Asda to acquire 132 convenience stores from The Co-op

UK supermarket chain, Asda has agreed to acquire 132 sites from The Co-operative Group (Co-op) in a transaction with a cash value of £438m, as part of its growth strategy to move into the convenience market and bring Asda value to more local communities. The purchase includes 129 established, high-quality sites with a grocery retail store of between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet and attached petrol filling station, and three development sites. They are located nationwide and will create a new and distinct format for Asda in the convenience market. The transaction is subject to normal conditions and will be financed through a combination of existing cash resources and bank finance. The circa 2,300 colleagues currently employed in the Co-op stores will transfer to Asda’s employment under TUPE transfer following completion and after a transition period. The stores being acquired as part of the transaction delivered net sales of £863 million and pro forma EBITDA of £53 million for 12 months to June 2022, with potential to grow EBITDA further when development opportunities and other synergies are taken into account. Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, said: “We have always been clear in our ambition to grow Asda and are hugely excited to create this new and distinct part of our business, giving us the opportunity to bring Asda value in fuel and groceries to even more customers and communities across the UK. “We see convenience as a significant growth opportunity for the business. This acquisition accelerates our strategy in this area and forms part of our long-term ambition to become the UK’s second largest supermarket. “We look forward to welcoming the Co-op colleagues to this new part of our business after we complete the transaction and due processes in the coming months.”

Sainsbury’s labelling changes could save up to 17 million food products going to waste each year

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Sainsbury’s has announced major changes to its date labels on packaging for 276 own brand products in a bid to help reduce food waste in homes. From the end of August, the retailer will begin the removal of ‘best before’ dates from a raft of fresh produce including pears, onions, tomatoes, and citrus fruits from over 100 product lines, and a further 130 products including potatoes will follow. The move builds on the work Sainsbury’s has done in recent years to remove dates from over 1,500 lines including pineapples, pumpkins, apples and indoor plants. These upcoming changes could help UK households to save 11,000 tonnes of food each year, the equivalent of 17 million products. An on-pack message ‘no date helps reduce waste’ will instead be present across the fresh produce where the label changes come into play. A recent report from WRAP reveals that removing date labels from the most wasted fresh produce items such as broccoli, apples, potatoes and cucumber, has the potential to cut annual household food waste by 50,000 tonnes. Additionally, Sainsbury’s will switch all ‘use by’ dates on own-brand yoghurts to ‘best before’ dates by the end of this year, a move which will affect 46 product lines. Research from Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) revealed that 54,000 tonnes of yoghurt is wasted a year. For 70 per cent of this waste, the date label was cited as the reasons for throwing it away. Related to this, around half of all yoghurt thrown away in homes is in unopened packs. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), ‘use by’ dates are linked to food safety, whereas ‘best before’ dates relate to food quality. Food with a ‘use by’ date applied should never be used past this date (unless frozen on or before that date), whereas foods with a ‘best before’ date can be eaten beyond that date. Following stringent testing, Sainsbury’s has found that its yoghurt is safe to consume past its expiration date, and instead, is giving customers more autonomy to make their own decisions on whether their food is good to eat after the ‘best before’ date. These changes come as part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to halve its food waste by 2030 and support its ongoing work with farmers and growers to reduce food waste in its supply chain, sending surplus food from stores to charity food donation partners and recovering energy from waste. In the last year, Sainsbury’s has donated over 5 million meals to those in need through its partner, Neighbourly. Now, the retailer is expanding the service to its convenience stores too, meaning even more meals will be provided. In 2021, Sainsbury’s increased its food distribution to people by 119% year on year, a key driver of which was its partnership with Neighbourly. Sainsbury’s continues to collaborate with industry on reducing food waste and has been a member of the UK Food Waste Reduction Roadmap since 2018. The retailer works closely with WRAP to implement their guidance on upstream and downstream food waste, including increasing behavioural tips on product labelling. This year Sainsbury’s engaged suppliers on aligning with WRAP’s best practice on redistributing own-label products within the supply chain, evolving its guidelines so that suppliers can redistribute any Sainsbury’s own-label products to its chosen food donation partners. Kate Stein, director of Technical at Sainsbury’s, said: “We know that around a third of all food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted and food waste is one of the leading contributors of carbon emissions, accounting for a staggering 8-10% of GHG emissions globally, which is why we’re committed to helping customers reduce waste at home. “We also know that by avoiding unnecessary waste, we can help our customers save money by making their food shop last longer. The changes that we’re announcing today will do just that, giving customers more autonomy to make their own decisions on whether their food is good to eat, and preventing them from disposing of food too early. With changes like these, together, we can all play our part in tackling the climate crisis and protecting the planet for generations to come.” Catherine David, director of Collaboration and Change at WRAP, said: “WRAP is thrilled to see these changes on fruit, veg and yogurts to help tackle food waste in our homes. Wasting food feeds climate change and costs us money. The right date label, or no date label, has a big influence on what we use and what we throw away. “For fruit and veg, date labels are unnecessary and our research has shown that removing them can save the equivalent of 7 million shopping baskets’ worth from our household bins a year. With yogurts, applying a ‘Best Before’ date rather than a ‘Use By’ date means that people can use their judgement to eat beyond that date. Storing most fruit and veg and all yoghurt products in the fridge, below 5 degrees, will keep them fresher longer. “We call on more retailers to make these changes. The average family in the UK throws away £700 worth of food a year – check out Love Food Hate Waste for tips on how to reduce food waste, save money and fight climate change.” In 2021 Sainsbury’s announced that it had brought its Net Zero target forward by five years, from 2040 to 2035. The retailer has pledged to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030 in its own operations and has sent zero waste to landfill since 2013.

