Food & Drink News March/April 2025

Editor’s Foreword

PUBLISHER

Planet Media & Design Ltd

Brooke’s Mill, Huddersfield HD4 7NR

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jillian Evans

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

Shazia Hussain

CHIEF EDITOR

David Barnett

SUB-EDITOR

Abigail Wears

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As this issue was going to press, the global economy was facing yet another crisis, this time one brought on by the imposition of tariffs by Donald Trump’s US government.

While the full effects of the move — and the British response — are still sinking in, there is much disquiet among the food and drink industry about what this will eventually mean for companies in that sector in the UK.

An international trade war will not be good news for anyone, especially those companies that either do business with the US, either through raw materials and ingredients, or exporting of finished products.

As ever, those companies who have resilience baked into their structure and are able to pivot to new methods of working and selling will be the ones who ride this latest challenge.

David Barnett CHIEF EDITOR

BLUEWATER CAFE STATIONTM WINS ‘BEST NEW PRODUCT’ AT 2025 WORLD OF COFFEE IN DUBAI

Bluewater proudly announces its groundbreaking Cafe Station™ has been crowned ‘Best New Product’ at the prestigious 2025 World of Coffee exhibition in Dubai. This cutting-edge innovation is revolutionising speciality coffee brewing by transforming the role of water in extraction and flavour enhancement.

An expert panel of judges selected the Bluewater Cafe Station for its precision water calibration technology, which empowers baristas to customise the mineral composition of water to complement each coffee bean’s unique profile perfectly. By redefining the water map for coffee brewing, Bluewater has unlocked new dimensions of flavour and aroma, ensuring an unparalleled coffee experience with every cup.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at one of the world’s most esteemed coffee events,” said Bluewater founder and CEO Bengt Rittri. “Water is the unsung hero of coffee, and with the Cafe Station, we’ve given baristas the ability to fine-tune their water to maximise flavour

and consistency. This award reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in speciality coffee.”

With coffee increasingly recognised for its health and wellness benefits, the Bluewater Cafe Station is set to redefine the coffee experience across the UAE and the wider Middle East. Already named a 2024 ‘Best Buy’ by The Caterer Magazine for speciality coffee shops in the UK, the Cafe Station is earning global acclaim for its ability to enhance both taste and wellbeing.

At the core of the Cafe Station is Bluewater’s mission to ensure that every cup

of coffee is extraordinary. The system purifies water-eliminating contaminants like PFAS, microplastics, and other harmful chemicals found in tap water and optimally enhances it with the brand’s exclusive Liquid Rock® mineral dosing technology. Additionally, by significantly reducing scaling, the Cafe Station minimises maintenance needs and extends the lifespan of expensive brewing equipment.

“With the Cafe Station, Bluewater continues to pioneer sustainable, highperformance water solutions worldwide for the coffee and hotel, restaurant and catering industries,” says Maximillian Lundin, Coffee Division Manager at Bluewater. He adds that with its energy-efficient under-the-sink water purifiers to innovative mineralisation systems, Bluewater is redefining hydration for consumers and businesses alike –ensuring that every sip is as pure, flavourful, and sustainable as possible.

The Bluewater cafe Station will launch in the North American market in late April.

BOLLE DRINKS LAUNCHES BOLLE CHARDONNAY IN THE UK MARKET

Bolle Drinks is thrilled to announce the launch of BOLLE Chardonnay, its first nonalcoholic still wine, into the UK market.

Crafted from a blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Sylvaner grapes, this Chardonnay has been made to capture the essence of its terroir and demonstrate the quality possible via pioneering non-alcoholic winemaking.

With an alcohol content of less than 0.5% ABV, BOLLE Chardonnay has a clear golden appearance and offers a clean, light palate with balanced acidity. Flavour notes include citrus fruits and ripe pear, leading to a smooth texture, creamy mouthfeel and a lingering finish.

“We are excited to introduce our first still wine in response to the growing market

demand for quality non-alcoholic wines,” commented Bolle Drinks CEO Gary Read. “The wine is made using a similar process as our sparkling wines, by re-fermenting the de-alcoholised wine to naturally create all the flavour, aroma and mouthfeel, resulting in a bright, crisp and elegantly balanced wine. We are the only non-alcoholic wine company in the world that uses the technique of double fermentation.”

The growing market for non-alcoholic beverages has been underscored by the IWSR, predicting the market will grow by $4bn over the next four years. Priced at £14.99, BOLLE continues to set the standard for premium non-alcoholic wines.

High-speed doors for increased safety at airports

As in most areas, the challenges in the airport industry have changed in recent years and are becoming increasingly demanding. As consumer expectations rise, security and speed requirements at airports are at an all-time high. This is why EFAFLEX high-speed doors are in use at many airports worldwide in highly sensitive security areas for luggage and passengers, as well as in catering zones. DNATA, short for Dubai National Air Travel Agency, also relies on the speed and security of doors from the world market leader.

DNATA is one of the largest flight and travel providers in the world, employing more than 46,000 people. The company provides ground handling, freight and catering services at 86 airports on five continents. DNATA handles around 17,500 passengers a year at Heathrow in the UK alone.

In all of these locations, downtime, disruptions or delays of any kind are extremely costly and can have a significant financial impact. To ensure that everything reaches its destination on time, freight and baggage handling are planned down to the last detail.

A new logistics centre for the aviation industry has been built in the north-west of the UK. Designed for airlines such as Emirates and Cathay Pacific, the designers at DNATA once again opted for high-speed doors from EFAFLEX.

The focus was not only on the reliability of the doors, but also on the high-quality design and perfect aesthetics.

In the UK, DNATA is a long-standing customer of EFAFLEX and has been using the products at airport locations such as Manchester, Birmingham and Heathrow for more than 15 years. These locations rely on the doors to ensure smooth logistics and reduce downtime.

In this case, the choice was made for the EFA-STT® high-speed turbo door, which opens at a speed of up to 3 meters per second. Transparent slats in the door leaf offer better visibility and thus more user safety. In addition, the door creates a pleasant working environment because it admits natural daylight into the working areas.

Although the design of airports varies from location to location and from country to country, similar requirements apply everywhere. With its range of high-speed, high-performance doors, EFAFLEX delivers tailor-made solutions for every need. At DNATA, speed, durability and reliability of the doors were crucial. This was the only way to guarantee the high level of safety, the handling speed and the smooth logistical processes. In addition, the installed doors complement the beautiful facades of the new buildings excellently.

At other locations, the EFA-SRT® high-speed roll-up door with flexible curtain proves ideal for baggage handling and check-in. The EFA-SST® TK-100 cold storage door, on the other hand, is the product of choice for catering facilities or refrigeration chambers.

Specifically for DNATA UK, EFAFLEX carries out regular, tailored maintenance as part of its comprehensive range of services to ensure that the doors remain fully functional. If necessary, repairs and upgrades are also carried out at intervals.

Company information EFALEX

EFAFLEX produces high-speed doors for industrial applications. The company, which was founded in 1974, works for clients from industry, trade, food production, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, among others. As the only manufacturer in the field of highspeed industrial doors, EFAFLEX is listed in the world market leader index

and is therefore one of the top 461 companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The family company employs more than 1,200 people worldwide. With its headquarters in Bruckberg, Bavaria, EFAFLEX is firmly anchored as the largest employer in the region. In addition, the company opens up international markets with 10 subsidiaries on five continents. EFAFLEX generates over 40% of sales abroad.

EFAFLEX Press Contact: Ms Jasmin Jobst Tel.: +49 8765 82-525

E-mail: Jasmin.Jobst@efaflex.com Web: www.efaflex.com

THE SECRET TO ACHIEVING 5-STAR RATINGS REVEALED

Reckitt Pro Solutions unveils quantum warewashing range to secure rave reviews and boost occupancy in hotel, restaurant and catering establishments

In the pressure-laden and demanding world of dining and catering “good enough” is simply not good enough. Diners and visitors are discerning, expecting high standards and absolute peace of mind when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene. Anything less than spotless dishware can spell disaster for an establishment.

A staggering 92% of guests would not return if the tableware wasn’t entirely clean. New research commissioned by Reckitt Pro Solutions in the UK amongst frequent restaurant-goers sheds light on the crucial role clean and hygienic dishware plays in securing positive customer reviews and encouraging repeat visits.

