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DECEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 13 Ensuring Safety, Quality, and Transparency in Food Traceability Traceability Maximizing Agility & Efficiency End of Line Packaging Sustainable Practices in the Food and Beverage Industry Recycling & Waste Management BUSINESS Sustainable Meats Sustainable MeatsFood 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 150,000+ visitors (Google GA4 verified) and a subscribed newsletter that reaches more than 12,000+ dedicated professionals, we offer a unique avenue for brand exposure within the industry. foodandbeverage.business Expand your marketing reach BUSINESS Expand your marketing reachContents December 2024 4 News 10 Import & Export 14 End of Line Packaging 18 Sustainale Meat 22 Traceability 26 Recycling & Waste Management 30 Events 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 publisherCimcorp welcomes Veli-Matti Hakala as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2025, following the retirement of current CEO Tero Peltomäki, who will continue serving on the board of directors. With over 25 years of experience in industry and technology, Hakala joined Cimcorp in 2016, advancing from sales to executive leadership, and most recently serving as Executive Vice President. Hakala is committed to fostering Cimcorp’s steady growth while maintaining its innovative culture and customer-focused approach. “Our objective is determined growth in both our company and customer base, grounded in Cimcorp’s proven technology and software,” he states. Key growth areas include grocery retail, tyre plant logistics, and the Service business, which he sees as a critical driver of expansion. Under Hakala’s leadership, Cimcorp will continue its philosophy of measured, client-focused growth. “We aim to deeply understand our clients’ challenges and provide solutions that improve efficiency,” Hakala emphasizes. Outside of work, Hakala enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and fly fishing, and values time spent with family and nature. “Development starts with listening,” he says, reflecting on his approach to leadership. Deputy CEO Tommi Kumlander will also begin his role on January 1, 2025. New CEO Veli-Matti Hakala to steer Cimcorp towards steady and determined growth NEWS Mondi Launches New Extrusion Line in Štetí Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper solutions, has announced the launch of its advanced extrusion line at Mondi Coating Šteti in the Czech Republic. This development signifies a crucial step in the Group’s commitment to assist customers in migrating towards sustainable solutions, particularly in food and drink packaging. The new extrusion line is part of a broader investment initiative, which features a cutting-edge production building equipped with state-of- the-art machinery, including coating and slitting capabilities. This investment enhances the production of FunctionalBarrier Papers and high-quality coated papers, providing paper-based solutions tailored with customized barrier properties. Nestlé to Invest $150 Million in U.S. Frozen Food Facility Nestlé has announced a significant investment of $150 million aimed at expanding its production facility dedicated to frozen meals located in Cherokee County, South Carolina. This expansion includes the addition of a new production line specifically designed for single-serve frozen meals, which aligns with current trends in the food and beverage industry. In its official statement, Nestlé emphasized that the upgrades will feature enhanced automation and digital technology. This investment is intended to boost operational efficiency and support the growing consumer demand within the food and drink business. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 4BUSINESS Kickstart the New Year With a BANG! It’s Time To Start Thinking About Your 2025 Marketing Strategy. W: foodandbeverage.business E: sales@foodandbeverage.businessNEWS Leading companies like Unilever have a history of streamlining their portfolios, making the recent announcement regarding substantial cuts unsurprising. In a recent investor update, business leaders disclosed that significant reductions are on the horizon. This sentiment is further underscored by CEO Hein Schumacher’s transparent approach to revamping the company, prioritizing 30 ‘power brands’ for future success. However, separating the ice cream division from the larger entity was a more groundbreaking strategy. While the intention was to sell this complex sector, it will not function independently under new ownership. Unilever has experienced positive growth under Schumacher’s leadership, with over a year in charge resulting in promising third- quarter figures, including critical volume increases. Now, however, Schumacher aims to see greater profits reflected in the balance sheets. He is scrutinizing food brands that fail to produce revenue akin to that of Knorr and Hellmann’s. According to a Sky News report, it appears that Unilever is set to part ways with the Vegetarian Butcher, having engaged Piper Sandler to facilitate a sale just six years post-acquisition. While several potential buyers have been approached to assess interest in the brand, Unilever has been reticent, and there are currently no early signs of a completed sale. Vegetarian Butcher Sale Marks the Beginning of Unilever’s €1 Billion Divestiture Beston Global Collapses After Failing to Secure a Buyer Australia’s dairy sector faces a significant setback as Beston Global Food Co. announces its wind-down due to unsuccessful efforts to secure a buyer for the distressed company. In an official announcement on November 26, the company’s administrator, KPMG, confirmed the unfortunate news. According to local media, this decision will impact 159 employees and 22 dairy farmers associated with Beston. KPMG stated that