Diageo launches innovation fund to help mitigate climate change in smallholder farms in Africa

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Diageo has revealed £450k of funding for three innovations intended to lessen and monitor the impact of water and climate crises on smallholder farms in Africa. Smallholder farmers are highly vulnerable to weather changes and water scarcity arising from climate change. As part of its Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG action plan, Diageo is building resilience in its communities and monitoring its farming programmes to preserve natural resources. Diageo Sustainable Solutions launched in November 2020 to foster collaboration between Diageo and innovators on the next generation of sustainability technology. The objective of the global programme is to discover and develop innovators and technology that can help Diageo achieve its sustainability goals by 2030. Current pilots underway from previous application rounds include a partnership with EXXERGY, Dassault Systemes and Ardagh group to develop a coating to make glass thinner without losing its strength to reduce emissions and the resources needed. Innovators, start-ups and those who have developed relevant technology in other sectors, or who need seed funding to further develop their technology, are invited to apply. The three challenges are now open for applications until Friday 7th October. The three challenges will focus on:
  • Water: Over the next 50 years, rainfall in Africa is projected to decrease1 by 10–20% or more, threatening to undermine global progress toward poverty alleviation, food security, and sustainable development. It is imperative that soil water holding capacity and monitoring is greatly improved on smallholder farms to maximise productivity. Relevant solutions could include soil additives for water retention, hyper-local weather forecasting, or probes for taking readings from the field.
  • Carbon: Carbon is critical to soil function and productivity, and a main component of and contributor to healthy soil conditions but can also be released in the atmosphere by agricultural practices. There is a need to improve the soil carbon measurement, modelling, interpretation and monitoring to quantify the amount of carbon in the soil and support soil health improvements. Relevant solutions could include remote monitoring for landscape-scale intelligence, modelling carbon sequestration linked to land management and spectral devices.
  • Biodiversity: Biodiversity and climate are two sides of the same coin and biodiversity is vital to mitigating and adapting to climate change. It is vital that biodiversity measuring also improves so it’s possible to track the types and changes in biodiversity throughout time. Relevant solutions could include camera trapping, co-operative models working with smallholder farmers and on farm or remote data collection practices.
Commenting, Kirstie McIntyre, global sustainability director, said: “Even under the 1.5c trajectory called for by the Paris Agreement, farmers in the southern hemisphere will need help to adapt to climate change. Our next Diageo Sustainable Solutions round will create action for innovators around the world to help save lives and livelihoods in the countries and communities that are most at risk.” The pilots will be taking place in East Africa and if successful will be rolled out across Diageo’s smallholder farmer network across Cameroon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania, Turkey, the Seychelles, South Africa and Uganda. John Cant, head of Diageo Sustainable Solutions, said: “Globally, we have unpredictable weather with increasing droughts and floods and a gap in our agriculture monitoring capabilities. Soil moisture monitoring must be improved so we can look at where we can improve soil water holding capacity, supporting our farmers to maintain a steady farming cycle and income.”