The results of this study paint a clear picture: dishes that are not entirely clean may have a devastating impact on customer loyalty, reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals. Amongst other significant findings, highlighting the importance of maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, it was also found that:

• 54% of regular HoReCa patrons have observed insufficiently clean glasses when visiting a bar, restaurant or cafe.

• 54% of HoReCa patrons will not book an establishment with an average or low hygiene rating, preferring top tier ratings.

• 83% of regular HoReCa patrons would want someone to tell them prior to booking if an establishment had unclean glasses.

Cleanliness is king: research reveals the power of sparkling dishes

The survey also revealed that cleanliness directly impacts reviews: 77% of guests would remove two or more stars from a restaurant’s review if the dishware was not entirely clean. Establishments must therefore ensure a pleasant, hygienic and meticulously clean dining experience to attract and retain customers. Spotless, sparkling tableware contributed considerably to ratings and returning customers in the following key

behaviour patterns when it comes to the satisfaction levels of patrons.

Deter bookings

• 50% of guests would not book an establishment if it had glasses with water streaks and marks.

Lower ratings

• 87% of guests give a lower rating if dishware is not entirely clean.

Deter returns

• 92% would not return if dishware is not entirely clean and spontaneously feel ‘disgust’ when they experience it.

These findings highlight the importance of flawless hygiene in securing positive customer experiences, ultimately leading to increased occupancy rates. The research reveals that ratings and reviews are integral to initial bookings and repeat custom, while clean tableware is a critical driver in achieving 5-star reviews.

Quantum Professional: 5-star service made easy

Building on the legacy of Finish, the UK’s No 1 selling household dishwashing brand, Quantum offers significant benefits:

• provides a powerful and reliable tableware solution that delivers impeccable cleanliness results.

• improves operational efficiency both in front and back of house.

• tackles even the toughest stains.

• suitable for all types of professional warewashing machines.

The Quantum range: four targeted products for exceptional cleaning performance.

This versatile range helps make professional ware washing easy.

Detergents:

• Liquid detergent: Grease and stain removal made easy. Cuts through grease and removes stubborn stains like dried-on egg, oil, tea and coffee with ease.

• Glass wash (available as liquid): Spotless clean made easy. Ensures sparkling clean and spotless glassware, tackling limescale and red wine stains effectively.

• Tablets (available in tablet and gel capsules): Superior clean made easy. Each tablet serves for up to 5 cycles.

Additives:

• Rinse aid: Brilliant shine made easy. Delivers brilliant shine and effortless drying.

• Salt: Extra protection from limescale made easy. Provides superior protection against limescale residues and white marks, ensuring longer-lasting equipment and sparkling dishes.

Reckitt Pro Solutions, a trusted provider of professional hygiene solutions, has launched Quantum Professional, an innovative new range of warewashing products designed specifically for the HoReCa market. The range was created in response to the crucial requirement in this sector for brilliant, clean glass and dishware, as a critical driver to securing the 5-star reviews that lead to high levels of occupancy. These meticulous standards of cleanliness and hygiene are now made easier with Quantum from Reckitt Pro Solutions.

Beyond cleanliness: Enhancing back-ofhouse operational efficiency.

Quantum Professional goes beyond delivering a flawless dining experience for customers by providing an increased focus on efficiency which aligns perfectly with the demands of a busy HoReCa environment. In addition to helping achieve 5-star appreciation of the front-of-house service, Quantum Professional also delivers efficiency and streamlines back-of-house operations. Quantum Professional delivers perfect washing results and faster drying every time, with less rewashing and polishing of glasses, ultimately freeing up staff for other essential tasks. These products can also aid in HACCP Plan compliancy.

Available nationwide and sold widely through the best distributors

Restaurants can now unlock the power of Quantum Professional and achieve consistent 5-star hygiene standards with ease. Quantum is now available nationally and readily obtainable through Reckitt Pro Solutions’ national network of key distributors.

When asked about the significance of the

new Quantum Professional range, Jonathan Weiss, General Manager, Global Business Solutions, Reckitt, remarked: “In today’s competitive HoReCa market, where first impressions and attention to detail are paramount, cleanliness plays a pivotal role in delivering exceptional customer experiences. A sparkling clean plate or streak-free glass can make all the difference in a customer’s dining experience. Word-of-mouth and online reviews significantly influence business success. Quantum is more than just a product; it’s a solution that empowers hospitality businesses to deliver exceptional hygiene and presentation standards. By ensuring spotless tableware while being gentle on delicate items, Quantum helps businesses achieve the 5-star ratings that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty, boost occupancy and increase revenue.”

The Quantum Professional range of products delivers product superiority on most common stains and has been tested and found to work equally effectively in both hard and soft water. The packaging for this new range is also 100% recyclable, underlining the dedication and commitment

from Reckitt Pro Solutions towards achieving tangible sustainability goals, whilst ensuring a cleaner, safer and more sustainable world.

About Reckitt Pro Solutions

Reckitt Pro Solutions is the manufacturer of some of the world’s most beloved and trusted brands, designed to meet the commercial cleaning and hygiene needs of offices, HoReCa, facilities management companies, education sector etc. Our effective, efficient and sustainable cleaning and hygiene solutions are tailored to help create stronger businesses. At Reckitt Pro Solutions, we are proud to be a diverse, global team united by a shared purpose: to protect, heal and nurture in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.

Reckitt Pro Solutions. Exceptional hygiene stronger business.

To find out more about the research and the new range of Quantum Professional products, please visit Reckitt Pro Solutions

EUROSTAR COMMODITIES LAUNCH RISE RE:GEN 100% BRITISH REGENERATIVE FLOUR DEVELOPED FOR MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE

Eurostar Commodities has launched a highly anticipated line of regenerative flours, RISE Re:Gen, setting a new standard for sustainability and quality in the food industry.

RISE Re:Gen is farmed in collaboration with The Green Farm Collective (GFC), a group of British farmers dedicated to regenerative principles. GFC believes in regenerative agriculture and the benefits of reduced pesticides, increased carbon capture and improved biodiversity, water, air and soil.

At the heart of RISE Re:Gen is a commitment to regenerative agriculture – a farming practice that restores soil health, enhances biodiversity and sequesters

carbon. Unlike conventional flours, Rise’s regenerative flours are sourced from farms that prioritise environmental stewardship, ensuring every bag contributes to the health of the planet.

Diane Crabtree, Sales Manager, RISE Re:Gen says: “This is a significant launch for the UK food industry. With RISE Re:Gen, we’re not just offering a product; we’re offering a solution. Our flours are designed to meet the needs of environmentally conscious manufacturers who want to make a positive impact without compromising on taste or consistent performance to meet the needs of consumers.” For more information please visit https://riseregenflour.co.uk/

SUPERMALT LAUNCHES ‘DESIGN YOUR CAN’ CAMPAIGN WITH WINDRUSH GENERATION LEGACY ASSOCIATION

The UK’s No 1 malt drink brand aims to support emerging designers from the Supermalt fanbase and Global Majority communities in partnership with WGLA.

Supermalt has launched a new ‘Design Your Can’ competition in collaboration with the Windrush Generation Legacy Association (WGLA) to give emerging designers an exciting opportunity to showcase their work.

Synonymous with Afro-Caribbean history and culture, the brand is looking to support up-and-coming creatives who are often underrepresented, with a focus on the Supermalt fanbase and Global Majority communities, to give the 500ml can format a summer upgrade.

The competition encourages creative individuals to submit their original designs, and base their work on one of three categories:

• What community means to you

• A celebration of your culture

• A personal memory associated with Supermalt

Submissions opened on Friday 14th March and close on Sunday 27th April, with three winning designs featured on a limited edition run of Supermalt cans from this summer in major superstores Tesco and Morrisons, as well as independent stores. In addition, the winning designs will be featured as part of a limited edition 2025 charity merchandise range.

The winners will also receive a prize package to support their careers in the creative industry, including a mentoring programme, as well as a one-year Tate Gallery Membership, an iPad Air, Apple Pencil Pro and MacBook Pro.

Supermalt’s recent focus on innovation helped the brand achieve its biggest year of trading in 2024, selling the equivalent of 20 million individual units. This response to consumer needs and trends includes developing new flavours to add more excitement to the range, as well as healthier options, including the Supermalt Strawberry No Added Sugar which launched last year.

