< PreviousJohn West strips excess packaging off best-selling tuna products John West is stripping their best- selling tuna products from excess packaging, making it as easy as a twist to enjoy. The new John West ECOTWIST® multipack reduces waste and is fully recyclable. ECOTWIST® is available in Asda stores, with other major retailers to follow soon. ECOTWIST® is John West’s take on making their products easier than ever to enjoy and recycle. The market leader in tuna has eliminated excess packaging from its best-selling ranges – no shrink wrap, no cardboard – just an aluminium strip that keeps their can towers together and is fully recyclable together with the can. Mark Doherty, Managing Director at John West Foods, said: “We have an ambition to be the most sustainable ambient fish brand in the UK by the end of 2025. “ECOTWIST® is the best packaging and product we have ever brought to our consumers. We have spent three years developing ECOTWIST® to reduce packaging waste in our consumers’ lives and to make our quality products taste and look even better.” Meatly becomes first European company authorised to sell cultivated meat, following UK clearance for cultivated pet food Meatly has received regulatory clearance to sell cultivated meat for pet food in the UK, making it the first in the world to get authorisation for cultivated pet food. A huge leap forward for the cultivated meat industry, gaining regulatory approval also makes Meatly the first-ever cultivated meat company approved for sale in any European country. The public announcement follows a close collaborative process between Meatly and the UK’s regulatory bodies, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). The relevant UK Government departments have ensured that Meatly complies with all necessary regulations, and Meatly has now passed APHA’s rigorous inspection process. Meatly will continue to adhere to APHA’s ongoing inspections. As a result of this process, Meatly’s cultivated chicken for pet food can now be sold in the UK. European manufacturer of food cans, ends, and closures, Eviosys, to be acquired Eviosys, the European manufacturer of food cans, ends, and closures, has been acquired by Sonoco, a leader in sustainable packaging. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining their strengths to enhance service and innovation in the metal packaging industry. The transaction, valued at approximately $3.9 billion, is expected to close by the end of 2024. Tomás López, CEO of Eviosys, will continue to lead Sonoco’s EMEA metal packaging business, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership. Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco, said: “The acquisition of Eviosys establishes our global leadership in metal food can and aerosol packaging, marking an exciting milestone in our strategy to enhance our core metal packaging platform. We are committed to building on Eviosys’ strong foundation and delivering superior value to our customers.” Müller partners with NaviLens to increase accessibility for blind and partially sighted people In a first for the UK dairy industry, Müller Yogurt & Desserts will roll out NaviLens codes across all its branded products, increasing accessibility for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people. The move, which is the latest in the dairy company’s brand and packaging refresh, is integral in Müller’s social commitment to help consumers live happier, healthier lives, and make the dairy category more inclusive and accessible for all consumers. NaviLens is an award-winning app technology which sees a high-contrast colour code printed on product packaging, detectable by a smartphone camera from up to 12x farther than a QR code and with a wide reading angle of up to 160o – meaning users do not need to know precisely where the code is located to scan it. Dedicated NaviLens codes printed on Müller products can be scanned using the corresponding app, with audio and haptic cues allowing users to locate and centre the code in the smartphone’s camera. Depending on shopper preferences, the app can either read aloud the ingredients, allergens, nutrition and recycling information for the product, or the user can read the information on their phone using accessibility tools. This work has been informed by Sight Loss Councils (SLCs). These are regional groups of blind and partially sighted volunteers funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust. Volunteers have used their lived experience of sight loss to inform the accessibility of the packaging. The technology will be rolled out across all Müller Yogurt & Desserts products and drinks over the coming months, starting with the newly relaunched Müller Light range. Photo courtesy of Müller 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news © stock.adobe.com/Mikhailov Studio