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FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 1 JANUARY 2024 • ISSUE 2 Automating success with intelligent sorting and weighing Sorting and Weighing Maximising agility & efficiency with advanced technologies End Of Line Packaging Driving gains across operations Automation and Control BUSINESSContents February 2024 FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 2FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 3 4 News 10 Automation and Process Control 14 End-of-Line Packaging 16 Engineering 20 Sorting and Weighing 24 Events CLICK HERE Where you see this sign. If you click you will be taken to the website where the full article will appear in an easier to read formatKerry Group to Acquire €150 Million Business Kerry Group plc, the global taste & nutrition company, has finalized an agreement to acquire part of the global lactase enzyme business of Chr. Hansen Holding A/S and Novozymes A/S on a carve out basis, pending approval from the European Commission as a buyer. This acquisition is a crucial step in the Novozymes and Chr. Hansen merger approval process. The Lactase Enzymes Business, which includes NOLA® Products, adds to Kerry’s biotechnology solutions capability following the recent acquisitions of c-LEcta and Enmex. This strategic move will enhance Kerry’s enzyme technology, aiding in the creation of lactose-free and sugar reduced dairy products while preserving their authentic clean taste. PepsiCo is making a major investment in the Asian market with plans to construct a new $90 million snack production facility in Vietnam. The 80,000 square meter factory located in the Dong Van I Expanded Industrial Park will supply over 23,000 tonnes of PepsiCo snack brands annually to Vietnam and Cambodia. This strategic expansion of production capacity highlights PepsiCo’s focus on growing its presence in the region. Construction on the facility is slated to begin in early 2024, with completion expected by mid-2025. Despite economic challenges post-COVID, PepsiCo Vietnam GM Nguyen Viet Ha stated the company has made remarkable progress, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to the market. Beyond the facility investment, PepsiCo plans to source more ingredients from local provinces, expanding its contracting system for potatoes with regenerative and digital technologies. This exemplifies their commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, the launch of PepsiCo’s Greenhouse accelerator program in Asia-Pacific aims to support sustainability and circular economy entrepreneurs, demonstrating dedication to innovation. PepsiCo announces plans to construct new snacks factory in Vietnam SIG recently opened its new €10 million Packaging Development Center Europe in Linnich, Germany, set to accelerate sustainable packaging innovations for customers. The state-of-the-art facility features advanced technology for extrusion, finishing, quality measurement, and testing to significantly increase processability, validation, and capacity for future digital technologies. As demand for sustainable packaging grows, the center will expedite development of new packaging formats and materials, solidifying SIG’s leadership in the space. Remarkably built to effective energy standards, it will strengthen customer partnerships and provide best-in-class service through pioneering developments that pave the way for SIG’s future growth. SIG celebrates milestone with opening of cutting-edge €10m Packaging Development Center FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 4 NEWS CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HERECo-founder steps down, Timo Recker takes over as head of Tindle Foods Timo Recker has returned as CEO of Singapore’s Tindle Foods after co-founder Andre Menezes stepped down but remained a shareholder. Formerly Next Gen Foods, Tindle has grown significantly, recently securing a stake from German media group ProSiebenSat.1. Since its founding three years ago, Tindle has raised $120m and operates in ten countries, identifying Germany, the US and UK as key overseas markets. Before co-founding Tindle, Recker led plant-based meat company LikeMeat. In a statement, he expressed enthusiasm about strengthening Tindle’s global distribution as CEO and reducing reliance on animal-based food systems. In March, Tindle expanded its portfolio by acquiring UK alt-dairy startup Mwah!. By doubling down as CEO, Recker aims to reinforce Tindle’s distribution and deliver innovative products globally, underscoring broader efforts to stay competitive. Relocating to Germany also positions Tindle strategically to access the European market. Overall, Tindle is poised for continued growth under Recker’s leadership. GEA’s Marination System Enhances Ham Sliceability GEA’s new MultiCarve system optimizes brine distribution and improves sliceability and yield for ham products. By tenderizing meat between injection and tumbling, the MultiCarve reproduces succulent pork and poultry with consistent quality characteristics. MultiCarve uses bladed rollers to improve protein extraction, expose more surface area, and release tension. This delivers a more succulent texture and well-bonded final product. By reducing variability in fat, grain, and tenderness, MultiCarve enables