The World’s Leading Trade Fair –Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins
17 AUTOMATION UK 2025
Automation UK promises exceptional exhibitor experiences for its 2025 show
24 PACKAGING & PACKAGING WASTE
Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging
PACKAGING & LABELLING
Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Rondanini’s New Pizza Range
27 SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
27. Balancing Environmental Responsibility and Consumer Expectations
18 ENVIROMENTAL
WEBSITE: TWITTER: @fdnetworkuk
Biggest drinks trends for 2025 Jo Taylorson, head of marketing and product management at Kingsland Drinks, shares insights on the key areas to watch out for in 2025...
10 PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK 2025
Defra to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, transforming the future of sustainable packaging
28. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and cryogenic freezing: combining the best of both worlds
AI and the environment: its application in improving environmental performance and use in environmental regulation
20 THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY DRINKS
The Evolution of Energy Drinks: From Caffeine Crash to Holistic Energy 22 HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS Fulton - Helping put your food processing facility on the Road to Net Zero 23 CLEANING & HYGIENE The secret to achieving 5-star ratings revealed
29 FOOD WASTE
Preparing for new food waste legislation - allmanhall is helping its clients prepare for 2025’s new food waste legislation.
Gnaw trials new 100% recyclable paper wrappers devoid of harmful microplastics for its iconic button offers
Artisanal chocolate producer Gnaw continues to pursue its ambitious sustainable agenda in 2025 with the introduction of new eco-friendly pouches for their iconic Chocolate Buttons.
The state-of-the-art EvoPak RCM is a 100% recyclable paper wrapper, which unlike a majority of its so-called environmentally friendly paper wrapper peers contains no polyethylene, which means it can effortlessly be disposed of in kerbside bins or into bespoke paper recyclable collections.
According to Gnaw MD Mike Navarro, ‘EvoPak offers a significant step-change in planet-responsible snacking and confectionery wrappers as a result of significant advances in lightweight, multi-layer structures that preserve shelf-life whilst producing none of the harmful microplastics historically associated with snacking wrappers that unwittingly release harmful microplastics as they break down.’
Gnaw is a leading voice within the UK’s thriving artisanal chocolate movement that sets great store by its proud sustainable stance; be that significant investment in clean energy (solar) that provides 70% of its manufacturing needs,
TIPA to Showcase Expanding Portfolio of Compostable Packaging at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025
TIPA, a global leader in compostable packaging solutions, is set to unveil its expanded portfolio at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, taking place in Birmingham on February 12 & 13.
This comes as rising consumer and regulatory demand for alternatives to traditional plastic packaging that can reduce waste and environmental harm. The year 2024 is due to generate a record 220 million tonnes of plastic waste, an uptick of over 7% since 2021. The UK alone generates over 2.3 million tonnes of plastic. Of that total, plastic packaging accounts for approximately 70% of all UK plastic waste.
With a strong commitment to replace conventional plastic packaging at its source, TIPA’s fully compostable innovations offer brands and eco-conscious consumers sustainable alternatives without compromising on performance. The company’s growing offering includes a broad range of applications for food and fashion in diverse formats such as compostable bags, pouches, and trays. This includes a variety of solutions from Bio4Pack, a subsidiary of TIPA, which manufactures innovative compostable packaging solutions, including flexibles, trays and nettings.
Building on its portfolio of over a dozen compostable films and reels, TIPA will highlight materials advancements in high-barrier properties that deliver enhanced protection for products with a high moisture content.
The company will also showcase its solutions that address the growing demand for sustainability in small packaging formats. This includes its fully compostable stick pack and sachets that are suitable for powders, snacks, and other individual packaging applications.
TIPA will also highlight its offerings designed to tackle the complexities of traditional mixed-material packaging, which often complicates proper disposal in the same waste stream. These include compostable closures, zippers and coffee pod lids.
Attendees at Packaging Innovations Birmingham 2025 are invited to visit TIPA at Booth F56 to explore these innovations. Representatives from TIPA will be on hand to discuss how these solutions are designed to meet the functional needs of various industries while staying aligned with circular economy principles.
rejecting irresponsibly farmed palm oil and prioritising 100% compostable/ recyclable wrappers and vegetable inks for its headline chocolate range.
Mike concludes, ‘Our sublime buttons remain a leading light within our everexpanding premium chocolate portfolio, providing the perfect vehicle for our next sustainable initiative, championing awareness for cutting-edge wrapper technology that helps to address the catastrophic clogging up of seas and rivers with unwelcome micro-plastics.’
Gnawchocolate.co.uk
UK’s first frozen oral nutritional supplement range launched
icesupp is a new, first-to-market range of frozen nutrition supplements.
The products were created by Amy Smith and her partner Robert Upton, when they saw how Amy’s father Ray struggled to build and maintain his weight during his cancer treatment. Traditional nutritional supplements prescribed by the NHS were too thick, but Ray found ice lollies soothing as well as easier to consume. Amy and Rob realised how effective it could be to combine the benefits of nutritional supplements with the more refreshing and tasty form of an ice lolly and the idea for icesupp was born. They worked with Reading University’s Food Science Department and a team of specialist advisors, oncologists, GPs and dietitians to create the products.
The main ingredients in icesupp’s 100% plant-based supplements are fruit and pea protein, with a range of vitamins and minerals. Each 86ml supplement pouch is packed with real fruit, 5g of protein, 2.5g of fibre and 150 calories, to build strength and energy. The two launch flavours are Mixed Berries and Mango & Passionfruit. A box of 12 supplement pouches has a RRP of £23.75, the products are supplied in ambient liquid form to be frozen by the end user into a soothing sorbet-like consistency.
Amy says: “There are many reasons why people struggle to eat. When Dad was going through treatment for bowel cancer, he found it difficult to eat a conventional diet, as do many other cancer patients. He found solid foods difficult and painful and had little appetite for the thick, sickly meal supplements, meaning it was hard for him to keep on the weight he needed. He discovered solace in ice lollies, which provided soothing relief and were effortless to eat. Traditional ice lollies didn’t provide the muchneeded nutrients and this sparked an idea - so we have created a product that soothes and refreshes, while providing a delicious source of nutrition for those in need.”
“Our goal with icesupp is to help families like ours, who have experienced the devastating effects of dramatic weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact anyone - however those that are particularly at risk include those with an illness like cancer, and those aged over the age of 65, especially if they are in a care home or have been recently admitted to hospital.”
https://icesupp.com
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Solar-powered tea & African conservation
• The UK’s first and only fully solar-powered tea factory
• 100% Carbon Neutral
• Biodegradable tea bags
• Supporting African conservation and community programmes
Birchall Tea, passionate pioneers of the tea industry for over 150 years, have always taken their responsibilities to the environment very seriously and are committed to continually reducing the impact of the company’s trading activities upon it. As part of this ongoing commitment, they are a long standing member of the Ethical Tea Partnership and have offered both Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance Certified Teas within their product range for nearly 10 years.
Supporting Conservation & Community in Africa Birchall has been committed to conservation in Africa for over a decade, where all of their black teas are exclusively sourced from.
Solar Powered Tea
The Birchall Tea Factory in Amesbury, Wiltshire is the UK’s first fully solar-powered
An
award-winning organic farm estate continues to raise the bar for sustainable practices in retail and agriculture
Rhug Estate, near Corwen in Denbighshire, unveiled a series of innovative schemes and initiatives in the last 12 months, as it targets net-zero emissions.
Having introduced green energy projects ranging from 4KW to 5MWincluding wind, solar, hydro and heat pumps – the 12,500-acre site invested in new technology to further lower its carbon footprint, notably an electric forklift.
Recent developments included the transition from standard cardboard and polystyrene mail order packaging to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified cardboard boxes, and wool thermal liners to maintain cool temperatures and meat quality during transportation, saving more than one tonne of CO2 annually.
After securing a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen - one of just seven businesses in Wales to have been selected for the accolade - Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough says they will do even more for the ‘circular economy’ in 2025.
As a result of these and other moves toward net zero, the Estate achieved Planet Mark Business Certification, which verifies and measures carbon and social data to reduce emissions and achieve UN SDGs (Sustainability Development Goals).
One of the biggest transformations has been the ongoing trial of regenerative farming practices - such as minimum tillage, a rotational grazing process and cover cropping - to minimise soil disturbance, protect soil health, and ensure the land remains covered all year round.
