The Responsible Packaging Expo returns
Responsible Packaging Expo returns this year due to popular demand and feedback from the hugely successful 2022 event. The UK’s leading event bringing sustainable packaging to the forefront of the industry is taking place on the 10th & 11th of October at the ExCeL London packed and ready for you to discover innovative and planet-friendly ideas, products and so much more!
Are you looking to source the hottest products of 2023? Are you looking to gain valuable insights from the leading minds in the industry? Are you looking to network and build connections that could change and boost your business profits whilst being kind to the environment?
Then come join us to find out more, and discover ways we can help your business transition to a more sustainable future.
Meet over 200 exhibitors packed and ready for you to demo their innovative and planet-friendly products and services.
It will host thousands of like-minded business owners such as yourself looking to invest in cost-effective (to the planet!) products, ideas and packaging solutions, plus more.
Grow business, boost profits, and attract and retain customers.
Unearth your contribution to our world within the current climate where we need you most!
This is your chance to come and explore the latest emerging trends, products, and network with business professionals like yourself.
Sustainability has a vital role to play in the industry, so join the movement now, and have a look at our very own Sustainability Trail at the show. Find those inspiring suppliers and see how their solutions have changed businesses, and make your competitors envy your progressive company!
The Responsible Packaging Expo is filled with educational and innovative features; whether you want to learn from them, be inspired or just enjoy being immersed in this exciting and thought-provoking event we have something for you. The event will host 100 inspiring speakers, panel debates, innovation awards, unparalleled networking opportunities and much, much more!
Not only this, but the Responsible Packaging Expo also runs alongside 6 other industry leading events, making it the biggest B2B event for the growth of the hospitality industry!
Mark your calendars today and save the date – 10th & 11th of October, ExCeL London and get your FREE ticket to be exposed to the countless opportunities that will see your business thrive, and lead the way to a more sustainable future.
Get your FREE ticket here.
Lactalis Canada acquires dessert manufacturer
Lactalis Canada – the Canadian dairy company behind brands such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group – has reached an agreement with Marie Morin Canada to acquire its business based in Canada.
The acquisition will see Lactalis Canada entering the dessert category, in both the Canadian and U.S. markets, and joins Lactalis Canada’s extensive dairy portfolio of cheese, tablespreads, yogourt and fluid brands.
Lactalis Canada will acquire Marie Morin Canada’s product line of premium desserts including its signature crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and cheesecakes. The transaction will also include Marie Morin Canada’s production facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec and the addition of 52 employees who will join Lactalis Canada’s existing 4,000+ employees and 30 operating sites including 19 manufacturing facilities in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.
“We are delighted to add Marie Morin Canada and its product line of signature desserts to the Lactalis Canada family,” said Mark Taylor, president & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “As part of our broad-based dairy portfolio that continues to evolve and expand to meet consumer trends and demands, this acquisition will enable Lactalis Canada to pursue its strategy in developing desserts for the North American market and will further expand our product offering for our valued retail and foodservice customers.”
With fresh and frozen desserts in glass jars, Marie Morin Canada was established in Québec in 2004 by David Morin and Sophie Le Vexier. Marie Morin Canada manufactures and markets its traditional French recipes in North America, offering consumers unique, restaurant quality desserts, made with simple and natural ingredients.
Tesco trials fresh mince ‘pillow packs’ that use less plastic
Customers picking up fresh mince in some Tesco stores will notice a big change in how it’s packaged. Instead of the traditional tray/top wrap pack, shoppers will see two lines of mince in new ‘pillow packs’.
The supermarket is trialling the new packaging which uses 70% less plastic, on two lines: 500g Tesco Beef Lean Steak Mince 5% fat (£3.49) and Tesco Beef Mince 500g 20% fat (£2.49). If customers like the new pillow packs, Tesco will roll it out to more stores and across more lines.
Pillow packs are the opposite to vacuum packs. The slightly inflated ‘pillow’ keeps the mince in perfect condition and prevents it being compressed at all.
While the new packs still contain the same amount of mince as the old ones, the packaging is smaller in size, meaning fewer lorries are needed to transport them, and stores can fit more on shelves, increasing availability.
The new packaging is recyclable. Customers can put it into the front of store recycling units with their other soft plastic.
Dom Morrey, Tesco commercial director for fresh, said: “As well as looking for great value when they shop, customers want to see less plastic packaging in their trolleys. Pillow packs are a win-win: they keep the mince in perfect condition while requiring much less plastic.
“Removing or reducing unnecessary plastic is an important way that Tesco can reduce its environmental impact. We’re proud of what we have done so far but continue to look for ways to do more.”
Ingredients business Meadow acquires Naked Foods
Ingredients business Meadow has acquired Naked Foods. The move is a further step towards Meadow strengthening its position as a trusted partner of bespoke critical food ingredients to some of the UK’s most famous brands, growing the business through organic expansion and acquisition.