although several potential buyers showed initial interest, “ultimately, the sales process has failed to secure a buyer in the time frame required given the trading losses being incurred.” The administrator further highlighted that due to the considerable weekly trading losses, funding for the business could only extend until November 30, 2024, leaving them with no choice but to initiate an orderly asset liquidation. Back in September, KPMG was appointed as administrator following the collapse of a potential deal that could have salvaged the Australian dairy business. In the midst of these developments, KPMG also mentioned a previously proposed “non-binding” transaction with Japan’s Megmilk Snow Brand Co. for Beston’s cheese and lactoferrin production facilities in Jervois, South Australia. Lakeside Foods to Purchase Smith Frozen Foods Lakeside Foods, a leading manufacturer in the food and beverage industry, has announced its acquisition of the business assets from Smith Frozen Foods, a notable player in the frozen food market. The transaction’s financial specifics remain undisclosed, but the acquisition is set to finalize by early next week. This strategic move will allow Lakeside Foods to enhance its operations by including Smith Frozen Foods’ production facility located in Weston, Oregon, as well as the Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton- Freewater, also in Oregon. By acquiring these assets, Lakeside Foods aims to expand its market share in the frozen vegetable sector while broadening its product line. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 6NEWS ECA Issues Urgent Call for Update on EU Food Labelling Regulations A comprehensive set of EU-wide recommendations seeks to streamline and enhance food and drink labelling throughout the bloc. According to a report released by the European Court of Auditors (ECA), consumers have been left “vulnerable” to potentially unsafe foods and often receive confusing and inconsistent information regarding ingredients, nutrition, and general food and drink data. “Food labels are meant to provide clarity, but can sometimes mislead [consumers],” stated ECA member Keit Pentus-Rosimannus. While European Union food labelling regulations were recognized as “pioneering,” they have “not managed to keep up with developments on the market.” This has left consumers “lost in the supermarket,” struggling to interpret various claims and information, she emphasized during the report’s launch. The report explored the systems in three member states and uncovered “worrying” gaps in the current Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulation, alongside issues with enforcement and penalties across Europe. €500 Million Acquisition of Kerry Dairy Ireland by Kerry Co-Operative Creameries Kerry Group plc has announced a significant agreement with Kerry Co-Operative Creameries Limited to sell Kerry Dairy Holdings (Ireland) Limited. The total expected consideration for this transaction is €500 million. Kerry Dairy Ireland, fully owned by Kerry Group, comprises Dairy Consumer Products featuring a renowned portfolio of brands across cheese, cheese snacks, dairy snacks, and dairy spreads, all readily available in chilled cabinets throughout the UK and Ireland. Furthermore, it includes the Dairy Ingredients segment, which is a leading source of Irish dairy ingredients, encompassing functional dairy proteins, nutritional dairy bases, and cheese systems, along with related agribusiness products and services. As part of the proposed transaction, Kerry Co-Op will initially obtain a 70% stake in Kerry Dairy Ireland, while Kerry Group will retain a 30% interest. Both parties have also agreed on specific call-put option arrangements that will facilitate the transfer of the remaining 30% of Kerry Dairy Ireland to the co-op in subsequent years. Lamb Weston has proudly inaugurated its new production facility in Kruiningen, Netherlands. This expansion will boost the company’s annual production capacity by an impressive 195 million kilos, addressing the rising global demand for high-quality frozen potato products. Having committed to this strategic expansion over five years ago, Lamb Weston aligns its growth with a vision focused on long-term sustainability. Lamb Weston Launches Kruiningen Plant Focused on Sustainability for Future FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 7 The new facility represents the company’s second site for frozen potato products in Kruiningen, significantly broadening its production capabilities while incorporating sustainable technologies for enhanced potato processing and product packaging. As an industry leader in food manufacturing, Lamb Weston aims to establish a new benchmark for design and functionality in potato production. (Left to right) Silvia Wilks (chief supply chain officer Lamb Weston), Tom Werner (CEO Lamb Weston), Marc Schroeder (president Lamb Weston International), José van Egmond (Mayor of Reimerswaal), Stephan van Kuik (SVP & general manager Lamb Weston EMEA).Westfalia Fruit Launches Innovative Laser-Etched Mangos in The Netherlands Westfalia Fruit, a prominent multinational supplier specializing in avocados and a diverse array of fresh produce, proudly introduces laser etching technology for mangoes. This innovative initiative, spearheaded from its Netherlands operations, effectively removes the need for individual plastic PLU stickers. After rigorous testing and trials, these uniquely lasered mangoes are now available to customers across Europe. Mathijs Benard, Head of Operations Central Europe, who joined the Netherlands team in March and has actively collaborated with the German operations team, states: “Since joining Westfalia, my focus has been on improving collaboration and efficiency. The introduction of laser etching, which is almost like a tattoo on the mango, has been an exciting project. Not only does it