For more news and information, visit the website www.rhug.co.uk and follow them on social media at @rhugestate. For more information on Wild Beauty, visit www.rhugwildbeauty. com or follow them on social media @rhugwildbeauty.
tea factory. Its roof-top solar installation features more than 460 solar panels, which are capable of generating all the clean renewable electricity for their on-site operations.
Biodegradable
Bags
All of Birchall’s award-winning teas are available in plant-based Prism™ Tea Bags, made from a biodegradable plant starch called “SoilOn”, which originates from plants.
The Everyday Tea Bags are now made from a newly-developed plant-based tissue that is 100% renewable and entirely free from oil-based plastic. They are now fully compostable and, like the Prism™ Tea Bags, will biodegrade, as long as you dispose of them through your food waste.
For more information visit www.birchalltea.co.uk
IFE organiser Montgomery Group to celebrate 130th anniversary in 2025
Global independent event organiser Montgomery Group will be marking its 130th anniversary this year with a number of special events and celebrations.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Montgomery Group has become synonymous with connecting industries, fostering innovation, and driving business growth across a diverse portfolio of sectors.
Since its inception in 1895, the organiser has been a pioneer in the food, drink, and hospitality industries for decades. Its events in the sector include Speciality & Fine Food Fair, IFE, HRC, and the historic International Salon Culinaire chef competition, which has showcased culinary talent since 1902. These events have become staples of the UK food and drink industry, consistently providing unrivalled platforms for networking, innovation, and discovery.
Beyond the UK, Montgomery Group’s global reach extends to food and drink trade shows in Singapore and Malaysia, alongside a wide-ranging portfolio that spans the art & photography, design, mining, packaging, and safety & security industries.
Reflecting on this year’s milestone, Group Managing Director and Chairman Damion Angus said: “For 130 years, Montgomery Group has been at the heart of numerous industries, driving connections and creating opportunities for businesses and brands worldwide.
“Our food, drink, and hospitality events have played a pivotal role in shaping these sectors, bringing together thousands of professionals, providing a platform for the launch of countless quality products and championing innovation. As we celebrate this significant anniversary, we remain committed to continuing our legacy of delivering worldclass trade shows that inspire, connect, and empower professionals around the globe.”
Over the years, Montgomery Group has not only adapted to the evolving needs of industries but has also championed sustainability initiatives and innovations, ensuring its events remain relevant and impactful in today’s dynamic market.
Partnerships such as the company’s long-standing relationship with charity City Harvest mean that events like IFE and Speciality & Fine Food Fair minimise food waste and ensure surplus food is distributed to over 375 charities across London.
For more information about Montgomery Group’s diverse portfolio of events and its 130th-anniversary celebrations, visit montgomerygroup.com.
Governments Outlaw Packaging Waste
EPR (Extended Productor Responsibility) Is Yet Another Tax on Food & Drink Manufacturers
Navigating EPR Fees in Manufacturing: Tackling Packaging and Labelling Waste & Transforming to a Paperless Factory
An article By
Roy
Green, Harford Control Ltd. February 2025
The Strongest Argument Yet for More ‘Right First Time’
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has released the third set of illustrative base fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for 2025 to 2026, covering all packaging materials. For instance, the fee for each tonne of plastic packaging waste is £485, while paper is charged at £215 per tonne.
These new EPR regulations could play a crucial role in addressing the UK’s stagnant recycling rate. They may encourage food and drink manufacturers to become more mindful of the recycling system and adopt more sustainable practices. However, the regulations could also lead to significant costs, with UK food and drink manufacturers projected to commit over £1bn annually to EPR starting next October, according to the Food and Drink Federation.
Whilst the illustrative base fees offer more clarity to help businesses prepare, these figures are still subject to change. The final fees for the first year of EPR will be confirmed after 1 April 2025.
EPR fees are designed to ensure that producers take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their packaging, including its collection, recycling or disposal. EPR fees are typically calculated based on the weight, type and recyclability of the materials used. For example, a food manufacturer using singleuse plastic trays would likely face higher fees compared to one utilising recyclable aluminium packaging.
A practical example of EPR fees in action is seen in the dairy industry, where companies are shifting from plastic to glass bottles to lower their fees and environmental impact. By transitioning to fully recyclable materials, these businesses not only reduce costs but also enhance their sustainability credentials in the eyes of the consumer.
Efforts in the UK Food and Drink Sector
The UK food and drink industry, along with other sectors, has increasingly embraced more sustainable practices. Companies like Pernod Ricard are at the forefront of these efforts, incorporating recycled materials into their operations and striving to minimise waste. Notably, Pernod Ricard has developed a fully biobased bottle robust enough to contain spirits, with paper selected as the primary material due to its recyclability within existing systems. Other leading FMCG companies, such as Coca-Cola, Carlsberg, P&G and L’Oréal Europe, are also tackling similar challenges in creating bio-based and recyclable paper packaging, demonstrating a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Despite these commendable efforts, many food and drink manufacturers continue to face significant challenges with high levels of wastage, often stemming from issues related to packaging and labelling as well as paper recording.
Packaging and Labelling: Reducing Waste Through Automation
Packaging and labelling are critical points of waste generation in the food and drink industry. Errors such as misprints or incorrect product information can result in large quantities of products being withdrawn or discarded, leading to substantial financial losses and environmental harm. Additionally, excessive packaging or the use of non-recyclable materials creates avoidable waste and challenges compliance with sustainability targets.
Addressing these issues requires adopting automated systems to enhance accuracy, minimise waste, and reduce environmental impact. Harford Autocoding Solutions ensure the correct label is applied to the right product and packaging. These solutions incorporate production line automation, accurate date coding setup, label verification and in-line barcode scanners, offering a higher validation of packs.
By implementing Harford’s Autocoding Solutions, manufacturers can significantly improve packaging and labelling accuracy whilst eliminating unnecessary wastage, contributing to both cost efficiency and sustainability goals.
Eliminating Paper Recording Waste Through Digital Transformation
The reliance on paper-based record-keeping systems continues to be another source of inefficiency and waste in many food and drink operations. Paper records are prone to errors, duplication and loss, which can disrupt operations and lead to regulatory noncompliance. Additionally, the environmental cost of paper usage, including deforestation and waste generation, cannot be ignored. Transitioning to digital record-keeping solutions offers a powerful way to streamline processes, minimise human error and support sustainability goals by reducing paper waste.
Harford Paperless Quality Solutions empower manufacturers to embrace digital transformation. With touchscreen terminals that can directly capture results from connected devices—including scales, torque meters, temperature probes, refractometers, titrators, moisture analysers, callipers, height gauges, and O2/CO2 meters—your team can ensure data is always accurate and reliable.
Combined with in-line data capture from scanners, date coders, cameras, sensors and more, our solutions eliminate the need for factory floor paperwork. This not only streamlines compliance but also significantly reduces the time and effort required for reviewing and validating adherence to specifications.
What This Means for Your Factory
The food and drink manufacturing industry is facing increasing costs due to waste. Whether it’s caused by packaging and labelling errors or paper reports generated from manual recording, these inefficiencies can add significant pressure to your bottom line—especially with the introduction of the EPR fee. To stay ahead, each business needs a proactive approach to eliminate waste.
Harford scalable and flexible end-toend MIS/MES solutions are designed to ensure accurate packaging and labelling whilst driving digital transformation. These solutions enhance operational efficiency, profitability and sustainability. Fully customisable to meet your unique requirements, our systems provide a perfect fit for your factory, empowering you to optimise performance and achieve your business goals.
Speak with one of our specialists to discover how we can support your journey toward improved efficiency and reduced waste. Contact us at info@harfordcontrol.com or call us on +44 (0)1225 764461.
Biggest drinks trends for 2025
Jo Taylorson, head of marketing and product management at Kingsland Drinks, shares insights on the key areas to watch out for in 2025, looking at incoming drinks trends in wine, spirits, RTDs, no and low alcohol, packaging and sustainability.
2025 will do doubt be the year the drinks industry truly feels the repercussions of the global and UK economic climate, political turbulence at home and away, and the duty hikes threatened for such a long time coming into play. While inflation has seen a gradual reduction over the last 18 months, the increase in interest rates and the knock-on effect this has on household expenditure will continue to be a theme as we head into 2025. We may see some prosper, but for many, it will be a year of adaptation, change and resilience. However, as an industry, we innovate, shape tastes and trends, strive to deliver world class drinks to the on-trade and retailers, and find ways to drive pockets of growth.
2025 will not be easy, but it will be interesting and there are areas of growth shaping the industry during the year ahead.
