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MAY 2025 • ISSUE 18 Revolutionising Sustainable Packaging Caps & Closures How Supply Chains Are Adapting to a New Era of Disruption Supply Chain How Non/Mid-Strength Beverages Are Transforming the Drinks Market Beverages BUSINESS Slicing Dicing & Cutting Slicing Dicing & CuttingBUSINESS With our extensive readership and engaged audience, you will receive maximum exposure opening up a gateway to an audience comprising decision-makers and influencers actively interested in the food and beverage industry and services. Deadline 21st May 2025. To find out why Food and Beverage Business is the perfect marketing channel for you email: john@foodandbeverage.business or visit foodandbeverage.business June Issue Cleaning & Maintenance Frozen & Chilled Foods Warehousing & Distribution Sustainable PackagingContents May 2025 4 News 12 Import & Export 16 Supply Chain 20 Beverages 24 Caps & Closures 28 Slicing, Dicing & Cutting 36 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 publisherKey Technology and PPM Technologies, both part of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, have introduced a fully integrated nut processing line designed to handle everything from post-shelling to final packaging. Combining decades of expertise, this customizable system includes grading, sorting, oil roasting, seasoning, and packaging—optimizing efficiency while reducing manual labor. The line begins with Key’s grading conveyors, customized for specific applications with unique stroke, speed, and screening configurations. An infeed conveyor then prepares the product for inspection using Key’s VERYX ® or COMPASS ® optical sorters, removing defects and foreign materials with precision. PPM’s CookWright ™ oil roasting system ensures uniform roasting, followed by de-oiling, cooling, and seasoning via the FlavorWright ™ system, which applies precise seasoning using real-time flow monitoring. Final packaging is managed by PPM’s conveyor systems and optional Key Zephyr ® conveyors for gentle handling. With centralized controls, recipe-driven programming, and data analytics, the line offers operational insights and reliable performance. Built with food safety in mind, it features stainless-steel construction and tool-less disassembly. Suitable for a range of nuts, from almonds to cashews, the modular line supports both small-scale and industrial operations, allowing processors to scale as needed. Key Technology and PPM Technologies Introduce New Fully- Integrated Nut Processing Line NEWS FDA Halts Milk Testing Program Amid Staff Reductions The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has temporarily suspended its quality control programme for fresh milk and other dairy products. This suspension arises from recent staff cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as reported by Reuters based on an internal email. Notably, the FDA operates within this government department. Since President Donald Trump took office, approximately 20,000 staff have either departed or been dismissed from HHS, according to Reuters figures. Moreover, the US government has proposed a substantial cut of $40 billion to the HHS budget, as indicated by the Washington Post last week. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 4 BRF to Allocate $160 Million for Saudi Arabian Facility Investment Brazilian meat company BRF has announced a significant investment, allocating around $160 million for a new factory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to a recent statement from BRF, this investment will occur through BRF Arabia Holding Company, a joint venture with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC). This joint venture was first announced in 2022. BRF commands a 70% stake, while HPDC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), retains the remaining 30%. Marcos Molina, controlling shareholder and chairman of the boards of directors at BRF and Marfrig, emphasized that this deal “strengthens our operations in a highly strategic market” and “consolidates our partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its food safety agenda.”