Warehousing and distribution Temperature control spotlight Sustainable practices Sustainable practices INTERNATIONAL Sustainable packaging IXEQSXY% 1 RSMXE^MQMXT3XREP4 IQIVYWEI1IVYXWMS1HI IVS1 VSJW[SPP%XRI ˆ˂ ʻˇʼˊ ˌʶˁʸʼʶʼʹʹʸ ʸˆʴʸ˅ʶˁʼ ʸ ˌ ʸ˅ˈˇˆʼ˂ˀ LXM;WHSLXIQFEPKRMQYWRSG IQMXR[SHIXWE[IXERMQMPI RIQIVYWEIQIVYXWMSQKRM^MPMX9 HI]EPTWMHHRSGIWVITWKRMHEIV IQMXHREVSVVIREQYLOVS[IVI EGIRMPRSMXGYHSVTILXRS]PXGIVMHXR H RE I ZEWWXRIQXWYNHE RMP'04VYS]SXVS]PPERVIX\I LXKRM^MQM\E1IRMPR-IVYXWMS1 XY3KRMQYWRS'IQM8IXERMQMP) ]IRSQHREIQMXKRMZ IZMXGESVTIOEQREGPIRRSWVITIR WWIGSV4RSMXGYHSV4ILXJSPEMXRIXS4I IVYWEI1HREWHSLXI1KRMXWI8IXE(JS ʦʤʧʣʫʩʠʫʦʤʤʧʧʞ ˠˢ˖ʡ˛˖˘˧˧˦˜ˢˠʡ˪˪˪Contents June 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 APP - Foopak Q&A12 We speak with APP, a longstanding packaging group specialising in paper packaging who have committed themselves to food safe, environmentally friendly packaging, to find out how they're handling the challenge. Import and export14 A country renowned for its diverse flavours and foods, Thailand is setting out on a mission to bolster its exports, with a number of strategies underway. Temperature control spotlight18 In controlling temperature, food manufacturers preserve and maintain a food product’s sensory profile and longevity. Even miniscule changes in temperature can result in spoilage, requiring constant vigilance and control. Sustainable packaging24 In today’s world, where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly prominent, the need for sustainable practices in all aspects of life has never been more urgent. One area that demands immediate attention is food packaging. Warehousing and distribution30 With limited warehousing space available, distribution companies are having to optimise what they already have. Flow measurement and control34 Flow measurement is critical right across the food and drink supply chain, fulfilling applications from aeration of food and measuring ingredient quantities, to carbonating and packaging. 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/Natalia Klenova • Top: stock.adobe.com/Seventyfour • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ panuwat • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/adisa Processing, control and automation 38 New machinery, robotics and AI stand poised to be the beginning of a new era of food manufacturing, and yet some companies are hesitant to adapt. Health, safety and hygiene42 Health, safety and hygiene have such huge ramifications for food and drink manufacturers that every detail has to be considered. EIT Q&A46 How can you make safer foods? We speak to EIT International who are looking at food safety culture and find out how new technologies are helping their customers. Snack foods and ready meals 48 Snacks and ready meals have long been a staple of many diets, especially in today’s busy world, but health-conscious consumers are paying more attention to ingredients and packaging. SNACKEX 52 SNACKEX has a consistent history of 50+ years and is considered the ultimate event to showcase savoury snacks. Events 54 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 56Greenyard snaps up plant-based ice cream firm Greenyard has acquired the Belgian company Crème de la Crème, a food tech expert that develops, manufactures, and sells ice (gelato) products and frozen desserts, with a clear focus on the pure-plant category. With this transaction, Greenyard acquires over 25 years of additional in- house experience in the production of dairy-free frozen desserts, such as frozen cups and ice on a stick. The acquisition follows that of Italian pure-plant ice Gigi in the spring of 2023. Francis Kint, CEO, Greenyard, said: “We are happy to integrate the Crème de la Crème team in the Greenyard family and strengthen our knowledge and production capacity in pure-plant ice manufacturing, right here in Belgium. “We are convinced there will be a growing demand for delicious, healthy, pure-plant snacking and indulgent products. The business seamlessly integrates within Greenyard’s European-wide frozen logistic chain, and our global access to the largest retailers.” 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news CP Kelco completes $60m citrus fiber capacity expansion project CP Kelco, a nature-based ingredient solutions business, has completed a $60 million expansion in production capacity for its citrus fiber product line, based on strong customer demand and market potential. The production line expansion for NUTRAVA and KELCOSENS Citrus Fiber in the company’s facility in Matão, Brazil, increases the total capacity to approximately 5000 MT, establishing CP Kelco as a leading citrus fiber supplier to food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers worldwide. This expansion provides options to incrementally expand capacity even further in the future based on customer needs. “We are delighted about reaching this important milestone in our growth journey with citrus fiber, which continues to demonstrate tremendous versatility and potential across many application segments and geographic markets,” said Didier Viala, President of CP Kelco. Magnet thermocouples Magnet thermocouples are specialised temperature sensors used in environments where traditional thermocouples face challenges. The use of magnets also facilitates easier installation and positioning, improving the versatility and reliability of temperature monitoring systems. Magnet thermocouples offer an innovative solution for demanding temperature measurement requirements. Magnets with pull strengths ranging