editor ’s note
CTania Walters Publisher tania@reviewmags.com
boosted protein bars to enhanced sports drinks, these innovations demonstrate how the industry continues to evolve in response to consumer demand.
In this issue, we explore the growing role of supplements in food and beverage production, examining the benefits they bring and the challenges they pose. We delve into cuttingedge product development,
contents
highlight emerging ingredients, and shine a spotlight on key market trends shaping the industry’s future.
We are also excited to present our annual Buyer's Guide for 2025, the essential resource for connecting suppliers and buyers in this rapidly changing sector. If you would like your business included, please get in touch with our team to ensure your listing features
onsumers are increasingly seeking foods that offer more than just sustenance; they want products that actively support their health and wellbeing. As a result, once niche supplements such as creatine and pea protein are making their way into mainstream formulations, transforming everyday items into functional foods. From 8 16 22 30
alongside industry leaders and innovators.
As always, we hope this edition inspires fresh thinking, fosters collaboration, and provides valuable insight into the latest developments.
PUBLISHER Tania Walters
GENERAL MANAGER Kieran Mitchell
BRAND MANAGER Sarah Mitchell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caitlan Mitchell
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES Jenelle Sequeira, Sam Francks
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Renewable gas is now flowing.
Lower emissions, carbon neutral, climate crisis, renewable energy, net-zero, 2050 deadline. There’s a lot of talk, but is action being taken to ensure New Zealand homes and businesses enjoy a reliable, sustainable supply of energy today and into the future? Yes! In true Kiwi style, energy group Clarus has rolled up their sleeves and just got on with trying to solve the problem.
For some time, Clarus has been researching, innovating, and investing in renewable energy projects. One of these is now up and running and no one noticed. But that’s a good thing. In this case, success for Clarus looks like homes and businesses continuing to use gas unaffected while we work on introducing renewable gas into the pipeline network.
Food waste is now being turned into renewable gas
First Renewables, part of Clarus, in partnership with Ecogas’ Reporoa Organics Processing Facility, are turning biogas made from food waste, into biomethane, a type of renewable gas. Chemically identical to natural gas, this renewable gas is being injected into a Firstgas pipeline in Reporoa for homes and businesses to use. Initial production estimates from this one facility will supply the equivalent of enough renewable gas for up to 7,200 homes.*
Gas is here to stay
Hundreds of thousands of Kiwis enjoy the many benefits of gas, from instant heat and precise cooking to endless hot water and a cozy, warm home. With renewable gas projects now underway, gas will remain a dependable energy source for the future—just with lower emissions. This ensures that connecting to gas or upgrading your gas appliances continues to be an excellent choice when building or renovating.
As New Zealand moves to a net zero carbon future, natural gas is going to continue to play an important role while we change over to sources of renewable energy.
Renewable gases are an exciting resource that could complement renewable electricity in enabling Kiwi households to reduce their carbon footprint. It also means people will have more choice when it comes to the type of energy they can use now and in the future.
Learn more at: clarus.co.nz/future-of-energy
INCREASED FUNDING FOR BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
The Government has boosted investment in the QEII National Trust to reinforce the protection of New Zealand's biodiversity on private land.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced that the government will provide an additional NZD 4.5 million to the conservation body QEII National Trust over three years.
QEII Trust has worked with farmers and landowners who
voluntarily, using covenants, set aside permanently protected areas, including forests and wetlands, on private property.
"Many of our most at-risk plants and animals are found on private land. Landowners contribute significantly to conservation efforts through additional planting, pest control, and fencing work,” said Potaka.
Read more here
ĀREPA ACCEPTED INTO MISTA 2025 GROWTH HACK PROGRAMME
Ārepa has been selected for MISTA’s 2025 Growth Hack accelerator programme in San Francisco after discovering the sarmentosin molecule in New Zealand blackcurrants.
MISTA, a globally recognised food tech accelerator in San Francisco created by Givaudan, connects start-ups and industry leaders to drive the future of food.
In late 2024, Ārepa identified a new molecule in New Zealand blackcurrants that supports dopamine activity in the brain. This innovation has potential benefits and was a first-ofits-kind discovery in the plant food kingdom, playing a key role in Ārepa’s acceptance into the programme. Read more here
PROFILEPRINT LAUNCHES 5TH GEN ANALYSER WHITE PAPER
ProfilePrint has launched “Orca”, the 5th generation food ingredient analyser, marking a significant leap in AIpowered food ingredient analysis.
For the first time, quality teams will be able to capture a complete digital identity of ingredients, moving beyond traditional food fingerprints to palmprints to achieve unprecedented depth and range in food ingredient analysis.
The company’s new white paper has demonstrated Orca’s capabilities through a breakthrough in coffee blend quantification, as it has achieved below five percent prediction error in quantifying Arabica-Robusta proportions.
Read more here
KEY DECISIONS ON CCUS FRAMEWORK
The government has made decisions on a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) framework.
The government has decided on the key elements of a CCUS framework designed to enable carbon capture and storage in New Zealand. Legislation is expected to be introduced this year.
These decisions will enable businesses to benefit from storing carbon underground, supporting New Zealand’s businesses to continue operating while reducing net carbon emissions.
“Economic growth is a key focus for this government, and we want the energy sector to be the engine for our economy, driving electrification and unlocking economic growth,” said Energy and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.
Read more here
VENTUREFRUIT EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR MAC12 APPLES
VentureFruit has announced the successful negotiation of an agreement between local Hawke’s Bay breeders, Plant IP Partners, and the Mt Erin
Group to license a new apple variety.
Mt Erin Group, a wellestablished apple growing and marketing organisation
in Hawke’s Bay, had their orchards severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.
As the business worked through its recovery plans, it actively sought a new premium apple variety to support its long-term vision and growth.
Morgan Rogers, General Manager of VentureFruit, said Mt Erin’s determination to build back stronger and its commitment to producing high-quality apples for consumers worldwide made it an ideal licensing partner for MAC12.
"Over the past two years, the Mt Erin Group has shown incredible resilience and
dedication to New Zealand’s apple industry, focusing on recovery and investing in their business to emerge stronger than ever. We are delighted to collaborate with them on this exciting new apple variety and support their recovery plans," said Rogers.
Currently known by its varietal name, MAC12, it has been the first apple from a local breeding programme co-partnered by VentureFruit and Plant IP Partners. The programme has tested new apple varieties across growing regions throughout New Zealand to identify unique new varieties with global appeal.
