From the Editor
The Plate and the Planet - A New Era in F&B Dear Readers, In an industry as dynamic and diverse as food and beverage, staying informed on the pulse of new trends is more than a passion—it’s a necessity. As we continue to delve into this vibrant world, specific trends paint a compelling picture of our culinary future.
EDITORIAL/PUBLISHER Keen Whye Lee Publisher Cath Isabedra Editor editor-afj@harvest-info.com Danico Acosta Layout and Design OPERATIONS
Within the pages of this issue, we journey through the dynamic evolution of the food and beverage industry, where the demand for healthful eating, the need for convenience, and the mandate for sustainability are reshaping our culinary landscape.
Mari Vergara Head of Operations mari@asiantvawards.com
For our cover story, we spoke with John Jose, Marketing Director at Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, who provided valuable insights into these evolving trends.
SALES
Didier Chanove, Business Development Director of Plant Alternatives at Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, takes us into the heart of the Middle East’s burgeoning plant-based meat sector. Zona Negri, Marketing Director of APAC Flavours of ADM, gives us an overview of the 2023 trends and focus areas that APAC manufacturers should keep an eye out for in 2024. Meanwhile, Darren Milligan, Vice President and General Manager (ASEAN) at Avery Dennison, casts a light on the changing tides of consumer behavior. We also picked the mind of Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President, Projects, Alliance to End Plastic Waste, to understand the trends in growing a sustainable business. As we embark on this gastronomic journey, we invite you to engage with our stories, share your insights, and participate in the dialogue. It’s a world of flavors out there, and we’re only scratching the surface. Stay Informed and Inspired We’re eager to bring you along as we explore these emergent themes. Your perspectives are critical—connect with us, offer your viewpoints, and let’s savor this journey of taste and innovation together.
Simon Lee Hong Kong, U.S.A. sales@harvest-info.com Chua Chew Huat Asia Pacific sales-sg@harvest-info.com Erhardt Eisenacher Europe info@eisanacher-medien.de MARKETING Lali Singson mktg@harvest-info.com TECHNICAL SUPPORT Michael Magsalin tech@harvest-info.com Harvest Information Pte. Ltd. 531 Upper Cross Street,#04-16, Singapore 050531
Cheers, Cath Isabedra
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Cath Isabedra Editor
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November-December 2023 Issue
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Contents 30 07
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04 Ingredients News 08 Processing News 12 Packaging News 14 Automation News 18 Industry News 22 Cover Story: Evolving Trends in the F&B Industry
23 30 Feature Story: The Future on a Plate: Food Trends in 2023 and Beyond
35 Special Feature: Consumer Behavior and
Collective Approach in Sustainable Packaging
27 Feature Story: Future of Plant-
based Meat in the Middle East
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NEWS | Ingredients
Nourish Ingredients Chooses Singapore as APAC Hub for Scaling Production of Fats for Alternative Proteins Expansion to Singapore and partnership with ScaleUp Bio will accelerate precision fermentation of animal-free fats from lab to pilot scale, towards supporting the future of food security. Nourish Ingredients, the revolutionary food tech company creating potent, animalic fats to make plant proteins delicious, has announced its strategic expansion to Singapore to scale up its potent fat production. Nourish Ingredients will operate from the Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC), Temasek-owned Nurasa’s flagship pilot and development
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facility, to access shared labs and key pilot-scale equipment. Founded in Australia, Nourish Ingredients uses deep technology to recreate natural animalic fats without the animal. Focusing on the most potent molecules found in nature, Nourish Ingredients’ fats provide the authentic taste, smell, and cooking experience people want and expect, without the cost or chemicals. The company’s focus on the precision fermentation process is designed to be highly scalable and affordable as a result of the relatively low volumes required, enabling it to work with the world’s largest food makers. Through a collaboration with Nurasa joint venture company ScaleUp Bio, Nourish Ingredients has started establishing a regional footprint to scale their product and more easily work with the regulatory body, the Singapore Food Authority, ahead of public release. ScaleUp Bio is the first in Singapore and one of the first in Asia to offer end-to-end contract development
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Ingredients |NEWS and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services for food tech companies in process optimisation and scale-up. The partnership will support 10,000 litre batches of fermentation capacity as well as 100 litres of thermal processing, to successfully scale production of speciality fats and unlock flavour for the next generation of plantbased proteins.
“With more consumer demand for alternative proteins, it’s vital that sustainable food companies are provided the right commercialisation pillars to accelerate scalability. Our partnership with Nourish Ingredients will not only accelerate the production of speciality fats but also help create sustainable food products that excite consumers,” said Francisco Codoner, CEO of ScaleUp Bio. “ScaleUp Bio empowers global food-tech companies like Nourish Ingredients to access state-of-the art laboratory facilities and industry expertise on their lab to market scale-up journey, enabling these firms to empower the next food revolution.”
“Nourish Ingredients combines breakthrough science with a focus on the most potent fat molecules found in nature to transform the plant-based proteins market. Without the right fats, alternative proteins just don’t have what it takes to deliver on the one thing that consumers want, which is authentic taste,” said James Petrie, Co-Founder and CEO of Nourish Ingredients. “Nourish Ingredients fats are key to making alternative proteins taste incredible and is the missing piece for the plant protein industry.”
Through its presence in Singapore and research collaborations with the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Nourish Ingredients will support the government’s vision of producing 30 percent of the nation’s nutritional needs locally by 2030, with a highly sustainable and scalable solution to improving the quality and flavour of plant-based proteins currently in the market. “Singapore’s highly enabling ecosystem – from regulatory and legal support to production capabilities – and commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it an ideal hub for showcasing our groundbreaking natural fats to investors and customers in the Asia Pacific region,” said Anna El Tahchy, CTO & Founder Director of Nourish Ingredients. “We know that if we can improve the taste of alternative proteins, Nourish Ingredients can spur the category’s mainstream consumer adoption for greater food security in Singapore.”
Singapore has for several years pioneered innovation in the alternative proteins sector. As the nation continues to address the challenges of ensuring food security and self-sufficiency, Nourish Ingredients and ScaleUp Bio will play a pivotal role in revolutionising plant-based proteins and scaling production to meet the demand for alternative food sources.
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NEWS | Ingredients The Stern-Wywiol Gruppe: The art of appealing to the taste of the public
last year the Group made revenues topping 760 million euros. Revenues doubled over the last ten years alone. Among the Group’s sustainable growth drivers is its youngest member, Planteneers. Founded in 2020, this year Planteneers opened two new subsidiaries, in Aurora IL / USA and in Maastricht in the Netherlands.
“We’re convinced that new
The Stern-Technology Center in Ahrensburg, Germany plays a major role in the Group’s growth. There, around 170 R&D staff from the various subsidiaries work on the innovative solutions of tomorrow. When the Plant-Based Competence Center was added to the Technology Center four years ago, all of the Group’s combined knowledge around plant-based foods was bundled in a dedicated creative pool. Now comes the next addition – the new Taste Excellence Center, where the focus is on the sensory evaluation of products.
as well as existing business fields are best developed by independently operating companies, that can focus on specific industries and their applications,” says Torsten Wywiol, CEO of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe. “Interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer make it possible to use the synergies of the individual companies to the best advantage.
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The growth of the company group since its founding over 40 years ago proves the success of this strategy. What was a small firm with two employees and annual revenues of 1.4 million euros in 1980 is today one of the world’s leading food and feed ingredients corporations, with 12 special companies, 19 foreign subsidiaries, ten Stern-Technology Centers, and production locations in nine countries around the globe. With just under 1950 employees,
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Yes, there is accounting for tastes Today, foods have to meet a wide range of demands. They must satisfy, support health and individual well-being, and meet environmental, climate, sustainability, and animal welfare criteria. But most of all, they have to taste good. Even the best nutritional values and minimal CO2 footprints won’t save foods whose flavour and texture don’t appeal to consumers. Dr Matthias Moser, Managing Director of the Food Ingredients Division of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe, explains: “Regular tastings and sensory evaluations are indispensable for top results, and have long been part of our product development. With the Taste Excellence Center we are taking this testing to a more objective level.” A trained sensory panel evaluates products using standardized processes. A sensory room with five cabins and modern equipment assists in the independent and objective assessment of the products. “We’ve done many seminars with customers,” notes Dr Moser. “This service will naturally continue with our Taste Excellence Center. For example, customers can use our sensory panel for products that aren’t going so well. If desired we can use the results to develop approaches for improving taste, texture, colour, and mouthfeel.
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Ingredients |NEWS
A nose for trends Networked research and development and proximity to international markets are basic requirements for sustainable growth. Monitoring current trends is another. And it’s not just about implementing current trends in demand-oriented products, but also being part of shaping future local and global trends. “Our teams are always looking for new things. They research around the globe on innovative solutions for the challenges of our time and our customers,” notes Torsten Wywiol. “Our goal is to always be an idea ahead. That’s what has made us successful in the past, and it will help us play an active role in shaping the future of the food industry.”
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Rising food prices are an example. “People everywhere are worried about rising prices,” comments Dr. Moser. “The pandemic is showing its side effects, and the war in Ukraine and resulting supply bottlenecks are driving inflation rates around the world. Hydrosol supports the food industry with many different solutions in order to ensure continued sufficient food supplies at affordable prices in the future. We focus on replacing raw materials and developing economical recipes.” Plant-based alternatives are not just a trend any longer – they are a fast-growing market. It is estimated that their market share will increase five-fold, from around two percent in 2020 to a good ten percent in 2035. Thanks to new technologies and intensive research and development, the number of new products is rising at a breathtaking pace. Planteneers is also seeing this. “Alongside product innovations, new ingredients also offer growth potential, especially mycoproteins and cellular agriculture,” says Dr Moser. “But new products can succeed only if their taste, texture, aroma, and appearance are appealing. And that’s exactly what we make sure of with the Taste Excellence Center.”
