The 2024 PPMA Show hailed a huge success
The PPMA Show, the UK’s leading event for processing and packaging machinery, including industrial automation and machine vision systems, has once again been acclaimed as a great success.
Established more than 35 years ago, the renowned exhibition welcomed thousands of visitors over the course of its three-days at the NEC Birmingham. The event offered visitors the opportunity to experience a complete production line from start-to-finish.
The exhibition hall was busy from the moment the doors opened until the show finished, providing a perfect platform for visitors to observe the latest cutting-edge technologies and solutions, exciting live demonstrations and product launches, as well as top up their knowledge with hours of free expert seminars.
This year’s show was made extra special by the well-known broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer, Gregg Wallace – who spent a day at the show as he went ‘Inside the Exhibition’ – interviewing exhibitors to gain their insight. These recordings will be available soon online.
The PPMA Show, which is owned and organised by Automate UK, gave visitors the chance to see how the of state-of-the-art solutions on display could improve the efficiency of their own businesses, giving them key competitive advantages over their competitors.
The show boasted an impressive line-up of more than 350 exhibitors – including over 100 new exhibitors. These companies showcased their cutting-edge solutions spanning the full spectrum of the manufacturing industry, including: pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, building materials, pet care, microbrewers and distillers.
Informing their decision-making before investing, visitors held face-to-face conversations with exhibiting experts, gaining guidance on the suitability and benefits the various innovative solutions can bring to their businesses.
Exhibitors included many well-known companies in the sector, such as: Packaging Automation, PFM, Holmach, Keymac, Omori, Wipotec, Somic, Markem-Imaje, Ilapak, Bizerba, Ulma, Beckhoff, Schur Star Systems, Ilpra, Sidel, and JBT Proseal.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer at Automate UK, said: “The PPMA Show has consistently been the premier destination in the UK for exploring technology across the entire processing and packaging industry. Our main challenge as organisers is to ensure the exhibition evolves and stays relevant to the high-calibre visitors we are proud to attract each year.
“This year, we can confidently say, we exceeded our own expectations, with an outstanding turnout of attendees eager to invest in the remarkable range of innovative technologies showcased at the event.”
One of the many attractions of the show were the expert presentations at the seminar theatres. These talks delivered updates on both the latest industry insights and trends. They were crafted to be thought-provoking in a way that would encourage visitors to reflect on how they could apply their seminar learnings in their own businesses.
This year’s inspiring keynote speakers were Jessica Sansom from Huel and Stefan Casey from Nestlé. Jessica’s presentation focused on the manifestations of climate changes and how to rise to the challenge and adapt to a new normal. Stefan shared some of his knowledge on the digital transformation of FMCG industry, including challenges and opportunities in packaging across the whole value chain.
One visitor to the show, Callum Reader, of Marco Ltd, said: “It was great to be back at the PPMA Show for the first time in about four years. There was such a wide range of innovative and inspiring machinery to see. I would recommend this event to anybody in the food industry; it has so many different and fantastic solutions to learn about as well as providing a great opportunity to catch up with all the latest developments in the industry.”
Another visitor, Tom White from DaceCrown, said: “This year’s event was busier than in the past, offering a wealth of innovative solutions to explore. It was also great to see the net zero and eco-friendly initiatives present in a substantial number of showcased products.”
New for this year, Automate UK debuted a free PPMA Show app, packed with features such as a function to retrieve exhibitor information via QR codes, detailed seminar information, and a floorplan to navigate around the show. All of which improved visitors’ exhibition experience. In addition to the app, other innovations included a live demonstration theatre and show tours, plus a networking reception for visitors and exhibitors.
The PPMA Total Show will return to the NEC next year, promising to be bigger and better than before. The event will bring together suppliers and end users, making it easier for visitors to discover the latest cutting-edge solutions for their businesses. Attendees can once again look forward to a diverse range of innovative exhibits, thrilling demonstrations, inspiring seminars, and plenty of networking opportunities, all designed to enhance the visitor experience.