In
The conditions for this still-emerging format are ripe for success, with producers, brand owners and retailers investing in quality of liquid, innovative packaging and campaigns that educate the shopper on the format’s virtues. However, there is still some way to go and in 2025 we’ll see the industry invest more in communicating the quality and longer shelf life of bag in box wines, their value to cash conscious shoppers and how they meet the needs of those moderating alcohol consumption.
The industry, brands, press and influencers are waxing lyrical about bag in box wines, and slowly but surely the format is shaking off its reputation as a ‘cheap’ alternative.
Data shows that consumers are switching on to wines in this format, so we must embrace what they offer; recyclability, affordability, and longer lasting wine. New consumers to the bag-in-box category realise the benefits in terms of convenience, freshness, quality and some environmental benefits to glass, such as lower CO2 emissions.
Kingsland Drinks expanded its Campaneo range with the addition of new, convenient 2.25L Bag in Box (BiB) format recently, which extends the offering into new parts of the market. In anticipation of demand, the employee-owned drinks firm also upgraded its overall filling capacity to 180 million litres on its production lines, spanning
various sizes from 187ml up to 3L, formats such as bottles, cans and boxed wines, and liquids ranging from no and low, spirits, and red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
Go low
Volume sales of low alcohol drinks almost doubled in 2023 and IWSR expects considerable growth over the next few years (particularly driven by low-alcohol beer but across the category).
The rise in duty has ensured it’s in everyone’s best interests to bed in low and no alcohol brands for the long term. It’s good news for the industry, who have responded with a wave of innovation that excites consumers. Importantly, this segment is getting better all the time. In the last 12 months we’ve seen wine and spirits producers up their game and elevate the taste the credentials of the liquid.
In the year ahead, we’ll see this segment continue to soar, as lower and no abv wines and spirits earn their place on fixtures and consumers respond by integrating into their shop. However, quality will be key – in the year ahead it’s important style, substance and price work hard together to nurture growth in this segment and ensure it reaches its potential.
Andrew Peace has worked tirelessly to craft wines at 11% abv which give consumers a great tasting wine while maintaining a great value price point. We’ve seen a considerable number of listings at 11% abv and lower, but some haven’t hit the mark in terms of quality. The new additions to the Andrew Peace range have helped to drive seen significant market share growth up 22.6% value and 17.6% volume, in a backdrop of 7.3% volume decline in the Australian category in the latest 12 months (up to 2nd September).
Kingsland Drinks started packing non-alcoholic wines and spirits in 2019 and is now responsible for developing and launching some of the market’s leading brands. The company currently blends and bottles non-alcoholic gin, rum, whisky, tequila, and still and sparkling wines, using world class technology and controls to ensure the highest possible quality assurance standards.
The benefits of bulk
We’ll see more premium bottled-in-market wines on shelves in 2025. Already, most of the large well-known brands in the UK, which are established consumer favourites, are bottled here in the UK. This is proof that bottling in market is not something that is an issue for consumers. In 2025 we anticipate a significant shift whereby many brands and producers will be more vocal in the public domain on the benefits of shipping wine in bulk, not least sustainability benefits and making wines as affordable to as many consumers as possible. By doing so, everyone benefits.
We’re optimistic about the market for wine bottled in market and we predict that the sector will go through some major developments in the coming five years. If consumers can be given all the positive messages around bulk shipping and the environmental, cost and quality benefits, along with great tasting, quality wines, then the UK consumer will demand more wines be bottled in market. As a result, the association of bulk equals cheap will diminish and the positive messages will lead the narrative.
the Bag (In Box)
Light work of heavy bottles
While the traditional 750ml glass bottle has been the standardised receptacle for centuries, its weight (global average 550g) and its environmental impact, carbon footprint, production and handling are under continuous scrutiny and the whole industry is under pressure to bring down bottle weights for still wine. Furthermore, last year, during the Sustainable Wine Round Table, an agreement was made by key UK wine retailers and supermarkets to reduce their average 750ml still wine bottle weight to less than 420g by the end of 2026.
In 2024 there will be a considerable and visible push to make lightweighting glass bottles standard, and in turn we’ll start to see the topic of lighter bottles move into the consumer consciousness as all parties tune into the benefits; reducing the weight of the bottle just a little can have a significant impact on the wine’s carbon footprint, offer substantial energy savings, less raw material to name a few.
Glass manufacturing will use even more recycled glass content, and furnaces may move to electric or hydrogen power. We expect a similar shift in consumer perception as we witnessed with screwcap wines, which are now fully acceptable and, in many cases, preferable by both producers, retailers and consumers. Lighter weight bottles are set to be become the norm, mainstream and accepted across the board as the push towards further sustainability and lower carbon emissions continues.
Many multiple retail chains across the UK and Europe are now specifying lighter weight bottles for wine and imposing weight limits on their suppliers. We expect retailers and brands to invest further in communicating their sustainability credentials with a focus on every element of their production, sourcing, supply chains, partnerships and beyond from the outset to ensure sustainable decisions are made at every point in the production process.
We source much of our glass locally from reliable, reputable glass suppliers, not only in the UK, but within a 50-mile radius of our site in Salford, which helps to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
Fast facts
• Since 2020, 73% of the 750ml wine bottles Kingsland Drinks has used have been 350g or below
• 88% of bottles the company used in last year by volume were sourced in the UK
• 73% of all bottles sourced from within 30 miles of the firm’s site in Irlam, greater Manchester
Lesser-known becomes bigger business
Consumers are already taking a leap into the unexpected and branching out in their wine buying, with Eastern Europe in particular getting the recognition it deserves for the region’s wine quality, craftmanship and winemaking credentials.
This year we expect Eastern European wines to become much more prevalent in the UK, and demand for Bolgrad from Ukraine, Bediani from Georgia, and Salcuta, a Moldovan Feteasca Negra to sustain their play to consumer interest in lesser-known varietals. The wines from these producers were recognised by retailers for their authentic, distinctive, credible, well-made properties in 2024, and really demonstrate the breadth of wines available Eastern Europe.
Greece will continue to be celebrated in 2025. Kingsland Drinks was proud to launch Athlon Nemea into the UK with Aldi UK in 2024, which was met with much excitement from shoppers. Aldi is known for its quality wines from emerging and up and coming regions, and has a shopper that is open to trial new experiences from sources –like Aldi – that they trust.
Our advice for retailers in 2025 is to seriously consider the path less trodden in your range. Wines from the Mediterranean, central and Eastern Europe and beyond across all quality levels and price ranges, will be a real point of interest in the year ahead.
What’s your flavour
It was clear throughout Christmas 2024 that our customers wanted drinks with more flavour profiles to offer shoppers than before. For example, some retailers went from one or two mulled wines on shelf to six or seven. It’s a sign that consumers continue to experiment with flavours - perhaps as a result of experimentation within RTDs - and throughout 2025 we expect a continuation. Shoppers will continue to expand their flavour repertoire, open to trying new profiles.
We have an on-site NPD lab that is best in class at developing spritz drinks, no and low spirits and made wine - we work alongside brand owners and customers to develop drinks in alcoholic and nonalcoholic formats. The team constantly researches and tests new flavour combinations, profiles and liquids. Our insights team expects to see fruit flavours such as pomegranate, watermelon, blueberry and mango come to the fore in 2025, along with drinks containing herbal and botanical flavours such as rosemary and wormwood, and the resurgence of drinks with tomato juice, such as the bloody mary.
Labels
A raft of new regulations coupled with the structure of duty hikes means that more clever marketing and creativity on pack can be expected in 2025, especially across no and low ranges that can now be considered wine products. We expect a simplification of label design, in place of detailed, fussier creative, to be visible on labels across the category as the industry works to marry message, duty, price, consumer interest and transparency on pack.
Going green
Sustainability continues to be a key focus for us as brands and consumers become more environmentally conscious. Climate change, sustainability and care for the planet are topics that need to stay in the mainstream conversation and remain high on the agenda of all businesses and brands. Consumers are ever more aware of the crisis and informed about actions being taken and changes required.
We’ll see even more developments and a doubling down on alternative formats. We can expect to see more canned wines, bag in box wines, paper-based bottles, and light-weight glass on shelf in the very near future.
No type of packaging is the silver bullet in terms of sustainability, but openly discussing the pros and cons of each packaging format and make the most educated and best decisions possible will bring the biggest environmental and economic benefits in 2025.
At Kingsland Drinks, our commitment to being environmentally sustainable is intrinsic to who we are and how we operate, but we have expanded our wider sustainability work across economy, society and environment both inside and outside the business as a strategic priority. As a result, we launched our Thirsty Earth sustainability strategy which seeks to create a better society and drinks industry for all, now and in the future.