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NEWS | Processing Westfalia Fruit: Pioneering Resilience in Global Avocado Supply Chains Westfalia Fruit – the leading yearround multinational supplier of avocados and an array of fresh produce to international markets around the globe, unveils their forward-looking approach in striving to ensure the security of avocado supply chains amidst the formidable challenges confronting industries worldwide. The entire supply chain is facing immense challenges – no sooner is COVID-19 on the decline than a war in Europe causes huge disruption to the supply chain and to the global economy. Exploding costs for energy make production more expensive, and costs for transport, cooling, storage, and all other links in the chain are increasing dramatically. The effects of climate change, inflation, personnel shortages, and disturbances in the currency market add further pressure on the industry. This ‘perfect storm’ underscores the urgency of building resilience in the supply chain. How can we challenges?
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Westfalia Fruit’s strategies for addressing these challenges include diversifying supply chains, investing in new technologies, and building resilience through risk management. Diversifying supply chains In close memory, the European Avocado market consisted of less than 7 sources for year-round supply. Nowadays, the European Avocado market is supplied by upwards of 15 countries and numerous regions within source countries. Westfalia Fruit has invested in new sources of supply to bolster these paradigm supply shifts to today having the most diverse avocado growing footprint, with expansions seen globally in recent years. This diversification of the supply chain reduces risks of disruptions by spreading out production & sourcing across multiple locations. Provides increased resilience, less reliance on any one source or service, improved cost management & competitiveness, increased flexibility to easily respond to changes in demand, staying ahead of trends, enhancing competitiveness, and championing sustainable production. Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager at Westfalia Fruit, underlined the importance of adapting to the ever-evolving supply dynamics: “The patterns of supply to various markets continually shift. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to pioneer new sources and regions of supply in a proactive
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Processing |NEWS manner to safeguard unhindered supply.” Investing in technologies
cutting-edge
Investing in new technologies & processes can increase efficiency and reduce costs. The use of technology such as precision agriculture & automated packing. Blockchain-based traceability systems – improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased transparency throughout the supply chain – help identify and address potential threats. Data management – to detect and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions such as weather and seasonal related. Improved sustainability by investing in new processes and technologies that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Quality enhancement, shelf-life extension, and waste reduction are of utmost importance. Westfalia Fruit’s new patented technology uses short-wave ultraviolet (UVC), exposed at the final point of contact alongside modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The benefits are numerous, including extended shelf life, enhanced quality, increased availability & reduced stock loss. Another example is demonstrated by Westfalia Fruit’s total crop use and zero waste strategy. “We use
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the whole crop, supplying whole-head avocados to leading retailers, food service, and wholesale customers. Unsuitable avocados are processed to extract the pulp which is used in a plethora of value-added products, but we don’t stop there – we strive to use everything, with our avocado stones generated from this process being used as an exfoliator in cosmetics replacing harmful micro-plastics – it really is a virtuous circle of production whilst ultimately unlocking value in the supply chain,” noted Graham Young, Group COO of Westfalia Fruit. Building resilience through risk management & integration Provides improved visibility of systems and processes to identify and respond to potential risks and disruptions rapidly and streamlines the flow of goods and information, which can reduce lead times and increase efficiency. Improved forecasting encompassing data management and ‘mining’ leads to improved inventory management, reduced waste, and increased sales, improved collaboration and communication among different stakeholders in the supply chain. Improved risk management, a holistic view to identify and mitigate potential risks and hazards – from research to consumer, in the short, medium, and longer term. A holistic approach is taken through Westfalia Fruits integrated supply chain, from end to end, from research to customer. “This begins right at the start of the supply chain, through plant material selection and varietal breeding programs, through to supply to customers and each step in between, we have laser focused approach at all levels,” adds Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager. Westfalia Fruit has the world’s largest privately funded research institute focusing on sub-tropical fruits – specifically Avocado. The research has commercial relevance, with findings being shared with the industry and worldwide scientific community. We offer technical advice and support to growers around the world.
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NEWS | Processing Ultimately, this research is crucial to the health and vibrancy of the global Avocado industry and is delivered through the three principles of our founder – Dr Hans Merensky: experimentation, demonstration, and, only then, commercialization. An example of this research excellence includes pioneering developments in irrigation systems – reducing water use. Tree planting density and tree architecture, achieving the best from the resources available. The development of disease-resistant root stocks – advanced tree health. Enhanced cultivar development – high yielding, improved productivity & climate adaptability. Pest & disease resistance, reduced levels of inputs, alternatives, and IPM technology. Graham Young affirmed, “The importance that this research makes not only to Westfalia but to the entire global avocado industry cannot be understated. The timings involved are lengthy, 25 years for the development of disease tolerant root stocks and a new variety to be released. We as an industry are reaping the rewards today of disease resistant root stock development that started over 35 years ago, taking a longer-term risk management approach. Our commitment extends beyond our own interests;
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it is a commitment to the vitality of the entire global avocado industry.” Another example of safeguarding the supply chain via cultivar development is the Gourmet GEM® avocado variety. GEM® is a protected avocado cultivar that can only be grown and traded under license. Westfalia holds the worldwide Master Licence to produce GEM®, as well as the exclusive right to trade GEM® in Africa, the EU, and many other regions of the world, offering choice as a ‘top tier,’ ‘best’ variety. A global perspective and commitment Westfalia Fruit’s distinctive contributions extend far beyond its operational boundaries. Graham Young remarked, “What we are accomplishing is profoundly unique and unparalleled. Avocado production, with its inherent adaptability, can thrive in developing regions. We acknowledge the transformative role of avocado production in these communities. Through our investments, we simultaneously serve communities worldwide while upholding the health and stability of the broader industry.” In an ever-evolving global landscape, Westfalia Fruit’s comprehensive resilience strategy underscores its dedication to adaptability and proactive risk management. By addressing both internal and external challenges, prioritising collaboration, compliance, and holistic risk assessment, the company is strategically positioned to strive to ensure the continuity and stability of supply chains in the short, medium, and long term. These endeavours fortify business sustainability and elevate the strength and resilience of the entire industry. “In the world of avocados, the supply chain may seem straightforward, commencing at the harvest. However, from a risk management perspective, we delve deep into the very roots, from developing plant material to producing new varieties, adopting optimal planting techniques and precise irrigation practices. This holistic approach ensures our readiness, not only for today but for the years to come.” notes Graham Young, COO of Westfalia Fruit.
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Packaging | NEWS Dow Packaging Innovation Awards returns for its 2023/2024 edition The award features an enhanced biennial format as it seeks to continue to champion innovation in packaging as a key enabler for sustainable human progress •
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Nominations are open to packaging designs from all industries and geographies; entries can be submitted here. The deadline to submit is March 8, 2024. Winners will be selected by an independent jury composed of professionals from the global packaging industry and sustainability experts.
Dow (NYSE:DOW) is back with its 2023/2024 edition of its Packaging Innovation Awards (PIA), the packaging industry’s premier accolade for recognizing breakthroughs in technological advancement, sustainability, and enhanced user experience. As one of the industry’s longest-running independently judged awards, the global program – now into its 35th edition – will be held in Asia-Pacific this year as the region plays host for the first time to both the judging
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event and awards ceremony. This marks a milestone for the awards as it continues its purpose of highlighting innovative packaging across industries and geographies. PIA shines a spotlight on designs demonstrating what packaging can be when industry talent harnesses creativity and technology to solve contemporary challenges across the complete packaging value chain. The 2022 edition drew more than 180 packaging submissions from 30 countries, and 28 inspiring packaging solutions were recognized for their demonstrable excellence. This edition marks the beginning of a new biennial format that provides a longer submission period to give participants more time to collaborate with relevant partners on building out a submission. The goal is to provide an accessible platform for a greater pool of packaging professionals to have their most innovative designs judged on the world’s stage, further accelerating innovation in packaging. The submission period opens today and closes on March 8, 2024. Award finalists will be notified on August 28, 2024, with the awards ceremony set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2024.
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“ Through the Packaging Innovation Award, we celebrate the best in packaging that meets protection, convenience and performance needs as well as being designed for sustainability. We continue to be inspired by the level of creativity and problem-solving each award uncovers, and we are looking forward to what this next edition brings,” said Karen S. Carter, President of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.
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NEWS | Packaging “
Given Asia-Pacific’s well-established role as the manufacturing hub of the world, there is no better time or place to shine a spotlight on and underscore the importance of packaging innovation and the impact on our lives today. With the enhanced biennial format and more multiple engagement points for participants, I look forward to seeing even more aspiring innovators rise to the mounting challenges faced by the packaging industry amidst ever-growing consumerism globally, said David Luttenberger, the 2023 PIA Jury Chairperson and Global Packaging Director for Mintel Group Ltd.
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Entries for the 2023/2024 Packaging Innovation Awards can be submitted here. Entry into the competition is free, and applicants are not required to use Dow materials in their products. All entries must be commercial products that have been on the market for more than six months by the last day entries are open to submission. Deadline for submission is March 8, 2024, at 23:59 UTC.