The Design Your Can judging panel is composed of a dynamic group of professionals from various creative fields,

each bringing unique perspectives and expertise in community engagement, art, fashion, and cultural initiatives, as well as Supermalt and WGLA representatives. Director of Learning at Tate and chair judge Mark Miler comments: As the Director of Learning at Tate, I am honoured to serve as the Chief Judge for the Design Your Can Competition. This initiative offers a vital platform for emerging designers to showcase their creativity and cultural narratives. By celebrating themes of community, culture, and personal experiences with Supermalt, we aim to empower artists from Black and Global Majority backgrounds to share their unique perspectives. I look forward to reviewing the innovative designs that will undoubtedly emerge from this competition.

Deborah Klass, CEO of The Windrush Generation Legacy Association says: As CEO of The Windrush Generation Legacy Association, I am incredibly proud to broker this partnership with Supermalt UK. This collaboration is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to elevate Black and Global Majority creatives, offering them a platform to showcase their talent. We’re excited to see the fresh, innovative designs that will represent the Supermalt brand and to support these emerging artists in their creative and economic growth. We are also excited about the 2025 Notting Hill

Carnival Merchandise that will be produced around the winning designs. This will further amplify our mission of celebrating culture and heritage with a heritage brand. It’s a true honour for WGLA to collaborate with such a respected brand as Supermalt, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this powerful collaboration.”

Lindsay Brown, Supermalt Marketing Manager says: We are thrilled to offer emerging artists through our fanbase and the Global Majority community this fantastic opportunity to jumpstart their careers through our brand exposure. Supermalt’s values are very closely aligned with the WGLA’s and that’s what makes this collaboration such a great one. I am truly impressed by the incredible work the charity has accomplished and the remarkable judges, headed up by Mark, who are supporting us with the competition. I can’t wait to see the artistic creations that will come out of this initiative!

The winners will also receive a prize bundle including an iPad Air, Apple Pencil Pro, MacBook Pro, a one-year Tate Gallery Membership and more.

Designers can enter the competition at www.supermalt.com/designyour-can

BLUEWATER TO UNVEIL THE FUTURE OF SPECIALITY COFFEE AT WORLD OF COFFEE DUBAI, REVOLUTIONISING BREWING FOR DUBAI’S BARISTAS AND ARABIC COFFEE AFICIONADOS

Speciality coffee in the UAE is about to experience a revolution. Bluewater, the global innovator in water purification beverage enhancement, is set to debut its groundbreaking Bluewater Cafe Station at the World of Coffee Expo in Dubai. Following its spectacular UK launch in December 2024-where it won widespread acclaim from speciality coffee shops-this state-of-the-art brewing solution is now making its way to the Middle East’s coffee capital.

As Dubai enjoys a thriving café scene and a growing appreciation for precision-brewed coffee, Bluewater is proud to welcome visitors to Zabeel Hall 5, Stand G6 at the Dubai World Trade Center, February 10-12, where they can witness firsthand how the innovative Café Station system elevates barista craftsmanship with extraordinary consistency in every brew.

Recently recognised by The Caterer

Magazine as a ‘Best Buy’ for speciality coffee shops in 2024, the Bluewater Cafe Station is redefining the bean-to-cup journey. As a key partner of World of Coffee Dubai, Bluewater is at the forefront of this transformation, delivering a solution that respects tradition while embracing modern innovation.

“The Bluewater Cafe Station allows baristas to super-power their craft like never before,” says Maximillian Lundin, Coffee Division Manager at Bluewater. “Our solution not only purifies water of all known contaminants, such as PFAS and other harmful chemicals, but also optimally enhances it using our exclusive Liquid Rock® mineral dosing system. This ensures that every cup brewed achieves its fullest flavour potential, creating an unparalleled sensory experience for coffee lovers.”

At the core of the Cafe Station’s innovation is its precision water calibration technology, which tailors the mineral

composition of water to match the unique profile of each coffee bean. By fine-tuning water chemistry with the help of Bluewater, baristas can unlock and amplify the intricate flavours and aromas of their speciality beans, ensuring a sublime and consistent brew every time.

In a further major development for precision coffee brewing, Bluewater and its local UAE partner, NIA – the country’s leading distributor of innovative home appliances – have announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Roasttrip, the UAE distributor of Kees van der Westen espresso machines, who launched the brand in the GCC region many years ago. This partnership marks a significant leap in speciality coffee innovation and will debut the exquisite Spiritello Lever machine, which seamlessly integrates with the Bluewater Café Station.

Visitors at the World of Coffee expo can experience the Cafe Station’s cutting-edge capabilities firsthand at the Bluewater and NIA Stand (Z5-G6) throughout the event.

Pioneering coffee water

“By infusing water with the perfect balance of minerals, Bluewater’s advanced purification technology enhances the depth, aroma and flavour profile of every cup of coffee, allowing the Spiritello to deliver an unparalleled coffee experience,” says NIA CEO Kamran Khan. “Through the synergy of Roasttrip’s world-class espresso machine craftsmanship and dedication to perfection, combined with Bluewater’s pure, mineralenriched water, we are redefining coffee –one perfect cup at a time.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the future of speciality coffee brewing in action.

Bylinky CZ uses EFAFLEX doors to maintain the microclimate in greenhouses

Znojmo is home to one of the most modern greenhouses in Europe. In the greenhouse grow fragrant herbs, which end up in pots or freshly cut on customers’ tables. They make their way into homes and restaurants through EFAFLEX doors, which help to maintain a specific microclimate as the plants leave the buildings.

The large glass atria smell strongly of fresh herbs. Small green plants are lined up as far as the eye can see, and there is a fine mist in the air. “ The main requirements for the doors in our greenhouses were durability and reliability,” says Václav Bajko from the Technical Department of Bylinky CZ, as he walks along the corridors. “EFAFLEX high-speed doors best fulfilled these requirements, both in the germination chamber, where the humidity is very high, and in other areas of our business.”

The special design guarantees that the doors are water-repellent and easy to clean. In addition, all metal parts are made of stainless steel and are therefore very resistant to damage due to water, moisture or cleaning agents. This increases their service life as well as their reliability, even in environments with very high humidity.

Reliable doors for humid environments

Five EFAFLEX doors were installed in the greenhouses, including three EFA-SRT® ECO roll-up doors with PVC curtains for interior use, one EFA-SST® Essential and one EFA-SRT® EC with stainless steel frames for the food sector. The latter is located in the germination chamber, where the humidity is highest and the plants are surrounded by water mist.

“The EFA-SRT® EC with stainless steel frames was the obvious choice for this area. Thanks to their special design and stainless steel parts, these doors are easy to clean and work flawlessly even under extreme conditions,” says Pavel Jurčík, EFAFLEX CZ, in describing the benefits of the door.

Independence through sustainable production:

Bylinky CZ company profile

Bylinky CZ was founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of the Swedish familyowned SPISA Group. On the market since the 1980s, the SPISA Group has developed into the largest European manufacturer of fresh herbs in less than 40 years. In addition to the Czech Republic, SPISA grows and processes fresh herbs in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Kenya.

The greenhouses at Bylinky operate sustainably. Filtered rainwater is used to irrigate the plants, which is collected in a reservoir with a capacity of 2,500m3. In addition, a biogas plant supplies the greenhouses with electricity and heat. Excess electricity is fed into the grid. The energy is derived from natural fertilisers and plants, such as maize. Some of the crops grown are also used to produce feed mixtures for livestock.

Company information EFAFLEX

EFAFLEX produces high-speed doors for industrial applications. The company, which was founded in 1974, works for clients from industry, trade, food production, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, among others. As the only manufacturer in the field of highspeed industrial doors, EFAFLEX is listed in the world market leader index and is therefore one of the top 461 companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The family company employs more than 1,200 people worldwide. With its headquarters in Bruckberg, Bavaria, EFAFLEX is firmly anchored as the largest employer in the region. In addition, the company opens up international markets with 10 subsidiaries on five continents. EFAFLEX generates over 40% of sales abroad.

