Corrugated packaging manufacturer acquires specialist sustainable corrugated tray producer

Cepac Group has completed the acquisition of a majority shareholding in EW Cartons Ltd, the specialist microflute corrugated food tray manufacturer. Located in Altham, Lancashire, EW Cartons Ltd is now being rebranded under the name Flutepac, as it is brought under the umbrella of Cepac Group. Adam Clifton, the previous owner, remains a shareholder and is appointed as Flutepac’s general manager. Flutepac’s portfolio of microflute corrugated packaging is entirely food safe, with its products being fully BRCGS AA accredited. The packaging solutions are utilised extensively for fresh produce, bakery items, ready meals and ‘food-to-go’ containers. Thanks to a wide range of available coatings, Flutepac’s products can be barrier coated, grease proof, moisture resistant and leak proof. The company also offers a range of food trays that can be placed straight into the oven. “As innovators and manufacturers of food tray packaging, Flutepac is now positioned as one of the UK’s most dynamic suppliers of microflute corrugated packaging solutions as part of Cepac Group,” says Steve Moss, Managing Director, Cepac Group. “Thanks to in-house corrugator equipment combined with innovative coating technologies, as well as a range of print options, customers serviced by Flutepac will benefit from using the most sustainable, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable food packaging available in the UK market and beyond.” As part of the ongoing development of the business, Flutepac will be investing in additional equipment over the coming months. “With our emphasis on food tray packaging, we already utilise industry-leading equipment from the German manufacturer, Heiber + Schröder,” explains Adam Clifton. “As we look to expand our position in the market, we are now in discussions with H+S for the purchase of additional pieces of equipment for future investment. Being part of the Cepac Group certainly enables us to invest rapidly in new machinery and further broaden our portfolio of offerings to customers throughout the UK and Europe.” “We are delighted to welcome Adam and the team of EW Cartons to the Cepac Group,” concludes Steve Moss. “We have ambitious plans for the Flutepac business, which will include new machinery, new offerings and at all times, best-in-class service.” Cepac were advised on the acquisition by Ian Marwood at Sentio Partners and Pete Wood and Aidan Barry at Addleshaw Goddard. EW Cartons were advised by Debbie King of Farleys. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The Lapwing Estate commissions Bilfinger to develop pioneering plant converting CO2 emissions back into solid carbon while producing food

The Lapwing Estate, a British food and farming company, has commissioned Bilfinger to build a pilot plant for their “reverse coal approach.” Bilfinger will be responsible for the technical planning, procurement and installation of the plant. Completion of the high-temperature pyrolysis plant in the English county of Nottinghamshire is planned for Quarter 4 2023.

The pilot plant is part of the “reverse coal process” developed by The Lapwing Estate. The aim of this process is to convert CO2 emissions back into solid carbon while producing food with measurable positive environmental and social impact.

To do this, peatlands are first rewetted and planted with willow coppice, allowing the peat to slowly rebuild, abating CO2 emissions from the land, and capturing atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis. Biomass is then rotationally harvested, chipped, and fed in the form of woodchips into the high temperature pyrolysis plant, which breaks down the biomass through thermal decomposition. This produces renewable heat, electricity and biochar.

When the biochar is buried underground (“reverse coal”), the raised land remains productive, and the heat and electricity are supplied to controlled environment (indoor) agriculture (CEA) which replaces land transferred to willow growth. This tackles the common criticism of many renewable energy projects, which is that land is lost from food production. 

The “reverse coal concept” was successfully verified in a feasibility study. The testing of the concept, which is now planned, is being financially supported by BEIS, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy within the scope of Phase 2 of the Direct Capture of Air and Other Greenhouse Gases program. Scientific support is being provided by the University of Lincoln and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.  

Bilfinger will be responsible for providing comprehensive technical planning, procurement and installation solutions for the plant. This will include designing the plant layout and technical specifications, detailed engineering, procuring the necessary equipment and components, and carrying out the installation of the plant in accordance with project requirements.

