Forward thinking Forward thinking INTERNATIONAL Microbiology and testing Materials handling Pouch packaging www.eriez.eu | info-europe@eriez.com | +44 (0)29 2086 8501 Your Best Defence Against Metal Contamination Eriez High Strength Magnets provide the Best Defence against metal contamination. Our magnetic separators are designed for any process whether it’s wet, dry, gravity, pneumatic or conveyed. Install Eriez and know you’re protected. Contact an Eriez Representative for details. Powerful Magnetic Systems Round Pipe Grates Pneumatic Magnetic Separators Trap Magnets GLOBAL LEADER IN SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES Self-Cleaning Grate MagnetContents August 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 EIT Q&A6 This month we speak to EIT International, specialists in environmentally friendly controls and detection systems, to find out how they're helping customers in the food and drink industry adapt to new challenges. Import and export14 The Korean Wave has seen South Korea’s cuisine gain an international following, reflected in a surge in food and drink exports. Processing spotlight18 Market conditions, expensive labour and the advent of AI are making factory automation more and more enticing. Pouch packaging22 The widespread deployment of pouch packaging demonstrates the demand for convenience, ease of use and products that align with the growing environmental agenda. Materials handling26 In a modern world, the supply chain process in food manufacturing cannot survive without efficient and well-planned materials handling. Ready meals29 Young consumers typically dominate the ready meal market, which has increased demand for canned and dried product ranges. From 2020 – 2027, canned meals are expected to expand the fastest. 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: Angela Cooper (a.cooper@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/mohammed • Top: stock.adobe.com/ Gorodenkoff • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ Annartlab • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ paulacobleigh Microbiology and testing 32 Food safety expectations and awareness are only rising. As a result, microbiology and testing will only become more crucial to the food industry. Software and hardware35 In the fast-paced world of food manufacturing, embracing the power of automation to streamline production processes, enhance efficiency, and elevate food safety standards is becoming a must for manufacturers. Labelexpo Americas 202439 Returning to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois from 10 – 12 September, the biennial show promises hundreds of live demonstrations, three new features, a one-day conference program, two educational workshops and a master class focusing on flexible packaging. Speciality & Fine Food Fair41 The show is celebrating its 25th year in London on the 10-11th September. Hosted at the Olympia, the event will play host to big names in the industry. Events 42 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 46Regal Foods expands in chilled desserts sector with Love Cheesecakes acquisition Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group Plc is set to boost its chilled desserts offer with the acquisition of artisan cheesecake makers, Love Cheesecakes. Based in Lancaster, Love Cheesecakes specialises in handcrafting over 100 premium cheesecakes for wholesale, food services and the hospitality sector. Focusing on single serve and canapé style cheesecakes, the bakery also sells directly to consumers through event catering, attending festivals and other large outdoor events. In 2020 Love Cheesecakes appeared on the popular television show, Dragons’ Den, giving the artisan bakery a step on the online ladder. The bakery now also holds a strong online presence through several ecommerce platforms in which it operates. With a strong focus on gifting, the service allows customers to indulge in doorstep desserts at home. Since the acquisition of Just Desserts Yorkshire in 2022 and more recently Love Handmade Cakes, the Regal Group have strategically focused on growing and developing their desserts range in the food service and wholesale market. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Kingsmoor Packaging achieves BRCGS AA+ Leading thermoforming business, Somerset- based Kingsmoor Packaging, has recently been awarded a AA+ grade from the BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard) certification formerly BRC (British Retail Consortium) on its first unannounced audit. The AA+ grade, under the revised Issue 6 of the BRCGS Standard for Packaging Materials, is one of the most prestigious accolades within the certification scheme. This certification not only streamlines the supplier approval process but also assists food companies in meeting BRCGS Food Standard requirements, thereby helping retailers and food manufacturers adhere to their legal obligations. James Hill, Kingsmoor Packaging’s managing director, said: “Securing the AA+ grade on our first unannounced audit is a testament to our dedication to producing high-quality thermoformed packaging products. This achievement reassures both our existing customers and potential clients of our unwavering commitment to quality. It’s a tremendous credit to the hard work and resolve of our entire team.” For more information visit www.kingsmoorpackaging.co.uk The Label Makers transform Halfpenny Green’s premium wine labels Award-winning label manufacturer, The Label Makers, has recently worked with Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, to produce a new look sustainable label for their oak-aged Solaris wine, part of their premium range. The design, which marks a natural evolution of the key feature of a signature coin on the label, a hallmark of