< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SNACK FOODS AND READY MEALS How we’re snacking in 2023 How we’re snacking in 2023 Although it feels firmly in the past for many, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have lasting effects on our choices of snack foods. Food & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net SNACK FOODS AND READY MEALS © stock.adobe.com/beats_ T he ability to store long term, the health rating and affordability of the product are all major factors being seen in recent consumer shopping trends. As the average annual food cost for a couple jumps to a whopping £5,924, the most important factor is value for money. Snacks, as treat foods, are the first things to go for people on a budget. Shoppers are willing to spend the money if they feel they are getting a little, low-cost taste of luxury. Bearing this in mind, these are the most important developments for snack foods so far this year. Most notably in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on healthier snack options as consumers have become more health conscious. The growing preference for snacks that are perceived as natural, organic, low in calories, and free from artificial ingredients has significantly influenced consumer choices. This trend has resulted in a surge in demand for a range of products, including granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, yogurt, and vegetable chips. These snack options align with the desire for healthier alternatives that provide nutritional benefits. Moreover, there has been an increased emphasis on catering to specific dietary preferences and restrictions. Consumers are seeking snacks that meet their unique needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or keto- friendly options. This reflects a broader trend towards personalized and specialized food choices, where individuals prioritize aligning their snacks with their dietary requirements and lifestyle. It is no longer simply enough to have general “vegan” options, for example, but for the target market to be offered unique flavours and recipes that doesn’t make them feel like an afterthought. Notable popular options are cookies and brownies that feel luxurious, incorporating vegan fudge, or more innovative ingredients such as sweet potato. As the demand for healthier snacking options grows and new regulations come into effect, certain priorities such as fortified products, free-from options, and high-fibre varieties remain at the forefront. 42 Á42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SNACK FOODS AND READY MEALS Consumers have long been striving to improve their dietary choices, and one way to achieve this is by opting for cleaner foods that are free from preservatives, more natural, and less processed. However, the cost of healthy eating remains a barrier for many, with 47% of consumers (an increase of nine percentage points from 2021) stating that it is too expensive to maintain a healthy diet. To address these concerns and support consumer demands, various regulations have been implemented in different regions. For instance, in the UK, the High in Fat, Salt or Sugar (HFSS) restrictions have been introduced to regulate the availability of unhealthy food options. Similarly, in Berkely, California, there are restrictions on junk food access to promote healthier choices. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has launched the National Nutrition Strategy, which aims to reduce salt intake and eliminate trans fats from the food supply over the course of 2022-2030. These regulations not only address consumer demands but also raise the bar for the industry, pushing for the production of more nutritious food options. The focus on fortification, free-from products, and fibre-rich varieties aligns with consumers’ desire for healthier options. Fortified foods, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, provide added nutritional value. Free-from products cater to individuals with specific dietary requirements or preferences, such as those avoiding gluten, lactose, or allergens. Fibre-filled snacks are sought after due to their potential health benefits, including improved digestion and increased satiety. As seen with the sweet potato brownie example earlier, this has meant the incorporation of active ingredients into more snack foods. Sweet potato, for example, is high in fibre, and is rich in Vitamin A. Not only is this less detrimental than adding preservatives, but consumers can also justify their treat by feeling a little less guilty. As the industry adapts to meet these evolving consumer needs and regulatory standards, it is expected that more nutritious and affordable options will become available, making healthy snacking accessible to a wider audience. The convergence of consumer demand, regulatory measures, and industry innovation has the potential to reshape the snacking landscape, promoting a healthier and more sustainable food culture. However, the cost of healthy eating remains a barrier for many, with 47% of consumers (an increase of nine percentage points from 2021) stating that it is too expensive to maintain a healthy diet. Consumers continue to purchase snacks, but the places and ways they are seeking out snacks is changing with Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net SNACK FOODS AND READY MEALS © stock.adobe.com/nadianb both affordability and cravings considered. The growth of snack sales through budget-friendly retail channels, such as discounters and warehouse clubs, has seen share growth over the past few years. A key method for boosting snack sales is to offer discounts on certain ranges, to increase consumer preference for little luxuries. Discounts on overall shopping spend, or on delivery increase consumer spending on non-essentials such as snacks. A potent effect of the pandemic is everyone’s desire to feel safe and comforted. This extends into food. As classic wartime recipes experienced a resurgence during lockdown, people feel the same desire to experience a bygone era through their snacks. These include cakes such as Victoria sponge, Battenburg, and Bakewell tart. Classic savoury snacks such as Mini Cheddars, ready salted, and salt and vinegar crisps also remain popular. In short, anything that reminds you of having tea with grandma. Whilst these choices embody the antithesis of the general trend towards healthier eating, the nostalgic factor ensures that consumers will continue to buy these treats for decades to come. Ultimately, governmental and consumer pressure is pressing manufacturers to innovate a broader range of low calories snacks that appeal to an increasingly diverse customer base. Whilst there will always be a demand for classic ranges, these are increasingly seen as occasion foods, rather than everyday cupboard snacks. To diversify, companies must innovate unique ranges that cater to the alternative markets (like vegan and gluten free) that standard ranges do not offer. 