< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FRUIT AND VEGETABLES contentiousness of such products makes them difficult to market. Yet everyone is aware of the essentialness of greens within a healthy diet. Research shows that sprinkling sweetness (such as sugar) into these ingredients can make them palatable (this sugar can be removed over time, once the person has become used to the taste). With the public desire for healthy foods, making these vegetables into concentrates allows the consumer to add healthy variety into their meal without compromising on taste. Like most other industries, the fruit and vegetables market are becoming increasingly centred around technological advancements. The lockdowns due to Covid-19 increased demand for canned goods, due to the resulting dwindling supplies of fresh produce. Some methods of food processing can preserve and even enhance nutritional content, such as freezing. Furthermore, factory processing means that harmful contaminants can be eliminated or prevented. This has proven popular, as many are concerned about other consumers having handled package-free produce such as raw fruits and vegetables. However, studies show that many consumers believe canned vegetables to be processed, leading to the need for innovative marketing. In the face of the cost-of-living crisis and limited supply, canned beans and legumes are being marketed as a great meat substitution for protein. This is an area with the potential for significant growth for the industry, if greater marketing campaigns were employed. With the aforementioned public turn to vegetarianism and veganism, this is another market for canned legumes as meat substitutes. However, this is putting greater pressure on the industry to address sustainability and ethical sourcing concerns to an ethically conscious consumer base. A trend has already emerged in Asia Pacific to classify fruit and vegetables as toxic-free (they have been grown without pesticides, and use plastic free packaging), using environmentally friendly packaging (such as biodegradable materials) and using the term “all natural”. Considering the stringent criteria that food manufacturers and producers must already adhere to in the UK, the standards to utilise such verbiage would likely already be met. This still may not be enough for some consumers. The big players within the industry are switching to energy-efficient food processing equipment, given that food production makes a large portion of worldwide industrial energy usage. This can be done by boosting equipment safety (thus not running defective machines, which are energy-zapping) and investing in energy- efficient equipment. Efficient equipment could include multi-functional processing equipment, which allows different products to be handled simultaneously. Whilst demand for fruit and vegetables remains as high as ever, it appears as though there is high demand for alternative offerings rather than in their raw form. This is linked to the desire for convenience and quickness, without having to compromise the healthiness of a meal. Furthermore, utilising sauces, jams, and drinks allow those who do not like certain foods to maintain their intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, the market is diversifying as well as growing, which is good news for those in the industry. The appetite for a wider range of vegetable- based products should more than justify the research and development outlay required for sustainability and sanitisation development. www.halalfoodauthority.com - info@halalfoodauthority.com - 0044 (0) 20 8446 7127 Meat, Food Processing, cosmetics, logistics, chemicals, additives & aromas, cleaning substances, packaging, pharmaceutical, ingredients GETHALALCERTIFIED GOBEYONDBORDERS © stock.adobe.com/Alexander RathsFood & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net LOGISTICS F ood logistics has become more complex of late due to a number of geopolitical – and also environmental – events that have rocked society. Conflict between Russia and Ukraine coincides with Middle East conflict surrounding Israel, while attacks on western trade vessels in the Red Sea increased shipment costs in that region as well. We’re also not so far that the effects of the blocking of the Suez Canal cannot be remembered, and a ship crashing into the Baltimore Bridge also made headlines. In prior years, the food industry and consumers enjoyed a relatively stable landscape and confidence that products would be waiting on shelves. Though undeniably complex, and while facing some blips, global supply chains kept in steady motion, formed on predictable demand and sourcing. This is not the case now. The world has become increasingly more complicated, and it’s up to food producers to adapt. During the end of 2023 and continuing into 2024, one of the largest challenges to the global freight industry is the persistent onslaught of Houthi attacks targeting vessels navigating the Red Sea. What began as affairs Complicated Global trade used to be easy, but a raft of issues and conflicts around the world are making it a minefield that food and drink manufacturers are struggling to cope with. 42 Á © stock.adobe.com/ID_Anuphon42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net LOGISTICS targeted strikes on Israeli-owned ships in mid-November swiftly escalated into a broader threat, encompassing politically neutral vessels, and thereby creating uncertainty over maritime operations worldwide. Despite the formation of an international coalition spearheaded by the US in late December, aimed at safeguarding trade vessels, the attacks persist. In a bid to shield their assets, major carriers initiated the rerouting of containers away from the Red Sea, necessitating detours. Consequently, extended transit times and delayed deliveries became the new norm. The ramifications of these diversions were far-reaching, affecting carriers representing a substantial 60% of the industry’s total capacity, diverting millions of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) away from the customary path through the Suez Canal. Notably, diverted routes now entail an additional transit time of 7-14 days, with the looming spectre of congestion adding to the industry’s woes. These prolonged distribution times have also affected the availability of transporters in the market, particularly affecting Asian ports of origin, with shipments