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JULY 2024 • ISSUE 8 Elevating Standards Health, Safety & Hygiene How Flexible Engineering is Revolutionising the Industry Engineering & Components Selecting the Perfect Flow Meter for Peak Production Flow Measurement & Control BUSINESS Snack Food Snack FoodJOINUSATTHE 25THANNIVERSARYOF SPECIALITY&FINEFOODFAIR TheUK’sleadingshowcaseofartisanalfood &drinkisreturningonthe10-11September 2024atOlympiaLondonforasensational celebrationofthelast25yearsinthefine food&drinkcommunity! Scanthecodetoregister toattendtheFair! SPECIALITYANDFINEFOODFAIRS.CO.UK|@SPECIALITYFAIR|#SFFF24Contents July 2024 4 News 12 Import & Export 16 Flow Measurement & Control 20 Snack Foods 24 Temperature Control 28 Engineeri ng & Components 32 Exhibitions Editorial: UK & Europe: editorial-ukeurope@foodandbeverage.business North America: editorial-northamerica@foodandbeverage.business Europe & Rest of World: editorial-eurow@foodandbeverage.business Sales: sales@foodandbeverage.business Events: events@roodandbeverage.business Finance & Admin: accounts@foodandbeverage.business Design: studio@foodandbeverage.business Where you see a QR code, it will take you to a longer version of that printed piece. 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 publisherNew CEO Appointed by Australian Dairy Group AHF Australian Dairy Nutritionals (AHF) has appointed Mahinthan ‘Mahi’ Sundaranathan as its new CEO. This decision comes after Peter Skene stepped down from his position to pursue other interests. Skene, who had been with the Victoria-based group for 14 years, will continue to assist in the transition to the new CEO for up to three months. Sundaranathan brings over 20 years of experience in the dairy industry, having worked in Australian, Chinese, and other Asian markets. He previously held important roles at companies like a2 Milk Company, where he was the sales and marketing director, and Fonterra, where he was a senior brand manager. AHF expressed confidence in Sundaranathan’s capabilities, noting his expertise in brand management, new product development, and project management in the FMCG and dairy sectors. Peter Nathan, the chair of AHF, stated, “We’re confident that Mahi is well placed to lead the company through its next phase of growth both domestically and internationally.” The Kennet Crayfish Company Limited has established Britain’s largest and most eco-friendly crayfish processing facility. Using pure, chalk-stream water from the River Kennet, the facility handles wild crayfish, known for their superior flavor, cherished by top chefs and food enthusiasts. Founded by design engineer and crayfish expert Andrew Leech, the facility employs humane and stress-free methods for processing, ensuring high-quality chilled or frozen crayfish. With special licenses for crayfish processing and water use, the plant addresses new legislation banning the sale of live signal crayfish, an invasive species. The facility features 3,000 kg capacity tanks, advanced size-grading, and Environment Agency-approved processing units. The unique water source, filtered through reed beds, enhances the crayfish’s taste Berkshire Company Launches UK’s Largest Bio-Secure Fresh Water Crayfish Processing Facility NEWS Cost remains an obstacle for widespread adoption of plant-based diets The plant-based industry has undergone significant fluctuations in the past decade, from a peak in the late 2010s to rumors of decline less than ten years later. While some early adopters have returned to animal products, the challenge now lies in enticing newer members to embrace the meat-free lifestyle. One main reason why consumers hesitate to choose plant- based alternatives is the perceived cost. Many believe that plant-based products are more expensive than animal-based options, a belief supported by the Good Food Institute’s assertion that plant-based options are priced at a premium. This affordability barrier is particularly challenging for consumers in Europe facing financial hardships due to the rising cost of living. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 4 Andrew Leech and his team with Kennet Crayfish products with natural nutrients and calcium. Sales and marketing director Iggy Ilott highlights the crayfish’s superior flavor due to their clean, nutrient-rich habitat, anticipating rapid growth through consumer and wholesale channels. Visit Kennet Crayfish Company at kennetcrayfish.com.Food and Beverage Business, the leading B2B platform serving the food and beverage industry with timely insights, trends, and invaluable resources. Adding to the magazine we have monthly traffic of over 4000,000+ pageviews (Google GA4) and a subscribed newsletter that reaches more than 8,500+ dedicated professionals, we offer a unique avenue for brand exposure within the industry. foodandbeverage.business Expand your marketing reach BUSINESS Expand your marketing reachNEWS A Scottish shellfish supplier has upgraded its packaging operations with a YPS- supplied SLX305 automatic L-sealer, replacing an inadequate shrink wrapping system. The previous flowrapper was unable to consistently seal whole