to establish and develop business relationships that can be very beneficial for knowledge sharing, problem solving, catching up and gaining new customers. One of last year’s MVC visitors, John Grace, Euro Head of Quality at Product Safety and R&D at Loop said: “Very good selection of companies and an opportunity to learn about new developments and find potential suppliers.” MVC is once again co-located alongside Automation UK, organised by British Automation and Robot Association (BARA), providing visitors to MVC 2024 an additional benefit of being able to visit Automation UK to find out the latest developments in the world of automation and robotics, all under one roof. The Machine Vision Conference visitor registration is open, to reserve your free ticket, please visit: www.machinevisionconference.co.uk Machine Vision Conference will host an impressive range of exhibitors and seminars companies showcase their wares. Buyers and decision makers across the whole industry, from grocery, wholesale and speciality retail to foodservice and manufacturing, are invited to come along and uncover the hottest trends, latest product launches and the industry’s vision for the future. Global Food Contact 23 - 24 May Bethesda, USA Global Food Contact is the must- attend event for anyone involved within the food contact materials supply chain! As the only food contact forum that covers all the latest food contact regulations and legislations on a global scale, this event brings together the entire food contact supply chain. Industry leaders and legislators from across the entire food contact supply chain gather to explore and exchange information regarding global food contact developments and initiatives, and forecast the future industry landscape. SNX 14 - 16 April Dallas, USA SNX is the premier business event for snack food industry suppliers and producers. It brings together over 100 companies and 300+ attendees in a single location, allowing them to meet one-on-one to discuss current and future business opportunities. Djazagro 22 - 25 April Algiers, Algeria Djazagro is the trade show for agri- food production. Founded in 2003, it takes place annually in Algiers, bringing together all the Algerian and international players working in the food industry. Food & Drink Expo 29 April - 1 May Birmingham, UK Food & Drink Expo provides the number one route to the UK food and drink market, helping hundreds of 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/Daniel Vincek Vitafoods Europe 14 - 16 May Geneva, Switzerland After 26 highly successful years in Geneva, the 2024 edition of Vitafoods Europe is anticipated to be the biggest yet, featuring the debut of a Technology & Equipment Area and a R&D Pavilion, as well as an expanded Finished Products Area. Over 20,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors are expected to attend the Palexpo exhibition centre this May before the event’s relocation in 2025. SIAL Shanghai 28 - 30 May Shanghai, China The Shanghai New International Expo Center will host SIAL Shanghai, the © stock.adobe.com/Robert KneschkeNatural Food Expo 14 - 15 April London, UK From organic food to functional drinks, or the latest in plant-based, Natural Food Expo is the home of products you cannot find anywhere else. Since 1997 this has been the place for buyers from across the retail, hospitality, foodservice, manufacturing, import & export sectors to discover new products. Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/amazing studio SIAL Canada 15 - 17 May Montreal, Canada SIAL Canada is not only the meeting point of the Canadian agri-food industry, but also the privileged gateway to the American and international markets. The show is the only event of its kind in Canada, bringing together more than 1000+ national and international exhibitors from 44 countries and welcoming more than 21,000 professional visitors from Canada, the United States and 77 other countries. SIAL Canada is the only national trade show to offer a complete range of food products under one roof. It meets the needs of the retail, food service and food processing industries. major food exhibition, from May 28-30, 2024. The exhibition area will span a vast expanse of 200,000 square meters, and it is anticipated that 5,000 exhibitors and more than 180,000 professionals from around the world will attend. This year’s show will feature eight Highlight Sectors (Babyfood Village, Organic & Wellness Village, Dairy Sector, Non-alcoholic Beverage Sector, Food Sector, Meat Poultry & Cured Meat Sector, Seafood Sector, Alcoholic Beverage Sector), as well as national and regional pavilions. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 28 May - 1 June Bangkok, Thailand Once every year, leading buyers and exhibitors from across Asia Pacific and beyond come together for the region’s most immersive food & beverage trade show; THAIFEX – Anuga Asia. This isn’t just any other trade show; it’s a feast of innovation, networking, and boundless business opportunities! FEATURES Supply Chain Spotlight Caps & Closures Slicing, Dicing & Cutting Functional Ingredients Cleaning & Maintenance Frozen & Chilled Foods Import & Export Next month in May 2024 - Deadline 10th April INTERNATIONAL Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues?Classified You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Vicky Hunt on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 49 www.fdiforum.net Depositors Manufacturers of depositors & filling machines for the food production industry Labels • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels INDEX Online Directory Depositors Labels To Let www. fdiforum .net • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory To advertise your services on the Next >