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Mondi’s entire portfolio of kraft papers for packaging certified compostable Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has announced that its entire portfolio of kraft papers for packaging has been certified as home or industrially compostable. The certification underpins Mondi’s MAP2030 (Mondi Action Plan 2030) sustainability commitment to make 100 percent of its packaging and paper products reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, ensuring a sustainable end-of-life for all paper and packaging products. While recyclability remains Mondi’s focus to keep fibres in circulation, composting can be a viable end-of-life option for certain applications, such as those disposed of in the biowaste stream. Mondi’s kraft papers are made from renewable and certified sources, which can support customers to achieve their own sustainability targets. Customers can benefit from a comprehensive product range to meet requirements for industrial packaging, shopping bags for retailers, and attractive food packaging for supermarket shelves. An example of Mondi’s compostable kraft papers is Advantage MF EcoComp, which is specifically designed for household and agricultural use and is used for paper bags for wet organic household waste. Another example is Mondi’s EcoVantage kraft paper, which combines fresh and recycled fibres for sustainable and food-compliant shopping packaging. Silvia Hanzelova, Sales Director Specialty Kraft Paper, Mondi, says: “Certifications like these illustrate our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the most suitable and sustainable packaging materials and solutions. They give all our industrial, commercial and manufacturing customers the confidence that our papers are compostable and reassure them that, with us, they are working towards a more sustainable future. A future that continues to provide strong, effective packaging tailored to their individual needs.” Home compostable: NF T51-800:2015; Industrial compostable: EN 13432.
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Packaging | NEWS Sidel expands overwrapping portfolio with EvoFilm Stretch – top-tier sustainable technology
EvoFilm Stretch: Sustainable advantages Removing the need for any heat, the wrapping technology involves pre-stretching the film and wrapping it around the primary packaging. With this unique advantage, EvoFilm® Stretch reduces plastic film consumption while using significantly less energy.
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Compared to traditional solutions, our new stretch wrapping solution is a sustainable choice for customers who are looking for alternative secondary packaging. This solution mainly targets multipacks and logistics packs, where printed film is not required, ensuring material reduction, low ecological impact and costsavings,” said Giorgio Rocca, End of Line Product Manager. “With the ability to handle recycled film, EvoFilm Stretch addresses our customers’ sustainability objectives while being a competitive option.
Sidel’s latest stretch film technology, EvoFilm® Stretch, is designed to offer the beverage, food, home, and personal care (FHPC) markets a new sustainable solution for secondary packaging. As consumer trends, such as sustainability and SKU proliferation, continue to affect distribution and production needs, customers require alternative secondary packaging solutions that can address these demands in a more cost-effective way. In response, Sidel offers a new stretch film technology to revolutionise wrapping processes. Complementing its existing packaging portfolio, the new EvoFilm® Stretch achieves 90 percent energy savings and a 50 percent reduction in plastic film. Today, plastic film continues to be an ideal material for secondary packaging due to its best-in-class lightness and density ratio per selling unit.
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Meeting customer needs With speeds up to 80 packs per minute, the new solution quickly stretches the film and applies the correct wrapping force to any packaging format. Applicable to all types of containers from 0.1 to 8 litres, in bulk or multipacks, and for a wide range of pack formats, EvoFilm® Stretch is a versatile solution that can meet the demands facing the beverages and FHPC industries. Maximum flexibility Suitable for all SKUs and primary packaging types, EvoFilm Stretch is a modular solution that can be sold as a single unit as well as part of a complete line. The technology is user-friendly and achieves a toolless manual format changeover in less than 12 minutes/module. EvoFilm® Stretch also removes the need for a shrink tunnel and tunnel discharge equipment, creating a smaller, compact operational footprint for customers.
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NEWS | Automation Mobile HighCapacity Bulk Bag Discharger and Flexible Screw Conveyor A new mobile frame-mounted bulk bag discharger with a flexible screw conveyor from Flexicon allows rapid, dust-free discharging and conveying of bulk solid materials at multiple plant locations. The BULK-OUT® BFF Series discharger allows forklift-loading of bulk bags from 914 to 2134 mm tall. A removable bag-lifting cradle with Z-CLIP™ strap holders permits bulk bags to be attached securely at floor level from an ergonomic standing height and then forklifted into cradle cups atop the discharger’s upright posts. The bag spout is pulled through a 305 mm diameter iris valve, which is then closed around the spout, preventing material flow. The spout can then be untied, the snap-action access door closed, and the valve released slowly, allowing controlled flow into the enclosed hopper through the bulk bag interface chute. Complete discharge is aided by FLOW-FLEXER™ bag activators that press against opposite bottom sides of the bag at timed intervals to form a steep “V” shape and top-mounted POP14
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TOP™ extension devices that raise the uprights as the bulk bag empties, promoting the flow of material from the corners of the bag through the bag spout. The hopper is vented to a BAG-VAC™ dust collector that creates negative pressure within the sealed system to contain displaced air and dust and vacuum any particles trapped in bag creases during disconnect. Reverse pulse air jets on a timed cycle dislodge material accumulated on the filters, returning it to the material stream. The enclosed 156 L hopper measures 762 mm square by 1067 mm high and is equipped with proximity level sensors and a pneumatic vibrator assembly to promote the flow of material to the conveyor. The outlet of the hopper charges the inlet of a BEV-CON™ Flexible Screw Conveyor that propels free- and non-free-flowing bulk materials at a 45-degree incline in user-specified distances for discharging directly into processing equipment or storage vessels through 254 mm diameter downspouting. Specialised geometry of the internal screw allows handling of materials that pack, cake, smear, seize or fluidise, with no separation of blends. The screw is the only moving part www.asiafoodjournal.com
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Automation | NEWS contacting material and is driven beyond the point of discharge, preventing material contact with seals or bearings and allowing rapid cleaning. The self-contained unit, mounted on a mobile base with a support mast, can be rolled to feed various locations or to a cleaning station. A lower clean-out cap on the conveyor tube can be removed to flush the smooth interior surfaces with steam, water, or cleaning solutions or to fully remove the flexible screw for cleaning and inspection. The system is available in carbon steel with durable industrial coating, with stainless steel material contact surfaces, or in allstainless steel finished to industrial, food, dairy or pharmaceutical standards. Its NEMA 4 control panel with PLC allows manual and automatic start/stop and speed adjustment. Flexicon also manufactures other configurations of mobile and stationary bulk bag dischargers, as well as flexible screw conveyors, tubular cable conveyors, pneumatic conveying systems, bulk bag dischargers, bulk bag conditioners, bulk bag fillers, bag dump stations, drum/ box/container tippers, drum fillers, weigh batching and blending systems, and engineered plantwide bulk handling systems with automated controls. AsiaFoodJournal
Mettler-Toledo Unveils Enhanced ProdX™ Data Management Software for Food Manufacturers Updated data handling software to provide greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in the food industry Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection is proud to announce the latest version of its advanced data management software, ProdX™. Designed for food manufacturers, ProdX™ 2.6 is set to improve data handling, quality control, and operational efficiency in the food industry. The primary objective behind the new software enhancements to ProdX™ 2.6 was the commitment of Mettler-Toledo to meeting the exacting demands of food manufacturers searching for comprehensive, efficient, and data-driven solutions. Positioned as a cornerstone of quality control and data management in food production, ProdX™ 2.6 seamlessly integrates with MettlerToledo product inspection equipment – x-ray inspection, metal detection, checkweighing, and vision inspection – facilitating the secure collection and management of critical inspection data. Whether monitoring reject statistics, contamination events, or generating reports, the update empowers users with a high level of accessibility and automation. In industries such as food manufacturing, where precision and efficiency are paramount, ProdX™ 2.6 addresses these priorities head-on. It allows manufacturers immediate access to data to make informed decisions to improve production line performance and meet the highest quality standards. Improving Data Management for Food Manufacturers ProdX™ plays a pivotal role in food manufacturing by seamlessly collecting and safeguarding inspection data from Product Inspection devices. It acts as a secure repository, archiving this critical data in a tamper-proof central server while offering the flexibility to generate ad-hoc or automated reports. With the newly updated ProdX™ 2.6, Mettler-Toledo meets
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NEWS | Automation customer requirements better by offering several key additional benefits, including: Optimised Web Dashboard – Data at Your Fingertips: In the latest update, ProdX™ 2.6 now features an optimised web dashboard. This advanced web-based interface offers users the ability to access and monitor their data on smart devices like tablets and smartphones, eliminating the need to install additional software applications. Users can effortlessly review critical information, such as reject statistics and contamination events, and generate reports by simply accessing the dashboard via a web browser. This update opens new avenues for data accessibility, making it available to anyone connected to the network, whether wirelessly or through a cable connection. Users with VPN access can also conveniently view data through their web browser. Streamlined User Experience – Logging into Inspection Equipment: The updated software also simplifies the user experience by enabling workers to use their ProdX™ login credentials to access Mettler-Toledo product inspection equipment. This integration enhances operational efficiency and offers a seamless transition between tasks, promoting ease of use.