“We are excited to be part of The Lapwing Estate’s innovative CO2 reduction project and delivering the carbon processing plant design, supply and installation,” said Sandy Bonner, executive president for Bilfinger UK. “We see this as a positive opportunity for the future of Bilfinger UK and the environment.” 

“Reverse coal is a radical and transformative whole systems approach that transitions from traditional organic farming on degraded lowland peat, towards climate resilient, controlled environment agriculture,” said James Brown, CEO of The Lapwing Estate. “This approach offers a broad array of interlinked societal, environmental and economic benefits. We are happy to be able to rely on Bilfinger’s years of expertise and experience in building technically pioneering facilities for this forward-looking project.”

PPMA BEST celebrates huge success with its virtual STEM days

During 2022 PPMA BEST co-ordinator Matt Fox delivered 24 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) days up and down the UK, with even more schools booked this year. The PPMA BEST STEM days are designed to engage secondary school pupils in years seven to nine, to help them experience STEM subjects before they choose their GCSE subjects. Within the sessions, pupils enjoyed various activities such as designing and building an eco-factory roller loader; as well as showcasing their new product ideas. The project reached over 4070 pupils nationwide, of which over half were female, demonstrating that there is no gender barrier to starting a career in technology and engineering.  Students also had the opportunity to listen to industry leaders talk about their careers promoting the various positions, and roles available in the manufacturing sector. Science teacher and STEM Coordinator, Abdul Hamza said: “The delivery was exceptional, well timed and engaging. The pupils appreciated the activities and were stimulated throughout. Matt was outstanding when it came to the delivery and the pupils appreciated him. Overall, the pupils loved the STEM Day and came out of it feeling inspired. We cannot wait for next year to do this again with another Year group.” PPMA Business Education Skills and Training (PPMA BEST) was established in 2014. Since then it has assisted apprentices access vital funds to help them progress in their engineering career, whether it be to help them to buy tools, or pay living costs as they completed their studies. To find out more about PPMA BEST and future STEM day opportunities visit ppma.co.uk/ppma-best

RMGroup and ABB Robotics UK to hold interactive workshop

Leading packaging machinery and robotic automation specialist, RMGroup, in collaboration with ABB Robotics UK, is holding an interactive workshop providing guidance on the constantly changing robotics and automation landscape. The event is being held on 30 March at ABB’s Milton Keynes headquarters – register for the workshop here. As an ABB Valued Provider, RMGroup will be using the workshop to update on the latest innovations, best practices and new technology solutions evolving in robotics and automation. There will be talks from leading industry experts, live demonstrations of applications utilising industrial and mobile robots (AMRs/AGV) including palletising, pick and place, material handling and storage operations, in addition to a myth-busting round table discussion and networking opportunities. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided. As hosts, ABB Robotics will be taking the opportunity to provide delegates with a history of the company, the value they place on their longstanding 15-year partnership with RMGroup, and how its technology drives innovation and value for their customers every day. Being one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, ABB will also provide an opportunity to tour its extensive product range. Commenting on the event, RMGroup’s managing director, Mark Tucker, said: “With robotics and automation becoming increasingly integrated into the workplace, it’s more and more important to ensure that we have a collective understanding of the changing landscape in front of us and the opportunities that robotics and automation can provide. It’s equally important that we challenge some of the misconceptions surrounding robotics and automation so that we are all conversant with the technology and its application.” 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 a fully automated solution for fulfilment, distribution and manufacturing kitting operations. To register for the workshop click here. Visit here for more information on RMGroup’s AMR and AGV solutions, email sales@rmgroupuk.com, or call +44 (0)1686 948003.