from 0.7kg to 11.8kg offer a wide range of applications across various industries. The pull strength of a magnet refers to the force required to pull it away from a ferrous surface. Magnets with a 0.7kg pull strength are suitable for lighter-duty applications such as holding small objects or securing lightweight fixtures. On the other hand, magnets with an 11.8kg pull strength are considerably stronger and can be utilised in more demanding scenarios. The availability of magnets with pull strengths spanning this range allows for precise selection based on the specific requirements of each application, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. For more information visit www.labfacility.com or contact sales@labfacility.com The VEGAPULS 42 delivers 30+ years’ experience of radar level into factory automation With IO-Link and versatile hygienic adapters it meets key requirements of modern manufacturing processes: faster, versatile, cost-effective and simple to use. It also adds to VEGA’s IO-Link and Automation portfolio of solutions for level measurement, point level and pressure. It is designed especially for highly automated processes with stringent hygiene demands and fast level changes. This radar level sensor measures ranges from a few centimetres up to 15 metres and temperatures to max. 150°C. This makes it ideal for filling, dosing and conveying, ensuring a smooth production operation. With a specifically optimised in-house radar chip to enhance performance the VEGAPULS 42 incorporates IO-Link enabling bidirectional data transmission together with extensive diagnostics and parameterisation. It also utilises the Bluetooth App for quick local set up and diagnostics. It is also the simple things: like ultra-bright LED indication of process and sensor status. Radar, unlike ultrasonic sensors, is not influenced by the process and ambient operating conditions, like steam, splashing of product or condensation. VEGAPULS 42 radar chip is designed by and manufactured specifically for VEGA, delivering the best performance and application versatility available. For more information visit https://www.vega.com/en-uk/company/news-and-events/news/2023/vegapuls-42 © stock.adobe.com/Pixel-Shot © stock.adobe.com/baibazFood & Drink International 5 www.fdiforum.net news Bakkavor acquires humous brand Moorish Bakkavor Group, the provider of fresh prepared food, has acquired Moorish, the UK humous brand. The Moorish brand was founded in 2012 by Julie Waddell and the product range includes the award-winning, UK-first, smoked humous. Today Moorish products are distributed across a number of major supermarket outlets and independent retailers, with revenue of over £2m. Moorish will sit alongside other brands that Bakkavor is working with, including Pizza Express, The Delicious Dessert Company, The Pizza Company and more recently Pinch. The Managing Director of Moorish, Andy Atherton, will remain in a consultancy role to support the brand transition to Bakkavor’s new ownership. Julie Waddell, founder of Moorish, said: “Since starting from my kitchen table in 2012, it’s been quite a journey to see the business grow into what it is today. “In Bakkavor, there are so many great opportunities still to explore with the brand and I will enjoy watching Moorish flourish as the new owners take it to the next level.” Contract drying specialist Uelzena launches new plant for the spray drying of infant food components Uelzena eG’s newly built “Tower 12” spray drying plant has been in regular operation for several months now. The plant is primarily designed for the production of ingredients for infant food under high-care conditions. With the new plant, the contract dryer from northern Germany, which specialises in food and infant food, intends to further expand its leading position in this product segment. A total of four spray towers of different sizes and configurations are now available for drying infant food components at the central production site in Uelzen (Lower Saxony). Alongside the main spray tower, the plant also includes other central areas such as a high-performance wet mixing area with various technologies for preparing different recipes, fully automated packaging lines and various technical and social rooms. Everything is embedded in a completely self-contained spray-drying plant that is state-of-the- art in terms of hygiene, technology and efficiency. The construction time, including the technical installations, was just over two years. For more information visit www.ingredients.uelzena.com/en/ Beyond Food Experience for Success Beyond at THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2024 THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2024 is Asia’s leading F&B trade show that aims to connect the industry and serve as a platform to showcase innovations of F&B products that respond to current and future lifestyle trends. This includes offerings from leading companies to startups, focusing on health-conscious trends, sustainable food production, plant-based proteins, and various new food formats. With over 3,000 booths, it is a platform where traders can explore and negotiate with manufacturers and suppliers in the food and beverage industry comprehensively. THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2024 is a spark of ideas and a holistic learning hub. It encompasses seminars, exhibitions, business consulting services, product quality competitions, culinary skill contests, and more, all geared towards advancing business management or fostering greater business success. THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2024 is open for business negotiations from 28th May to 1st June 2024 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. For more information or to register click on www.thaifex-anuga.com. “Beyond Food Experience” Julie WaddellAsahi Beverages acquires Australian gin brand Asahi Beverages has acquired super- premium distillery Never Never, one of Australia’s most highly-awarded gin brands. Never Never’s home is on top of Chalk Hill in the region of McLaren Vale, South Australia, where it produces its gins such as Triple Juniper and Oyster Shell. Asahi Beverages Group CEO Amanda Sellers said: “We are acquiring Never Never because we recognise Never Never’s incredible brand and success. Combining Asahi’s reach with Never Never’s amazing portfolio, extensive spirits knowledge and capability will enhance the value proposition for our customers.” Never Never will be sold through Asahi’s alcohol division Carlton & United Breweries. CUB CEO Danny Celoni said: “Our two companies are a terrific fit. Never Never’s rapid growth has been driven by premium products, commitment to quality and strong hospitality offering – attributes we share. “Adding a high-quality, Australian-made gin to our range plugs an important gap in our offering and complements our leading multi-beverage portfolio.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Greene King to invest £40m in new brewery Greene King, the UK pub company and brewer, is to invest £40 million in developing a new brewery in Bury St Edmunds. The investment into a new custom-built facility represents a major commitment from Greene King to the future of British brewing and the company’s production of cask ale, alongside its newer premium craft beer brands. It builds on the company’s 200-year history of brewing in Bury St Edmunds since its founding in 1799. Greene King’s new operation will be located next to its new distribution centre and will significantly improve the sustainability of the company’s brewing operations. Per pint, water usage in the brewing process will be reduced by more than 50%, alongside significant improvements in energy efficiency. It will drive Greene King’s progression towards its science-based environmental targets, which includes the company’s aim to be carbon net zero by 2040, as well as reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. Funding boost for technology which extends shelf-life of food produce A company whose flagship technology increases the shelf-life of food produce and reduces waste has secured £750,000 from investors to support its rollout across the UK and internationally. The funding boost for OSY Group will accelerate its commercialisation of Xtend, an antimicrobial packaging coating which enables a range of food types, including fruit and vegetables, to stay fresh in their packaging for longer. It will also enable OSY Group to expand its team. Marc Braterman, Chief Executive of OSY Group, said: “Currently 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted or lost each year globally, and between eight and 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions result directly from food waste. “We aspire to lead the charge in global food waste reduction through our innovative technology, as well as helping to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and food poverty, supporting grocers as they strive to achieve their sustainability targets, and enabling food producers to tap into more export markets. “This latest funding round is a major milestone as it will enable us to accelerate the commercialisation of Xtend in the UK and internationally, while also focusing on growing our team. We are looking to create a number of roles in the coming months in line with our strategy.” Xtend is a water-based antimicrobial coating for packaging surfaces. It leaves microscopic pins on the packaging surfaces that puncture and kill microbes and slow the natural spoiling process that affects the fresh produce within. It has undergone extensive testing at independent laboratories, universities and other facilities, which has proven the technology to be food safe and compliant with the Food Contact Materials regulations for fresh produce, said Marc. Testing has shown that Xtend extends shelf-life by multiple days on various forms of packaging, he added. © stock.adobe.com/Zamrznuti tonovi Tate & Lyle opens new capacity for dietary fibres at facility in Boleráz, Slovakia Tate & Lyle, an ingredient solutions firm for healthier food and beverages, welcomed the British Ambassador to Slovakia, Nigel Baker, Tate & Lyle’s Chair, David Hearn and other guests to celebrate the formal opening of new capacity at its facility in Boleráz, Slovakia, for its Non-GMO PROMITOR® Soluble Fibres. The new capacity, representing a € 25 million investment, is the first phase of a programme expected to significantly increase Tate & Lyle’s fibre capacity to serve both its European and global customer base. As well as providing new capacity, the project generates sustainability benefits through supply chain optimisation and improved energy efficiency. Igor Kova č ovi č , Tate & Lyle’s Plant Manager at the Boleráz facility, said: “As a result of Tate & Lyle’s proprietary fibre production know-how, and through the use of the latest technology, this state-of-the-art facility gives us the ability to expand existing PROMITOR® product lines and seamlessly introduce new ones in the future.” Marc Braterman © stock.adobe.com/Igor NormannFood & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net Aldi moves to 100% recycled plastic on soft drink and water bottles Aldi has moved to 100% recycled plastic (rPet) for its own-brand soft drinks and bottled water range in England and Wales. The move, which is rolling out across all products found in the soft drinks section of its stores, makes Aldi the first UK supermarket to shift its entire own-label soft drinks category to 100% recycled content – excluding only the cap and label. Switching to 100% recycled content is expected to save around 10,000 tonnes of virgin plastic annually, and forms part of the supermarket’s target to include 50% recycled content into its plastic packaging across the business by 2025. Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know our customers care about how their food and drink is packaged, as well as how it is disposed of and where it goes next. This, coupled with the fact that the reuse of plastic packaging once it has been recycled is a critical industry-wide issue, means we’re doing all we can to reduce our impact.” news All Things Butter secures £2.2m investment Six months since launch, British butter brand, All Things Butter, co- founded by chef Thomas Straker and Toby Hopkinson, has closed a seed funding round securing £2.2 million of investment. The round follows successful launches in Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Ocado, and aims to fuel further roll out into additional national retailers and establish an international supply chain. Conducted earlier this year by co- founder Toby Hopkinson and advisor Gavin Youll, the raise is led by private equity firm, Access Industries, and further supported by Active Partners, the consumer-focused investment firm behind LEON, Rapha and Honest Burgers. The round has had continued support from Hollywood producers Josey McNamara and Thomas Ackerley who produced 2023’s biggest box office hit, Barbie and the much talked-about comedy thriller, Saltburn. The latest investment follows a round of pre-seed funding in September 2023 of over £530,000. Alongside supporting the brand’s fast growing UK distribution, the investment is earmarked to open an international supply chain to reach American and Middle Eastern markets. The brand also looks to further expand its product portfolio for 2024, comprising a four- strong range (Salted, Unsalted, Garlic & Herb, Chilli). Image courtesy of AldiPACKAGING PROCESSING PRINTING LOGISTICS ALL4PACK CIRCULARITY meet companies and startups with offers dedicated to recycling, reuse, reduction..., and attend exhibitor workshops to be held on the Agora. ALL4PACK INNOVATIONS discover the award-winning innovative products. ALL4PACK CONFERENCES a series of talks on the challenges facing the industry: the 3Rs, regulations, data and AI, etc. THE event for packaging and intralogistics professionals +An exhibitor offering at the heart of circularity, +A Business Meetings service +Visitor trails: Innovative Machinery & Packaging INNOVATION NEVER STOPS all4pack.com or on REQUEST YOUR FREE BADGE: #ALL4PACKFood & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Sustainability as the driver of innovation We attach great importance to combatting climate change, feeding the world’s population and using packaging responsibly by ensuring UHVRXUFHHFRQRPLFDOSURGXFWLRQDQGRࢆHULQJHFRIULHQGO\SDFNDJLQJ VROXWLRQVDQGHࢇFLHQWUHF\FOLQJLQQRYDWLRQV NURQHVFRP news GALLO, a supplier of wine, spirits and RTDs, has entered the beer category through a strategic partnership with the founders of Montucky Cold Snacks. Montucky’s American Style ‘Cold Snack’ is a light, sessionable lager, designed to be crisp, clean, and refreshing. GALLO believes Montucky exhibits a special kind of consumer enthusiasm and expands GALLO’s ever-growing Total Alcohol Beverage portfolio. “Today’s consumer is shopping brands, flavors, and occasions across beer, wine, spirits, and RTDs. At GALLO, we focus on serving the consumer and expanding the boundaries of what is expected,” said Ernest J. Gallo, Chief Executive Officer. “With Montucky Cold Snacks, combined with our expansion of High Noon into vodka iced tea, our partnerships with Canelo Álvarez on VMC and with Lotte on Soonhari Soju, our recent acquisitions of Fishers Island Lemonade, Salt Point, and Waterbird, and our continual wine innovation, such as VIBE by Vendange, we are constantly trying to bring new and better experiences to the consumer.” Planning approved for new home for Limavady whiskey Planning permission has been granted for the new Limavady Distillery in Limavady, near Coleraine, marking a new home for the historic whiskey brand. The Limavady whiskey brand can trace its origins back to 1750. The brand is now owned by master distiller Darryl McNally, a descendant of the original owners. The new distillery has been designed by Organic Architects, working with local architect Gerard McPeake, and is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with the mountains in the background a landscape made famous by Game of Thrones. Gareth Roberts, founder of Organic Architects, said: “This project is unusual in that the new distillery will be located on the McNally family farm, signifying a return to home soil for the founder Darryl McNally. “It is a beautiful rural site, so it has taken time to design a sensitive building which is acceptable to the local authority. Fantastic views of the coastline and the mountains are retained with the new building situated in the farm yard and incorporated into the surrounding farm buildings.” © stock.adobe.com/Subbotina AnnaNext >