The International Drink Expo to make its much-anticipated return

The International Drink Expo makes its much-anticipated return to London’s ExCeL on 19th & 20th October, forming THE ultimate event to help you boost your profits, build your brand and grow your business. The event will give 3,000 industry-defining leaders access to 200 exhibitors and their plethora of innovative products, ideas and strategies and inspirational seminars. Panel debates are an integral part of the show as you can hear from industry professionals discussing important topics and issues that will help you stay above the curve and your competitors! The Innovation Awards are also a chance to see the most creative ideas, products and services that could inspire you and your business! The UK’s only event dedicated to maximising your drink sales is also running alongside 5 other industry-leading events collectively forming #FES22, THE biggest business growth event dedicated to the world of food & drink. A FREE ticket will grant you access to all 6 events – see this as an opportunity to broaden your understanding of the industry and this will allow you to expand profits across all sectors! The International Drink Expo is the place you want to be to find innovative ways to stand out from your competitors, boost sales and find the hottest ideas to attract new customers. The International Drink Expo aligns your ideas and products with the strategies and connections to execute them into profitable action. You will definitely be going home with new-found inspiration and top tips from industry experts so that YOU can transform your business. Whether you’re an independent establishment or a large chain, we can’t wait to see you all there under one roof for THE drink’s event of the year, are you ready to maximise your drinks sales? So what are you waiting for? Save the 19th & 20th October in your calendar and secure your free ticket now here!

If you’re drying it or moving it, MoistTech can measure it!

MoistTech manufactures the diamond standard in moisture measurement and control sensors for both use directly on the production line and also for laboratory use. Providing the best solution in the industry, our near-infrared sensors can detect moisture levels within your product as well as thickness, and coat weight, oil, and fat/protein content with one unit. This allows our equipment to be a staple for a wide range of sectors and disciplines, including adhesives, biomass, chemicals, coatings, food, forest products, minerals, renewable energy, textiles and wood products. Unsurpassed in performance, stability, reliability and cost of ownership, the MoistTech series of moisture analysis sensors can increase both the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Product quality and consistency are forefront with MoistTech in the development of the IR3000 sensor to accurately provide moisture measurements throughout the process, yielding a consistent, quality product from lab to line that immediately reduces downtime, wasted energy and product loss. Designed to provide accuracy and repeatability, the MoistTech technology is a ratio-based measurement with prime beam; this eliminates sensitivity due to distance, improves stability and accuracy. The technology captures hundreds of detailed, accurate measurements per second. The ability to pre-set the measurement rate to match the production rate is available on the technology and because there are no routine re-calibrations, this technology is low to zero maintenance which makes it an ideal solution for the manufacturing process. The sensors are designed to be installed 4-12 inches above the production line so that it can continuously monitor the production process and can be incorporated into multiple environments including:
  • Belt
  • Conveying systems: screw, chute, roller, chain, drag, elevator and pneumatic
  • Chutes, Cyclones, Bins
  • Webs
  • Pipelines Insensitive to material variations such as particle size, material height & color, our moisture sensors provide continuous, reliable readings with zero maintenance and a one-time calibration with a non-drift optical design allowing operational personnel to confidently make immediate process adjustments based on real-time measurements. Utilizing NIR Technology, which is a state-of-the-art, fast, non-destructive method of measuring and controlling moisture content, MoistTech is able to deliver multiple benefits to its clients – ranging from product quality monitoring, increased plant efficiency, lower energy costs and less waste, to precise dryer control, lower costs and higher accuracy. Instant ROI, low-to-zero maintenance and process optimization can also all be achieved through a MoistTech solution.