Read more here
FONTERRA STUDHOLME ON TRACK FOR FIRST ADVANCED PROTEINS
Following Fonterra's announcement in August 2024 to invest NZD 75 million in the South Island, construction has been progressing well and has remained on budget.
Akey milestone has been reached at its Studholme site as the foundations and walls of the new processing building extension have now been completed. The site will soon become a hub for high-value advanced proteins.
The arrival of large equipment used for powder milling will be in February. In April, work will begin to make the building’s exterior envelope watertight.
Construction of external processing equipment, such as new powder storage bins, batching tanks, and a high-pressure pump, has also begun and will continue through March.
Read more here
JAC EVS TO SUPPORT WOOLWORTHS NZ DELIVERIES
Kiwi truck team JAC has had its latest EV truck roll out the door to Woolworths New Zealand.
The JAC 100 percent Electric Truck will be used for Woolworths’ Online Shopping delivery service, providing greener deliveries for Kiwis.
With zero tailpipe emissions, the truck runs the chiller unit off the EPTO (electric power take-off), which has given the added benefit of no diesel idling to keep the fridge-freezer at temperature.
JAC New Zealand General Manager Andrew Craw said the latest EV delivery to Woolworths showed the
company's commitment to lower-emission trucking.
“We’re proud to have our JAC EV Truck as part of this positive initiative”.
The team has also recently announced its support of the food rescue charity KiwiHarvest, of which Woolworths is also a proud supporter. Adding the JAC truck to KiwiHarvest’s operations has expanded its operations while reducing its carbon footprint.
In its first month of supporting KiwiHarvest, the EV Truck has exceeded expectations.
Read more here
NEW PROGRAMME TO GROW MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk has announced the launch of a new pilot programme connecting high school students with New Zealand manufacturers.
Manufacturing has been a powerful economic player, contributing about 8.4 percent of New Zealand’s GDP and employing 10 percent of the country’s workforce. However, Penk said that businesses informed that skill shortages have been curbing productivity.
“Manufacturing can supercharge our economic growth and strengthen our competitive edge on the world stage if the sector is given the right support to thrive and increase its exports,” said Penk. Read more here
SOLBEVI SOON TO LAND IN NZ
Solbevi, a Melbourne-based Limoncello brand, will launch in New Zealand this March.
Solbevi isn’t just a drink— it’s a story of bold ambition, family tradition, and reinvention. The founder, Stefan Di Benedetto, left behind a successful 7-year career in Tier 1 Construction to pursue this dream full-time.
Drawing from his Northern Italian heritage, Di Benedetto perfected his family’s cherished Limoncello recipe and spent over three years developing the concept of a Limoncello Spritz in a can.
After years of hard work and dedication, he launched Solbevi in August 2023 and has achieved remarkable milestones.
The brand has secured distribution in over 550 venues across Australia, including 200 Dan Murphy’s and Vintage Cellars stores. Its products are also available onboard select Qantas flights and in all First and Business Class lounges, providing a premium experience for travellers. Read more here
women in business
Navigating a
"SUNSET INDUSTRY"
BRIDGIT HAWKINS CEO, Bovonic
Having grown up on a farm, Bridgit Hawkins formed a strong sense of connection with horticulture, agriculture and food production as a whole.
As she grew older, this developed into her sense of purpose, eventually leading her to become the Chair of both Bovonic and Agritech NZ, as well as the Chief Sustainability Officer at CropX Technologies LTD.
“I knew I wanted to stay connected with farming, but not necessarily be a farmer, so I went to Massey Uni and completed an Agricultural Science degree. At that time, agriculture was called a “sunset” industry, and it was tough to get that first job,” said Hawkins.
Be open to opportunity and don’t overthink if you are ready to take the step - just do it.
“I diverged a little, then went overseas for a few years. When I returned to New Zealand, I decided that the primary sector was where my heart was, so I actively looked for jobs in this space.”
Since then, Hawkins has been involved in various roles, such as sector support at NZTE, science commercialisation at AgResearch, and various consulting engagements.
Founding her own business, Regen, and building that from the ground up until a successful exit has been a top career moment for Hawkins. She said it was challenging then, but looking back, she saw many achievements for herself and the team.
Regen was taken over by CropX, where Hawkins remains the CSO. She has also had several directorships at early-stage agritech companies in the last few years.
Throughout her career, Hawkins’
excitement and readiness to work have not faded. She cherished the opportunity to become a sector leader, whether within or outside the community.
“All the experience and connections I have can be put to good use by so many others, so I really enjoy working in ways that support other people’s journeys.”
She admired all women in the industry who have forged careers in the maledominated fields of agriculture and technology and learned to navigate challenges by finding opportunities within them.
“Being in the minority is hard - but the flip side is that you stand out more.”
Hawkins mentioned there was so much support for people looking to grow and contribute and suggested not being afraid to ask for help, introductions or just a friendly ear.
“Be open to opportunity and don’t
overthink if you are ready to take the stepjust do it.”
To those entering the field, she said there was plenty of time to build a satisfying and successful career. At the same time, having a sense of direction was necessary. Every experience can help develop skills, knowledge capability and understanding of what is right for oneself.
women in business
SUPPORTING INNOVATION and Leadership
Lee-Ann Marsh, originally from Canada, moved from the UK to New Zealand nearly fifteen years ago, with a background in global consumer insights. After working briefly as an analyst at BNZ, she was offered a contract for an insights position in Fonterra’s milk supply team.
LEE-ANN MARSH General Manager, AGMARDT
Although agriculture was entirely new to her then, she loved interacting with the people, from farmers and rural professionals to her colleagues. In a role that was highly varied, she was at the heart of it, helping Fonterra better understand its cooperative shareholder farmers and identify opportunities to support them on their farming business journeys.
Since then, Marsh has held many exciting roles at companies such as Nestle and Beef + Lamb New Zealand and is now privileged to lead a unique organisation like AGMARDT.
AGMARDT encompasses all of agriculture, from forestry to horticulture to pastoral farming, and links to all parts of the value chain. The organisation has two main focuses: investment and grants. The aim
is to positively impact the sector through supporting innovation and leadership.
“The last three and half years at AGMARDT have been full of highlights. This organisation has a fantastic legacy, so the focus for AGMARDT since I joined has been about how we take things to the next level,” said Marsh.
“With a small, talented board of trustees and team, we have been exploring new ways to partner and invest for impact across the food and fibre sector, which has been exciting. This includes moving into more direct investment in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and creating spaces for more collaboration across the sector through The Common Ground initiative, launched towards the end of last year in partnership with KPMG New Zealand.”
