< PreviousFortress detector helps increaseproductivity at Whitby SeafoodsFollowinginstallation of aVertex MetalDetector fromspecialist, FortressTechnology,seafood company,Whitby Seafoods,based in NorthYorkshire, hasannounced a 30%increase inproductivity.Patrick Thomas, Projects Co-Ordinator at Whitby Seafoods says: “TheFortress machine runs like a dream and has revolutionised our packagingand control processes, and it has paid for itself already.”He explains: “The metal detector we used previously worked by scanningthe packed product rather than inspecting it loose as the Vertex does. Thiscaused us difficulties as the packaging medium is foil, so if there was aslight difference in any of the packs such as a thicker seam or seal, themachine recognised it as contaminant, resulting in lots of false rejects. Nowthere are far fewer rejects. This has allowed us to increase throughput by anestimated 30%.”The perfect sealer for soft fruitWhen E Oldroyd and Sons, a producerand packer of high quality fruit andvegetables needed to increase capacity tocope with the demand for their strawberriesthey turned to PA for a new eclipse SL4 traysealer initially on hire but was laterpurchased.The in-line, fully electric SL4 is a smallfootprint machine capable of sealing up to75 packs per minute that can reduce anend user’s running costs by up to 90%.The machine incorporates PA’s E-Sealtechnology which requires zerocompressed air for full operation. With allsystems driven directly by smallservomechanisms, the running costs andenvironmental impact can be as low as 8% of an equivalent pneumatic system.James Hulme from Oldroyds says, “We approached PA after a recommendation from soft fruit group Mockbeggar. After meeting with PA, we were highlyimpressed with the support and service they offered so the deal was made.”Linx case coder brings home the bacon forScottish supplierScottish-based bacon supplierQuality Foods of Aberdeen hasinstalled a Linx IJ355 high definitioncase coder after being impressedwith the machine’s reliability andperformance.Low cost of ownership and clearprinting were factors leading to the company choosing the machine. The Linx IJ355’s constructionis ideal for Quality Foods, where packs of bacon are packed by hand into cardboard boxes, whichare then conveyed past the printer. Information including the product name, pack size, product code and best before date are codedonto one side a box, with prints measuring 205x40mm and 183x45mm. The machine codes 2.8boxes/min with the line operating 50 hours per week. Allan Park of Quality Foods says: “We decided on the Linx IJ355 after it proved to be morereliable and better performing than others during trials.”“Clear printing, ease of use and price per print were key factors and it delivers on all counts.” Ishida solution combines accuracyand end of linequalityAn Ishida packing solution, includinga multihead weigher, checkweigherand X-ray inspection system installedat leading Czech confectionerymanufacturer POEX has enabled thecompany to increase its packingcapacity while delivering excellentaccuracy and effective end-of-lineinspection.POEX Velké Mezirici, a.s. is basednear Brno. The company packs fruitand nut products, cereals and snacks,extruded crisp breads and promotionalitems. The company decided to increaseits capacity for chocolate-coated and other nuts, as well as dried fruit, with acomplete new line. “We pack at target weights from 30g to 500g, with the average being inthe region of 100g,” says Jaroslav Caha, Head of Poex’s packaging division.“This is mostly into pillow bags and stand-up bags. The previous lineproduced forty packs per minute compared with the 75 packs per minute weare now achieving with the new Ishida. That’s a near-90% improvement.”Pallet labellers link upquickly for automation atMagnersSomerset cider-maker Magners has automatedpallet labelling operations at its Shepton Mallet factorywith two print and apply machines from Logopak. The Logopak 815PF units replace a manuallabelling operation, reducing labour costs andensuring accurate positioning for adjacent sidelabelling. They also scan each bar code label as it isapplied, automatically reprinting and re-applyingshould there be a failure.Both machines receive label data from an existingfactory management system via Logopak’s newSynchro-LXS software. This holds and manageslabelling data files on a PC for real-time data flow tothe labeller, independent of the host computer. As a result, the labellers are able to continueoperating at maximum capacity when the