Defra to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, transforming the future of sustainable packaging
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will unveil PackUK, a key initiative for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025.
Easyfairs UK is delighted to announce that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has chosen Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 as the platform for the official launch of PackUK, a landmark initiative designed to transform the UK packaging sector and lead the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR).
This two-day annual gathering of over 450 exhibitors, 70+ expert speakers, and thousands of packaging professionals is set to provide the perfect forum to introduce PackUK and facilitate meaningful discussions about the future of sustainable packaging.
The launch of PackUK will feature two key panel sessions, addressing the strategic and practical dimensions of pEPR implementation. The first session, taking place on Wednesday, 12 February, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, will be hosted by Sebastian Munden, Chair of PackUK and WRAP. This high-level discussion will examine how a unified UK approach can foster a fairer and more sustainable packaging system. Panellists include David McPhee, Deputy Director of the Circular Economy Division for the Scottish Government; Emma Bourne, Director of Resources and Waste at Defra; Rhodri Asby, Deputy Director for Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy for the Welsh Government; and
Shane Doris, Director of the Environmental Resources Policy Division for Northern Ireland. Together, they will offer valuable insights into the collaborative efforts required to implement pEPR effectively across all four UK nations.
The second panel, scheduled for Thursday, 13 February, from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM, will be chaired by Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature. This session will continue the conversation by exploring stakeholder aspirations for pEPR and the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in its success. Contributors include Paul Vanston, CEO of INCPEN; Talia Goldman, ESG Director at Colpac Ltd; and Andrew Cassells, Waste Specialist at the Strategic Investment Board in Northern Ireland. This discussion will provide businesses with practical guidance on balancing commercial and environmental priorities while leveraging pEPR to drive innovation.
Dr Margaret Bates, Head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator, said: “The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical.
“The launch of PackUK marks an exciting leap forward in delivering this. We remain committed to working closely across the four nations, producers, and stakeholders across the collection and packaging value chain.
“Together, we aim to deliver a fair and collaborative pEPR scheme that addresses the challenges of packaging waste and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging.”
“Defra’s decision to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 underlines the importance of this event as the key gathering for the UK packaging industry,” said James Montero-MacColl, Senior Marketing
Manager at Easyfairs UK. “With such high-calibre speakers and comprehensive discussions on the agenda, this is a unique opportunity for attendees to gain actionable insights and a clear understanding of how to adapt to these landmark regulatory changes.”
PackUK’s introduction represents a transformative moment for the industry, acting as the scheme administrator to shift financial responsibility for household packaging waste from taxpayers to producers. This approach is expected to drive accountability and stimulate innovation in sustainable packaging design. The planned introduction of modulated fees in 2026/27 will incentivise producers to create more recyclable packaging, supporting the transition to a circular economy. Alongside complementary initiatives such as Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme, these reforms are projected to generate £1 billion in investment in UK recycling services over the next decade, potentially creating 21,000 new jobs in England alone.
Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, hosted at the NEC Birmingham on 12 & 13 February, will feature over 450 exhibitors showcasing the latest packaging solutions and more than 70+ expert speakers across three dedicated stages. In addition to the panel sessions, attendees will have access to dedicated clinic sessions where they can engage directly with representatives from PackUK to address specific challenges and opportunities related to pEPR compliance.
The event represents a pivotal moment for the UK packaging community to come together, gain clarity on the implications of pEPR, and explore the innovations driving the future of sustainable packaging. With the launch of PackUK, the packaging industry stands on the brink of meaningful progress, supported by robust infrastructure and industry-wide collaboration.
Register now visit https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/2c1uzfj70hoi6?actioncode=1569 to secure your place at the forefront of packaging innovation!
Registration opens for the UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation
Visitor registration has opened for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025, an event which brings together professionals from across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors.
Taking place on 17–19 March 2025 at Excel London, Food, Drink & Hospitality Week offers an unparalleled opportunity to network, discover innovation, and gain invaluable industry insights.
Food, Drink & Hospitality Week comprises five events:
IFE
With over four decades of excellence, IFE serves as a cornerstone event for food and drink professionals, connecting buyers from retail, hospitality, and wholesale with innovative suppliers. From the Startup Market—a showcase of entrepreneurial brands—to the lively New Products Tasting Theatre, the show highlights the future of food through interactive content and live pitches.
IFE Ambassador Kerri Fidler, Head of Portfolio – Food for Later at Greencore, emphasises the show’s significance: “IFE is one of the key events in the food industry calendar— not only to bring together conversations but share learning and new innovation. It’s great to be part of this and make a difference across the food industry.”
With exhibitors representing over 50 countries, IFE provides unparalleled opportunities to discover the best UK brands and global suppliers, alongside expert insights on the Future Food Stage.
IFE 2025 will also see the return of the World Food Innovation Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, where brands are recognised in diverse range of categories including Artisan Product, Drink Innovation, and New/Start-up Business.
IFE Manufacturing
IFE Manufacturing is a hub for innovation, catering to the specific needs of manufacturers, co-packers, and food and drink developers. Attendees can engage with the latest sustainable packaging solutions, ethical ingredient brands, and state-of-the-art processing technologies.
This year, the show will once again host the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, in partnership with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), to celebrate ground-breaking ingredient innovations that are shaping the future of the sector.
Craig Leadley, CEO of IFST, adds: “IFST is delighted to partner again in 2025 with IFE Manufacturing to showcase and celebrate the pioneering ingredient innovators driving improvements in food manufacturing.
“In 2024 we saw a highly successful launch of the awards with a great number of high-quality entries across the five initial judging categories. We can’t wait to see what ingredients producers have been working on to produce exciting innovative and sustainable products to enhance nutrition and food quality.”
HRC
HRC, the UK’s leading event for hospitality and foodservice, returns in 2025 with an expanded offering, including a new Pizza & Pasta section, and a focus on the latest in design, hospitality technology, and professional kitchens. Plus, the Vision Stage and TechX stage will host dynamic discussions on trends, best practices, and technological innovations and sessions conceived by industry partners such as Tech on Toast and Peach.
Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, highlights the value of the event, commenting: “HRC’s importance cannot be overstated. It is a gathering of the best and brightest in the hospitality industry, a chance to celebrate our shared successes, address our common challenges, and shape the future of our field.”
This year’s event will see the return of popular feature area Chef HQ, in partnership with Chef Publishing, which plays host to a wide range of chef demos, interviews and networking opportunities.
With countless networking opportunities and inspiring presentations, HRC remains the go-to destination for hospitality professionals to discover industry-leading products and services.
The 2025 edition will see the return of the World Catering Technology Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, which
recognise technology innovators in the food and beverage industry and celebrate the cutting-edge technologies and revolutionary solutions that are transforming the catering sector.
The Pub Show
The Pub Show is the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to pubs and bars, offering visitors a dynamic programme of events and discussions. Highlights include the lively Beer Garden and The Pub Stage, which will be packed with insightful seminars and actionable case studies from leading pub operators.
This year The Pub Show has confirmed two key association partnerships in the form of the British Institute of Innkeeping and the British Beer & Pub Association.
Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, says: “For anyone in the industry, taking time out of your business to network, attend panel discussions, and source new suppliers is a must. The Pub Show provides the perfect opportunity to access all of this and more in one place.”
From new product tastings to insights on industry challenges, The Pub Show ensures attendees will leave with actionable ideas to transform their businesses.
International Salon Culinaire
International Salon Culinaire will host over 100 live competitions showcasing exceptional talent from chefs across the UK. Highlights include live theatre challenges and displays of creativity that make this competition a must-see for culinary enthusiasts.
Nick Vadis, Culinary Director at Headline Sponsor Compass Group UK & Ireland and Chef Ambassador to the NHS Supply Chain, says: “International Salon Culinaire is an incredibly valuable chance for chefs to expand their skillset, demonstrate their creativity and resourcefulness, and connect with industry peers.
“The competition has been fantastic for chefs across Compass Group who have been able to stand out from the crowd and embrace new opportunities within the business. I can’t wait to see what this year’s competitors bring to the table.”
Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the UK’s biggest celebration of innovation in food, drink and hospitality on 17-19 March 2025 at Excel London.
To find out more about everything happening as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk.
Get set for 2025 at Expowest Cornwall in March!
Would you like to do better business in 2025? Are you looking for new products and new suppliers? Let Expowest Cornwall help you get ready for the seasons to come!
