Food & Drink 23.08

Rotech

PPMA 2023

Turn to page 15...

The

the Market

ISSN:

Turn to Page 29

Turn to page 25...

unveil entry-level coding system for bags & pouches at

Fulton introduces two new larger outputs to expand its VSRT range and open new markets

EDITORIAL:

Braubeviale Easyfairs Exposure Ninja Harford Control Jangro Ltd

Marbles PR Neogen Europe PHD Marketing

PPMA WPR Agency

ADVERTISEMENT SALES:

KIMBERLEY READ (Advertisement Sales Manager) GINA MADDISON

ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION:

AMANDA JAYNE WALMSLEY EVELYN WOOLSTON

GRAPHICS DEPT:

STUART TURNBULL - Studio Manager RACHEL RILEY - Designer

PUBLISHED BY:

WALTONS PUBLICATIONS LTD 46 HENEAGE ROAD, GRIMSBY N.E. LINCOLNSHIRE DN32 9ES

TELEPHONE:

EMAIL:

Kimberley Read at: kimberley@ foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk or Gina Maddison at: gina@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

WEBSITE:

foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

ISSN:

Rising to the challenges of

BRAU BEVIALE 2023

BrauBevaile in top form. After a 4-year break in its exhibition schedule BrauBeviale in Nuremberg will start again from November 28-30, 2023.

LONDON PACKAGING WEEK 2023

Game, Set and Matcha! How the Match drinks’ visionary creators are taking the drinks industry by storm.

Producing high-quality dairy products for the globel food market with cutting-edge technology and equipment.

MOISTURE MEASUREMENT & SEAL INTEGRITY

Why is the so much air in crisp packets? Crisps are a staple snack enjoyed by millions, but opening a bag and finding it only half full can be disappointing.

29

MEASUREMENT & CONTROL SOLUTIONS

Introducing Nordson Colour Gauge... The only on-line gauge on the market that can simultaneously measure color, moisture, fat/oil and protein... Out of the box.

PPMA Show 2023

Supply shortages could increase risk of food fraud.

TWITTER:

FACEBOOK: @fdnetworkuk

SUBSCRIPTION: 12 issues - £84.00 (inc. postage)

DRINK

Individual

Performance Improvement.... the cost of doing nothing! Beneficial change requires investment, but

23.

Neogen Launches New Assays for Histamine Detection.

24.

our new range... We have launched a new range of pre-made mono-polymer recyclable

outputs to expand its VRST Range and open new markets.

07. See the latest state-of-the-art Processing & Packaging Machinery at the PPMA Show.

22. Berlin Packaging UK and Renais showcased artisan gin and bespoke bottle collaboration at Imbibe Live 2023.

The Evolution of Food Packaging: Embracing Sustainability and Innovation.

Introducing

pouches!

11. Factory automation made easywith radar sensor VEGAPULS 42.

14. Kingsmoor Packaging unveils sustainable brand refresh.

15. Rotech unveil entry-level coding system for bags & pouches at PPMA 2023.

Corrposion Resistant Solutions from Cross & Morse.

bacon slicing. Bacon can be one of the most difficult products to slice.

An article supplied by Roy Green of Harford Control

Food hygiene specialist Envesca recognised as an Outstanding Training Provider with Highfield’s UK Top Student Award 2023

Envesca, a leading food training specialist, has been acclaimed for its exceptional standard of training provision by receiving the prestigious Highfield UK Top Student Award 2023.

Highfield, the prestigious awarding organisation, acknowledged the achievements of top-performing students in their three most popular qualifications between April 2022 and March 2023:

● Highfield Level 4 Award in Food Safety in Catering

● Highfield Level 4 Award in Food Safety Management for Manufacturing

● Highfield Level 4 Award in HACCP for Management

Envesca learner, Harriet Raggett, QA Manager from PrepWorld, Gravesend, Kent, emerged as the top student in the Highfield Level 4 Award in Food Safety Management for manufacturing qualification.

The award was presented to Envesca at a special ceremony held on 7th June, at Highfield Qualifications’ event commemorating World Food Safety Day.

ACI Group receives accreditation for “delivering

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition. The recognition highlights Envesca’s invaluable role in developing top-class students and future professionals within the food sector,” said Sue Ellis, Managing Director of Envesca. Envesca trainer, Fatima Zafar, was also commended by the judges for her “remarkable” style and approach to training. Highfield praised her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, leaving a lasting impact on the individuals she trains. For more information contact 01452 502113 | www.envesca.co.uk

Christmas

Jangro unveils Christmas Supplies Catalogue 2023

ACI Group Ltd (‘ACI Group’) has become the first UK distributor to achieve Level 2 of the esteemed Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM) by delivering high social value back into the UK economy.

As a leading distributor working with some of the largest global food, pharma, industrial and road brands, ACI Group has proven that for every £1 spent, £0.34 of social value is created for the UK economy – an impressive feat for a company operating in the imports sector. Social value is the overarching term used to define the positive impact generated by a company’s operations, on local economies, communities and the environment. To demonstrate this, ACI Group made a series of pledges that were aligned with measurable key value indicators (KVIs) and verified by a team of independent practitioners who uphold the highest levels of rigour, quality and trust. This enabled the company to ensure that all claims were legitimate, robust and clearly evidenced over 12 months.

As an award that aims to cultivate and recognise the highest known standards in values-led business, the SVQM measures an organisation’s commitment to a series of pledges regarding social, environmental and economic impact.

Last year, ACI Group pledged to reduce its carbon footprint. In 12 months, the company has saved over 12 tonnes of carbon by championing more sustainable methods of distribution – the equivalent of 23,000 miles driven in an average car1 In addition, it has also increased its non-hazardous and biodegradable chemicals portfolio by 3.5% by partnering with suppliers who meet and comply with ACI Group’s social value assessment.

For further information about the Social Value Quality Mark, please visit: socialvaluequalitymark.com/. To find out more about ACI Group and its activities, visit: acigroup.biz/

Jangro, the UK & Ireland’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, is delighted to announce that its 2023 Christmas Supplies Catalogue is now available. Helping professional catering and hospitality businesses get ahead, it is packed with a wide range of fun and festive supplies to help the season’s parties, celebratory dinners and get-togethers sparkle and shine. Planning early is essential to ease the pressure of what is an extremely busy period for the hospitality and catering industry. The Jangro Christmas Supplies Catalogue 2023 contains everything to help them get prepared in good time, such as matching tableware in a range of festive colour coordinating schemes, including, red and green, silver and white, red and cream, and black and gold.

Christmas crackers are a must-have to make celebrations go with a bang. This year businesses can once again make a sustainable choice by selecting the Tom Smith range of catering crackers. This brand combines social and environmental sustainability with on-trend designs to bring every Christmas table to life. Made from recycled board, they are fully recyclable, and are completely free from glitter and plastic – including the contents.

Additionally, for every case of Tom Smith crackers sold, £2.00 is donated to The Trussell Trust, which is also Jangro’s dedicated charity this year. The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of food banks to provide emergency food and care to people locked in poverty, and campaigns for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

Available to view online, or as a hard copy from local distributors, the catalogue caters for a wide choice of budgets, with standard, superior, finest, premium and luxury collections.

For more information go to www.jangro.net or call 01204 795 955.

2022

Simple & Perfect Pouch packing

The horizontally operating form-fill-seal machine FME 50 enables a quick and easy entry into the world of flexible pouch packaging. If you mainly want to pack dry products, the FME 50 meets the highest demands with easy handling on a very small footprint and within an attractive budget.

The FME 50 is unique thanks to its proven SN technology. The central pouch gripper adjustment on the rotary table and the optimized height adjustment of the folding wedge contribute to a reduction of format changeover times, saving both time and cost. This greatly simplifies operation. In addition, the new protective covering concept, including easy access to all relevant machine components, supports handling, cleaning and maintenance of the machine. The modern pouch packaging machine with integrated control cabinet is supplied as a complete system. This reduces the time for commissioning by our technician to a maximum of one day. Alternatively, SN offers commissioning via online support. With a pre-set format, the FME 50 can even be used immediately after installation and connection

at the production site, just “Plug & Play”. With this proven SN technology, most pouch types, such as stand-up pouches or four-side sealed pouches, are produced from the film reel and filled on the rotary table. The insertion of resealing systems (zipper) is also possible with the SN entry-level model. Of course, the FME 50 processes a wide range of recyclable films and this at a surprisingly low energy consumption. Despite its small size, the FME 50 offers a high degree of flexibility for product packaging from a wide range of industries. And this with up to 100 cycles per minute – depending on the product and the pouch size.”

For more information on high performing pouch machine systems contact Penn Packaging on 01473 893990 or email@penn-packaging.co.uk

high social value” by challenging status quo

planning made easy with Jangro

Simon and Sue Ellis - Envesca 1. Pawprint via Small World Consulting,

Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3 single malt whisky is Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery’s third iteration of a peated whisky.

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery have launched their latest bottling. always experimenting with different casks to finish our whisky in. We’ve had people asking for the return of Peated Finish ever since Batch #2 sold out, so we’re delighted to launch Batch #3.”

“Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #2 won an incredible World Whisky Spirits Master award last year and we’re very pleased to have the next step now with Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3. This bottling is a much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s batch and adds a subtle sweet smokiness with coastal, citrus and caramel notes to our light and fruity signature whisky,” said Spirit of Yorkshire Whisky Director, Joe Clark.

“Primarily matured in first-fill bourbon casks before a secondary maturation in specially selected ex-peated casks, this very special whisky brings a taste of the west coast of Scotland to the east coast of Yorkshire. As a distillery, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of whisky making, which is why we are

MugShot unveils new product packaging with a bold, refreshed design

Instant hot snack, MugShot, is product to announce the launch of its new packaging lines for the sachets range.

The newly refreshed, modern design focuses on communicating taste, health credentials and convenience for the customers. The packaging retain MugShot’s widely recognised logo and features eye-catching imagery to enhance the flavour of the product, delivering big comforting carbs in the nation’s favourite flavours. In addition to taste, the new packaging also highlights the health benefits of MugShot’s products. The clear, better-for-you credentials allow the customers to enjoy a tasty low-fat lunch or snack choice, ready in just 5 minutes.

Now available in stores, the updated packaging emphasises the convenience for customers, with optimised photography and increased health credentials seen on pack.