hostcomputer is engaged on other tasks apart fromlabelling, while there is also the facility to extract andpresent production statistics and other data from thelabelling operation.10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.net10-11:Layout 1 13/12/12 13:16 Page 1Performance enhancements formass flow controllersDigital Mass FlowControllers are designedto both measure andcontrol the flow of variousgases and liquids. Thesealing specialistDichtomatik is anauthorised distributor forthe DuPont Kalrez range ofsealing products,designed to give extendedperformance whenoperating with the widestrange of chemicals, even incorporating elevated temperature conditions.Tests undertaken with an MFC, fitted with DuPont Kalrez Spectrum 6375O-rings and custom parts, increased reliability of operation and the overallMeantime Between Failures of the equipment.Most gas flow meters are equipped with seals made of DuPont Vitonfluoroelastomer. However MFCs need O-ring seals and other custom partsthat do not swell in the presence of more aggressive chemicals utilisedwithin their wide range of industrial applications. The increased reliabilityfrom the sealing products ensures a competitive advantage for the MFCmanufacturer and a commercial advantage for the equipment user, as itreduces production down-times.Combined weigher-bagger lifts snackfood presentationContract packerMintons GoodFood has installeda combinedweigher andbagging machinefrom PFMPackagingMachinery tohandle a range ofsnack products inbags of 25-100g.The ZC2machine wasbought to improve presentation of the stand-up four-side-seal packsproduced for a number of major brands as well as well as Mintons’ ownrange of Hungry Dragon savoury snacks. Mintons’ managing director RogerWatkins says, “The PFM ZC2 machine gives us a very good quality quadbag, far better aligned and accurate than our previous machine.”The ZC2 is a combination of the PFM ten-head C2 weigher mounteddirectly on the PFM Zenith entry-level bagging machine. With no gantry,floor space requirements are reduced and drop height shortened, whichreduces risk of product breakage.The ZC2 at Mintons is equipped to produce PFM’s Steelo style of bag onwhich the four corners are heat-sealed into fins that improve both rigidityand appearance.Food & Drink International 11www.fdiforum.netDon’t forgetyou can now readFood & Drink International Digital Editionsnow available on iPad & iPhonewww.fdiforum.netIdeal for those who spendtime away fromthe officeonthego!www.fdiforum.net10-11:Layout 1 13/12/12 13:16 Page 2Mercury Packaging appoints newManaging DirectorMercury Packaging has promotedRay Franks to Managing Directorwith immediate effect. He replacesTony Stanger who becomes thecompany’s Chairman.Ray will be responsible forincreasing focus on theorganisational and operationaldevelopment of the company’srapidly growing UK and overseasbusiness activities. Ray will besupported by a dynamic seniormanagement team comprising AlisonWalker, Chris Stanger and RolandCaley.Tony Stanger says, “Having spentthe past thirteen years building thebusiness, we are now positioned andready to expand our ambitions.During his time as Sales Director, Ray has been instrumental in increasingsales and establishing Mercury as a highly credible source of flexographicprint. As well as a strong sales background, Ray has extensive operationalexperience and I have every confidence in his ability to boost productionefficiencies and lead the business to further success.”Prior to joining Mercury Packaging seven years ago, Ray was CommercialDirector at Britton Mailing.Beacon Foods recruits productdevelopment managerA professional withextensive knowledge of thefood industry has beenrecruited as new productdevelopment manager atingredients specialistBeacon Foods.Ian St John, who isoriginally from Newport, isdelighted to have returnedto Wales with his new postand is looking forward tocontributing to thecontinued growth of thefamily-owned Breconbusiness, which has aworkforce of a hundred.He joins Beacon Foodsafter six years with United Biscuits, working on major retail brands. Anutrition graduate of King’s College London, Ian began his career as aproduct development technologist with New Prime Bake before joiningBuckingham Foods.Ian says, “Having invested heavily in facilities, equipment and staff, thecompany is in a really good place and has a lot of potential for growth. Iam looking forward to working with customers on their product briefs.”12 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCross + Morsefor all your