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LATEST ARTICLES
AHS and AMP lead the way with innovative material handling and processing solutions at PPMA
Automated Handling Solutions (AHS), the leading provider of automation solutions and specialised material handling equipment comprising Spiroflow and Cablevey Conveyors, is set to join forces with Advanced Material Processing (AMP), integrating Kason Corporation and Marion Process Solutions, to showcase their material processing equipment and solutions on stand F54 at the PPMA show, on 26 – 28 September at Birmingham’s NEC.
At the exhibition, Spiroflow, representing AHS, will put on display a universal T2 bulk bag discharger and their signature flexible screw conveyor. Complementing these offerings will be an array of spirals and tubes. Cablevey will showcase its enclosed tubular drag cable and disc conveyor, designed to ensure safe, clean, and efficient material transportation. Additionally, Cablevey will introduce its groundbreaking innovation – the new Cleanvey Clean-in-Place (CIP) system – a revolutionary sanitary solution designed to automate the wet cleaning process.
Within AMP’s exhibit, Kason will present their CENTRI-SIFTER™ – a centrifugal sifter engineered to handle sifting, scalping, de-lumping and de-watering tasks for a wide range of bulk solids and slurries. Kason will also feature their leading circular vibratory screener and separator, the VIBROSCREEN®, with a multi-deck version on display. Meanwhile, representatives from Marion Process Solutions will be on hand to discuss their comprehensive range of mixing solutions.
Tom Finnegan, director of sales, AMP/AHS, said: “We’re delighted to mark our presence at the PPMA Show again this year. Visitors will get a glimpse of a comprehensive assortment of processing and material handling equipment, proudly representing all four of our brands. It’s always great to showcase the best of what we offer.”
To find out more about the AHS and AMP’s market-leading material handling and processing solutions visit https://amp-ahs.com/.
RMGroup showcasing latest in collaborative robots & automated packaging systems at PPMA 2023
Leading robotics and automation company, RMGroup, will be exhibiting on stand F10 at this year’s PPMA show, held at the NEC, Birmingham on 26-28 Sep.
To demonstrate collaboration, the company will be showcasing a palletising cell equipped with ABB’s Safemove and an IRB 1600 industrial robot. Additionally, RMGroup’s sales team will be on hand to offer insight into the latest robotic solutions designed by the company for multiple pick, place, and palletising applications. These developments cater specifically to the food and beverage sector’s unique requirements. By sharing their knowledge and the advantages of these techniques, RMGroup aims to tackle common industry challenges and provide solutions that enhance operational workflows and overall efficiency.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, RMGroup’s Rosie Davies said: “The team look forward to returning to PPMA again this year, it’s a great opportunity to connect with new prospective customers as well as networking with those existing. We already plan to see our industry partners and further establish the RM partnership network. On stand, the sales team will be eager to discuss new packaging and robotic solutions that have been keeping us busy this year to date.”
Being the first integrator in the UK to be accredited under the A3/BARA Robot Integrators Certification Scheme, RMGroup supplies and manufactures a wide range of manual and automated packaging systems. These include robot palletising systems, pallet wrapping and material handling systems, as well as supplying a wide range of bagging solutions, weighing systems and high-speed form fill and seal packaging lines. Their ongoing partnership with ABB Robotics UK means that they can offer fully automated solutions utilising industrial and mobile robotics for collaborative palletising and pallet warehouse logistics.
Visit here for more information on RMGroup’s robotic solutions, email sales@rmgroupuk.com, or call +44 (0)1686 948003.
Tribe’s instant breakfast Protein Muesli Pots land in Tesco in sustainable packaging
Tribe has launched a new protein muesli instant breakfast oat blend in Tesco, delivered in Greiner Packaging’s sustainable K3® pot.
“Consumers had been asking us for a high-protein natural breakfast,” says Tribe co-founder Rob Martineau. “So, having launched the product in pouches, we have now taken it into the ready-to-go instant breakfast cereal category.
“Tribe’s instant breakfast oat blend is available in Raspberry Nut Crunch and Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut flavours. Packed with natural plant energy, gluten-free and suitable for vegans, each pot contains 10g of protein.
“Tribe’s proposition of ‘Natural plant energy. Fuel without compromise’, is all about great flavour, so we are proud to say that Tribe Protein Muesli Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut is the UK’s first protein breakfast to win a Great Taste Award.”