Emma Boyle, Senior Brand Manager for MugShot said: “We are thrilled to introduce our packaging updated new look and feel. Our Team has worked hard to showcase our products and meet the need stakes of a tasty, convenient lunch or snack that our health-focused consumers are looking for.” The new MugShot product packaging will roll out across the sachets product portfolio in 11 fail safe favourite recipes; including best seller Tomato & Herb, Roasted Chicken and Chicken & Sweetcorn. All 11 flavours in the range are HFSS compliant.

For

Filey Bay Peated Finish Batch #3, 46% ABV, costs £65 and is available from the distillery shop, online at spiritofyorkshire.com and from selected specialist retailers nationwide.

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows 100% of the barley used for whisky production.

Luc Belaire Launches ZEUS

At 45-litres, ZEUS is the world’s largest bottle of bubbly currently available Luc Belaire has created the World’s Largest Bottle of Bubbly*, dubbed “ZEUS,” after the supreme ruler of the Greek gods. At 45 litres (the equivalent of 60 standard bottles of Belaire), Belaire ZEUS is the largest bottle of bubbly currently available. Its colossal form stands at more than one meter (3.5 feet) in height and weighs 72.5kg (160 pounds when full), requiring the strength of three people to carry and pour!

Belaire ZEUS is a masterpiece of metalworking skill and creativity. The bottle was seven years in the making, crafted by aerospace engineers using a procedure never undertaken before: a process of spin forming, machining, internal coating, powder coating and pressure testing. Its steel form both insulates and protects the wine from extreme temperature and ensures Belaire ZEUS is nearly unbreakable! Extremely limited in production, only two bottles of Belaire ZEUS have been produced. One is filled with Belaire’s signature Rare Rosé, a unique French sparkling wine which has become America’s No.1 Rosé**. The second contains Luc Belaire Luxe, our smash hit demi sec; both are vinted at our winery in the heart of Burgundy. Each bottle of Belaire ZEUS contains an extraordinary three billion bubbles!***

Belaire’s iconic bottles have, until now, been produced up to an impressive 15-liter size, known as a Nebuchadnezzar. The brand’s large format bottles have become the go-to for celebrities, influencers, recording artists and athletes across the globe to celebrate career milestones, album launches and championship wins. Follow @OfficialBelaire on social media and check out the Belaire ZEUS website lucbelaire.sovereignbrands.com/luc-belaire-zeus/

*By volume currently available **Nielsen, Market – TTL US XAOC + LIQUOR PLUS | Period – Latest 52 Weeks ending 05.20.23 | Subcategory – Sparkling Wine 750mls, 750ml EQ RTL > $20 | Measure - Units Sales *** Brandt, Linda. “How Many Bubbles Are in a Bottle of Champagne?” HeraldTribune.Com, 29 Dec 2009, www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2009/12/30/how-many-bubbles-are-in-a-bottle-of-champagne/28914141007/.

ALL

NEWS

Your release will also be placed on our website: foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

UK

The World’s Largest Bottle of Bubbly*

FOOD AND DRINK NETWORK

Rising to the challenges of bacon slicing

Bacon can be one of the most difficult products to slice. Natural variations in product size and shape, as well as inconsistencies with product conditioning or curing, all present challenges that Weber have overcome in the last 30 years, to be the preferred choice for UK and Irish bacon producers.

Interfood has a wealth of experience and understanding of the demands of the UK and Irish market, working with Weber and Textor to supply machines from their comprehensive range to satisfy any production requirements; from stand-alone, selfcontained machines to full line solutions, incorporating the very latest in product preparation and automatic loading systems. The Textor TS700/750 is the industry standard high speed bacon slicer, which can now be combined with the Weber/Textor wePRESS 5000 bacon press, weLOAD 7500 infeeding system and wePACK 7000 thermoformer. These are complemented with the SPARC range of end of line inspection solutions and finally case/crate packing and filling from Buhmann.

Available from Interfood’s Slicing and Packaging Line Solutions Division, the bacon line is based around the Weber/Textor Power Control System and Weber One Control which enables each of the different machines within the line to communicate seamlessly, constantly optimising product flow through the line. With true line integration, each Weber touch screen can operate any of the modules and allow operators to view and monitor performance from any part of the line.

The wePRESS 5000 is the latest addition to the Weber preparation portfolio. Available in a variety of configurations, it integrates seamlessly into an automatic bacon production line or can be used as a stand-alone machine. The fully servo-driven and controlled press ensures consistent pressing quality with optimum shape to maximise slicing potential. By volumetrically measuring product during the pressing process, the wePRESS can sort products into slicing tracks thereby balancing the products on the line, increasing

efficiency while reducing the risk of empty pockets on the packaging machine which disrupts the product flow downstream. This is invaluable when feeding intelligent high-capacity twin-lane TS700/TS750 slicers with a variable product such as bacon.

Designed specifically for high-speed packaging of sliced products, the Weber wePACK 7000 thermoformer uses the same operating platform as the Weber and Textor slicers, further ensuring an intelligent design through ease of integration and operation. The bacon specific loading system weLOAD 7500 boasts some crucial features that enable automatic loading of both stacks and shingled bacon directly into the wePACK. This includes anti-twist functionality to ensure portions are presented to the packaging machine in absolutely the right orientation. With intelligent motion control, the weLOAD also ensures portions are transported as gently as possible. Due to the wePACK boasting the strongest machine frame on the market, the weLOAD can be integrated into its frame reducing costs and minimising footprint.

Tom Foran is Divisional Manager, Slicing for Interfood and comments –

“The addition of the wePRESS and weLOAD to the portfolio, have only pushed us further ahead in terms of what we can do on bacon. The synergy between all components allows us to produce faster, with fewer operators and greater accuracy than anything that has gone before. Given the availability of labour and ever-increasing costs of raw material, the importance of ensuring these high yields and throughputs has never been more important.”

For further information contact Interfood Technology

E: info@interfoodtechnology.com or visit the Website: www.interfoodtechnology.com

Hygienic & versatile connectivity solutions from HARTING

HARTING will be exhibiting their Han® F+B connector solution at the PPMA Show. The range is Ecolab approved and the housings conform to the directives of FDA 21. All hoods, housings and seals are IP69K rated, so the connections are resistant to cleaning water jets.

HARTING also offers Han® F+B Hybrid Ethernet, signal, and power integrated cable assemblies. These ‘plug and play’ assemblies are 100% tested to guarantee high quality standards and are available in customised lengths. For outside the product and spray zones, HARTING offer a wide range of connectivity solutions. The Han-INOX® series has stainless steel housings which are resistant to the chemical cleanings of the food industry. The interior, including the contacts, is safely protected against splashes of water. The Han® 1A has been designed to be versatile and take up less installation space. By using a modular system of inserts, it can integrate contacts for the delivery of data, signals and power. Only two components are required to quickly assemble an IP20 solution, while additional housing elements or single wire seals can be used to enhance ingress protection to IP65.

HARTING will also be demonstrating their new Han-Modular ® Domino range, which saves weight and up to 50% installation space by integrating different transmission types in one module. Power, signal, data or compressed air as well as male and female contacts can now be and arranged next to each other in hinged frames. Domino modules are also compatible with the existing Han-Modular® series.

HARTING also design and build custom cable assemblies at their manufacturing facility in Northampton. They are available with standard or custom cable lengths, a range of plastic or metal housings and are based on market-leading connectors from the extensive HARTING range. Services include installing components, efficiently routing cable harnesses and fabrication. An in-house design team can also create a 3D CAD visualisation of your build beforehand to ensure absolute accuracy before manufacturing begins.

The HARTING manufacturing facility holds ISO 9001 certification for Quality Management, the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and UL certification for Wiring Harnesses ZPFW2 / ZPFW8.

HERMA Labelling Systems: A proven approach to improving your supply chain

The food and beverage supply chain is a complex and interconnected system. In order to ensure the safety and quality of food products, it is essential that the product is properly labelled, securely and efficiently. HERMA labelling systems offer a number of benefits that can help to improve the requirements in food and beverage supply chains.

One of the key benefits of HERMA labelling systems is that they can help to reduce errors. By using barcodes and other data-rich labels, HERMA’s labellers can help to ensure that products are properly identified and tracked throughout the supply chain, this can help to prevent inaccuracies and contamination.

Additionally HERMA labelling systems can also help to improve security. HERMA’s systems can be used to apply tamper-evident labels which make it difficult to alter or counterfeit products. This can help to protect consumers from harmful products and ensure that the integrity of the supply chain is maintained. By automating labelling processes, HERMA systems can help to speed up production and reduce costs. Further to reducing errors and enhancing security, the equipment can also help to improve the efficiency of the food and beverage supply chain, giving businesses a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Overall, HERMA labelling systems offer a number of benefits that can help to improve the efficiency, security and safety of the food and beverage supply chain. If you are looking for a way to improve your labelling processes, HERMA is a great option.

Here are some additional benefits of using a HERMA labelling system: Increased traceability: systems can help track products throughout the supply chain, which can help to identify and trace any problems that may arise.

Improved compliance: labellers can assist businesses in complying with food safety regulations.

Enhanced brand image: consistent placement of aligned labels; HERMA’s machines can help to create a more professional and polished image for your brand.

If you are looking for a way to improve the efficiency, security and safety of your food or beverage supply chain, a HERMA labelling system can be a great addition.

See the Latest State-ofthe-Art Processing & Packaging Machinery at the PPMA Show

The PPMA Show is the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition.

Once again taking place at the NEC Birmingham, between 26-28 September, this is a complete production line event with something for everyone involved in processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision systems.

The show promises to be an excellent show window for this fastgrowing industry, with over 300 exhibitors gathering to showcase their latest products, services and technologies to this booming sector.

For 2023, show visitors will be treated to a display of new and exciting products from sectors including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, household products and toiletries, building materials and supplies, pet care, micro-brewery and distilleries, FMCG, as well as contract packers and more.

The PPMA show, established over 37 years ago, is organised by the PPMA Group of Associations, comprising the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA), British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA). Together, these specialist trade associations serve more than 550 member and affiliate member companies.

This year’s three-day exhibition is bursting with more content than ever before, giving visitors plenty of options to see and explore. Here’s just a flavour of what visitors can expect:

• Live demonstrations of new machinery in action

• Video presentations by influential industry experts broadcast on screens across the exhibition and later on PPMA TV.

With over 300 exhibitors showcasing more than 2,650 brands and representing the full spectrum of the industry, companies will be keen to show visitors how they can improve their businesses with the latest cutting-edge technologies. This can help businesses stay ahead with the latest trends, improve efficiency, and make better use of resources.

Continued from Page 07

• Networking opportunities.

• Keeping an eye on the competition by learning more about the people and companies in their sector.

• Benchmark best practice by keeping tabs on industryleading performers.