Naked Foods produces a range of fruit and confectionery sauces for UK and Irish food companies from its factory in Kent.
The company, established in 2003, has grown organically to now providing over 300 recipes and several thousand tonnes of sauces each year. The products include fruit preps for yogurts, dairy drinks, ice cream and plant-based products, as well as sweet and confectionery fillings for bakery and dessert products.
The acquisition allows Meadow to expand its portfolio into new product areas while enabling customers to benefit from the many synergies between the businesses, including product knowledge and manufacturing expertise. Meadow is also able to enhance its customer offering, while leveraging the company’s existing manufacturing, sales and NPD capabilities.
Raj Tugnait, Chief Executive of Meadow, said: “For some time our customers have been urging us to enter the sweet sauce category. It is an adjacent category and a natural extension to what we already do.
“There is a gap in the market for an agile player who can develop, scale-up and manufacture fruit preparations and Naked Foods has an enviable reputation for its quality and nimbleness.
“The team and culture felt right to be part of the Meadow family. Adding sweet sauces allows us to further diversify our portfolio and strengthen our position as a leading supplier of quality food ingredients.
“Meadow has a three-pronged growth plan –organic; growing with our existing customers and in existing categories, inorganic; building new capabilities in house; and finally acquiring quality businesses that will compliment Meadow and make it a better proposition for its customers. Naked Foods fits perfectly with that plan.”
This acquisition is the latest from Meadow, following the purchase of Nimbus Foods, also in the confectionery space, and is a further step towards Meadow delivering on its business growth strategy.
Future of True North Brew Co secured, saving 325 jobs
The future of Sheffield-based True North Brew Co has been secured following a sale out of administration in a deal which safeguards approximately 325 jobs.
Howard Smith and Rick Harrison from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to True North Brew Co Limited on 2 August 2023.
The company operates 12 licensed venues across South Yorkshire, as well as its own brewery and distillery.
In common with many other leisure and hospitality businesses, True North Brew Co had been negatively impacted by lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing series of economic and trading headwinds, including spiralling food, labour and energy costs.
Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators concluded a sale of the business and assets to Cocktails and Craft Beers Limited. All of the company’s 325 employees have transferred to the purchaser as part of the transaction.
Howard Smith, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: ”True North Brew Co’s pubs and bars have long been a popular destination for customers across South Yorkshire, but the impact of lockdowns and hyperinflation have placed an enormous amount of pressure on the business.
“After exploring a number of options, we’re pleased to have concluded this transaction which will see the continued operation of the company’s venues, brewery and distillery, and which importantly, safeguards over 300 jobs. We wish the management team all the best for the future.”
Irwin Mitchell acted for the administrator, while Lupton Fawcett acted for the purchaser.
Conor McGregor’s new Irish stout ‘Forged’ set to launch exclusively in ASDA this August 5th
‘Forged’, the highly acclaimed new stout brand, created by mixed martial artist legend Conor McGregor, is set to make its debut in over 350 ASDA stores across the UK on August 5th and is ready to take the market by storm.
This eagerly anticipated launch brings McGregor’s iconic stout to a wider audience, marking a milestone for the Irish MMA legend’s venture into the brewing industry.
“We are not here to take part; we are here to take over.”
Originally brewed in late 2020, Forged Irish Stout quickly gained popularity and became the number one Irish stout at McGregor’s own establishment, The Black Forge, located near his Dublin 12 residence. Outperforming its biggest rival week after week, Forged Irish Stout has now reached a pivotal point in its journey, with McGregor’s recent acquisition of a brewery enabling him to scale production and introduce his stout to a broader consumer base with its upcoming exclusive launch at ASDA, making the stout available at more than 370 of its stores. A smooth roasted stout ‘Forged’ has been described as the smoothest, creamiest, and freshest stout that enthusiasts can experience. The stout’s exceptional flavour profile is a result of a meticulously crafted blend of malts, including pale malt, crystal malt, Munich malt, black malt, roasted barley, and wheat. This unrivalled combination results in a stout with unparalleled depth and complexity, that sets Forged firmly apart from other stouts in the market. Conor McGregor stated: “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over. This launch comes as a culmination of 2 years of hard graft from myself and The Forged Irish Stout team and I’m immensely proud to finally be able to get it into the hands of the British public. We’ve huge plans for Forged in the UK, Ireland, the US and beyond and I can’t wait for you all to join us on the journey.” Looking beyond the shores of Ireland, Conor McGregor plans to captivate the beer enthusiasts of the United Kingdom and beyond. A major international launch event is already in the works for later this year, promising an unforgettable experience for stout connoisseurs across the globe. Doug Leddin, head of marketing at Forged Irish Stout, said: “Created by one of the most famous and successful Irishmen in the world and brewed in his very own Dublin brewery, Forged is a 100% Irish stout. With this launch in Asda, we’re only just getting started.”Kite Packaging reduces minimum order value to £45 to support customers amidst economic crisis
Leading online packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has significantly reduced their minimum order value to support customers during the current financial crisis.