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. 44 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net AUTOMATION UK T aking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, between 20-21 June 2023, Automation UK highlights the latest products, developments and solutions in robotics and automation, with solutions on display for visitors to improve efficiency and productivity in their operation. Owned and organised in conjunction with BARA (British Automation & Robot Association), the event is designed to promote the use of, and assist in the development of, industrial robots and automation in British industry. Being owned by the industry, for the benefit of the industry, means there are many BARA members exhibiting – each showcasing their latest products and services, with experts on hand to offer advice and support. Big names exhibiting include ABB, CKF, FANUC, Festo, KUKA Robotics, Mills CNC, Piab, Pilz Automation, RM Group, Schubert and Yaskawa. Joining them will be nearly 40 other companies all active in the sector and looking to raise their profiles and generate new business. Co-located with Automation UK is the UKIVA’s (UK Industrial Vision Association) Machine Vision Conference (MVC), a well-established and successful machine vision confex event. This means visitors to Automation UK will also be able to cross-over and see the latest developments in industrial vision and imaging systems. Recognising the vast potential of automation and robotics to British industry, BARA’s aim in establishing Automation UK is to shine a spotlight on the disruptive technologies and to highlight their true value to the wider economy. Automation UK also promises to be the largest annual gathering of industry experts under one roof in the UK. The event has been specially designed for businesses operating in the automation and robotics markets. Showcasing the latest products and services, the show will feature live demonstrations of the latest machines. Visitor registration for this free-to- Automation UK set to be the largest annual event in the UK showcasing leading automation and robotics suppliers Automation UK, the new exhibition highlighting the importance of robotics and systems integration to the future growth of the UK economy, is poised to be a sell-out event as the countdown to the show enters its final weeks. Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net AUTOMATION UK attend event is now open, and the strong numbers suggest it is proving an attractive prospect for the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet new suppliers, learn about new technology and new techniques as well as explore how this rapidly developing sector can help improve their business efficiency, productivity and accuracy. Face to face meetings will allow visitors to clearly convey the complexities and challenges they face in their own operation. With multiple suppliers, technicians, experts, advisory bodies and advocates all under one roof, a day spent at Automation UK, finding out more about these exciting, transformative technologies, will save a visitor hours of internet trawling and weeks of arranging meetings. A vibrant seminar programme, located in the arena’s exhibition hall and led by BARA, will deliver a range of informative, content-led topics around the opportunities of automating equipment, processes and systems as well as the benefits this highly repeatable and reliable process can bring to a visitor’s business. Both the BARA and UKIVA are members of the PPMA (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) group of trade associations. The PPMA is the UK trade association for suppliers of processing and packaging machinery to both the domestic and overseas markets. With more than 550 member companies, the association’s principal objective is to help members sell more products and services through the PPMA Group’s various exhibitions, publications and training. For more information on visiting Automation UK and how to register, visit www.automation-uk.co.uk 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net ROLLON Q&A Can you tell us a bit more about the company? Rollon is a world leader in linear motion. We specialise in the design and manufacture of engineered linear guides, telescopic rails, linear actuators and gantry portals used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage. Rollon is headquartered in Milan, Italy and has manufacturing operations in Italy, Germany and the United States. Rollon boasts an extensive Global network, including here in the UK, to serve our customer base with customised product solutions and hands on technical support. Where does Rollon step in for Food and Beverage Automation? When bottling, packaging or bundling, there are typically two challenges you may face regarding linear motion hardware: performance and protection. So, how do you ensure lifetime best performance? The beverage sector, and related automation applications, are characterised by demanding time cadences, needed for maintaining high yield and efficiency for maximum productivity. To guarantee these challenging results, it is necessary to identify the correct type of actuator (i.e., the elements capable of making the difference when it comes to performance). To guarantee high dynamics, the ‘natural’ choice is to adopt a belt drive solution that allows for considerable accelerations and offers a load capacity suitable for the drink sector. What should be considered when it comes to protection? Furthermore, beverage automation must be protected from contamination (meaning debris in the form of dust and/or liquid spills). Liquids or impurity deposits that could accumulate on the motion equipment can significantly affect both the performance of the system and the quality of the finished product. If a linear guide becomes blocked with dirt for example, there are also possible maintenance and downtime costs to consider. The excessive presence of liquids, on the other hand, can cause corrosion. Q&A Rollon We spoke to Rollon to learn more about the issues around contaminants affecting Industry Automation and what you can do if this sounds like an all too familiar problem. Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net ROLLON Q&A Performance and protection are therefore closely connected… Liquid leaks can cause machine downtime, potential maintenance interventions and, over time, corrosion... with the consequent repercussions affecting cycle, yield, efficiency, and productivity. So how do you avoid contamination and keep up performance? Rollon’s experience over the years can shed some light on the issue and provide a few useful guidelines: • Use the best protected linear actuators available • Use corrosion-resistant materials and food sector specific components • Carefully evaluate whether to “make or buy” What are the Protected Linear Units? Rollon‘s range of solutions are designed to ensure maximum protection, even in the harshest of environments, for example the Plus System series. This family of Plus System actuators include the ELM linear axis. These linear belt actuators with specially designed extruded aluminium profiles and integrated linear recirculating ball guides are the most suitable choice when it comes to resistance to liquids and contaminants. A lipped polyurethane protective strip seals the extruded aluminium profile, preventing contaminants and liquids from affecting the function of the bearing elements contained within. The ELM series can also be positively or negatively pressurised with approximately 0.7/0.8 atmospheres, being more than enough to create a solution which allows for an excellent seal. The other two members of the Plus System family are the ROBOT, with double recirculating ball guide for the heaviest loads, and the SC, specifically designed for vertical movement. All sizes of ELM, ROBOT and SC linear actuators are available in an anti- corrosion version, with treated aluminium and stainless-steel components. Features that guarantee high resistance to corrosion, which is essential in applications in the beverage sector. Equally fundamental is the use of food- grade grease and specific FDA belts for use in the food sector, options available in the Rollon offer. Why is a Rollon solution often the winning choice in beverage applications, especially when compared with the possibility of independently designing linear motion applications? There are four main considerations: • Easy design and maintenance guaranteed by compact and self- supporting solutions that enclose the essential protection elements in these applications • Years of experience in the beverage sector is leveraged upon by specialist designers to prevent contamination and corrosion in a ready-to use solution. • Benefiting from continuous technical improvements that increase performance and reduce assembly and maintenance time, such as the use of symmetric hollow shaft drive heads, easy access to the belt for tensioning or replacement and the simple installation of gearmotors without the use of additional elements such as joints or belts. • Free of charge technical support from a dedicated application department and degree qualified sales engineers during your design phase. This includes a sizing service and demo CAD models, to allow designers to focus on the essence of their project. In conclusion, the risk of contamination can be mitigated by taking advantage of the technological solutions available from the right partner. Discover the range of PLUS SYSTEM linear actuators, visit www.rollon.com48 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MACHINE VISION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Now in its 7th year, the Machine Vision Conference and Exhibition (MVC) is recognised as the leading machine vision trade show worldwide. This year’s show will feature an exciting range of new machine vision technology including the latest products from leading companies. W ith over 500 visitors expected along with more than 50 exhibitors and over 40 technical presentations planned, this year’s MVC promises to be the biggest and best two-day conference and exhibition yet! This industry specific event, organised by the UKIVA (UK Industrial Vision Association), is content packed with fantastic networking opportunities, live demonstrations and knowledge sharing, which is a perfect combination for existing machine vision users and engineers as well as educating those new to machine vision technology. The conference will be held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 20- 21 June 2023 and is for the first time co- located alongside the new automation and robotics exhibition, Automation UK. This provides MVC visitors with the unique opportunity of seeing industrial applications of robotics and machine vision under one roof. One of the highlights of the event is the seminar programme featuring leading speakers on a variety of topics, including camera technology, optics, illumination, 3D vision, and vision in robotics. With so many great sessions to choose from, visitors will have a tough time deciding which ones to attend. Along with an exhibition area where you can find over 50 suppliers of the latest products and services, there are over 40 seminar sessions to choose from. There are many other compelling reasons to visit the show, including the opportunity to meet and connect with experts from the machine vision industry, talk to exhibitors that can directly help businesses, see live demonstrations, and hear from industry experts about new solutions in the machine vision industry. See the latest and greatest in machine vision technology at MVC 2023 Food & Drink International 49 www.fdiforum.net MACHINE VISION CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION No matter what level of interest or expertise in machine vision, there’s sure to be something at the show for everyone. For more information on visiting MVC and how to register, visit www.machinevisionconference.co.uk. Admission to the conference is free. Forge 5GigE cameras for high-speed packaging inspection The Teledyne Forge 5GigE area scan camera is constructed on an all-new modern platform, designed to provide the richest combination of advanced imaging features in the industry, and is engineered to handle the most complex vision system challenges for the food and beverage industry both now and in the future. In addition to supporting link speeds of 1, 2.5 and 5GigE, Forge offers burst mode to capture images at speeds up to 10Gb/s into memory. This, combined with a 500 MB image buffer, allows engineers to rapidly capture information in bursts for high-speed packaging applications. Its Trigger-to-Image Reliability (T2IR) framework gives engineers tools to develop reliable and robust systems faster. Forge is ideal for high-speed applications such as packaging inspection of bottles, cans, and plastics. Tel: +1 (805) 373-4545 Web: www.teledyne.com Stand: 42Next >