< PreviousScapegrace reveals plans to develop largest distillery project in New Zealand New Zealand craft spirit producer, Scapegrace Distilling Company, has revealed a new £13m distillery in Central Otago, New Zealand. Said to be New Zealand’s largest ever distillery, the development will in-time produce the entirety of its current portfolio of super premium gin and vodka, alongside its soon-to-be released single malt whisky, with plans to expand into other products further down the line. Located on Lake Dunstan on the South Island, the distillery is poised to entertain locals and international visitors alike in the coming years. The prominent 36-hectare Central Otago property overlooks both Lake Dunstan and Mt Pisa, boasting uninterrupted views of the historic Bendigo mountains. Construction has already commenced on the first building which will contain the new Scapegrace head office, bottling hall, warehouse and the first barrel room which is due to be open in August 2022. Each barrel room holds almost 2,000 casks of whisky with an additional three barrel rooms planned over the coming years. The second building which contains the state-of-the-art distillery will open in October 2023. Ishida salad solutions provide long-term partnership Reliability, flexibility and ease of use are some of the main reasons behind the selection of Ishida weighing technology for the fast and accurate packing of bags of mixed salads at Primaflor, one of Spain’s leading fresh produce growers. The latest model – the 15th – to be installed at the company’s factory in Andalusia, is a 14 head 5 litre CCW-RV waterproof salad model from Ishida’s Sector Solutions range. It has been specifically designed to handle the challenging characteristics of many salad products, such as baby leaves which are prone to tangle together and be difficult to move efficiently throughout the weighing process. The fast, efficient and reliable performance of the Ishida weighers are the key reasons why Primaflor has continued to specify these models. The weighers are packing a variety of bag sizes, from 50g to 2kg for both the retail and foodservice sectors. Operations Director Manuel Santa Cecilia says overall accuracy is excellent with speeds from 30 to 75 packs per minute depending on pack size and the flow of product through the weigher. For more information visit www.ishidaeurope.com 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Key Technology introduces new Auto Diverter for vibratory conveyors Key Technology, a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, introduces its new and improved Auto Diverter for its popular Iso-Flo® vibratory conveyors. Ideal for bulk product and packaging distribution lines, the Auto Diverter splits the product flow to two downstream systems, such as digital sorters or packaging machines, and changes the proportion of product going to each of the two lanes as needed. This patented Auto Diverter features a stronger diverter blade, an improved pneumatic hold-down system and more to achieve longer equipment life and greater accuracy for better performance of downstream systems. The stronger, thicker diverter blade facilitates better product handling and equipment longevity. Now bolted, instead of welded, the blade can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance. The new pneumatic hold-down system anchors the blade to the surface of the bed to withstand a greater amount of product force without shifting from its programmed position. For better product control, each diverter is customized to guide product away from bed corners and features a blade that matches the product depth. For more information visit www.key.net Arla inaugurates its biggest dairy investment to date Arla has invested EUR 190 million in the expansion of its dairy in Pronsfeld, Germany to increase the production of primarily milk powder. Pronsfeld is Arla’s largest dairy, and the investment is the company’s biggest single investment in a site. The expansion of Pronsfeld dairy includes a production plant that holds a 51-meter-high drying tower as its centrepiece and can process 685 million kilos of milk per year, creating an end- product of around 90,000 tons of high-quality milk powder. Due to the nature of milk powder and its long shelf life, it is particularly suitable for Arla’s international markets, where milk powder is an integral and important part of the local diet, especially in fast-growing urban areas. The raw milk needed for this is sourced primarily from Arla farms in the region and creates a sustainable channel to support higher returns to farmer owners. ©Arla Realising the potential of automating food production Automation of food processing operations has long been an important goal but it has become even more of a focus over the last two years. Interfood Technology has been supplying food processing equipment for almost 25 years, from stand-alone machines to fully integrated lines. As such the company understands the importance of automation and its vital significance in contributing to an effective production flow. One of the manufacturers with whom Interfood partners is Weber, a business based in Germany which both appreciates the importance of automation and leads the slicing and packaging machinery industry in development. Part of the art of automation is using technology with which everybody is familiar. This is illustrated in Weber’s ‘oneControl’, an intuitive (HMI) operating system which employs web technologies recognisable from smartphones through which several components of a line can be controlled. This includes Weber’s fully automated robotic solutions. Available in five different options adaptable to the specific requirements of a given application - SmartPicker, single, double, triple or quad PickRobot - it can be used for all insertion and