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 240,000+ visitors (Google GA4 verified) and a subscribed newsletter that reaches more than 15,500+ dedicated professionals, we offer a unique avenue for brand exposure within the industry. foodandbeverage.business Expand your marketing reach BUSINESS Expand your marketing reachNEWS By Ian Hall, CEO at CCS McLays Despite the current economic challenges, the fast food delivery industry is showing no signs of slowing down. The projected revenue of the UK online food delivery market is US$63.75bn by 2029, from US$44.76bn in 2024. For quick service restaurants (QSRs), keeping customers coming back takes more than a slick ordering experience and speedy delivery. When times are tough, consumers expect their food to arrive in perfect condition. A CCS McLays’ survey reveals that delivery meal packaging could be a hygiene risk, as one in 10 Brits believe a delivery driver may have tasted their food. Almost half (49%) of consumers are calling for tamper-evident packaging which shows that their meal has arrived unopened. There are significant consequences of negative customer experiences for food outlet brands. While 44% of Brits say they wouldn’t re-order from the same provider, 17% would leave a negative review on social media. Tamper-evident food delivery bags feature foldable adhesive closure tabs and tamper- proof score cuts, designed to protect food from unauthorised access. Packaging food orders in bags with a tamper-evident system will offer visible security protection for all parties - the restaurant, driver and consumer. Only this will increase brand trust. Upgrading fast food packaging to build consumer trust and loyalty Lactalis Revenue Surpasses €30 Billion, Yet Profits Take a Hit Lactalis recently surpassed €30 billion ($34.1 billion) in revenues for the first time, yet the growth rate has waned amidst an “unstable geopolitical and economic climate.” This insight comes from the world’s leading dairy company, which recorded a 19% decline in net profit for 2024, amounting to €359 million. This drop is attributed to an undisclosed tax settlement with French authorities that occurred late in the year. In early 2024, Lactalis reportedly faced scrutiny from the Parquet National Financier (PNF), or the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, due to allegations of tax fraud dating back to 2018. According to local news outlet Le Monde, the investigation began after revelations surfaced in various French media, including Mediacités, Ebdo, Les Jours, and Mediapart. These reports indicated that Lactalis might have employed financial subsidiaries in Belgium and Luxembourg to allegedly divert profits, thereby minimizing its taxable income in France. In a financial performance statement released on LinkedIn on April 16, Lactalis briefly noted, “The fall in net income reflects the agreement reached with the French tax authorities in late 2024.” Despite these challenges, the company’s revenues rose by 2.8% to €30.3 billion; however, this reflects a slowdown compared to the 4.3% growth experienced in 2023. Vegan Food Group Secures Production Agreement in Europe for Just Egg The UK’s Vegan Food Group (VFG) has successfully secured a deal to introduce Eat Just’s plant-based egg, Just Egg, to European markets for the first time. In a recent statement, VFG chairman Matthew Glover emphasized that the company has obtained “exclusive” manufacturing and distribution rights for Just Egg throughout the UK and EU. He highlighted this agreement as a “landmark deal” for the company, noting that production of Just Egg in Europe is set to commence later this year. Based in the US, Eat Just specializes in developing alternative egg products using mung beans and also produces plant-based mayonnaise and dressings. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 6NEWS Brownes Dairy in Australia Now Available for Sale Australia’s Brownes Dairy is currently up for sale, according to confirmation from the restructuring advisory firm appointed to oversee the process. McGrathNicol Restructuring has been designated as receivers for the shares of Australian Zhiran Co. Pty Ltd, the ultimate holding company of Brownes Dairy. A statement from the firm indicated, “The appointment of the receivers is limited to the shares in AZC and does not affect the operations of Brownes Dairy, which continues to trade on a ‘business as usual’ basis.” It further detailed that the receivers will soon initiate the sale process for Brownes Dairy via the AZC shareholding. Recently, Brownes Dairy went on the market after its lender, Mengniu Dairy Co. from China, triggered a call on a $200 million loan. The company was acquired from Archer Capital by Australia Zhiran Co. in 2017 through a consortium that included Changchun Lianxin Investment Consulting Company. Mengniu Dairy played a crucial role as a lender during this acquisition. In an interview with ABC’s Western Australia Country Hour, Brownes Dairy CEO Natalie Sarich-Dayton elaborated: “On Monday 14 April, McGrathNicol were appointed over the shares in our holding company Australian Zhiran Co by China Mengniu Dairy, one of the key lenders behind the original acquisition of Brownes Dairy.” Beneo Launches New Pulse Processing Facility Beneo has officially inaugurated its