< Previous30 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MIXING AND BLENDING sterilisation, and positive pressure, eliminate contamination risks, allowing for the production of products that do not require added preservatives. Rigorous validation of aseptic conditions further guarantees the safety of these products. The growing popularity of products requiring smooth textures and stable formulations has fuelled the demand for high- shear mixing. Customised rotor/stator designs, optimised through computational fluid dynamics, achieve specific particle size distributions and emulsification characteristics, allowing producers to create products with a specific mouthfeel. Interchangeable options and variable speed control provide flexibility and precision. Inline high-shear processing, integrated into continuous lines, improves efficiency and consistency, with real-time particle size monitoring adding a critical layer of control, ensuring that every product leaving the line meets the specifications. This is especially important for products like beverages and sauces, where consistency is key. Food manufacturers are increasingly committed to sustainability, driving the development of energy-efficient mixing technologies. Optimised impeller designs, achieved through careful modelling and © stock.adobe.com/DigitalSpace© stock.adobe.com/PonchitaFood & Drink International 31 www.fdiforum.net MIXING AND BLENDING simulation, variable frequency drives, and pulsed mixing techniques minimise power consumption, reducing the environmental impact of the production process. GEA Group, a leading supplier of food processing technology, has been developing and implementing optimised impeller designs and variable frequency drives in their mixing and blending equipment to reduce energy consumption. Energy recovery systems, using heat exchangers and thermal energy storage, recapture and reuse waste heat, reducing energy consumption and improving overall efficiency. Tetra Pak has implemented heat recovery systems in their processing lines, including those for liquid food products, using heat exchangers to recapture waste heat from pasteurisation and other processes. More and more, food producers want to make unique products for different customers. That’s why they need mixing systems that can be easily changed. Modular systems, with parts that can be swapped out, and flexible controls help them make different recipes quickly. 3D printing means they can even make custom parts. And with on-demand mixing, they can make products just for individual customers. This flexibility is vital in today’s fast-changing market. The ongoing innovations in mixing and blending technologies are not only enhancing product quality and safety but also paving the way for a more sustainable and adaptable food industry. New Small-Scale Powder/liquid mixing solutions from Silverson Machines Dispersing powders into liquids and creating a consistent, homogeneous product, time after time, is one of the most difficult of all mixing tasks. Whether the need is to incorporate large volumes of powders or handle small amounts of critical components, Silverson has a comprehensive range of mixers, each designed to provide the most efficient means of incorporating powders into liquids. The new FMX10 small-scale powder/liquid mixer has been developed to bridge the gap between the laboratory-scale FMX5 and the smallest production scale Flashmix, the FMX25. It’s ideal for customers working with batches sizes for which the FMX25 would be too large, but the FMX5 may not offer sufficient capacity. Whether you are using the FMX5, FMX10 or one of the larger Flashmix models, the mixing principle remains the same. In addition, the mixers are built to the same tolerance, offering users an accurate means of predicting the performance of larger powder/liquid mixers in the range, making the scale-up process a simple task. Each Silverson powder/liquid mixer recirculates liquid from the vessel whilst powder is loaded into the stainless-steel hopper. Once the powder feed valve is opened the high pumping action forces the powder into the high velocity liquid stream. The powder and liquid ingredients are introduced straight into the high shear zone of the mixer and are instantaneously combined as they are subjected to intense hydraulic and mechanical shear. A brief period of recirculation results in an agglomerate-free, homogeneous dispersion in a matter of minutes. For further information email: sales@silverson.co.uk, tel: +44 (0) 1494 786331 or visit www.silverson.co.uk32 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net BEVERAGES T he beverage industry is experiencing a surge in demand for non-alcoholic and mid- strength alternatives, driving a multi-billion sector growth. This shift is fuelled by consumer health consciousness and evolving social preferences. KAM Insights research demonstrates that 50% of UK consumers prefer two mid-strength drinks over one full-strength option, while 13% “coast” evenings by alternating mid- strength drinks. Innovation has led to sophisticated non-alcoholic spirits, beers, and wines, rivalling traditional alcoholic beverages. In India, brands like Sobriety Sips are positioning non-alcoholic options as aspirational lifestyle choices. Indeed, the global non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach USD 22.81 billion by 2030. Product diversification is crucial, with brands exploring new flavours, formats, and packaging. Advanced flavour modulation and extraction technologies are key for producing high-quality beverages. To maximise sales, retailers must strategically place these products, and e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales are vital. Hospitality venues can enhance offerings with sophisticated menus. Regionally, the Indian market is projected to reach Rs 2.10 trillion by 2029, driven by non-alcoholic beer, RTD cocktails, energy drinks, and plant-based alternatives. In the UK, 42% of shoppers struggle to find mid-strength Non-alcoholic and mid-strength beverages reshaping the industry’s dual wave Rising demand for healthier beverage options is fueling market growth and innovation. With projections reaching USD 22.81 billion by 2030, brands must address regulation, production challenges, and competition to stay ahead. 