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APRIL 2025 • ISSUE 17 Adapting to Consumer and Environmental Demands Meat, Poultry & Seafood Redefining Food Production in 2025 Gears & Drives Innovation, Sustainability, and Market Shifts in 2025 Ingredients BUSINESS Packaging Materials & Design Packaging Materials & DesignTransform your business at Automation UK 2025. See the latest innovations in automation, robotics and vision technology, gain expert insights from keynote speakers and watch exciting live demonstrations. With our new Mobile Robots Demo Zone and exclusive networking opportunities, you too can unleash the power of automation. #AUK2025 For more information visit automation-uk.co.uk Register for your free pass Your portal to a whole world of automation Automation UK 2025 7-8 May CBS Arena CoventryContents April 2025 4 News 12 Import & Export 16 Merat, Poultry & Seafood 20 Gears, Drives & Control Panels 24 Packaging Materials & Design 28 Ingredients 32 Automation UK 34 Thaifex Anuga Asia 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 publisherThe Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) Board has announced its commitment to a net zero target of 10 years’ time. This aligns with the UK Government’s aim to be net zero by 2050 – we’ll be well along our journey and doing all we can to contribute well ahead of their target. “We’ve been committed to a sustainable business for some time, including the creation of our Plastic Pledge,” explained YPS MD Glyn Johnson. “However, this new commitment helps our team to re-focus on this vital issue and re-double our efforts to be clearly carbon neutral by an elected deadline.” In driving the company toward this goal, YPS recently had a new solar roof installed at their HQ in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. Working with partner company, Fusion Solar, the system is a 111 kilowatt system that is expected to avoid 24 Tonnes of carbon emissions every year. At the same time, the company’s roof insulation has been more than doubled to reduce heating requirements. The ultimate goal of the solar roof project is to make YPS majority self-sufficient for their electricity needs. Further improvements to the solar-powered system are under discussion to assist in meeting and exceeding this target, for example adding battery storage to hold excess energy produced to cover assets that are powered overnight or to boost running during the day. The addition of a solar roof will reduce the company’s Scope 2 emissions. There are three different scopes which are considered during a carbon reduction process: Scope 1 relates to direct emissions such as gas consumption or fuel use for company cars. Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased energy, including how that energy is generated. Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions from the company’s entire value chain in conducting its business. This includes emissions generated by third parties, such as suppliers. The YPS Team is currently creating a detailed carbon reduction road map, examining all three of the above scopes. This process will drive the company forward to a cleaner, greener future. YPS announce commitment to net zero by 2035 NEWS FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 4 SIG Terra Portfolio Achieves Double-Digit Growth The growth rate exceeds the company’s overall revenue growth of 6% related to carton packaging. This positive trend emphasizes the increasing demand for food and drink sustainability in packaging solutions. In 2024, approximately 1.7 billion liters of food were packaged using SIG Terra materials. This significant volume highlights the sector’s focus on sustainable packaging, aligning with the evolving needs of consumers interested in eco-friendly choices. Too Good To Go and CEVA Logistics Celebrate Delivery of 100,000 Food Parcels a prominent logistics company, has achieved a notable milestone by delivering 100,000 Too Good To Go parcels since partnering with the innovative parcel service in November 2024. Through direct purchases of surplus items from various brands, Too Good To Go establishes a ‘reliable and sustainable retail channel that alleviates the logistical challenges associated with managing surplus food.’ This approach not only benefits manufacturers but also promotes environmentally friendly practices. Consumers can conveniently buy these parcels via the Too Good To Go app, which delivers them directly to their doorsteps, enhancing accessibility and supporting sustainable consumption. The celebration of this achievement was marked by a visit from Kettering MP Rosie Wrighting, where the Too Good To Go packing facility is located. She remarked, “It is brilliant to see Too Good To Go and CEVA Logistics working together to provide a sustainable solution to surplus food, create jobs for local people, and distribute an impressive 100,000 parcels in such a short space of time. Tackling food surplus is so important – nobody wants to see good food go to waste.”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 180,000+ visitors (Google GA4 verified) and a subscribed newsletter that reaches more than 14,500+ dedicated professionals, we offer a unique avenue for brand exposure within the industry. foodandbeverage.business Expand your marketing reach BUSINESS Expand your marketing reachNEWS Deliverect has launched Pulse Sentinel, a new feature designed to combat unnoticed downtime on delivery platforms, a significant revenue drain for restaurants. Data suggests that a 100-location brand can lose an average of £50,000 weekly due to undetected downtime. Pulse Sentinel provides immediate alerts and automated re-opening options, ensuring near-perfect uptime. Burger King UK, using Pulse Sentinel across 321 locations, has experienced a substantial sales uplift and recovered lost revenue. Jon Longobardi, Head of Digital Operations at Burger King UK, highlighted the feature’s ability to protect their reputation and drive revenue, citing 892 