smoother ham formation, faster curing, and better slicing with less waste. A new white paper from the Institute of Food Technologists highlights the crucial role of food processing technology in ensuring food security. Processing enhances nutrient bioavailability, improves safety, and makes food more affordable and available. The paper dispels the myth linking processed foods to poor health, explaining that formulation and processing are distinct. Processing can enhance nutritional availability and improve bioavailability. It is also critical for keeping food safe. Food processing has long been integral to food security, and new technologies continue advancing to preserve and enhance nutritional quality and safety while minimizing environmental impact. Innovations like Microwave Assisted Thermal Sterilization are more energy-efficient preservation methods. However, adopting new technologies faces challenges like significant research investment and regulatory acceptance. Despite obstacles, processing technology can help mitigate hunger in developing countries and promote food security and sustainability. Overall, processing is essential to the food and beverage industry, and emerging technologies will shape the future of food manufacturing, distribution, and consumption. Sustained investment in new processes is vital for feeding the growing population in a sustainable way. The Institute of Food Technologists states that food processing can enhance food security FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 5 NEWS CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HEREFOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 6 Applewood Vegan launches new Mini sticks for Veganuary in convenient stick format Applewood Vegan is relaunching its first snacking cheese with new Applewood Vegan Bites for Veganuary 2024. The stick shape makes the award-winning brand’s cheese more convenient for on- the-go lifestyles. Applewood is also transitioning to fully recyclable packaging for its Vegan Minis by 2024, underscoring its sustainability commitment. Senior brand manager Ffion Davies expressed excitement about the new format’s potential to meet consumer demands for portable, healthy snacking options. As part of the Norseland portfolio, the coconut-based Bites contain B12, calcium and no dairy, soya, gluten or palm oil. FourKites has introduced automated appointment management capabilities to streamline scheduling, improve on-time performance, and reduce dwell times. Leveraging AI-powered ETAs, the solution automatically reschedules early or late appointments, eliminating manual monitoring and freeing workers for other tasks. Carriers benefit from synchronized calendars and enhanced collaboration with drivers via unique appointment URLs. Deeper TMS integration also enables self-service for carriers, with detailed metrics reporting from shippers driving continuous improvement. Overall, by reducing administrative work and facilitating coordination and communication between shippers, carriers, and drivers, FourKites’ enhanced appointment management solution optimizes operations, saves time, and strengthens relationships. AI-enabled Appointment Manager solution from FourKites The recent launch dinner of The Every Co.’s revolutionary animal-free Every Egg at Eleven Madison Park marked a major milestone. The precision fermentation-derived egg, in development for 9 years with over $233m funding, aims to decouple proteins from animals via a scalable yeast platform. Co-founded in 2015 by Arturo Elizondo and Dave Anchel, The Every Co. collaborated with Chef Daniel Humm to showcase Every Egg in various dishes. Tasting and performing like a traditional egg but with less cholesterol and no saturated fat, Every Egg contains 8g protein per serving. As the company scales up production, this game-changing ingredient has potential to transform the food system by enabling nutritious, low-impact eggs without animals. Egg production without hens made possible by precision fermentation NEWS CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HEREFOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 7 Switzerland’s Aryzta has started construction on a new €40m ($43.7m) bakery in Perth, Western Australia, its first major investment in the state in 20 years. With an estimated two-year construction timeline, the facility will produce muffins, burger buns, and breads for quick-service restaurants, foodservice, and retail, catering to local customers instead of relying on long-distance transportation from eastern Australia. According to interim CEO Urs Jordi, Australia is an attractive bakery market and the Perth expansion will allow production of both fresh and frozen goods. The plant aligns with Aryzta’s mid-term plan and will enhance ESG credentials by eliminating an estimated 1.7 million miles of transport. The investment comes as Aryzta announced strong fiscal 2023 growth, with total revenue up 20.9% to €2.1bn and EBITDA increasing 57.8% to €271.3m. Despite inflation and supply chain challenges, profit doubling to €112m reflects the company’s focus on innovation and volume growth. By capitalizing on consumer trends in Western Australia, Aryzta underscores its commitment to meeting local requirements. With an emphasis on delivering quality fresh and frozen