Power Transmission SolutionsRoller Chain - Gears & Sprockets - Timing Belt DrivesClamping Elements - Inverted Tooth Chain - Inverted Tooth SprocketsSealmaster Bearings - Shaft Couplings - Freewheel ClutchesTorque Limiters - Overload ClutchesShady Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands. UK B44 9EUTel +44 121 360 0155 Fax +44 121 325 1079sales@crossmorse.com www.crossmorse.com12:Layout 1 14/12/12 08:48 Page 1Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netLABORATORY SHOWCASEThe professional food testing approach from ILSILS has the enviable reputation of being one of the finest equipped and most professional food contractlaboratory testing facilities in Europe. Based in purpose built facilities on one site in Derbyshire, ILSprovide a total quality service to their clients. ILS has fully equipped food and pharmaceutical Microbiologyand Chemistry laboratories with the backing of professional and knowledgeable staff in both fields.The services ILS offer are of the highest standard and the emphasis placed on quality can not be toohighly stressed. Since achieving UKAS accreditation in 1991, ILS have expanded the range of tests theyare accredited for and now have one of the most extensive scopes in the UK.ILS is also Tesco, M&S and DEFRA accredited and MHRA and FDA inspected. Working in partnership with their clients, ILS provide a quality servicewhich is second to none – giving clients an all round one stop service from a single site for the provision of food testing and analysis.ILS Ltd, Shardlow Business Park, London Road, Shardlow, Derbyshire DE72 2GDTel: 01332 793000 www.ils-limited.co.ukWhy Choose Neogen?Food Safety Laboratory ServiceNeogen Europe Ltd. has over 25 years experience of developing, manufacturing and marketing a diverse range of products and laboratory analysis dedicated to food safety to ensure the safety, quality and legality of manufacturing operations. Continual expansion and investment in new technologies means that our food safety laboratory testing is covered by UKAS accreditation. All of our food testing services are carried out by highly trained scientific analysts using sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment.s 3AMPLE TURNAROUND TIMES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDSs )3/ACCREDITED LABORATORY AND SCIENTISTSs %XPERTS IN THE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE OF RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST KITSs /NGOING CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT TO DISCUSS RESULTSFor customers interested in on-site testing, Neogen Europe Ltd. provides an extensive range of rapid food safety diagnostic test kits to meet the growing need for higher safety and quality within the food industry. 4EL s &AX s WWWNEOGENEUROPECOM s %MAIL INFO?UK NEOGENEUROPECOMLab M launches product for isolation of E. coliO104Lab M has launched Captivate™ O104, a new addition to its range of immunomagnetic separationproducts. Captivate™ O104 is designed to meet the increasing need to rapidly test fresh sprouted seedsfor the presence of E. coliO104. Captivate™ O104 is used in the isolation of E. coliO104 (including E. coliO104:H4) from food, animalfeed, and environmental samples. While E. coliO104:H4 is quite rare in humans, in 2011 it wasresponsible for serious illness in Europe associated with the consumption of fresh sprouted seeds,prompting calls for tighter rules on testing.E. coliO104:H4 is biochemically ambiguous and therefore difficult to isolate from other STEC strainsusing conventional culture methods. IMS is the only procedure that makes specific isolation of E. coliO104 possible in a way that results in a viable microbiological culture. Lab M’s expertise in immunomagnetic separation dates back many years and Captivate™ is one ofthe company’s best-selling product ranges. As well as producing specific sets of antibody-coatedparamagnetic particles for separating targeted microorganisms, the company also offers a highlyrespected consultancy and custom coating service.For more details, visit www.labm.comFirst Class Food Testing Just Got BetterA new name but with the same uncompromising standards andunbeatable serviceALS Food & Pharmaceutical – previously Eclipse Scientific Group – is one of the UK’s leading providers of food anddrink testing services, offering its customers…An unrivalled range of microbiological, chemical and nutritional tests and services from our network of UKAS accredited laboratoriesA flexible and comprehensive nationwide collection service Experienced and knowledgeable staff to deliver every test result with accuracy and integrityAn industry-leading, feature-rich web-based portal - ‘EOS’ allowing you the ability to access and trend your results quickly and efficientlyTel. 