• Building new relationships – helping visitors develop a better understanding of the industry, share information, and gain valuable insights.

• A full programme of seminars – helping visitors stay ahead of the game in the processing and packaging industry sectors. Hearing from industry experts about the latest trends and innovations and learning how to apply these to their own business.

• Inspiration and innovative solutions – for those needing

help with their own business problems, visitors need look no further than the cutting edge machinery on display. By integrating new machines into their own business, visitors can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and boost productivity. Whether they are looking for ways to reduce costs or improve output, all visitors can learn how new machinery will help them achieve their goals.

• Visitors can experience the complete production line event in action from start to finish. This is a rare opportunity to see how it all works together.

• Free to attend.

With over 300 exhibitors showcasing more than 2,650 brands and representing the full spectrum of the industry, companies will be keen to show visitors how they can improve their businesses with the latest cutting-edge technologies. This can help businesses stay ahead with the latest trends, improve efficiency, and make better use of resources. Here are some just some of the hundreds of the exhibitors taking part in the show:

Reiser (D100) has been for over 60 years a leading supplier of processing and packaging

equipment for the meat, food, pet food, bakery, and cheese industries.

Their solutions can range from single machines to complete process-to-packaging production lines. They provide solutions that combine specialised equipment, custom engineering and expertise to meet their customers’ challenges.

ULMA (B32)

applications that are available on the market, including Flow Pack (HFFS), Thermoforming (TF), Traysealing (TS), Vertical (VFFS), Shrink Wrapping and Stretch Film packaging technologies. They also provide a range of automated solutions that can streamline your packaging process, including crate/case loading and product handling, pick and place, palletising, end of line and full turnkey project management.

Omori UK (G20)

equipment, specialising in tempering, mixers, grinders, and coating equipment. In addition, they supply a variety of packaging options such as flowrapping, stretchwrapping, stick packing and pouch (Doy Pack) filling and end of line checkweighing, metal detecting and X-ray inspection.

Ishida Europe (A104) manufacture, and installation of complete weighing, packing and

inspection solutions for the food industry. They specialise in helping manufacturers increase automation, reduce cost and downtime, increase operational efficiencies, and maximise profits. They are leaders for multihead weighers and one of the leading global suppliers of snack food bagmakers, graders, traysealers, X-ray inspection systems, checkweighers, leak detectors and Industry 4.0 solutions.

The PPMA Show is the premier event of the processing and packaging industry, and visitors will not be disappointed with the array of exhibitors, demonstrations, seminars, and networking opportunities which have been designed to enrich the visitor experience.

Silverson Machines at the PPMA show 2023

This year Silverson Machines will be on stand E20 at the PPMA show. On the stand will be a range of high shear mixing equipment, from smaller-scale Laboratory mixers to full scale production mixers such as the Flashmix.

For more information and to register for a free ticket to this year’s show, visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/visit

The L5 Series Laboratory mixer is suitable for the widest range of applications

As well as the Flashmix, this year visitors to the stand will be able to see working examples of the Silverson Batch, Ultramix and Laboratory mixers including the Silverson FMX5.

The FMX5 provides a simple, effective and hygienic means of powder/ liquid mixing on a laboratory scale. The unit is suitable for small scale manufacturing and R&D work with a typical batch size of up to 10 litres, depending on viscosity.

an accurate and easy means of predicting the performance of the Flashmix in the laboratory, helping to streamline the scaleup process. The mixer has been tested on a wide range of powders, giving comparable results to the production scale Flashmix. These powders include gums (CMC, Guar, Gum Arabic, Pectin, Xanthan), Carbopol, Bentonite and many others across a range of industries.

With a capacity from 1ml up to 12 litres and the ability to mix in-line with flow rates up to 20 litres/minute, the L5 Series offers excellent reproducibility when scaling up to full-scale production and provides an accurate and easy means of forecasting the performance of larger Silverson machines under

It operates on the same principle as its larger counterparts and provides

If you’d like to discuss your mixing application visit Silverson Machines at stand E20.

with

256 colours

Individually selectable:

Measurement in progress

Sensor switching

Process malfunction

Factory automation made easy –with radar sensor

VEGAPULS 42

VEGA has launched a new radar level sensor especially for highly automated processes with stringent demands on hygiene and capable of following fast level changes. By introducing VEGAPULS 42, the instrumentation specialist completes its IO-Link portfolio, which now offers a range of solutions for level measurement, point level and pressure.

Radar reduced to the essentials

Since the various automation technologies in many factory environments are increasingly converging, VEGA’s IO-Link portfolio is now able to offer optimal solutions for applications that extend beyond the boundaries of primary processes. “Our customers can rest assured that they’re in good hands with us for all their applications,” says VEGA product manager Marvin Moser, explaining the current situation. “This requires us to proceed with the greatest care. For that reason, we’ve carefully integrated cutting-edge technology into all the main functions of this sensor. At the same time, we’ve consistently refrained from ‘overdesigning’ the sensor. That means it has also been stripped of everything that makes it unnecessarily expensive and technically over-complex.”

Everything but complicated

This means that VEGAPULS 42 is designed specifically for medium measuring distances of up to 15 metres and temperatures of up to max. 150 °C. The instrument is geared to circulation systems in production, dosing processes and downstream processes, like those found in conveying and filling systems. It ensures a smoothrunning process wherever a level changes quickly and requires continuous monitoring. Or in short, VEGAPULS 42 design has been focused on what is absolutely necessary, it is tailor-made for all standard applications where more functions would only make things more complicated.

A big lead in radar know-how

“If you can do the one, you can also do the other,” it is often said, referring to the merging

of process automation and factory automation. However, the two areas are so different from each other that it is easier for the measurement technology of process automation to establish itself in factory automation than the other way around. VEGA’s success story, which culminated in its current position as the world market leader in radar level instrumentation, began more than 30 years ago. The company is now applying the experience and knowledge gained to factory automation solutions. Accordingly, VEGAPULS 42 is based on the best radar chip currently available on the market – with the widest dynamic range, which offers excellent performance and application versatility.

High quality stripped down to the basics

To still be able to monitor current operating states in a highly efficient and cost-optimised manner, every design element of the chip was critically examined for its usefulness. The same principle applied to the IO-Link communication technology, which is common in factory automation, enabling bidirectional data transmission together with extensive diagnostics and parameterisation. For IO-Link sensor VEGAPULS 42 this means: maximum signal quality at minimal cost and complexity.

Radar is the better choice

With the instruments in its IO-Link portfolio, VEGA now adds the advantages of radar measurement technology to a wide variety of processes in factory automation and focusses even more on hygiene-critical industries like food and pharmaceuticals. Radar is the right choice for continuous, non-contact level measurement because, unlike ultrasonic sensors, it is not influenced by the process and ambient operating conditions. Use of the most reliable, cost-effective measurement technology available makes all the difference, especially in factory automation.

For further information on VEGA Controls

Limited Telephone: +44 1444 870055

E-Mail: info.uk@vega.com

Website: www.vega.com/uk

With VEGAPULS 42, VEGA brings its extensive experience with radar measurement technology to factory automation. Equipped with IO-Link and versatile hygienic adapters, the new level sensor meets the key requirements of modern industry: to perform complex measuring tasks faster, be simple to use and more cost-effective.

Performance Improvement… the Cost of Doing Nothing!

Beneficial Change requires investment, but doing nothing costs far more.

Having been privileged to serve the needs of the European Food and Drinks industry continuously for 56 years, I have obviously seen many changes, some of which I have been directly involved in. It isn’t the pace, nor the extent of change, which has surprised me, but the extent to which so many companies seem reluctant to embrace the beneficial change and instead, do nothing.

Comments such as ‘We have always done it this way’ have almost become a standing joke, but it is surprising how many people make such comments, whilst still resisting change themselves. It has often been said that ‘The only constant is the rate of change’. For many, the rate of change has been stuck in neutral for far too long and it is beginning to show in their annual audited accounts.

Doing the Same Things, but expecting Different Outcomes?

Whilst we design, manufacture, supply and support leading edge true state of the art performance improvement systems, we do not always see the rate of ‘take up’ and performance improvements amongst our clients that we expect to see. As the system is unequalled, let alone surpassed, compared with all other available systems, the lack of engagement on the part of our clients is almost always the cause. There is no shortage of ‘reasons’ or ‘excuses’, but the underlying problem is FEAR, the fear of change. Whilst it might be easy for us and them to see the weaknesses in the status quo, the fear of moving away from what they have always done, and embracing something new, is ever present.

Machiavelli recognised this more than 500 years ago which led to one of his most famous quotes:

“There is nothing more difficult and dangerous, nor more doubtful of success than an attempt to introduce a new order of things. For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to benefit from the new order of things will be but lukewarm defenders. This indifference arises in part from fear of their adversaries who were favoured by the old order, and partly from the incredulity of men who have no faith in anything new that is not the result of well established experience.

Hence it is that, whenever the opponents of the new order of things have the opportunity to attack it, they will do so with all the zeal of partisans, whilst those who defend it, do so feeble, such that it is dangerous to rely upon the latter.”

Taken from Niccolo Machiavelli’s novel, ‘The Prince’ (1513)

Spending Nothing is not the

same as Costing Nothing!

Those companies paralysed by inertia, will endlessly justify/excuse ‘doing nothing’. Some will say that they have to keep their spare funds for a ‘rainy day’. Others may even claim that spending less means more profit to share amongst stakeholders. Much like the Water Companies now

issuing large bonuses to directors, together with payment of dividends, whilst they pump raw sewage into the sea and our inland waterways. They have the monopoly, we simply have no choice but to continue to pay ever increasing water bills.

Amongst truly private companies, of course, the story is rather different, as they still have to remain competitive in order to avoid losing market share, but many are having a tough time. The Government is threatening to legislate in order to force supermarkets to reduce prices. If this happens, we know that the supermarkets will put even more pressure upon their beleaguered suppliers, squeezing them still further.

In June 2023, compared with the same period last year, bankruptcies were up by nearly a third.

Performance Improvement: You Can’t Improve What You Don’t Measure

With ever increasing raw material prices, legislated annual minimum wage increases, a shortage of factory floor labour and the supermarkets pushing for further reductions, the food and drink manufacturers must look inwardly to reduce their transformation costs. For some, this will mean a ‘root and branch’ end to end, overhaul, but for many, simply a myriad of incremental improvements to drive out waste and improve efficiencies. Either way, measurement becomes increasingly important. It is virtually impossible to chart improvements if you have little understanding or metrics regarding the starting points. Measurement cannot be done effectively or continuously with pencil and paper, so an accurate analysis of the starting points is essential.

