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BUSINESS The Intelligent Cut, The Competitive Edge slicing, dicing & cutting Sealing the Future, Unlocking Compliance caps & closures Supply Chains Under Pressure supply chain May 2026 • Issue 29 Beverages Beverages foodandbeverage.businessCompany Name Address Phone Website 100 Words Logo on Map Marker & Listing Page Company Name Motto / Tag Line Address Phone Whatsapp Email Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Instagram Youtube Video 10 Images 1,000 Words Logo on Map Marker & Listing Page Company Name Motto / Tag Line Address Phone Whatsapp Email Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Instagram Youtube Video 10 Images 1,000 Words On Homepage and at top of each Category listing We’re super excited to finally tell you about all these epic features we’ve worked on during the last months. We have launched a FREESTANDARD PREMIUM foodandbeverage.business/directory10 04 18 18 slicing, dicing & cutting 22 caps & closures 14 supply chain FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 3 Food & Beverage Business Magazine, 128 City Road, Lodnon, EC1v 2NX Telephone: 020 3633 8987 • Website: www.food and beverage.business Editorial: editorial-ukeurope@foodandbeverage.business • Sales: sales@foodandbeverage.business Finance & Admin: accounts@foodandbeverage.business • Design: studio@foodandbeverage.business News Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month import & export The EU’s sweeping new deforestation rules are no longer a distant policy discussion—they are an operational reality. Now in force, the EU Deforestation Regulation is pushing food and beverage manufacturers beyond compliance checklists and into a fundamental rethink of how raw materials are sourced, verified and managed. In 2026, EUDR is reshaping factory operations, procurement strategies and supply chain risk at every level. supply chain Global food and beverage supply chains are no longer defined by disruption alone, but by regulation, data and structural cost pressures. As tariffs bite, legislation tightens and AI reshapes logistics, manufacturers must move beyond reactive strategies and build digitally integrated, compliance-ready operations. slicing, dicing & cutting Slicing, dicing and cutting are no longer purely mechanical processes. As regulation tightens and margins come under pressure, modern cutting systems are evolving into intelligent, data-driven control points—helping manufacturers improve yield, ensure compliance and unlock new levels of operational efficiency. Caps & Closures As regulation tightens and materials evolve, caps and closures are shifting from simple seals to strategic assets, shaping recyclability, traceability and operational performance across the packaging value chain. beverages No- and low-alcohol beverages are no longer a passing trend but a permanent fixture in the global drinks market. For manufacturers, that shift is exposing new technical, packaging and regulatory challenges. From de-alcoholisation losses to shelf- life instability and complex labelling rules, producing alcohol-free drinks at scale is forcing a fundamental rethink of how beverages are engineered, packaged and positioned. events guide Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month 22 26 14 30 CONTENTS4 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE Amcor Enhances Hot-Fill Efficiency with Apex Jars Piovan Group has made a significant stride in its food and powders sector by inaugurating a large new manufacturing facility in Modena, Italy. This expansion greatly enhances its capabilities to deliver advanced ingredient handling and processing solutions to the international food market. The new facility spans 14,000m², nearly three times the area of the previous 5,000m² site, representing a pivotal investment in one of Piovan’s most rapidly advancing business domains. Over the last ten years, revenue in the food and powders division has soared from €2 million to €60 million, driven by an increasing need for automated, hygienic, and energy-efficient systems designed for managing powders, ingredients, and mixes in various sectors, including bakery, beverages, nutrition, and the broader food industry. This facility in Modena consolidates expanded manufacturing, engineering, design, and project management teams, employing around 100 individuals on-site, with plans for further hiring. Piovan Enhances Processing Capacity to Foster Innovation NEWS Germany’s Eat Happy Group is currently in discussions to merge with the European operations of sushi supplier Hana Group. This potential merger is backed by a strategic investment from One Rock Capital Partners, as announced in a joint statement on April 1. In regard to this development, Hana Group’s