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BUSINESS Smarter Systems, Stronger Operations hardware & software Pouch Packaging Faces a Material Reckoning pouch packaging Cold Chain Resilience cold storage august 2026 • Issue 30 processing processing foodandbeverage.businessBasic Company 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 BASIC £0 STANDARD £100 YEAR PREMIUM £250 YEAR foodandbeverage.business/directory10 04 18 22 hardware & software 14 cold storage 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 seepex flowshred Turning Waste into Value: How Integrated Processing Can Improve Efficiency import & export British lamb, beef, dairy, horticultural products and sparkling wine are set to gain improved access to tariffs and simplify border processes. However, the commercial benefits will only become available once the agreement has completed signature, parliamentary scrutiny and ratification import & export Special The UK’s agreement with Switzerland may open targeted opportunities for dairy, meat and fresh produce exporters, but the wider performance of food and drink trade remains under pressure. A proposed sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU could remove significant border friction from 2027. However, manufacturers must also prepare for closer regulatory alignment across products, ingredients, packaging and production processes. processing Food processors are moving from future-facing technology discussions to the harder reality of implementation, as automation, compliance, reformulation and traceability reshape investment decisions across the production floor. pouch packaging Flexible pouches have helped food and drink brands cut weight, improve shelf appeal and reduce transport costs. Now the format is entering a tougher phase, where recyclability, sealing performance, EPR fees and export compliance are turning pouch design into a strategic operational decision. software & hardware Software and hardware are no longer secondary investments for food and drink producers. As traceability, cyber resilience, labour pressure and compliance demands intensify, connected technology is becoming central to efficiency, product integrity and commercial confidence cold storage Cold storage is moving from background infrastructure to a strategic pressure point, as energy costs, refrigerant reform, labour shortages and supply chain risk force food and beverage operators to rethink how temperature-controlled assets are designed, powered and managed. events guide Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month 22 26 30 CONTENTS 12 34 pouch packaging 16 184 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE GEA Streamlines Brewhouse Operations for Enhanced Efficiency Provisur Technologies and Nothum Food Processing Systems have formed a strategic alliance aimed at addressing a significant challenge in poultry processing: the integration of fragmented equipment. By leveraging Provisur’s capabilities in grinding and forming alongside Nothum’s specialisation in coating and frying systems, this collaboration is set to provide processors with a seamless solution for establishing comprehensive chicken nugget production lines, eliminating the typical complications associated with multiple suppliers. For those in the industry who have had to coordinate various engineering teams and equipment providers, this partnership signals a transition towards a turnkey line design approach. This model is expected to enhance project execution and create more reliable production results. Provisur and Nothum Team Up for Seamless Poultry Processing Solutions NEWS In the first quarter, the like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) fell to 2.1%, a decrease from 4.6% recorded in Q1 of 2025/26. Overall sales for Q1 2026/27 showed a performance of 3.1%, down from 4.9% a year earlier. The grocery segment saw a year-on-year sales growth of 3.6%, totaling £7.6 billion, compared to 5% in the previous quarter of 2025/26. The retailer described its start to the year as “encouraging,” though it acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East created uncertainty for both customers and the business. They are aiming for a total underlying operating profit between £975 million and £1,075 million for 2026/27. Sainsbury’s Reports £7.6 Billion in Grocery Sales for Q1 GEA’s SUD-2030 research initiative represents a transformative approach to the design of future brewhouses, moving away from the traditional separate handling of milling, mashing, and lautering. Instead, the company is focusing on creating a cohesive system that integrates these processes. This holistic method aims to facilitate high- gravity brewing, which allows for greater wort concentrations and contributes to reduced water and energy consumption throughout the brewhouse. According to Dr. Daniel Heller, project manager of R&D at GEA, the performance of a brewhouse is heavily influenced by the interactions of these processes. By viewing them as a unified system, GEA is opening doors to innovative, resource- efficient brewhouse designs.FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 5 Dellia Group Considers Opportunities Following Interest in Fruit Snacks Company Norwegian snack firm Dellia Group has announced that it is exploring “strategic alternatives” following expressions of interest from multiple buyers. In a recent stock exchange announcement in Oslo, the producer of dried fruit snacks revealed that its board has selected Pareto Securities as a financial advisor to “evaluate strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value, and to assist in preparing and executing any potential transactions resulting from this process.” Dellia, which operates under the Sunshine Delights brand, indicated that the review would encompass a comprehensive array of strategic and financial options, including potential “sale of the company or its assets, a merger, a capital raise, and a strategic partnership.” SuanNutra Acquisition Establishes a Powerful New Player in Natural Ingredients SuanNutra is poised to emerge as a frontrunner in the realm of scientifically validated natural ingredients following its agreement to acquire a portfolio of specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF. This strategic move significantly enhances its capabilities in the nutraceuticals and food enhancement sectors. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, this transaction marks a pivotal development for the Madrid- based firm and its owner, Carbyne Equity Partners. For food and beverage manufacturers, this acquisition underscores the swift convergence of health-oriented ingredients, clean-label reformulation, and evidence-based nutrition, which is transforming ingredient procurement and product development. AIRLAID LINE ENHANCES CAPACITY OF MAGIC’S FOOD PADS Magic has placed an order with Andritz for a new eXcelle production line dedicated to food pads, aimed at enhancing its capabilities in absorbent materials manufacturing in Oleggio, Italy. This advanced setup, featuring cutting-edge airlaid forming technology, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2027, with the order confirmed in Andritz’s third-quarter intake for 2025. The focus on airlaid forming is pivotal to Magic’s investment strategy. The integrated system created by Andritz Diatec and Andritz Dan-Web significantly boosts the performance of the pads by establishing a consistent, highly absorbent fiber matrix. For manufacturers in the food and beverage sector, this improvement brings several advantages. NEWSWelsh Dairy Sheep Cluster Creates New Processing Opportunities A new Dairy Sheep Cluster has been initiated at the Royal Welsh Show, uniting farmers, processors, retailers, academia, and industry participants to enhance the growth of a sustainable sheep milk sector in Wales. Established by Food & Drink Wales, this cluster emerged from research commissioned by the Welsh Government that explored the commercial viability of sheep dairying. The findings underscored the rising global appetite for sheep milk products and revealed the potential to cultivate a premium dairy segment, leveraging Wales’ well-rooted sheep farming tradition. While the formal launch signifies the creation of an essential collaborative network, its overarching goal is to forge an integrated supply chain that can support effective production, processing, and market advancement. The cluster is designed to promote teamwork throughout the value chain, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and create commercial avenues for sheep milk products. It plans to engage producers, aid food enterprises venturing into this market, and establish the necessary conditions for sustained growth within the industry. Dispute Over Deutsche Bahn’s Reusable Cup Challenges Germany’s Packaging Standards Environmental Action Germany (DUH) is currently appealing a court ruling that suggests Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) disposable cups used on trains are exempt from Germany’s reusable packaging regulations. The focus of the contention is whether beverages sold onboard are meant for immediate consumption within the train or are intended to be taken away by passengers after departure. Tomra, a leader in recycling technology, emphasizes the necessity of convenient, scalable return systems for promoting reusable options in busy transportation settings where high foot traffic is common. The ongoing legal battle between DUH and DB underscores the friction between single-use packaging laws and the effective incorporation of reusable solutions in frequently used environments. Last year, DUH filed a request for an injunction aimed at ensuring DB adheres to the reusable offer requirement outlined in Section 33 of Germany’s Packaging Act. As of January 1, 2023, businesses that serve drinks in single-use containers, such as coffee or tea, must also provide reusable versions. Bavaria has introduced a special series of limited-edition cans to honor PSV Eindhoven’s 27th Dutch Eredivisie title, utilizing Canpack’s Multiprint technology to generate 24 distinct designs in a single production run. This partnership illustrates the transformation of packaging innovation into a means of engaging fans, offering personalized and emotionally impactful experiences on a large scale. Over the last 25 years, Bavaria and PSV Eindhoven have fostered a partnership steeped in football tradition, local identity, and community ties. In celebration of PSV’s third consecutive league title during the 2025/26 season, Bavaria collaborated closely with the team to produce a dedicated series honoring each of the 23 players, along with the pivotal 12th Man, representing the team’s devoted supporters. NEWS 6 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINEEyeC GmbH has launched Proofiler Graphic Connect, a cloud- based, hardware- and system-independent prepress inspection solution designed for graphic arts and packaging production. The SaaS platform automates PDF-to-PDF comparisons, checking print-ready and step-and-repeat files against approved references. It inspects graphic content, barcodes and Braille across client, print and imposition PDFs, helping identify deviations earlier, reduce manual checks and accelerate approvals. Proofiler Graphic Connect operates through a browser, requires no local installation or maintenance and supports real-time collaboration across locations. Its scalable architecture can be integrated with workflow systems including HYBRID Software Cloudflow and Esko Automation Engine through a standardised REST API. Inspection jobs can be initiated automatically within existing workflows, with results and detected deviations returned directly to the production system. Where manual review is required, users are guided to the relevant section before the workflow continues. The