34 ÁFood & Drink International 33 www.fdiforum.net BEVERAGES © stock.adobe.com/master2d34 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net BEVERAGES beer, and 32% of consumers would spend more time in venues offering such options. Brands like 3 Sisters are creating innovative flavours in this growing sector. However, operating in the non-alcoholic and mid-strength beverage market demands careful navigation of the regulatory landscape. Labelling and marketing regulations vary significantly across regions, requiring meticulous attention to detail. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates labelling under 21 CFR 101, with specific guidance on alcoholic beverages and their non-alcoholic counterparts found in 21 CFR 101.115. Within the European Union, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 sets the general framework for food information to consumers, including labelling. Specific legal definitions for terms like “non-alcoholic,” “alcohol-free,” and “low- alcohol” exist, and misleading consumers can result in severe penalties under both FDA and EU regulations, as well as associated national laws within the EU. Taxation and excise duties also present complexities; in some jurisdictions, non-alcoholic beverages face lower tax rates, while in others, they are taxed similarly. Producers must stay informed about evolving tax policies to optimize pricing strategies. Furthermore, import and export regulations can pose challenges, with trade barriers and differing requirements impacting cross-border trade. Advertising restrictions are another crucial consideration, as many jurisdictions apply alcohol advertising regulations to non-alcoholic alternatives. Consequently, responsible marketing practices are essential to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Beyond regulatory considerations, scaling up production to meet demand presents significant challenges. This requires specialised equipment and ingredients, necessitating substantial investments. Companies must invest in and optimise advanced flavour modulation and extraction technologies, demanding significant R&D and expertise in food science and engineering. Additionally, maintaining consistent flavour profiles across large-scale production runs is crucial, demanding rigorous quality control measures. Consumer education and perception pose ongoing challenges. Though the stigma Food & Drink International 35 www.fdiforum.net surrounding non-alcoholic beverages is diminishing, some consumers still perceive them as inferior substitutes. Brands must invest in marketing and education campaigns to highlight the quality and variety of their products. By emphasising the advanced technologies and scientific expertise behind these products, particularly the complexity of flavour modulation and extraction, brands can help elevate consumer perception. The competitive landscape is increasingly crowded. Brands must differentiate themselves through innovation, quality, and effective marketing. Sustainability is also a growing concern, with consumers demanding environmentally friendly products and packaging. Brands that invest in cutting- edge flavour modulation and extraction technologies gain a competitive advantage, allowing them to create unique products. Furthermore, prioritising sustainable production practices, such as minimising energy consumption and waste, also provides a competitive edge. The non-alcoholic and mid-strength beverage market is poised for continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and increasing innovation. Brands that embrace this trend, adapt their strategies, and navigate the regulatory landscape effectively will reap the rewards. The future of the beverage industry is undoubtedly shifting towards a more inclusive and health-conscious approach. By prioritising quality, innovation, and responsible business practices, companies can thrive in this dynamic and evolving market. The “sober surge” is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift that will reshape the beverage landscape for years. © stock.adobe.com/Jasmina © stock.adobe.com/Kondor8336 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS © stock.adobe.com/Corona Borealis Global food freight under strain A confluence of crises—geopolitical, economic, and environmental—is disrupting the global food supply chain, demanding urgent action to secure the movement of essential goods. Food & Drink International 37 www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS T he global food and beverage supply chain, a lifeline for billions, is under unprecedented strain. Businesses in these sectors report a concerningly low confidence level, just 3.7 out of 10, in their ability to respond effectively to geopolitical and security threats, according to the latest Marsh Asia F&B, Retail and Wholesale survey report. This precarious situation isn’t merely a hypothetical concern; it’s a stark reality playing out in real-time. In 2024, the Panama Canal, a crucial artery connecting North America and Asia, faced severe drought conditions, leading to restricted ship crossings. This forced rerouting, escalating fuel prices, and driving up freight shipping rates, impacting the availability of essential components worldwide. Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have resulted in attacks on cargo ships, such as the sinking of the Belize-flagged Rubymar. These security risks have compelled container ships to reroute, further increasing costs and disrupting supply chains. Wheat shipments flowing through the Suez Canal plummeted by nearly 40% in the first half of January 2024, highlighting the immediate impact on agricultural commodities. This turbulence is compounded by the unique vulnerabilities of the food and beverage industry. Perishable and temperature-sensitive goods face an elevated risk of spoilage and waste during extended transit times. Certain goods can only manage shorter shipping times in bulk or containers, and if this isn’t possible, then cold chain (reefer) containers would have to be used, which increases costs substantially. Furthermore, such containers may not be available, depending on the time and location. The challenges extend beyond physical distance. A recently released World Bank report, “Shrinking Economic Distance,” reveals that what truly matters is “economic distance”—the cost and time associated with moving goods to markets. On average, the cost of exporting the same goods to the United States across the same distance is 57 per cent higher for low-income countries than for high-income ones. Within-country transport costs in low-income countries are roughly twice those in high-income countries, and some developing countries face domestic trading costs that are 3–14 times higher than those in the United States. In poorer countries, intercity travel is about half as fast as it is in the wealthiest countries. The core of the crisis stems from several converging factors. Geopolitical instability, exemplified by the Red Sea attacks, necessitates costly rerouting and drives up insurance rates, with Marine Cargo underwriters introducing additional premiums 38 Á38 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS for War & Strikes risks. The increased piracy activity around the Cape of Good Hope, further causes more companies to worry about their cargo. Supply chain bottlenecks, including port congestion, container shortages, and the Panama Canal drought, exacerbate these issues. Additionally, fluctuating fuel prices and rising insurance costs directly impact the bottom line of food and beverage businesses. Container freight rates into Europe via the Cape of Good Hope nearly doubled between October 2023 and January 2024. Sustainability pressures also play a significant role. Food production is responsible for an estimated 26 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, placing pressure on companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. Moreover, consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainable credentials from the brands they support. Finally, in developing countries, a lack of market competition, often due to price regulation and barriers to entry, further increases transportation costs. Within five years of deregulating the trucking industry, for example, trucking prices fell 25–35 per cent in the United States and 23 per cent in Mexico. Container ports managed by the private sector are 7 per cent more efficient, leading to 4 per cent lower shipping costs. The consequences of these disruptions are far-reaching. Increased shipping costs are passed on to consumers, straining household budgets. Perishable goods suffer significant losses due to delays, with wheat shipments via the Suez Canal plummeting by nearly 40 per cent in early 2024. The need for costly reefer containers further drives up expenses, and their availability can be uncertain. Delays at ports, such as Chattogram in Bangladesh, exacerbate these challenges. In Mali, the lack of reliable infrastructure inflates transportation costs, with Mousa paying five times as much per tonne-km compared to his colleagues in Uganda or Colombia. Gressenhall | Dereham | Norfolk | NR20 4DT | +44 (0)1362 861066 | www.premierpalletinverter.co.uk © stock.adobe.com/PeteFood & Drink International 39 www.fdiforum.net TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS The industry is adapting on multiple fronts. Localised manufacturing, as seen in Dubai Industrial City, offers a degree of insulation from global disruptions. Implementing intermodal transport, which reduces carbon footprints by 60 per cent compared to trucking, is gaining traction. Just one intermodal train can transport the same amount of goods as 280 lorries. Intermodal also offers 15–18 per cent lower freight costs compared to truckload options along the same freight corridors. Efficient planning, route optimisation, and freight consolidation also play critical roles in minimising fuel consumption and reducing wasted space. Outsourcing logistics to partners with strong sustainable credentials, such as EPA SmartWay certification, further enhances efficiency. For developing countries, deregulation of the transport sector, reducing empty trips, and investing in high-quality infrastructure are essential. Cutting just 100 kilometres from the median shipment distance in low- and middle-income countries can reduce transport prices by 20 per cent. Travelling on motorways rather than lower- quality roads cuts average transport prices by 19 per cent. Exporting from high The leading UK Manufacturer of Forklift Truck Attachments Call Us On +44 (0) 1686 611 200 | sales@forklift-attachments.co.uk | forklift-attachments.co.uk With over 50 years experience in the food and drink industry, we promise a personal service that offers quality, value & innovation. © stock.adobe.com/MP Studio performing ports costs 37 per cent less than from low performing ones. The future demands resilient and sustainable supply chains. Diversification of suppliers and shipping routes, proactive risk management, and the adoption of cutting- edge technology are imperative. The global food and beverage freight industry faces formidable challenges, but they are not insurmountable. By embracing innovation, prioritising sustainability, and ensuring equitable access, we can build a more resilient and secure food supply chain for future generations.Next >