CEO, Eduardo Romero, stated: “One Rock’s experience investing in and growing businesses in the food and beverage sector, alongside Eat Happy’s platform, would strengthen our capabilities as we continue to serve our customers and partners.” Hana Group offers sushi and Asian-inspired foods across Europe, operating over 1,500 points of sale in 12 countries. Its diverse portfolio includes 20 brands such as Sushi Gourmet and Genji. Sushi Suppliers Eat Happy and Hana Explore Merger Opportunities Amcor has enhanced its Apex series of clear, lightweight PET jars by integrating Elevate technology, which optimizes hot-fill performance on production lines. These jars incorporate metal lug closures and are designed to work seamlessly with existing filling equipment. They also allow for custom designs, catering to both branded and private-label offerings. In the hot-fill sector—comprising products like pasta sauces, cooking sauces, and tomato- based items—there has been a heavy reliance on glass. This packaging type is expensive to transport, susceptible to breakage, and sensitive to temperature fluctuations. As manufacturers encounter escalating logistics expenses, workforce shortages, and demands to minimize downtime, there’s an increasing need for lighter, more durable packaging solutions that enhance line efficiency while also reducing overall ownership costs. Amcor’s innovation in PET packaging directly addresses these operational challenges.FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 5 Recyclable Seafood Packaging for Enhanced Temperature Control Smurfit Westrock has successfully developed a moisture-resistant and recyclable solution for Keltic Seafare, aiding the Scottish seafood enterprise in moving away from EPS. Crafted by Smurfit Westrock Tannochside, located near Glasgow, UK, this solution is claimed to be entirely recyclable and designed to safeguard Keltic Seafare’s live shellfish and scallops throughout transportation. The outer packaging boasts a moisture- resistant coating that deflects seawater and manages wet handling, ensuring both the boxes and their printed branding remain intact during shipping from Dingwall to London. Internally, the corrugated insulation and strategically placed gel packs help maintain optimal temperatures necessary for live langoustines, lobsters, and scallops. kp UNVEILS RECYCLABLE MONO PET FISH BOARDS DESIGNED FOR VSP PACKAGING Klöckner Pentaplast (kp), a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions, has launched kp Evolve® Fish Boards, its latest innovation designed specifically for vacuum skin packaging (VSP) for processed fish. The new boards can contain up to 100% recycled content, helping brands comply with evolving regulatory requirements. Their lightweight, mono-material construction helps lower carbon impact and reduce EPR fees to the minimum in most European countries, while the board’s open-flap design maximises pallet efficiency to improve logistics performance. To deliver a dependable, high-quality solution for VSP applications, kp Evolve® Fish Boards offer strong vacuum-skin performance and excellent shelf clarity, and are fully recyclable in established PET recycling streams. NESTLÉ NAMES NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR FOOD IN THE UK&I Food manufacturer Nestlé has named Ben Duncan as the new managing director for Food UK and Ireland, joining its senior leadership team. Duncan assumed his position on Monday, April 13th, and will direct operations in the UK and Ireland, managing a diverse brand portfolio that includes Maggi and Carnation. His professional journey began in market research, and in 2004, he joined Nestlé’s Purina pet care division. Over the last twenty years, Duncan has occupied various high-level commercial positions, both in the UK and internationally NEWSMultimodal 2026 Launches Dedicated Event App Multimodal 2026, the UK’s leading freight transport, logistics and supply chain management exhibition, has unveiled a brand-new, purpose-built event app, designed to give every attendee a smarter, more connected and more structured experience at this year’s show, taking place 30th June to 2nd July 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. Being fully web-based, the app requires no download from an app store, meaning attendees can access it instantly via a QR code or link sent directly to them. Exhibitors will be invited to complete their profiles initially, with visitors to follow shortly afterwards. Always Up to Date, Always in You’re The Multimodal 2026 app gives attendees access to the very latest exhibitor list, conference sessions and speaker line-up, all of which is updated live so the information is never out of date. The app also integrates with calendars allowing users to plan and schedule sessions