With so many systems available, all of which claim to be ‘end to end’ ‘shop floor to top floor’ ‘leading edge’ and more, may all have something to offer, which do you choose?

Choosing the Right CI System and Partner

Choosing the right system is, of course, important, but so is choosing the right performance improvement partner. The right partner will understand your business, appreciate the risks and challenges that you face, will have an in-depth understanding of the difficulties encountered in the successful implementation of change and be enthusiastic to work with you to ensure the fullest understanding and engagement. The concept of CI is simple, but it isn’t as easy as some would have you believe. Reduction of wastage and improvement of efficiency at every opportunity is now more essential than ever in order to survive, even thrive, in this increasingly competitive marketplace.

We are here to help. See us at the PPMA Show at Birmingham NEC between 26th and 28th September on Stand B46 or give us a call on +44 (0)1225 764461.

Kingsmoor Packaging unveils sustainable brand refresh

Leading thermoforming business, Kingsmoor Packaging, has revealed an exciting brand refresh. which includes a bold new logo, together with an inspiring new strapline - ‘Forming a Better Future’. The updated brand maintains Kingsmoor’s recognisable red crown, but with a more contemporary, dynamic, and vibrant design.

The revamped brand identity is currently being implemented across Kingsmoor’s operations in Somerset. This includes site signage as well as online and offline administrative and marketing assets. Additionally, a new website is scheduled to launch later this year.

Kingsmoor Packaging’s new look perfectly encapsulates the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and a dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. Through significant investments in low-carbon production and renewable energy, Kingsmoor leads the charge in designing lighter and more efficient plastic products, such as KPL Cirrus™, a lightweight and recyclable container that has captured the attention of leading retailers.

James Hill, Kingsmoor Packaging’s managing director, said: “The unveiling of our new brand marks an exhilarating chapter for Kingsmoor. Our identity echoes our unwavering dedication to investing in the future and creating sustainable growth opportunities. We strive to produce plastic packaging that is as environmentally friendly as possible. Moreover, we want our brand to accurately portray our current business and showcase the exceptional quality and creativity that our customers have come to expect from Kingsmoor.”

For over three decades, Kingsmoor has been the go-to provider of bespoke thermoformed packaging in the UK. Their expertise lies in designing and manufacturing award-winning customised and off-the-shelf plastic packaging solutions for a wide range of industries, including food, automotive, and horticulture. In addition to crafting food-grade packaging that complies with plastic tax regulations and contains up to 100% recycled content, Kingsmoor’s dedicated R&D team relentlessly explores new environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, such as Prevented Ocean Plastic and Breakdown PET.

With cutting-edge in-house tooling and design capabilities, supported by state-of-theart production facilities, Kingsmoor offers customers a flexible, cost-effective, and comprehensive service that sets them apart.

Coding and marking specialists, Rotech

Machines expands their range of RF Lite feeders – costeffective systems for feeding and printing flat-form packaging – with a cleverly designed system specifically for small pouches and bags.

The new pouch edition of the RF Lite will be officially launched at PPMA 2023, where it will be at the forefront of stand A31. Like the original and shuttle variants, the RF Lite pouch is an entry-level solution for companies looking to automate their coding process for the first time. It is also well-suited to larger manufacturers looking to install multiple systems for multiple products and short/ trial production runs.

The system utilises vacuum technology to ‘pluck’ bags from a stack, before running them past a maintenance-free thermal inkjet printer, and returning them to a stack, ready for operator removal. This automatic process eliminates the need for coding and labelling by hand – which is often labour heavy, time consuming and inaccurate. Instead, users of the RF Lite can be reassured that their packaging will be coded quickly and accurately.

The system completes the RF Lite feeder range, proving that when it comes to cost-effective coding systems, three really is the magic number.

Printer for seamless large area printing on non-porous surfaces

Also new to the stand will be the Integra PP Razr 34 – an impressive piezo printer that bridges the gap between the capabilities of a thermal

Rotech unveil entry-level coding system for bags & pouches at PPMA 2023

inkjet printer and a large area printer. The Razr, which runs with the same inks used in a thermal inkjet printer, can guarantee excellent resolution printing (up to 600dpi) on both porous and non-porous substrates.

The cartridge-based technology also brings other benefits over other coding methods. It’s fast – it can run at high speeds up to 150m/min at 300dpi and it starts up and shuts down instantaneously. The printer also has two separate nozzle channels that can be controlled individually, guaranteeing optimal printhead life and quality of print.

The Razr is truly revolutionary in the world of coding and marking and is sure to be popular among manufacturers looking to improve their efficiency and reduce their waste. All without compromising on quality.

Speak to the experts on stand A31

Rotech’s biggest asset is not its impressive portfolio of solutions, but it’s team of industry experts, who will be available to talk with you on stand A31 about any coding and marking queries or applications you may have.

It can seamlessly print on areas up to 34mm, making it ideal for applications where thermal transfer (TTO) would have traditionally been used.

Global material handling and processing specialists open new testing facility in Germany

Introducing WineGuard™

Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) and Advanced Material Processing (AMP), material handling and processing platform companies consisting of Spiroflow and Cablevey Conveyors from AHS, together with Kason Corporation and Marion Process Solutions from AMP, have launched a new test facility in central Germany. The site is designed to service the whole of Europe and will enable customers to fully benefit from these unique partnerships and their integrated product portfolios.

WineGuard™ is the new and secure way to send your bottled beverages through the post/courier system. Protect your glass bottles in transit with WineGuard Allpack’s range of bottled beverages transit packaging solutions.

The 1000 sqm premises is conveniently located close to Frankfurt Airport and offers customers the opportunity to experience the full range of products from all four businesses, including Spiroflow’s T6 Bulk Bag Discharger, T3 Bulk Bag Discharger, 4” AMC Conveyor, 3” AMC Conveyor, a full range of Flexible Screw Conveyors, Low Profile Bulk Bag Filler, CTE Filler, and SMART 4 Bin; Cablevey’s 6” Cablevey conveyor with wash down Clean in Place; Kason Corporation’s M1 CENTRI-SIFTER, Multi Deck Sieve, 24” VIBRO-BED Drying system - Fluid Bed Dryer, VIBROSCREEN, and Lumpbreaker; and to complete the offering, Marion Process Solutions’ M0 Mixer.

Manufactured using fully recycled materials and being fully recyclable, our pulp fitment ranges fit into specially designed cartons that can securely hold multiple bottled beverages, providing functional, affordable transit packaging protection.

The test center also includes a spare parts and service hub, in addition to a powder lab, where customer materials can

Pulp fitments and corresponding carton sizes available for the following amounts of bottles -

• x3

• x6

• x12

be evaluated before conducting bulk testing. Here, material characteristics such as bulk density, moisture content, and angle of repose can be identified to determine material flowability. The site is equipped with full dust extraction.

“This new facility offers a comprehensive selection of our products to customers in Europe and beyond,” said testing & facility manager, Emmanuel Ricohermoso III, Dr.-Ing.

“For us, it’s all about offering ease of access to our capabilities and expertise, as well as the opportunity to see how these technologies can be used to optimise material handling and processing systems.”

Tom Finnegan, Sales Director Europe for AMP and AHS, added:

“Adding to our portfolio of testing facilities globally, the center represents an important step change in our ability to service our existing blue chip multinational customers and new European based customers quickly to meet needs and requirements across Europe. Being centrally located means that we are well-placed to offer local sales and service support and assist with general customer enquiries.”

An official opening of the test facility took place on the 12 July. To arrange a trial at the new location, please visithttps://amp-ahs.com/test-facilities/#contact

BrauBeviale in top form

After a 4-year break in its exhibition schedule

BrauBeviale in Nuremberg will start again from November 28-30, 2023.

With a diverse range of exhibitors, precisely designed special areas and a broadly-based support program, visitors from the beer, soft drinks and mineral water industries, as well as from the wine, sparkling wine and spirits industries, will find practical solutions for their operational requirements in process technology, filling and packaging, or in logistics.

At a press conference in Milan, the show organizers presented their program for this year and drew a close connection between the challenging economic environment and the clear responses offered by the show’s overall line-up. The organizers used three key topics to illustrate the current challenges in the beverage industry: In many segments, for example, consumption figures, and correspondingly production figures for many beverages, had not returned to 2019 levels even by the end of 2022. Furthermore, a shortage of appropriately skilled workers in the catering industry was contributing to the fact that out-of-home consumption in particular still had some catching up to do.

Challenging economic environment

There is always movement within the industry, and thus the number of breweries in Europe, with an increase of 614 during 2022, further demonstrates that forward-looking entrepreneurs continue to assess the potential in the European beverage market very positively. At the same time however, the enormous cost increases, which according to a survey by the German Brewers’ Association (Deutscher Brauer Bund), have resulted in a 140 percent increase in the price of new glass, a 135 percent increase in the price of carbon dioxide, and a 150 percent increase in the price of brewing malt, demand a high degree of flexibility in the procurement policies of beverage producers and breweries. In addition, the requirements recently published in the EU’s draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR) bring new uncertainties, particularly with regard to the development of reusable packaging strategies in Europe.

Solutions at BrauBeviale

Beverage producers and brewers, as well as winemakers, are therefore

well advised to establish a solid basis for their investment programs by means of gathering comprehensive information on raw materials, new machinery, production solutions, or logistics concepts. BrauBeviale offers a comprehensive range of products and services for the entire process chain in nine halls covering approx. 40,000 m² of exhibition space with around 900 exhibitors.

Alone 130 suppliers for packaging, closures, labelling, and secondary packaging will show their solutions for the tasks involved in productappropriate and efficient packaging.

The pressing question of carbon dioxide supply, for example, will be addressed by 17 suppliers and answered with state-of-the-art solutions. Alternatively – raw material topics: answers to questions about securing raw materials can be discussed with a total of 88 suppliers. The product database is already online and can be accessed by all users in the beverage and brewing industry to obtain the comprehensive supplier information even before visiting the event. From July 25, the ticket store will be open so that planning for a visit to BrauBeviale can be easily started online.