For more information, please visit: ppmashow.co.uk
Sandwich bread baker fined after worker loses finger
A bakery has been fined more than £360,000 after one of its employees lost a finger in machinery at a site in Northamptonshire.
Jacksons Bakery, a supplier of bread used in the commercial making of sandwiches, was given the fine after an engineer had a finger on his right hand caught in a flour sifting machine.
The then 31-year-old was assisting colleagues as they attempted to maintain the machine by clearing a blockage at the plant in Corby on 2 February 2023.
Following removal of a guard, as the engineer assisted with the task, he checked the tension of a drive belt and his hand got pulled around the bottom pully which resulted in the amputation of part of his right middle finger. The engineer was unaware that the machine had been switched back on.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Jacksons Bakery Limited failed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees.
In this instance there was a failure to implement a safe system of work ensuring that machinery was isolated and then locked off during maintenance work when fixed guards would be removed.
Additionally, HSE found that engineers were unclear on when to isolate and ‘lock out tag out’ machines due to an absence of adequate training and instruction – and the fact that it was custom and practice to not robustly isolate and lock off illustrated an absence of adequate supervision and monitoring.
Jacksons Bakery Limited of The Riverside Building, Liverstone Road, Hessle, East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to contravening a requirement of section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The company was fined £366,666 and was ordered to pay £5,386 costs at a hearing at Wellingborough Magistrates Court on 3 October 2024.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Rebecca Gibson said: “This unnecessary incident highlights the duty on employers to ensure that there are robust procedures in place relating to maintenance activities.
“If an appropriate ‘lock out tag out’ procedure had been produced and implemented and with suitable training, the serious injury would have been avoided.”
Butterfly to acquire North American luxury wine company The Duckhorn Portfolio in $1.95bn deal
The Duckhorn Portfolio, the North American luxury wine company, and Butterfly Equity, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food and beverage sector, have entered into a definitive agreement which will see Duckhorn acquired in a $1.95 billion deal.
Following the completion of the transaction, Duckhorn will become a privately held company.
Duckhorn was established in 1976 and is a pure-play luxury wine producer in the United States with a curated portfolio of premium brands, including Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer and Kosta Browne.
Duckhorn wines are available to luxury consumers on five continents and in over 50 countries. Following the completion of the transaction, the company will continue to be headquartered in St. Helena, California and will operate eleven winery brands under The Duckhorn Portfolio name.
“This announcement is excellent news for the future of our company and for stockholders of The Duckhorn Portfolio, who will receive a substantial premium,” said Deirdre Mahlan, Duckhorn President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson.
“Based on our long history of success and innovation, and our position as one of America’s most successful luxury wine companies, Butterfly believes strongly in The Duckhorn Portfolio and is fully invested in helping us achieve our next phase of growth.
“Just as important, Butterfly brings a proven track record of strengthening its portfolio companies while helping them advance their long-term strategic objectives. Through our partnership with Butterfly, we expect The Duckhorn Portfolio will have enhanced resources to build on our strong foundation and to further scale our operations.
“We are excited to work with the Butterfly team to begin writing an exciting new chapter in the story of The Duckhorn Portfolio.”
Founded in 2016, Butterfly is a private equity firm dedicated to investing in the “seed-to-fork” food ecosystem in North America with a diverse portfolio including Milk Specialties Global, Chosen Foods, MaryRuth Organics, Orgain, Bolthouse Fresh Foods and QDOBA, among others.
“We are honored to partner with Duckhorn and welcome the Company to the Butterfly family,” said Adam Waglay, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Butterfly.
“This is an incredible opportunity, and we look forward to bringing our specialized expertise and deep food and beverage network to bear to help amplify and accelerate the Company’s mission to have their wine poured wherever fine wines are served throughout North America and the world.”
“As a leading pure-play luxury wine producer, Duckhorn has, in our view, the best portfolio and strongest fundamentals in the industry,” said Vishal Patel, Partner, Butterfly.