The Expowest Cornwall trade show takes place on Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th March at The Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge. Thousands attend the show each year to meet a wide variety of hospitality and catering suppliers. They come to sample the latest products and ideas for their businesses, and to help maximise their returns for the coming season. More importantly - they come to buy!
If you are eager to see, taste, and test the best that the food drink and hospitality sector has to offer your business, and truly understand what is going to shape the market in 2025, this is one show that you can’t afford to miss. After all, you can’t see, touch and taste on the internet - there’s no substitute for meeting producers face to face and trying their products in person!
Over two days, under one roof, you can discover over 160 exhibitors, covering everything from fresh food to food service, dairy to drinks, and wi-fi to wholesale, with companies such as Baker Tom’s Breads, Dunstable Farm Ice Cream, Chickies scotch eggs, Grumpies Kitchen, Sandford Orchards, BB’s Gluten Free Bakery, SoSweet, Filbert’s Fine Foods, Middleby UK, Pizzasi UK, Walls Unilever UK, Greco Brothers Ltd, and Firestorm Heaters. Whether you run a pub, hotel, restaurant, café, deli, farm shop, holiday park, tourist attraction, catering business, or supermarket, you’re invited.
LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, will once again be bringing a wide range of drinks to the show. There’s a world of wine, with vineyards represented from all over Europe and beyond, to Australia and Argentina, ranging from the traditional to the innovative and eco-friendly, as well as wines from the UK from Knightor Winery, amongst others. Try the latest beers and ciders from the likes of Healey’s Cyder, Skinner’s Brewery, Heineken or Asahi. Taste a whole range of spirits, with exhibitors
such as Tarquin’s Cornish Gin, Disaronno, Pernod Ricard UK, and Trevethan Distillery.
Looking for mixers or soft drinks? They will have those too, with companies such as Fever-Tree, Frobisher’s Juices, Luscombe Drinks, and Navas Drinks. With them for the first time this year are Nice Wine, Lucky Saint, Brew Dog, Funkin, Red Bull, Barrs Soft Drinks, Monin and Marussia Beverages – bringing you and your customers even more to quench your thirst!
Back bigger and better for 2025 is the area in the show built around T Quality, the national fish and chip shop supplier and fast-food wholesaler. This year you can taste and test products and equipment for your business from companies such as: Heinz, Middleton Foodservice, Kerry, Diggers/Pan Euro, Blenders Sauces, McWhinney’s Sausages, Quality Desserts, Drywite, Pukka Pies, Swift Order, Coveris, and Hopkins Catering. There are also many other suppliers to takeaways to be found throughout the show.
As well as stocking up for the seasons ahead, you can catch up with colleagues, suppliers and customers as well as making essential new contacts. Many exhibitors at the show will have exclusive show offers for visiting buyers, including discounts, free delivery, free POS items, and deals on service packages. It’s a great opportunity to get yourself a deal and increase your profit margins! The show is easy to reach and well signposted from every direction. What’s more, there’s ample free parking within an easy stroll of the show. Expowest Cornwall really is the show that has it all covered!
For more information about the show and to register to attend, please visit expowestcornwall.co.uk, or call the Ticket Hotline on 01934 733456. You can also follow the show on Facebook and Instagram (both @expowestcornwall).
Automation UK promises exceptional exhibitor experiences for its 2025 show
Automation UK, the UK’s largest automation, robotics and machine vision exhibition, will return to the Coventry Building Society Arena between 7-8 May 2025. The event provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to boost sales, generate leads and connect with key decision makers.
Having grown significantly since its inaugural show in 2023, Automation UK enables businesses to showcase their cutting-edge solutions, network with like-minded peers and learn more about the latest trends and developments impacting the industry.
To deliver better experiences for exhibitors, show organisers Automate UK have decided to make Vision UK, previously known as Machine Vision Conference (MVC), an integral part of Automation UK 2025.
With a new name and identity, Vision UK highlights the latest industrial vision technologies and innovations. Vision UK will have a dedicated section within the larger Automation UK exhibition, where leading machine vision companies can exhibit their products to potential buyers.
Commenting on the move, Automate UK’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Mckenna said: “Integrating Vision UK into Automation UK presents a great opportunity for us to raise the profile of the machine vision and automation industries at one exhibition.”
He continued: “Both events have earned acclaim from visitors and exhibitors alike, and combining the two ensures that a broader cross-section of endusers can discover the best of what each area of the industry has to offer.”
This announcement follows the success of this year’s Automation UK and MVC exhibitions. Co-located at the
Coventry Building Society Arena, these events earned enthusiastic praise from everyone involved.
Here are some insights from exhibitors about their experiences at 2024’s Automation UK and MVC shows:
“We had a great time at Automation UK, lots of people around the stand with some great leads. Both days have been busy and very beneficial to our business. We would highly recommend Automation UK.” - Paul McCauley, Sales Manager, Bowe Intralogistics
“Overall, MVC has been a nice mix of exhibition and conference. One of our key focuses as a vision company is to raise awareness about the importance of vision technology to as many new people as we can – and this event contributes to achieving that goal.” - Paul Cunningham, Director, Acrovision
For more information visit https://www.automation-uk.co.uk/book-astand?utm_source=foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk&utm_ medium=referral&utm_campaign=auk2025
AI and the environment: its application in improving environmental performance and use in environmental regulation
AI has the potential to revolutionise environmental performance, offering innovative solutions and insights that can help businesses operate more sustainably. As corporations face increasing pressure from stakeholders to improve their environmental performance, AI has emerged as a powerful tool to help address these challenges.
In this article we highlight how AI can improve environmental practices and help make regulation more efficient and effective. We also give insight into important implications that regulated businesses need to consider when using AI and the role of the courts when it comes to accountability and liability.
How can AI improve environmental practices?
The breadth of these applications highlights the significant role AI has to advance better environmental practices and offer innovative solutions to complex challenges. For example:
Detailed energy consumption analysis: AI goes beyond surfacelevel insights, delving into granular energy consumption data for each business process, identifying specific inefficiencies, and suggesting energy-saving measures and tailored sustainable alternatives.
Optimised resource allocation: AI-driven algorithms can manage resources dynamically, adapting to changes in demand to minimise environmental impact. AI’s advanced algorithms can not only reduce waste, but also contribute to sustainable resource management by predicting future resource needs and optimising their allocation. Advanced predictive maintenance: by forecasting machine
failures, AI reduces unexpected downtimes, conserves resources, and minimises pollutant emissions, reducing the environmental footprint of machinery malfunctions.
Smart building management: AI can adapt energy use in realtime, accounting for occupancy and weather conditions, leading to significant reductions in the carbon footprint of commercial and industrial buildings.
Waste management optimisation: AI can improve waste sorting accuracy, enhance recycling processes, and identify opportunities to repurpose waste materials leading to a reduction in overall environmental impact.
AI and environmental regulation
Environmental regulation is complex, time-consuming and expensive. AI can help in making regulation more efficient and effective. Some reported uses of AI in this area include:
- Predicting environmental risks - for example, predicting oils spills or natural disasters. This can help enforcement bodies prepare for potential incidents and respond more quickly and effectively.
- Informing policy decisions - for example, in evaluating the impact of proposed policies and laws by simulating different scenarios and predicting outcomes. AI can help identify areas for improvement.
- Monitoring compliance with environmental law - for example, by analysing data from drone footage, satellite imagery and social media posts. AI can also identify resource optimisation by selecting where manual inspection would be most beneficial. One of the key advantages of AI in monitoring compliance with environmental law is its ability to facilitate real-time monitoring and enforcement. AI systems can be used to maintain air and water quality and detect illegal waste dumping. By providing real-time data, AI can help enforcement bodies quickly identify areas that require intervention, leading to more effective and efficient enforcement efforts. Clearly, this raises challenges for enforcement bodies in terms of prioritising performance objectives, allocating resources on the ground and reputation management.
Important implications for regulated businesses
As a result of AI technology being able to deliver or predict potential breaches of environmental law, there’s a higher risk of breaches being detected and environmental sanctions resulting. Regulated businesses could be subject to greater scrutiny and regulatory action, in particular where AI technology provides a low-cost method for detecting potential breaches of environmental law.
However, decisions made by AI technology are open to challenge. For example, drone image footage or satellite data could easily be processed wrongly by AI technology, predicting a breach of environmental law where none exists. Similarly, a business that invests in AI technology would need to be alive to the fact that whilst the technology may be relatively inexpensive, compared to an environmental fine, the technology is not infallible, and errors could result in a business being wrongly accused of a breach.