Marsh said most people inspire her, as she believes there is something to learn from every person. She considers herself a change agent and is always interested in how others navigate transformation work, including the inevitable challenging situations that come with the territory.
“The people I most admire are courageous, bold leaders who make big moves. By that, I mean they don’t just talk about what we should do in intangibles, but they are in positions where they can galvanise resources and people and do the things that many others are too afraid to step into.”
Recently, Marsh attended the Harvard Agribusiness Seminar in Boston and recommends it to anyone wanting to broaden their horizons and who are interested in learning how to become even more curious.
After several discussions, a fellow attendee dubbed her an optimist and someone who was in ‘love with the romance of things’. Initially, she was unsure of how to take this comment, but a few weeks later, she discovered he was right.
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to shape a more positive future. I have two wonderful children, and I want to make this world a better place for them and future generations. I feel privileged to work for an organisation that aligns with my vision and values,” said Marsh.
“While we are focused on New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, our support for leaders and new ideas goes well beyond those working in New Zealand’s agriculture sector. Ultimately, we are here to help regenerate our land and enable people worldwide to live healthy, happy, resilient and thriving lives through the quality products and knowledge we export.
Her advice to others in the industry is to take on new opportunities and live outside your comfort zone.
“The more expansive and diverse everyone’s experiences are, the more opportunities that are imagined and created – it becomes a virtuous cycle for individuals and the broader sector.”
women in business
SUPER CONNECTOR OF Agriculture & Technology
For food and agritech consultant Sophie Rebbeck, agriculture has always been a passion since she grew up on a small farm in Lincoln, Canterbury, where her deep connection to the land sparked a lifelong love for the industry.
She had initially planned to study nutrition or physiotherapy at university but changed her mind and took a year off to work. During that time, she worked at Plant & Food Research.
She loved being outdoors and working on the land. This experience led her to study Horticultural Science at Lincoln University. Post-graduation, she continued to work at Plant & Food Research, managing cereal winter nurseries for Northern Hemisphere plant breeders and later leading the CropSeed Business Unit. She has also worked at ANZCO Foods with some of New Zealand’s top sheep and beef farmers. Over the past decade, Rebbeck has been focused on agrifood technology,
collaborating with industry stakeholders and end-users to address critical challenges.
Her roles at Lincoln Agritech, consulting to Callaghan Innovation and AgriFutures Australia (growAG.), involved bridging the gap between industry needs and research, ensuring that technological solutions were aligned with market demands.
She has also volunteered with various organisations, such as Precision Ag Association NZ and AgriTechNZ, building strong networks across the agritech ecosystem.
Three years ago, she started Rebbeck Consulting, a major career highlight. She contracted to businesses in the agrifood tech sector. Known as a “super-connector,” she likes to connect the dots and actively foster
collaboration across the ecosystem between New Zealand and Australia.
“It wasn’t something I initially planned - I kind of fell into it - here I am three years later; I love it and am so glad to be in this position. Running my consultancy has given me the freedom to choose my work and the people I collaborate with while maintaining a great work-life balance,” said Rebbeck.
“I also love the diversity of my work. I travel, meet passionate farmers and growers, engage with top researchers tackling complex challenges, and work with innovative start-ups developing groundbreaking technology.”
Rebbeck added that she was grateful for those who challenged her to be better and those who have taken the time to mentor her. She admired those willing to be vulnerable and share their stories.
One person she acknowledged was Annabelle Matson, her business and life coach for over five years, whose support has been invaluable.
She was also inspired by the farmers and growers who have continued to be resilient, as well as agritech start-ups, many of whom put in long hours, oftentimes without pay, all in pursuit of creating solutions that will shape the future of agriculture.
Her advice to others in the industry was to keep pushing themselves, embrace challenges, trust in the process, and start without seeing the complete plan; the rest will fall into place.
“You are the energy of the five people you spend the most time with, so surround yourself with those who empower and inspire you. Define what success means to you, not what society tells you it should be.”
SOPHIE REBBECK Food & Agritech Consultant
women in business
SUSTAINABLE Commercialisation
Growing up in Fiji, Ashna Khan developed a deep passion for the environment and its delicate balance with human activities. Her grandfather was a sugarcane farmer, and after marriage to another sugarcane farming family, discussions about agriculture became a regular part of her life.
After completing her higher education in New Zealand, Khan unexpectedly entered agriculture through a role at Callaghan Innovation, specialising in the AgriSector. Her background in biology and chemistry, as well as her PhD in organic chemistry, uniquely position her to oversee the biotech sector within the agritech team.
“Environmental sustainability has always been close to my heart, so when the opportunity to work with AgriSea NZ Seaweed Limited arose, I embraced it. Now, as the R&D Manager, I lead the company’s sustainability initiatives in seaweed utilisation,” said Khan.
She is also the project manager of Rere ki uta rere ki tai, an MPI-funded project evaluating the impact of land management practices on dairy farms. The project focused on enhancing farm productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. This role has allowed her to combine her passion for sustainability with her expertise, driving positive change in agriculture.
Khan was inspired by the fact that sustainable farming can be both environmentally responsible and commercially viable. As a previous scientist, she was also driven by results and the evidential data that support the claims made
in regenerative agriculture.
“Leading Rere ki uta rere ki tai and witnessing farmers make transformative changes that positively impact their family, community, and overall well-being is incredibly rewarding.”
Khan added that industry leaders like Nicole Masters and the now-retired Christine Jones have significantly impacted farmer education and the implementation of regenerative practices.
For anyone passionate about driving change, Khan’s advice was to trust instincts and follow the conscience.
“Pushbacks are inevitable, but remember—you can’t please everyone. Stay true to your values, and your efforts will create a meaningful impact. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that is the best way to learn.”
ASHNA KHAN Research and Development Manager, AgriSea NZ Seaweed Ltd
women in business
CHANGING NEW ZEALAND'S Livestock Industry
Throughout her career, Ruth Leary has sought to add value to New Zealand’s primary sector.
She has enormous respect for what the nation’s farmers achieve on the land, earning them a stellar global reputation and has been passionate about helping them continue to lead the way in supplying premium, sustainable food and fibre.
Her career initially took off in technical roles following her food science degree from Otago University. She later entered commercial b2b roles with more significant responsibilities across the APAC region.