Support program for all visitor groups

New in this year’s exhibition portfolio – around 70 percent of exhibitors will include an offering for the customer group winegrowers – is a special show on grape processing and cellar management in Hall 4A. In this way, the exhibition also offers interesting stimuli for operators in wine production. “We are investing in this special area,” explains Andrea Kalrait, Executive Director of BauBeviale, “in order to demonstrate that the range of products and services at BrauBeviale is very broadly diversified and that a visit is therefore also worthwhile for those in the wine industry.” The supporting program will again cover a wide range of topics: “Sustainability in the light of climate and market changes”, “Industry Hotspots Future” to “Corporate profiling via sustainability”, to “Containers, Systems under Pressure” and on to “Raw Materials” demonstrate how brewers and beverage producers or even vintners can deal with the current challenges. The Forum BrauBeviale in Hall 1 is the address for visitors who want to find impulses for this. Furthermore, this is also the address for all visitors with a focus on marketing: “Branding the Brain” or sustainability in brand communication are the current hot topics for all interested parties.

But also the special areas with the Expert Forum, an exhibitor platform in Hall 4 or the Logistics Lounge, (also in Hall 4) will provide for knowledge enhancement and stimulating exchange. With the Craft Drinks Area in Hall 6, BauBeviale once again addresses a broad field of brewers and focuses on individual beer types and ingredients. The perfect place for beer connoisseurs or those who want to become one is the European Beer Star – this year in its 20th iteration. Over 500 breweries from 44 countries are sending entries. The brewers will showcase their brewing skills and face the critical palate of the jury.

The wide-ranging supporting program, which is free of charge for all visitors, will be available to view online at braubeviale.com from September.

Copyright: NuernbergMesse Heiko Stahl

Copyright: NuernbergMesse Heiko Stahl

Game, Set and Matcha!

How the Matcha drinks’ visionary creators are taking the drinks industry by storm

After three ambitious best friends bagged five offers from the Dragons’ Den millionaires, we ask LPW headliner and PerfectTed co-founder Marisa Poster what success tastes like.

Entrepreneurs, housemates and best friends Marisa Poster and brothers Teddie and Levi Levenfiche together created Europe’s first Matcha green tea-powered canned energy drink and are now on track to rake in a mighty £4million in revenue in the next 12 months.

Their appearance on the well-known entrepreneur’s hub and TV show; Dragons Den, raised a full house of backing for Marisa Poster and Teddie Levenfiche, neither of whom have much prior food or drink industry background. The PerfectTed duo pitching walked away from their appearance on BBC1’s Dragons’ Den appearance with a £50,000 investment from businessmen Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.

The trio, who all live together in London, had just five days to prepare for the pitch of their lives, and they wowed the panel.

“It’s been crazy,” said US-born Marisa, speaking to londonpackagingweek.com. “And it’s funny because the other day, we found the original business plan we had written about two years ago, and we have very much outpaced our projection. So, it’s exciting but also very hard to believe.”

Launched in 2021, PerfectTed was born from a desire to bring green tea-powered energy drinks – made with Matcha and flavoured with real fruit – to the masses.

Marisa and Teddie, who will speak at London Packaging Week in September, met on their first day at the University of Pennsylvania. When they returned to the UK, Marisa, Teddie and Levi, who all live together in Fitzrovia, were surprised at how few ready-to-drink options there were, so they decided to create one.

“What’s interesting is the vision to launch an energy drink was an evolution from our original idea,” said Marisa. “Our original idea, which can be found on our Kickstarter page, was for a Matcha Latte and a Matcha tea in a Tetra Pak carton.

“So very different to what we have now, and we had to change our strategy a bit when we were having issues with that manufacturer because there’s only one manufacturer in the UK that can put it into 330ml Tetra Pak cartons. It has evolved. I don’t think we would have ever imagined that we would be where we are today when we first started.

“I think it’s been less of an uphill battle than we had initially expected just because we’re entering the market at a fantastic time when mental health is at the forefront of the conversation, and people are looking for healthier alternatives to caffeine. PerfectTed comes at a fantastic time by offering the functional energy that many crave.”

PerfectTed was created with a mission to transform the energy industry with delicious drinks, using simple, 100% natural ingredients with no additives, preservatives, or added sugar, just all-natural

energy. Powered by organic, ceremonial grade matcha, an antioxidant-rich Japanese matcha green tea, PerfectTed contains 80mg caffeine (equivalent to a Red Bull or a small cup of coffee) and is a more enduring and stable energy source.

PerfectTed claims to provide a natural alternative to ‘unhealthy’ energy drinks. The range comprises Pear Ginger, Apple Raspberry and Pineapple Yuzu flavours and is available in single cans (RRP from £1.75) and four-can multipacks (RRP £6).

“I think we realised that with categories like Kombucha or premium probiotic products, many of these trends originate in the US. Matcha has been growing steadily in the US market for quite some time,” Marisa added. “Coming to the UK, I realised that there were trends that were lagging about 18 months in the market, and it was only a matter of time before it became mainstream. So, I think we entered it just at the right point. “

After appearing on the BBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den and receiving a clean sweep of offers from all investors, the duo had a difficult decision. Which dragon could help catapult their brand onto supermarket shelves across the UK?

And it was Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones that Teddie and Marisa opted to work with, for a £25,000 investment for a 5% share from each.

After describing it as the “biggest risk we ever took for the business,” Marisa commented: “We couldn’t have asked for a better segment for them to have aired. We were in there for an hour and a half and went deep into the business’s financials. And funnily enough, they barely showed any of that, and instead, it was like a 14-minute advertisement for the product.

“We’re grateful that they chose to air the segments they did. But it was a unique launchpad and has given us a partner in Steven Bartlett, who is a fierce advocate for the brand and putting his whole weight behind it. His support as an entrepreneur has been so valuable, and he’s such a champion of entrepreneurship to be in our corner.

“We got a lot from their comments as well. Peter Jones’ first comment about the packaging was, ‘Where’s your brand? I can’t see it. And at the time, we went into the Den with one of the first iterations of the label, and when you look at it now, the logo was so small you could barely see it.

“And that was his primary concern with it. And obviously, there is a reason for that because we wanted the product to be so obvious to what it was whilst sitting on the shelf. And we understood at the time that we had very little brand equity. So, it’s funny. Each iteration. The logo gets bigger and bigger and bigger.”

The London-based company set up in 2021, has recently secured a listing at Tesco, the UK’s largest grocer, to build on its presence in retailers, including Holland & Barrett and Selfridges.

The PerfectTed drinks, which contain 80mg of caffeine per 250ml can, are also on sale in eight other countries, including Ireland, Singapore and the UAE. PerfectTed is in 1200 Tesco stores, Planet Organic, Holland and Barratt, and Marks & Spencer.

And while on the surface, the journey looks like one of straight success, adapting to a steep learning curve, minus any real experience in the food and beverage industry, and dealing with manufacturing issues early on, make the duo well placed to talk about the highs and lows of life as a supercharged startup.

“We’ve evolved our packaging through consumer feedback,” Marisa admitted. “Another helpful feedback was that there was no association with green tea anywhere on our packaging in the original format. Making that association with green tea gives people a baseline reference for what you go on, and they can understand more about options, like when we changed sparkling energy to green tea energy. And that was a subtle change. That made a lot of difference for people who did not know what Matcha was.

“Another thing was about no added sugar. You realise that that was an important attribute that people were picking up on, but it needed to be more apparent on the front of the can.

“There had never been a green card in the fridge before that we saw, and ours immediately stands out on the shelves. So just thinking about ways to stand out in a crowded space can pay off.”

Two-thirds of the trio – Marisa and Teddie, who delivered ‘the’ perfect pitch will speak on the Food & Consumer Stage at London Packaging Week on September 21.

On the prospect of speaking at 12-12:30 pm on the first day of London Packaging Week, which will take place on 21 & 22 September at the ExCeL London, Marisa said: “We’re excited, and it will be unlike any other talk you’ve ever attended.

“We’ll touch upon funny stories regarding manufacturing and design and even the pressure to rebrand – even as an emerging brand.

“We see this with a lot of different brands. I won’t make names, but I’ve seen several other specifically soft drinks brands rebrand quite early in their journeys, and I don’t feel they’ve given enough time to their original concept to test it out in the market. And we almost fell victim by pursuing a rebrand in October.

“And that’s when Tesco turned around and said, ‘We love you, we love your packaging, we love your brand, and we’re so excited to launch you guys in March’. Allowing yourself to collect feedback to make informed decisions is probably the most important thing we’ve learned.”

Teddie Levenfiche

Marisa Poster

Individual sweets need individual labels

DTM Print offers solutions for direct-to-food printing and the production of food labels in any size and shape.

Personalised chocolate and biscuits are in high-demand these days - for weddings, anniversaries, corporate hospitality and other events. Those products stand out and offer that little ‘extra’. With Eddie, a direct-to-food printer with edible ink, it is very easy to print onto biscuits, sweets, marshmallows, white chocolate and a wide range of baked goods.

As Eddie prints full-colour photos, logos, designs and text directly onto the surface of baked goods and confectionery, there is no need for using icing sheets; no aftertaste and no added texture which would decrease the quality of the food. A highly professional look and great detail are realised, even on curved and uneven surfaces. Eddie turns treats into real eye-catchers and opens up new profits by offering branded and bespoke products.

The direct-to-food printer has a small footprint (only ~ 32 x 47 cm) and weighs about 11 kg. Eddie can print in manual and automatic mode, depending on the size and shape of the food. You can also choose between using the included carousel or select from a large variety of DTM Trays that are designed especially for Eddie by DTM Print.

Eddie was designed to be used in food processing environments to fulfil all hygienic standards. Stainless steel housing, easy to clean components and certified ink with EU and FDA approvals make Eddie the safest direct-to-food printer in its class. The edible ink is also Kosher and Halal certified and suitable for vegans.

Now that you know how to produce bespoke sweets you also need to think about the packaging. It is at least as important as the wonderful and tasty items in it. Labels are an important part of any packaging and have a strong impact on the purchasing process of consumers as they first draw attention to a product and contain plenty of information that can influence consumers to buy a product.

Instead of printing on standard A4 label sheets the LX610e Pro not only prints full-colour labels, but this desktop label printer/plotter also produces any shape and customised labels with the built-in digital die-cutting mechanism.

The LX610e Pro comes with the easy-to-use Windows and Mac compatible software. Besides an intuitive software the label printer is eco-friendly and sustainable with very low energy consumption, low weight by using less material, non-toxic ink supplies as well as 100% recyclable components. In addition, all DTM Print units in the UK, but also EU and EFTA countries, get warranty of up to 3 years.

When Eddie-printed sweets are combined with brilliant and fullcolour labels produced by the LX610e Pro they become a highlight and stand out. Small businesses can actually increase their sales through innovative packaging and labelling. It also allows manufacturers of all sizes to offer private label goods in smaller quantities.