groundbreaking pulse-processing plant, completing the project in just one and a half years. This significant milestone reflects an investment of approximately €50 million from the Südzucker Group at its site in Obrigheim, Rhineland- Palatinate, Germany. Here, local pulses, including faba beans, are processed into essential ingredients for both food and feed production. On April 11th, the company celebrated this opening with a special ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Daniela Schmitt (Minister of Economic Affairs of Rhineland-Palatinate), Johannes Steiniger (Member of the German Bundestag), Nicole Eicher (Mayor of Obrigheim), Dr. Niels Pörksen (CEO of the Südzucker Group), Olivier Roques (CEO of Beneo), Niels E. Hower (Executive Board Member of Beneo), and Dirk Dinger (Chairman of the Works Council of the Obrigheim plant). “Beneo’s new plant represents a strong commitment to Rhineland- Palatinate as a business hub. At the same time, the investment is driving innovation in the food industry and strengthening regional value creation. Future-oriented projects like this secure jobs, promote sustainable economic activity and strengthen rural areas,” stated Daniela Schmitt, Minister of Economic Affairs for Rhineland-Palatinate. Müller has successfully negotiated a deal to acquire Biotiful Gut Health, a UK-based kefir products firm, thus expanding its footprint in the lucrative “functional health” dairy market. While the financial specifics of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the strategic move underscores Müller’s commitment to enhancing its product portfolio. Established in 2012, Biotiful specializes in producing a diverse range of kefir and other “natural gut health” offerings, Müller Acquires UK Kefir Company Biotiful Gut Health FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 7 according to Müller. Natasha Bowes, the founder and CEO of Biotiful, will transition to an advisory role, ensuring a seamless integration into Müller’s operations. On LinkedIn, Bowes reflected, “Letting go of your 13-year-old ‘baby’ that you have given all you had is a rather bittersweet moment … This relentlessly ambitious Biotiful teenager will now be in the most fertile ecosystem of Müller family, with its immense resources and burning desire to create the strongest possible natural health platform, to work alongside its traditionally fun and engaging brands. The opportunity to accelerate this now across categories and markets is a founder’s dream.”NEWS Grupo MAS, a leading Spanish food distributor with over 50 years of experience, is partnering with Cimcorp to revolutionise its logistics with automation. Facing growing pressures around space, labour and cost efficiency, the company has chosen Cimcorp’s intralogistics solutions to streamline operations at its Guillena distribution centre in Sevilla. The new system will automate fresh fruit handling—enabling 24-hour order preparation, enhancing stock control, and improving working conditions by reducing manual handling. “Cimcorp’s solution gives us the agility to deliver fresh products to more than 200 stores, while supporting our team and reducing waste,” says José Manuel Martín Alba, Director of Logistics and Transport at Grupo MAS. Aligned with Grupo MAS’ ‘Zero Waste’ sustainability programme, the automation will cut food waste, reduce environmental impact, and ensure fresher produce for customers. As part of the company’s growth strategy, it positions Grupo MAS to meet increasing demand while maintaining operational excellence. Cimcorp’s Director of Sales, Kari Miikkulainen, highlights the dual benefit: “Our technology boosts productivity and supports employee wellbeing—delivering efficiency with purpose.” Together, Grupo MAS and Cimcorp are setting a new standard for sustainable, scalable fresh food distribution in Spain. Grupo MAS accelerates logistics and cuts waste with Cimcorp’s fast automation German Bakery Giant Harry-Brot Receives Approval to Acquire Rewe Plant German bakery group Harry-Brot has received approval from competition officials to acquire a factory from major grocery chain Rewe, marking a significant move in the food and beverage industry trends. Harry-Brot has successfully completed the purchase of the Glockenbrot Bergkirchen bakery from Rewe for an undisclosed sum. As a result of this acquisition, approximately 320 employees from the site will transition to Harry-Brot, according to a spokesperson from the company. In a statement, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, known as the Bundeskartellamt, indicated that the transaction “will only result in minor competitive changes for the other market participants” within the country’s bakery sector. This underscores the stability