Cornish pasty maker acquired by French group

Renowned makers of Cornish pasties and savoury pastries, Proper Cornish, has joined Groupe Boncolac. Proper Cornish, which operates from a newly refurbished 58,000 sq ft bakery in Bodmin, Cornwall has been supplying quality Cornish pasties and other savoury pastries to a wide range of markets since 1988 either under the Proper Cornish brand or as own label. Their extensive customer base consists of a major retailer, a wide range of independent retailers, specialist pasty shops, education sector, sporting stadia, major contract caterers and wholesalers. With a current turnover of £26m there are exciting growth plans for Proper Cornish, which will now be possible following the acquisition by Groupe Boncolac. New markets will open up to Proper Cornish, including across Europe. The existing senior management team at Proper Cornish will remain in place to help deliver the growth plans. The Groupe Boncolac has been supplying quality desserts and cocktail bites since the 1950’s from four factories in France. Their products are sold in France and in over 30 countries to all channels, including retail, freezer centres, and foodservice. The United Kingdom has always been a strong focus for their development, and they established Boncolac Ltd in 2015 to grow their operations in the UK, serving both retailers and foodservice distributors. In 2022, Boncolac management conducted, together with Waterland Private Equity, a leverage buy-out to become a fully independent Group, with an ambition of building a pan-European leader of frozen snacks and desserts. In September 2022, they made their first acquisition of Mag’M, a French specialist of premium Macaroons based in Nantes. Chris Pauling, MD of Proper Cornish, said: “Since 1988 we’ve worked hard to build Proper Cornish to where it is today, and we just know there is so much more potential. As a founding member of Proper Cornish, I was extremely keen to ensure we found the right partner to take the Company to the next level, and I’m confident that Groupe Boncolac is that partner; their brand and people ethics, and their product quality reflect those of Proper Cornish, so I’m really excited for the future of Proper Cornish.” Alexandre Vigneron, CEO of Groupe Boncolac, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Proper Cornish Ltd within the Groupe Boncolac. I have been impressed by the quality of the Proper Cornish management team, as well as the great product positioning with respect to the traditional manufacturing techniques. We are looking forward to starting a fruitful collaboration between our companies in the UK and abroad.”

Industry insights and new product innovation on show as IFE prepares to return

IFE, International Food & Drink Event, returns to ExCeL London on 20-22 March alongside IFE Manufacturing and Hotel, Restaurant & Catering. The must-attend trade event invites retail, wholesale and hospitality professionals to network, learn and discover the latest products in the world of food & drink. This year’s edition will showcase thousands of products from more than 1,500 suppliers, with over 90 countries represented and countless innovative UK brands. Freya O’Mara, buying manager – Cheese at Ocado Retail, says: “We are looking to come to IFE as an Ocado Dairy and Bakery team – it’s really important for us to make sure we are at the forefront of product trends and innovation and attending IFE will enable us to network, see new products and people and get excited about future innovation.” New for 2023 A new feature at IFE 2023 is the Startup Market, an area of the show comprised of businesses trading for less than two years and showcasing new product innovation from across the UK. The market will showcase suppliers including Saved, the cricket protein snack brand, Fermenti, supplier of plant-based fermented fruit bites, and Pukpip, provider of indulgent frozen snacking products including real frozen bananas dipped in chocolate. Alongside the Startup Market is the New Products Tasting Theatre, a demo kitchen where buyers will have the opportunity to sample the latest new products, explore the ranges of key distributors and wholesalers including Bidfood, Empire Bespoke Foods and Alibaba.com, taste a showcase of gold winners from the Free From Awards, and attend IFE’s Big Business Break with Surya Foods, where innovative brands will be pitching their product for the chance to secure up to half a million pounds in investment and support. Matt Buckingham, Buyer – Confectionery at Marks & Spencer, says: “I am planning to attend IFE this year as it gives buyers a unique opportunity to meet suppliers from all over the world and see (and taste!) fantastic innovation in the flesh. This exposure to newer suppliers that we may not have previously been aware of does not come regularly and it is a great networking opportunity for prospective suppliers that are interesting in working with one of the most recognisable brands in the UK.” In IFE’s Exporters Hub, sponsored by K International, powered by the Institute of Export & International Trade, international buyers will have the opportunity to quickly and efficiently source export-ready food & drink brands with infrastructure in place for international sales. Among the numerous new products on offer at this year’s event are a range of British-produced pizza toppings from Action Foods, AVO’s Lafiness Korean Barbecue Style Marinade, Vitafresh Sedge Grass Straws from Vitafresh Produce, a new Vegetable Fibre Paste from TheFlexitarian, and The English Drinks Company’s all-new Cucumber Vodka. Insights from industry leaders New for 2023 is IFE’s Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Elopak, where industry leaders and ESG experts will delve into a wide range of issues within this important topic. Visitors can attend sessions including a look at sustainability in the frozen food sector with Rupert Ashby of the British Frozen Food Federation, a discussion on sustainability in wholesale led by James Bielby of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, a debate on the health of the nation moderated by Louis Bedwell of Mission Ventures and ‘Sustainability begins with the board’ led by Rob Iles of Visionise. The stage will additionally have a full day of content curated by the Food & Drink Federation, featuring debates on topics such as decarbonising our food systems, meeting evolving customer expectations, the transition to a circular economy for plastics and packaging and what ‘green skills’ are needed for the industry to achieve net zero. The show’s Trends & Innovation Platform will see presentations and discussions from the likes of Kantar, thefoodpeople, IGD, FDReviews, FMCG Gurus and Stylus, on topics including active nutrition, emerging food technologies, future world flavour trends, consumer price sensitivity, and the rise of the discount retailers in the UK. The stage will also see a discussion on how the industry can work to champion black-owned brands, led by Silika Shellie-Manso, Director of Innovation (Grocery) at Sainsbury’s, and a debate around managing allergens across the supply chain let by Bertrond Emond, Membership Ambassador & Culture Excellence Lead at Campden BRI. To find out more about everything happening at IFE 2023, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit ife.co.uk.