Learn more about DTM Print and its products at dtm-print.eu

Berlin Packaging UK and Renais showcased artisan gin and bespoke bottle collaboration at Imbibe Live 2023

Inspired by terroir and tradition, Alex and Emma Watson’s luxury modern gin, crafted with a nod to Burgundy’s artisan winemaking heritage, was poured from a unique bottle and mixed by award-winning bartender Jack Sotti at Berlin Packaging stand D120.

Imbibe Live 2023, London, Monday 3rd to Tuesday 4th July 2023 Hybrid packaging supplier Berlin Packaging and Renais, a luxury modern gin created by Alex and Emma Watson, were on display recently at Imbibe Live, which was held at London’s Olympia exhibition venue in early July. Award-winning mixologist Jack Sotti, who is also Director of Brand Advocacy at Renais, poured and mixed incredible drinks for visitors to stand D120 from a tailor-made bottle design created in collaboration with Berlin’s creative hub Studio 111.

Renais is inspired by the people, produce and provenance of Burgundy, an iconic wine region in France, and is a vibrant and delicious modern gin imbued with the distinctive flavour of Grand Cru grapes. Salvaged grape skins from the only vineyard in Chablis to use organic farming methods are collected after pressing for wine to create the base spirit, helping minimise waste. This is then blended with Kimmeridgian stone and Grand Cru grapes, some of which are from the Watson family’s own vineyard, to provide the classic Chablis minerality. With such a powerful and personal story behind the product, the bottle that presents and protects it was of the utmost importance to get right.

“The bottle design was very precious to Alex, Emma and the team at Renais,” said Mark Crumpton, Business Development Manager at Berlin Packaging. “Our initial interactions were consultative before our technical expertise was deployed to deliver exactly what they had intended and to ensure the geometry of the bottle was such that it could be scaled for production. Our input turned the creative design into something that could be manufactured with only the smallest possible change to the aesthetic design intent, and the results on display at Imbibe spoke for themselves.”

Alex Watson, Founder of Renais, added: “As a young, hungry company, we were looking for the right partner to grow with us, and Berlin was able to provide the efficiency and the scalability that we need. The bottle has a luxury French modern aesthetic with a modern twist, and when we first held it in our hands there was a feeling of elation. It’s a very surreal moment to finally be able to hold a finished product after having it only exist in your mind for such a long time. The launch and seeing the reaction together for the product when it hit the market was a real highlight - all the hard work coming to fruition – and to have been at Imbibe with Berlin, and to have had Jack Sotti with us too, was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our brand to the world.”

Renais is inspired by the people, produce and provenance of Burgundy, an iconic wine region in France, and is a vibrant and delicious modern gin imbued with the distinctive flavour of Grand Cru grapes. Salvaged grape skins from the only vineyard in Chablis to use organic farming methods are collected after pressing for wine to create the base spirit, helping minimise waste.

Visitors to Berlin Packaging’s stand, in addition to being able to sample Renais in drinks mixed personally by Jack Sotti, were also able to learn more about the process of creating the gin and its packaging and to speak directly to Berlin experts about the unique capabilities of Studio 111.

The World’s Largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® in glass, plastic, metal packaging, and closures. The company is a One-Stop Packaging Shop that combines the best elements of Design & Innovation, Manufacturing Services, and Customer Solutions for the packaging industry. Berlin Packaging is the only player that can offer a complete range of services and supports clients during the entire packaging cycle.

The Evolution of Food Packaging: Embracing Sustainability and Innovation

As a result, the latest food packaging trends and innovations are focused on creating more environmentally friendly solutions while maintaining the quality and safety of the products they encase. In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent trends in food packaging, including recyclable materials, eco-friendly bottles and pouches, and advancements in waste disposal.

1.

One of the most noteworthy developments in food packaging is the shift towards recyclable and biodegradable materials. Traditional plastic packaging has long been a major contributor to environmental pollution, with vast amounts of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans. As a response to this ecological crisis, companies are now opting for eco-friendly alternatives.

a) Biodegradable Plastics: Innovations in biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution. These plastics are derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, and they break down naturally over time, significantly reducing their impact on the environment.

b) Compostable Packaging: Compostable materials are gaining popularity as they can be broken down into natural components through composting processes. These materials offer an excellent alternative for single-use food containers and utensils.

c) Paper and Cardboard Packaging: Traditional paper and cardboard materials are making a comeback due to their recyclability and biodegradability. Advanced techniques in manufacturing and design are enhancing their durability, making them suitable for a wide range of food products.

Beyond sustainable materials, the food packaging industry is also witnessing advancements in eco-friendly bottle and pouch designs. These innovations aim to reduce waste and promote reusability.

a) Refillable Bottles: Many beverage companies are introducing refillable bottle programs, encouraging consumers to return empty containers to designated collection points. These bottles undergo thorough sanitation processes and are refilled, reducing the need for single-use packaging.

b) Flexible Pouches: Lightweight and space-efficient, flexible pouches are becoming increasingly popular for various food products. As they use fewer resources during production and take up less space in transportation, these pouches contribute to lower carbon emissions.

c) Edible Packaging: A revolutionary concept gaining traction is edible packaging. Made from materials such as seaweed, rice, or potato starch, these packages can be safely consumed along with the food they encase, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.

3. Advancements in Waste Disposal

Food packaging waste management has become a critical concern, prompting the development of innovative waste disposal techniques.

a) Recycling Infrastructure Improvements: Governments and industries are investing in improving recycling infrastructure, making it easier for consumers to recycle their food packaging. Initiatives like collection drives, curbside recycling, and recycling awareness campaigns are becoming more common.

b) Biological Waste Treatment: Some companies are exploring biological waste treatment methods, which involve using microorganisms to break down packaging materials efficiently. This can lead to reduced waste in landfills and a more sustainable waste disposal process.

c) Energy Recovery: In certain cases, non-recyclable food packaging waste can be converted into energy through processes like incineration. Although controversial, energy recovery can help offset the carbon footprint of packaging waste.

The food packaging industry is undergoing a transformative journey, with sustainability and innovation at the forefront. Manufacturers and consumers alike are recognizing the importance of reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste. As individuals, businesses, and governments continue to prioritise sustainability, we move closer to a world where food packaging no longer poses a threat to the environment but rather becomes an integral part of the solution.

Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly Materials

2. Eco-Friendly Bottles and Pouches

In recent years, the food packaging industry has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the growing awareness of environmental issues and consumer demand for sustainable practices.

Introducing our new range...

We have launched a new range of pre-made mono-polymer recyclable pouches!

Whilst these products are already established in the Sports Nutrition market, we are excited to announce that, due to customer demand, we have expanded our offerings into the Pet Food Market, with a selection of Flat Bottom and Quad Seal formats.

As a Carbon Neutral business, our mission is to help create a more circular economy, which is why our new product range includes food safe recycled content (PIR) bags, produced from BOPE or MDOPE films. We also have the option for a higher barrier, ensuring they meet the recyclability guidelines.

Our flat bottom pouches are free standing with a strong shelf presence, and our Quad Seal Bags are cost effective, with a folded bottom, making them suitable for heavy products.

With such a huge range of packaging formats and trends now being found in pet food aisles, shelf space and appeal is high on the list of competitive demand. Our lead times, quality controls, warehousing facilities, and expertise make it easy for us to help you lead the pack with innovative pet food packaging, providing a solution to your packaging challenges and needs.

With a reliable supply chain where quality matters, we can provide you with convenient and sustainable packaging whilst protecting your brands reputation and giving you peace of mind, by ensuring we deliver on time, every time.

Constantly adding to our product range, we make sure we have what you want, when you want it, and as a business full of pet lovers, we know just how important it is to provide you with quality packaging that will protect the contents.

Any pet owner wants to make sure their pets food looks fresh and smells good enough to eat, so the packaging you choose needs to protect your product by keeping it safe, nutritious, and most importantly, irresistibly tasty for your pet.

That’s why our new range is going down a treat!

Fulton introduces two new larger outputs to expand its VSRT range and open new markets

Claimed to be the most radical change to vertical steam boiler design since it first pioneered the vertical tubeless boiler in 1949, Fulton’s VSRT has rocked the steam boiler market since its launch in 2018 to become class-leading and a symbol of efficiency, with many users benefitting from generous savings in gas and water consumption in addition to CO2 and NOX emissions.

At launch, the seven-model VSRT range was available with outputs from 160 to 960 kg/h, but with demand increasing for an energy efficient boiler with larger outputs like those of horizontal reverse-flame steam boilers, Fulton is now expanding the range and introducing two new re-designed VSRT models with outputs of 1565 and 1956 kg/h.

Commenting for Fulton, managing director Carl Knight says: “These new models are ground-breaking for their output range! When you consider the VSRT-100 and VSRT-125 models, there are no truly-efficient tubeless vertical steam boilers in the marketplace with similar output ranges, the VSRT is the only tubeless boiler available with the capability of efficiently producing nearly two tonnes per hour of steam.

“In short, what we are delivering with these new models is much higher output versions without compromising efficiency!”

These new, larger-output VSRT models maintain exceptionally high operating efficiencies (up to 86% gross thermal efficiency compared to approximately 80% from typical boiler designs), which results in lower operating and lifecycle costs and improved return on investment. The latest models also continue to achieve ultralow NOx emissions of less than 20ppm and 10:1 turndown capability.

The water volume of these latest VSRT models is far greater than equivalent horizontal shell and tube boilers and steam generators, combined with an impressive steam chest volume giving it the ability to react quickly to changes in steam demand. The VSRT still boasts a start-up time of approximately 20 minutes and achieves a 99.75% steam quality, a detail most manufacturers are unwilling to publish.

Like the existing models in the range, the two new models come with the assurance of a

10-year “unparalleled” warranty on the pressure vessel, double that of the industry standard. Additionally, like all Fulton VSRT and electric boilers, they contain no refractory and have no requirement for five-yearly, non-destructive testing, which contributes to reduced lifecycle costs when compared to standard shell and tube boilers.

These advanced, energy-saving and environmentally-beneficial features are standard across the now expanded VSRT range.

Compared to equivalent vertical tubeless steam boilers, the VSRT is a more durable, and in many cases, compact boiler that is energy-efficient, produces an increased volume of higher quality steam, is easy to maintain and backed by an unparalleled warranty. Additionally, the VSRT complies with the City of London Air Quality Strategy and MCPD regulations, is constructed to BS EN 12953 and UKCA/CE marked to PED.