all wines produced by the estate, is due to be rolled out across the other premium range bottles within the next month, with plans to extend this to the entire range. The new labels feature advanced printing techniques, including full-colour digital print, intricate lines, foils, embossing, high-build spot varnish and spot flexo on the coin detail and colours, ensuring remarkable standout appeal. The redesigned coin, now a more prominent feature, significantly enhances the label’s visual impact. Wolverhampton-based design agency, The Studio Group, created all branding and redesigns. “As far as we are concerned, The Label Makers have been the ‘go-to’ in the industry for beverage labels since August 2017, when we started working with them,” said Julian Sollom, head of sales at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate. Sainsbury’s invests in new AI vet tech to enhance animal welfare on dairy farms Sainsbury’s has become the first retailer in the world to invest in new AI veterinary technology used to measure and enhance positive animal welfare on dairy farms, which could revolutionise the approach to cattle care. In partnership with Vet Vision AI, a new spinout company from the University of Nottingham, Sainsbury’s is trialling new technology which has been designed to spot when cows are happy and healthy, and why. The cows are monitored through low cost and portable cameras which can be used by vets on multiple farms. The AI works by recognising patterns in behaviour, analysing and turning video footage into real-time, accurate data. As well as monitoring behaviour, the AI will offer farmers suggestions on ways to further improve the animals’ lifestyles. Examples of this include housing improvements for better comfort and animal engagement and providing enrichment such as cow brushes, similar to a back scratcher, to reduce stress. The ability for round the clock monitoring enables more informed decision making, as farmers will have unique insights into cow welfare that they may not be able to identify with standard vet visits. The continuous analysis of behaviour also allows for a ‘test and learn’ approach to the suggested welfare tactics. The use of AI on farms is an expanding area, but what sets this technology apart is the ability to show when a cow is thriving, as opposed to just spotting illnesses and ailments. The constant monitoring can also identify diseases early, preventing vets having to treat disease later down the line. Beyond the benefits for the animal, the tech promotes a step forward in farming efficiency as a healthy cow means a more productive cow. © stock.adobe.com/littlewolf19896 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net EIT INTERNATIONAL Q&A Tell us a little about EIT International, its products, and how they’re used. EIT International specializes in developing and supplying environmentally friendly preventative controls and detection systems for the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Our global success is driven by enhancing customer efficiency and minimizing downtime in preventative maintenance programs. Through our proven expertise, we help clients avoid costly market recalls and maintain smooth production operations. EIT International’s preventative controls and detection systems include: * Biofilm and bacteria scanners: such as the Bactiscan * Heat exchanger integrity detection and quantification systems: such as the Gappscan * Surface integrity and crack detection scanners: such as the Magnerscan MAG3™ * Pasteurization residence and flow validation systems: such as the Pasflo We are partnered with an approved group of resellers across the world, allowing us to service customers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Who benefits from using EIT surface integrity and crack detection scanners? Surface integrity and crack detection scanners use the latest technology to identify areas of compromise on steel surfaces and detect cracks or pitting in large metal vessels commonly used by industries such as food manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Left unaddressed, these imperfections can harbour contaminants, which can then transfer to the contents of the vessel, compromising the safety or efficacy of the product. The Magnerscan MAG3™ has been designed to detect both steel surface imperfections and sub-surface porosities using magnetic impulses. It highlights areas of concern through a traffic light system that indicates the variances in the depth of the crack. Superior to dye penetrant tests, the Magnerscan MAG3™ does not rely on chemicals and requires no preparation. It is a significantly faster testing method than dye testing and standard eddy current testing. The Magnerscan MAG3™ tests surface and subsurface integrity. How does its proprietary technology complement traditional storage vessel testing? The technology behind the Magnerscan MAG3™ is radically different from that used in dye penetrant and eddy current testing. The proprietary system of close-contact in- line sensors generates magnetic impulses, detecting both surface and subsurface porosities as small as 10 microns. Using a traffic light system, it provides immediate results, allowing technicians to mark areas for immediate attention, thus reducing downtime. In contrast, dye penetrant testing requires the vessel to be taken out of operation, cleaned, prepared with dyes, and rinsed before cracks can be visually detected. This laborious process leads to significant production downtime and the risk of introducing contaminants into the product path. Additionally, dye tests only locate surface cracks, whereas the Magnerscan MAG™ can also detect subsurface porosities. How can using the Magnerscan MAG3™ contribute to predictive maintenance and reduce overall downtime