products, the new facility demonstrates a strategic move to stay ahead in the region’s burgeoning food and beverage industry. The upcoming bakery highlights Aryzta’s dedication to strategic growth, innovation, and service. Aryzta makes new investment in bakery facility in Australia NEWS CLICK HEREFOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 8 Smurfit Kappa recently launched SupplySmart, a digital solution to optimize packaging and supply chain efficiency while cutting emissions. By analyzing over 100,000 supply chains, SupplySmart identifies improvements across the chain. A key feature is its digital twin capability, allowing companies to simulate updated packaging virtually to mitigate risks pre- implementation. This helps firms navigate disruptions and develop innovative, sustainable packaging. For example, Smurfit Kappa used SupplySmart to collaborate with Henkel on a paper-based alternative for dishwasher tablet packaging. This cut package volume 66% and transport emissions 44%, while improving handling, storage, and recyclability. Henkel affirmed SupplySmart supports key business objectives beyond redesign, driving sustainability and efficiency across the supply chain. SupplySmart’s enhanced digital capabilities address escalating supply chain risks and complexities, while enabling companies to meet sustainability goals and reduce costs, per Smurfit Kappa. Developing sustainable, efficient “food packaging” solutions to cut waste, emissions, and environmental impact is a critical application, aligning with Smurfit Kappa’s commitment to sustainable packaging. In today’s rapidly changing market, strategic supply chain management is critical for mitigating risks and costs while achieving sustainability aims. Smurfit Kappa assists companies in intelligently adjusting their packaging and decreasing emissions NEWS Tasmania’s TasFoods strengthens supply chain with acquisition of Redbank Poultry TasFoods has acquired Tasmania’s Redbank Poultry to bolster supply chain security. The A$1.3m purchase of assets and A$1.1m inventory buyout is expected to create an end-to- end poultry operation through the value chain. Wholly-owned subsidiary Nichols Hatchery executed the deal using funds from the recent sale of dairy brands. TasFoods anticipates an annual A$800,000 EBITDA contribution, fully integrating poultry supply for domestic premium chicken and enabling future growth. Employees will be retained from the long-time Nichols Poultry supplier. This strategic acquisition enhances TasFoods’ vertical integration, financial performance, and supply chain control. Overall, it strengthens TasFoods’ foundations for integrated poultry operations and continued leadership. Nestlé Expans into Plant- Based Meat Alternatives Nestlé actively explores plant-based ingredients to provide affordable, sustainable nutrition. With inadequate diets a global concern, the company sees expanding access to nutritious, sustainable food as vital. Nestlé recently launched Maggi Soya Chunks in Africa - a tasty, affordable meat alternative adding high-quality protein to everyday meals. Each pack contains enough protein for up to eight people with less saturated fat and cholesterol than animal protein, at a lower cost. R&D manager Céline Worth says plant-based ingredients help close nutrition gaps for consumers. The versatile chunks mimic meat’s taste and texture. Their shelf-stable format also boosts accessibility, including where cold supply chains are limited. CLICK HERE CLICK HERE CLICK HEREFOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 9 NEWS Epicurium obtains exclusive rights to distribute Huel Epicurium has partnered with Huel to exclusively distribute their new functional nutrition bars to retailers until January 2024. Epicurium’s Managing Director, Ben McKechnie, emphasized the significance of adding the rapidly growing Huel brand to their portfolio, stating their meal drinks have been the strongest performer this year. He expects continued success with the nutrition bars over coming months. Huel’s Out of Home Controller, Jon Morris, noted their fantastic relationship with Epicurium, especially on new business opportunities like independent and convenience distribution. Huel is excited for Epicurium to secure exclusive bar distribution through this “really fantastic” wholesale partnership. ADM to Acquire UK-based FDL ADM has agreed to acquire UK ingredients manufacturer FDL, intending to complete the deal by January 2024. FDL, projected to end 2023 with approximately $120 million in sales, operates 3 production and 2 innovation facilities in the UK employing 235 people including 40 innovation specialists. With over 10,000 proprietary flavor formulations, FDL works with food and beverage customers across channels. Since 2014, ADM has acquired multiple firms to expand its global nutrition and flavor portfolio. ADM President Calvin McEvoy said FDL’s innovation, expertise, and customer base make them a great addition to ADM’s capabilities, especially in expanding foodservice reach. FDL CEO Eric Beatty added they are excited to partner with ADM, whose global nutrition and flavor abilities will provide new growth opportunities. Together, they look forward to delivering new ingredient solutions to the food and beverage industry. CLICK HERE CLICK HERENext >