Sustainable packaging
“We were attracted to using Greiner Packaging’s perfectly recyclable K3® packaging due to its sustainability credentials,” says Rob Martineau. “The lightweight PP cup is wrapped in a cardboard sleeve which can be easily separated to enable recycling.”
“We are pleased to have helped Tribe take its new Protein Muesli instant breakfast porridge pots to market so quickly,” says Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland Sustainability & Innovation Manager Rachel Sheldon. “Our recyclable K3® plastic-cardboard cup is a perfect fit for the brand, and we are proud to see the new tasty product on shelf in Tesco nationwide.”
Fighting modern slavery
“Ten years ago, Tribe was inspired by ‘run for love’ – a 1,000 mile run to fight child trafficking, and we launched the brand at the end of 2015,” says Rob Martineau. “Our mission remains to end modern slavery, and the Tribe community has since raised more than £1.5m for our registered charity Tribe Freedom Foundation.
“Tribe Freedom Foundation, in collaboration with the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and Stop The Traffik, recently launched a project called ‘Foodies Fighting Slavery: An Agenda for Action for UK Food & Drink SMEs’ and we are delighted that it has been endorsed by all the major UK supermarkets.
“97% of the UK food and drink industry are small and medium-sized businesses. Despite wanting to take action, SMEs can feel powerless to understand how they can do more to fight slavery within their supply chains. ‘Foodies Fighting Slavery’ empowers tens of thousands of SMEs with practical tools and knowledge to combat the risk of modern slavery in their supply chains. We want to help the food industry to change.”
International Beverage snaps up New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery
Global drinks business International Beverage has acquired Cardrona Distillery, one of New Zealand’s pioneering premium spirits producers.
The acquisition includes the Cardrona Distillery and visitor centre near Wanaka in New Zealand’s Crown Range Mountains; plus Cardrona’s portfolio of super-premium brands including Cardrona single malt whisky, The Reid Vodka, The Source Gin and the Rose Rabbit liqueurs.
Following the company’s recent acquisition of the Larsen Cognac business, this deal will give International Beverage a foothold in the dynamic New World spirits category, to complement its established and highly successful Scotch whisky and spirits brands which include Old Pulteney, Speyburn and Caorunn Gin. Desiree Reid, who founded Cardrona Distillery in 2015, will remain as Managing Director.
Cardrona is celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most innovative craft spirits producers. Its spirits are produced from grain to glass at the site and have earned multiple accolades since launch, including category wins over 4 consecutive years at the World Whiskies Awards.
International Beverage will focus on investment in the purpose-built distillery site and maximising the potential of Cardrona’s brands in the core New Zealand, UK and USA markets. They will also deploy International Beverage’s global network to build select new routes to market.
Cardrona Distillery founder and Managing Director, Desiree Reid, said: “This is an exciting day for all of us at Cardrona Distillery. Building Cardrona has been a remarkable journey, made possible through the work and support of many, many people.
“I’m thrilled that International Beverage shares our belief in Cardrona’s quality and potential as we embark upon the next chapter of our story together. I look forward to working with their team to bring our spirits to more people in markets around the world in the future.”
Malcolm Leask, Managing Director (UK) of International Beverage, added: “A warm welcome to Desiree and everyone at Cardrona Distillery to International Beverage. We are delighted to have their skilled team and exceptional craft spirits join our business.
“The team has done an excellent job in building Cardrona’s super-premium brands to date with so much integrity, quality and potential for the future. We are very much looking forward to working with them to build on their success within our international network, as we strengthen our premium spirits portfolio for the global market.”
HEINEKEN Mexico investing €430m to build state-of-the-art brewery in Yucatán
HEINEKEN Mexico plans to invest €430 million in the establishment of a groundbreaking new brewery in Yucatán, with the ambition to expand sustainable brewing practices and foster community growth.
This announcement was made in the presence of Raquel Buenrostro, Secretary of Economy of Mexico and Mauricio Vila Dosal, Constitutional Governor of Yucatán, alongside Guillaume Duverdier, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Mexico.
Construction will take place in the Kanasín municipality, marking the company’s inaugural brewery in the southeast region. To be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the new brewery is an important addition to HEINEKEN Mexico’s operations, aiming to address the growing demand in the southeast while capitalising on the region’s robust road, rail, and port connectivity.
In line with HEINEKEN’s global sustainability strategy ‘Brew a Better World’, the brewery will pioneer water processes unparalleled in the Mexican industry, integrating circular economy practices that ensure water reuse through cutting-edge treatment systems. In addition, HEINEKEN aim for the new brewery to operate with minimal waste and utilise renewable energy sources through advanced processes, equipment, and technology.