Carlsberg Group plans expanded regenerative barley usage

Carlsberg Group is forging ahead in its global move towards regenerative farming. The beer giant is taking strides with three pioneer brands in the UK, Finland and France, on its journey towards 100% regenerative agricultural practices by 2040. The brand commitments form part of the Group’s new ZERO Farming Footprint ambition within its recently launched ESG programme, Together Towards Zero and Beyond. Within this, the Danish brewer has committed to sourcing 30% of all agricultural raw materials from regenerative practices and sustainable sources globally by 2030, reaching 100% by 2040. Through some of its most demanding targets yet, Carlsberg Group hopes that working toward and delivering on this new ambition will help accelerate the beer industry’s transition to a regenerative model. And while rethinking the ‘farm to bottle’ process is a challenging journey, requiring multiple stakeholder alignments and value chain reconfigurations, the early examples emerging in the UK, Finland and France are encouraging:
  • In the UK, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has committed to 100% regenerative barley for Carlsberg Danish Pilsner by 2027, and for all UK brands by 2031.
  • In Finland, partner farmers are supplying regenerative barley to Sinebrychoff, a Carlsberg Group company, for its annual KOFF Christmas Beer, while actively promoting regenerative farming among Finnish barley farmers.
  • In France, Kronenbourg SAS already has 45 partner farmers supplying traceable ‘Responsible Barley’, and the 1664 brand has committed to use this for 100% of the barley in its Blonde brews by 2026. As a brand holding 10% of the French beer market, 1664 will help to pivot the local industry in a new direction.
Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, senior director of sustainability & ESG for Carlsberg Group, says: “We cannot reach our targets alone. Partnerships are vital across the value chain, which is why we are collaborating closely with local farmers, traders, maltsters, agronomists and NGOs who provide expertise in the transition to regeneratively grown barley. “Over time this will allow us to offer our consumers and customers lower-carbon beers and contribute to improving the ecosystems we rely on. We will cooperate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that we as a company and our industry as a whole, strives towards a ZERO Farming Footprint.”