instances of Pulse Sentinel restoring their online presence in just one week. Pulse Sentinel builds upon Deliverect’s Pulse platform, offering a centralised dashboard for managing store status and identifying downtime causes. It automates re-opening processes and provides data- driven insights into the financial impact of downtime, enabling restaurant operators to maximise uptime and optimise performance. Deliverect CEO Zhong Xu emphasises the feature’s role in providing control and visibility, ensuring continuous operations and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry. Deliverect Launches Pulse Sentinel Globally; Prevents 4,000 Monthly Downtime Incidents for Burger King UK Astral Foods Alerts Investors to Profit Decline Following Cybersecurity Breach South African poultry producer Astral Foods has issued a profit warning, predicting a substantial decline in half-year profits due to various challenges, including a recent cybersecurity breach. The company revealed that a cybersecurity incident on 16 March disrupted its poultry division, resulting in processing downtime and delayed customer deliveries. Despite the company’s swift response, the incident led to significant revenue losses. Furthermore, the costs associated with clearing a production backlog have impacted group profits by approximately R20 million ($1.1 million) during this reporting period. In its trading update, Astral indicated “reasonable certainty” that earnings per share (EPS) and headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the six-month period ending 31 March 2025 will decline by up to 55% and 60%, respectively. This translates to an anticipated EPS of 415 South African cents and HEPS of 354 cents, compared with the previous year’s EPS of 923 cents and HEPS of 884 cents. 1664 Introduces 0.0% Beer This April 1664 Bière 0.0% has officially joined Carlsberg Britvic’s expanding range of low and no-alcohol beers, which includes popular options such as Carlsberg 0.0 and Erdinger Alkoholfrei. This new addition will be available in 6x330ml sleek cans across several major national retailers, including ASDA, Tesco, and Waitrose. Prior to its launch, consumer research indicated that the beer performed exceptionally well, particularly in terms of taste, which positioned it competitively alongside the UK’s leading alcohol-free beer. ‘Strength to strength’ Dharmesh Rana, director of marketing for premium brands at Carlsberg Britvic, stated: “1664 has gone from strength to strength since we relaunched the brand last year. As the alcohol-free beer category continues to grow, we are thrilled to continue driving the 1664 brand to new heights with the launch of 1664 Bière 0.0% in the UK.” FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 6NEWS Salma Salmon Brand Acquired by Norway’s Insula Norwegian seafood company Insula is set to acquire the Salma premium salmon brand from fellow local processor Bremnes Seashore. This ownership transfer is pending regulatory approval in Norway, and the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. “Salma has a high reputation in Norway and other countries for being the number one premium brand for fresh sushi grade salmon. It fits well into our brand portfolio,” stated Insula’s CEO Amund Fjørtoft when discussing the rationale behind the deal, which will not result in any employee transfers. The transaction encompasses brand rights for Salma along with “some equipment,” according to Fjørtoft. Following the acquisition, the Salma brand will be managed by Insula’s affiliated company, Salmar, which stands as a key player in Norway’s seafood industry alongside giants like Mowi and Lerøy Seafood Group. Sigvald Rist, managing director of Insula in Norway, emphasized that “Salma is a flagship in the Norwegian seafood industry, the result of impressive brand building and product development over many years.” He further noted that the company plans to “further develop the brand” in the future. Sammontana Italia Set to Acquire La Rocca Creative Cakes of Canada Sammontana Italia Group is making significant strides in its North American expansion strategy by acquiring La Rocca Creative Cakes, a prominent Canadian dessert company. The financial details surrounding this acquisition remain undisclosed. However, the gelato supplier has characterized this transaction as a pivotal advancement in their growth strategy. Through this acquisition, the Italian bakery products producer and distributor is enhancing its footprint in North America by establishing a new entity named Sammontana North America. This initiative reflects their commitment to expanding their market presence. La Rocca Creative Cakes has a rich history, having been founded in 1986 by the Givens family. The company operates in the retail in-store bakery sector, specializing in the production of cakes, desserts, and frozen pastries. Apetito, a leading prepared meals manufacturer, is set to construct a new facility dubbed Kitchen West. This facility will be located on the site of its former pie factory alongside an additional plot acquired in 2021, both situated on the Canal Road Industrial Estate in Trowbridge. Lee Sheppard, the director of corporate affairs, policy, and sustainability at Apetito, has revealed that an official proposal is currently being drafted for submission to the Wiltshire Planning Office. Apetito Plans New Factory in Wiltshire FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 7 As part of the planning process, residents, local businesses, and councillors will have the opportunity to participate in public consultations. This initiative aims to gather feedback regarding the proposed plans before pursuing formal permission for the new site. Apetito employs approximately 2,000 individuals across the UK, with 670 based in its existing production kitchens on the same industrial estate in Trowbridge. Importantly, the new facility will not disrupt current production operations in Trowbridge. Instead, it will address the increasing demand