package loading tasks. For more information visit www.interfoodtechnology.com 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 12:08 Page 7Kellogg’s Special K introduces convenient new protein snack bars Summertime often means more time spent out and about enjoying outdoor activities, taking kids to and from camp, or simply basking in the warm weather with friends with few opportunities to stop and pause. For those days that don’t seem to be slowing down, Kellogg’s Special K has introduced new Protein Snack Bars. Small but mighty, with 6 grams of protein and 90 calories per bar, they make it easy to refuel on the go with something delicious, for those times you need to reenergize and just take a moment for yourself. Special K Protein Snack Bars are available in two delectable flavors, sweet Berry Vanilla and rich chocolatey Brownie Sundae. “Sometimes you just need a second to pause and do something for yourself that’s going to energize you. At Special K, we love to offer that special combination of indulgent-tasting flavors plus functional ingredients like protein in a portable snack that’s perfect for stashing in your bag, car or desk drawer,” said Heidi Ray, senior director of brand marketing for Kellogg’s Portable Wholesome Snacks. on the shelf John West launches On the Go Tuna Pots John West, the canned fish brand, is bringing innovation to the pot snack category with the launch of John West On The Go Tuna Pots. Available in a range of flavours and carbohydrate options, and containing 18g or more of natural protein, the new quick and easy-to-make Tuna Pot injects variety and health into a category that is heavily noodle dominated and has traditionally been perceived as unhealthy. A 100% natural source of protein, the range is highly nutritious and delivers on the increased consumer demand for healthy food options, a need not currently met by the category. John West On The Go Tuna Pots will particularly appeal to younger, health-conscious shoppers looking for tasty and high quality products that fit into a busy lifestyle. The new line is the latest addition to John West’s On the Go range, following the launch of Super Salads last year. Land O’Lakes on a roll with new Butter Balls Land O’Lakes, Inc. has put a new spin on butter with the launch of Land O Lakes Butter Balls – half-tablespoon butter balls for everyday cooking. Inspired by consumers who picked up cooking during the pandemic, this first-of-its-kind product for retail shelves offers Land O Lakes Butter in a convenient, pre-portioned size that makes cooking easier. Throughout the pandemic, the Land O’Lakes innovation team worked to create solutions in the kitchen for the millions of Americans who were cooking at home more frequently. Recognizing that almost 75 percent of U.S. consumers want to continue preparing meals after the pandemic, the team wanted to make at-home meals easier, even as life starts to return to normal. “Innovation is core to Land O’Lakes and we see this product as the answer to the convenience consumers crave while staying true to the great product they rely on – sweet cream butter,” said Heather Anfang, U.S. vice president of Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net Sanpellegrino creates new visual identity for tastefully light & classic taste sparkling fruit ranges A permissible treat - thanks to its selection of Italian ingredients and real fruit juice - the Sanpellegrino Tastefully Light & Classic Taste sparkling fruit ranges have long been a favourite with consumers looking for a truly thirst quenching and delicious citrus drink. The entire range has now switched to a new premium 33cL sleek can design and multipacks, which feature updated visuals reinforcing Sanpellegrino’s distinctive values of natural ingredients and Italian origin. The new visual identity also sees the drinks manufacturer reducing plastic packaging by replacing the can’s plastic shrink wrap with cardboard cartons. The Sanpellegrino Tastefully Light sparkling fruit range includes Limonata (lemon), Aranciata (orange), Aranciata Rossa (blood orange), Melograno & Arancia (pomegranate & orange), Limone & Menta (lemon & mint) and Pompelmo (grapefruit). Each can includes at least 16% real fruit juice sourced from Italy and the Mediterranean and stevia from natural sources. The Tastefully Light range of beverages are non HFSS and compliant with the incoming HFSS promotional regulations. The whole range is also not liable for the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. Danone’s Greek style yogurt brand, Light* and Free launches new £1m advertising campaign Driven by consumer insight that shows how attitudes to dieting have evolved, Danone’s Greek style yogurt brand, Light* and Free, has launched a new £1m 360? brand campaign ‘Light*, Never Less.’ The campaign received overwhelmingly positive results in consumer testing being ranked #1 yogurt ad in the UK. The campaign highlights how taste is the No.1 driver when choosing a yogurt by celebrating the Light* and Free range of deliciously creamy yoghurts which are full of flavour, thick and creamy and contain no added sugar. Light* and Free believes that despite containing 0% fat and 0% added sugar, you should never compromise on taste and texture. Tom Hickton, category director EDP marketing for Danone UK&I, said: “The way consumers think about their diet has evolved. They are taking a more holistic and positive approach to health as a preference to restrictive dieting. As a result of that, the new Light & Free campaign is very much focused on tackling the key barriers of the diet category around poor taste and watery texture, showcasing that yes, a product can be 0% fat and 0% added sugar but nonetheless deliciously tasty.” © Kellogg Company 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 12:08 Page 812 