Solina acquires Lynch Foods

Solina has acquired W.T. Lynch Foods Limited in Canada to accelerate its expansion in the North American market. Lynch Foods is an Ontario-based manufacturer of customized savoury and sweet culinary solutions for foodservice and industrial markets, generating $95m CAD annual sales. The company provides table portion and kitchen bulk sizes of sauces, syrups and dessert toppings, plus soup and gravy bases to its foodservice, QSR, and industrial customers. Lynch Foods’ leadership team and the company’s 178 employees will join Solina, bringing its headcount in Canada to more than 315. “In Lynch Foods, we have bought a company that has a similar and complementary business platform to Berthelet and the capacity and capabilities to drive our growth as a leading food solutions partner in the Canadian market,” Anthony Francheterre, CEO of Solina, said. “This is a positive and exciting move for both companies, our customers, and our people.” “This is a remarkable moment for us in Canada,” said Guillaume Dubois, president of Solina Canada. “Having Lynch Foods and Berthelet in our portfolio gives us coverage coast-to-coast and establishes Solina as the leader in foodservice and customized flavour solutions nationally. Our customers and our people will benefit from our expanded capabilities and ability to grow with them.” Solina has made a series of acquisitions in Canada and the United States in recent years, including Canadian foodservice leader Produits Alimentaires Berthelet in 2020. In addition Solina bought Asenzya, a provider of custom, dry savoury solutions, and Saratoga Food Specialties, a leader in custom seasoning and sauce flavour solutions for foodservice chains and food manufacturers. Solina now has four sites in the U.S. and three in Canada that complement its portfolio of culinary dry and liquid ingredient solutions in Europe.

UK food and drink exports hit record highs in 2022

The UK’s largest manufacturing sector has posted record figures for exports in 2022, according to the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) full-year trade snapshot. The FDF has compiled the latest trade figures released by His Majesty’s Customs and Excise, which show there’s been a resurgence in export sales in food and drink, with most categories now exceeding pre-pandemic levels to reach a record £24.8bn. Exports to Europe rose 22% to £13.7bn and developing markets did well too, with fast-growing economies like Vietnam nearly doubling. For the very first time, exports to non-EU markets have broken through the £10bn barrier, hitting £11.1bn. While supply chain disruption and high energy bills have played a part in the rise in value of UK exports, there has also been strong volume growth in most product categories over the last 12 months. This shows that the global appetite for high quality UK food and drink products continues to grow around the world. Chocolate remains the UK’s top food export, worth £824m, but there are clear indications that next year this could be overtaken by cheese, which has achieved rapid growth in overseas sales. Head of International Trade, Dominic Goudie said: “UK food and drink continues to be recognised around the globe for its high quality, safety, and sustainability credentials, with demand as strong as ever across the EU and at record levels in developing markets. As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, dynamic trade is vital if our sector is to deliver the robust growth we’d like it to in the coming months and years, benefitting communities in every part of the UK. “Imports are essential for the success our sector, adding value to UK produce while ensuring consistent availability and value for shoppers. There also remains substantial opportunities to deliver further export growth, but this will require government to use all the trade policy levers at its disposal in support of the food and drink sector, to ensure that our producers can access competitively priced ingredients and sell into the fastest-growing markets.” UK Food and Drink Exporters Association director Nicola Thomas said: “These cheering export growth figures are testament to the dogged determination of UK food and drink exporters, not only to exploit global commercial opportunities, but also to break down the myriad of barriers which hindered their international trade drive in 2022. “We are encouraged to see the increasing demand for British products in emerging markets such as Vietnam and the MINT territories which are helping to up new sales avenues for our more established exporters; in addition, recent FDEA research among our network of overseas in-market partners highlights a wide range of product categories in almost universal demand including snacking, non-alcoholic drinks, health & wellness, dairy and private label. There is huge scope for UK companies to seize further opportunities in 2023.”