crabs, lobsters, and trays of langoustines due to the irregularity in size and shape, leading to material waste and operational inefficiency. YPS’s solution, featuring a stainless- steel construction, modified product sensors, and a pneumatic sealing jaw, addresses these challenges effectively. The sensors cater to unevenly shaped shellfish, activating the sealing jaw at the precise moment to protect the product while ensuring a strong and consistent seal. The stainless steel design simplifies cleaning, making it ideal for hygienic food production environments. YPS also provided a range of suitable films for various packaging needs. The new L-sealer line has significantly improved packaging quality, providing reliable seals and enhancing product appearance for wholesale and restaurant customers. Impressed by the performance, the shellfish producer has expanded to four YPS L-sealer lines across its operations. “Our products now look even more appealing,†stated the Managing Director, “and we rely on the L-sealer for consistent, high-quality packaging.†Visit YPS for more information at YPS. New line seals irregular seafood perfectly every time JS Davidson has acquired a cold storage facility from GXO Logistics JS Davidson, a temperature- controlled solutions company, has recently made a significant acquisition in the industry. They have acquired the cold storage arm of GXO Logistics UK to form Spalding Cold Store Ltd. This strategic move is part of JS Davidson’s growth and expansion plans. The newly acquired Spalding warehouse boasts 6,500 frozen pallet spaces and comes with 15 experienced staff members who have now joined the JS Davidson team. Additionally, plans are already underway to expand the Peterborough site, demonstrating JS Davidson’s commitment to enhancing its operations. Situated on a 3.5 acre site, the Spalding Cold Store Ltd will now be a vital part of the JS Davidson family. This acquisition is a result of substantial investment by JS Davidson over the past 18 months, amounting to over £1 million. Fortenova receives two more binding offers for agriculture unit Three binding offers have been submitted for Fortenova’s agriculture business, with Croatian food group Podravka among the bidders. The non-binding offer from Podravka, initially presented in April, has now been converted into a firm bid effective from June 14, after conducting due diligence on the assets. In January, Fortenova announced its intention to test market interest in acquiring the company’s agriculture operations, leading to the current bidding process. According to media reports, Osatina Group and Žito are part of a consortium that has submitted one of the other two offers, with a third offer led by Hungarian businessman Lorinc Meszaros. While Osatina and Žito were asked to confirm their involvement in the bidding process, there was no response from Mr. Meszaros. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 6NEWS Embotits Espina Sells Factory to Spain’s Premier Foods and Meat Company Premier Foods and Meat, in collaboration with Zander Foods, has recently acquired a factory from Embotits Espina, a prominent protein group. This strategic move further solidifies their foothold in the European meat market. The newly acquired facility, located in Vic, Barcelona, will be operated by Zander Foods, renowned for its retail meat brands Premier Carns and Casa Marsà, as well as the popular Max Zander frankfurter line and Elave poultry. Zander Foods, in addition to its retail offerings, also caters to the foodservice sector and oversees the Tesi Fresc retail chain and Max Zander restaurants. With a turnover of €35m in the previous year, Zander Foods is now setting ambitious targets of €60m in 2024 and €100m in the subsequent year, leveraging the combined strengths of the acquired entities. Coveris Receives Weetabix Supplier Innovation Award for Cereal Liners Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, has received the prestigious Weetabix Supplier Innovation Award for its supply of innovative cereal liners, Cereal+, to renowned UK cereal brand Weetabix. This recognition highlights Coveris’ dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in the realm of food and drink packaging. Coveris supplies Cereal+ liners from its specialist polyethylene extrusion site in Winsford, Cheshire, for a range of Weetabix products, including Alpen, Crunchy Bran, and Weetabix Minis. These liners, made from fully recyclable polyethylene, utilize co-extrusion technology to ensure packer performance, product protection, freshness, shelf life, and consumer functionality. To support Weetabix’s environmental goals, Coveris collaborated with the brand to downgauge their cereal liners, reducing flexible film packaging by 10%. This collaboration led to an innovative change in the Cereal+ formulation, resulting in a significant increase in packing efficiency and productivity. Barry Callebaut, the chocolate giant behind brands like Carma, Mona Lisa, and Sicao, recently announced a multi- million-dollar financing deal. This has raised questions about the company’s future plans and the current state of the confectionery