EFAFLEX Press Contact: Ms Jasmin Jobst Tel.: +49 8765 82-525

E-mail: Jasmin.Jobst@efaflex.com Web: www.efaflex.com

BIA ANALYTICAL PIONEERS BETA TESTING FOR REVOLUTIONARY LAB ANALYSIS CLOUD PORTAL

Food authentication solution provider Bia Analytical – best known for moving food authenticity testing out of the lab and into the supply chain with portable spectroscopy – proudly announces the beta launch of its innovative cloud portal. Developed using bespoke AWS-powered solutions, the ‘Biametric™ Portal’ dramatically cuts the time needed to verify the integrity of herbs and spices, reducing laboratory-based analysis from days to minutes.

Harnessing advanced chemometrics and AI-powered modelling, the web-based portal leverages Bia Analytical’s rigorously validated scientific models to deliver instant and reliable results using individual lab’s own spectroscopy equipment.

“Manual authenticity analysis is timeconsuming and complex, delaying decisionmaking in the supply chain,” explained Simon Cole, CEO of Bia Analytical. “By digitising our scientific models and delivering them via the cloud, we are empowering the industry to test faster and more efficiently. This technology is a crucial

advancement for food safety and security.”

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has partnered with Bia Analytical to conduct this essential beta test. Mark Wilson, Senior Group Manager at RSSL, says “Saving time on complex sample analysis has the potential to transform our day-to-day authenticity testing process. That’s why we’re pleased to partner with Bia Analytical on this beta test, verifying that the novel system works seamlessly with our laboratory hardware. This partnership underscores key technical considerations for system integration while reinforcing the solution’s reliability and commercial effectiveness for

instant food authenticity analysis.”

Bia Analytical’s novel portable spectroscopy solution has already proven its value in the food supply chain. Government bodies have adopted the technology for rapid herb and spice screening, while leading UK food manufacturers and retailers rely on it to improve audit and quality control processes. The company is now eager to partner with food science labs around the world to make the portal accessible using benchtop analysis. Initially, Bia Analytical’s platform is being used to test herbs and spices, but the pioneering modelling technology can be applied to almost any commodity, formulation or specification in the supply chain, such as high-risk commodities including meat, cheese, edible oils, soyabeans, cocoa and coffee which are soon to be impacted by EUDR legislation.

For further details, please contact: info@bia-analytical.com

LPR – LA PALETTE ROUGE ACCELERATES ITS GREEN TRANSITION WITH A HISTORIC REDUCTION IN ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT IN 2024

LPR – La Palette Rouge (a division of Euro Pool Group) has reached an important milestone in its environmental strategy, reducing its carbon footprint by 10% in 2024. This achievement underscores the company’s strong commitment to more sustainable logistics.

Successful decarbonisation strategy

Through a comprehensive and coordinated approach, all of LPR - La Palette Rouge’s subsidiaries, working in collaboration with its logistics and QSE (Quality, Safety and Environment) departments, have implemented ambitious initiatives to accelerate the ecological transition. This significant reduction in emissions is the result of key strategic actions:

• Transport optimisation: More efficient route management and increased use of alternatives to diesel fuel have led to an 11%

reduction in CO2 emissions from transportation. In France, 28% of the kilometers travelled in 2024 were powered by biofuels.

• End-of-life pallet recovery: Improved collection and reuse of pallets resulted in a 20% decrease in emissions associated with end-of-life pallet management.

• Sustainable investments: By integrating sustainability criteria into acquisition and renewal decisions, LPR – La Palette Rouge has reduced the carbon impact of its capital

expenditures (CAPEX).

• Additional initiatives: The adoption of renewable energy in warehouses and the reduction of business travel have also contributed to these outstanding results.

“We are proud to have exceeded our CO2 emission reduction targets. These results confirm our concrete commitment to more sustainable logistics and our ability to innovate in response to environmental challenges. LPR – La Palette Rouge will continue its efforts in 2025 with even more ambitious initiatives to enhance environmental efficiency and support our clients in their own decarbonisation journey,” stated Jean-Luc Guénard, Managing Director of LPR.

With this major achievement, LPR – La Palette Rouge reaffirms its role as a responsible and engaged leader, ready to tackle the climate challenges of tomorrow.

BOXWAY PACKAGING GROUP ACHIEVES SILVER ECOVADIS ACCREDITATION AT TWO SITES

BoxWay Packaging Group Limited, the innovative, customer-focused, design-led corrugated cardboard packaging business, is delighted to announce it has achieved a coveted Silver rating by highly regarded EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of universal business sustainability ratings and intelligence solutions at both its production sites.

BoxWay Packaging’s Exeter and Peterlee sites are each celebrating a Silver EcoVadis Award after successfully completing the process and submitting robust data for the key criteria. The ratings system is the first and largest collaborative platform globally for trading partners to share responsibility performance information, helping businesses manage ECG risk and compliance, meet corporate sustainability goals and drive impact at scale by guiding the sustainability performance improvement of a business and its value chain.

Matthew Botting, Group Sales Director, comments: “I am absolutely delighted with our Silver Award, awarded to the top 15% of

all EcoVadis rated companies, and which is testament to BoxWay Packaging’s achievement to meet stringent sustainability requirements. Securing this globally trusted EcoVadis Silver Award is a fantastic achievement for our Exeter and Peterlee sites and helps us to gain an insight into our sustainability performance and track our progress, reinforce customer relationships, promote BoxWay Packaging to potential customers and expertly manage our sustainability programme. This award is also

witness to the team’s ongoing hard work, commitment and dedication to ensure we meet very specific criteria in our continuous pursuit of excellent quality and innovation where our customers are at the heart of everything we do.”

Mr Botting continues: “The EcoVadis sustainability tool allows us to assess and manage our sustainability practices within our suppliers’ supply chain and gives us a structured way to evaluate these. EcoVadis assessments focus on 21 issues, which are based upon international sustainability standards such as the Global Compact Principles, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard, the ISO26000 standard and the CERES principles and grouped into four themes (Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, Sustainable Procurement). This year we again scored fantastic results, achieving excellent results of being within the top 25%, 26%, 12% and 6% respectively, of companies rated by EcoVadis.”

PUKKA INVESTING IN THIRD STARFROST SPIRAL FREEZER TO SUPPORT FUTURE PLANS

Pukka, a brand leader in the UK pie industry, is taking a major step to enhance its production capabilities by investing in a third Starfrost Helix spiral freezer at its Syston bakery in Leicestershire. This investment is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology, meet rising demand, improve quality and consistency, and boost overall manufacturing efficiency.

Scheduled for installation later this year, the new spiral freezer follows the successful addition of two Starfrost systems in 2021, underscoring Pukka’s commitment to longterm growth and innovation.

The new Starfrost Helix spiral freezer will replace an older, less efficient freezing system, safeguarding continuity of supply.

The state-of-the-art technology offers several benefits, including reduced downtime and lower maintenance requirements, resulting in smoother and more reliable operations.

With the Helix freezer’s precision performance, Pukka can ensure consistent quality across every batch, preserving the

taste and freshness that has built the brand’s reputation.

Peter Gull, Engineering Manager at Pukka, commented on the importance of this equipment upgrade: “The new system will provide an automated and dependable freezing process, just like our other Starfrost equipment. This latest spiral freezer will enable us to increase production throughput while maintaining the high standards our customers expect.”

As Pukka continues to scale its operations, this new freezing system will play a vital role in meeting increasing consumer demand, all while maintaining both efficiency and product quality.

Gordian Strapping adds packaging spice to herbs business

Like Britain’s favourite secret agent James Bond, Gordian Strapping likes to solve problems.

The reference to 007 might seem a bit random, but it’s not. The Basingstoke strapping and hooding packing systems company once supplied a strapping machine for the 1985 movie A View To A Kill, which was used to menace the then James Bond Roger Moore.

Forty years on, and 007s have come and gone … but Gordian Strapping has maintained the same level of service and expertise it has developed for almost 90 years.

The company was founded in 1937 as Strappings Ltd, and with the outbreak of the Second World War, two years later it won several major contracts to supply tensional strapping wire to the Ministry of War.

That was a prime example of how the company that became Gordian Strapping looked at a problem then solved it … a policy from which it has never looked back.

Richard Allen of Gordian Strapping says: At the heart of what we do is our customers. Since 1937, we have been striving to find the right solution for them and ensure that, in an ever-changing world, we can make a meaningful contribution to their operational success.