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Automated Reporting – Valuable Insights Readily Available: Another significant improvement to ProdX 2.6 is its capability to automate the generation of final evaluations and summary reports. This advancement streamlines reporting processes, allowing users to trigger final evaluations at the end of product runs, shifts, or days automatically. Additionally, users can program automated reports in various formats and delivery methods for daily, weekly, and monthly summaries. By automating these processes, users gain valuable insights by easily comparing runs, shifts, and specific time frames, identifying opportunities for improvement. Enhanced Changeover – Flexibility and Improved Sustainability: The new software also provides food manufacturers with increased flexibility and efficiency during product changeovers. Manufacturers can now switch over their product inspection systems simultaneously or selectively, either from a master device or remotely. This feature is particularly valuable in industries with extended manufacturing processes, such as chocolate production, where batch changeovers can occur while products move along the production line. This newly enhanced product changeover functionality not only reduces downtime but also minimises product wastage, promoting sustainability and cost savings. Additionally, as it is
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a paperless system, ProdX™ helps manufacturers contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing daily paper usage. Peter Spring, ProdX™ Product Manager at Mettler-Toledo, says, “ProdX™ 2.6 represents a leap forward in manufacturing productivity. By simplifying and automating documentation and reporting processes, this new version eliminates the arduous task of manual data compilation that manufacturers once grappled with. Administrative productivity receives a substantial boost, freeing up valuable time and resources that can now be channeled into more strategic and value-added activities. These combined enhancements, alongside the sustainability improvements ProdX™ 2.6 offers, are poised to greatly improve the way food manufacturers operate, enhancing productivity, efficiency and sustainability”. Other key updates to the software include: Product Validation Capability – Security and Compliance: For x-ray inspection systems, ProdX™ 2.6 introduces a product validation capability, a crucial feature for maintaining product setting integrity. This capability provides a visual indicator to confirm that the system is inspecting a product using validated setting parameters. In case any parameters are altered, the login used and the changes made are recorded. Additionally, the x-ray system’s product parameters are now stored in ProdX™ AsiaFoodJournal
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for remote viewing, regardless of whether these parameters can be edited remotely. Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Weighing Technology Integration – Seamless Connectivity: ProdX™ now also complies with the Open Platform Communication foundation’s weighing technology companion specification, facilitating effortless integration with checkweighers within this standard. This integration not only streamlines the connection between ProdX™ and third-party checkweighers, but also allows for seamless data exchange, enhancing overall operational efficiency and providing manufacturers with real-time insights critical for precision control and compliance.
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NEWS | Industry
Canvas8 and Givaudan Collaborate to Unveil FlavourVision® Trends Report: Illuminating the Future of Global Taste and Wellbeing Included within the report, Canvas8 future-proofed insights from a bespoke panel of global thought leaders, from cyborg anthropologists to design strategists and philosophy professors Leading behavioral insights firm, Canvas8, have announced their work with Givaudan, a global frontrunner in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing, on their FlavourVision® trends report. This collaborative effort serves as a means of understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of global taste and wellbeing and seeks to provide knowledge on future planning. Detailed within the report is an extensive exploration of
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transformative shifts and the identification of five profound consumer macro trends. These trends are currently influencing global taste preferences on an unprecedented scale and have given rise to over 20 micro-expressions, representing tangible indicators of cultural and behavioral shifts. The five overarching consumer macro trends identified for Givaudan are as follows: •
Green for me: Consumers increasingly embrace eco-actions that resonate on a deeply personal level.
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Restorative care: There is a growing shift towards adopting intuitive, restorative approaches to health.
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Stable connections: Consumers seek stability and continuity, leaning towards hyper-local and self-centric mindsets.
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Sensorial renaissance: A yearning for heightened sensory experiences that transcend conventional boundaries.
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Augmented assistance: A quest for proactive and personalized digital tools to navigate and optimize daily life.
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Industry | NEWS The methodologies employed throughout this 25-week project included Driver Mapping, Future Mapping, STEEPLE Analysis, Signal Scanning, and Expert Insights. To make sense of the wealth of data collected, Thematic Clustering was utilized for indepth analysis. The culmination of this effort resulted in a flagship FlavourVision® trend book. One of the key facets of this groundbreaking partnership was Canvas8’s curation of insights from a diverse panel of global thought leaders. Ranging from cyborg anthropologists to design strategists and philosophy professors, this bespoke panel provided invaluable perspectives and future-proofed insights, ensuring the FlavourVision® trends report remains on the cutting edge. Thomas Ullram, Global Marketing Director at Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing, said: “We are really excited to share the new FlavourVision® with our customers. The depth of insight in this new update is remarkable and provides valuable knowledge that will help co-create innovative food experiences. A culmination of extensive global research, data analysis, and vast expertise, FlavourVision® is a guiding light for partners and customers, empowering them to transform confusion and disruption into certainty and opportunity in line with consumer needs and desires.
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“For industry leaders and innovators, aligning product development with long-lasting consumer trends and behaviours is critical to their future success,” says Nick Morris, CEO of Canvas8. “We’re proud to have partnered with the Givaudan team and are looking forward to seeing how international teams integrate FlavourVision into their launches.”
Drinks99 Expands Presence with New Office in Singapore, Launching on November 1st Drinks99, the number one craft drinks distributor from Hong Kong and China, is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of its Singapore office on the 1st of November 2023. This strategic expansion reflects Drinks99’s dedication to bringing their exceptional range of craft beverages to the vibrant bar industry in Singapore and wider APAC. To kickstart their presence in Singapore, Drinks99 will participate in BCB Singapore, one of the region’s most prominent bar industry events. At the event, Drinks99 will host a booth featuring Seedlip, the renowned non-alcoholic spirits brand, and showcase a selection of delicious nonalcoholic cocktails
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crafted with their products. This will allow industry professionals to experience the quality and innovation of spirits that Drinks99 brings to the market. The founding duo, Simon Disler and Daniel O’Connor, will lead the charge in Singapore, bringing their expertise and passion for craft drinks to the local scene. Joining them will be Chris Peart, formerly of 28HKS, who will assume the role of General Manager in Singapore, overseeing the operations and driving growth in the market. With its launch, Drinks99 will introduce a curated selection of premium brands to the 20
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Singaporean market. These brands include Bob’s Biters, Seedlip Drinks, Hapusa, AER cocktail enhancer, Old Duff Genever, Quiquiriqui Mezcals, Avallen Spirits, ABA Pisco, and High West Distillery. Each brand represents the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that Drinks99 upholds, ensuring that consumers in Singapore have access to exceptional beverages that cater to their discerning tastes. “We are incredibly excited to bring Drinks99 to Singapore and introduce our portfolio of exceptional craft beverages to the local bar industry,” said Simon Disler, Co-founder of Drinks99. “With our wide range of brands and commitment to innovation, we are confident that Drinks99 will become an integral part of the Singaporean drinks scene.” As Drinks99 establishes its presence in Singapore, the company is committed to expanding its portfolio and introducing more exciting brands in 2024. This reflects their dedication to continuously offering new and unique experiences to discerning consumers in Singapore.
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The best from apples grown in the Italian Alps VOG Products, the fruit processing company headquartered in Northern Italy, processes apples and other fruit to create semi-finished and finished products for the international food and beverage industry. It is supported by a unique supply chain: “From: Italian Alps” not only describes the products’ origin, but also tangible quality features. VOG Products is a fruit processing specialist. In South Tyrol – in the heart of the Alps –, the company uses cutting-edge technology to process between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of fruit from certified integrated or organic cultivation annually into NFC Juice, concentrates, purée, frozen fruit, chunky products and steamed fruit. Both the recipes and the packaging solutions – from tankers and drums to the practical “Bag in Box” – are individually tailored to customers’ needs. The company impresses customers with selected raw materials with traceable origins in the TrentinoSouth Tyrol region of Northern Italy. With around 300 sunny days every year and cool nights, the fruit is able to fully develop their flavour and aroma. The farmers attach great importance to dealing with land and its resources respectfully and sustainably. To live these values, they rely on combining know-how developed over decades with the latest findings from research and practice. The producers are organised in cooperatives and producers’ organisations that work together in a perfectly meshed structure. VOG Products – itself a producer’s organisation – is able to rely on the fruit of its own members and offer safe, healthy products. In combination, seamless traceability, a direct connection to the farmers and strict controls from cultivation to the final product are a guarantee of quality and product safety. Further, they ensure continuous availability and security of supply year-round.
The quality promise “From: Italian Alps” describes the many quality features and strengths of this unique supply chain: The raw material originated in the orchards of the company’s own members (100% traceability). Short distances: VOG Products processes fruit from the immediate surrounding area. The apples are cultivated in an integrated or organic production way. The producers have pledged to uphold guidelines that guarantee exemplary agricultural production and go above and beyond the legal stipulations. The organic goods processed by VOG Products are certified by recognised associations (Bioland, Naturland, Demeter and Bio Suisse). Sustainability is part of VOG Products’ DNA, which is ensured by certification from the orchard to the final product (FSA certification). Ripened by the Mediterranean sun and picked by hand: in South Tyrol and Trentino, apples are cultivated under ideal climatic conditions and harvested at the optimum time.
VOG PRODUCTS VOG Products is owned by three producers’ organisations from South Tyrol and Trentino and 17 fruit cooperatives from South Tyrol. Their member base is composed of around 6,000 producers, most of whom are small family-managed enterprises devoted to maintaining and farming their orchards. VOG Products has a 90% export quota and exports its semi-finished products to around 50 countries throughout the world.
A . Nob el 1 I-39055 Leifers/Laives (BZ)
T +39 0471 592311
info@vog-products.it
www.vog-products.it
Cover Story
Evolving Trends in the F&B Industry: A Focus on Health, Convenience, and Sustainability By Cath Isabedra
The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, driven by shifting consumer trends and technological advances. Recent insights from industry leaders and market research reports shed light on how consumers in Southeast Asia and globally are increasingly placing their health and well-being at the forefront of their purchasing decisions. We talked to John Jose, Marketing Director, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, to discuss the different trends shaping the F&B industry.
The Flexi-Shopping Trend: Balancing Health and Convenience The “Flexi-shopping” trend refers to consumers who prioritize flexibility and conscious decision-making. “Overall, the ‘Flexishopping’ trend in Southeast Asia manifests as a flexible yet deliberate approach to spending, where consumers adjust their purchases while prioritizing health benefits and natural ingredients over price,” says John. This shift indicates a thoughtful approach to consumption, as people are more inclined to invest in products that offer more than just nutritional value. They recognize the significance of making choices that positively impact their overall well-
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being and are willing to provide the highest quality options for themselves and their families. According to research by Bain and Company, health benefits consistently top the criteria for consumers in the Asia-Pacific region when considering brands or products, signaling a transition towards a health-conscious mindset.