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/anitalvdb Opening up 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:08 Page 1Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT The UK continues to establish new relationships across the world, seeing major potential benefits for food and drink firms. A s the impacts of Brexit keep the UK in the spotlight for the state of its food and drink imports and exports, the country’s Government is striving to take advantage of the opportunities created by the UK’s independent trade policy and ability to establish new trade deals around the globe. New research from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) shows positive progress, with exports and imports of food and drink with non- EU countries skyrocketing above pre- pandemic levels for the first time. The Trade Snapshot, examining developments in the first quarter of 2022, indicates that food and drink imports have recovered well, and are over 13% higher than in 2019, while exports to major markets including the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UAE exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Indeed exports to non-EU markets have reached a record £2.3 billion, the highest value recorded in Q1, whereas imports from non-EU markets have witnessed robust growth, rising 16% since 2021 to £4.3 billion. Food and drink exports to the EU however are still greater at £3 billion, though this is below pre-Brexit and pre-pandemic figures, yet up on the first quarter of 2021. Imports from the EU meanwhile for the start of 2022 sat at £9.2 billion. Though the US remains the country’s largest non-EU partner, the FDF highlights Canada as a pivotal ally for the UK. As a key source of ingredients used by UK manufacturers, imports from Canada rose 5% while exports to the country are flourishing, up 26% on pre-pandemic levels. India too looks to have increasing importance, with exports to India up more than 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The country also remains a large import partner - particularly for agricultural goods - accounting for £172.5 million. Negotiations are currently underway with both Canada and India over ambitious free trade deals and present significant export opportunities, with demand soaring in India for example in the health, organic, fortified and ready- to-eat packaged food sector, while a rapidly growing middle class forms 14 Á 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:08 Page 214 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT prime possibilities for UK exporters. Nicola Thomas, director at the Food & Drink Exporters Association, said: “Such strong growth highlights how with widespread economic and political instability around the world, a renewed focus on exporting is a crucial risk- mitigation strategy for UK Food and Drink companies in 2022. Having a sales portfolio spanning multiple global markets not only makes a business potentially less vulnerable to changes in the UK economy, but any losses caused by a crisis or stagnation in one country or region also stand a much better chance of being balanced out by a presence in others.” Additional growth in food and drink exports is anticipated thanks to the UK- Japan trade agreement coming into force in 2021, and others on the horizon such as Australia and New Zealand. Further, steps forward are incoming with Mexico, following the start of trade talks in May. A major market for UK exporters, its expanding population means demand for imports is set to increase, and being in a strategically situated part of the world, it serves as a gateway to the Americas and the trans- Pacific region. Pinpointing the benefits, the FDF’s head of international trade, Dominic Goudie, said: “The launch of talks between the UK and Mexico is a great opportunity to secure improvements to the existing trade deal. The current agreement offers only very limited opportunities for food and drink exporters, with prohibitively high tariffs remaining, and this is an ideal chance to put in place a deal that is tailored for the trade in food and drink between our two countries. It should be a priority to secure improved market access for UK exporters of dairy, chocolate and confectionery, pork and poultry products. Mexico is also a vital source of ingredients and tariff reductions would benefit UK manufacturers. Reducing tariffs and simplifying the rules of origin would help unlock untapped trade opportunities in both directions.” Presenting further substantial opportunities for the food and drink 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:08 Page 3Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT © stock.adobe.com/Alexey Novikov industry, just last month (June) free trade negotiations were launched between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, becoming the fourth major set of free trade agreement negotiations launched by the Trade Secretary this year. According to the UK Government, the UK-GCC deal would mean notable benefits for British farmers and producers, as the Gulf is highly dependent on imported food. British food and drink exports to GCC countries were worth £625 million last year, and a deal could significantly reduce or remove tariffs on UK food and drink exports. Tariffs that could be slashed include cereals, which currently face a tariff of up to 25%; chocolate, up to 15%; baking products, up to 12%; sweet biscuits, up to 10%; and smoked salmon, which has a 5% tariff at present. As ambitious trade deals open up new markets for the UK’s products, with the Government seeking to bolster the position of the country’s food and drink exports globally, there remains the need to improve the implementation of the UK-EU trade agreement. Concurrently, Russia’s attack on Ukraine is creating uncertainty for imports and exports, with rising energy prices and the strain on supplies of many crucial ingredients, from vegetable oils to cereals and white fish, required by the UK’s importers. Whisky, gin, wine, beef, salmon, pork, cheese, chocolate, breakfast cereals and tea and coffee were the UK’s top exports in the first quarter of 2022, with only pork seeing a decline in exports on 2021. 