having escalated during the beginning of February to support the Lunar New Year festivities. This has resulted in delayed returns of empty containers to the originating ports, leading to reports of certain container types becoming scarce, not just along Red Sea routes but across various Asian lanes. Some carriers have responded by bolstering their fleet with extra loaders or activating dormant vessels. With an unreliable supply, there could be long term impacts on bottom lines and reputations, so future-proofing logistics and supply chains may be the only way to remain competitive in this environment. Using modern software across farmers, manufacturers, logistics and delivery partners allow enhanced tracking and tracing of ingredients at any moment, across a network, and enables detailed documentation of ingredients and processes to be delivered. Tools being utilised include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud, and automation, and real time data is facilitating the close monitoring of the movement of goods. Paired with predictive analytics, end to end visibility is enabled, and companies can forecast delays and disruptions. This additionally helps in adjusting to changes in the market and demand fluctuations. In the pursuit of future-proofing logistics operations, hyperautomation emerges as a soon-to-be indispensable tool. From vendor selection to fulfilment, logistics teams are embracing hyperautomation across the entire supply chain by seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into their processes. Hyperautomation is a comprehensive approach to automating processes, which should incorporate solutions like advanced analytics, low-code/no-code software, virtual Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net LOGISTICS © stock.adobe.com/Travel mania assistants, and optical character recognition to be its’ most effective. This empowers businesses to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. One example of the revolutionary capabilities of hyperautomation is the adoption of pilotless drones within warehouses. Equipped with GPS trackers, the drones autonomously navigate through aisles, revolutionizing inventory management by automating counts and identifying damages or errors in goods. Moreover, the rise of driverless vehicles signals a transformative shift in the industry, addressing the persistent shortage of truck drivers worldwide and paving the way for enhanced logistics capabilities. Advances in digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are offering further methods of making logistics more efficient and sustainable. They allow mistakes to be eliminated and complete visibility of a journey to be provided. Routes and transit methods can be assessed to improve efficiency and carbon emissions, while the Internet of Things (IoT) and its sensors can be used to monitor and collect data on speed, tyre pressure, driver behaviour, et al., which all impact fuel consumption and emissions. All this tech together creates chances for enhanced planning and control, opens up optimisation potential, and is key to setting emission targets by allowing accurate current emissions to be calculated. Real time transport visibility platforms are already becoming standard in the industry and many of these can also be utilised to collect data for sustainability calculations. Opportunities from digitalisation apply throughout a journey, including truck dispatch at a facility - with digitalised processes and intelligent time slot management, truck congestion and waiting times can be reduced and significant CO2 savings made as a result. D Davies TurnerREGISTER NOW Discover the unmissable ingredients event 19-21 November 2024, Messe Frankfurt, Germany Fi Europe brings the world’s tastemakers together. Meet your next business partner,connect with industry leaders or witness the future of food. Registration is now open, so scan the QR code to join us.Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net FI EUROPE M ore than 1,500 exhibitors and a programme of expert presentations will showcase innovation, share insights and foster business relationships. Over 25,000 visitors from 135 countries are expected to attend and exhibitors will include ABF Ingredients Group, Azelis, Brenntag Holding GmbH, Cargill, Fonterra and Prinova. The main show arena will feature exhibitors from across the full F&B ingredients spectrum including, for the first time ever, a Petfood Suppliers Hub where visitors can explore the latest ingredients and technologies for pet nutrition. The health ingredients area is dedicated to functional F&B ingredients with proven health benefits. And the expanded Food Manufacturing Technologies & Solutions Area is a one-stop destination for those seeking practical and innovative ways to optimise their supply chain and future-proof their operations, from R&D to delivery. Fi Europe has a strong track record of facilitating business partnerships that deliver successful products. As well as comprehensive exhibition halls offering an opportunity to meet with the best in the business, Exhibitor Showcases will allow innovators to share their unique ideas. All visitor passes also include free access to the Innovation Hub, which will run throughout the show, with a bustling programme of presentations and discussions covering a range of opportunities. Free access to the two- day Fi Europe Conference (19-20 November) is included with all visitor passes too. During a rich variety of expert-led sessions, speakers will focus on solutions for current industry challenges and immediate opportunities for R&D and product development. Yannick Verry, Brand Director, Food ingredients Europe & Americas, says: “We’re excited to be back in Frankfurt for Fi Europe 2024. The event has been growing and evolving with the needs of the F&B ingredients industry and we’re constantly looking for new ways to offer a bigger and better platform for our exhibitors and visitors to connect. This year we have some great additions alongside our tried and trusted favourites that make the event even more unmissable than before.” Exclusive insights will once again be shared at The Future of Nutrition Summit. This special event takes place at the Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City on 18 November, the day before Fi Europe opens its doors. Attendees can access the summit with a delegate pass and will hear from