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BUSINESS Flexible, Functional, and Future-Ready Pouches Pouch Packaging Efficiency, Compliance and the Smart Frozen Chain Cold Storage Solutions for a Smarter Food and Drink Industry Software & Hardware AUGUST 2025 • Issue 21 Processing Processing 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 FREEPAID PREMIUM foodandbeverage.business/directory14 04 18 22 30 34 22 software & Hardware 26 pouch packaging CONTENTS 18 Processing 30 cold storage FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 03 Editorial: editorial-ukeurope@foodandbeverage.business Sales: sales@foodandbeverage.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. News Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month Import & Export In today’s food manufacturing sector, innovation is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. As regulatory pressures tighten, sustainability goals sharpen, and consumer demands shift toward traceability and personalisation, food processors are investing in smarter technologies and more agile operations. Processing In today’s food manufacturing sector, innovation is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. As regulatory pressures tighten, sustainability goals sharpen, and consumer demands shift toward traceability and personalisation, food processors are investing in smarter technologies and more agile operations. software & Hardware The pace of change in the food and drink industry has accelerated dramatically in the past 18 months. With manufacturers facing rising input costs, complex regulation, labour shortages and heightened sustainability expectations, technology is no longer a luxury— it’s a necessity. pouch packaging Pouch packaging has emerged as one of the most dynamic formats in the food and drink industry. Its compact design, lightweight structure, and ability to accommodate a wide range of product types have made it a mainstay across categories—from baby food and beverages to ready meals and frozen produce. cold storage In 2025, cold storage is undergoing a quiet revolution. Driven by rising energy costs, tightening environmental regulations, and increasingly complex supply chains, the food and beverage industry is transforming how chilled and frozen goods are managed. events guide Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month 2604 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE The Compleat Food Group Acquires Freshpak UK-based The Compleat Food Group has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring local sandwich-filling manufacturer Freshpak for an undisclosed sum. Since 2016, Freshpak, owned by Sun European Partners, has been supplying private-label food-to-go products, deli fillers, and poached eggs. Additionally, the company provides comprehensive egg processing services. Located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Freshpak operates out of a substantial 40,000m² production facility and employs approximately 500 individuals. In the year 2024, the company reported revenues of £93m ($125m). Freshpak’s diverse range of products is available in major UK supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and The Co-op. The company also caters to the foodservice sector. In a strategic statement, The Compleat Food Group characterized this acquisition as a crucial step towards achieving its goal of becoming the UK’s “number one” producer of chilled prepared foods. Customer preferences are always changing, with cold coffee drinks now a year- round phenomenon. The Allegra Project Café UK 2024 report confirms 43% of industry leaders see iced coffee ordered regardless of the season, driving high- street chains to expand their chilled menus. Gaggia Milano’s new, fully-automatic La Solare LatteVelluto offers the perfect solution for coffee establishments. Launching in the UK this summer, it’s designed for diverse venues like sandwich shops, hotels, and bakeries. This machine delivers finely-tuned espresso with perfectly textured hot or cold milk, allowing precise adjustments for velvety consistency. Paired with Gaggia’s new ice maker (producing up to 80kg daily), La Solare LatteVelluto lets businesses instantly capitalize on rising iced drink demand while also upgrading their hot beverage menu. Experience its performance first-hand at Gaggia’s London showroom. GAGGIA MILANO’S LA SOLARE LATTEVELLUTO: CAPITALIZE ON YEAR-ROUND COLD COFFEE DEMAND NEWS Food giant Kraft Heinz is reportedly planning to spin off a significant segment of its operations, which includes its renowned Kraft products. This information was revealed in a recent report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The newly formed entity could reach a valuation of up to $20 billion (€17 billion). The proposed spin-off would focus on the company’s array of sauces, condiments, and spreads, with finalization potentially occurring within weeks. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that the structure of the deal may fluctuate, and there is no assurance that Kraft Heinz will indeed proceed with it. Kraft Heinz’s origins trace back to the merger of Kraft and Heinz in 2015, facilitated by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital. However, challenges began to surface by 2019, notably when Kraft Heinz slashed the valuation of its Kraft and Oscar Mayer products by $15 billion. Kraft Heinz to Spin Off Kraft Brand in $20 Billion Restructuring InitiativEFOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 05 Unilever Divests Ice Cream Business in Venezuela Unilever has divested its ice-cream business in Venezuela to Mack de Venezuela, a Colombian automotive company. This strategic transaction, finalized for an undisclosed amount, encompasses the well-known Tio Rico brand and its associated factory. In a recent statement, Unilever highlighted that Mack de Venezuela was selected after a thorough evaluation of their capabilities, values, and vision for the future of the business. As the Venezuelan subsidiary of Mack de Colombia, Mack de Venezuela has a long-standing reputation as a dealer for commercial vehicle brands, including Mack and Volvo. Furthermore, Unilever reassured stakeholders in the food and beverage industry that its portfolio, consisting of both global and local brands, will continue to meet the needs of Venezuelan consumers. Bold Cans, Bigger Impact: Kingdom & Sparrow Refresh Arbor Ales Creative branding studio Kingdom & Sparrow partnered with Bristol’s Arbor Ales for a vibrant brand refresh, coinciding with the brewery’s national supermarket rollout in M&S stores, and South West rollout in Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Since 2007, Arbor Ales has been known for adventurous brews and distinctive pint-sized cans. Kingdom & Sparrow evolved their iconic maple leaf logo, making it bolder and more contemporary, while designing angular, high- impact can graphics. This new visual system features dynamic colour strikes, ensuring strong shelf presence and allowing for future range expansion. “Their fanbase knows Arbor for their signature maple leaf, so rather than lose that strong recognition, we evolved it,” said Johnny Paton, Kingdom & Sparrow’s Founder. The refresh highlights Arbor’s unique pint cans with “heroic, rendered imagery,” reinforcing their “Full Pint Satisfaction” strapline. Arbor’s Sales Director and Co-Founder Meg Oliver praised the collaboration: “Kingdom & Sparrow fully understood and appreciated the brief, and they executed it in record time. ANT & DEC ACQUIRE STAKE IN THE NORTHERN DOUGH CO Ant and Dec will play a pivotal role in product and content development at the frozen dough brand, following their recent agreement. However, details regarding the size of their stake in the business have not been disclosed. Through their creative company, Mitre Studios, the duo will collaborate closely with the brand to produce original content for both social media and digital platforms. Mitre Studios boasts a successful history of delivering campaigns for notable companies like Disney, TUI, Santander, and Ring. NEWS06 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE Ocado’s Commercial Chief Resigns After 18 Months in Position As initially reported by sister publication The Grocer, George Dean, currently the director of commercial development at Ocado, will temporarily succeed Chitnis. Ocado confirmed Chitnis’s departure when contacted by Food Manufacture but did not disclose specifics regarding the transition period. Chitnis joined Ocado in December 2023 after a decade at Tesco, where he served as UK grocery director in his final role. Prior to his position at Tesco, he was the director of trading at Booker Wholesale, a Tesco subsidiary, for over two years. Aptar Closures Unveils Innovative Tamper-Evident, Eco-Friendly Sports Beverage Closures at Drinktec 2025. Aptar Closures, a leader in dispensing solutions for over 50 years, will unveil its latest generation of sports beverage closures at Drinktec 2025, taking place from September 15-19 in Munich, Germany. Visit Hall C6, Stand C6-342 to discover three cutting-edge solutions – NexTE, Rocket, and Balance – designed to address the rising industry demand for tamper-evident features, intuitive usability, and enhanced sustainability profiles. Aptar Closures’ offerings are crafted to align with Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) directive. These solutions not only help brands remain compliant but also enhance performance to meet consumer expectations. Suitable for a variety of beverage applications—ranging from sports and energy drinks to juices and water—Aptar Closures will highlight the following innovations at Drinktec: NexTE 29.25 Sport Closure: The NexTE Sport Closure features a streamlined design coupled with integrated latching tamper evidence. This closure allows for a familiar, intuitive one-handed opening experience while ensuring consumer safety. The debate over plant-based naming restrictions has resurfaced! The European Commission’s latest proposal outlines a list of 29 terms that should not be used for marketing products lacking meat. According to this proposal, “meat” is exclusively defined as the “edible part of the animal.” This initiative follows a prior attempt to legislate such restrictions, which was defeated in the European Parliament in 2020. Interestingly, several terms are notably absent from the proposed list. In its proposal, the European Commission outlines 29 terms that would be prohibited for marketing animal-free goods. These include “beef,” “pork,” “chicken,” “bacon,” and “duck,” along with various cuts like “sirloin,” “tenderloin,” and “breast.” NEWSFOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 07 CERMAQ ACQUIRES THREE SALMON PLANTS FROM GRIEG SEAFOOD Cermaq has announced plans to acquire three salmon processing facilities from Norwegian peer Grieg Seafood for Nkr10.2bn ($988.6m). The acquisition includes a facility in Finnmark, Norway, along with two sites in Canada located in British Columbia and Newfoundland. This transaction is contingent on approval from the relevant competition regulators, as outlined in a statement