Gordian Strapping is the UK s leading supplier of strapping, wrapping and hooding machinery, and with more than 275 years of experience across their sales and engineering teams, they are well placed to provide packaging solutions across a wide range of industries.

One of their recent successes has been working with Hampshire-based company Vitacress.

In 1951, the world of Vitacress began with 1 acre of watercress beds in Alresford, in Hampshire. Nearly 10 years later, Vitacress purchased more watercress beds in St Mary Bourne, a quiet hamlet in the heart of Hampshire, located near chalk streams, offering the perfect growing conditions.

In 1967, they began supplying pre-packed watercress to retail and, by 1976, they were supplying ‘table-ready ’ watercress (washed and packaged).

The company went on to purchase watercress farms in Dorset and then started growing in Almancil in the sunny Algarve in Portugal in 1980, opening Iberian Salads in Odemira, Portugal and a packhouse in St Mary Bourne.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Vitacress started growing salads in the UK and Portugal, along with potatoes in Odemira, and pioneered fresh herbs in

the UK (under the name ‘VHB’). Over a decade later, in 2010, Vitacress purchased VHB, creating ‘Vitacress Herbs

From 2000 onwards they expanded into organic production (2002), launched Vitacress as a consumer brand in Portugal (2003), started growing in southern Spain (2005) and at their farm in Kent (2008), and established Vitacress Real in The Netherlands (2011).

They became part of the RAR Group (2008), enabling them to invest in new facilities and expand their glasshouses at Vitacress Herbs (2015) and refurbish the factory at Vitacress Salads (2017).

Now, where does Gordian Strapping come into the Vitacress story? Well, Vitacress has always done things differently, they say — in 2006, they started washing their salads in the UK in spring water (no chlorine here). They were the first herb supplier in 2018 to remove non-recyclable black plastic from living herb pots and in 2020, launched the Vitacress Farm Excellence in partnership with LEAF and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to promote biodiversity. They ’ ve sponsored research into a new ultrasonic washing technique in 2021, whilst developing unique and innovative farming techniques to improve shelf life and protect soil health.

In 2010, Vitacress launched Steve s Leaves, a prepared salad brand and, just over 10 years later, launched their premium quality fresh herbs brand, SEASON Herbs with over 49 varieties.

It was on the herbs side of the business that Gordian Strapping was called in to help. Richard explained that as the fresh herbs came in from the farms, they were being boxed and palletised and then wrapped by hand.

It was quite a labour-intensive operation — over the course of 12 hours around 200 pallets were being hand-wrapped.

What Gordian Strapping came up with was a fully automated pallet wrapping system which enabled them to double their output and free up staff for other duties.

A spokesperson for Vitacress told how delighted they are with the work done. They said: “Installation of the fully automated pallet wrapper by Gordian Strapping was a resounding success. By conducting several trials during the optimisation phase of the project, we have eliminated the reliance on cardboard corner protection, enabling us to reduce our annual cardboard usage by

25,000kg. This falls in line with the Vitacress environmental objective ‘Second Nature’, as well as the site’s Continuous Improvement targets for the year. Gordian Strapping s engineers on site demonstrated exceptional expertise and professionalism, ensuring a seamless installation, and providing valuable insights into the operation of the equipment. Their attention to detail and commitment made the entire experience not only successful but also enjoyable. We are thrilled with the outcome and look forward to reaping the benefits of this innovative solution for years to come said Vitacress.

Richard says that what lifts Gordian Strapping head and shoulders above their competitors is the after-care service they offer. He said, We go in and solve a problem but that s not the end of the story. We work with companies long after the equipment is installed.”

Gordian Strapping s extensive assortment of strapping, stretch wrap and hood wrap equipment caters to the diverse packaging needs within the food and beverage sector.

They say that in today s fiercely competitive and customer-centric environment, the food and drink industry encounters significant challenges in efficiently delivering products while maintaining freshness and minimising waste.

Gordian Strapping systems are tailored to address these challenges effectively. Specifically designed for the food and beverage industry, their packaging solutions ensure that products are securely protected throughout handling, shipping and storage.

Within the food and beverage sector, packaging lines are vital for streamlining production processes and meeting market demands. Their automated systems not only enhance production efficiency but also maintain the integrity of packaged goods.

From food and beverage packaging machinery to stretch wrapping and pallet wrapping, Gordian Strapping ’s solutions are engineered to provide optimum protection and stability.

Richard adds: “At Gordian Strapping, we understand the importance of speed, efficiency, and reliability within the packaging industry. Our innovative designs and cutting-edge technology enable us to meet the

increasing demands of the market while ensuring that your packaging requirements are met with precision and effectiveness.”

www.gordianstrapping.co.uk

{ Gordian Strapping }

Forecourt food sales looking strong in 2025

The petrol station forecourt has always been a buoyant sector for food sales. But with the rise of electric vehicles, will that herald a seachange in how we use the local petrol station, and have a knock-on effect on food suppliers?

According to specialist business property adviser Christie & Co, which specialises in forecourt businesses, the future still looks bright for forecourt sales.

The company recently launched its Business Outlook 2025 report, which reflects on key market activity, trends and challenges of 2024 and forecasts what 2025 might bring across the industries in which Christie & Co operates, including the forecourt sector.

The report reveals that in 2024, deal activity in the petrol filling station (PFS) market continued in the same strong vein as H2 2023, with the market remaining robust and driven by acquisitive buyers at all levels. As such, Christie & Co s retail price index rose by 7.3 per cent.

Demand for PFS businesses remained strong with buyers continually outnumbering sellers, and according to Christie & Co data, by Q3 2024 it had sold more sites than in all of 2023. In 2024, there was a 47 per cent increase in the number of exchanges and new instructions increased by 118 per cent.

Christie & Co highlight in the report some notable market activity including MFG’s acquisition of 337

Morrisons forecourts for £2.5 billion, EG on the Move s purchase of 34 ASDA sites for £228 million and their most recent acquisition of nearly 100 Applegreen sites, which was announced in early January.

The report also notes that top forecourt operators have become more selective about what they are prepared to buy or develop and that in 2025, sites will only attract top pricing if they are large enough to accommodate future development or redevelopment of income-driving aspects.

The report also outlines Christie & Co’s market predictions for the year ahead, which are:

Higher staffing costs announced in the Chancellor s Budget will reduce the profitability of some forecourts. Operators may have to increase their prices to compensate, so there may be some inflationary pressure

Fuel duty was held in the Autumn Budget but preparations for the introduction of Pump Watch at the end of this year may cause administrative headaches. Tax incentives continue for pure electric vehicles (EVs), with the percentage rate increasing gradually by 2%

each year up to a cap of 9 per cent in 2029-30. Whilst reported new EV sales are up as a proportion of the entire new fleet; overall sales were down 6 per cent in November 2024. How many EVs are reaching the road is questionable with numbers varying across all sources.

In any event, no immediate effect on fuel demand is expected in 2025.

Owners thinking of selling are likely to market their business sooner to avoid future rises in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or Inheritance tax (IT) which will come into effect in April 2025 and beyond

Strong demand for forecourts is expected to continue; however, buyers may account for increased costs when making offers

Steve Rodell, Managing Director of Retail and Leisure at Christie & Co comments, Clearly, we keep a very close eye on trends in new vehicle sales as EVs become more popular. It is our view that petrol and

diesel-fuelled vehicles will be around for many years to come.

“However, retailers must think long-term about investing in their sites. That said, we remain extremely busy and continue to experience multiple offers for correctly priced petrol stations across the UK. It will be intriguing to see how further consolidation might play out after Zuber ’s recent announcement about the acquisition of Applegreen, which has a significant leasehold element.”

The report’s Key Market Trends include:

• 47% —Increase in the number of exchanges on forecourts between 2023 and 2024

• 374 — Petrol filling stations advised on in 2024

• 5 —Offers received per sale on average

• 118% — Increase in the number of forecourt instructions between 2023 and 2024

Conscious consumerism and artisan produce — the Natural Food Expo is back and bigger than ever

Sustainability, natural, and organic products have made significant strides in the world of specialty food and drink. As conscious consumerism continues to evolve, it is vital for retailers and foodservice professionals to stay informed about new products, emerging trends, and market opportunities.

For 29 years, the Natural Food Expo - part of the Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) - has been at the forefront of this movement, providing an essential platform to discover the latest innovations in natural and organic food and drink.