in manufacturing operations? The use of the Magnerscan MAG3™ can significantly reduce costly downtime on production lines. Vessels need regular inspections for cracks and defects, typically conducted every six months, which can be very expensive. With Magnerscan MAG3™ technology, cracks and subsurface porosities can be detected immediately. For single-layer steel containers, subsurface porosities can also be detected from the outside, eliminating the need to empty the vessel. Defects can occur in various ways during production or even when the vessel is opened for servicing or cleaning. It’s not uncommon for new vessels to have defects caused by the manufacturing process, such as welding or fitting attachments. The single probe attachment of the Magnerscan MAG3™ allows for thorough inspections in and Q&A EIT International This month we speak to EIT International, specialists in environmentally friendly controls and detection systems, to find out how they're helping customers in the food and drink industry adapt to new challenges. Food & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net EIT INTERNATIONAL Q&A around welding joints and provides immediate results in a fraction of the time. The Magnerscan MAG3™ has been shown to deliver results 200 times faster than eddy current testing, allowing for regular testing without extended production stoppages. How can the Magnerscan MAG3™ help with GMP production, HACCP- compliant programs, and pathogen monitoring? These processes and programs are essential in regulated industries like food production (HACCP) and pharmaceuticals (GMP). The Magnerscan MAG3™ offers valuable assistance unlike any other traditional method used to maintain compliance. It enables full on-site testing with a substantially shorter implementation time, minimizing production downtime—crucial for such facilities. The ability to detect surface and subsurface porosities as small as 10 microns ensures that even the slightest imperfection on a steel surface, which can harbour bacterial contaminants, can be immediately identified and rectified by a qualified technician. The Magnerscan MAG3™ is user- friendly. After an initial 20-second calibration to the steel surface, the device is simply swiped in any direction across the metal surface. A surface integrity scan is completed immediately, providing accurate on-site results and allowing for prompt corrective action. This helps prevent quality deviations, ensures compliance with industry regulations and guidelines, and reduces environmental risks. The Magnerscan MAG3™ employs non-invasive integrity testing technology, eliminating the need for pre-test preparation and saving time and resources during inspections. It supports sustainability programs by using environmentally friendly technology, avoiding harmful dyes, and reducing environmental impact. When calibrating the Magnerscan MAG3™ to the steel surface, the calibration settings allow for uniformity when testing metals of the same type, streamlining the inspection process and improving efficiency. With six alarm settings and six frequency levels and providing multiple different variations for detection, the Magnerscan MAG3™ allows users to tailor the device to specific metals, ensuring accurate detection of defects. By incorporating the Magnerscan MAG3™ into GMP and HACCP programs, manufacturers can enhance quality control efforts, reduce risks, and maintain compliance with industry standards. The Magnerscan MAG3™’s efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use make it a valuable tool in ensuring compliance with industry standards. Overall, Magnerscan MAG3™ technology offers a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional storage vessel testing techniques, ensuring the integrity and quality of the finished product while minimizing production disruptions and environmental impact. For more information visit www.eit-international.comBudweiser signs agreement to distribute San Miguel in the UK Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, a subsidiary of AB InBev, has agreed with Mahou San Miguel to distribute San Miguel in the UK. This agreement will bring the Spanish brewer’s two leading brands under one umbrella, with Budweiser Brewing Group already distributing Mahou in the UK since 2021. San Miguel will join Budweiser Brewing Group’s portfolio from 1st January 2025. Budweiser Brewing Group will distribute and promote San Miguel’s range of world beers in the UK, including San Miguel Especial, San Miguel 0.0 and San Miguel Gluten Free. Alberto Rodríguez-Toquero, Managing Director, Mahou San Miguel said: “Today’s announcement marks a new chapter for Mahou San Miguel in the UK, as we partner with Budweiser Brewing Group to bring the world’s most loved Spanish beer to a larger number of UK consumers. “This agreement further extends the relationship between our two companies, the UK is an important market for San Miguel and we are confident that Budweiser Brewing Group will succeed in fulfilling our ambitious plans for the brand.” 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Morrisons partners with Sea Forest to fast track lower methane beef Morrisons has partnered with Sea Forest to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle. Sea Forest will work with Myton Food Group, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, exclusively to supply SeaFeedTM – its methane abating livestock feed – to help fast track the introduction of lower carbon beef products such as mince, burgers, steaks and joints in Morrisons. Approval for the process is being worked through, but if successful customers should see products on the shelf in Morrisons by 2026. Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer, we are well placed to support the farmers we work with and help them farm more sustainably. This partnership supports our ambition to have net zero agriculture emissions by 2030. “Having our own livestock experts with direct relationships with farmers enables us to make changes quickly, meaning that once our trial is complete and we have approvals in place, we can develop our lower carbon beef products and help support the drive to lower emissions from cattle.” Pernod Ricard to sell portfolio of strategic international wines Pernod Ricard has signed an agreement to sell its international strategic wine brands to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), a consortium of international institutional investors and owner of Accolade Wines. This disposal will allow Pernod Ricard to further strengthen its premiumization strategy and to direct its resources to its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. The transaction is the result of Pernod Ricard’s continuous assessment of its strategic opportunities, in line with its longstanding policy to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders, employees, clients and partners. The transaction includes the sale of a wide portfolio of strongly established international wine brands owned and produced by Pernod Ricard Winemakers, with over 10 million 9Lcs cases annually from three origins including Jacob’s Creek, Orlando and St Hugo from Australia, Stoneleigh, Brancott Estate and Church Road from New Zealand and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain. The business is an integrated platform from vineyard to bottle and includes seven wineries. Partners sought in project to pioneer plant-based alternatives to egg ingredients Palsgaard and Aarhus University are inviting food manufacturers to collaborate on a project to develop new plant-based replacements for egg ingredients. The €5 million PIER (“Plant-based food ingredients to be egg replacers”) project aims to replace 10% of the eggs used globally as ingredients in food products such as baked goods, dressings, desserts and ready meals. Food manufacturers now have the opportunity to become frontrunners on the scheme, which is designed to cut recipe costs at the same time as reducing carbon footprint. The focus is on bringing in manufacturers that are currently using significant volumes of egg and egg powders in their products and have a strategic ambition to reduce their reliance on fresh and dried eggs. By taking part, companies will be able to co-create with the other project members and secure priority access to the new ingredients for their own products. Claus Hviid Christensen, Chief Executive Officer of Nexus, Palsgaard’s specialised R&D sister company, said: “The PIER project represents an exciting opportunity to drive positive change by developing more cost-effective, climate-friendly ingredients. We’re looking to bring in partners from the food industry who are ready to co-create with us, testing their existing recipes and developing new recipes using solutions that are not yet available on the market. By securing first- mover advantage on next-generation egg replacements, the successful applicants will get a big head start in being able to cut their costs and their carbon footprint.” Sustainability is a key driver for the project, with the CO2 emissions from the global annual consumption of eggs equivalent to three times that of all container ship traffic. © stock.adobe.com/Tom Eversley Photo: Palsgaard A/S Palsgaard is working to develop more cost- effective and sustainable alternatives to eggs for products such as sponge cakes © stock.adobe.com/New Africa © stock.adobe.com/RichardFood & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Plastic waste peeled away from Aldi bananas Aldi is removing the plastic packaging on its bananas in a trial across selected stores in the North East, Yorkshire, the South West, the South East and the Midlands. The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket is replacing the traditional plastic bag with a paper band alternative on selected lines, including its Nature’s Pick five-pack, midi bananas and the Organic six-pack. If successful, the change would help to remove an estimated 234 tonnes of plastic packaging per year. Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we know how important reducing plastic is to our customers, colleagues and the future of the planet. “We are constantly reviewing ways we can do this, and our latest trial on bananas is another great step on that journey.” The move is the latest in a number of plastic and packaging-reduction initiatives by the supermarket. news Diageo sells Safari to Casa Redondo Diageo has agreed the sale of Safari, a fruit flavoured liqueur brand, to Casa Redondo, a Portuguese beverage-alcohol company. Safari is predominantly sold in Benelux, Portugal and Türkiye. Given its consumer base, Diageo believes Casa Redondo is the right owner to take Safari into its next chapter of growth across Europe and beyond. John Kennedy, Diageo’s President, Europe said: “The sale of Safari reflects Diageo’s commitment to delivering consistent growth and value creation for shareholders. “This transaction will allow us to further concentrate on our core areas of strength, including tequila and whisk(e)y, as we accelerate towards our ambition; to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world.” On the purchase of Safari, Daniel and Ricardo Redondo, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Casa Redondo said: “This transaction underscores our commitment to expanding our portfolio with premium offerings that resonate with consumers globally. We look forward to integrating this brand into our family, continuing to innovate for our customers, whilst ensuring exceptional quality.” Image courtesy of Aldi Photo courtesy of DiageoNext >