Photo courtesy of John West © stock.adobe.com/chendongshanWholesale prices ŽŶƐŵĂůůƋƵĂŶƟƟĞƐǁŝƚŚ Mix & Match powered by employee share-ownership 02476 420065 kitepackaging.co.uk Free ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ Free delivery £45 ŽŶŽƌĚĞƌƐŽǀĞƌ ƌŽǁƐĞŽǀĞƌϮ͕ϱϬϬƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐŽŶůŝŶĞĂƚ͗ kitepackaging.co.uk Scan QR code ƚŽƐĞĞŽƵƌĨƵůůƌĂŶŐĞ Download our app today! Find out more news Premium vodka brand fusing Indian and British flavours looks to raise £1m Desi Daru Vodka, the premium vodka brand known for its fusion of Indian and British flavours, is looking to raise £1,000,000 investment, aimed at expanding its presence in the UK, increasing direct- to-consumer sales, and commencing international distribution. Mohit Singh and Aneet Kaur, the husband and wife team behind Desi Daru, are looking to use the investment raised to increase their production capacity at the distillery in Oxfordshire where they produce their award-winning liquid, as well as expanding their marketing capabilities and strengthening direct-to-consumer channels. A significant portion of the investment would also be allocated for international distribution, allowing Desi Daru to bring their vodkas to new global markets. Their vodkas have garnered much international acclaim, the Original and Alphonso Mango varieties scored 98 and 99 respectively in the IWSC awards, as well as receiving World’s Best Flavoured Vodka at the World Drink Awards, 5 Master Medals at The Spirit Masters and a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Lassonde to acquire Summer Garden Food Manufacturing Lassonde Industries has entered into a definitive agreement, through one of its U.S. subsidiaries, to acquire The Zidian Group, which operates Summer Garden Food Manufacturing. The U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of specialty food is to be bought for a consideration of $235 million, payable at closing. A further amount of up to $45 million may be payable over the next three years, should certain financial targets be achieved and other conditions met. Located in Boardman, Ohio, and employing approximately 200 people, Summer Garden develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of premium sauces and condiments, including tomato and cream-based pasta sauces, BBQ sauces, dipping sauces and dressings. Its portfolio consists of approximately 250 products sold through more than 20,000 locations under the Gia Russa and Little Italy in the Bronx brands and under the G Hughes brand, a leader in the U.S. sugar- free BBQ sauce segment. Summer Garden also acts as a co-packer for well-known brands. © stock.adobe.com/xamtiwGlobal dairy company Ehrmann set to open UK production plant with acquisition of Trewithen Dairy Dairy company Ehrmann has expanded in the UK with the acquisition of Trewithen Dairy. The move – the latest in Ehrmann’s over 100-year history – sees two family-owned businesses come together to bring a new portfolio of dairy products to UK consumers. Ehrmann will expand Trewithen’s facilities to open a state-of-the-art UK production plant at the site in Glynn Valley, Cornwall. Expected to open in 2026, Ehrmann pudding products distributed in the UK will be produced at the facility; expected to account for 15% of Ehrmann’s global sales each year. With a guiding principle of ‘from the family, for the family’, the Cornish dairy plant will start producing the full range of Ehrmann dessert products, such as High Protein and Grand Dessert. Ehrmann dairy products are sold in over 75 countries around the world, from 7 international production sites and 9 international sales offices; generating over 1.1 billion euros each year. In addition to its long term commitment to grow sales of Trewithen’s portfolio of branded and own- label Cornish dairy products, Ehrmann will also make a significant £20 million investment in the dairy’s processing capacity and capabilities. Silvery Tweed Cereals invests further in Berwick-upon-Tweed factory Cereal innovator Silvery Tweed Cereals has invested further in its Berwick-upon-Tweed factory. The addition of a new sieve at the start of the company’s allergen-free seed-cleaning line will improve the overall efficacy and efficiency of the entire line as well as enhancing and improving the high standards of seed cleaning. Silvery Tweed Cereals Managing Director, Robert Gladstone, said: “We identified this investment opportunity through our ongoing analysis of contaminants as we endeavour to supply best-in-class products to customers. Our standards are already high, but we are always seeking to raise the bar through innovation and investment. “As our procurement base evolves, the new sieve means that we can handle seeds and grains from wider sources and different origins while continuing to offer our customers the high standard of product they expect from us.” This latest addition follows a £600k investment in 2022 which saw Silvery Tweed install a new line to create a dedicated allergen-free seed cleaning plant. 