industry. Market volatility in cocoa continues to be a concern, with prices reaching their highest levels in almost 50 years, surpassing $10,000 a tonne in June 2024. In response to the high prices and uncertainty in the chocolate sector, Barry Callebaut secured a significant investment of €700m. The Belgium-headquartered company announced the financing on June 10, 2024, coinciding with the industry’s return to $10,000 a tonne cocoa prices. CFO Peter Vanneste highlighted the interest from investors that allowed them to secure long-term financing. The cash injection aims to help Barry Callebaut navigate the challenges posed by the volatile global cocoa market. In April 2024, the company secured CHF600m and a €262.5m loan to cope with the increasing cocoa prices. While the large investment by Barry Callebaut may raise competition concerns for smaller confectionery brands, various funds exist to support startups and SMEs in the industry. Government-led initiatives like the EIT Food Impact Fund in the EU are designed to support agrifood startups and promote innovation in the sector. The European Investment Fund has also committed €40m to enhance the food system in Europe. These funds aim to improve farmer fairness, consumer health, and environmental friendliness. Funding in the food and beverage industry is not just about crisis prevention but also supports important functions like research and development, sustainability initiatives, permissible indulgence launches, and preparing for future success. Initiatives in the industry aim to address challenges and drive innovation to meet consumer demands for healthier and sustainable food and drink products. Barry Callebaut secures €700 million in funding FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 7Mondi Completes €125 Million Upgrade Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has successfully completed a €125 million investment in the Kuopio containerboard mill. This substantial upgrade includes enhancements to the wood yard, fibre line, evaporation plant, and paper machine that produces ProVantage Powerflute™, a high- performance fluting mainly used in fresh fruit and vegetable trays and boxes. This investment will boost production capacity by 55,000 tonnes annually, elevate product quality to better serve our customers, and enhance environmental performance by reducing greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of paper and improving resource and energy efficiency. Today, Mondi Kuopio celebrated this achievement with an inauguration event attended by local politicians and partners, showcasing the collaborative efforts and shared vision of Mondi and its stakeholders in promoting economic growth and environmental responsibility. A coalition of food companies and supermarkets in the Netherlands has come together to address food waste by providing clarity on expiry dates for certain products. The Date- Labelling Coalition includes major manufacturers like Unilever, FrieslandCampina, and Enrico Foods, as well as retailers Albert Heijn, Lidl, Jumbo, and Dirk. This initiative was established by the Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling foundation, Food Waste Free United (FNLI), and Too Good To Go, with the support of Dutch supermarket trade association CBL and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. According to a statement from Samen Tegen Voedselverspilling, approximately two billion kilograms of “good food” are wasted each year in the Netherlands, with consumer waste accounting for 24% to 38% of that total. One of the reasons for this waste is the uncertainty surrounding expiration dates on products in consumers’ homes. Toine Timmermans, director of FNLI, noted that despite efforts to reduce food waste, the downward trend seems to be plateauing. Dutch firms collaborate to provide clarity on expiration date labeling usage NEWS FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 8 Collaboration between Digimarc and Omron aims to revolutionise production processes A powerful strategic partnership has been established between Digimarc and Omron, paving the way for innovative advancements in industrial automation. By combining digital watermarks and machine vision technology, these companies are revolutionizing digital product identification, offering manufacturers and brands a competitive edge in the market. According to Ken Sickles, Chief Product Officer at Digimarc, the partnership with Omron is instrumental in helping brands navigate industry regulations, enhance operational efficiency, and meet consumer demands for quality and sustainability. The new industrial automation solution aims to streamline processes, adhere to regulatory standards, and provide valuable real-time data insights.Advanced Engineering MIDDLETON LTD l Inline High Shear Mixer l Top Entry High Shear Immersion Mixer l Bottom Entry High Shear Mixer l Sealed Bearing Mixer l 3 Stage High Shear Mixer l Dispersion Mixer l Fluid Mixers l AdPro Trent Industrial Estate | Duchess Street | Shaw | Lancs | OL2 7UT | UK t: +44 (0)1706 759003 | e: info@aemixers.com | w: www.aemixers.com mixing is our businessNext >