platform also creates a traceable digital audit trail of inspection results, deviations and approval decisions. EyeC will demonstrate Proofiler Graphic Connect at LOUPE Americas in Rosemont, Chicago, from 15–17 September 2026, at booth 423. IFCO stands out as a prominent global provider of reusable packaging containers (RPCs) and packaging solutions, helping retailers, producers, and growers navigate the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) alongside essential food-contact and chemical-safety standards. Starting from 12 August 2026, all manufacturers will be required to have a written Declaration of Conformity for each type of packaging they introduce into the EU market. IFCO’s Declaration of Conformity offers vital technical information and assertions to assist customers and pooling partners in adhering to the PPWR compliance processes. FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 7 NEWS Cloud-Based Prepress Inspection: EyeC Introduces Proofiler Graphic Connect IFCO STREAMLINES FRESH FOOD LOGISTICS FOR PPWR COMPLIANCE UK-based meat powerhouse Cranswick has secured a stake in The Jolly Hog, a regional enterprise dedicated to “higher welfare” pork production. According to a joint announcement, Cranswick is set to become The Jolly Hog’s “long-term manufacturing partner.” The specifics of the financial arrangement were not revealed. However, a notice filed with Companies House indicates that Cranswick’s investment in The Jolly Hog is over 25% but below half of the company. As a publicly traded entity, Cranswick stands as one of the leading suppliers of pork products in the UK, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors. Founded in 2007 by brothers Olly, Max, and Josh Kohn, The Jolly Hog specializes in providing a range of sausage and bacon items to UK retailers. In their announcement, Cranswick emphasized that The Jolly Hog is set to benefit from “a stronger platform for growth through increased capacity, enhanced supply security, and access to world-class technical expertise.” CRANSWICK ACQUIRES STAKE IN UK PORK COMPANY THE JOLLY HOGYOUR NEXT CONTRACT IS HELD IN THESE HANDS BUSINESS She isn’t reading to pass the time. She’s researching the decisions that will shape her business. She’s the Director of Operations for a leading food group, researching the technologies, suppliers and strategies that will shape her company’s next investment. Whether she is reading our digital magazine or picking up the print edition, visiting foodandbeverage.business, or opening the weekly newsletter she is actively looking for ideas that can improve performance, reduce risk and strengthen her business. That is the difference between simply reaching an audience and earning its attention. Direct Access Reach the C-Suite, Directors, and Senior Managers who are actively seeking solutions 020 3633 8987 foodandbeverage.business sales@foodandbeverage.business Unrivalled Credibility Position your brand within content that our readers trust and rely on to make critical business decisions. High-Impact Visibility Your message placed in a premium, uncluttered environment - whether in print or online - ensuring the right audience sees When you advertise with us, you aren’t just buying space. You’re buying: Across print, digital and email, foodandbeverage.business connects suppliers with the people specifying, recommending & approving investment. Stop Wasting Your Budget. Start Reaching BuyersFOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 9 Nestlé to Shut Down Chocolate Factory Due to Decreased Demand Nestlé has revealed plans to shut down its facility in Diósgyőr, Hungary, by 2026. This decision is primarily influenced by a noticeable decline in the demand for seasonal confectionery items. The factory, which produces hollow chocolate figures for popular brands like Smarties, KitKat, and Milky Bar, currently exports its products to over twenty countries. Despite its international reach, the Diósgyőr site now accounts for less than 3% of Nestlé Hungary’s total revenue and contributes only 0.4% to its production capacity. The corporation cites a “decline in demand for seasonal confectionery products” as the key factor prompting this closure, indicating potential shifts in consumer preferences related to seasonal sweets. UK Soft Drinks Achieve Record Value in 2025 Despite Global Challenges The UK soft drinks sector had an exceptional year in 2025, achieving a historic market value of £26.3 billion, as outlined in the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) Annual Industry Insights Report. The report highlights a persistent surge in health-oriented and functional beverages, with manufacturers consistently pursuing innovation and healthier product options, even amidst a challenging economic and regulatory landscape. Overall soft drink sales saw a rise of 2.2%, resulting in an average consumption rate of 232 litres per individual. “The UK soft drinks industry continues to demonstrate its resilience,” stated Andy Bagnall, the BSDA’s director-general. “Despite escalating business expenses and an increasingly intricate policy framework, our members persist in their investment and innovation efforts, offering consumers a greater variety of choices than ever.” BERRY BROS. & RUDD INTRODUCES CONVENIENT COCKTAIL KITS Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest merchant of fine wines and spirits in the UK, has unveiled their latest offering: the Pick ‘n’ Spritz cocktail kits, designed for consumers to create expertly crafted spritz cocktails in the comfort of their homes. These kits allow users to mix and match a variety of ready-to-pour ingredients, making it easy to enjoy delightful spritz drinks. Launched this month, the cocktail kits are specially formulated for seamless mixing, featuring an array of flavors ranging from lively citrus to gentle floral nuances. Each kit is fully equipped to craft the ultimate summer cocktail. NEWSNext >