12 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Plant-based firm expands HQ to keep up with demand A plant-based firm’s factory has expanded only months after opening, amid “sensational” demand from consumers. Myco has added another 3,000 sq ft to its production site in North Yorkshire, which will allow for a 600 per cent increase in production of the firm’s Hooba range of burgers and sausages. The extension means Myco can vertically farm far more oyster mushrooms, which are converted into Hooba under that same roof. Having recently brought the range to market, the company said it has proven so popular it had to expand to meet growing demand. “Sales of our Hooba range have exceeded even our highest hopes, and the feedback we’ve had from customers has been superb,” said Myco CEO, David Wood. “We had always planned on scaling up production over the next few years, but to be able to expand as quickly as this is incredibly exciting – and it is a testament to the quality of our product.” © stock.adobe.com/djoronimo Tyson Foods to sell Georgia poultry complex Tyson Foods has entered into an agreement to sell its Vienna, Georgia poultry complex to House of Raeford Farms. Tyson Foods said the decision to sell the complex is part of its “continued efforts to optimize its plant network.” It added that the company will continue to service customer orders from other production locations. House of Raeford Farms intends to continue poultry processing at the complex, utilizing the existing workforce and grower network. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including approval by U.S. regulators. Anheuser-Busch to invest $7m in facility upgrades at Fairfield, California brewery Anheuser-Busch is to invest $7 million in its Fairfield brewery for capital infrastructure projects that support ongoing improvements at the facility, including updates to the brewery’s roofing, equipment overhauls, new lighting, and other structural repairs. “These investments in our Fairfield brewery strengthen capabilities across our entire business to ensure our northern California facility continues to brew the great-tasting, high-quality products that have satisfied drinkers for generations,” said Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. The Fairfield brewery brews over 20 of Anheuser- Busch’s brands and has a 99 percent recycling rate. This $7 million investment will go toward facility structural repairs and updates to ensure the brewery continues to brew, package, and distribute Anheuser-Busch beer in the highest quality and most efficient way possible. Over the past 5 years, Anheuser-Busch has invested nearly $2 billion in its facilities across the country. Across the United States, Anheuser-Busch operates more than 120 facilities, including flagship and regional craft breweries and agricultural facilities across 24 states. © stock.adobe.com/pantovich The new sieveGolden Acre extends Suhana range with new ‘on trend’ Indo-Chinese products World foods category expert Golden Acre Foods is introducing a raft of new additions to the Suhana range, including a selection of Indo- Chinese spice mixes, seasonings, sauces and meal pots, which tap into this emerging UK food trend. More than fifteen new skus, including new Indo-Chinese lines, Indian spice mixes and meal pots for on the go, will launch in up to 700 Tesco stores nationwide (RRPs from £0.40 to £1.80). Indo-Chinese combines the favourite elements of Chinese cuisine, such as stir fry and soy sauce, alongside the spicy punch of Indian cuisine. Recently, this sharp, spicy fusion of flavours has been steadily growing in popularity in the UK, with increasing numbers of restaurants serving its medley of spicy and sweet flavours. UK supermarkets like Tesco are also tapping into this consumer food trend by introducing a new Indo-Chinese sub-category in the world food aisle, paving the way for Suhana to extend its authentic product ranges onto supermarket shelves. on the shelf Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net Degen Distillery, backed by BrewDog and Google, shakes up the spirits industry Degen Distillery has announced the launch of its debut product, 721 Vodka, set to be available online, and through Amazon and targeted wholesalers. Degen Distillery is on a mission to build the world’s first lifestyle spirits brand powered by next-gen technology. Founded by a team of seasoned product innovators, entrepreneurs and tech experts, Degen Distillery is co- creating its brand alongside a vibrant community of creators and disruptors, known as the ‘Degeneration’. Backed by industry giants BrewDog and Google, as well as its community reaching over 1.7m, Degen Distillery sets itself apart from its competitors as an innovative Web3 company leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionise the spirits market. 