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Cover Story The Ready-to-Drink Category: Health on the Go Consumers are not just looking for health benefits. They’re also seeking convenience. “The readyto-drink (RTD) category plays a significant role in supporting consumers with health-focused lifestyles in Southeast Asia by offering convenience, portion control, nutritional variety, functional benefits, and continuous innovation,” according to John. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages offer a convenient, nutritious option for busy, health-conscious consumers. Enriched with functional ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants, these drinks cater to specific health goals such as hydration or immune support. The category is also diverse, accommodating various dietary needs with options like vegan or gluten-free beverages. Some even double as snack options, blending nourishment and convenience for on-the-go lifestyles.
they put into their bodies to their health and life goals, whether that be maximizing their chances of recovery from poor health, to sitting for exams, or preparing for new life stages such as parenthood, peri-menopause, or ageing.” This is leading to a rise in tech-enabled personalized health solutions and making moderation a key trend in the industry. “For example, Rootine offers a precision multivitamin formula tailored to individual’s DNA, blood vitamin and mineral test results. Some people are carefully measuring their food and drink choices and monitoring what is going into their bodies. In doing so, they can become a better version of themselves and take proactive steps to prevent longer-term health issues,” John furthers.
Plant-Based Beverages: A Sustainable Shift The plant-based beverage category is projected to grow at a remarkable 13.82 percent annually, reaching a market value of $80.43 billion by 2024. This exponential growth indicates a shift towards healthier, more sustainable choices. “Plantbased beverages cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and lifestyle choices, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and dairy-free diets,” according to BIS research. The rise in demand for plant-based options also shows that consumers
The ‘In Control’ Trend: A Nuanced Approach to Indulgence and Moderation The ‘In Control’ trend outlines how people are increasingly using food and drink to gain a sense of control over their lives. John says, “They desire the ability to match what
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Cover Story are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their choices.
entertainment platforms to reach and engage consumers.”
“Tetra Pak recognizes that consumer preferences evolve over time, and we continuously monitor and adapt to these changes. We invest significant resources in research and development to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and consumer demands,” John explains.
So how can brands tap into this evolving landscape? Embracing online platforms like TikTok can help brands effectively reach new consumer segments. Leveraging the influence of creators and influencers within the eatertainment sphere allows for the promotion of products to a highly engaged and receptive audience.
He adds, “Our packaging materials are designed to ensure product quality, freshness, and safety while minimizing environmental impact. For instance, we have introduced packaging formats with renewable materials and reduced carbon footprint, responding to the rising consumer interest in eco-friendly options.”
Eatertainment: What is it all about? In today’s rapidly evolving world, technological advancements and digital shifts are reshaping various industries, and the food and beverage sector is no exception. One of the most intriguing developments is the rise of “Eatertainment,” a trend that seamlessly integrates social media, virtual gaming, and recipe sharing to create a vibrant food community. Social media platforms play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, connecting individuals who share a love for food and culinary exploration. The trend is fueled by our inherent need for joy, connection, and ritualistic aspects of eating and shopping.
But adapting to the modern consumer landscape isn’t just about hopping on the latest social media trend. Companies like Tetra Pak are also closely monitoring shifts in consumer preferences, including inflation pressures, to ensure they don’t compromise on quality. They invest significantly in R&D, focusing on sustainability and innovation to meet evolving demands without sacrificing quality.
As platforms like TikTok become prominent sources of recipe inspiration, it’s clear that the traditional role of celebrity chefs is being eclipsed by relatable content creators and influencers. John mentions, “For example, Prime hydration drink, created by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI, achieved immense success by effectively utilizing online platforms. The product gained widespread popularity and sold out within minutes in the US and the UK, demonstrating the power of leveraging online and
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Cover Story products and transparency across the supply chain is captured in Trendipedia’s ‘Green Clarity’ trend, which is driving initiatives like those in Singapore aimed at waste reduction and a circular economy. With insights from John Jose, Marketing Director, Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia.
As wallets get tighter, brands are faced with the challenge of enticing consumers to consider high-quality food. Strategies include value-oriented pricing options like bundle deals and loyalty programs, educating the consumer about the importance of quality food, and leveraging social media to showcase the appeal and benefits of high-quality products.
Staying Ahead in a Digitally-Driven Food and Beverage Landscape The overarching theme in the food and beverage industry is a shift towards conscious consumption. Consumers are prioritizing health, convenience, and sustainability in their choices, driving brands to innovate and adapt to meet these changing needs. Whether it’s through ‘Flexi-shopping,’ RTD options, taking control through moderation, or opting for plantbased alternatives, the message is clear: today’s consumers want options that are good for them and good for the planet. Keeping abreast of consumer trends is essential for staying competitive. Companies like Tetra Pak use trend reports, like the Trendipedia report, to inform and align their customers with the latest consumer shifts. These reports form the basis of close collaboration between the companies and their clients, fostering a cooperative approach to addressing consumer demands through product innovation, packaging, and marketing strategies.
John has over 26 years of work experience with Tetra Pak in local, regional, and global roles across marketing, sales, and product management. Currently leading the Marketing Function in Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia (MSPI), John is responsible for the overall direction of Tetra Pak in MSPI, providing strategic insights and leading the expansion efforts. John was Tetra Pak’s Cluster Portfolio Manager from 2008 to 2010, based in Malaysia. During his tenure as portfolio manager, John supported the new packaging portfolio deployment and development needs for Southeast Asia and South Asia markets. He also ensured the smooth introduction of Tetra Pak’s new products and innovations to local markets. Between 2005 to 2008, John was Tetra Pak’s Global Product Manager and was based in Lund, Sweden. John graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Marketing Management. He aspires to see more innovation in products that truly address evolving consumer needs, deliver value across the value chain and are sustainable.
The Trendipedia report is especially useful for understanding consumer behavior in different markets, such as Southeast Asia. The insights it offers can guide companies in tailoring their product offerings and strategies to meet regional demands. For instance, the rising interest in eco-friendly
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The Blueprint for a Resilient Food Safety Ethos An organization’s approach to food safety management is the bedrock upon which its food safety culture is built. A robust food safety culture safeguards consumers, shields an organization from financial losses, and enhances its reputation. Over the years, the food safety landscape has undergone a profound transformation, transitioning from reactive to proactive measures. Today, all stakeholders, including regulators, industry insiders, and consumers, are more informed and actively engaged in food safety matters. Safeguarding our food is not just a necessity; it’s an imperative for our well-being. Recent research by NSF underscores this, revealing that over 75 percent of consumers seek businesses that can unequivocally demonstrate their commitment to food safety when purchasing. Every business, irrespective of its scale, faces the specter of food safety risks, and high-profile incidents serve as a clarion call for organizations to introspect and elevate their food safety protocols.
Adapting to the Shifting Sands of Food Industry Risks As risks in the food industry continue to morph and evolve, our approach must be nimble and adaptive. An effective food safety culture must pivot to address these dynamic risks by homing in on workforce behaviors and harnessing the power of robust organizational policies and procedures. The Building Blocks of a Strong Food Safety Culture: Best Practices Fostering a robust food safety culture within an organization is akin to tending to a delicate ecosystem. It hinges on several pivotal factors, with the ability to sustain this culture over time being the litmus test of its efficacy. At NSF, we consider food safety our forte, and a strong food safety culture comprises the following essential elements: Leadership’s Wholehearted Commitment Leaders must internalize that leading in food safety extends beyond mere management. The wholehearted commitment of the leadership team is a catalyst that spurs employees to rally behind the cause. A Unified Safety Management System
from a mere priority to a core value that endures. Regularly gauging employee attitudes and behaviors to ensure safety remains a pervasive and transparent core value. Learning from Missteps Approach errors with a disciplined and methodical mindset. Resist impulsive reactions and invest time in thorough investigations to unearth root causes. Recognize that the cause of failure may not always be directly tied to safety. A Culture of Trust and Accountability Cultivate a culture of trust by making everyone accountable for safety. Encourage employees to voice concerns without fear of backlash, enabling the swift identification and resolution of safety risks. A Long-term Outlook
Craft a comprehensive integrated safety management system that unifies various safety programs. Avoid compartmentalization and ensure that food safety permeates every nook and cranny of your organization.
Maintain a forward-looking perspective and remain adaptable in the face of innovation, product development, and regulatory shifts. Keep a vigilant eye on the horizon and allocate resources to ensure the sustainability of safety practices in alignment with your business goals.
Empower and Engage Your Workforce
Investing in Your Team
Actively involve employees in shaping new systems and methodologies rather than imposing them. Elevate safety
Equip your team with the necessary tools and thorough training, empowering them to embrace safer working practices that, in turn, enhance organizational efficiency.
Making a thriving food safety culture By weaving these strategies into the fabric of their operations, organizations can not only nurture but also sustain a thriving food safety culture that augments the well-being of their employees and instills trust in their customers.
About the Author
With a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record in the food sector, Jyoti Bhasin has made substantial contributions to the industry. She has experience in grocery chains in India and currently holds the position of Managing Director for the NSF Asia Pacific and Middle East. For more information on NSF services, please contact info@nsf.org or visit www.nsf.org.