“I’ve worked for a large global agribusiness, the world’s largest fermentation (yeast) company, and have been a shareholder of a New Zealand specialty ingredients business. I’ve also
trained as a brewer and have an MBA, so my education has been quite diverse,” said Leary, head of strategy and engagement at AgriZero NZ.
She was seconded to her role at AgriZeroNZ from Synlait, a dairy company focusing on high-value nutritional milk products, and she was keen to dive into this area, which linked agriculture, sustainability, and investment.
“What we have done in the two years of AgriZeroNZ has been impressive. We are a world-first public-private joint venture helping to shape the industry of livestock emissions reduction.”
AgriZero NZ has also invested in solutions for farmers and accelerated the
progress of several innovative start-ups.
Although the company has made great strides, Leary said there was plenty more to do.
Leary acknowledged that the work done at AgriZero NZ was critical to the success and profitability of New Zealand’s future, which has been a massive motivator for her passion, along with that of others she has met in the industry, especially the women.
“I love talking to Julia Jones for her insight and no-fluff approach, Emma Crutchley for her authenticity and drive to introduce sustainable farming practises, and Jessie Chan for her incredible experience and leadership.”
RUTH LEARY Head of Strategy & Engagement, AgriZero
INNOVATIVE LIDDING FILM FROM PARKSIDE
UK | Parkside has doubled its support for fresh produce, meat, and dairy businesses with new lidding film innovations.
Established over 70 years ago, Parkside is a global supplier with manufacturing sites in the UK and Asia. It is headquartered in Normanton, West Yorkshire.
The award-winning flexible packaging expert has expanded its portfolio of lidding film solutions, giving food brands, packers, and processors more options than ever to tailor their packaging to suit specific product applications.
This range includes Popflex, a monopolymer lidding film with laser-scored integral easy-opening. When weld-sealed to a matching PET tray, the film is suitable for recycling.
Parkside’s market-leading range also includes recyclable, reclosable films and mono-polymer, compostable, paper, and standard polymer films that can be used for almost any application.
“No two packaging projects are ever the same, which means each application requires a tailored approach that considers all of a product and customer’s needs,” said Ian McManus, Sales Account Manager at Parkside.
“Our lidding film portfolio is unmatched in size and scope, meaning customers can tailor their packaging until every detail is right for them. Whether a customer wants high barrier properties, easy-open functionality, recyclability, print quality, or a balanced combination of the above, we can deliver.”
Parkside’s sustainable film innovations will appear as part of tray sealing machinery expert ProSeal’s stand at the annual Fruit Logistica showcase, this year running from the 5th to the 7th of February in Berlin.
M&S TRIALS FIRST PAPER PACKAGING ON CHOCOLATE BARS
UK | Marks & Spencer has announced a trial of paper packaging for chocolate bars by moving its top-selling Vanilla Fudge Bar to paper packaging.
This new paper-based packaging has maintained the unbeatable M&S quality of the product and can be more easily recycled, kerbside and on the go. The change on this popular bar would remove 1.4 million units of plastic from M&S’ Foodhall over the next 12 months.
If successful, the retailer plans to roll this packaging out more widely to additional bars in the range, removing five million units of plastic.
Reducing plastic packaging has been one of the key issues M&S customers care about, and the retailer has a leading track record of taking action.
Earlier this month, M&S introduced
cardboard packaging for all its Perfectly Ripe Twin Avocado packs and Ripe Avocado lines, removing an estimated seven million units of plastic.
A popular choice with customers, the retailer sells approximately 52 avocados every second.
The retailer also introduced new pots for porridge lines in its Food On The Move range last month, which are now more easily recyclable as the cardboard wrap will separate from the plastic pot during the recycling process without the customer needing to remove it.
“At M&S, we know our customers care deeply about reducing plastic packaging, and we’re committed to doing the right
thing by finding packaging alternatives for our products,” said Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food.
“By making sure our products are in packaging which is as easy to recycle as possible, we are giving our customers the confidence that they can make more sustainable choices when shopping with us. This is also a key part of our Plan A roadmap to Net Zero, which will help us to meet our plastic reduction targets.”
At the end of last year, M&S met its target of removing 75 million units of plastic in 2024/25 ahead of plan. The brand has committed to removing one billion units by the end of FY27/28, as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040 and is halfway to this target with 500m units removed by the end of March 2025.
FPA APPLAUDS EPW ADVANCEMENT OF RECYCLING LEGISLATION
USA | The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) applauded the introduction and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee advancement of the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act (S.351).
As the second largest and fastest-growing segment of the domestic packaging industry, FPA’s members have employed approximately 83,000 workers in the United States.
Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminium foil, or any combination of these materials and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, roll stock, and other flexible products.
“FPA and its members are committed to helping solve plastic waste issues and
increasing the recycling of packaging. This bipartisan legislation is part of that solution,” said FPA President and CEO Dan Felton.
“We urge the House to follow the Senate’s lead and advance this legislation.”
The STEWARD Act is a combination of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) and the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) that the FPA actively supported in the last Congress.
The STEWARD Act would establish the
Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expand recycling access in underserved communities through a pilot grant program.
It has authorised the EPA to collect and analyse data on market trends, material processing rates, curbside recycling programs' effectiveness, and associated accessibility challenges.
It also directed the EPA to assess national composting potential, evaluating infrastructure, regulatory barriers, costs, and industry trends.
The Flexible Packaging Association is the voice of the U.S. manufacturers of flexible packaging and their suppliers.
The association’s mission is connecting, advancing, and leading the flexible packaging industry.
Flexible packaging represents over USD 42 billion in annual sales and is the secondlargest and one of the fastest-growing packaging industry segments. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminium foil, or any combination of those materials and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, roll stock, and other flexible products.
TIPA LAUNCHES HIGHBARRIER SNACK FILM
APAC | TIPA, a global leader in packaging innovation, has launched an advanced home compostable metallised highbarrier film.
The solution has aimed to address critical challenges in eco-conscious packaging for chips and salty snacks, offering enhanced functionality and durability in a biodegradable solution.
This launch coincided with a growing demand for sustainable snack packaging, as the global market will grow at a rate higher than five percent in the next five years.
The 312MET Premium film is a lightweight, ultra-thin metallised solution designed for high barrier protection against salt, oil, and moisture.
These have been common challenges for snack packaging. The barrier’s properties have eliminated the need for an additional sealing layer, making it highly efficient for converting and versatile for various applications.
This film is available globally for purchase in reels, and when paired with cellulose or paper layers, it makes one of the market’s thinnest two-ply home compostable solutions for chips and snacks.