721 is a Super Premium Vodka and is the first product from Degen Distillery. Crafted with precision, 721 is filtered once only to retain its character and offers a smooth and warm palate with a hint of spice and a long sweet finish. 721 takes its name from ERC-721, this innovative naming pays homage to the groundbreaking moment when digital collectables became a reality. LOVE CORN launches NEW Multipacks in collaboration with Illumination’s Minions LOVE CORN has launched NEW Multipacks & Sharing Packs in collaboration with Illumination’s Minions. These Delicious Crunchy Corn snacks are a family hit that kids (and parents) love. LOVE CORN’s Delicious Crunchy Corn snacks are made with simple ingredients, bold flavours, and a perfect crunch. A fan favourite amongst busy adults, always-hungry teens and picky little eaters. They make lunchtimes more exciting, road trips go quicker, the party more fun and life a little bit better, one kernel at a time. Missy McCloskey, Co-Founder, said: “As a Mum, it’s tough to find snacks that my picky eaters will love and that I feel good about giving them. That’s why I’m excited to announce our new Multipacks with mini bags that are perfect for lunchboxes, on-the-go snacking, after sports, and those ‘can I have a snack?’ moments. “Also, our best-selling Sharing Packs are a pantry must-have, perfect for family movie nights, adding crunch to salads, and satisfying cravings anytime! And now to make you smile even more, we’re thrilled to collaborate with Illumination’s Minions! These mischievous characters add the fun back into snacking!” REAL launches ready-to-drink Peony Blush Cans =REAL has announced the launch of Peony Blush Cans, the ready-to-drink non-alc rosé for a limitless summer! Winning Gold and Non- Alcoholic Of The Year at the 2024 London Wine Competition, REAL Peony Blush brings its award- winning flavours to on-the-go cans. REAL Peony Blush Cans are a convenient and refreshing non-alcoholic Sparkling Rosé that offer the perfect way to kick-start summer experiences, from wild swimming and festivals to back garden BBQs with friends. Fresh and light-bodied, expect summer fruits with a touch of nougat and a soft vanilla-oak finish. Peony Blush will take you from dawn to dusk, and into tomorrow. Founder of REAL, David Begg says: “When you’re out and about, experiencing everything life has to offer, what better way to maximise it than with a REAL drink? Peony Blush cans not only bring incredible flavour to on-the-go occasions, they bring the chance to get the most out of every moment, with a clear head.” Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg launch ready to drink Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop across the UK Global icons, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, have released Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop in the UK, the first ready to drink product from their new premium spirits company. Three decades after “Gin & Juice” left an indelible mark on popular culture and cemented Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg as groundbreaking hip- hop superstars, the legendary duo are now as celebrated for their groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures as for their game-changing music. With their acclaimed signature crafted canned beverage Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop, they’re taking over some new territory - the spirits industry. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s classic debut album, Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre, the canned beverage takes its concept from Snoop’s timeless, Grammy- nominated 1994 classic song “Gin & Juice,” and comes in four all-natural flavours: Citrus, Melon, Passionfruit, and Apricot. 14 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT The Korean Wave has seen South Korea’s cuisine gain an international following, reflected in a surge in food and drink exports. A s Hallyu, or the ‘Korean Wave’, continues to exert a strong influence worldwide, whether it is K-pop artists headlining major music festivals, K-beauty being reviewed all over social media, or K-dramas taking over streaming services, the increasing appeal of South Korea’s cultural exports has also become a boon to its food industry. Assisted by government commitments and supported with smart cross promotion of the country’s food and beverage businesses and products in South Korean media, particularly TV shows, a positive image and improved awareness is being fostered in such a way that the demand for South Korean food is flourishing. What has followed is an expansion in South Korean food exports, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs The Korean Wave continues to swell Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT (MAFRA) announcing that the cumulative value of exports of ‘K-Food Plus’ products for the first half of 2024 reached $6.21 billion, up 5.2% from last year. Within this, exports of agri-food products rose to $4.77 billion, up by 6.5%. With the biggest end markets being the U.S., China and Japan, wider influences have also been seen on these markets, as robust U.S. consumer spending supported by a stabilising labour market and a declining trend of inflation pushed strong growth in the U.S, and exports to China grew as confidence among consumers returned slowly while Korean companies opened stores on Chinese e- commerce platforms and made efforts to promote their products to Chinese consumers, with a focus on marketing through influencers. Meanwhile, despite taking the third spot in terms of export market size, exports to Japan decreased by 7%, attributed to a continued depreciation of the Japanese yen, high inflation, and the resulting erosion of real wages. Exports to further markets, however, including Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania, increased. Exports were driven by a leap in demand © stock.adobe.com/Atakorn 16 ÁIMPORT AND EXPORT 16 Food & Drink International for processed foods, with the largest export items for the first six months of 2024 including instant noodles (ramyeon), processed rice-based food, biscuits and confectionery, non-alcoholic beverages, and kimchi. Instant noodles were the star, with $590.2 million worth shipped overseas — a 32.3% jump from a year earlier. This was influenced by the viral social media challenge of eating spicy Korean noodles, as well as Korean companies’ timely launch of new noodle products tailored to the tastes of global consumers. Other export items saw notable gains too, as shipments of ginseng products started growing, recording $152.8 million over the past six months, up by 1.2% from a year earlier. The product faces fierce competition in the markets for health and functional food, but ongoing efforts to raise consumer awareness of Korean ginseng with tasting events and the opening of more Korean ginseng specialty stores in China and the U.S., has paid off. Simultaneously, rice- based food products showed especially high export growth. Indeed $136.9 million worth of Korean rice-based food products — precooked frozen kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls), tteokbokki, rice-based beverages, makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and more — were shipped overseas from January to June this year, up by 41.4% from last year. This surge is helped by enhanced popularity of gluten-free Korean precooked rice products as convenient, healthy-eating options, as well as an expansion in Korean rice-based food products being displayed on shelves in large retail stores in the U.S. Moreover, globally renowned kimchi reached $83.8 million in exports in the first half of 2024, up by 4% from a year earlier, as exports of kimchi to the U.S. hit an all- time high, thanks to growing consumer interest in fermented and vegan foods, and exports of kimchi to Europe rose by more than 40%, assisted by promotional campaigns run in connection with Korean culture events. Concurrently, some Korean products are making their first voyages to new destinations. The first export of ‘samgyetang’ (ginseng chicken soup) to the European Union took place earlier this year, headed for Germany. In the future, the export of chicken food products is expected to increase twofold, while diverse Korean foods, like frozen fried-chicken, dumplings, and Korean-style fried rice, using chicken as ingredients, are under preparation to enter the EU market. It comes as the export value of chicken food products stood at $19.67 million as of 2023, in export markets including the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, and as MAFRA plans to create opportunities for a wider number of global consumers to experience Korea’s heat- treated chicken products by holding events such as K-food fairs and food tastings. Minister Song Miryung of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said: “The export of samgyetang to the European Union is a remarkable achievement earned through IMPORT AND EXPORT Food & Drink International 17 close cooperation and communication between the public and private sectors, including stockbreeding farmers and the food industry. This made an important contribution to breaking the barriers of the strict import regulations.” Amongst export successes, the country also continues to meet with ministers across the world to establish stronger cooperation, with July for instance seeing Minister Song Miryung meet with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Le Minh Hoan, in Seoul. At