directly from the platform. This means visitors can arrive at the show with a structured schedule already mapped out. Botivo and Coco de Mer Launch Aphrodisiac Aperitif to Celebrate 25th Anniversary British aperitif brand Botivo is venturing into exciting new realms with a limited-edition, botanical aperitif inspired by aphrodisiac elements, developed in collaboration with the luxury pleasure brand, Coco de Mer. This launch coincides with Coco de Mer’s 25th anniversary, bringing together two British artisanal houses that share a commitment to meticulously crafted, thoughtfully sourced, and artistically designed products. Grounded in a mutual appreciation for playful craftsmanship, this collaboration defines pleasure as an art form: layered, intentional, and meant to be experienced slowly. This initiative marks a first in the non-alcoholic drinks sector, merging the worlds of high fashion and luxury food and beverage in a culturally aware and playfully humorous manner. Developed by Botivo founder Sam Paget Steavenson and Coco de Mer, this aperitif combines juicy cherry, spicy chilli, rich cacao, and warming ginseng into Botivo’s distinctive botanical foundation. It’s designed to be enjoyed long—with soda over ice and a cherry garnish—or to enhance alcoholic cocktails. Building on the success of last year’s 300g Bordeaux bottle, McGuigan Wines has collaborated with Greencroft to introduce a 300g lightweight Burgundy bottle. This innovative packaging initiative marks a significant advancement in the BCorp brand’s mission to minimize environmental impact. The rollout will encompass approximately 3.5 million bottles this year—about 596k cases—leading to an estimated reduction in CO₂ emissions from glass production by 82,000 kilograms annually. This initiative aligns with McGuigan Wines and its parent company, Australian Vintage’s, overarching commitment to decreasing carbon emissions within the global wine industry. NEWS 6 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINENCCO International has introduced DateCodeGenie® Mini, a handheld labelling solution designed to bring speed, consistency and compliance to catering environments of all sizes. Building on the success of the original DateCodeGenie® system, the new device allows operators to generate accurate food labels anywhere – from kitchen prep areas to front-of-house service. Designed for professional caterers and multi-site businesses, the device helps ensure compliance with food labelling requirements set by the Food Standards Agency, reducing the risk of errors while improving operational efficiency. Centralised templates and reporting enable managers to maintain control across multiple locations, while staff benefit from a simple, portable tool. The Android-powered unit features a 6.7” touchscreen and thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for ink while delivering clear, instant labels. It supports a wide range of applications, including allergen information, expiry dates, pricing, barcodes and QR codes. With upcoming regulations such as Benedict’s Law placing greater emphasis on allergen transparency, the DateCodeGenie® Mini positions itself as a future-ready solution. Backed by NCCO’s software platform, it also integrates with digital HACCP tools, helping businesses streamline compliance and maintain high food safety standards across operations. Domino Printing Sciences, a leader in advanced variable data printing technology, has unveiled the Gx-Series PRO Printhead. This new thermal inkjet (TIJ) solution supports manufacturers in adapting to the shift towards GS1 Digital Link and variable 2D codes in the food and beverage sector. With the increasing demand from retailers and supply chains for more transparency and accuracy, the adoption of GS1 2D coding has emerged as a pivotal development in packaging identification. Manufacturers are now seeking coding systems capable of producing larger print areas and maintaining high-speed performance without sacrificing precision, particularly as production lines become more complex. FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 7 NEWS NCCO launches DateCodeGenie® Mini, putting automated labelling in the palm of everyone’s hand DOMINO UNVEILS GX SERIES PRO PRINTHEAD TO FACILITATE THE INDUSTRY SHIFT TOWARDS 2D CODING The ten-year voluntary initiative spearheaded by the environmental organization WRAP aims to promote more sustainable packaging practices within the industry, address related costs, and contribute to future policies and systems. How does it differ from the UK Plastic Pact? Building upon the UK Plastics Pact introduced by WRAP in 2018, the new UK Packaging Pact extends its reach to all types of packaging materials entering the market—including glass, paper, cardboard, metal, as