Currently employing over 18,000 people, HEINEKEN Mexico operates across seven breweries and one malting plant in Mexico. The Kanasín brewery in Yucatán is poised to create more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, further enhancing its role in the local economy. Operations are scheduled to commence in 2026, delivering beloved brands such as Tecate, Dos Equis, Indio, Bohemia, Amstel Ultra, and Sol, among others.
Guillaume Duverdier, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Mexico, said: “We highly appreciate the collaborative efforts of federal and state governments in fostering regional development. We take pride in being a part of Mexico’s history and in connecting with our customers and consumers in Yucatán and the southeast, all while safeguarding the environment and the welfare of our people. We are dedicated to and have strong confidence in Mexico, and we remain committed to continue brewing moments of joy and true togetherness through our portfolio of brands.”
Britvic Ireland makes €6m investment in Ballygowan facility to increase production by over 20%
Britvic Ireland has announced an investment of €6 million in its Ballygowan facility in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, to grow the site’s production capacity by over 20% in order to meet growing consumer demand for Ballygowan mineral water, and the creation of 28 new jobs.
In addition to the new manufacturing roles, the investment will provide additional bottling capacity for the equivalent of 50 million fully recycled and recyclable 500ml bottles of Ballygowan, enhance production capability, and underpin the strong sustainability credentials of the site.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, said: “I’d like to congratulate Britvic Ireland on their announcement of a €6 million investment at their facility in Newcastle West, Co.Limerick which will support the growth, expansion, and sustainability credentials of one of Ireland’s best-known water brands, Ballygowan.
“I warmly welcome the creation of 28 new manufacturing roles at the facility, and the strategic investment in the sustainable, long-term production of Ballygowan mineral water.”
Speaking about the investment, Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director at Britvic Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Minister Simon Coveney to Newcastle West, the home and source of Ballygowan, to mark the announcement of a €6 million investment which will grow our production capacity by over 20% and create 28 new jobs.
“This investment will create new manufacturing roles for the local area, provide additional bottling capacity for the equivalent of 50 million 500ml bottles of Ballygowan made from fully recycled and recyclable plastic, enhance production capability, and underpin the strong sustainability credentials of our site.
“We are incredibly proud of this latest milestone in Ballygowan’s journey as Ireland’s most loved and leading bottled water brand, and the benefits this investment will return for Britvic Ireland and the wider community in Newcastle West.”
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company proposes closure of Wychwood Brewery
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to close Wychwood Brewery from November this year, in line with the break clause on CMBC’s lease with the landlord who owns the site.
The brewery, located in Witney in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, will continue to operate as normal for the coming months. Wychwood brands – such as the popular Hobgoblin ales, as well as Firecatcher and Dry Neck beers – will continue to be brewed in the CMBC network.
The business is providing support to the six colleagues employed at the brewery during the consultation period over the proposals and will also explore any opportunities for redeployment within the business. CMBC will be working with partners and customers in the region to ensure they are prepared and supported through the change.
Paul Davies, CEO, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, said: “We understand the depth of feeling towards Wychwood Brewery, and have tremendous pride in our team there. Our number one focus is giving them all the support they need as we begin the consultation on this proposal.
“The UK ale market is an incredibly competitive space, and combined with a turbulent economic outlook for the UK provides for a challenging environment for industry to navigate. By making use of the break clause in our lease for Wychwood Brewery, we can consolidate our brewing network to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, supporting ongoing investment in our people and business.”
The Oxford Artisan Distillery appoints Charlie Echlin as Sales Director
The Oxford Artisan Distillery, the English Whisky producer leading the way on sustainable farming in spirits production, has appointed Charlie Echlin as Sales Director. Charlie was one of the first employees at the Distillery and has flourished ever since, building premium distribution for their whiskies in the UK and a growing number of export markets.
Echlin comments: “I have loved the mission at The Oxford Artisan Distillery since day 1. Working with heritage grains, this company is leading the revolution in tackling sustainable farming and producing uniquely delicious whiskies too. With Distill Ventures as partners, we have ambitious and exciting growth plans in place and I am delighted to lead the Sales team.”
The Oxford Artisan Distillery is seeking to revolutionise farming practices in the category. They produce whisky using biodiverse populations of ‘heritage’ grains, cultivated exclusively for them using a technique known as Restorative Continuous Grain Cropping (R-CGC).