For businesses that wish to invest in AI technology, it’s important to be aware of the regulatory environment and the potential impact of AI on the business. In-house teams should include regular testing of AI models and systems for handling errors. Businesses should design and implement procedures for the use of AI in environmental compliance, including how data is to be collected, stored and shared, reflecting new legislation and guidance from the environmental regulators.
Accountability and liability and the role of courts
The many challenges that AI technology raise requires innovative and responsive systems to ensure that AI systems are held accountable and used appropriately in environmental law enforcement and decision-making.
AI systems should be required to provide explanations for their decisions, similar to the requirement for human decision-making under the law. This can help ensure that AI systems are accountable and transparent. Policies and legislation should be developed to provide responsible use of AI in environmental law enforcement and decisionmaking. This can involve measures such as requiring AI systems to be tested for their environmental and socio-economic impact.
Litigation and courts can play a role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of AI in environmental law enforcement and decision-making. For example, court cases can be used to challenge the use of AI systems in environmental decision-making or to hold organisations to account for environmental damage by the use of AI.
Courts could shape the regulatory framework for AI in environmental law, by interpreting existing law and requirements in light of new technological developments.
The potential for AI to improve the effectiveness of environmental regulation must be considered alongside ethical principles and implemented in a responsible way. This requires close working between policy makers, environmental regulators, business and academics to ensure that AI is used in a way that is transparent, fair and delivers effective environmental protection.
ARTICLE
COURTESY OF Paul Collins Senior Associate
Dr. Lilla Bessenyei
The Evolution of Energy Drinks: From Caffeine Crash to Holistic Energy
Energy drinks have transformed dramatically since their inception, evolving from sugary caffeine-packed beverages into more sophisticated wellness-oriented solutions. This article delves into the historical milestones, current market trends, and future innovations shaping the energy drink industry.
The Birth of Energy Drinks: The Red Bull Phenomenon
Energy drinks as we know them took flight in the 1980s with the rise of Red Bull. The timing was pivotal; the 1980s marked an era when busy lifestyles and rising workplace demands left consumers craving quick energy solutions. Back then it became the go-to drink for long drives, as many gas stations didn’t have coffee, or even if they did, the caffeine levels were vastly different going from one place to another. Red Bull was the only drink to provide
consistent caffeine levels, their sleek marketing and promise of mental and physical invigoration resonated with an audience eager for productivity aids. Its success highlighted what people sought: a caffeine-fueled energy boost to keep up with fast-paced lives.
These early energy drinks relied heavily on artificial ingredients and sugar to deliver their claims. Caffeine scarcity at the time made these products even more attractive. Since then, the reliance on high sugar content raised health concerns as awareness of the detrimental effects of excessive sugar consumption has grown.
Trends in 2025: Health and Sustainability Take the Lead
Fast-forward to 2025, and the energy drink market has undergone a significant shift. Health has become more important for consumers, driving demand for lower-calorie and natural ingredient-based alternatives. The once-crucial caffeine content has given way to a broader interest in nootropics—compounds that support brain health and mental performance—to provide a balanced energy experience.
Key Trends in Today’s Energy Drinks:
Natural Ingredients: With an increasing focus on holistic health, energy drinks are ditching artificial additives in favour of natural sweeteners like stevia.
Caloric concern: Instead of consuming something high in sugar and therefore, high in calories, people opt for low-sugar and zerosugar alternatives.
Mindful Wellness: Female consumers are reconsidering the possible negative long-term effects of caffeine, especially its impact on hormonal health. Instead, functional health ingredients that promote overall well-being are taking centre stage. Another aspect is sleep health, as this area is gaining more attention, health-conscious consumers don’t want to fill up their bodies with caffeine and ruin their sleep for later, they are looking for healthy energy that won’t deplete their system, support a healthier balance, and optimise their sleep quality.
Sustainability: As environmental awareness rises, brands are making strides in sustainable sourcing and packaging to align with eco-conscious consumers.
Growing areas of functional wellness: Modern energy drinks are expanding their purpose beyond mere energy boosts. Personalised nutrition is gaining more spotlight to cover specific customer needs. Electrolytes to target hydration, functional ingredients to improve mitochondrial health, probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health, which are believed to have an impact on mental health, energy levels, and mental performance.
Flavour Innovation: A Palate for the Future
Flavour has become a key differentiator in the energy drink market. Beyond taste, flavour profiles now serve as a marker of health, nostalgia, and innovation. Popular categories in 2025 include:
Creative Blends: Unique fusions like vanilla, blueberry, and eucalyptus are captivating adventurous consumers.
Citrus and Tropical Notes: Mango-orange, dragon fruit, banana, papaya, guava, calamansy, and coconut bring a refreshing twist, often perceived as healthier.
Floral and Herbal Accents: Elderberry, bergamot, ginger, chili, coriander, peppercorn, hibiscus, lavender, lemon balm, turmeric, and star anise add spiciness, sophistication and functional benefits.
Nostalgic Comforts and Newstalgia: Flavours like creamsicle and Jolly Rancher evoke fond childhood memories, appealing to emotional connections. Also, flavours like pink lemonade with a surprising twist can grab consumers’ attention.
The Evolution of Energy Drinks
The Future of Energy Drinks: Personalisation and Longevity
The future of energy drinks is leaning heavily towards personalised nutrition. Brands are increasingly leveraging technology to offer tailored formulations based on individual health goals and preferences. A growing emphasis on longevity means energy drinks will incorporate ingredients that support mitochondrial health, improve sleep, and balance mental and physical energy in a sustainable way.
Key areas of focus for future innovations include:
Probiotics: Recognising the gut-brain connection, probiotic-infused energy drinks aim to enhance mental clarity and focus.
Electrolytes and Hydration: Shifting the emphasis from just energy to hydration and overall vitality.
Clean Label Products: Transparent formulations free from artificial sweeteners and unnecessary additives.
Functional ingredients to support healthy energy levels and longevity: mitochondrial health is a trending hot topic in wellness circles. Consumers don’t just want energy, they are looking to boost their energy long-term as well as to optimise their body function, and boost their performance in every way possible.
A New Era for Energy Drinks
From the ‘80s caffeine-heavy sugar bombs to their current evolution into holistic wellness beverages, energy drinks reflect broader societal changes. Today’s consumer demands more than just an energy kick; they seek products that align with their healthconscious, sustainable, and mindful lifestyles. As brands innovate to meet these expectations, energy drinks are poised to remain an integral part of our busy lives—probably with a healthier, more thoughtful twist.
Helping put your food processing facility on the Road to Net Zero!
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Want to know more? Scan the QR code, click www.fulton.co.uk, email sales@fulton.co.uk or call +44 (0)117 972 3322.
The secret to achieving 5-star ratings revealed
Reckitt Pro Solutions Unveils Quantum Warewashing Range to Secure Rave Reviews and Boost Occupancy in HoReCa Establishments
A staggering 92% of guests would not return if the tableware wasn’t entirely clean. New research commissioned by Reckitt Pro Solutions amongst frequent restaurant-goers sheds light on the crucial role clean and hygienic dishware plays in securing positive customer reviews and encouraging repeat visits.
Cleanliness is king:
The survey revealed that cleanliness directly impacts reviews: 77% of guests would remove two or more stars from a restaurant’s review if the dishware was not entirely clean and 92% would not return if dishware is not entirely clean.
Quantum Professional: 5-star service made easy
Reckitt Pro Solutions has launched Quantum Professional, an innovative new range of warewashing products designed specifically for the HoReCa markets.
The range was created in response to the crucial requirement in this sector for brilliant, clean glass and dishware, as a critical driver to securing the 5- Star reviews.
Building on the legacy of Finish, the UK’s No. 1 selling household dishwashing brand, Quantum offers significant benefits:
• provides a powerful and reliable tableware solution that delivers impeccable cleanliness results
• improves operational efficiency both in front and back of house tackles even the toughest stains
• suitable for all types of professional warewashing machines.
The Quantum range: four targeted products for exceptional cleaning performance
Detergents:
• Liquid Detergent: Cuts through grease and removes stubborn stains like dried-on egg, oil, tea, and coffee with ease.
• Glass Wash (Available as Liquid): Ensures sparkling clean and spotless glassware, tackling limescale and red wine stains effectively.
• Tablets (Available in tablet and gel capsules): Each tablet serves for up to 5 cycles.
Additives:
• Rinse Aid: Delivers brilliant shine and effortless drying.
• Salt: Provides superior protection against limescale residues and white marks, ensuring longer-lasting equipment and sparkling dishes.
