< Previous30 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net THE DAIRY INDUSTRY In recent years, the dairy industry has struggled to adapt to a consumer base which increasingly queries the ethicality of commercial farming practices. I n 2023, the industry has witnessed several noteworthy developments, from innovative farming practices to the introduction of new dairy products. Embracing these new developments appears to have helped shift the landscape, with exports of milk and cheese seeing significant growth this year. Sustainability has become a focal point for the UK dairy industry, with farmers increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices. This year has seen a surge in the implementation of precision agriculture techniques, such as the use of drones and satellite imagery, to monitor and optimize herd health and grazing patterns. These technologies enable farmers to reduce their environmental footprint by optimizing resource usage and minimizing waste. Advancements in technology have played a vital role in the move towards sustainable farming practices. There has Evolving practices Evolving practices Food & Drink International 31 www.fdiforum.net THE DAIRY INDUSTRY been a greater emphasis on integrating automation and data-driven systems into dairy farming operations. Robotic milking systems have gained traction, offering benefits such as increased efficiency, thus using less energy to operate. Robotic milking systems individually milk the quarters, significantly reducing overmilking, thus improving the teat health of the cow. Reducing the risk to the animal also reduces the amount of antibiotics required, thus allaying public fear of antibiotic resistance. To address concerns related to the environmental impact of feed production and the nutritional quality of dairy products, there have been significant advancements in alternative feeds and nutritional enhancements for dairy cattle. In 2023, research and development efforts have focused on optimizing feed formulations to reduce reliance on traditional feed sources, such as soy and corn, which often contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers are exploring alternatives like insect-based feeds, algae, and microbial additives, which offer sustainable protein sources and improve the overall nutritional profile of dairy products. Employing farming practices like the above allows farmers to market their 32 Á © stock.adobe.com/bit24Impacts of consistent moisture monitoring MoistTech manufactures a range of NIR (near-infrared) on-line sensors for real-time moisture process control in the food industry. Moisture content can affect product quality and equipment function, making it a crucial focus point in proactive avoidance of quality control issues. MoistTech’s NIR sensor optimizes the manufacturing process, allowing for immediate adjustments & increased product quality. Imagine being able to eliminate down time, reduce costs & wasted product, provide complete product inspection, dryer control and increased production efficiency. Maintaining proper moisture control with the correct equipment can achieve all this and more both in the lab and in the on-line process. With over 40 years of experience with moisture measurement and control across numerous industries, MoistTech Corp. provides solutions you can trust and rely on. 32 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net THE DAIRY INDUSTRY © stock.adobe.com/Yanawut Suntornkij products as sustainable. Given that market research consistently suggests that concern for the planet is a leading worry for dairy consumers, this helps to retain consumer trust and loyalty. The rising popularity of plant-based diets has prompted the UK dairy industry to diversify its product offerings. In 2023, there has been a proliferation of plant-based dairy alternatives made from ingredients such as almonds, oats, and peas. Moreover, the industry has witnessed the emergence of innovative alternatives to traditional dairy products. For instance, more dairy companies are introducing entire ranges of dairy-free cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams. Whilst previous iterations have been criticised as tasteless with confusing textures, the introduction of precision fermentation introduces microorganisms to the food, which produces the enzymes and proteins which mimic the creamy feel and neutral taste of natural dairy. The rise of e-commerce platforms and consumer demand for transparency has led to the development of direct- to-consumer models in the UK dairy industry. Farmers are embracing online platforms and local delivery services to establish a direct connection with consumers, allowing them to share their stories, highlight sustainable practices, and provide detailed product information. This shift online has also led to a resurgence of the milk round, with more households ordering from local farmers online for delivery straight to their door. Moreover, there has been an increased focus on traceability and product authenticity. Blockchain technology is being explored to track and record the journey of dairy products, ensuring that consumers have access to accurate information about the production practices, and quality standards of the dairy they consume. This transparency not only builds trust but also allows consumers to make informed choices aligned with their values and preferences. In 2023, there has been a notable increase in collaboration among stakeholders within the UK dairy industry. Farmers, processors, retailers, and government bodies are working together to address common challenges and drive positive change. Given that one of the UK’s leading exports is dairy, cross collaboration is required to protect the interests of all involved by addressing the most common criticisms. Industry initiatives focusing on sustainability, animal welfare, and product innovation have gained momentum. For example, 34 ÁCONSTANT ONLINE MONITORING IMMEDIATE QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS CREATE CLOSED LOOP PROCESS Allowsforaconstant,non-contactsolutiontomoistureandoil measurementdirectlyontheproductionlineinrealtime Productquality,energycosts,lowerwaste,processoptimization, increasedefficiencyandmore! o MONITORING PROVEMENTS n-contactsolutiontomoistureandoil eproductionlineinrealtime werwaste,processoptimizatio M PR n th owo AutomateMoistureMeasurementinDairy ProcessingwithMoistTech MoistTechCorp +441138680413 +1941-727-1800 info@moisttech.com MOISTURE Measuringmoisturedirectlyontheproductionlineproducesinstant, accuratedatathatcanbeeasilycommunicatedtoaPLC-creatinga closedloopprocess MEASUREMENT &CONTROL Moisturecontentcanaffectproductqualityandequipmentfunction,making itacrucialfocuspointinproactiveavoidanceofqualitycontrolissues. MoistTech’sNIR(near-infrared)sensoroptimizesthemanufacturingprocess, allowingforimmediateadjustments&increasedproductquality.THE DAIRY INDUSTRY 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. 