industry leaders and visionaries who will give presentations and lead discussions on future trends and developments in health and nutrition. Topics will include Food As Medicine, AI and Food and Sustainable Solutions. In fact, sustainability will be a key thread running throughout Fi Europe 2024. “Our partnership with international civil society organisation Solidaridad is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability,” says Yannick Verry. “Throughout our Fi Europe features and content, we will highlight sustainable sourcing, transparency, regulatory compliance and more.” With data-driven matchmaking and The Women’s Networking Breakfast also back this year, Fi Europe offers unrivalled networking opportunities. To help attendees plan their days, book meetings and optimise their time, the user-friendly Fi Europe event platform is available online now. “Visitors and exhibitors can log into the event platform at any time,” says Yannick Verry. “They can browse products and suppliers and use our AI-driven matchmaking tool to connect with potential business partners. We’ve designed it to make planning easier for everyone before the event and we can’t wait for our F&B community to experience Fi Europe in person.” Fi Europe gears up for its best edition yet Fi Europe is gearing up for its biggest and best year ever. From 19-21 November 2024, Messe Frankfurt will host the leading global event for food and beverage ingredients. © Informahospitality business, you can trust that this event is the full package! Fi North America 30 - 31 October Las Vegas, USA Food ingredients North America, co- located with SupplySide West, is the largest ingredients event in the USA. Focused on food, beverage, and supplement innovation, it brings together more than 20,000 professionals from the health and nutrition industry. Meet your next business partner & discover the future of food at North America’s most comprehensive F&B event. Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo 2024 13 - 14 November Cologne, Germany Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo has rapidly become the must- Cold Chain Hub 9 - 10 October Birmingham, UK The ‘Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D’ is an established event for the temperature- controlled storage and distribution industry and is entirely focused on the movement of frozen and chilled foods, and also pharmaceuticals. Unlike any other event, the Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D is designed with innovation and technology at its core and will be promoting sustainability solutions for the cold chain sector. Responsible Packaging Expo 15 - 16 October London, UK Returning to the ExCeL London on 15 & 16 October, Responsible Packaging Expo is the UK’s leading event bringing sustainable packaging to the forefront of the industry. If you’re looking for the newest responsible solutions for your 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/bit24 SIAL 19 - 23 October Paris, France SIAL is renowned as one of the greatest exhibitions in the realm of food innovation, set to take place from October 19 to 23, 2024, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. This event serves as a gathering point for the most prominent community of food experts, representing over 100 countries worldwide. It provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to engage in discussions on innovation and networking with key stakeholders. This year’s theme, “Own Your Change,” embodies a commitment to progress within the industry and emphasises the importance of embracing change to thrive in the future. attend international conference and exhibition for any company looking for new technologies, materials, and solutions to help realise their plastic waste targets and source the latest innovations driving the new circular economy. © stock.adobe.com/ake1150Plant Based World Expo Europe 13 - 14 November London, UK Plant Based World Expo is the biggest 100% plant-based trade event in Europe, designed exclusively for food service professionals, retailers, distributors, buyer, wholesalers and investors. Plant Based World connects and empowers businesses within the global supply chain to successfully develop, source and distribute plant-based products. Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/kieferpix 21st Global Water Drinks Congress 28 - 30 October Frankfurt, Germany The highest level and most influential event for the global water drinks industry. Designed for industry leaders, suppliers, customers and advisers, this 21st annual Congress will provide a complete overview of the latest market trends, innovations and issues alongside networking opportunities with key industry figures. Insights will be shared by leading international and regional businesses on the latest market and strategic developments, as well as by innovators and entrepreneurs bringing new ideas and taking up new challenges. Labelexpo India 14 - 17 November Greater Noida, India Labelexpo India returns on 14-17 November 2024, bringing the industry together for four days of live demonstrations. Discover state-of-the-art presses, intelligent labels, finishing units, inks, dyes and substrates from the leading manufacturers. With 250 leading suppliers exhibiting, this is your opportunity to meet the companies who are driving the industry forward. View tomorrow’s technology today, only at the largest label and package printing event in South Asia. Fi Europe 19 - 21 November Frankfurt, Germany Fi Europe brings the world’s tastemakers together. Meet your next business partner, connect with industry leaders or witness the future of food on Innovation Tours. Get involved online and in person. FEATURES Packaging Spotlight Depositors & Filling Facilities Management Cold Storage Foodservice Soups & Sauces Import and Export Next month in November 2024 - Deadline 9th October INTERNATIONAL Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues?Classified You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Angela Cooper on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 49 www.fdiforum.net Depositors Manufacturers of depositors & filling machines for the food production industry Labels • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels INDEX Online Directory Depositors Labels To Let www. fdiforum .net • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory To advertise your services on the Next >