“We believe the Company’s curated suite of luxury wine brands, structurally advantaged business model, and world-class team have laid the foundation for a powerful, scalable platform, which will continue to drive growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”
Sainsbury’s first major UK retailer to vacuum pack all lamb mince
Sainsbury’s is swapping traditional, plastic tray packaging for a new vacuum-packed alternative across its entire fresh lamb mince range, saving 26 tonnes of plastic annually.
Another supermarket-first for Sainsbury’s, the new packaging will result in a minimum 65% reduction in plastic per product. The change will be across all Sainsbury’s fresh lamb mince products.
The lamb mince products will be vacuum-packed for freshness, removing all oxygen which typically causes a product to spoil more quickly, increasing the life of the current product and also allowing the product to last better in the freezer.
The new packaging will contain the same amount of lamb mince. There will be new QR codes on the packaging to provide advice on how to cook the mince.
Richard Crampton, Director of Fresh Food at Sainsbury’s, said: “We know customers want us to reduce plastic packaging and that’s why we’re committed to making bold changes which benefit the environment as well as helping customers to reduce plastic waste at home.
“Once again, we’re the first major supermarket to switch to vacuum packed packaging on a popular product that our customers buy week in, week out. This change more than halves the plastic used in our lamb mince range.”
The new packaging will be recyclable in-store at supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s flexible plastic recycling collection points available in all of its supermarkets.
The move is the latest in a string of changes made by the retailer in a bid to halve its use of own-brand plastic packaging by 2025.
LOMA appoints its first global marketing director
Loma Systems, the global leader in inspection technologies for food quality and safety, has appointed its first-ever global marketing director, Samantha Neves, making a strategic shift towards strengthening its marketing presence worldwide.
Neves brings over 16 years of marketing and strategy expertise from Shell where she built sustainable differentiation and industry thought leadership across Lubricants, Commercial and Aviation Fuels divisions.
At Loma, she will focus on advancing the company’s marketing efforts through three core pillars: Customer Back Innovation (CBI), Continuous Improvement (CI) and Marketing Excellence (M/Ex).
Her leadership is expected to improve the company’s dedication to customer-focused innovation, driving new product development to meet customer needs while ensuring ongoing improvement in operational efficiency and marketing.
AMP and AHS bolster DACH region with new sales manager appointment
Global leaders in material handling and processing equipment, Advanced Material Processing (AMP) and Automated Handling Solutions (AHS), have announced the appointment of Dirk Struppe as the new regional sales manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, effective from 1st August 2024.
A graduated mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience in various sales roles across engineering companies, Dirk will play a crucial role in driving customer acquisition, providing technical consulting, delivering product presentations, creating proposals, conducting market research and maintaining strong customer relationships. He will also work closely with the broader sales team to meet market needs and expand AHS and AMP’s presence in the region.
Commenting on the role, Dirk said: “The opportunity to further develop the brand in Germany, support new customers and work in an international environment were the key motivations for me. I am looking forward to the new challenge and am particularly excited about the intensive technical training and working alongside my colleagues.”
Tom Finnegan, director of sales – AMP/AHS, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dirk to the team. His extensive experience in engineering and sales will be a tremendous asset to us as we continue to grow in the DACH region. Dirk’s expertise, combined with his enthusiasm for developing customer relationships, makes him the ideal fit for this role.”
AMP and AHS are exhibiting at SOLIDS on stand 5-N32, on 9-10 October at Messe Dortmund.
For more information on AMP and AHS visit amp-ahs.com.
Waitrose uncorks recycling scheme
From 7th October, Waitrose will trial cork recycling in seven stores across the UK, becoming the first major UK supermarket to do so.
Individual collection points will be set up in Waitrose Salisbury, followed by Saltash, Lymington, Bath, Godalming, Truro and Maidenhead once it relaunches in November. Customers will be encouraged to deposit their used natural corks for recycling via Amorim, the largest cork processing group in the world.