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:08 Page 416 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY & HYGIENE SPOTLIGHT I t can be tough to keep on top of the rapid changes in health and safety regulation, but if one does not the costs can be high. The repercussions can be in the form of a fine, imprisonment or, more seriously, injuries and fatalities. PPE is key in helping prevent workplace injuries and health or safety risks, and employers have a duty to provide it. Its use is particularly important in the food and drink manufacturing industry due both to the risk of injury and the importance of hygiene. The COVID-19 pandemic naturally brought hygiene, health and PPE into the spotlight. Even if systems had traditionally been put in place to prevent, for instance, machinery injuries, other less obvious hazards remain, for instance contaminated air resulting in lung harm or corrosive materials or liquids causing skin damage. COVID also alerted people to the hygiene aspect of health and safety, and exposed weaknesses in many systems when it came to employees infecting one another. In light of this, PPE should be seen as more than just a means to lessen physical risk of injury. According to the HSE, PPE is a last resort to protect employees from The last line of defence While designing a processing line and putting safeguards in place to minimise accidents is important, an employer cannot forget that sometimes accidents will happen, and that proper usage of protective equipment may make all the difference. 18 Á 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:11 Page 1Food & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY & HYGIENE SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/pressmaster 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:11 Page 218 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY & HYGIENE SPOTLIGHT workplace hazards. Regulation notes that equipment must be provided free to workers and chosen carefully in accordance with what is needed. To do this, as an employer providing PPE, you also have the responsibility of checking with your supplier what attire is appropriate, whether it be safety gloves, outfits or cleaning supplies. When choosing PPE products, one should consider the hazards in that particular workplace – are you working with chemicals, is there chance of cuts or perhaps electric shocks – there are numerous items that one may need to consider providing, and importantly the HSE says that you should choose products that are CE marked. The HSE also advises having the employee using the equipment help choose it so they are more likely to wear it and so it is a suitable size, fit, and weight. Though it may seem obvious, employers and employees, including managers not likely to use it, in accordance with regulation must be trained how to use their equipment and know why and where to use it. Employers have a responsibility to make sure staff are using PPE correctly or could face legal trouble in the event of an accident. It is also the responsibility of the PPE provider to make sure you are taught how to use the equipment. A useful piece of advice is using safety signs to remind staff where PPE should be used. Further, employers are considered responsible for making sure PPE is stored and maintained correctly. Regulation changes in recent years have drastically impacted PPE. The latest regulation does not particularly affect the staff using PPE, rather the duties of the equipment’s suppliers, distributors and producers, to include those previously unaffected by regulation, such as importers who are now being held accountable for the PPE’s quality. Ultimately, more people in the chain of PPE are being held responsible for the equipment doing what it should, not just the creator and user. If one is a manufacturer or distributor of PPE one must become more stringent in checking PPE. PPE protecting from high-risk incidents now have a more rigid compliance procedure, and a declaration of conformity must be provided with the equipment, or online, as evidence that it meets regulation. This documentation must be held by the supplier for at least 10 years once it is up for sale. Instructions must be also provided, labelling requirements met, the manufacturers name and address must feature on the product, and sample tests must be conducted. All of these regulations are in place to make sure the equipment is of a high enough standard for users, benefitting businesses and employees, as one can be more confident that the PPE is fit for its purpose, and will be effective at preventing injury. It is important to know these changes even if you are not the manufacturer or distributer as employers need to be able to identify that their PPE meets regulation. In addition, it is important to mention that the new PPE regulation makes changes to how certain pieces of equipment are classified in their risk categorisation, so that they are considered a product protecting from a serious injury or contamination of food products. Ultimately, we live in a time where hygiene is more important than ever, and the last thing anyone needs is a factory locked down due to a scare. 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:11 Page 3Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY & HYGIENE SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/dusanpetkovic1 16-19.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2022 09:11 Page 4Next >