for Apetito meals.NEWS Diversey showcased its innovative hygiene and water treatment solutions at IPPE, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and food safety. The event fostered valuable connections, with attendees seeking solutions to industry challenges. Featured technologies included Diverclean Sonic, which streamlines precleaning, and the Elite 360 ® for antimicrobial application. Diversey’s Knowledge-Based Services and Water Treatment Solutions highlighted its focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling. Attendees noted the strong networking opportunities and the chance to exchange insights on global trends. The company’s representatives expressed optimism about the processed food sector’s growth potential and Diversey’s ability to support customers’ food safety, sustainability, and cost- efficiency goals. The IPPE experience reinforced Diversey’s collaborative approach, demonstrating its capacity to drive customer success through cutting-edge, sustainable innovation. Diversey’s Innovative Sustainable Solutions Connect with Customers and Global Industry Challenges at IPPE Xact Prepack and Termoformas Join Forces for Sustainable Packaging Solutions Xact Prepack, a prominent provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Termoformas, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality plastic packaging, to enhance food and beverage packaging options. This collaboration introduces a range of innovative, eco- friendly plastic punnets and trays to the food industry. Notably, these products contain a minimum of 80 percent recycled content, making them highly sustainable and exempt from the plastic tax. This initiative not only reduces the reliance on virgin plastic and minimizes waste but also delivers significant cost savings for businesses. The versatile packaging solutions are designed for various food applications, including fresh produce, meat, and fish. As such, they help companies achieve their environmental and economic goals while promoting responsible practices in food and beverage packaging. The alliance between Xact Prepack and Termoformas combines Xact Prepack’s expertise in sustainable packaging with Termoformas’ commitment to manufacturing excellence. TÜV Rheinland Enhances Testing Capacity to Address Rising Global Demand for PFAS TÜV Rheinland is expanding its testing capacity worldwide to meet the growing global demand for testing services for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The demand for these testing services has surged by over 30 percent year- on-year. Given that PFAS, a category comprising more than 10,000 known substances, are prevalent in various industries—including food packaging—the need for comprehensive testing has become increasingly urgent. FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 8NEWS Sheep Test Positive for Bird Flu For the first time, bird flu has been identified in a sheep. A case involving H5N1-type bird flu was confirmed in a sheep located in Yorkshire, UK, following positive results from milk testing. This strain of avian influenza has seen a rapid spread over recent months. In response to this detection, the affected sheep has been culled for further testing, alongside the remaining sheep in the flock, to contain any potential spread. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has emphasized that the risk to the general public remains very low. Furthermore, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) reassured the public that poultry and eggs are safe to consume, as the virus is not typically transmitted through food. Assessing the Risk to Livestock Dr. Meera Chand, the UKHSA’s lead on emerging infections, states that existing evidence indicates that the spreading avian influenza does not easily transmit to humans. “We have confirmed the detection of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep on a farm in Yorkshire. Strict biosecurity measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of disease,” said Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer. Nestlé Reduces Scale of German Operations Due to Increasing Costs In a strategic move, Nestlé is downsizing its operations in Germany by shutting down one facility and divesting another, affecting around 225 employees. The Swiss food giant recently announced plans to close its Neuss plant located in North Rhine-Westphalia by mid-2026 and sell its Conow site in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern early that same year. Both closures stem from “declining volumes and overcapacity” at these facilities. Growing “price sensitivity” among consumers, along with “rising costs,” has prompted this difficult decision. Fabrice Johan, the chief technology officer for Nestlé in Germany, stated regarding the Neuss closure: “It was a difficult decision, which we made after intensive examination and consideration of the overall situation. Now it’s time to take responsibility for the employees on site and create prospects for them.” A new influx of investment will empower the Israel-based climate food tech innovator Brevel to enhance its go- to-market strategy while advancing the production of microalgae proteins suitable for various food and beverage applications. This latest round of financing, totaling $5 million, increases the start-up’s total investments to $25 million. Shareholders include NevaTeam Partners, Siddhi Capital, the European Union’s EIC Fund, Brevel, the Innovator in Microalgae Protein, Lands Significant Investment FOODANDBEVERAGE.BUSINESS • 9 Good Protein Fund, The Food Tech Lab, and PVS Investments. Achieving Microalgae Protein Price Parity “Our vision as a climate food-tech start-up is to minimize the carbon footprint by producing affordable, flavor-neutral, and functional microalgae protein on a global scale for consumers. It ticks all the boxes: it’s beneficial for individuals, advantageous for our customers, and sustainable for the planet,” stated Brevel CEO and co-founder Yonatan Golan.Next >