For further information on the new VSRT steam boiler, visit www.fulton.co.uk, email sales@fulton.co.uk or

HELPING YOUR FACILITY ON THE ROAD TO NET ZERO

Our class-leading range of fuel-fired and electric steam boilers and portfolio of aftercare solutions can help with your decarbonisation strategy and put your company on the Road to Net Zero.

As a complete solutions provider, Fulton can provide your food processing facility with:

· fuel-fired and electric steam boilers

· off-grid and point-of-use solutions

· ancillary plant / engineered systems

· steam surveys

· project management

· water treatment contracts

· accredited / certified training

· installation / commissioning / upgrades

· repair / service / maintenance programmes

For further information scan the QR code, visit www.fulton.co.uk, email sales@fulton.co.uk or call the office on +44 (0)117 972 3322.

Dairy Ingredients, Made in Germany

Uelzena eG is a dairy cooperative with four production plants and two sales units located in Northern Germany. As a milk specialist for the food industry, Uelzena produces milk based ingredients like milk powder, butter, concentrated butter (AMF), sweetened condensed milk and cream. since 2006 and supplies major brand manufacturers with sweetened condensed milk and cream. The sweetened condensed milk has a nice smooth texture, a clean taste without any ‘cooked’ flavour, and is technologically resilient to further processing. The widely product range extends from classic sweetened condensed milk with halal, kosher, organic or Fairtrade quality seals to mixed recipes with added vegetable fats.

All ingredients are produced directly from fresh milk or cream – free from any food additives and are naturally clean label products. Uelzena sources the majority of their raw material milk from own contract milk producers in northern Germany. This means short transport routes and guarantees both the availability and highest quality of the raw ingredient. It also means Uelzena knows exactly where their milk comes from. Best conditions for the production of high quality milk ingredients.

Skimmed milk powder and buttermilk powder

The milk powder range primarily includes low-heat and medium heat skimmed milk powder and buttermilk powder. Uelzena aims to achieve the highest quality milk powders, which involves optimising the denaturation level, solubility, particle size and mixing behaviour, while also keeping dust formation low.

Butter and anhydrous milk fat

Uelzena produces many milk fats like branded butter and concentrated butter for international manufacturers in the bakery, confectionery and ice cream sectors. As well as a variety of speciality products such as laminating butter with a predefined melting point, milk fats with added vanillin or carotene, fat blends or decolourised white butterfat.

Sweetened condensed milk and cream

WS Warmsener Spezialitäten GmbH, one of the largest manufacturers of sweetened condensed milk, has been part of the Uelzena Group

Product safety and quality

The production conforms to the highest technical and hygienic standards. These certified standards are strictly monitored in a high level quality management system and are repeatedly confirmed in the multiple successful audits conducted by global food companies.

Producing high-quality dairy products for the global food market with cutting-edge technology and equipment

In the ever-expanding global food market, the demand for high-quality dairy products is on the rise.

Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking dairy items that are not only nutritious but also meet the highest standards of taste and quality. With the help of advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment, Uelzena Ingredients has emerged as a trailblazer in the production of exceptional dairy products.

Advancing Dairy Production with Technology & Equipment

Cutting-Edge Production Sites:

Uelzena Ingredients boasts advanced production sites equipped with the latest technology, designed to optimize efficiency and maintain the highest levels of hygiene and safety. These facilities play a pivotal role in producing a wide range of dairy products that cater to diverse customer needs.

Spraying Towers:

The technology ensures precise and consistent particle size and distribution, resulting in superior product quality and increased solubility.

Comprehensive Milk Fat Processing:

Milk fat is a valuable component of many dairy products, and Uelzena understands the significance of handling it with utmost care. Their comprehensive technology range for milk fat processing guarantees the highest purity and quality, leading to exceptional taste and texture in the final products.

Specialised Processes:

In addition to standard dairy processes, Uelzena has developed specialised techniques to enhance their product range further. These processes enable them to create unique and innovative dairy offerings, setting them apart from competitors in the market.

Meeting Global Standards

Quality Control:

Uelzena Ingredients prioritizes quality control at every stage of the production process. Their advanced equipment is coupled with stringent quality checks to ensure that all dairy products meet international quality standards and adhere to food safety regulations.

Sustainability:

The company is committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Their cutting-

edge equipment is designed to minimize waste and energy consumption, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Research & Development:

To stay at the forefront of the dairy industry, Uelzena continuously invests in research and development. Their team of experts works tirelessly to explore innovative technologies, improve existing processes, and create new dairy products that cater to emerging market trends.

Global Impact and Market Presence

Uelzena Ingredients has garnered a strong global presence due to its dedication to producing high-quality dairy products. Their offerings have found their way into a multitude of markets, and their clientele includes renowned confectionery manufacturers, bakeries, ice cream producers, and delicatessens worldwide. The reliability of their products, coupled with their commitment to excellence, has earned them the trust of customers on a global scale.

In the fast-paced and competitive global food market, producing high-quality dairy products requires an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Uelzena Ingredients has proven its mettle by leveraging cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment to revolutionize dairy production.

Why There Is So Much Air in Crisp Packets?

Crisps are a staple snack enjoyed by millions, but opening a bag and finding it only half full can be disappointing. It might seem like a way for brands to cut down on the number of crisps they put in each packet and give the illusion that you get more for your money, but there’s a sound reasoning behind all that ‘air’.

Crisp Packaging: The Science behind the Air

At first glance, the air in crisp packets may seem to be taking up valuable snack space. However, it’s not really air but nitrogen.

Nitrogen is used to modify the atmosphere of the crisp packet. One of the chemical characteristics of nitrogen is its highly stable triple bond, which minimises any reaction with the ingredients within the crisp packet and keeps crisps fresh, tasty and crunchy.

This is important, as crisps contain moisture, meaning they will quickly go stale when exposed to the oxygen. Nobody likes a soggy crisp, so manufacturers reduce the amount of oxygen inside by filling the packets with nitrogen, which prolongs the crisps’ shelf life.

The Role of Moisture Measurement in Ensuring Freshness

Moisture is a critical factor in determining the shelf life and quality of crisps. Too little moisture and crisps will be hard, while too much can cause crisps to lose their crunch. Therefore, ensuring crisps remain fresh and tasty requires precise control over the moisture content during production.

Manufacturers achieve this by using Near Infrared (NIR) moisture gauges. Advanced food processing equipment such as the NDC Moisture Analyser allows producers to maintain optimal freshness and taste by measuring moisture levels in real-time.

Because NIR gauges are non-contact, they can be used to measure moisture without physically touching or destroying the product.

They work by emitting a NIR light at specific wavelengths known to interact with water (moisture) molecules. When the light reaches the crisps, the crisps absorb some of it and reflect the rest.

The light absorbed by the water molecules in the crisps depends on the moisture concentration, with high-moisture crisps absorbing more light than those with less water.

Then, a detector measures the intensity of the reflected light to accurately, quickly and continuously calculate the moisture content.

From here, manufacturers can adjust cooking times, temperatures or the drying process to ensure optimised moisture levels, consistent quality and the right balance of crunch and flavour.

The “wasted space” in crisp packets may seem excessive at first glance, but now you can see it’s not just a clever marketing trick — it is a precise solution to maintain high-quality standards and keep crisps fresh and delicious throughout their shelf life.

Introducing Nordson Gauge

The Only On-Line Gauge on the Market that Can Simultaneously Measure Color, Moisture, Fat/Oil and Protein… Out of the Box

Nordson Measurement & Control Solutions

(formerly

NDC Technologies) introduces the Series 9 Food Color Gauge.

The Series 9 gauge is a best-seller in the food industry. It is specially engineered for 24/7 duty, helping manufacturers to meet product quality demands and efficiency goals.

Installed directly on-line, it delivers unparalleled measurement performance while maintaining simplicity and versatility in design and operation. It doesn’t require special operator skills or expert knowledge, yet it allows experienced users to access the enhanced interaction capabilities as desired.

In addition to the key constituents, the Series 9 gauge can detect the change in brownness on the surface of a baked or fried product as a result of the Maillard reaction – called degree of bake.

However, surface browning is not the only color measurement required by the industry. That’s where the new Series 9 Color Gauge comes in.

Building on the existing flexible, future-proof platform, the NDC Products team by Nordson has expanded the capability of Series 9 to create a unique gauge capable of simultaneously measuring the color and the key constituents of food products. The NEW Series 9 can now measure the full-color spectrum in a wide range of standard scales, as well as color tolerance and difference outputs, for CIE (L*, a*, b*), RGB, CIE LCh (L*, C*, h), ΔE* & ΔEcmc and Degree of Roast (DOR).

Application tests in leading companies have proven that repeatable numeric color readings, combined with other critical measurements such as moisture, fat/oil, and protein, can be confidently used as part of a process control strategy to deliver consistent product quality every time. The Series 9 color gauge already counts numerous success stories in the industrial production of various foods, namely nuts, snacks, dehydrated fruits, coffee, etc.

Overall, the Series 9 Color Gauge keeps you ahead with:

■ Evolutionary technology that is flexible, adaptable and scalable to meet your changing needs

■ Enterprise-level intelligence compatible with Industry 4.0

■ Easier operation and maintenance

■ Lower cost of ownership over a long lifetime of operation

Supply Shortages Could Increase Risk of Food Fraud

Manufacturers could be at growing risk of food fraud if they do not take the correct precautions when selecting new suppliers, according to leading global assurance partner, LRQA.

As global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, continue to impact food supply, it is imperative that food manufacturers maintain factory audits and supply chain assessments to preserve food safety.

With the recent Kakhovka dam burst in Ukraine flooding hundreds of thousands of hectares of land being used for agriculture, a significant impact on food supply is expected to be felt globally. Last year, wheat prices already reached a new record high and, while prices have since lowered, Ukraine – the world’s sixthlargest wheat exporter – is predicted to produce less than 50% of its most recent harvests. The incident at the Kakhovka dam has since increased prices again on what wheat supplies do remain, by more than eight and a half percent in just seven days and appears to still be on the rise.

As a result, food manufacturers may have to change suppliers to meet consumer demand. LRQA is warning manufacturers to be vigilant against food fraud, particularly if new suppliers are not vetted to the appropriate standards, and ensure critical factory audits and supply chain assessments are not skipped.

Kimberly Coffin, Global Technical Director for Supply Chain Assurance at LRQA, said: “The current situation has been

referred to as a worldwide food crisis, and the EU and UN have both issued ‘serious risk’ warnings. Because of this, we must be vigilant against all forms of food fraud, and we are urging all food producers to take the necessary safeguards to defend supply chain integrity and safeguard consumers.”