Suitable for packaging chips, snacks, granola bars, grains, coffee, and tea, the film has offered exceptional freshness and extended shelf life while maintaining an eco-friendly end-of-life.
“Packaging chips in compostable materials has long been a formidable challenge due to their corrosive properties,” said Rodrigo Castaneda, VP/GM TIPA North America.
“With our high-barrier film, we’re taking a step forward in reducing plastic waste while ensuring snack brands and consumers have a viable, thin, high-performance, sustainable alternative.”
With chips packaging making up a significant portion of non-recycled waste, TIPA’s solution will pave the way for brands to shift toward a truly circular and environmentally responsible packaging option.
SAVE FOOD PACKAGING
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Whilst the primary function of packaging has always been to protect, contain, preserve and transport a product from paddock to plate, a new wave has risen across the globe with Save Food Packaging Design.
NERIDA KELTON Executive Director Australian Institute of Packaging
Save Food Packaging has been designed to minimise or prevent food waste by fusing innovative and intuitive design features that can protect, preserve, extend shelf life, easily open and reseal, and provide consumer convenience and portion control; all the while meeting global sustainable packaging targets.
“A highlight for packaging in Australia was when the AIP-Led Save Food Packaging Project received the inaugural Food Waste Action Award,” said Nerida Kelton, Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and Vice President of Sustainability and Save Food of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
“One of the objectives of the AIP is to
establish a voice for Save Food Packaging within the greater realm of sustainability and packaging design. The AIP has spent the last seven years talking to the industry about “getting the balance right” between food waste and packaging waste when discussing the environmental impacts of product and packaging. We will continue to have this discussion until everyone understands the role that packaging plays”
This Save Food Packaging project has provided training and education materials to improve packaging design, material and format selection using appropriate portioning, sealability, resealability features, date labelling, extend shelf life and provide the information required to assist retail, food service and consumers to minimise food waste.
Its design criteria and guidelines that have been developed are being globally disseminated by the AIP and the WPO and Kelton said that this was just the start with the next step being guiding businesses into embedding the 5x Save Food Packaging Design principles into their own business.
More and more Packaging Technologists across the globe now have an understanding that packaging needs to be collected, sorted and recycled in the country it is sold in. The challenge for packaging technologists and engineers has become designing optimum packaging with the lowest environmental impact.
Kelton highlighted some innovative trends and examples she observed at the annual Australasian Packaging Innovation and Design (PIDA) awards run by the AIP within Australia and New Zealand.
She mentioned a significant shift to monomaterial packaging, the incorporation of recycled materials, paper-isation as well as fibre-based solutions wherever suitable, with many designers really looking at the end of life and recyclability aspects of the packaging at the start.
The industry has also seen a shift in the last few years with the increase of Australasian Recycling Labels (ARL) being used on packaging to ensure that consumers know how to correctly dispose of the separable components and materials within their homes.
Some ARL logos also provide information for alternate pathways such as container deposit schemes and closed-loop collection drop-off points. QR codes and 2D codes have become invaluable technology not only for consumer communication but also for brands. Kelton added that the next step would be to elevate reuse and refill in more categories.
Another brand example Kelton cited included Naked Rivals’ mission to save
imperfect fruit and end food waste at home, providing consumers with convenient food options that did not compromise their need for great-tasting, healthy ingredients that were also sustainably packaged.
In the future, Kelton said that it was necessary to ensure that sustainable packaging design did not cause unintended consequences or trade-offs.
“There needs to be more elevated discussions across the globe around food waste and the true role that packaging can play in minimising food loss and waste.”
The Australian packaging industry has been working in a rapidly changing environment since last year, especially after the announcement from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) that there would be a mandated National Packaging Design Standard established for the country.
Those in the industry have been heavily involved in providing feedback and contributions to the consultation process, with key areas including the ability to reduce and reuse packaging materials, the removal of harmful chemicals such as PFAs, and improving consumer and business education and training around packaging.
Heading into 2025, the DCCEEW will consult with governments and the industry on packaging design guidance from the National Design Standards Working Group, based on best practices and independent expert views.
This Working Group has developed a Design for Kerbside Recyclability Grading Framework that has encouraged best-practice design while allowing packaging to perform its essential functions. It will provide a clear indication to the industry about the importance of recyclability in good packaging design and will also inform Australia’s new regulatory scheme for packaging.
A lot more work will be undertaken by everyone in the industry to review alternate pathways and collection and reprocessing outside of kerbside collection, to ensure that the Mandated National Packaging Design Standard is suitable for everyone in the value chain from SMEs to multinationals.
EXPLORING FLEXIBLE PACKAGING IN USA
As we head into 2025, the U.S. flexible packaging industry remains well-positioned to continue to dominate the packaging of products you find in your supermarket aisles.
DAN FELTON President & CEO
Flexible Packaging Association
According to our recently released “2024 State of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry Report,” the U.S. flexible packaging industry was estimated to reach USD 42.9 billion in annual sales in 2023, marking a 3.3 percent growth from USD 41.5 billion in 2022.
We forecast that our industry will grow to USD 43.8 billion in 2024 and to USD 47.3 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of two percent from 2023 to 2028.
Flexible packaging continues to hold a significant portion of the U.S. packaging market, representing 20 percent of the total USD 210.8 billion U.S. packaging market. The only category currently surpassing flexible packaging is corrugated materials
which account for 22 percent of the U.S. packaging market.
Food packaging for retail, institutional, and non-retail environments remains the largest end-use market for flexible packaging in the U.S., contributing USD 22.2 billion in annual sales, or close to 52 percent of the market.
The medical and pharmaceutical sectors follow closely with USD 6.1 billion in sales, holding a 14 percent market share. Other markets, including beverages, nonretail food, and personal care, make up smaller portions of the market, with each contributing less than 6 percent.
Monitoring and engaging on federal and state legislation and regulation in the U.S. is a core function of FPA to protect the growth of the flexible packaging industry. We now have five states with packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in place, with the programs in Colorado and Oregon going into full effect this coming July.
FPA believes that the Minnesota law is the most producer-friendly and soundest enacted to date. Knowing that many more states will continue to consider packaging EPR legislation in 2025, and it’s not unreasonable to expect that we could see at least two new state laws enacted within the next two years, we’re cautiously optimistic that some of these states will take a more balanced approach like Minnesota did.
To that end, FPA will continue to be actively engaged on this issue in the states to secure the most favourable outcomes possible for the flexible packaging industry.