the meeting, Minister Song asked for Vietnam’s cooperation through which greater exports of Korean agri-food products and agricultural equipment can enter the Vietnamese market and Korean companies related with agricultural development can expand their business in Vietnam. An important trading partner of South Korea in agriculture, Vietnam is the fourth biggest importer of South Korean agri-food products. Meanwhile, within South Korea, support systems are being put in place to enhance agri-food exports, with one MAFRA initiative set to promote shared growth and collaboration between large enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative has been launched to nurture small and medium-sized enterprises with a significant export potential by allowing them to utilise global networks and distribution channels of large enterprises to support marketing activities abroad. With the Hallyu hype certainly not dying down anytime soon, the country is aiming for K-Food Plus exports of $13.5 billion this year and $23 billion by 2027, with the vision of making K-Food Plus one of Korea’s top 10 strategic export industries. Minister Song Miryung said: “We will make all our policy efforts and strengthen private-public and inter-ministerial cooperation to ensure that this year’s export target of K-Food Plus can be reached and K-Food Plus can grow into a flagship export industry over the medium- and long-term, on the wings of the K-Food boom and the recovery in global trade volumes.” © stock.adobe.com/jinho Park © stock.adobe.com/ttlsc18 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PROCESSING SPOTLIGHT D eclining labour availability is a large issue for manufacturers, which automation can help to alleviate. Using robots can streamline process, reducing the need for labour. Furthermore, the drive for sustainability is increasing across the sector. Automated monitoring processes give oversight into equipment efficiency, so outdated equipment can be replaced to use less heat. Packaging is the most common area of manufacturing in which to find automation. A consistent and sterile environment needs to be maintained to preserve the safety of consumable products. Packaging machinery is easy to clean and lessens the chance of product contamination from unscrupulous handler hygiene practices. Furthermore, there is less down time from cleaning machinery, than from continual hand washing. Automating solutions are varied, with the most common in packaging being can sealing, pouch making, and pick up and drop off robots. Raw food items need to be handled carefully, as they are more prone to spoiling and contamination. Automatic raw food packing is available, which use paper or polythene as primary packaging (the materials that come in direct contact with the product). This does not react with the raw items, is cost-effective, and relatively easy to implement as raw foods tend to be processed separately, so installation can be achieved without affecting all products. These processes also reduce employee injury. For example, meat products need to be cut with sharp knives. Using cutting and packaging machines reduces the likelihood of injury due to sharp objects. They also provide a cleaner Tel: +44 (0)1707 331111 info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk www.welwyntoolgroup.co.uk Hot Air delivered direct to the point of application HOTWINDMISTRALVULCAN Market conditions, expensive labour and the advent of AI are making factory automation more and more enticing. Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net PROCESSING SPOTLIGHT cut, thus giving a clean and appealing look to the meat product. Having your items automatically packaged means that product output will be consistent. This means that no human error is involved, which could cause some packaging to be less secure than others. This increases the risk of the product inside spoiling or being damaged in the transportation and shelving process. Not only does this impact consumer enjoyment of the product, but companies can also literally lose millions in product wastage. Ultimately, this could have a significant impact on your brand image, becoming known for inconsistent product decreases consumer trust in its quality and safety. Similarly, having eye-catching, high-quality packaging, deployed consistently across all products draws customers to your range. It promotes Our extensive product range includes: Innovative, system-compatible air heaters Powerful, robust blowers Compact, flexible hot-air blowers Comprehensive range of accessories 3 Heat output & air volume steplessly adjustable with potentiometers 3 Integrated temperature controls 3 Integrated temperature probes 3 Protection against heating elements or devices overheating 3 Brushless power motors 3 Integrated power electronics 20 Á © stock.adobe.com/DedMityayNext >