well as various plastics and biobased options. This new Pact also acts as a pivotal step forward in addressing the evolving packaging challenges. Unlike earlier efforts focused primarily on goal-setting, this initiative prioritizes the actual implementation of those commitments. However, this doesn’t negate the achievements of the UK Plastics Pact; notable strides have been made in reducing single-use plastics in the marketplace. WRAP UNVEILS THE UK PACKAGING PACT TO PROMOTE A CIRCULAR ECONOMYCoffee producer delivers perfect pallets with custom-made pallet wrapper Warburtons is set to acquire the former Rathbones bakery in the UK, a move that marks a significant step in its investment strategy exceeding £100 million ($135.1 million). This acquisition highlights Warburtons’ commitment to growth within the food and beverage industry. The bakery group has reached an agreement with Myton Food Group, the manufacturing division of retailer Morrisons, to purchase the land, buildings, and machinery of the shuttered Wakefield site in northern England. This facility will represent Warburtons’ 13th bakery. The acquisition follows the closure of the loss-making Rathbones plant in January, implemented as part of Morrisons’ restructuring initiative. The Rathbones facility had been under scrutiny since late 2024. Warburtons, known for its Toastie bread, bagels, and crumpets, plans to reactivate this plant for the production of branded items. The exact purchasing price for the site has not been disclosed. Jonathan Warburton, chairman of the group, stated: “We are extremely pleased to have agreed a deal on the former Rathbones site and look forward to welcoming new colleagues to the business very soon.” Warburtons Set to Acquire Closed Rathbones Bakery NEWS Colorcon has enhanced its controlled-atmosphere packaging solutions with the introduction of OneLock, an innovative all-in-one closure system aimed at optimizing nutraceutical packaging while ensuring reliable moisture protection for delicate solid-dose products. This closure features an integrated desiccant within the cap, eliminating the necessity for individual sachets or canisters and minimizing the likelihood of misplacement or loose desiccants during the filling process. By merging several components into a unified structure, OneLock is crafted to simplify manufacturing processes, reduce packaging complexity, and facilitate more efficient operations for producers. According to Colorcon, this system ensures dependable moisture management throughout the product’s lifespan, which is essential for preserving stability, shelf life, and effectiveness. This is particularly crucial for nutraceutical formats, including tablets, capsules, and functional supplements that are increasingly vulnerable to humidity. Colorcon Introduces Comprehensive Moisture-Proof Closure Solution A leading coffee producer has upgraded its end-of-line operations with a bespoke pallet wrapping system designed to handle tall, unstable loads. The solution, delivered through a collaboration between Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) and Robopac, features a modified rotary arm wrapper with an extended 2.4m mast. Based on a standard Masterwrap model, the customised machine enables the business to securely wrap pallets of chilled coffee cups reaching heights of 2.2m. These loads, which can weigh up to 250kg, are particularly unstable prior to wrapping, making consistent containment critical. Unlike traditional turntable systems, the rotary arm design keeps the pallet stationary while the film carriage rotates around it, improving load stability and wrap consistency. The upgrade has also delivered faster cycle times, enhanced containment control through programmable settings, and reduced plastic usage via ongoing monitoring and optimisation. The system includes an intuitive digital HMI, simplifying operation for warehouse teams while supporting efficiency gains across the packing line. According to YPS, the tailored approach ensures both product protection during transit and alignment with the producer’s broader sustainability objectives. 8 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINEYOUR NEXT CONTRACT IS HELD IN THESE HANDS BUSINESS She isn’t scrolling. She isn’t skipping a pre-roll ad. She’s the Director of Operations for a national food group, and for the next 15 minutes, she is doing one thing: reading. She’s reading about AI, processing, manufacturing, and supply chain innovations that will shape her budget for the next financial year. She’s reading foodandbeverage.business In a world of digital noise, we deliver what marketing budgets crave: genuine, focused engagement with the people who make the critical purchasing decisions. 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