make the fruit stand out in-store, but it also has the potential to save up to 10 million plastic stickers a year. What we can laser on the fruit is only limited by our imagination and customer needs. Currently, we are etching the fruit origin, customer branding, and product reference.” The Kraken has unleashed a beastly new indulgence upon its loyal followers, adding Kraken Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt into its treasure trove of rum relics. A rich infusion of black spiced Caribbean rum, dark caramel and a hint of Cornish sea salt, the limited edition flavour will plunge those tempted to try it into the sensory indulgence of alluring toffee notes and a buttery vanilla finish. The tale goes that on one ink blank eve in the 19th Century, seafaring smugglers moored in the Port of Penzance, aboard a boat loaded with Caribbean rum and a recently discovered delicacy – barrels of dark caramel from Arabia. Stashing the UNCOVER A LONG-LOST TREASURE WITH NEW KRAKEN DARK CARAMEL AND CORNISH SEA SALT NEWS FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 8 Carlsberg Marston’s to Remove 11 Beers from UK Market The brewer has announced that several discontinued beers will still be available in alternative formats. For instance, Banks’s Mild will transition to being sold in keg and cans, but will no longer be available in cask format. In contrast, Jennings Cumberland ale, Marston’s Old Empire IPA, and Ringwood Boondoggle will continue to be offered as bottled beers, despite their cask variants being removed from availability. A spokesperson for CMBC explained that this decision was driven by a decline in demand, necessitating tough choices regarding the delisting of certain beers. “CMBC is passionate about cask ale and delivering a sustainable, successful future for this important part of British beer culture,” the spokesperson remarked. barrels in a hidden cave, the smugglers were all set to bring the illicit goods inland at dawn. But after the smugglers returned to the boat, a dark force seemingly emerged from the water, watching ominously as the smugglers sailed back into the moonlight. Centuries later and from years of hungry waves lapping away at one tired barrel, the sweet, viscous contents managed to escape. Mixing with the salty Cornish Sea and stashed dark rum below, it is in this way that a legendary flavour was born.FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 9 NEWS JBS, a global leader in food production, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Government. This collaboration involves the construction of six factories that aim to bolster local production capabilities. Specifically, three facilities will focus on poultry, while two will be dedicated to beef, and one will cater to pork production. Currently, JBS is undertaking comprehensive feasibility studies, preliminary facility designs, budget estimates, and a detailed supply chain action plan to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative. In return, the Nigerian Government commits to providing essential economic, health, and regulatory frameworks deemed necessary for the project’s viability and success. The primary objective of this agreement is to develop a robust partnership with the Nigerian Government, enabling both parties to combat food insecurity in Nigeria and throughout Africa. As highlighted by JBS, approximately 24.8 million people in Nigeria are currently experiencing hunger, making it one of the nations with the highest rates of food insecurity worldwide. Gilberto Tomazoni, the global CEO of JBS, stated, “Experience in the regions where we operate around the world shows that developing a sustainable food production chain generates a virtuous cycle of socioeconomic progress for the population, especially the most vulnerable groups.” JBS Plans $2.5 Billion Investment in Nigerian Meat Production Amid Environmental Concerns Saccharin Confirmed Safe: ADI Threshold Raised Following EFSA Review The acceptable daily intake (ADI) of saccharin will increase from 5mg/kg of body weight to 9mg/kg, as established by a new scientific opinion from EFSA. This decision follows extensive reviews, ensuring that saccharin maintains its reputation within the food and beverage industry. “This rigorous scientific review from EFSA on saccharin not only reinforces decades of research validating its safety, but recommends an increase of the ADI, further endorsing its status as a trusted ingredient,” stated Carla Saunders, president of the Calorie Control Council, after the publication of the study. Such endorsements are significant within current food manufacturing trends and regulations. “As one of the most extensively researched substances in the international food supply, saccharin remains a valued tool for consumers to reduce sugar and caloric intake for healthier outcomes,” she added. This aligns with the ongoing conversation about food and drink innovation driving healthier options in the market. Faerch Unveils Chilled Ready Meal Trays Faerch is establishing a new benchmark for circularity in food and drink packaging. We are pleased to introduce CPET trays for chilled ready meals in the UK and Ireland, incorporating a minimum of 40% Tray rPET. As a fully integrated recycler within the industry, Faerch showcases its dedication to advancing true circularity through setting these high standards. In 2019, Faerch launched Evolve by Faerch specifically for the Ready Meals market, a solution that allows for up to 70% post-consumer recycled content, including mixed color “jazz” bottle flakes. Building on this successful position, Faerch has elevated its goals even further. Beginning January 1, 2025, the expansion of our Cirrec recycling facility will allow us to introduce CPET trays for chilled ready meals with a minimum of 40% Tray rPET. Importantly, we will maintain the same CPET performance qualities. Next >