Feature INGREDIENTS
The Future of Plant-based Foods in the Middle East By Didier Chanove, Business Development Director, Plant Alternatives, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa
The global plant-based market is projected to reach US$120 billion in 2031, with Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa taking up a significant part of the share. These days, plant-based offerings go beyond just meat-free burger patties. A quick scan of supermarket aisles will show that plant-based alternatives have penetrated various categories, such as milk, ice cream, ready-to-drink meals and beverages, and even condiments and dressings. Looking back when plant-based foods first came to market, they were mainly addressing consumer demand for healthier food products, like meat alternatives, in their quest to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. In the Middle East, growing concern about the health implications of eating too much animal-based food and beverage products and the
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adoption of vegan diets in the wake of the pandemic were expected to drive the growth of meat and dairy alternatives in the region.
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According to 2022 data from the World Obesity Organization, 25 percent of men and 30 percent of women are obese, and more than 16 percent of adults have diabetes in the United Arab Emirates
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Feature In response, market players in the region launched various plantbased meat and dairy products. However, these early iterations of plant-based foods served a purely functional purpose, such as reducing the risk of heart diseases and diabetes, and had little emotional and sensory appeal. The challenge for food manufacturers now is to make plant-based foods as delicious as meat-based dishes, increase penetration, and keep consumers in the region hungry for more. The global plant-based market is projected to reach US$120 billion in 2031, with the Middle East estimated to have 17% yearon-year growth. In the region, the younger generation is tipped to be the ones who will keep the category on its feet. The Gen Z Alphas — the generation between Gen Z and the next Gen Alpha — influence innovation in the plantbased space. They are known to have a collaborative mindset and value purpose. This generation recognises the importance of sustainability and its impact on health, community, and the environment, and is a driving force behind the future of alternate proteins. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia alone, 30 percent of the population are Gen Alphas, while 40 percent are Gen Zs and young Millennials.
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Led by this growing class of consumers, a new culture of eating is emerging, creating more opportunities for the plant-based meat alternative category. Here are three trends shaping the plant-based space in the Middle East.
Trend 1: New ingredients and formats According to Future Smart Food by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, there are over 30,000 edible plant species in the world, but only 30 are used as food. The market is primed for new ingredient solutions.
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Over the next three to five years, the focus will be to widen the variety of plant-based foods available, whether it’s making it easier for consumers to add more plant-based foods to their diet or foodservice providers to introduce new, interesting plant-based menu items.
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Combining familiar textures with new ingredients is a good way to offer consumers something that excites their palates without being too foreign. Food manufacturers can explore ancient, native plant-based ingredients for solutions, many of which are packed with nutritional, healing properties. Faba beans, or broad beans, are an excellent example of an ingredient that can help enhance plant-based offerings. They help improve the texture of meat alternatives, are a good source of protein, fibre and vitamins, and can also help with digestion. Mung beans are another ingredient that has good binding properties (especially for vegan seafood) and are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Manufacturers can also look into the potential of sorghum, a cereal crop with good protein content that can replace rice or quinoa.
Trend 2: Farm to fork value The future of plant-based food products will still depend on its core function of providing healthier food options. However, brands must understand that consumers now want more control over what they eat.
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Feature “
The farm-to-fork value will gain prominence as consumers seek authenticity, transparency, and clean labels. At present, only 30 percent of consumers in Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) trust sustainability claims.
” Consumers want meat alternative products that carry a clear list of health benefits. Promoting benefits such as added dietary fibre, heart-friendly soy, or having a label indicating ‘high in protein’ can significantly influence what they buy.
Trend 3: 3D-printed meat Also coming to the fore is 3D-printed meat made from labgrown stem cells, touted as a more efficient, sustainable, and ethical way of creating plant-based meat. Its potential includes authentic, life-like whole muscle solutions that can be used across cuisines, tailored nutrition, and even customised protein, fat, and fibre levels, personalised for consumers with specific health concerns.
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For food manufacturers, the future of 3D-printed meat will depend on how real or life-like the meat alternative product will be.
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Consider the Kerry case study of a plant-based steak created using 3D printing technology incorporating Kerry’s ProDiem™ plant protein for functional benefits and Savarome™ technology to deliver authentic beefiness, smokiness, and richness. With more research and development, there is good potential for 3D-printed plant-based meat to eventually be accessible and affordable to consumers.
percent of consumers, prices for meat alternatives are too high, and they would only buy at a lower price point. Convenience is also key, but often, consumers are confused about where to find plant-based products in the supermarket. At home, they lack confidence to prepare meat alternatives, saying it takes too much time and effort, with their home-made plant-based dishes lacking the taste and quality of restaurant-style versions. The concept of affordable luxury opens another avenue for sensory appeal, elevating plantbased foods from functional to something indulgent. Chef-created or chef-inspired Michelin-style plant-based recipes using locally sourced produce bring feel-good indulgence and a visual treat. As the plant-based category evolves rapidly, industry players must continue to innovate to find the right balance of new ingredient solutions, accessibility, and fresh formats in delivery and functionality to make it simpler and enticing for consumers in the Middle East to adopt meat alternatives into their lives.
Balancing taste, nutrition, and value According to Kerry insights, 61 percent of APMEA consumers intend to consume more plant-based food. However, this comes with a caveat — price is still a major barrier. For 70
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Feature PROCESSING
The Future on a Plate: Pioneering Trends in F&B in 2023 and Beyond By Zona Negri, Marketing Director, APAC Flavours, ADM In the ever-evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry, consumer preferences and behaviors are constantly shifting, driving innovation and shaping the trends of the future. When reflecting on the past year, two standout areas in this sector are a significant shift toward proactive personalisation and experiential eating. Consumers are redefining wellness, recognising the uniqueness of their needs, and being motivated to purchase products that align with their specific personal goals. Increasingly, we see them being driven by curiosity and a desire to experiment with new foods and flavours to elevate their eating experience. But as consumers redefine their relationships with food and beverages, another transformation is taking place. From their pursuit of nutritional support without compromising taste to the exploration of unconventional tastes and vibrant colours, the world of food and beverage is pushing boundaries and eagerly embracing an exciting future ahead. 30
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The Proactive Search for Personalisation Today, consumers are intricately attuned to their health and wellness, leading to a redefinition of wellness itself. Their proactive approach is evident as they seek “better for me” solutions, embracing tailored approaches that support their personal goals. Notably, a staggering 72 percent of consumers in the APAC region express a keen interest in food and drink products tailored to meet their individual nutritional needs. When it comes to customised food and drink to meet their needs, the microbiome has emerged as a key growth area because more shoppers recognise the connection between their gut, digestive health, and overall immunity.
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Feature ADM’s OutsideVoiceSM research revealed that fiber was found to be the number one ingredient consumers want to add to their diets for reasons like digestion, weight management, and satiety. In fact, more than 50 percent of APAC consumers have increased their intake of fiber-rich food and taken probiotic-enriched food/ supplement. To meet this demand, ADM developed Fibersol®, a flexible, well-tolerated dietary fiber that supports digestive health. The microbiome has become the new frontier for the next generation of nutrition, and our proprietary probiotics range can address this need. As we look ahead to 2024, ADM has revealed a Flavour and Colour Trends Report that are shaping the global consumer environment for food and beverage. Our colour and flavour experts identified these themes through a deep dive into consumer purchasing behaviour and online and offline trends, and across industries beyond foods and beverages.
Seeking Health Without Stealth Functionality has become a baseline expectation for products, and they must now meet consumer expectations for taste and visual appeal to gain a competitive edge in the market. For products on the market with reduced/low/no fat, sugar, or salt, we have seen a 54 percent increase in demand. Shoppers actively seek functional products promoting holistic health, relaxation, hydration, and mental and physical wellness. These associated benefits must be presented without sacrificing the sensory experience, as consumers now view better-foryou products as the norm rather than the exception. The flavours and colours in food and beverages play a crucial role in helping functional products resonate and signaling consumer awareness of their health associations. Every 1 in 2 consumers actively seek fermented food and beverages to improve digestive and immune health. For instance, in APAC, incorporating more sour notes in pickling, vinegar, and kombucha adds contrast and complexity to the flavour profile of foods and beverages. In general, fermented products have been recognised for many health benefits, including their positive impact on digestive health for consumers.
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Feature
Elevating the Eating Experience While embracing wellness, consumers in APAC are also discovering adventure through foods and beverages, seeking flavours, textures, and colours to delight their senses. As they desire new experiences, their tastebuds will transcend tradition and geographic boundaries to challenge the expected with new flavours and formats – whether through bold, vibrant flavours, botanicals, spices, nuanced culinary preparation methods, or authentic global and regional recipes. They find adventure and escapism through new discoveries and creativity, as well as seek enjoyment and comfort in indulgent experiences. In the APAC region, a noteworthy 72 percent of consumers express a penchant for experimenting with novel flavours from around the world5. For developers, infusing food and beverage products with these fresh and intriguing flavours, along with unique textures, proves to be a strategic advantage in the competitive market. Furthermore, a significant 58 percent of APAC consumers view experimental and exotic flavours as distinctly exclusive, especially for special eating and drinking occasions. Beyond taste, consumers globally seek solace in vibrant colours and delightful flavours capable of elevating their
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mood, ushering in brighter and more uplifting moments6. In the coming year, we anticipate that proactive personalisation and experiential eating will remain enduring trends. As consumers maintain a proactive approach to wellness, tailoring it to their unique needs while unapologetically embracing flavours they find tasty and aesthetics that appeal to them, brands can view them as opportunities for deeper engagements. They can provide comfort and pleasure through unique flavours and textures or nostalgic and indulgent flavours that align with their values around health, functionality, and sustainability.
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Feature developers into a future defined by relentless innovation. Brands that seamlessly blend flavours, textures, and health-conscious elements will not only captivate but deeply resonate with consumers. In this landscape, vibrant colours and unconventional flavour symphonies will craft extraordinary culinary adventures, aligning perfectly with the discerning tastes of today’s consumers.
