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BUSINESS Every defect tells a story vision, inspection & detection Dust Never Sleeps dust control Keep it moving, keep it visible materials handling September 2026 • Issue 32 machinery & equipment machinery & equipment foodandbeverage.businessDiscover the three Schubert product lines for packaging tasks of any size and complexity. LIGHTLINE | standardized for simplicity TOG | built for versatility TLM | engineered for performance10 04 42 20 materials handling 30 vision, inspection & detection 14 dairy industry 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 import & export Importing food has long provided the UK with choice, year-round availability and a safety net when domestic production falls short. But as drought and extreme heat affect growing regions simultaneously, manufacturers are being forced to reconsider just how resilient that global supply network really is dairy industry Dairy’s sustainability challenge is moving from headline commitments to hard operating decisions. Methane reduction, heat recovery, membrane concentration and more recyclable packaging can lower emissions, but only when they also protect yield, quality and margin. As UK and EU rules reshape packaging costs and environmental claims, processors must identify where compliance, efficiency and competitive advantage genuinely meet SEEPEX From Strawberry to Spoon: Hygienic Pumping for Modern Dairy Processing materials handling A production line can only run as efficiently as the materials feeding it. Ingredients arriving late, packaging waiting in the wrong location or finished pallets blocking dispatch can quickly undermine investment in faster processing and packing machinery. dust control Dust can damage health, contaminate products, disrupt automation and fuel explosions. As production speeds rise, manufacturers need extraction systems that combine effective source capture with intelligent monitoring, condition-based maintenance and verified protection— turning dust control from a background utility into a measurable contributor to safety, hygiene, efficiency and uptime Dust Control Environmental Why a Good Lev Testing & Maintenance Regime is Essential vision, detection & inspection Machine vision is moving beyond pass-or-fail inspection. Connected cameras, advanced sensing and intelligent traceability are helping manufacturers detect problems earlier, protect yield and improve decisions across production, engineering and planning Interfoods The Cerberus Vyper:Integrated Checkweighing, Metal Detection and Label Inspection machinery & equipment AI copilots, adaptive robotics, advanced inspection and intelligent cleaning are changing what production machinery can see, predict and improve, while raising new questions around data, cybersecurity and return on investment. events guide Everything that has been going on in the Food & Beverage sector this month 24 32 14 38 CONTENTS 18 20 30 364 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE Moicha Partners with CCPS to Enhance Matcha Fulfillment The company reported an increase in its underlying operating margin, which reached 20.3%. The underlying operating profit hit €5.2 billion, reflecting a year-on-year rise of 0.9%. In the first half of the year, underlying sales growth (USG) was recorded at 4.8%. The food category experienced a USG of 1.2%, with volumes also seeing a rise of 1.2% while prices remained stable. Unilever noted that growth in its food division was primarily driven by emerging markets, whereas developed markets faced a downturn due to a “softer market environment.” During the initial six months of 2026, the total food turnover amounted to €6.3 billion, with €3.1 billion generated in the second quarter alone. Unilever anticipates that food growth will gain momentum in the latter half of the year, driven by innovation and enhanced performance in developed markets. Unilever Foods Reaches €6.3 Billion in Food Revenue for H1 NEWS Gay Lea Foods Co-operative has announced a substantial investment surpassing C$200 million (approximately US$143.5 million) aimed at augmenting its cottage cheese production within Canada. In a statement released on August 11, the dairy organization indicated that this financing will facilitate the integration of “advanced” processing technologies and enhanced manufacturing capabilities at its Clayson Road facility located in Toronto. The initiative is designed to tackle the existing national “shortage” of cottage cheese while simultaneously increasing the production capacity of its “high- protein” dairy lines. Completion of this expansion is anticipated by the year 2028. The development is projected to create 75 new job opportunities, encompassing “skilled” manufacturing roles, as stated by the co-operative. Gay Lea Foods Invests in Cottage Cheese Expansion As