Natural Food Expo takes place on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th May at Excel London. Attendees can explore a whole raft of specialty food and drinkincluding natural ingredients, fine foods, healthy snacks, free from delicacies, sustainable brands, and plantbased innovations.

Event Director, Georgina Baker says “Our longestablished event has helped harness the growth of natural, organic and sustainable products for over 29 years, and so we’re thrilled to announce registration is now open for 2025.

This year s edition of Natural Food Show is raising the bar with new international pavilions, a dynamic

start-up zone, inspiring talks and an exciting additionThe Artisan Food & Drink Expo.

The show promises to serve up a delicious mix of products from start-ups to globally recognised names. Exhibitors confirmed include Suma Wholefoods, Clearspring, Doves Farm Foods, The Coconut Co, Gusto Organic, English Tea Shop, Mr Organic – and many more. As well as UK exhibitors, the show brings an international appeal with pavilions from Italy, Poland, North America, and for the first time - Sri Lanka.

The Artisan Food and Drink Expo will debut as part of The Natural Food Expo, offering a dedicated platform for brands that champion provenance, high-quality ingredients, and unique curation. This specialised area within the expo will provide retailers, buyers and foodservice professionals with the opportunity to discover and source exceptional products that resonate with their conscious customers. Brands to see here

include: Sucseed, Melie Oü, Drylaw, Gallo di Luce, Chill Spritz, Kult Kefir, Turtle Cereals, House of Chocolate, Biohoney and many more.

Georgina Baker says “After witnessing the participation of countless exceptional brands at The Natural Food Expo over the years, we recognised the perfect moment to introduce The Artisan Food and Drink Expo as a distinct showcase within the event. This dedicated space will elevate the profile of artisanal producers and allow buyers to explore a diverse range of distinctive food and drink offerings.”

For the past 28 years, the Natural & Organic Products Expo has been a staple Sunday/Monday event. However, in response to the evolving landscape of trade shows and retail trends, the expo will now be transitioning to a Monday-Tuesday format on May 12th and 13th, 2025. This move aims to align the expo with major industry trade shows that operate during the working week and cater to the shifting consumer behaviours that have made Sundays one of the strongest trading days.

Georgina Baker, Event Director, expressed, “While Sunday has remained a vibrant day at the show, it has become evident that the core business activities are predominantly conducted on Mondays. Following feedback from a large majority of our exhibitors and visitors, shifting the expo to a Monday-Tuesday means we can ensure that the event remains relevant and

impactful for many more years to come.

Beyond the show floor, visitors will be able to engage in two days of thought-provoking discussions across two theatres. Access expert insights and be inspired by trend-led panels in a free-to-attend seminar programme.

Topics range from industry reports to the latest food and drink trends, organic farming and successful retailing tips, plus The Soil Association will be back revealing the results from their popular annual Organic Market Report.

“Attending NOPEX is important, it’s how we understand what s out there. We spend so much time glued to our screens, so it’s nice to interact with brands face to face. This is the place for innovation, there’s loads of products and brands here I haven t heard of before and some that I m familiar with, so there s something for everyone,” says Oliver Chadwyk-Healey, Branded Innovation Manager at Waitrose & Partners.

Natural Food Expo (co-located with Natural Health Expo and Natural Beauty Expo) forms Natural & Organic Products Expo – the definitive trade show leading the natural and organic sector for 29 years. The show will take place 12-13 May at Excel London. To register for a free trade ticket, please visit

www.naturalfoodexpo.co.uk

Brioche Pasquier

Brioche Pasquier is all about growth — inside and outside the business, and in the community

Brioche Pasquier is a brand that screams France … it’s one of the most recognisable bread producers on the shelves today, and wears its tricolour proudly on every sleeve.

But although archetypically French, the Brioche Pasquier brand is moving steadily towards becoming a fully self-sufficient British operation to serve the UK market.

For almost 90 years, Brioche Pasquier has been steadily growing from a small, family-run bakery in France to a world-conquering brand that has seen, over the past decade, the company expand its activities to more than 35 countries.

Brioche Pasquier believes in being closer to their consumers which is why they build sites in the countries that they operate in. This allows them to understand the different cultures and the market, rather than being just an exporter of our products.

To that end, Brioche Pasquier can be an English, American or Italian brand whilst respecting their original French identity.

In the UK, that means operating out of their Milton Keynes site which has seen continued growth over the past couple of years in the face of severe challenges

that have affected the whole food and drink sector.

Having weathered Covid and the cost-of-living increases, as well as rises in energy prices, companies such as Brioche Pasquier also have to deal with the spiraling costs of chocolate.

Ryan Peters, Managing and Commercial Director at Brioche Pasquier UK, said: Things have stabilised a little bit generally, but the challenges aren t going away yet.

For example, chocolate prices are at 250% higher this year than they were forecast, so it’s a constant challenge to keep these costs down so we don t have to pass them on to the consumer.”

However, reports Ryan, growth in general for the UK arm of the business is really good, and an extension to the factory they began in 2021 is now up and running and just being fitted out with the final tweaks.

But most exciting for the UK is that the company is about to break ground on establishing its fourth production line at the facility, which is scheduled to be working next year.

Ryan said: It will give us a huge capacity to grow in what is already a very good growth industry for the business, though I can’t unfortunately reveal what the product will be just yet.”

It s all moving towards the UK business becoming more and more self-sufficient, so they don’t have to buy product in from the main company in France but can produce it on-site here for the domestic market.

Their third line was brought in a few of years ago but its move to full operation was delayed due to Covid and Brexit, but that’s been up and running now for a year, says Ryan, bedding in and “doing really well”

He said: We re looking at really trying to bring some new products to that line and then the future line to really accelerate brand growth.”

Ryan explained the evolution of Brioche Pasquier UK from an import business to a UK production operation.

He said: “So, if you think back 24 years ago, and it was 26 March 2001, we sold our first products into Safeway, what was obviously Morrison s now was then Safeway down in Ashford. And by 2012, we d grown up to about £24m turnover, all of which was being produced and brought in from France.

So, the company decided to build the factory here because we had an office here and so it made sense. And then from 2016, our first production. And over that time, we’ve now grown to just south of £80m turnover.

It s roughly 50-50. Well, it s about 55% now produced here in the UK, and the rest we re still bringing in from France. Once we complete the fourth line, we’ ll be about 70% self-sufficient.

Even when we build the next line, you know, we will take our time, when we build a line we take our time to ensure it’s built correctly and starts well.

“Obviously, with our clean label recipes and not using preservatives yet still achieving a 25-29-day shelf life, it s key that we get it right, you know, the design and the construction of the line is the most key element of that.

It would allow us to have about a 70% market share of that particular product. And obviously open up all that new capacity in France, which can be for the UK, or it could be for somewhere else in the world. International growth is one of the key points for the group itself.

Ryan added: “We also have a target of 13% of new product into market as part of 13% of the turnover of the group. And international sales, you know, growing to 40-50% is the ultimate target of the global turnover.

“Today, as a group, we’re around 30% of international sales. Whereas just eight years ago, I think it was around 15%. So international growth is huge.

“And the UK is the second largest sales in the world. So apart from France, we produce and sell more than anywhere else in the world, including America, believe it or not.

As well as increasing growth, the company is also heavily involved in making the operations sustainable and being a great part of its local community.

On the sustainability front, Ryan said: From a business perspective, there’s lots going on, challenges

with trying to keep the prices down for the consumer and remain profitable to continue the expansion. And then, like probably a lot of others, it’s all about the environment, our societal engagement policies that we share with our colleagues in France and how we bring that to life in the UK. This year, we’re putting a solar canopy in the car park, which will be around a 700kilowatt mark.

We will be 16%, 17% self-sufficient from the solar to start with. Obviously, as we grow, that will reduce, but it should stay above our group target of 10% by 2030.

So, again, we re in a good position there. We ve rolled out a climate-fresque training session across the group and across the UK, of which we’ve already fresqued about 50% of our teams, and the rest will be completed over the next six months. So, really, it s driving that awareness within our own teams as well as showing people outside where we’re trying to go.

“Because if you get the team in on board, on-site, then it s always easier to make those successes off-site.

Absolutely. So, yeah, a lot going on on that point.