Other public policy issues impacting flexible packaging on which FPA focuses include advanced recycling technologies, post-consumer recycled (PCR) content laws, labelling bills, and toxic chemical bans, specifically targeting perfluorinated substances (PFAS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) in packaging.
The volume of proposals and new laws we have seen on these issues in the U.S. over the past several years has been unprecedented, and that trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
FPA believes it is vitally important that labelling for recyclability, just like nutritional information and other product communication, be uniform throughout the United States. Labelling based on individual state standards will be devastating to commerce for products people use every day.
Further, it will only create more consumer confusion about recycling as people purchase and dispose of goods across state lines. If you want more recycling, more –
not less – harmonisation is needed, and the numerous state “one-off” bills we have seen do the opposite.
In this vein, FPA will continue to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to update its guidance on labelling for recyclability and we will work on supporting Congressional labelling legislation for future introduction.
FPA will continue to oppose PVC and PVDC restrictions and work to ensure reasonable PFAS thresholds in packaging, make sure bans only apply to intentionally added PFAS, and caution lawmakers about a potential materials ban when it comes to PFAS in recycled content.
Finally, with the new year comes a new federal administration and Congress –both controlled by a single party. It is too early in this new year to know for certain where we may see legislative and regulatory proposals directly or indirectly impacting the flexible packaging industry, but FPA will be watching closely for anything and everything, including taxes and tariffs on our products and processes.
While our industry is clearly being challenged by all these public policy pressures, it also creates great opportunities for us to support the consumer demand for our products that is driving our continued growth in the U.S. – and amplify our message about the value of flexible packaging to protect and deliver value packaging products to those consumers.
The Flexible Packaging Association is the voice of the U.S. manufacturers of flexible packaging and their suppliers. The association’s mission is connecting, advancing, and leading the flexible packaging industry.
Flexible packaging represents over USD 42 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and is the second largest and one of the fastest-growing segments of the packaging industry. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminium foil, or any combination of those materials and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, roll stock, and other flexible products. Learn more at flexpack.org.
supplement trends
SHIFT FROM HEALTHCARE TO SELFCARE SUPPLEMENTS
A shift in focus from healthcare to self-care supplements is underway. Consumers globally have been taking more responsibility for their health and well-being.
brands respond to this holistic, balanced approach to weight management is with all-natural weight loss supplements.
Diverse Delivery Formats
The growing self-care trend has also driven the need for innovative and diverse supplement formats. A pill, which can seem like medicine, does not align well with today’s proactive, self-care perspective the way an enjoyable, rewarding format does.
While the gummy is the leading format (and the preferred format among Gen Z and Millennials), lollipops, lozenges, and shots offer a similarly flavourful and rewarding experience. Newer innovations include NeuroQ oral strips, YouTheory K2D3 liquid in a squeeze pouch, and Bucked Up Pixie Pump in an RTE Pixy Stix format. Orange, strawberry, red raspberry, and lemon are the leading flavors in non-pill formats globally.
Mood and Mental Health
The emergence of self-care as a top consumer interest has influenced supplement trends in energy, women’s health, weight management, delivery formats, and mood and mental health.
Energy Supplements
Consumers are turning to a wide range of energy solutions, from performance-driven supplements for athletes to natural herbal energy boosts for everyday consumers.
Creatine is an emerging ingredient supporting high-performance needs, while ashwagandha appears in supplements positioned for gentle, plant-based energy.
Consumer trends have indicated a growing demand for both options, allowing marketers to innovate and cater to a broader audience.
Women’s Health
There is also an increasing focus on selfcare supplements for women’s wellness, which touches on mood and stress relief, weight management, life-stage nutrition, and symptom relief.
New positions include supplements for conception that support ovulation, fertility, and regular menstrual cycle, as well as perimenopause and menopause supplements to support hormonal balance, energy, skin health, and libido.
Weight Management
Weight management is a significant physical health concern. The focus on selfcare is changing the perception of weight management supplements.
Consumers understand weight loss is more than disease prevention; it’s about improving energy levels, supporting an active lifestyle, and feeling good. One way
The rising popularity of mood and mental health supplements is more evidence of the conceptual shift from healthcare to self-care supplements. Using research-backed ingredients such as vitamin B12, theanine, and tryptophan when formulating mood and mental health supplements is a way to build consumer trust through science.
As interest in self-care grows, businesses and manufacturers can expect its influence to drive more category shifts and product innovation. Adapting products to these changes will help supplement manufacturers connect with consumers and meet their top needs.
PRIORTISING PREVENTION THROUGH SUPPLEMENTS
Innova’s 360-degree research into supplement trends has identified key insights into consumer preferences, market size, top companies, and other factors shaping the category.
With pressure on healthcare systems, self-care has become increasingly important. Prevention has also become a priority, meaning consumers have been taking positive action to prevent health concerns before they arise.
In the Asia Pacific, 34 percent of consumers consider taking supplements as a direct action to maintain their health. Supplement trends research showed that more than four in five consumers in Asia Pacific take at least one kind of supplement. Asia Pacific consumers exceed the global average, with 87 percent using supplements compared to 78 percent.
Millennials have been the most dedicated supplement users, especially those positioned for specific conditions. Boomers buy fewer supplements than other generations, but they stand out for using them for joint and brain health. Gen Z is the only generation that favoured single vitamins over multivitamins. Personalised supplements are an essential trend in this market.
Consumers take supplements to feel well, age healthfully, and support physical
and mental health. They specifically use supplements for gut and immune health. Vitamins are the top type of supplement. While tablets and capsules remain the most popular formats, there is a rising interest in liquids, powders, and gummies.
The supplement market is highly fragmented, with diverse businesses such as multinational nutrition firms, specialist retail chains, multi-level marketers, and diversified supplement specialists. The top five innovators in Asia Pacific are Blackmores, H&H Group, Amway, Byhealth, and Liancun Pharmaceutical. Over the past five years, these innovators accounted for seven percent of total new product launches in Asia Pacific supplements.
Nestlé’s Health Science division has also emerged as a significant player, entering the region by acquiring The Better Health Company in New Zealand in 2022. Similarly, Unilever has been expanding its presence in the supplements category since 2019, acquiring major Western brands and introducing several of its existing lines into the Chinese market.
Over the past five years, supplement
launches in Asia Pacific have risen by six percent. China, India, and Australia represent over half of these launches, with Thailand emerging as the fastest-growing country.