Moicha’s customer base expanded, the brand strategically partnered with Complete Co-packing Services (CCPS) to enhance its fulfilment operations and deliver a seamless customer experience. This collaboration allows Moicha to address key considerations in food and drink sustainability while optimizing their supply chain. CCPS provides an integrated fulfilment platform that effectively links Moicha’s e-commerce system with its fulfilment management system. This connection ensures smooth operations and addresses critical aspects of sustainable packaging and food and drink marketing, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices. Furthermore, the partnership incorporates optimized inventory management featuring real-time stock visibility and automated replenishment. This set-up not only enables efficient resource control but also aligns with the growing consumer trends toward sustainability in food and drink packaging.FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 5 Andrew Yaxley Takes the Helm as CEO of Tesco I & NI He takes over from Geoff Byrne, who will assume the role of CEO at Booker Group. According to the store, these appointments highlight Tesco’s “ongoing commitment to nurturing leadership talent” throughout the organization, with both roles becoming effective on August 31st. Andrew Yaxley previously led Tesco Ireland as CEO from 2015 to 2018, guiding the company through a phase of “significant transformation and growth,” as noted by the retailer. Afterward, he joined the Tesco Group leadership team as chief product officer before taking on the CEO position at Booker, where he “helped drive strong growth.” Speaking about his new role, Yaxley remarked: “I’m delighted to be returning to Tesco Ireland and look forward to working with colleagues to build on the strong momentum already in place. Go-Pak Unveils Clarity: 100% Recycled PET Drinkware Collection Go-Pak has unveiled Clarity, a new collection of drinkware designed for the foodservice sector. These products are made entirely from recycled PET (rPET) and are fully recyclable. Clarity targets businesses that seek to incorporate higher levels of recycled materials into their foodservice packaging while also delivering the clarity, durability, and visual appeal that customers expect from clear cold drink cups. In contrast to traditional offerings that mix recycled and virgin PET, Clarity is crafted exclusively from recycled materials. One of the main hurdles in creating recycled plastic packaging is ensuring that it meets the visual standards of transparent products. Go- Pak has focused on premium transparency with the Clarity line, which showcases beverages and desserts without sacrificing strength and functionality for high-demand foodservice scenarios. FERRERO EXPANDS ITS M&A ACTIVITY BY ACQUIRING PURELY ELIZABETH Ferrero is taking significant strides to enhance its breakfast offerings with the purchase of Purely Elizabeth, a US-based food company. Details regarding the financial aspect of the acquisition have not been revealed. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Colorado, Purely Elizabeth specializes in breakfast items, offering a range of granola, oatmeal, and cereal products. This acquisition comes on the heels of Ferrero’s $3.1 billion takeover of WK Kellogg last year, which integrated notable brands such as Froot Loops and Raisin Bran into its portfolio. NEWSSLMG Beverages Welcomes Lagan Shastri as New CEO, Poised for Strategic Growth SLMG Beverages Private Limited, one of India’s top Coca-Cola bottling partners, has officially appointed Mr. Lagan Shastri as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 10, 2026. This pivotal appointment signifies the company’s commitment to its next phase of strategic growth and global expansion in the food and drink packaging sector. Over the years, SLMG Beverages has positioned itself as a leader in the Indian beverage market through robust customer partnerships, operational excellence, and value creation. Looking ahead, the company aims to develop one of the world’s most respected Coca- Cola bottling businesses, recognized globally for its innovation, execution, and sustainable performance in food and drink sustainable packaging. Lagan brings nearly three decades of extensive commercial, operational, and general management experience across the beverages, FMCG, and consumer products industries. A seasoned veteran of the Coca-Cola ecosystem, he began his career with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) as a Management Trainee. Over his twenty-year tenure, he advanced through senior leadership roles in Sales, Marketing, Commercial Profit Centre Management, and Strategy. His journey culminated in his appointment as Executive Director – Market Operations, where he oversaw HCCB’s end-to-end market operations and co-led enterprise strategy