“Again, like most businesses, I’m sure, because of the targets that we’ve all got, to be involved in that strategy is key. Absolutely. We re already working hard to reduce our emissions, but it s not a short-term fix, unfortunately. It’s going to be a long-term goal.”

Brioche Pasquier has always had a strong presence in the community, and that is proving even more important as they seek to provide quality jobs for local people.

Ryan says, “Our workforce has always been hugely important to us, even before the pandemic, and we knew we had to look after them even more during the difficult times.

“We have people still with us who have been with us since the start, and we have been bringing people up to top positions.

More than that, the company has an eye on its future workforce, and Ryan himself is a regular visitor at local schools and colleges, putting forward the case for the career opportunities in the industry and bringing said schools to the factory to see for themselves. “We had over 500 school age young people here in 2024, where we showcase the brand, discuss careers, carry out factory tours etc.. it really makes an impact.

As recruitment across the food and drink sector, especially retail and hospitality, is facing difficulties, Ryan thinks it important that young people get the information and encouragement they need to become interested in jobs in the industry.

And there is plenty of personal development in the company for existing staff — including Ryan.

He said: “We have on every site a commercial and industrial director. So, you’ve got a good, close bond, and you can discuss and keep open about everything.

Partly for my growth and partly for the growth of the rest of my team, I needed to recruit a commercial

director. So, I decided to come across into the commercial world and leave my industrial life behind for a little while.

“And it’s allowed me to promote one of my production managers who s been with us since operator level for the last nine years. He’s going to take over as industrial director to continue that sort of internal development, as we like to do.

“It just really, really helps create potential. So yeah, it s a new challenge for me a little bit to go out there into the commercial world a bit more. The key point is to continue the development of our teams here to show that there is growth for everybody.

The company also works closely with the MK Dons football team and their community programmes, especially the Sports Education Trust, and have expanded that to other sporting organisations in the area.

Ryan said: “We now do similar initiatives with the Northampton Steelbacks, which is the county cricket club. So, their community arm and also Milton Keynes Basketball Foundation, which is a real success story in Milton Keynes.

Not only has the men s team gone from strength to strength, from the bottom division to the top in consecutive years and broke records on the way, winning trophies, but they ’ve now gone from something like 300 to 1,150 kids in the last three years. And all levels of the kids and the girls and the women s teams are performing well. So, again, good to partner with those.”

Other community sporting initiatives have included Team Superschools (TSS) which gives school the opportunity to be inspired by meeting an Olympian or international sports star. Brioche Pasquier has collaborated with Team Superschools to help raise money for primary schools and get kids active by providing funds, PITCH Chocolate Chip brioche and prizes to help fuel the fun-filled activities. In the past nine years, over 497,000 pupils have taken part in a TSS event with over £754,000 being raised for schools.

Also, the MK Marathon Superhero Fun Run has been supported by Brioche Pasquier for several years, by providing PITCH brioche to fuel runners of the event throughout the day.

From its roots almost a century ago, the company has continued to grow and to take on new challenges, but at the heart of it the business operates on the same principles.

From the family bakery at Les

Cerqueux in 1974 up until today, they continue to carefully select their ingredients to deliver to the consumer, recipes that are simple yet delicious. Each of their recipes are adapted to every moment of the day, whether it is breakfast, dessert or for a snack. Brioche Pasquier selects raw materials with care; from local wheat, fresh eggs to fresh apples. They believe that quality ingredients are what makes their excellent products. They pride themselves in taking great care when selecting suppliers, with whom they strive to build excellent relationships with to ensure suppliers can respect Brioche Pasquier ’s values in creating products with exceedingly good quality.

They select ingredients according to the following criteria: the nutritional value of each ingredient, the integrity of the raw materials and the traceability and reliability of the raw materials. Conscious of sustainability and responsibility, they have decided to only use eggs from cage-free hens by 2025, across all of production in the company. They say their experience and know-how require them to continuously maintain and develop our skills, in strict respect of their products.

It all started in 1936, in Les Cerqueux, a small village in the West of France. Gabriel Pasquier, the baker of the village made his renowned brioche, pâtisserie and bread.

After his death in the 70 s, his five sons decided to continue making his traditional French brioche but to sell it in a wrapper and to propose the products to supermarkets. This was a revolutionary idea for the time and a real success.

In 1974, the company Brioche Pasquier was created by Gabriel’s five sons. Today, Brioche Pasquier is the No 1 brioche brand in the market and employs over 3,000 people worldwide.

Quality, service, innovation and customer support

Harkwell, according to Managing Director Andrew Mansfield, is “the industry’s sleeping giant”. But now, that sleeping giant has decided to wake up.

“We’ve spent the last couple of years going to exhibitions and fairs and raising our profile, through these events and more recently digital marketing,” says Andrew. “Now we’re ready to take the business on to the next level.”

Based in Poole, Dorset, Harkwell has been a familyrun business for 29 years after launching in February 2006 and has become well known in digital label and digital flexible packaging solutions.

It’s a crowded market, but Harkwell feels they have the edge; combining cutting-edge HP Indigo presses with the precision of ABG and Karlville finishing lines to

meet and exceed client expectations.

And they’ve kicked 2025 off to a fine start with being named finalists in two award categories at the PrintWeek 2025 Awards, which is a testimony to the company’s hard work and dedication to their customers.

Innovation is key, says Andrew, and the company is constantly evolving and working hard to meet clients’ needs, with currently 4 NPD projects currently on the go. Meeting clients expectations is what we are all about, products that have never been produced digitally before is at our heart, “we don’t believe in can’t” says Andrew.

The company says “Our recent innovation in our peel and reveal labels is beyond even our expectations”.

“The longwinded process of creating labels and flexible packaging through our studio with multiple SKUs was subject to human errors, automation in this area has reduced this possibility and increased the output. We accepted the challenge and formulated a new process for creating labels that no longer require human intervention. With the help of our partner, Esko, we are seeing the improvements on an almost daily basis.

“The introduction of GMG colour last year has had its challenges and still does, but we are up for the challenge. “You think you know colour, well think again”. We use the Fogra 39L standard and we record

our Delta ‘e’ colours with Exrite measuring equipment and with each press having its own colour measuring built in, customers can be assured of our attention to detail.

“More investment in peel and reveal labelling in 2023 has paid off, as one of the entrants in Printweek was this type of label.

“The process consists of producing each of the three pages with photo-quality digital print on our HP6K. After printing, all three layers are laid on top of one another and cut out to create this effective eyecatching label.”

That was one project that caught the judges’ eye, and there were a further three specific projects that earned them the nomination:

Wye Valley Friends in Mead bottle labels

Using precise techniques and adhering to specific artwork guidelines, our team created this rustic-feeling label through a multi-stage process. Our attention to detail and commitment to producing labels of the highest quality ensured that the excellence of the product was reflected on its packaging.

Whisky Solutions

Whisky Solutions requested a high-end bespoke label set with multiple complex finishes. Using a series of techniques combined with our commitment to brilliance, we formulated this complex label set that consists of a front, neck, and back label.

Wraith

We willingly accept any challenge presented to us, so it is easily within our capability of producing and managing labels for multiple products on one order. Wraith required variations of labels and our meticulous attention to perfection ensured that they consistently received high-quality labels.

With regards to the Packaging Printer of the Year nomination, the company says: “Where our labels achieve excellence, so does our packaging.” Once again, the finalist placing was down to four of their projects carried out over the last year:

Full Power Cacao

Intricate designs are our speciality, and when Full Power Cacao presented us with a very complex design, we were happy to accept. Using our digital HP 25k, we were able to accentuate even the smallest and subtlest details. We printed this pouch in four sizes over a span of months and, due to our guarantee of consistency, we were able to ensure that the products represented the brand’s quality accordingly.

Dr Vegan

Harkwell’s colour accuracy and consistency is second to none and the packaging we produced for Dr Vegan

perfectly exemplifies this. Our talented Studio team was able to successfully colour match for Dr Vegan, providing them with the quality packaging that they deserve. Our customer service team guarantees an easy process when the customer places an order reducing time-consuming reproofing and costly errors.

Purition pouch and sachet

A challenge presented to printers is that of colour matching across two substrates. However, this is no match for Harkwell’s talented team. Thanks to our Studio team and Press Operator, Purition have consistent colour accuracy across their packaging.