34 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net collaborative efforts have been made to establish common standards for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the dairy supply chain. These initiatives aim to enhance the industry’s environmental performance and contribute to national sustainability goals. These initiatives are paramount in the face of increased dairy boycotts over concern for the treatment of animals. Animal welfare has become a chief concern within the UK dairy industry, and alongside environmental woes, is the leading cause of those turning away from dairy consumption. In 2023, there has been an increased emphasis on ensuring high standards of care for dairy cattle. Farmers are investing in comfortable housing, improved ventilation systems, and advanced health monitoring technologies to enhance the well-being of their animals. Furthermore, there has been a shift towards pasture-based systems, allowing cows to graze on nutritious grass and have access to outdoor areas. This not only improves the animals’ living conditions, but the consumption of high-quality grass also enhances the quality and nutritional value of the product. The UK dairy industry is responding to developments in sustainability, innovation, and evolving consumer demands. Although the practice of deriving products from animals is inherently controversial, the industry is beginning to self-regulate in a way that attempts to understand and address stakeholder criticism. From sustainable farming practices to the introduction of alternative dairy products becoming expected, the industry is adapting to changing preferences and addressing environmental concerns. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to maintain a balance between sustainability, productivity, and consumer satisfaction. Embracing advancements in technology and fostering transparency regarding animal welfare and farming practices will be vital for the future success of the UK dairy industry. Not only understanding but embracing shifting public allegiances will endear local and national dairy farmers to an increasingly diverse market. © stock.adobe.com/Emil7+(+20(2)9,6&286 3803,1*62/87,216 ᅚ+RQH\ ᅚ3HWUROHXP-HOO\ ᅚ0DVFDUD ᅚ6DXFHV ᅚ/DQROLQ ᅚ/LS*ORVV ᅚ(VVHQFHV ᅚ(\H2LQWPHQW ᅚ0HDW3DVWH ᅚ3DUDIILQ:D[ 7 ( VDOHV#NHFROFRXN : ZZZNHFROFRXN ᅚ)DFH6FUXE ᅚ7HHWKLQJ*HO ᅚ7RPDWR3XUHH ᅚ0HGLFDO$GKHVLYHV ᅚ9HWHULQDU\&UHDPV ᅚ)UXLW3DVWH ᅚ7RRWKSDVWH ᅚ0DOW ᅚ-DP ᅚ:D[ .HFROKDYHRYHU\HDUVRI H[SHULHQFHLQKDQGOLQJDOOW\SHV RIYLVFRXVSURGXFWVLQWKHIRRG SKDUPDFHXWLFDODQGFRVPHWLFV PDUNHWVDVZHOODVJHQHUDO LQGXVWULDODSSOLFDWLRQV $VDPSOHRISURGXFWVZHDOUHDG\SXPSƁ 26-28 SEPT 2023 NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK STAND H3036 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MEET THE EXPERTS E xpertise is something that is difficult to quantify. Do we call someone an expert for the length of time they have worked in an industry, or for the success stories they have from it? Or better yet, is an expert little more than an individual with a collection of qualifications and letters after their name? The answer is never quite simple. In a sense, an expert could be said to be a combination of all three, but at the same time every single person is – or ought to be – an expert in their own craft. Someone who runs a packaging company is bound to be an expert in packaging, the same for food manufacturing or recruitment agencies. The challenge is in finding someone who is both an expert in their chosen field, but who can also become an expert in yours as well. There are many people who are experts in a given craft – be it machinery, hygiene, training, or factory optimisation – but for the best service possible to be achieved, they need also to be an expert in your company. This is where so many people find issue with experts; they hire someone who prescribes themselves expert, and they may well be, but find the advice given to be either incompatible with their company or not tailored to it. That’s to be expected of course, as an expert hired from outside the company isn’t going to know your firm as well as you do, but that doesn’t change the fact that they must be used. Speaking to an expert in person and having them show their expertise is one of the only true and proper ways to get a handle on how good an expert is. The best will listen as much as they talk, because while they are undoubtedly more informed than you on matters of their chosen craft, they will understand that you are more informed than they on matters of your own business. Finding the right solution to any problem will be a matter of combining their expertise with the limitations, opportunities and various other factors surrounding any given business, and what will work for one client certainly won’t be a catch-all solution for any other. An expert that does not ask questions and take the time to get to know you, your problems and your business, may still be an expert, but they are perhaps not the right expert for you. Applied Finding the right expert can be difficult, but the key is looking for someone who can understand your business almost as well as you can, and who can apply that knowledge to their field of expertise. Food & Drink International 37 www.fdiforum.net For more information, visit www.endecotts.com or email us at sales@endecotts.com. Bostwick Consistometer by Endecotts Company profile: Endecotts offer the world’s finest sample analysis equipment, including sieves, sieve shakers, consistometers, sample dividers. Our products are used for sample processing for quality control purposes. Endecotts is ISO 9001:2015 accredited and our products produced to the highest standards including sieves