Research on supplement trends showed that national differences shaped new product development, with vitamin and mineral launches dominating in China and botanical and herbal supplements dominating India and Australia.
Orange, strawberry, lemon, mango, and berry were the top five flavours in Asia Pacific supplement launches. Additionally, red raspberry has been an emerging flavour in the supplement market.
The ingredient space in the supplement market is evolving, with several ingredients increasing their presence, ranging from those for mental health and beauty to sleep support and weight loss.
Brands will likely continue to innovate in the supplement market, developing formulations that blend wellness benefits with enjoyable consumption experiences, catering to evolving consumer preferences.
supplement trends
GLP-1 USERS SHIFT F&B PREFERENCES
USA | Circana released a new report exploring the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications on consumer spending.
The report, The Ripple Effect of GLP-1s, Today and In the Future, revealed that GLP-1 users exhibited shifting purchasing habits over time. Weight-loss users made fewer food and beverage purchases during the first three months of use and returned closer to benchmark levels by the end of year one.
The findings provided industry leaders with actionable insights to develop personalised products and services that support consumers’ sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term weight management success.
GLP-1 weight-loss users have shifted their spending on food inside and outside the home. Grocery stores spend more on foods supporting GLP-1 balance, such as vegetables, eggs, and nuts.
Conversely, they have been making fewer purchases of products they’ve been recommended to avoid, including spicy foods, fatty proteins, and beverages with added sugar.
While dining out, GLP-1 users skewed their dollar spend toward quick-service restaurants, but they shifted toward grocery food service, casual dining, and midscale
restaurants during their first year on the medications.
These evolving behaviours revealed a clear connection between category growth and consumers' health-driven preferences, offering brands fresh opportunities to align with their goals.
“A deeper understanding of GLP-1 medications and their roles in weight loss has unlocked new opportunities to enhance the food, beverage, and nonfood products that support consumers’ overall well-being,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor, Circana.
“As accessibility, availability, and affordability of these medications improve, it will become critical for companies to develop strategies that support consumers on their health journeys. For consumers needing help with getting to optimal GLP-1 levels, working with a medical professional to determine the right mix of medications, supplements, and/or CPG products will remain vital in managing their health over the long term.”
By addressing the preferences of GLP-1 consumers, such as an increased focus on
protein, vegetables, and fruits and reduced consumption of sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium, brands can align product innovation and marketing strategies with these consumers’ health goals.
Additionally, categories such as highprotein, ready-to-eat meals, and portioncontrolled snacks were well-positioned to meet the specific needs of GLP-1 users, demonstrating the potential for growth in both traditional and emerging product segments.
Industries beyond food and beverage, including beauty, wellness, and pharmaceuticals, can explore cross-sector collaborations to serve this demographic. By refining their innovation pipelines, developing personalised solutions, and creating targeted messaging that resonates with GLP-1 consumers’ values and aspirations, companies can foster long-term loyalty while contributing to consumers’ broader health and wellness journeys.
KERRY LAUNCHES 2025 SUPPLEMENT TASTE CHARTS
SINGAPORE | Taste is a critical factor in supplement innovation.
From gummies, liquid shots, and effervescent powders to chewables, consumers expect their wellness products, whether traditional or emerging supplement formats, to offer enjoyable and recognisable flavours while supporting their health goals.
Kerry Group has launched its 2025 Supplement Taste Charts, a comprehensive guide to evolving flavour trends and innovations in the wellness industry. These charts are essential for supplement and nutraceutical manufacturers, helping them anticipate market shifts and create health and flavour-forward products.
They also provide a strategic roadmap for brands to navigate these evolving expectations, leveraging insights grounded in market reality and future-forward predictions.
In Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, the dietary supplements market size grew to USD 75 billion in 2024, up from USD 61 billion in 2021, due to rising consumer awareness of the importance of health, a growing ageing population, and higher disposable income.
particularly notable in Asia.
15.7 percent and capsules at 14.5 percent.
“As consumers in the region become more knowledgeable about their health, they want personalised solutions to increase wellbeing and vitality, and the flavour is a significant factor in their supplement choices,” said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Nutritional Supplements, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
“Whether it's masking undesirable tastes, creating unique flavour combinations, or enhancing the overall sensory experience, flavour has become key in shaping the perceived value of supplements.”
Global and regional influences have continued to reshape the landscape of supplement flavours.
KEY TRENDS INCLUDE:
• Tropical and vibrant fruit notes like lychee, mangosteen, and pi pa are rapidly expanding in Southeast Asia, matching consumer demand for hydration and immune support.
• Botanical and herbal flavours inspired by traditional wellness practices continue to grow in popularity worldwide, with ginger, hawthorn, and lime being
• Orange remains a mainstream flavour worldwide, a staple in immunity-boosting formulations and functional beverages. Passionfruit is also a choice of supplement flavour in Asia.
• Cocoa, lavender, and rose are emerging in Australia and New Zealand, catering to consumers seeking functionality and indulgence.
• In South Korea and Japan, consumers choose supplements with Asian flavours such as acai, black sesame, and chestnut.
• Turmeric and thyme are used for perceived anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, and fun flavours such as tutti frutti, coconut, caramel, and cream are growing across the Middle East.
• The industry is increasingly moving away from traditional tablets and capsules, with new flavour-forward formats like gummies, stick packs, chewables, meltables, popsicles, and lollipops emerging as popular choices.
According to Nutrition Business Journal, these non-pill formats are multiplying globally and now account for 61.8 percent of market sales, with gummies leading at 23.4 percent of total sales, followed by powders at
This growth was attributed to consumers’ demand for more enjoyable, convenient ways to take supplements, driven by convenience, bioavailability, and sustainability.
As these innovative formats evolve, brands have turned to trusted partners like Kerry to understand the emerging new formats and formulate better-tasting solutions for them while maintaining the efficacy of researchdriven ingredients.
“Consumer demand for exceptional taste is reshaping the supplements industry,” said Olivier De Salmiech.
“With the 2025 Supplement Taste Charts, Kerry empowers brands to stay ahead of these market shifts. By blending science, sustainability and authentic flavour with region-specific solutions, Kerry is shaping the future of supplements, delivering health benefits with flavours consumers will love.”
LIMITED SPACE REMAINING AS GLOBAL DEMAND REACHES RECORD LEVELS
The world's leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry, drinktec 2025, is proceeding according to schedule with only eight months remaining until opening.