This means they don’t use chemicals and grow with just an understory of clover. This approach has a multitude of benefits: sequestering carbon; improving soil and river health; creating life-rafts for biodiversity and restoring eco-systems within arable fields. Also the fact these grains were originally bred for their flavour in the production of beer and bread for example, means they lend themselves to producing uniquely delicious whiskies.
Mark Harvey, Managing Director Sales & Marketing, comments: “I’m delighted to announce this well-deserved promotion of Charlie Echlin to Sales Director. His ability to build strong mutually beneficial commercial relationships is second to none. I am excited to see what he will achieve as we introduce our proposition to a growing audience in the UK and abroad.”
HEINEKEN acquires stake in Ellie Goulding’s ready-to-drink brand, SERVED
HEINEKEN UK has acquired a significant minority stake in SERVED, the ready-to-drink brand, co-owned by Ellie Goulding, for an undisclosed sum.
SERVED was created by brothers Dean and Ryan Ginsberg, and Ellie Goulding in 2020, and has since become one of the fastest growing ‘ready to drink’ (RTD) brands in the UK.
The SERVED range includes ready-to-drink cocktails and hard seltzers, made using natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, ‘wonky’ fruit, and premium spirits.
The strategic partnership will see HEINEKEN support the brand into its next stage alongside the opportunity to take a leadership position in the wider UK RTD market. The founders will continue to build the brand independently as they further establish its premium and relatively ‘better-for-you’ positioning.
The UK RTD category has grown 47.5% in five years and was worth £866m in 2022. The ready-to-drink cocktail category grew by an astonishing 24% last year, as consumers look to enjoy high-quality cocktails in a convenient and sustainable format, a trend that is set to continue.
Dean Ginsberg says: “This is a significant milestone for the business. To date, our focus has been on building a brand that truly resonates with the next generation of drinkers. We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved in a short period of time, but our vison has always been to lead the category, and this partnership with HEINEKEN will enable us to accelerate our growth and maximise the potential of the brand.”
Ellie Goulding adds: “It’s always been important to us that any partner of SERVED must share the same values and vision for the future. Through our discussions and work together over the last nine months, we are excited to be partnering with HEINEKEN – a family business with a strong vision for the category and set of values that align with our own.”
Boudewijn Haarsma, Managing Director of HEINEKEN UK, says: “We have been interested in expanding our premium portfolio beyond beer and cider, seeking the right opportunity to invest in new growth categories. Dean, Ryan and Ellie have built something unique and special in SERVED and we’re excited about the prospect of partnering with them and building the proposition for the future.”
Ginsters invests £4m in ‘Taste the Effort’ campaign and brand new TVC
Savoury Pastry Category leaders, Ginsters, is launching a brand-new ‘Taste the Effort’ brand campaign – investing a huge £4million on TV, OOH, social, PR and shopper marketing with an OTS of x11.
The new campaign represents the brand’s biggest and most ambitious spend to date, reaching 90% of all UK households and 98% of Ginsters’ target audience, landing powerful messages about Ginsters’ dedication to making deliciously tasty, high-quality products.
‘Taste the Effort’ aims to shine a spotlight on the dedication and care that goes into making Ginsters’ delicious savoury pastry range. The campaign specifically highlights the high-quality British and local ingredients that go into all Ginsters’ products, told through an entertaining character and champion for the brand.
‘Taste the Effort’ will launch with an exciting new TVC on Friday 6th October, on air until w.c. 20th November, telling the story of ‘Merryn’ a local Cornish farmer, who goes above and beyond with the effort she puts into growing the highest quality vegetables for Ginsters’ delicious and iconic pasties.
Through Merryn, Ginsters aims to tell their brand stories in a highly engaging and entertaining way. Seen in a farm setting, Merryn will humanise the Ginsters brand, using humour to connect with audiences up and down the country and creating cut through versus other ‘farm to fork’ stories.
The new ‘Taste the Effort’ campaign is landing in market shortly after the recent launch of Ginsters’ new identity and pack design, working in harmony to communicate the company’s rich heritage and dedication to quality. Available in store now across the whole Ginsters product portfolio, this significant investment will bring excitement to the category, driving deeper education about provenance and ingredients and highlighting Ginsters’ use of 100% British meat and locally sourced veg.
Emma Stowers, Ginsters Marketing Director, commented: “We are really excited to launch our new ‘Taste the Effort’ campaign. This significant investment in our new brand platform and brand identity will bring excitement to the category and dial up a strong association with the quality and delicious taste of our products.”