Hungry? All the novel foods you could be eating at Future Food-Tech next month

Over the past few months Future Food-Tech has been working with more than 50 groundbreaking innovators to showcase their dishes and ingredients in the unique and adventurous summit menu. Be among the first in the world to sample these trailblazing plant-based and novel foods, featuring exclusive collaborations that you will only find at Future Food-Tech. WHO’S ON THE MENU? Prepare for a busy day of networking by fuelling up at the breakfast station:
  • EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION: Current Foods smoked salmon bagels with Vertage cream cheese
  • Danone plant-based yogurts and creamers
  • Dole Sunshine Company blueberry muffins made with green banana powder and pineapple fiber powder
  • Vegan granola with Rainfed Original Millet Milk and fresh berries
Indulge in delicious snacks at the summit morning and afternoon coffee breaks:
  • Terviva orange and cardamom Ponova oil cake
  • Trendi berry breeze and mango tango fruit smoothies made from rescued ingredients
  • Pivot Bio microwavable gourmet butterfly Yellow Popcorn
  • Perfect Day mini cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, made with precision fermentation
  • COMET coffee mixed with ARRABINA powder
  • Nulixir focus shots designed to enhance cognition and support brain health
Looking for something substantial for lunch? Why not try:
  • Sundial Foods Korean honey BBQ wings
  • EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION: Current Foods tuna salad, Suncrestgreens, Vertage mozzarella, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green beans and olives
  • Lypid vegan pork belly adobo with garlic fried rice
  • The only meat on the menu, Mush Foods 50CUT kefta kebabs utilize 50% mycelium, 50% farm-based meat
  • SUMMIT EXCLUSIVE: Nourish Ventures Crispy Chik’n Karaage with Korean red chilli sauce and steamed jasmine rice
  • EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION: Banh Mi Sandwiches with Impossible™Beef and The Better Meat Co. Mycoprotein Foie Gras made with Epogee®fat alternative EPG
  • Konscious Foods sushi platters, including tuna avocado and spicy california rolls
  • Zero Acre Farms ranch and French Vinaigrette salad dressings with cultured oil
  • MeliBio bee-free honey panna cotta
End your day sipping refreshments at the Planteneers drinks reception, while sampling a specially curated menu of plant-based treats, including: steak tartare, poke bowls, pizza and Oreo cheesecake. THE TASTE LAB Visit the Taste Lab to sample foods of the future and meet their trailblazing founders:
  • Aqua Cultured Foods Aqua Tuna, Aqua Scallop and Aqua Ground shrimp, served in tuna sushi rolls, shrimp dumplings and scallop crudo
  • COMET gummies featuring ARRABINA prebiotic dietary fiber
  • Mush Foods 50CUT beef burgers and chicken nuggets
  • Nourish Ventures Crispy Chik’n Karaage, served with Wasabi Ginger Moringa drizzle, and LiveKindly chicken wings
  • Pairwise salad bar featuring Conscious™ Greens – the first CRISPR gene-edited produce in U.S. retail
  • The Supplant Company chocolate and shortbread featuring Supplant™ Sugars from Fiber, its low glycaemic, prebiotic cane sugar replacement
  • Umiami plant-based chicken filet
STEP UP TO THE PLATE Have you ever wondered how whole cuts are formulated and how best to cook them? The founders will prepare dishes, chatting to Larissa Zimberoff as the action unfolds, even bringing some lucky live tasters up to the stage!
  • Demolish Foods chicken piccata with its whole-cut chicken breast
  • Novameat spicy Mexican pulled pork tacos using its next generation plant-based meat
On the alt-seafood side:
  • Current Foods raw tuna and smoked salmon
And that’s not all. You’ll munch your way around more than 55 booths across the Exhibition and Start-Up Arena, learning more about each technology from the innovators themselves.   Sample all these foods and more at Future Food-Tech San Francisco on March 16-17, as food-tech leaders come together to spotlight the new technologies and partnerships that are strengthening sustainable and nutritious food systems. Register now at www.futurefoodtechsf.com/register.