of the food and drink business landscape despite the ongoing shifts. Glockenbrot has been affiliated with Rewe since 1986, producing private-label bread and baked goods for the retailer from two locations: one in Bergkirchen and another in Frankfurt. Prior to finalizing the sale of the Bergkirchen facility to Harry-Brot, Rewe had decided to shut down the Frankfurt factory. Nestlé and OFI Forge Global Partnership Nestlé, a leader in the food and beverage industry, has announced a strategic partnership with Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) to significantly reduce carbon emissions and address deforestation issues in cocoa production. This initiative spans Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Brazil, with the goal of supporting approximately 25,000 farmers in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices over the next five years. “People are at the heart of our climate actions,” states Darrell High, cocoa plan manager at Nestlé. “By collaborating with OFI, we will assist farmers in transitioning to climate-smart farming. This shift toward a more regenerative food system will strengthen our cocoa supply chain and progress our shared climate objectives for 2030 and beyond.” FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 8NEWS MHP-supported Poultry Group Uvesa Expands Production Investment Spanish poultry leader Uvesa, primarily owned by Ukraine’s MHP, is set to enhance its operations with the establishment of a new facility in Northern Spain. This expansion reflects significant trends within the food and beverage industry as businesses adapt to consumer demands. Uvesa has secured an egg hatchery located in the town of Alfaro, marking its inaugural presence in the La Rioja region of Spain. This strategic acquisition allows Uvesa to diversify its operations and strengthen its footprint in the evolving food and drink business. The hatchery currently produces eggs intended for human consumption; however, Uvesa plans to shift its focus towards chicken meat production. The facility, which was acquired from HG&P-Layers Ibérica for an undisclosed amount, boasts a weekly capacity of 230,000 eggs, translating to the production of around 200,000 chicks each week. Uvesa states, “Fully equipped and ready to operate, this facility will enable the company to respond more efficiently to £140 Million Fully Automated Cold Storage Facility Launches Magnavale Ltd, one of the UK’s premier specialists in temperature-controlled food storage, proudly announces the official opening of Magnavale Easton. This £140 million investment has transformed the site into a facility boasting 101,000 frozen pallet spaces, making it the largest cold store ever constructed in the UK. Officially inaugurated on the 24th of March 2025, this development revitalizes a long-standing food production site near Grantham, Lincolnshire. The state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse is poised to make a significant contribution to UK food security while establishing a new standard for sustainable food logistics. As possibly the UK’s first cold storage facility powered entirely by renewable energy, Magnavale Easton embodies the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Featuring 101,000 cutting-edge, fully automated pallet positions along with a high-bay, rack-centric storage design, the facility guarantees seamless storage and distribution for food manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers. Gaggia Milano, renowned for its premium coffee machines, continues its legacy of innovation with the launch of La Radiosa Dual Milk. Building on the success of the original La Radiosa, this new model addresses the growing demand for premium drinks made with both dairy and plant-based alternatives such as almond, coconut, oat, and soya. Thanks to Gaggia’s patented EvoMilk system, La Radiosa Dual Milk delivers outstanding milk foam quality, regardless of the type of milk used. Designed for La Radiosa Dual Milk from Gaggia, for premium drinks made with both dairy and non-dairy milk FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 9 flexibility, it offers multiple fridge configurations, including a split-canister fridge or two slimline fridges, catering to different volume needs. “As consumers increasingly choose healthier options, La Radiosa Dual Milk provides the perfect solution,” says Andrew Barrow, Evoca UK’s Sales Director. With Italian design, premium components, and cutting-edge software, it embodies Gaggia’s pursuit of excellence. Ideal for offices, gyms, cafés, and hospitality venues, La Radiosa Dual Milk can produce up to 250 drinks per day, making it the perfect solution for high- demand, quality-conscious environments.Next >