Effective from 5th July, Kite Packaging has lowered its minimum order value from £100 to an affordable £45 in a bid to make it easier for customers to access their products and services during these uncertain times.
The decision comes as part of Kite’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with their customers, prioritizing customer satisfaction to alleviate the financial challenges posed by the ongoing economic crisis and inflation.
In addition to the reduced minimum order value, Kite reaffirms its dedication to maintaining competitive pricing and optimising its operational efficiencies to provide the best value for money to their customers.
For more information about Kite’s new minimum order value and to explore their extensive range of affordable products, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.
SICK announces major upgrade to colour sensor portfolio
SICK has announced a major advance in its colour sensor portfolio, with the launch of its CSS and CSX high resolution and high-speed devices.
SICK’s newly developed flagship CSS colour sensor leads the way with best-in-class colour resolution and the ability to distinguish even the slightest nuances in shade. Its capability to identify subtle differences in surface structures and textures opens up wide-ranging applications in food and drink manufacturing.
The SICK CSS Colour Sensor detects colours precisely, regardless of the distance from the object, at lengths of up to 500mm. Its unique distance regulation capability dispenses with the need for strict guidance of the target. It therefore accommodates changing sensing distances automatically on a production line.
“These two devices now offer best-in-class performance, as well as combining unmatched colour recognition with ease of set-up and the ability to adjust the colour sensitivity precisely,” explains David Hannaby, SICK’s market development manager for presence detection.
“The sensors are therefore ideal for wide-ranging colour sensing applications, such as colour verification for quality control, sorting and separation, as well as object and print mark positioning.”
For more information visit www.sick.co.uk
Capri Sun to take over sales and distribution from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in Western Europe
Capri Sun Group Holding AG, the kids drink brand, will take back the sales and distribution of its iconic pouch drinks in France, Monaco, Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal in 2024, bringing to an end the sales and distribution arrangement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).
The decision was taken jointly and supports the strategy of Capri Sun Group to be closer to its customers and consumers, the wish to accelerate growth, and the vision of the company to become the most sustainable kids’ drink in the world.
The strategy to be closer to the market started around 5 years ago, by taking the sales and distribution back in-house in Switzerland, Austria, the Middle East, China, and most recently Poland. This so-called “go-direct” strategy enables the Capri Sun Group to be more agile and responsive in a fast-changing environment and allows a full focus on developing the Capri Sun business.
Capri Sun has recruited 70 new employees, who will now focus on preparing for the transition, which will begin in March 2024.
Roland Weening, CEO of Capri Sun Group Holding AG, explains: “CCEP has been a terrific partner for more than a decade, and we are grateful for the successful cooperation over the years. We have concluded on both sides that the future needs both companies to focus on their own brands. We are a privately owned company and as a global family favorite since 1969, are fully committed to reaching our vision to become the most sustainable kids’ drink in the world.
“We are planning the launch of recyclable pouches as well as more low-sugar products, and we will continue to drive innovation further. We will invest an additional €42mio in 2024 to support these initiatives and the transition. This will accelerate our growth and bring even more carefree fun and smiles for generations to come!”
CCEP and Capri Sun will continue to work closely together to support customers, both to deliver on 2023 business and growth plans and throughout the transition next year. The process will begin in March 2024, with different cut-over dates per market. CCEP will continue to co-pack Capri-Sun in Great Britain for the GB market to the end of 2024.
Krones nominated for the German Sustainability Award
Krones AG, the technology supplier for the beverage and food industry, has been named as one of the nominees for this year’s German Sustainability Award.
“At first, we were a little overwhelmed by the e-mail,” laughs Martina Birk, who is responsible for sustainability within the group.
This year, the nomination was made for the first time by a jury of experts, who identified Krones as a “pioneer of transformation” in the mechanical engineering sector. The publicly available sustainability information of the group served as the basis for this.
“For us, this is an incredible honour and, above all, confirmation that we have taken the right path with ‘Solutions beyond tomorrow’ and our sustainable corporate strategy,” says a delighted Birk. “No matter what the outcome of the competition will be: this will give us additional strength and motivation for the mountain of work that still lies ahead of us.”
Who will ultimately win the race will be decided in the autumn: the finalists will be selected in September, and the award ceremony itself will take place on 23 November 2023 in Düsseldorf.
This year’s German Sustainability Award is presented together with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the DIHK and the WWF. The jurors are independent, not bound to any particular interests and participate according to clear compliance rules.