to ISO and ASTM. Product profile: The Consistometer is a low cost, durable, instrument for accurately checking laboratory or production samples against consistency, viscosity or flow rate standards. It uses little bench space and is yet probably the simplest, most accurate method of conducting a variety of flow associated tests. Advantages: • Ease of use • Suitable for a variety of tests • Provides a consistent platform for test • 316 food grade stainless steel construction • Engraved graduations for accurate results • Levelling screws and spirit level enable accurate set up • Available as standard or extended version Company profile Welwyn Tool Group Ltd is the UK and NI’s Sales & Service Centre for the full range of Leister plastic welding and Industrial Process Heat Equipment. We continue to support our customers with a high level of pre and post-sales service and support, achieved by a team of dedicated engineers providing application advice and consultation, on-site demonstrations and technical support. Product profile LEISTER’s HOTWIND SYSTEM 230v 3680W is impressive with its’s wide range of applications suitable for industrial heat processes such as shrinking packaging, sterilising tools or even smoothing and shining for a gloss finish on manufactured goods. This standalone heater is ideal for fast paced production lines; its ‘Plug in and Go’ operation is designed to deliver an immediate and cost-effective solution where setting up process heat is needed in the shortest amount of time. This way production demands can be made easily controllable and more manageable in the workplace. The HOTWIND has the highest power output in the SYSTEM range and is a user- friendly product with a compact design proving easy to use. One of the main features of the HOTWIND is the digital display which provides more visible control for operators. Its effortless system shows the setpoints and actual values with temperature specifications, ensuring precision is managed throughout the work process and driving a high-quality performance. For further information and technical advice for equipment in this field, please contact Welwyn Tool Group on 0800 856 0057, email info@welwyntoolgroup.com, or visit www.welwyntoolgroup.com. HYGIENIC ENGINEERING, SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS Axium Process is a leading UK based, hygienic engineering company. Our focus is on technically demanding process operations where knowledge, compliance, documentation, and quality assurance become indispensable. Inhouse services include hygienic fabrication, precision machining and innovative solutions for filtration and liquid separation applications. Product profile Our comprehensive range of products include, process skids, frames, CIP systems, tanks and vessels, pilot scale equipment and heat exchangers. We have developed a complete range of hygienic stainless-steel filters consisting of sintered mesh, wedge wire and perforated screen options. For further information call +44 (0) 1792 883 882, email info@axiumprocess.com, or visit www.axiumprocess.com HYGIENIC & PRECISION ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE © stock.adobe.com/I Viewfinder MEET THE EXPERTS38 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net ENGINEERING AND COMPONENTS © stock.adobe.com/DedMityay Behind the scenes Behind the scenesFood & Drink International 39 www.fdiforum.net ENGINEERING AND COMPONENTS T he food industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of nourishing, diverse and, most importantly, safe food options for vast customer bases. But behind the scenes, a combination of engineering and various components is essential to meeting the complex demands of this industry. Just as a starting point, engineering guides advancement in the food production process itself. Developments in agricultural engineering have revolutionised farming, allowing for increased yields, improved soil management and more efficient water usage in recent years. Modern techniques such as precision farming also rely on various machines and components, smoothing the way to large and resilient crops through collecting and analysing data. Automated irrigation systems, with advanced moisture sensors and weather data integration, bring adjustable schedules based on real-time conditions which ensure that crops receive the right amount of water every time. Meanwhile, satellite imaging systems offer detailed analysis of farmland and fields – visualising soil types, topography and yield variability – allowing farmers to navigate routes while managing and intervening wherever extra care of the land is needed. Precision farming continues to evolve, and new machines and components are being developed to enhance its capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics further augments the potential for precision agriculture. This enables farmers to make more accurate predictions, so farming is simpler, more productive and careful with nature’s resources. When it comes to processing, food engineers design and optimise the equipment and processes involved in converting raw materials into finished products. This includes the design of food processing machinery, such as mixing, grinding and cooking equipment, which safeguards consistent quality assurance in food production. Engineering expertise is also crucial in the development of processes like pasteurisation, freezing and canning, which extend the shelf life of perishable goods and help prevent foodborne illnesses. Take canning as an example of the many intricate components it takes to maintain the quality and safety of food products during storage and transportation. Engineering thought, research and design goes into a simple lid and closure component created in collaboration with packaging specialists. These may also incorporate mechanisms such as vacuum indicators or tamper-evident features – aspects we might take for granted, but which need precise and engineered attention to safety. Proper packaging is vital for protection from contaminants, spoilage From the production and processing of raw ingredients to the packaging and distribution of final products, engineering principles and the machinery they create and maintain are integral to ensuring efficiency, quality and sustainability throughout the entire food supply chain. 40 ÁNext >