As the threat of food fraud continues to loom, businesses must ensure that international standards are maintained, and suppliers – inclusive of source and/or origin – have been verified. Supply chain integrity programmes from independent assurance specialists, like LRQA, can help ensure product provenance, relevant certification and audits have been taken place.

Kimberly continued: “Only when a food brand can demonstrate the integrity of their supply network can they be confident of the absence of unadulterated food and the subsequent mis-labelling risks. Adulterated, mis-labelled food may lead to regulatory sanctions and have serious implications for consumer safety. Considering that the food industry has already faced so many challenges in the past few years, some businesses could be devastated by a significant food fraud incident, such as the horse meat scandal in 2013. The food industry at every stage of supply must remain vigilant in the defence against food fraud.”

Kimberly Coffin, Global Technical Director for Supply Chain Assurance at LRQA

Neogen® Launches New Assays for Histamine Detection

Neogen® Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) announced today that it has launched two new assays for the detection of histamine, Reveal® for Histamine and Reveal Q+ for Histamine.

Reveal and Reveal Q+ assays are easy-to-use lateral flow tests that utilize a simple water extraction method, providing results in a matter of minutes and eliminating the need to dispose of any chemicals, as is needed with other commercially available histamine detection methods, reducing testing time.

“These two new tests are an excellent addition to our portfolio of food safety testing solutions, helping keep consumers safe and healthy,” said John Adent, Neogen’s President and CEO.

“These rapid tests make it easy for producers and distributors to test for this toxin, backed by Neogen’s reputation for providing accurate and reliable results.”

Reveal for Histamine (PN 9548) is a qualitative lateral flow assay intended for visual screening of histamine at 50 parts-per-million (ppm) in scombroid species of fish, such as tuna and mahi-mahi.

Reveal Q+ for Histamine (PN 9549) is a quantitative lateral flow assay designed to be read on Neogen’s Raptor® Integrated Analysis Platform. The assay provides quantitative results for histamine in scombroid species of fish and dry animal protein. High levels of histamine may develop in fish species as they decompose, and the ingestion of histamine can cause scombroid poisoning in humans. Because of the potential for human illness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an action level of 50 parts per million (PPM) for histamine in domestic and imported fish.

Neogen offers a comprehensive range of food safety diagnostic test products for foodborne bacteria, mycotoxins, food allergens, and other concerns. Its full line of mycotoxin test kits detects aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin, ochratoxin, T-2/HT-2, and zearalenone.

About Neogen

Neogen Corporation develops and markets comprehensive solutions dedicated to food and animal safety, operating with the intention to “Every day, protect the people and animals we care about.” The Company’s Food Safety segment markets dehydrated culture media and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, food allergens, drug residues, plant diseases, and sanitation concerns. Neogen’s Animal Safety segment is a leader in the development of genomic solutions along with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary instruments, wound care, and disinfectants, as well as rodent and insect control solutions.

CORROSION RESISTANT SOLUTIONS FROM

In an environment of increased operational requirements and tough regulatory guidelines, today’s bearings and power transmission products are exposed to a host of demanding conditions. Such conditions may include corrosive cleaning agents, high pressure washdown and a wide array of environmental factors that can negatively impact performance. Overall, a balance of material strength, corrosion resistance, sealing and lubrication are required for all products used where hygiene is of paramount importance.

Due to the pandemic we’ve seen increased attention to cleanliness, washdown procedures and prevention of foreign contaminants from getting into the manufacturing process within fish, food and beverage processing companies. Recently there has been concern over a rise in contamination in meat processing and fruits and vegetables; which has changed procedures in food manufacturing across the board.

Stainless steel tends to hold up the best, allowing for more pressure, more soap and a little faster cleaning time. Alternative surface treatments such as nickel plating and Aquaproof are also available.

There is tremendous benefit to selecting products that support a reduced maintenance schedule. For example, corrosion resistant high performance bearings can prevent contaminants such as water and dirt from entering the bearing. New equipment is not always an option, so the ability to adapt to the situation with the right components with the best seals can be a game-changer.

Corrosion Resistant Products

Introducing CRS from Cross+Morse: a comprehensive line of corrosion resistant power transmission products engineered to perform in corrosive and contaminated environments.

Cross+Morse offer an entire range of stainless steel products suitable for washdown environments: Roller chain and attachments, sprockets, taper bushes, shaft clamping elements;

There is tremendous benefit to selecting products that support a reduced maintenance schedule. For example, corrosion resistant high performance bearings can prevent contaminants such as water and dirt from entering the bearing. New equipment is not always an option, so the ability to adapt to the situation with the right components with the best seals can be a game-changer.

Corrosion Resistant Components

For further information please contact Cross+Morse

Telephone: +44 (0) 121 360 0155

Facsimile: +44 (0) 121 325 1079

Email: sales@crossmorse.com or visit www.crossmorse.com

along with the whole selection of McGill® cam followers and Sealmaster® bearings and gearboxes.

If there is not an off the shelf solution, Cross+Morse also have the ability to manufacture sprockets, platewheels, gears, bevel gears, helical gears and timing belt pulleys in non-corrosive material to your exact specifications at our factory here in Birmingham.

MAGNAVALE ANNOUNCE PROGRESSION OF CHESTERFIELD COLD STORE EXPANSION

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage, is excited to announce significant progress on the construction of its new extension at the Chesterfield cold storage facility.

The provider of temperature-controlled storage solutions is currently working on numerous projects that aim to reshape the cold storage sector, creating sustainable storage solutions. With the recent announcement of the £130m investment into the development at Easton, Grantham, and the significant expansion at Chesterfield, Magnavale are making significant strides towards their Net Zero goals.

Since breaking ground earlier this year, the project at Magnavale’s Chesterfield facility has reached several important milestones, bringing the UK provider of temperature-controlled storage closer to the expected completion date of late 2024. Magnavale report that the site excavation has been successfully completed, and the concrete foundations for the facility have been poured.

Over the course of the summer, Magnavale share that their team will shift their focus towards the steelwork construction of the cold store.

On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold stores’ existing capacity of 40,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 65,000, making it one of the largest cold stores in the area.

This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperaturecontrolled facilities and value-added services.

The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave uptempering and contract packing. Coupled with its strategic location, just off the M1, Magnavale Chesterfield is extremely desirable for food manufacturers that wish to cut unnecessary cost, risk, and complexity from their cold chain.

Global material handling and processing specialists open new testing facility in Germany

Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) and Advanced Material Processing (AMP), material handling and processing platform companies consisting of Spiroflow and Cablevey Conveyors from AHS, together with Kason Corporation and Marion Process Solutions from AMP, have launched a new test facility in central Germany. The site is designed to service the whole of Europe and will enable customers to fully benefit from these unique partnerships and their integrated product portfolios.

The 1000 sqm premises is conveniently located close to Frankfurt Airport and offers customers the opportunity to experience the full range of products from all four businesses, including Spiroflow’s T6 Bulk Bag Discharger, T3 Bulk Bag Discharger, 4” AMC Conveyor, 3” AMC Conveyor, a full range of Flexible Screw Conveyors, Low Profile Bulk Bag Filler, CTE Filler, and SMART 4 Bin; Cablevey’s 6” Cablevey conveyor with wash down Clean in Place; Kason Corporation’s M1 CENTRI-SIFTER, Multi Deck Sieve, 24” VIBRO-BED Drying system - Fluid Bed Dryer, VIBROSCREEN, and Lumpbreaker; and to complete the offering, Marion Process Solutions’ M0 Mixer.

The test center also includes a spare parts and service hub, in addition to a powder lab, where customer materials can

be evaluated before conducting bulk testing. Here, material characteristics such as bulk density, moisture content, and angle of repose can be identified to determine material flowability. The site is equipped with full dust extraction.

“This new facility offers a comprehensive selection of our products to customers in Europe and beyond,” said testing & facility manager, Emmanuel Ricohermoso III, Dr.-Ing.

“For us, it’s all about offering ease of access to our capabilities and expertise, as well as the opportunity to see how these technologies can be used to optimise material handling and processing systems.”

Tom Finnegan, Sales Director Europe for AMP and AHS, added:

“Adding to our portfolio of testing facilities globally, the center represents an important step change in our ability to service our existing blue chip multinational customers and new European based customers quickly to meet needs and requirements across Europe. Being centrally located means that we are well-placed to offer local sales and service support and assist with general customer enquiries.”

An official opening of the test facility took place on the 12 July. To arrange a trial at the new location, please visithttps://amp-ahs.com/test-facilities/#contact

For more information on AHS-AMP visit https://amp-ahs.com

The advantages of buying food production machinery and equipment via online auction sites and establishments

The food production industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the competition requires access to modern machinery and equipment.

Traditionally, businesses would rely on local suppliers or trade shows to find the necessary tools for their operations. However, with the rise of online auction sites, the process of procuring food production machinery and equipment has become more convenient and cost-effective. We explore the numerous advantages of buying food production machinery through online auctions.

Wider Selection and Availability:

One of the primary advantages of auction sites is the vast selection of food production machinery and equipment available. Instead of being limited to local suppliers or a handful of options, buyers gain access to a global marketplace. They can explore a wide range of choices, including brand-new equipment, refurbished machines, and even high-quality used items.

Competitive Pricing:

Online auctions often foster competition among sellers, resulting in more competitive pricing. Buyers can benefit from the ability to compare prices, negotiate, and bid on items, allowing them to secure machinery and equipment at favourable rates. Furthermore, online auctions eliminate the middleman, reducing overhead costs and passing the savings onto buyers. Consequently, businesses can acquire high-quality machinery and equipment at significantly lower prices, enhancing their overall profitability.

Time and Cost Savings:

Purchasing food production machinery and equipment online offers substantial time and cost savings compared to traditional methods. Online auctions eliminate the need for physical visits to multiple suppliers or attending trade shows, saving valuable time and resources. Instead, buyers can conveniently browse, bid, and purchase equipment from the comfort of their offices or homes.

Transparency and Detailed Information:

Online auction sites and establishments provide comprehensive information about the machinery and equipment being sold. Buyers have access to detailed descriptions, specifications, condition reports, and often high-resolution images or videos. This transparency allows buyers to make informed decisions based on accurate information, reducing the risk of purchasing unsuitable or faulty equipment.

By leveraging the power of online auctions, companies can efficiently upgrade their operations, enhance their productivity, and position themselves for long-term success in the ever-evolving food production industry.

Expansion of 25,000 Frozen Pallet Locations Underway at Magnavale Chesterfield

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading provider of temperature-controlled storage, announce construction is underway, adding a significant 25,000 pallet locations to an existing 40,000 currently at the site.