from Cermaq, a European subsidiary of Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp., released 17 July. In a separate announcement, Grieg Seafood clarified that the sale also encompasses its North American sales organization. This move is part of Grieg’s strategy to streamline operations in Rogaland, Norway. NEWS Premium Food Group Challenges Ruling on Vion Deal in Germany Germany’s Premium Food Group is currently seeking to overturn the rejection of its proposal to purchase factory assets from the meat industry giant Vion. Last month, Germany’s competition authority, the Bundeskartellamt, blocked Premium Food Group’s bid to acquire Vion’s plant assets in Germany. The Bundeskartellamt asserted that the deal would adversely impact farmers and smaller competitors. In 2023, Vion initiated a series of meat-asset closures in Germany and subsequently declared its intention to exit the market entirely. The company had previously formed an agreement in January of last year with Premium Food Group concerning two of its plants, which was followed by additional agreements in September. The proposed disposals include slaughterhouses located in Buchloe, Crailsheim, and Waldkraiburg, as well as a deboning facility in Hilden and two hide-processing plants in Memmingen and Eching-Weixerau. SGS Tackles the Challenges of Using Recycled Plastics in Food Packaging Materials Food packaging increasingly depends on plastic due to its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. This makes it an ideal choice for various food and drink packaging products, ranging from water bottles to disposable cutlery. However, the rising issue of plastic pollution compels manufacturers to seek sustainable packaging solutions while adhering to regulatory requirements. Kevin Chiu, Senior Technical Development and Harmonization Manager, Connectivity & Products, SGS, examines the available solutions that balance safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance in food and drink packaging. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts a significant increase in yearly virgin plastic production over the next two decades. Specifically, this production is expected to soar by 70% by 2040, rising from 435 million tonnes (Mt) in 2020 to 736 Mt. Concurrently, inadequately disposed plastic waste is projected to grow from 81 Mt to 119 Mt during that period. Furthermore, plastic leakage into the environment could escalate by 50%.PACK EXPO LAS VEGAS MARKS 30 YEARS OF PIONEERING PACKAGING INNOVATIONS PACK EXPO Las Vegas, recognized as one of North America’s most extensive events for packaging and processing, is commemorating a significant achievement: 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the show’s launch. Today, PACK EXPO Las Vegas serves as a vital global hub for innovation and collaboration in the industry, particularly in food and drink packaging. Show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has transformed PACK EXPO Las Vegas from a regional trade exhibition into a worldwide industry powerhouse, enhancing its scale, influence, and relevance in international markets. This year, attendees can expect over 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, featuring 2,300 exhibitors, and attracting around 35,000 visitors from more than 40 diverse sectors. Intersnack Allocates €85 Million for Expansion of Alsbach Facility Germany-based snacks manufacturer Intersnack is set to invest €85 million ($98 million) in its Alsbach plant. Intersnack recently announced plans for a significant 10,000-square-metre expansion at its factory near Darmstadt. This extension will include a new production hall, along with an integrated logistics area. The company’s modernization initiative aims to enhance production capacity while incorporating sustainability measures. By transitioning to renewable energy sources, Intersnack anticipates reducing its CO2 emissions by over 50%. This modernization project will not only stabilize the employment of the facility’s 470 workers but also create new opportunities for future growth. TRIP DRINK ADVERTISEMENT BANNED BY ASA TRIP, known for its assortment of magnesium and CBD-infused beverages, faced a ban on its advertisement featuring the ‘Cucumber Mint – Mindful Blend Magnesium Drink’. This action arose due to claims related to its sugar content and mood-en- hancing effects, which the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) deemed inaccurate and misleading. Titled ‘How to use’, the advertisement employed language that implied it would foster a sense of calm: ‘Try me in the morning to help find some calm before a long day, or take a TRIP to unwind when work is over’. Such phrasing, combined with a visual of the product can, stated that ‘95% of TRIP customers felt that Mindful Blend made them feel calmer’. Additionally, the ad showcased a series of headlines, such as ‘Magnesium is the latest buzzy supple- ment. Can it help with anxiety?’ while another noted, ‘Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane – Reduces Anxiety and Stress’. The ASA indicated that these claims suggested the ingredients had significant health benefits, potentially misleading consumers into believing the product could alleviate anxiety. 08 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE NEWSBUSINESS To find out why Food and Beverage Business is the perfect marketing channel for you email: john@foodandbeverage.business or visit foodandbeverage.business September Issue Dairy Industry Materials Handling Machinery & Equipment Dust Control Vision, Inspection & DetectionNext >