Breaking Boundaries of Taste and Colour The influence of viral social media is inspiring a spirit of exploration, leading consumers to embrace tastes and colours that were once considered unconventional. Today’s consumers are open-minded and enthusiastic about challenging traditional norms and geographical boundaries when it comes to their choices in food and beverage products. More than 70 percent of APAC consumers like new flavours that have not been tried yet from different parts of the world. The flavours and colours of under-explored, under-represented geographies such as Asia, South America and the Mediterranean can produce unconventional flavour combinations to satisfy consumers’ need for vibrant and sensorial experiences. Bold and vibrant colours, such as bold reds, vibrant pinks, rich purples, earthy greens, saturated yellow, and refined blues, can create a sensational response in the eating experience of consumers. As we bid farewell to the year and eagerly anticipate 2024, these trends are poised to endure, propelling food and beverage
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Traditions will be challenged, and the future will be filled with innovation for food and beverage developers. As a global leader in nutrition, ADM empowers food and beverage brands to craft groundbreaking products that seamlessly integrate with the everevolving needs of consumers.
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FMCG Gurus, Personalised Nutrition Report, 2021
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FMCG Digestive Health 2022 Report
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2024 Flavor and Color Outlook
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FMCG Gurus Health & Wellness 2023
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FMCG Gurus, Flavours, Colours and Textures Report, 2023
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ADM 2023 Flavour and Colour Outlook
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FMCG Gurus Flavor, Color, Texture Report 2023
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Feature PACKAGING
Keeping Up With the Evolving Trends in Consumer Behavior and a Collective Approach to Sustainable Packaging By Darren Milligan, Vice President and General Manager (ASEAN), Avery Dennison In the diverse and dynamic region of Southeast Asia, a shift is taking place within the consumer landscape. Influenced by rising demand from consumers with increased spending power, greater knowledge, and more sophisticated tastes, two major trends stand out — premiumisation and sustainability — which are now requiring brands to consider both the environmental impact of packaging as well as how to keep products standing out on the shelf. Premiumisation simply means the use of product traits and features to influence consumer perception, increasing their willingness to pay more for products or services. The key driver for this is the shifting economic power in ASEAN and a burgeoning middle class. It is projected that the number of middle-income and affluent households in economies such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines will grow by 5 percent annually through 20301. This is coupled with population changes such as urbanization, an increase in households
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without children, and a more educated younger generation. Furthermore, the penetration of smartphones and the internet are also creating more knowledgeable consumers — who now have more ways to purchase personalised, niche products through e-commerce, regardless of location. Fueled by all these changes, new consumer demand is emerging. As disposable income grows in the middle class, individuals are willing to pay more for products that offer quality, aesthetics, and a premium experience. However, their education and awareness are also developing when it comes to product selection and the environmental impact of the packaging they come in. As a result of a stronger sense of responsibility, consumer demand for more sustainable packaging options is accelerating.
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Feature Businesses are always seeking to appeal to consumers and keep up with their changing buying behaviors. This creates opportunities for the pressure-sensitive (PS) industry, a labelling technology that benefits brands through its versatility in design and the operational efficiency it enables, along with its capability to support sustainable packaging — a growing requirement. We will see a greater focus on how brands take advantage of such technology to innovate in both visually attractive and cost-effective sustainable packaging that connects to consumers. On this journey of rapidly evolving industry trends influenced by consumer behavior and buying patterns, we can see a clear difference in the approach of global brands compared to local brands.
The approach of brands — globally and locally Global brands are leaning forward, driving cost-neutral sustainable packaging solutions and design practices driven by their own global agenda and goals. Their approach is more propelled as a response to consumer demand and legislation in more mature markets and executed locally as part of a global mandate. By contrast, local brands currently are more likely to be guided by packaging regulations and compliance, with a primary focus still on the cost of goods. In the medium term, they will be driven by regulatory mandates on sustainability, which are now beginning to take shape. While governments across ASEAN are at different stages, they are all on the path to establishing a vision, legal framework, and industry design guidelines. The development of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) frameworks and the continued investment in recycling capabilities for rigid plastics will create more requirements and opportunities for the labelling industry.
Value chain collaboration With the upsurge of sustainability and the downfall of overpackaging, brands, converters, and printers, and packaging manufacturers and suppliers alike are innovating ways to
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simplify packaging to offer more with less.
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Everyone has a role to play in this ecosystem.
” Label converters are a huge influence on brands, helping them stay ahead of packaging trends and informed of their material options and the sustainable solutions at their disposal. Converters can guide brands to create packaging that uses less virgin material, less material overall, and enables easy and efficient recycling — all while delivering the performance needed to reach and engage with consumers. Labeling solutions companies, such as Avery Dennison, play a critical role at the center of the value chain, ensuring labels are made using less raw materials, contain recycled or renewable content, and are responsibly sourced. Most importantly, labels, although small, enable and improve the recyclability of HDPE and PET containers or bottles to ensure the highest yield and reuse possible is achieved. Facilitating this requires sustainable labelling materials to move from higherpriced specialty products to a costrelevant and locally accessible standard portfolio.
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Moreover, the evolution of carbon footprinting tools will help the industry to make a thorough measurement of the impact of labelling products and support more data-driven decisions between PS labels and alternative decoration technologies.
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The expansion and greater utilization of recycling programs for label liner waste, such as AD Circular, will also provide the additional potential to positively impact the sustainability objectives of brands.
” In conclusion
About the Author Darren Milligan has more than 20 years of progressive experience in various senior roles across Avery Dennison, including in the United States and Hong Kong. He was the Vice President of Marketing for Labels and Packaging Materials in the Asia Pacific before taking up the ASEAN leadership role in the organization. In his current role, he drives strategic initiatives for the business in one of the most dynamic geographies while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on the communities Avery Dennison operates in. Darren holds an MBA from Monash University and a Bachelor of Business from Deakin University.
The changing demographics of ASEAN create new opportunities for the labelling industry to premiumize products and act as a tremendous marketing tool to influence consumer perception. The emerging need for sustainability will only require a greater focus on design for sustainability, involving conscious design choices that optimize recyclability and minimize waste and environmental impact. Together, as an industry, we need to embrace this growing change and continue our commitment to a more sustainable packaging future.
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Special Feature Sustainability in Businesses: Is it more than a trend?
Understanding the profit of purpose and how saustainability can redefine business success. By Cath Isabedra In an era where the existential threat of climate change looms large, and consumer awareness is at an all-time high, businesses face a paradigm shift in how they operate. No longer can profitability be the sole pursuit; there’s a growing imperative to align financial success with broader societal and environmental impacts. This integration of profit meets purpose is not just an ethical choice but an economic one, redefining the essence of sustainable business strategies in today’s corporate world. As organisations grapple with these evolving expectations, they must navigate the complexities of implementing robust sustainability initiatives without compromising their bottom line. The plastic value chain serves as a prime example of this shift, with initiatives like the Alliance to End Plastic Waste catalysing action across sectors to combat plastic pollution. Such collaborations underscore the necessity for innovation, systemic change, and stakeholder engagement in reimagining a future where business success is intrinsically linked to positive environmental and social outcomes. In the quest to illuminate the paths leading toward a sustainable future, insights from the pioneers and architects of environmental stewardship are invaluable. Asia Food Journal is pleased to converse with Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President, Projects, Alliance to End Plastic Waste. He shares his insights on sustainable plastics management
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in the complex maze of environmental solutions. Our conversation with Kolesch promises not only to peel back the layers of the strides in plastic waste reduction. We also delved into the mind of someone who’s been at the helm of change, driving forward with unwavering commitment and innovative strategies. This exclusive interview offers a rare glimpse into the thoughts of a leader who’s shaping the narrative and altering the landscape of sustainable practices within the industry. How does the “profit meets purpose” business model differ from traditional profit-focused approaches, and what are its key characteristics? Many companies have had some form of CSR activity over many decades. Often, they “give back” or “do their part” to support society through environmentally or socially responsible activities. In recent years, with the apparent increase in harm to the natural environment, including unprecedented biodiversity loss and the acceleration of climate change, these activities are evolving into more robust sustainability strategies that target business transformation to bring about a fundamental reduction in a company’s environmental footprint. This includes actions on product design, energy consumption, raw material, and resource usage, as well as waste abatement.
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Special Feature How can organisations in the consumerfacing FMCG space measure and assess their environmental and social impact to ensure they are making progress toward sustainability goals? Usually, the journey starts with materiality assessments to understand where the organisation can have the largest positive impact given its operating environment. When looking at carbon footprint, most companies are now holistically taking account of their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
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Beyond recognising the need to incorporate sustainability principles and actions, many companies have started to see it as an imperative to building and maintaining a competitive advantage while at the same time responding to increasing regulation, either existing or anticipated.
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Companies across the plastic value chain are bringing more responsible, more sustainable solutions forward in all phases of their products’ lifecycle: manufacture, use, and end-of-life. But to tackle the challenges at each stage, sustainability initiatives must go beyond their own direct activity – collaboration is key. That’s where organisations such as the Alliance to End Plastic Waste play an important role. By convening companies from across the plastics value chain, the Alliance serves as a laboratory of solutions that address the plastic waste challenge holistically. Through more than 50 projects across the globe, we are developing, de-risking, and scaling solutions that are economically viable, environmentally beneficial, and socially responsible – supported by more than 70 companies from across the value chain.