All leading global companies have secured their positions for the industry's global economic summit, scheduled for 15th to 19th September 2025 in Munich, and are actively preparing their exhibits. The organisation team report near-complete occupancy of the eleven exhibition halls at the Munich Exhibition Centre, with limited space remaining in specific areas.
"Preparations for the trade fair are progressing at full capacity, and visitors from all regions, are assured, that they will once again receive a comprehensive overview of all raw materials, ingredients, packaging options, as well as solutions and technologies for their product concepts and production requirements," said Markus Kosak, Executive Director drinktec Cluster at trade fair organiser YONTEX.
"Internationality remains a significant strength of the 2025 fair. With exhibitors from approximately 60 countries, drinktec will again serve as the definitive platform for showcasing the global range of solutions available to the beverage and liquid food industry," continued Kosak.
GROWING GLOBAL DEMAND FOR BEVERAGES & LIQUID FOOD MACHINERY
During the drinktec 2025 press conference in Bangkok this month, Richard Clemens, Managing Director of VDMA, spoke about the growing global demand for machinery and equipment for producing, filling and packaging beverages and liquid foods. The VDMA is the largest exhibitor group at drinktec and serves as the technical and conceptual partner of the organiser YONTEX.
According to the VDMA, the global trade volume of food and packaging machinery
has been rising continuously for many years and reached a preliminary high of 52.6 billion euros in 2023. In the 10-year review period from 2014 to 2023, international foreign trade in food processing and packaging machinery amounted to 428 billion euros, corresponding to a periodic growth of 46 percent.
Europe was the most important global sales region for food and packaging machinery, with a 41 percent share. Asia followed as the second most important region, with a share of 19 percent, while North America was close behind in third place, with 18 percent.
ENHANCED SUPPORTING PROGRAMME FORMAT
The trade fair organisers place particular emphasis on the Liquidrome supporting programme. This new format represents an evolution of drinktec, enhancing its value proposition.
"We view drinktec as a platform created by experts for experts. This naturally includes the exhibitors' presentations at the trade fair and introducing new perspectives on the industry's future," explained Kosak. "With a dedicated space for knowledge exchange in Hall C4, greater focus is placed on communication between researchers, visitors, and exhibitors."
In various interactive zones, the future of the beverage and liquid food industry will be discussed through demonstrations, presentations and executive discussions. This format is complemented by a networking area for an exchange of ideas amongst visitors, with exhibitors also invited to participate. "drinktec offers an unparalleled opportunity to direct global attention to cutting-edge technology and its benefits. A distinct advantage of drinktec is that the entire value chain is frequently available during live operation. No other venue worldwide enables visitors to observe the technical specifications of complete filling and packaging systems across all performance ranges, from low-tech to hightech," explained Kosak.
Thailand ranks fifth among the top 10 beverage markets in Asia. Due to growing health awareness and rising prosperity, Thai consumers demand healthier beverages. In 2024, the sales volume of soft drinks amounted to almost 10.7 billion litres, with a forecast growth rate of 19 percent until 2028.
DRINKTEC 2025 WILL FOCUS ON THREE KEY INDUSTRY THEMES:
Circularity & Resource Management
Responsible resource use affects all economic processes and is high on the political agenda globally. Intelligent closedloop systems and sustainable resource management in production and packaging processes are highlighted, including holistic energy concepts using waste heat, reducing water consumption, integrated wastewater treatment, and energy recovery from residual materials.
The EU Plastic and Plastic Waste Regulation (PPWR), adopted in December 2024, stipulated a higher proportion of recyclate for plastic packaging to reduce the use of primary raw materials. This regulation was expected to boost resource conservation and sustainable packaging beyond EU countries.
Data2Value
The focus of digitalisation is on creating added value through data. By evaluating machine and processing data, resource use could be optimised, production downtimes reduced, and plant utilisation more flexible.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role, facilitating real-time data analysis from production processes, detecting anomalies, and helping to reduce unplanned downtimes. Simulating production processes with AI and digital twins creates investment security for complex decisions.
Lifestyle & Health
Consumption habits have increasingly shifted toward health optimisation. Functional beverages containing minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fibre or probiotics are growing in popularity. Enriching beverages with plant-based proteins, which could also be isolated from side streams during brewing, is gaining importance.
Forward-looking approaches are essential throughout the entire value chain. In forthcoming years, diverse consumer preferences will continue influencing product offerings, driven by increasing demand for customised product formulations tailored to consumer requirements.
"In the current economic environment, exchanging ideas within the industry and expanding future-oriented topics is more important than ever," said Clemens.
(LEFT) RICHARD CLEMENS, Managing Director of VDMA, (RIGHT) MARKUS KOSAK, Executive Director of drinktec Cluster
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At DTS, we specialise in stainless steel engineering solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Our tank design philosophy is to minimise waste and maximise profit, not only during tank fabrication, but also throughout the tank’s operational life and production. • Food & beverage tanks
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EUROTEC LTD
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Whether in the transport and storage of foods, in restaurants or in large kitchens, wherever temperature needs to be recorded, Testo measures up and helps you keep compliant. Testo enables you to guarantee optimal performance in key areas of your business.
Food industry instrumentation for incoming goods: Every item that enters your premises should undergo rigorous checks in order to ensure its quality and safety. Whether that be your weekly delivery of fresh fish, or the daily top up of your fruit and vegetable stocks, food can spend a long time in transit from the wholesaler before it arrives at your door. The testo 831 infrared thermometer is perfect for
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TC Transcontinental Packaging brings a distinctive blend of science, technology, and art together to create flexible packaging that preserves our customers’ products and accentuates their brands on the store shelf. Our expertise, resources and conversion technology helps us create packaging that gives our customers a competitive advantage. We utilise a widevariety of printing techniques, laminations and converting styles including pouches that help enhance your brand.
We invest in state of the art technology to offer and invest in a sustainable future and are delighted to be recognised for our high quality packaging that we supply to our customers. Globally TC Transcontinental Packaging is committed to a circular approach to plastic. As global signatories to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, we are working towards our 2025 goal where 100% of our plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable, and 10% of our plastic output to be made from recycled plastic waste.
At the 2022 Pride in Print Awards, TC NZ were awarded Gold Sustainability Award in the Flexible Packaging Category for our significant volumes used into industrial, refuse and hygiene packaging. TC NZ are meeting customer requirements by extruding and converting recycled resins of in-house, postindustrial waste, and post-consumer recycled content , Green PE (PE derived from renewable resources such as waste sugar cane), and has the ability to manufacture flexible packaging with other