Wraith Sachets

Wraith entrusts us to produce the packaging for all of their products. Harkwell acknowledges that consistency is of immeasurable importance to our customers and so we have the advantage of printing the sachets and labels for Wraith in-house. To ensure that perfection is achieved, we inspect each sachet and label side by side to maintain consistency across colour, finish and specialities.

The company has doubled its workforce to 38 in the past five years, and its commitment to customer service is what is making waves in the industry. The company says: “We prioritise exceptional quality in every aspect of our label and packaging production. We utilise state-of-the-art equipment and premium materials to create vibrant, durable labels that make a lasting impression.

“Our highly skilled team meticulously oversees every step of the process, from design to final product, ensuring consistent quality control.

“This commitment to quality extends to every project, regardless of your experience level. Whether you’re a seasoned brand or a passionate entrepreneur with a unique product, we’re here to help you succeed.”

www.harkwell.co.uk

Tropical Sun: flavour without borders

Tropical Sun is one of the UK’s leading world food brands, offering authentic products from across the globe.

From award-winning staples like jerk seasoning, hot pepper sauce and coconut milk, to essential commodity lines including rice, flours, pulses and spices, the range delivers flavour and familiarity to millions.

Whether your focus is retail, wholesale or foodservice, global flavours are now central to meeting customer demand. Consumers continue to embrace the vibrant and growing ethnic food landscape —with one in three saying they find emerging cuisines more exciting than established ones, according to Mintel’s UK Ethnic Restaurants and Takeaways Market Report 2023.

World Foods have been a star performer in both grocery and convenience for over a decade, consistently delivering double-digit growth. The UK market is now estimated to be worth close to £3bn annually, with Mintel’s 2024 world Cuisines Market Report revealing that 92% of Brits say they regularly enjoy World cuisines at home.

Indian and Chinese cuisines have long had a foothold in British culture — chicken tikka masala remains a national favourite — but consumer interest is shifting. Emerging cuisines, and regional nuances within familiar Asian dishes, are gaining traction as people seek greater authenticity.

World foods are no longer a side dish — they’re now the main course in the modern foodservice and retail landscape. Today’s shopper is hungry for flavour, culture and connection—and world foods deliver all three. For retailers and foodservice operators alike, world foods represent one of the most dynamic and future-facing categories. For consumers, they offer an exciting gateway to new tastes and experiences. Tropical Sun helps you meet this demand with ease — whether that’s diversifying drinks and snacks, or adding bold flavours to your menu.

It’s time to move beyond ready salted. Last year, sales of the UK’s leading potato crisp brand dropped by 7.6%, signalling an appetite for change. Snacks remain a vital impulse category — and a space to drive discovery. Wanis, distributor of Tropical Sun, recorded +51% growth in world snacks last year alone — thanks to trending products like cassava chips, plantain chips and flavoured nuts. { Tropical Sun }

Exotic drinks

Don’t get stuck in a carbonated rut. Beverages with perceived health benefits, such as juices and smoothies, now account for half of all drink sales. Coconut water is particularly popular — with Brits the biggest consumers in Europe. The category is set to grow even further, with a projected 19.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Tropical Sun’s coconut water appeals to health-conscious customers and trend-focused retailers. Summer is the ideal time to introduce something refreshing and new, with Tropical Sun’s full range of exotic juice drinks.

Snack attack

The not-so-secret sauce

Sales of hot sauces are up 55% year on year, according to Waitrose. One driver? The viral appeal of YouTube shows like Hot Ones, where celebs sweat through ever-spicier wings. Mintel reported that 53% of consumers are willing to pay more for innovative flavours. Tropical Sun’s ‘Sauces of the World’ range includes 15 bold varieties — from Thai Sweet Chilli to Indian-style Mango Chilli — giving customers a reason to spice things up at home or in the restaurant.

Put that jerk to work

From burgers to pasta, Tropical Sun’s jerk products add a fiery, tropical twist to any dish. Why not try a Rasta Pasta special? Whether you’re in retail or foodservice, jerk is a flavour that brings the heat — and the sales. With a range of large catering size packs, Tropical Sun should be in every commercial kitchen’s larder.

Vegan flavours

Many global cuisines are naturally plant-based — making World Foods a perfect fit for vegan and flexitarian consumers. Tropical Sun’s young green jackfruit offers a satisfying, meat-like texture, and is quickly becoming a go-to meat alternative. Banana blossom is also growing in popularity, often used as a vegan fish substitute. As plant-based diets continue to rise, these products offer delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavour.

With World Foods booming, there’s never been a better time to explore bold new flavours. Tropical Sun makes it easy to deliver the taste of the world — one delicious bite at a time. For more information head to www.tropicalsunfoods.com or for trade enquiries contact their distributors: www.wanis.com

Vitamins and supplements testing in good health at Premier Analytical

With over 30 years’ experience Premier Analytical Services (PAS) is one of the leading food analysis laboratories in Europe. A key growth area for them is in increased demand for testing of vitamins, minerals and additives.

As consumers become more health and diet conscious, fortified food products are becoming increasingly popular.

But tighter EU legislation means that food manufacturers have to be confident that any claims they are making about such foods are based on

accurate and reliable results.

This is where Premier Analytical Services, based in High Wycombe, come in. Their comprehensive Vitamins and Minerals Service offers rapid, reliable and accurate testing results which allows manufacturers to be confident in the claims they are making about their

product.

That falls to PAS’s Chemistry Team. Hollie Brown, one of the chemists, explains: “We’ve increased our capacity while strengthening our methods so that we can handle all the different types of food products and supplements that we receive.”

What PAS prides itself on is the continuity given at all stages, so the same team is seeing through the testing process from beginning to end.

Hollie says: “In our team we see the sample from the initial samples preparation stage through to instrumental analysis. Whereas in some labs it may be split into sections with some doing preparation, extraction and then instrument analysis and you can end up quite detached from the product itself and what the results mean to our customer. By doing the full analysis, we can build our knowledge and experience. We employ

chemists who like to have an appreciation of the full process. ”

PAS believes that this gives the analysts a greater idea of the context and a feel for the testing as they ’ve been involved at every stage. Hollie adds: So it means that when it comes to interpreting results, they ’re able to know more instinctively, you know, through the experience they build up, whether a result feels right or not, whether there s something to flag up, whether that needs to be investigated.

“And with that knowledge as well, then it means that we can then support customers a bit and we can give them sort of advice and feedback so that they actually understand the results that they ’re getting, rather than us just sort of sending them a number and not knowing what to do with it. And that s such a key driver for what we do.

“It’s not about the test, it’s about the result. And it’s about what that result means to our customers. And so this holistic approach we have to testing means that we re able to give that benefit to our customers.

The Commission of the European Communities has recently released a proposal on regulating the addition of minerals and vitamins to foods and the nutritional labelling required for such products. This is becoming an increasingly complex area wherein the potential for error is very high. Premier Analytical Services can help customers get it right first time by offering expert advice that will answer questions such as:

What substances can be added to foods?

What are the maximum and minimum amounts for each vitamin and mineral that can be added to foods?

Do the claims you make on pack or in advertising trigger compulsory nutrition labelling?

What should be included in the declaration and what format and layout should be used?

One of PAS s unique selling points is that they have one of the widest levels of UCAS accreditation in the industry. When they work with other labs, they are always impressed by the scale of the accreditation.

David Hodgson of PAS says: “I think one of the things that makes the scope of accreditation sort of impressive is really the scale of the scope in proportion to the size of the company. We re obviously not one of the sort of the mega European wide labs, which may obviously have significantly wider accreditation scopes. But for the size that we are, it is particularly impressive.”

PAS is one company that can claim a bit of a Brexit boost. Many big testing labs are in Europe, and for UK customers having to send perishable samples for testing and deal with paperwork and potential delays, having a domestic top-rated lab is a godsend.

David says: “We’re finding that customers are crying out for a UK based solution for the vitamins testing and other testing as well. And fast turnaround as well.

Another great string to PAS’s bow is the after-care service — customers have direct access to the experts in the labs and can get straight through to them on their mobiles to discuss results or testing.

He adds: “We offer that added-value support as well, as opposed to just giving the final values that then the customer then has to then try and interpret themselves. We can assist them and help them and then they can send products back and then we can do retesting for them.”

www.paslabs.co.uk