alongside the CEO. Ardagh Considers Selling Its Metal Packaging Division Bondholders of the restructured packaging firm are exploring potential market interest in Ardagh Metal Packaging, a company presently valued at over $3 billion, as robust demand for cans coincides with a broader initiative to reduce debt levels. On August 13, 2026, Ardagh Holdings S.A. (AHSA), the parent company located in Luxembourg, announced that its board has tasked advisers with preparing for a possible sale of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (AMPSA), an intention documented in an updated Schedule 13D submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The process being considered involves AHSA, which holds about 76% of AMP’s equity, selling part or all of its indirect interest to a third-party buyer. One possible approach could involve AHSA first acquiring the AMP shares it does not already possess, effectively taking the can manufacturing entity private before transferring it entirely to a buyer in a single transaction. Evercore International Partners has been engaged as the financial adviser, while Kirkland & Ellis International is on board as the primary legal counsel. AHSA has not established a specific timeline for the process and has clearly indicated that no transaction is guaranteed—any subsequent steps, including potential partners, terms, and timing, will need approval from AHSA’s board. We’ve all seen companies tout their ambitions to achieve net zero emissions by a specific date. While these statements sound commendable, too often, they amount to nothing more than marketing slogans. JBS USA, a global meat processing leader, discovered this the hard way when it faced a US$1.1 million fine for claiming it would attain net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, all while lacking a clear strategy to realize that target. Such declarations fall under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which, when executed effectively, can offer business advantages as it resonates with both consumers and investors. NEWS 6 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINELoma Systems® will exhibit at PPMA 2026, taking place from 22–24 September at the NEC Birmingham, where visitors to Stand D106 can explore inspection technologies spanning metal detection, X-ray inspection, checkweighing and combination systems. The company will demonstrate three systems from its X5 X-ray Series: the X5DE Space Saver, using Dual Energy technology for complex and mixed-density products; the compact X5C, designed for manufacturers with restricted line space; and the X5 Pipeline for pumped and free-flowing products including meat, poultry, slurries and sauces. Loma will also showcase its CW3 RUN-WET® combination system featuring IQ4M metal detection technology, combining Variable Frequency and Multi-Spectrum detection with dynamic checkweighing for demanding washdown environments. Alongside the equipment, Loma’s UK service team will highlight support covering preventative maintenance, genuine spare parts, operator and engineer training, equipment upgrades and service packages designed to improve availability, maintain compliance and manage lifetime operating costs. Renowned carton manufacturer, Falconer Print & Packaging, is set to showcase its expertise in creative, sustainable, and intricately designed carton packaging at London Packaging Week 2026. This prominent event will take place at ExCeL London on 16-17 September. Located at Stand F80, Falconer will emphasize how thoughtful structural design, material selection, and decorative finishing can synergistically create packaging that not only stands out on shelves but also meets the rising sustainability demands of brands and retailers. With a focus on gifting, Falconer will present a curated selection of customer packaging alongside examples that illustrate the innovative potential of cartonboard. Notably, the company will feature its award-nominated 2025 Christmas Tree, demonstrating how imaginative structural design, print, and finishing can elevate cartonboard into an engaging piece of seasonal packaging. FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINE 7 NEWS LOMA Systems ® TO SHOWCASE COMPLETE INSPECTION AND SERVICE SUPPORT AT PPMA 2026 FALCONER TO UNVEIL INNOVATIVE CARTON SOLUTIONS AT LPW 2026 The German beverage company is reportedly pursuing legal action against the Liverpool-based firm for approximately £2 million, citing alleged production deficiencies. As initially reported by The Telegraph, Capri-Sun accuses Princes of failing to meet agreed-upon juice production levels, leading to unmet orders from major retailers. In total, Capri-Sun claims that these production issues have resulted in a financial loss amounting to around £2.7 million in revenue and approximately £847,000 in profit. Earlier this year, both