First direct container service connecting China and Scotland to transport over one million bottles of whisky

The first-ever direct container service connecting China and Scotland has berthed at Greenock Ocean Terminal after its maiden voyage – as it gets set to transport over one million bottles of whisky to the Far East.

The new east and west bound freight route from Ningbo, China, arrived for the first time at Scotland’s deepest container terminal on Saturday morning at 9.35am.

The service – a partnership between Glasgow-based KC Liner Agencies, DKT Allseas and China Xpress – transported imports including textiles, furniture, and toys for the Scottish market.

The vessel’s containers will be loaded with tens of thousands of cases of whisky in a boost for the export market, before it gets set to depart the terminal on its route back to China.

Jim McSporran, Clydeport director at Peel Ports, said: “It’s great to finally welcome this vital service to Greenock Ocean Terminal.

“Our terminal is the perfect fit for such a global trade connection, and this is again shown by the significant volumes we will be helping ship back to China.

“We believe this partnership will prove to be a hugely positive development for businesses and customers, as well as boosting the wider supply chain, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners on this service in the coming months.”

David Milne, KC Group Shipping Managing Director, said: “We knew China Xpress was a service needed by many sectors, but still, we’ve been amazed at the level of immediate interest. It’s been a phenomenal success for KC Group Shipping, but this is just the first of many journeys and we need the support of Scottish importers and exporters to safeguard the long-term future of this new service.“Our direct trading link to China cuts through frustrating transhipment delays which is a massive boost for Scottish businesses, and can only help consumers in these difficult times. “We’ll be toasting the success of over 1 million bottles of Scotch whisky being traded from the first vessel alone, and we’ll raise a glass to all the other businesses which will also benefit.“I described this as a game changer for Scotland, and the uptake in the service is certainly proving that case, for Scotland’s furniture, pharmaceuticals, packaging and spirits sectors.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The freight side of Greenock Ocean Terminal can often be overshadowed and sometimes forgotten about because of the busy cruise ship schedule.

“But the container shipping side of the terminal has also grown substantially in recent years and the new Glasgow City Region cruise ship visitor centre development, including the dedicated cruise ship pontoon, has created more capacity for both container and passenger vessels to aid the continued growth of both markets and further boost the economy locally, regionally and nationally.

“The decision by KC Shipping to establish this direct link from Greenock to China – the first in Scotland – combined with the visitor centre development and ambitious Clyde Green Freeport bid is a ringing endorsement of Greenock and Inverclyde as an important location for exports, imports and visitors and long may that continue.”

The direct sailings will significantly reduce transit times, compared to feeder services via continental Europe or other southern UK ports.

Three sailings will take place per month in each direction, calling at Ningbo, and the Chinese city of Shenzhen, before arriving in Greenock via its “sister” container terminal at the Port of Liverpool.

The route will be operated by six ships of about 1,600TEUs [twenty foot equivalent units].

Greenock Ocean Terminal is currently responsible for the safe handling of a throughput of 100,000 TEUs a year. 

Peel Ports recently announced it will install two new cranes on the site in the largest single investment made at the container terminal since it opened in 1969.

Peel Ports is a partner in the Clyde Green Freeport bid along with AGS Airports’ Glasgow Airport, Mossend International Railfreight Park in North Lanarkshire and a partnership of the Glasgow City Region councils.