Quantum Professional delivers perfect washing results and faster drying every time with less rewashing and polishing of glasses. These products can also aid in HACCP Plan compliancy.
Available nationwide
Quantum is now available nationally and readily obtainable through Reckitt Pro Solutions’ national network of key distributors. The packaging for this new range is also 100% recyclable.
To find out more about the research and the new range of Quantum Professional products, please visit https://uk.reckittpros.com/
Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging
The Producer Responsibility
Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 came into force on 1 January 2025 and introduce new legal obligations for packaging producers under the extended producer responsibility regime for packaging in the UK (referred to as pEPR).
The pEPR is being introduced under powers in the Environment Act 2021, to ensure packaging producers pay the full net cost of managing their products at end of life to incentivise them to design their products with sustainability in mind.
Who must comply with the regulations?
The key obligations under the regulations are that packaging producers must register their organisation, report packaging data, and ensure their products are collected and recycled or recovered properly.
An organisation must comply with the regulations if it meets all of the following criteria:
• It’s an individual business, subsidiary or group (but not a charity)
• Annual UK turnover exceeds £1 million
• It has a physical presence in the UK
• It is responsible for more than 25 tonnes of packaging and/ or packaging materials in the previous calendar year
• It carries out any of the described packaging activities
Businesses need to be aware that even if they fall below the above thresholds or are otherwise exempt, it may still have obligations to collect and report certain data, particularly is the business is part of a larger group of companies or operating as a franchise or online.
A packaging producer includes the performance of any of the following activities in the UK:
• Brand Owners - who package goods and sell them under their brand name. When a brand is not identifiable, the obligation falls to the organisation that carries out the packing or filling of the packaging.
• Importers - who import filled packaging
• Distributors - who manufacture or import empty packaging and sell that packaging to anyone who is not an obligated producer
• Sellers - who sell filled packaging to the end-consumer
• Online marketplaces - who operate a marketplace whereby non-UK sellers can sell filled or empty packaging to UK consumer
• Service providers - who hire out or lend reusable packaging
Large organisations (packaging producers whose turnover exceeds £2m where the total packaging for all packaging activities exceeds 50 tonnes) must:
• Create an account on the EPR packaging online service
• Collect, record and submit data on empty packaging and packaged products handled and supplied within the UK. By 1 October 2024 – report data for 1 January to 30 June 2024. By 1 April 2025 – report data for 1 July to 31 December 2025
• From 2025, based on 2024 data, pay a waste management fee, scheme administrator costs and a registration charge to the Environment Agency
Small organisations (packaging producers whose turnover exceeds £1m and total packaging for all packaging activities between 2550 tonnes) must:
• Register for the EPR packaging online service
• Submit data about empty packaging and packaged products handled or supplied in the UK during 2024 by 1 April 2025
Both civil sanctions and criminal prosecution are available for noncompliance. Most producers are expected to join a compliance scheme to meet their obligations.
The importance of record keeping
At any point, the Environment Agency may audit your data. Maintaining comprehensive, accurate records is key to ensuring pEPR compliance and avoiding potentially very large penalties. Here are some thoughts on good record keeping and approaches to compliance generally:
• Retention – keep all relevant documentation for at least 7 years This includes records of calculations, packaging data and any evidence evidencing packaging classifications or exemptions.
• Collect and maintain invoices and delivery notes for packaging materials and packaged goods, product specifications and technical data sheets, packaging weight calculations and measurement records, proof of recycling and records of reusable packaging.
• Record the methodology for collecting and calculating methodology to the Environment Agency.
• Ensure all submitted data is verified by an approved person within the business. Maintain records of who this person is and their relevant qualifications.
• Maintain a clear audit trail to demonstrate how reported figures were calculated, including any assumptions orestimates used in the calculations.
Penalties for non-compliance
There are a range of potentially serious civil sanctions available to the Environment Agency in enforcing the pEPR.
A fixed monetary penalty of £1,000 may be issued (increasing to £1,500 if not paid within 56 days) where producers fails to keep required records or fail to supply information requested by the agency. A variable monetary penalty (up to a maximum of £3million) may be issued in relation to more serious breaches, such as failing to register as a producer or failing to report packaging data. In addition to any civil penalty, the Environment Agency may seek to recover its enforcement costs.
As an alternative to a civil penalty, a business that face a civil penalty could make a voluntary offer to put right the effects of a breach, its impact on third parties and to make sure it cannot happen again (known as an enforcement undertaking).
ARTICLE COURTESY OF Paul Collins
Senior Associate
Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Rondanini’s New Pizza Range
Rondanini are one of the Uk’s leading importers of fine foods. Established in 1989, the company is now part of the Vita Food Group an Anglo Italian food manufacturing and food importer. They emphasize tradition, quality, innovation, and partnership, aiming to provide tailor-made solutions for their clients. Whether it’s developing new products or solving logistical challenges, Rondanini prides itself on flexibility and exceptional service, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors.
Rondanini, who proudly represent the Italian food tradition, recently faced a growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging solutions. As they prepared to launch their new pizza range, in partnership with Franco Manca the pizzeria chain, they sought to align their product offerings with eco-conscious values. As a leader in providing sustainable film solutions, we were immediately on hand to help.
Collaborating closely with Rondanini to develop a fully recyclable film, together we ensured that their new pizza packaging would meet both the highest quality standards and sustainability goals. The transition was seamless, allowing Rondanini to maintain the freshness and integrity of their product while embracing environmentally responsible practices.
With our expertise, Rondanini can now offer their customers not just authentic, high-quality fresh pizzas but also packaging that reflects their commitment to a greener future.
This partnership reflects Rondanini’s core values: innovation without compromise on quality, and a focus on meeting evolving consumer needs. By teaming up with National Flexible, Rondanini continues to deliver delicious products, now with packaging that’s as sustainable as it is functional.
For help with your project, call our team 01274 685566 or email marketing@nationalflexible.net
Sustainable Packaging
Balancing Environmental Responsibility and Consumer Expectations
The food industry is increasingly being called upon to embrace sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and align with the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Packaging has become a focal point in this shift, with efforts concentrated on minimising plastic waste and enhancing recyclability. Among the key innovations driving this change are pouches and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), both of which offer practical and sustainable solutions.
Pouches
Pouches have become popular as a sustainable packaging choice, particularly in the food sector. Their flexible, lightweight structure and space-saving design make them efficient and environmentally conscious. Unlike traditional rigid plastic containers, pouches use less material and occupy less space, which in turn reduces energy use during manufacturing and transport.
Technological advances have led to the development of biodegradable and recyclable pouches, further reducing their environmental footprint. Companies are now manufacturing pouches from plant-based sources or recyclable plastics that adhere to strict environmental standards. Many pouches also feature resealable designs, which help maintain product freshness and reduce food waste.
MAP Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is another forward-thinking solution gaining momentum in the food industry. By adjusting the levels of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide within the packaging, MAP effectively slows down bacterial growth, prolonging shelf life and reducing spoilage.
MAP is particularly beneficial for perishable products like fresh produce, meats, and dairy. It reduces reliance on preservatives while preserving the food’s natural taste, appearance, and nutritional value—qualities that appeal to health-conscious consumers. When combined with eco-friendly materials like biodegradable or recyclable pouches, MAP delivers a powerful combination of sustainability and food preservation.
Why Sustainable Packaging Matters
The move towards sustainable packaging is critical in tackling plastic pollution. The food industry plays a significant role in this challenge due to its heavy dependence on packaging for product protection and distribution.
Innovations like pouches and MAP help reduce waste, enhance recyclability, and decrease the carbon footprint associated with food production and transport. This shift also mirrors the changing attitudes of consumers, who increasingly favour brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Companies that fail to evolve risk losing the trust and loyalty of eco-aware consumers.
Moreover, evolving global regulations are pushing businesses to adopt greener practices. By integrating sustainable packaging solutions like pouches and MAP, companies can not only comply with these regulations but also stay ahead in a market that values sustainability. As packaging technology continues to advance, the future of the food industry lies in eco-friendly, efficient, and responsible packaging choices.
Sustainable Packaging Air Products
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and cryogenic freezing: combining the best of both worlds
Keeping food fresher and safer for longer remains a critical challenge for the manufacturing sector. Why? There are three key reasons.
First, is the economic opportunity at stake. The UK’s interest in exporting food outside of the EU continues to grow, but is constrained by the ability to maintain freshness during transportation and storage.
Second, is the issue of food waste and the growing pressure to move towards net zero. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), if food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
And finally, there’s the cost of inaction, with WRAP estimating that food manufacturers waste a staggering £0.85 billion worth of food each year.