the European and UK divisions of Capri-Sun filed a lawsuit, asserting that Princes breached two contracts established in 2024. The claims regarding Princes’ failure to meet production requirements pertain to a five-month span during that year. CAPRI-SUN TO SUE PRINCES GROUP FOR £2 MILLION IN INTENSE LEGAL BATTLEPPMA Show sees a full packaging line-up and new division from Autopack The Bernard Matthews facility situated on Shaftesbury Street in Derby is set to close by the end of 2026. This announcement comes on the heels of a completed collective consultation involving both employees and union representatives, according to a spokesperson for the company who spoke with Food Manufacture. The decision to shut down is primarily attributed to ongoing financial deficits that, coupled with current market volatility, became too detrimental for the operation to sustain. “This decision follows continued significant financial losses, alongside a range of external economic challenges and the geopolitical environment, including Brexit, Covid, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have all contributed to significantly impacting the site and its supply chain,” the spokesperson clarified. The turkey processing facility currently employs approximately 600 individuals. A company representative indicated that the organization intends to assist affected employees by offering “potential redeployment opportunities across the wider business and engagement with local organisations to explore alternative employment options.” Bernard Matthews Turkey Facility Set to Shut Down NEWS Morten Schott Knudsen has been named the new chief financial officer of Caffe Nero, joining the organization in January 2026 as a member of the main board. He takes over the CFO role from Ben Price, who has shifted to the position of chief operating officer. Prior to his new role, Knudsen served as the chief financial officer of Pilgrim’s Europe for six years, a position that Edwuardo Santos Silva assumed in 2025. Before that, he accumulated extensive experience in various CFO and senior finance roles within the food and retail industries, with notable positions at Danone and Walmart. In his capacity as group CFO at Caffe Nero, Knudsen is expected to guide the global business and its brands as the company seeks further expansion and growth opportunities. Recent results indicate that the group achieved a historic performance in the first eight months of FY25, with like-for-like sales increasing by 7.4%. Total sales surged by 13%, reaching $680 million for the financial year ending May 31, 2024. Caffe Nero Names Morten Schott Knudsen as New Group CFO. Autopack Group will present its largest-ever machinery showcase at PPMA Show 2026, unveiling 25 machines across stands A12 and B20 alongside the launch of its new weighing and inspection division, Autoweigh. The display will bring together Autopack’s flexible and rigid packaging capabilities, covering applications across food, beverage, dairy, snacks, pet care, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and other industries. Highlights include Technosys coffee and VFFS systems, an Autoweigh linear weigher and the compact EX1 X-ray inspection machine from Sesotec, Autopack’s latest distribution partner. The company will also showcase its sack-filling portfolio, including the new AP500 auger-fed gross weigher for 10–50kg powder and granular products. Autopack’s Spanish division will demonstrate premade pouch technology, including recyclable spouted pouches, while the rigid packaging stand will feature a complete turnkey liquid line incorporating container unscrambling, air rinsing, filling and capping. Managing Director Wayne Kedward said the expanded portfolio enables Autopack to provide integrated handling, weighing, inspection and packaging systems for complete turnkey projects. PPMA Show 2026 takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 22–24 September. 8 FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESS MAGAZINEYOUR NEXT CONTRACT IS HELD IN THESE HANDS BUSINESS She’s the Director of Operations for a national food group, and for the next 15 minutes, she is doing one thing: reading. She’s reading about AI, processing, manufacturing, and supply chain innovations that will shape her budget for the next financial year. She’s reading foodandbeverage.business In a world of noise, we deliver what marketing budgets crave: genuine, focused engagement with the people who make the critical purchasing decisions. Direct Access Reach the C-Suite, Directors, and Senior Managers who are actively seeking solutions foodandbeverage.business 020 3633 8987 sales@foodandbeverage.business Unrivalled Credibility Position your brand within content that our readers trust and rely on to make critical business decisions. 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