Barry Dick, MW and Beer Wine and Spirits Global Bulk Wine Sourcing Manager, said: “Waitrose customers get through a corking nearly 25 million natural corks a year. Currently this valuable material does not have its own waste stream which means it ends up in landfill. Cork is a durable material and has the potential to be repurposed into a variety of products after it has been used as a wine cork.
“This trial is a fantastic way for us to reduce waste and play a part in improving our sustainability as a category. Once we’ve gauged our customer’s appetite to return their natural corks, we’re hoping to roll the trial out to further stores from next year.”
Recycled natural cork can be repurposed into countless new applications such as mulch, as well as household items such as placemats, coasters, flooring or even shoes.
Customers can tell the difference between natural and synthetic cork simply by the touch – natural cork tends to be lighter, spongier and slightly less smooth.
Waitrose will use learnings from the trial to determine how best to roll it out more widely – with hopes of exploring innovative applications of recycled cork in future propositions.
PepsiCo to acquire Siete Foods for $1.2 billion
PepsiCo has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Siete Foods for $1.2 billion.
The acquisition will complement PepsiCo’s portfolio with the addition of an authentic, Mexican-American brand, while also growing its better-for-you food offerings.
Founded in 2014, Siete produces authentic heritage-inspired tortillas, salsas, seasonings, sauces, cookies, snacks and more. Siete’s products can be found in grocery stores, club stores, and organic food retailers primarily across the U.S.
“The Garza family has built a very special brand. Their passion for making and sharing food shines through in every Siete product, and that’s a passion we share at PepsiCo,” said Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. “PepsiCo believes in the spirit and authenticity of the Siete brand, and we’re excited to carry on the legacy created by the Garza family. We look forward to expanding our multicultural portfolio with these incredible products and even more consumers discovering and enjoying Siete.”
“Siete was created ten years ago to make heritage-inspired, Mexican-American food more widely available. Now we’re excited to embrace a new era with PepsiCo and bring our inclusive, better-for-you products to more people,” said Miguel Garza, CEO and Co-Founder of Siete Foods. “We hope this next chapter for Siete serves as inspiration for other Latino businesses, showing that it’s possible to build a thriving brand that honors our heritage and celebrates our culture.”
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures Ventures makes strategic investment in “better-for-you” doughnut start-up
Mondelēz International’s corporate venture capital arm, SnackFutures Ventures, has taken a minority stake in Urban Legend, a fast-growing, “better-for-you” fresh doughnut and pastry business in the United Kingdom.
Founded in 2021 by scientist and entrepreneur Anthony Fletcher, Urban Legend uses a custom designed and patented air frying technology to reduce sugar, fat and calories by 30 percent to 75 percent compared to traditionally made doughnuts. All Urban Legend varieties – including those with creamy fillings, icings and frostings – are 200 calories or less.
“Urban Legend is well positioned to disrupt the UK’s fresh bakery category,” said Richie Gray, global head of SnackFutures Ventures. “We’re excited about the brand’s growth potential, focus on ‘mindful indulgence,’ and opportunity to help Mondelēz build capability in the fast-growing ‘better-for-you’ fresh bakery space.”
The Urban Legend portfolio currently includes 12 varieties that are sold in nearly 200 stores throughout the UK, located in stand-alone bakery cabinets.
“As a scientist and advocate for well-being, I saw a need and opportunity to tackle innovation in one of the toughest categories, and bring something truly unique to fresh bakery,” said Anthony Fletcher, founder and CEO of Urban Legend. “Our combination of novel technology and extensive recipe development has enabled us to be the first ones to deliver iconic doughnuts and pastries with less sugar, fat and calories to the South of England. A partner like Mondelēz provides enormous opportunity to scale that possibility throughout Europe and the world.”
From innovation to impact: Foopak’s role at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024
The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024, held on September 5th and 6th at the Jakarta Convention Center, marked a pivotal moment in global sustainability efforts. Organised by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment (CMMAI) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), the forum brought together a distinguished group of international leaders, policymakers, and experts.
The primary focus was on crucial issues such as decarbonization and sustainable development. The forum featured a comprehensive agenda on sustainability, including energy transition, biodiversity, and the blue economy. With over 7,000 participants, the event concluded with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing carbon capture and green transitions in transportation.