The multimodal initiative would attract major new investment, develop global trading opportunities, create tens of thousands of new jobs, accelerate net-zero objectives agreed at COP26, and take the region’s world-class innovation economy to the next level.

Suppliers of health food and wellness products enter administration

Administrators have been appointed to Tree of Life UK Limited and Health Stores (Wholesale) Limited. The companies form part of the UK’s largest independent health food and wellness products distribution platform, supplying a broad range of third party and owned brand goods, food and drink, personal care, and vitamins, minerals and supplements.  206 employees are located across the two company sites in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Nottingham. Over recent months, the group has faced a number of challenges including an unexpected sales decline following the loss of a large customer, and unprecedented market conditions that have impacted on financial performance. Despite significant efforts by the company to avoid insolvency, the directors reached the conclusion that it was in the best interest of creditors for the company to be placed into administration. Chris Pole and Ryan Grant from Interpath Advisory were appointed to Tree of Life UK Limited and Health Stores (Wholesale) Limited, on 22 August 2022. Across the two companies, of the 206 employees, 63 were retained to assist the administrators in the realisation of assets and the performance of their statutory duties. The remaining 143 members of staff have been made redundant. The joint administrators are exploring a number of options including seeking a buyer for the businesses, their assets and intellectual property. Chris Pole, Managing Director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “Regrettably, the loss of business from a key customer, together with the effects of the well documented economic headwinds, including inflationary pressures, have been incredibly challenging for Tree of Life UK Limited and Health Stores (Wholesale) Limited. “Our immediate priority is to assist those members of staff who have been made redundant, and provide them with the information they require to make approproate claims.”

Princes UK commits to 100% MSC-certified sustainable tuna sourcing by 2025

International food and drink group, Princes, has announced a roadmap to source and sell 100% of its UK Princes branded tuna from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fisheries by the end of 2025. The roadmap includes three key milestones, which will see Princes increase MSC labelled tuna products to 25% by the end of 2023, 50% in 2024 and 100% by the end of 2025. Achieving the 100% milestone represents 75 million cans (11,000 tonnes) of MSC-certified tuna per year under the Princes brand – meaning the amount of certified sustainable tuna available in the UK will increase by five times, based on current volumes. Source fisheries will include newly MSC certified fleets, in addition to the group’s existing MSC certified suppliers. Princes has been supporting Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) for over five years, with many of these now maturing and meeting MSC standards. To become MSC certified, fisheries are rigorously assessed by independent certification bodies in compliance with MSC Fisheries Standard requirements across three key principles: only fishing healthy stocks; good management so stocks can be fished for the long-term; and minimising the impacts on other species and the wider ecosystem. While there is a premium for MSC-certified tuna at present, this is expected to level with the standard pricing of all tuna products in time, as certified sustainable volumes rise and become the norm across the UK market. Neil Bohannon, group director for seafood at Princes, said: “As one of the UK’s largest tuna brands, we are committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks, and recognise the important role we have to play in advocating for continued improvements in fishing practices and positive change. “That is why we committed to only purchasing tuna from fisheries that are MSC certified, engaged in a FIP (Fishery Improvement Project) working towards MSC certification, or from verified and well managed FAD Free or Pole and Line sources – achieving this longstanding ambition in 2021 – and now we’re going a step further. “Our 100% MSC-certified sustainable sourcing goal is another ambitious target, but one that we are confident in reaching through continued investment and engagement with retailers, fisheries, NGOs and other industry players.” MSC certification is the most globally recognised standard for seafood sustainability and demonstrates that a fishery meets international best practices for sustainable fishing. Fish and seafood from certified fisheries carry the blue MSC eco label, assuring customers that what they’re buying is sustainable. However, while more global fisheries are achieving MSC certification, and global sales of MSC-labelled tuna hit over 100,000 tonnes for the first time last year, the volume of MSC-certified tuna products sold in the UK decreased by 12% against 2020 [MSC Tuna Shopper Report – 2021]. Neil Bohannon added: “Important progress has been made by global fisheries to achieve MSC standards in recent years, however brands and retailers also have a crucial role to play in advancing seafood sustainability by making more certified sustainable products available to shoppers. Consumers want reassurance that the fish they are eating has been sourced sustainably and MSC certification is the best way of doing this.”