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More broadly, companies also view the sustainability profile of their products with a lens that spans the manufacturing, use, and end-of-life phases, assessing the environmental footprint across the product lifecycle. Through this, an organisation can better understand what ESG standards are appropriate and applicable for their business, as well as how compliant they are with these standards. When it comes to addressing the plastic waste challenge, taking a holistic view is particularly relevant. Right from the design phase, manufacturers should consider the end-of-life phase of their products already, including optimal resource usage to mitigate climate impact, but also a product’s recyclability or potential for reuse. In making these assessments, companies can have a positive influence up and down the plastic value chain on their suppliers, customers, and even the recycling or waste management sector. As these responsibilities grow more pressing and complex, many companies have appointed a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). However, it’s not enough to have a single individual solely responsible for their sustainability ambitions and compliance.
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Special Feature “ The CSO should act like a conductor of an orchestra – directing the way forward across the many departments and business units of a company – so that everyone is aware, empowered, and accountable for sustainability in the day-to-day business.
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What challenges may companies face in adopting a “profit meets purpose” model, and how can they overcome these challenges? Sustainability should be considered an investment in the longevity of a business. While no task is more urgent today than mitigating climate risk, there are many other sustainability challenges that need attention. Businesses should consider their wider operating conditions to ensure that their activities have the lowest possible impact on current and future generations, with a particular focus on climate change and biodiversity loss. While that is easy to say, making it a reality is far harder. One starting point is to collaborate more closely with suppliers and customers in a way that introduces more circularity into the business. But systemic change does not happen overnight; it requires a high amount of collaboration and stakeholders to be aligned, which can sometimes result in slower adoption than everyone would like. This, however, is a hugely exciting opportunity to implement new ways of working and evolve existing business models. For example, companies starting to implement “design for circularity” principles are disruptors that are not just pulling their plastic value chain partners in the direction of circularity but
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also clearly differentiating themselves, providing customers with better value propositions compared to their competitors. How can consumer preferences and demands for sustainable products and practices drive the adoption of the business model in the FMCG industry? Every trip a consumer makes to the supermarket is an opportunity to make a sustainable choice; here, they can send important signals and opt for the most sustainable product or service available. At home, the impact consumers have is equally significant – ensuring that waste is minimised and understanding the local waste management system so that the highest rate of resource recovery is achieved – ideally through reuse, composting, and recycling. Without adequate understanding of their local waste system, many conscientious consumers engage in “wishcycling,” putting an article in the recycling bin when it is actually not recyclable in their jurisdiction. Empowering consumers requires a concerted effort across industries and municipalities, informing and educating the public in ways that are easy to understand. At the other end of the value chain is the need to advance more responsible and sustainable production. As demand signallers for recycled plastic use, the FMCG industry is critical to the success of the recycling industry.
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Special Feature Brands and convertors need to turn their pledges into reality through actively sourcing recycled plastic, providing the necessary leadership that will help to close both quality and quantity gaps. This starts in the procurement department, where incentives should be aligned with sustainability pledges, ensuring that the sourcing of recycled materials is not solely subject to pricing considerations. At the same time, the industry can come together to define recycled content specifications that provide much-needed guidance to recyclers around the quality of recycled plastic needed. In this light, what role do innovation and technological advancements play in helping companies transition toward a circular economy and reduce their environmental impact? On the journey toward a more circular economy for plastics, many proven solutions can be broadly implemented. However, there are also huge opportunities for improvement by leveraging technological innovation. From advanced mechanical and chemical recycling processes to high-speed sorting enabled by robotics, artificial intelligence, and novel ideas, including digital watermarks, the scope for innovative solutions in waste management is growing rapidly. To drive this innovation, the Alliance has been working to de-risk new technologies, providing funding, expertise, and convening power to accelerate new
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developments. Concurrently, we are working with start-ups across the globe via the End Plastic Waste Innovation Platform, a start-up accelerator that has resulted in more than 220 pilots. These pilots have attracted over US$185 million in capital. Innovation and technological advancement will always be welcome, but much of the challenge of managing plastic waste can be addressed with existing solutions. Across the world, around three billion people still lack access to waste management services. To solve big parts of this issue, we are looking at basic waste management infrastructure that does not need to be complicated. Here, it is important to build capacity and find innovative finance and policy models to drive change at scale. For example, as one of the earliest projects funded by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, “Project STOP Jembrana” in Indonesia now offers formal waste collection services to more than 124,000 people. To date, the material recovery facility has collected over 12,959 tonnes of waste, including 1,528 tonnes of plastic. The waste management infrastructure ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for the community. The programme reached financial sustainability in early 2023 and, in the future, will be managed solely by the local government and community in Jembrana Regency. The challenge is now for other jurisdictions in Indonesia to implement similar models, with funding and capacity-building efforts required to make these work. How can businesses collaborate with stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and other industry players, to create a more sustainable ecosystem?
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Special Feature The world is watching how everyone across the value chain responds to the challenge to be more sustainable, but no single entity can do this alone. Corporations need to fulfil their net-zero commitments; manufacturers need to be accountable for ensuring their converting systems can manage both recyclable and virgin materials; resin producers are under pressure to maximise the amount of recycled content in their pellets to meet the requirements of the value chain, and so on. Across the plastics value chain, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste is playing a key role in fostering much-needed collaboration.
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More than just a platform for discussing what needs to be done, we are a vehicle for action on the ground – funding projects, derisking technologies and business models, and advancing solutions.
” Among our stakeholders, including members and project partners, we catalyse direct action to build a sustainable plastic value chain. In doing so, we are creating opportunities to improve collection support waste reduction and advance a more circular approach by extending the overall life cycle of plastic. Collaboration and incentivisation, especially at the government level, are essential to enable and drive investment towards much-needed infrastructure to ensure plastic waste is diverted from landfills and incineration to avoid environmental leakage.
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What are the potential economic benefits for organisations that embrace the profit meets purpose model and invest in sustainability initiatives? The appeal of products that are environmentally and socially responsible is not limited to niche audiences but is making genuine headway with a broader base of consumers around the world. A study from McKinsey and Nielsen reveals a broad link between consumer spending and products with ESG-related claims, proving that today’s consumers are backing their ESG preferences with their purchasing power. Southeast Asia generates 31 million tons of plastic waste every year, presenting both a huge challenge and opportunity. The inherent value in much of this waste needs to be unlocked, starting with basic collection, followed by investments in downstream processing and recycling. As a first step, the FMCG industry can play a major role in adopting a “trash to treasure” mentality; by choosing to use recycled plastic in their products, this signals a demand for the material, with a significant downstream effect on attitudes towards collection and broader waste management. How can the Alliance to End Plastic Waste facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in the plastic value chain to drive progress in tackling plastic waste, and what are some of the specific initiatives they are involved in? The Alliance to End Plastic Waste aims to address the plastic waste challenge and support the transition to a circular
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Special Feature economy for plastic. We do this by finding economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally beneficial solutions. We want to achieve our goal through demonstrated projects and action on the ground, where we directly engage stakeholders in our projects, so they play a direct role in effecting the needed change. We can fund and help develop waste management systems, but municipal authorities must own and consistently operate them. In Asia, the Bersih Indonesia: Eliminasi Sampah Plastik initiative is one of our most ambitious waste management projects and a testimony to the power of what we can achieve through public-private partnerships. By bringing together municipal and national governments, expertise and funds from the private sector, and the participation of local communities, we are building a self-sustaining and commercially viable waste management system that will serve 2.6 million people in the Regency of Malang in East Java. Through funding from the Alliance, five material recovery facilities and related transfer stations will be built, more than 1,000 waste collection vehicles will be procured, and each of the approximately 550,000 households will receive two bins to segregate their waste. To ensure this system is sustainable, the Alliance and its implementation partners have worked hand-in-hand with the Regency government and environment agency on design and implementation plans. With this effort, we aim to demonstrate that a waste-free environment is possible in Indonesia, supporting the establishment of a circular economy for plastic waste.
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How does sustainability contribute to long-term business resilience and brand reputation in the consumer market? What are some successful examples of companies in the FMCG space that have effectively integrated sustainability into their business models while maintaining profitability? Many examples of leading global companies have successfully embraced and, importantly, embedded sustainability into their supply chains to take end-to-end responsibility for their products. Every business, be it in the FMCG space or not, has this opportunity. To help enable a circular economy for plastic and ensure that it is credible and achievable, it is important that we develop realistic solutions that are supported by science. It will not be quick to drive widespread adaptation, but recognising the challenges in transitioning to a more circular economy and being transparent is part of the journey. Being upfront about any contradictions between perceived benefits and sciencebased results will help organisations make the right choices that will bolster business resilience and brand reputation, helping to retain consumer trust in the long term.
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Special Feature Profit with Purpose: Join the EcoRevolution The insights from Nicholas Kolesch underline a transformative era in business, where the confluence of profit and purpose heralds a sustainable future. By embedding environmental stewardship into the corporate DNA, organisations can navigate sustainability’s complexities, fostering economic and ecological resilience. The Alliance to End Plastic Waste exemplifies this strategic pivot, catalysing change through global partnerships and innovative solutions, proving that the path to sustainability can also be paved with profitability. As businesses look ahead, integrating such forward-thinking models will not only carve out competitive advantages but will also contribute to a sustainable legacy for future generations. Join this collective journey; let’s design a world where business success and environmental custodianship thrive in tandem.
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Nicholas Kolesch is the Vice President of Projects, Alliance to End Plastic Waste Nicholas brings a strong international background in chemicals and plastics, previously serving as Strategic Planning Manager (Singapore) and Head of Marketing Automotive (Vienna) for the Borealis Group. Nick has worked extensively in Europe and Asia throughout his career and held sales, marketing, strategy, and management positions in Hong Kong, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom with Ciba Specialty Chemicals. As Vice President of Projects, Nick manages the screening, development, and execution of the large-scale portfolio of projects in accordance with the Alliance strategy.
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