So, when it comes to food freshness, what is the best option? The solution may, in fact, lie in combining two established processes, namely using cryogenic freezing and MAP together.
How it works
Cryogenic freezing is increasingly recognised as a cost-effective alternative to traditional, mechanical freezing through reduced waste and faster production times. What’s exciting, however, is the opportunity to combine cryogenic freezing with MAP, so that fresh products can be frozen, transported and thawed on demand, to be sold to consumers in their original fresh state.
Our Freshline® SuperfreshTM process combines cryogenic freezing and MAP packaging in this way, slowing down the accelerated deterioration that occurs directly after thawing.
Critically, it allows frozen-thawed products to offer comparable quality, appearance and shelf life to a fresh product – and in some cases, the shelf-life can be even longer. What’s more, the process ensures that, when thawed correctly in the supply chain, the consumer can still safely refreeze it at home, further reducing food waste.
For food manufacturers, this offers multiple benefits. Fresh food producers can use the process to respond to seasonal or specific production challenges and/or better stock management, delivering cost savings without compromising on food safety or quality.
Meanwhile, frozen food producers looking to move into the fresh products market, can do so with only a few
changes to their operational processes. Frozen food can then be thawed and offered in a Freshline® Modified Atmosphere Packaging with a shelf life and quality comparable to that of a chilled product.
And there are food waste reduction benefits across the supply chain, with retailers able to thaw product on demand.
Smart thinking
The UK Government is pledging to create a food strategy that drives productivity and innovation, as well as delivering economic growth. Continuing to explore and research opportunities to extend food freshness and shelf life to reduce food waste, without compromising on quality or safety is therefore a key element for success.
Sometimes that means scrutinising the established technologies we have available to us. Combining these existing technologies can unlock exciting opportunities for new innovation, while supporting manufacturers to meet the ever-changing demand for products by the consumer.
airproducts.co.uk/food
Preparing for new food waste legislation
allmanhall is helping its clients prepare for 2025’s new food waste legislation.
As well as an award-winning and trusted food procurement solution, allmanhall is renowned for its expert support, from nutrition and dietetics to operational consultancy. Rachael Venditti, allmanhall’s Development Manager, outlines what catering teams need to do to comply with this legislation.
Known as the ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, new food waste legislation is coming into effect in England from 31st March 2025. Its intention? To streamline and simplify the recycling of waste, improving the existing recycling system. It applies to both privately-run and public sector organisations in England. (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have their own legislation in place.)
If you’re a food provider creating more than 5kg of food waste per week, you will be required to store food waste in separate bins and arrange for collection by licensed waste collectors. Biodegradable materials such as vegetable peelings, bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags are to be included as food waste.
The result of non-compliance? Failure to comply could result in financial repercussions in the form of fixed penalty notices and there is also the risk of reputational damage owing to ethical considerations.
Now, if you’re producing less than 5kg of waste per week, you are exempt and micro businesses (less than 10 employees) will have until 31st March 2027 to comply to this new legislation, but there is encouragement to introduce good practices earlier than that 2027 deadline.
“A robust and compliant approach to waste reduction is not only soon to become a legislative requirement, but it makes huge sense with regards to efficient operations and the best use of your food and catering budget, too,” comments Rachael Venditti. “If you can make sure every penny spent is being put to best use, you can further enhance the dining experience.”
As food procurement experts managing the efficacy and impact of the food supply chain, allmanhall sees this focus on waste at the end of the value chain as a welcome and positive move. It seeks to address and reduce the circa 9.5 million tonnes of food that currently go to waste in the UK every year. But at the same time, the company fully recognises and appreciates the challenges it may create for a sector already under pressure.
allmanhall.co.uk
Rachael Venditti
Delivers EXCEPTIONAL Christmas Campaign Results
TARGET IMPRESSIONS
300,000
840,000
Waltons Digital Media, the marketing arm of Food & Drink Network UK, executed a highly successful digital marketing campaign for one of the platform’s key clients during the Christmas period. By leveraging the reach of Food & Drink Network UK and advanced optimisation techniques, the campaign exceeded expectations and set a new standard for seasonal marketing in the food and drink industry.
The campaign featured a video link banner on the homepage of https://foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk/, targeting peak traffic during the festive season. With the goal of achieving 300,000 impressions and strong audience engagement, the banner was designed for maximum visibility.
The results surpassed expectations, delivering 840,000 impressions—177% above target—and over 15,000 clicks, achieving a click-through rate (CTR) of 1.77%, well above the industry average of 0.1% to 1.0%. These impressive results demonstrated both the platform’s reach and Waltons Digital Media’s ability to craft highly effective campaigns.
Key to the campaign’s success was Waltons Digital Media’s focus on strategy and optimisation. By analysing user behaviour and scheduling the campaign during peak engagement times, the team ensured maximum impact. A mobile-first approach was implemented, with 92.3% of impressions and 98.6% of clicks originating from mobile users.
Creative execution also played a significant role. The in-house design team crafted a striking banner that resonated with the audience and delivered excellent results. Real-time performance tracking allowed for agile adjustments, maximising the campaign’s effectiveness.
Additionally, Waltons Digital Media expanded the campaign’s reach through LinkedIn, generating over 60,000 impressions and 300+ engagements, showcasing a multi-platform marketing approach.
This campaign illustrates Waltons Digital Media’s commitment to delivering high-impact marketing strategies that drive measurable results. With expertise in optimisation, creative execution, and strategic placement, Waltons Digital Media is a trusted partner to achieve exceptional results across industries. Contact us today to learn how we can support your marketing goals. Ready to take your brand to the next level?
We Are A Creative DIGITAL Agency
Content Marketing
At Walton’s Digital Media, we create content that grabs attention and builds lasting connections with your audience.
Marketing Consultancy
At Walton’s Digital Media, we offer expert Marketing Consultancy services to provide strategic direction and hands-on guidance.
Digital Marketing
At Walton’s Digital Media we craft powerful, results-driven digital and marketing strategies tailored to your business.
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Walton’s Digital Media offers expert Communication and PR services, from crafting compelling messages to managing crises effectively.
Sameh Metawea BA (Hons) Head of Client Services
Graphic Design & Branding
At Walton’s Digital Media, we specialise in Graphic Design & Branding services that enhance and strengthen your brand.
Website Design & Development
At Walton’s Digital Media, we design custom, mobile-responsive websites that are visually stunning on any device.
The Smarter Choice: Selling Food and Beverage Machines at Online Auction
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, businesses often face the need to reassess their equipment to stay competitive. Whether it’s due to the closure of a production site, to create space for new machinery, or changing production demands, selling your food and beverage machines can be a strategic move. Unused or depreciating equipment represents untapped capital that could be reinvested into new production opportunities.
By auctioning your surplus equipment, whether just a few machines or an entire production site or line, you not only maximize your returns but also contribute to a more sustainable industry by reusing machinery. You can maintain your focus on optimizing production and meeting your business goals, while the auction platform handles every aspect of the sales process. From listing and marketing to finalizing the sale, the auctioneer ensures a smooth and efficient transaction, allowing you to unlock the value of your unused equipment without diverting attention from your core operations.
Auctioning by Industrial Auctions offers several advantages. “The shortage of qualified personnel in the food industry presents significant challenges for food producers and traders. We aim to alleviate this burden by taking the entire sales process off their hands. Additionally, we have a large international database, which allows us to reach a wide network of professionals within the industry, effectively connecting supply and demand”, explains the CEO of Industrial Auctions.
“We are always committed to making each auction a success. The hard work pays off when we see the satisfaction on everyone’s faces at the end. Working closely with a committed team not only makes the process more enjoyable but also drives us to achieve even greater results.”
Want to buy or sell your company assets? Visit the website now by scanning the QR code: https://www.Industrial-Auctions.com/ sell-your-food-beverage-assets/
a matter of experience
Lawyers you can count on
At Ashfords, we combine legal expertise with industry experience to deliver real value for our clients.
With a team of over 500 people across four UK offices and a strong international network, we invest in our relationships and are committed to providing a consistently outstanding, accessible, and responsive service.
By bringing together our legal knowledge and industry insight, we are trusted partners to our clients - whether helping them achieve their commercial objectives, protect assets, make investments, or resolve disputes.
An Easier Way to Perfect Packaging
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At National Flexible, we believe in making packaging easier, smarter, and more efficient. With our unrivaled expertise, sustainable options, and customer-first approach, we simplify the packaging process - so you can focus on what matters most: growing your brand.