PPMA Total Show 2022 – the ‘must attend’ event this Autumn

With a myriad of new product launches, innovative technologies and live demonstrations of the latest smart manufacturing solutions, PPMA Total Show 2022 is set to be the ‘must attend’ event this Autumn, for members of the processing, packaging machinery, robots and industrial vision communities. For three days from 27-29th September, Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham will be transformed into a focal point of innovation and discovery, showcasing the very best technologies, smart solutions and processing machinery covering the entire production line. Packed with the most diverse gathering of over 350 stands representing 2,000 brands, exhibitors will range from world-leading multi-national corporations to specialist niche companies, all sharing a genuine interest in making a positive difference to the businesses of show visitors. Now in its 34th year, and incorporating three major exhibition brands, including Pakex and Interphex, PPMA Total Show 2022 will deliver an eclectic mix of best-in-class machinery, ancillary products and live equipment demonstrations catering for a wide range of sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, household products and toiletries, building supplies, pet care, FMCG and contract packing. PPMA Total Show 2022 is already shaping up to be the launch pad for a host of exciting new product introductions, industry firsts and debut showings. Following a three-year research and development project, Brillopak will debut its new high-speed, multi-material handling automatic Tray & Punnet PAKer, which according to David Jahn, Sales Director at Brillopak, the primary driver behind its development was its customers. “In this market efficiency is everything…so our customers have to find economies in all the steps prior to final delivery.” Jenton and Soken Engineering will both present new all-inclusive range of heat-sealing packing systems for ‘on the go’ food businesses wanting to improve presentation, product lifespan and handle a varied range of lunch products on a single system. KB Packing’s new Invictus Nano Stretch Film will have its first showing at the exhibition, while Alphabond will present SafeMelt, the latest patent pending technology making safety visible and that reduces CO2 use by 67%. Baumer will introduce its new generation PAD20 level sensor for highly accurate and reliable detection of air and gas bubbles. Baumer will also be demonstrating its range of award-winning process sensors, object detection sensors, high performance U500 and UR18 ultrasonic sensors, and the innovative Baumer Sensor Suite. Cobalt Systems will present its new Nexus 3 Print and Apply labelling system alongside its existing wide range of automation options including verification and validation applications featuring Zebra Technologies. OMRON will debut a series of bottling line demonstrations featuring the benefits of smart technology, while Fortress will present its new ‘Food Safety Cultural Playbook’, a modular cultural food safety roadmap underpinned by a new package of digital tools to engage workforces. Continuing the safety theme, Euchner will showcase its new CKS2 Safe Key system and the new CTS guard locking device for enabling access restriction, safe installation lockout and starting modes. Newtec Odense will introduce three new solutions from its range of weighing, packing and sorting machinery primarily for the fruit and vegetable industry. These include the Newtec Mini Weigher, Model 2008PCM and its compatible Newtec Wash Down Trolley, as well as the Newtec High Care Step Conveyor, Model HCSC. Keymac has also announced it will launch the K101SXL Sleever, which offers a new level of flexibility for customers looking to sleeve a wider range of ready meals on the same machine. IBIS Packaging Solutions will present its new Robotize GoPal Pallet Lift, which enables operators to take or remove a pallet by pressing a button, while Epson will demonstrate the GX4 and GX8, the latest addition to its range of SCARA robots, along its popular VT6-A901S Six axis robot utilising vision for product identification. ALRAD Instruments will present its new Omron Sentech Visible/SWIR 400nm~170nm Camera, CBC Computar VisSWIR Lenses and Visible/SWIR illumination unit, as well as product demonstrations for Thermal Imaging/inspection, Visible and Shortwave Infrared imaging, a Machine Vision system with automated vision software and a 3D surface inspection system for research, aerospace and robotics. Other exhibitors planning new product launches at the show include Advance Automated Systems, AM Labels, Aricode Printing Technology, Boplan, IMA