APP Group and Foopak’s Green Initiative at ISF
APP played an active role in the forum’s discussions. Elim Sritaba, Chief Sustainability Officer of APP, participated as a panellist in the session titled “Decarbonizing Indonesian Industry.” During the dialogue, Elim shared valuable insights into APP’s Sustainability Roadmap Vision (SRV) 2030. This strategic framework aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance forest protection, and empower communities through sustainable practices.
Elim’s insights emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. “Addressing the challenge of decarbonisation requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including suppliers, producers, and buyers,” she explained, highlighting the collaborative approach central to APP’s strategy for reaching Net Zero targets.
Another notable highlight of ISF 2024 was the integration of sustainability into the event itself. APP Group, through its innovative packaging brand Foopak, supplied more than 20,000 plastic-free cups for visitors and participants to use during the two days of the forum.
These Foopak Bio Natura cups are certified PFAS-Free and suitable for both Home and Industrial Composting, tested and certified in Germany by ISEGA and DIN CERTCO, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastics. This initiative underscored Foopak’s commitment to supporting the event’s sustainability goals and reducing its environmental footprint.
Foopak’s Sustainability Commitment
Foopak remains committed to advancing environmental sustainability through its innovative packaging solutions. Made from virgin natural fibre, Foopak’s products are fully compostable and free from harmful chemicals, providing a stark contrast to traditional plastic and polystyrene packaging. They are designed to be recyclable and compostable as per EN 13432, supporting a circular economy and offering a practical solution for reducing environmental impact.
Recognized for their quality and environmental benefits, Foopak’s products hold certifications from both national and international bodies. Foopak Bio Natura complies with food safety standards in the USA (FDA), Europe (BfR), and China (GB). From the beginning, Foopak Bio Natura has been designed to meet PFAS-free compliance, meaning no harmful chemicals are used. Lastly, Foopak Bio Natura is Halal-certified for Islamic religious purposes.
The contributions of Foopak and APP at ISF 2024 highlighted the importance of embedding sustainable practices into both product development and event management. Their efforts demonstrated how integrating environmentally friendly solutions into business operations can lead to significant progress in sustainability.
ISF 2024 highlighted significant advancements in sustainability, demonstrating how diverse sectors can contribute to environmental stewardship. The forum accentuates that meaningful progress in sustainability involves not just dialogue but also practical actions, such as integrating eco-friendly practices into large-scale events and everyday operations. By showcasing innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, ISF 2024 reaffirmed that each contribution plays a crucial role in driving global environmental progress.
Foopak remains committed to advancing environmental sustainability through its innovative packaging solutions. Made from virgin natural fibre, Foopak’s products are fully compostable and free from harmful chemicals, providing a stark contrast to traditional plastic and polystyrene packaging. They are designed to be recyclable and compostable as per EN 13432, supporting a circular economy and offering a practical solution for reducing environmental impact.
Recognized for their quality and environmental benefits, Foopak’s products hold certifications from both national and international bodies. Foopak Bio Natura complies with food safety standards in the USA (FDA), Europe (BfR), and China (GB). From the beginning, Foopak Bio Natura has been designed to meet PFAS-free compliance, meaning no harmful chemicals are used. Lastly, Foopak Bio Natura is Halal-certified for Islamic religious purposes.
The contributions of Foopak and APP at ISF 2024 highlighted the importance of embedding sustainable practices into both product development and event management. Their efforts demonstrated how integrating environmentally friendly solutions into business operations can lead to significant progress in sustainability.
ISF 2024 highlighted significant advancements in sustainability, demonstrating how diverse sectors can contribute to environmental stewardship. The forum accentuates that meaningful progress in sustainability involves not just dialogue but also practical actions, such as integrating eco-friendly practices into large-scale events and everyday operations. By showcasing innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, ISF 2024 reaffirmed that each contribution plays a crucial role in driving global environmental progress.