ILAPAK, Markem-Imaje, Minebea Intec, Pace Mechanical Handling, Packline, ProXES, Resier, S4 Enginering, Schneider Electric, Sharp Systems, Sollas and WestRock. “I can say with confidence and experience, that PPMA Total’s success over the years, lies in the fact that the show’s agenda is always a true reflection of the direction of the industry with the needs and the requirements of visitors at its heart,” explains Richard Little, PPMA Show Director. “There is always something to discover throughout the aisles, be that new processing equipment, a small niche product or a whole integrated production solution that can increase production efficiencies, deliver cost savings or simply enhance operations for visitor’s businesses.” Visitors will also benefit from a rich showground for networking and developing future business partnerships with unparalleled access to leading industry experts willing to sharing their insights, expertise and knowledge. “Where else can you access such a wealth of free consultancy whilst being surrounded by the largest gathering of live technology demonstrations and new product launches – there really is no substitute for face-to-face conversation and getting real ‘hands-on’ experience with the latest equipment.” As one previous PPMA Total Show visitor explained when asked to sum up the unique nature of the visitor experience, “It’s the only way to see what you are not looking for. An internet search only gives what you think you want, not new ideas you don’t know about.” Continues Richard Little, “While innovation will remain a key theme throughout the show, machinery, equipment and services that offer real production efficiencies, labour and cost savings as well as helping to deliver on sustainability commitments will be a high priority for visitors at solutions to help them through the increasingly demanding economic challenges.” Sharing this outlook, Tony McDonald, Sales and Marketing Director at ILAPAK UK said: “Two of the topics on everyone’s lips are workforce shortages and sustainable packaging,” adding “the equipment we will have on show illustrates how we can help.” Endoline Automation has also seen a growing demand from its customers for sustainable solutions and will be showing its new Glue Sealing 248 Fully Automatic High Speed Case Erector. Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline Automation explains: “While our systems have been re-engineered over the years to reduce energy consumption and cut emissions to support the environmental objectives of our customers, we are looking at ways to help them decrease plastic use and waste even further by offering eco-friendly sealing alternatives.” Similarly, Cimlogic will be launching its new energy management solution, an additional module to its suite of MES (Manufacturing Execution System) Solutions to address the need to minimise energy consumption at a time of soaring prices. In addition to the host of product launches and new technology demonstrations, the PPMA Group Industry Awards for 2022 will also take place at the show. On Wednesday 28th September, visitors to PPMA Total Show can join the celebrations of the industry’s finest, who will be rewarded for their achievements and commitment to delivering innovative products, performance-enhancing solutions and best-in-class services, when category winners will be announced and presented with their awards. Free visitor Registration PPMA Total Show 2022 is free to attend. To avoid missing out on the must-attend event this Autumn, go to www.ppmashow.co.uk/visit to secure your free visitor pass.

Tyson Foods invests $200m in Amarillo beef plant

Tyson Foods will invest $200 million at its Amarillo, Texas beef plant to expand and upgrade operations and build a new team member well-being area. The project will begin this fall and involves construction of a 143,000 square foot addition to the existing beef complex to house upgraded team member well-being areas including locker rooms, cafeteria and office space. The project will also expand and enhance the facility’s existing operations floor. Expected to be completed by 2024, it will improve team member experience and overall operational efficiencies. While the project is not expected to add jobs to the plant, Tyson Foods’ Amarillo facility employs 4,000 team members and generates an annual payroll of $180 million. The Amarillo plant is one of the largest of the company’s six beef facilities. The complex produces commodity cuts of fresh beef and specialty products and includes a ground beef patty operation. These products are packaged and boxed for sale to retail and foodservice customers throughout the U.S. and internationally.