01354 697028 E-mail: sales.uk@alsglobal.com www.als-testing.co.uk13:Layout 1 13/12/12 15:01 Page 114:Layout 1 13/12/12 09:43 Page 1Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTThe rise of Halal food in the UAE isone area that is set to be meteoric. Thereare estimates that suggest that theindustry is set to hit $8.4 billion by 2020,which can only be seen as encouraging.This is underlined by two recent tradeshows in the UAE focusing on the sector.Both Halal Food Middle East and HalalCongress Middle East were held at theExpo Centre Sharjah recently, placing theUAE as a logistical hub in the field ofHalal food. The UAE is at an obvious advantagehere, having direct experience as a way oflife thanks to being made up of mainlyMuslim countries. The region’s ability todevelop automation and processingequipment for this sector in particularseems to be almost exclusive, as theinnate knowledge of Muslim traditionsand verification of Islamic Shariah lawmeans the countries are at a distinctadvantage. Total food import to the Gulf region areset to double over the decade from $25.8billion in 2010 to $53.1 billion in 2020,according to estimates by the EconomistIntelligence Unit. This is mainly to dowith projected population growth andfood consumption, which is also estimatedto go up by an average annual growth of4.6% to 51 million tonnes in 2020. The demand for speciality products ingeneral is also on the increase, but thereare warnings that the sector is notmature just yet. The Gulf region importsaround 90% of its food and drink sothere is an obvious opportunity presentfor those offering something thecountries’ residents are clamouring for. “There is a growth in demand for highspeciality products in the UAE,” says16 The Persian Gulf is, arguably, oneof the most interesting markets inthe world for food and drink.Rich in terms of retail, hospitalityand speciality food markets, thecountries that make up thisdynamic region are alwaysseeking ways to take advantageof emerging consumer trendsand new tastes. The Sweets and Snacks Middle Eastexpo held in Dubai is indicative of aspeciality food gaining prominence in thePersian Gulf.An ever-increasingmarket15-16:Layout 1 13/12/12 10:09 Page 116 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTRobert Furse, International TradeAdviser with UK Trade & Investment.Interest in specialist sectors seems tobe on the rise, with trade shows for awide range of products, including seafoodin particular, which includes the SeafoodExpo, SEAFEX and DISF, the DubaiInternational Seafood Expo, amongothers. This explosion in expos is thanksto around 66% of the UAE populationeating fish at least once a week, withmore than 50kg of fish and seafoodproducts consumed per capita. This has had knock-on effects inpreviously unconsidered markets enjoyinglucrative export sales. Scotland, forexample, saw a rise of 114% in exportsales of its salmon products, making theUAE the second-fastest growing marketfor the product in the world. Vietnamhas also seen dividends from seafoodexports, with around 80% of theirexports of seafood reaching the UAE.Other areas in which the Gulfcountries are interested in terms of newtastes is sweets and snacks, representinga large portion of the market, To combat the high levels of foodimported to the UAE, Oman, SaudiArabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, thegovernments of those countries areunderstandably keen for inwardinvestment. Since around 1994 it hasinvested $1.4 billion in the industry andtoday there are around 150 processingplants in operation. This means myriadopportunities for manufacturers ofingredients and even more for those withproducts that appeal to middle easterntastes. As a result, several largeingredients companies including Doehler,Nestle and Unilever have set up basesthere, taking advantage of a growingconcern.Indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Tradehas recently added that the UAE’s foodmanufacturing industries are achievingrapid growth and a rise in exports, mainlydue to its recognised excellence in itsproduction of dates and date products.This is obviously assisted by the country’sarid land and many are putting thissuccess down to support from thegovernment and some excellent strategicplanning.Another country taking advantage ofthe vast imports the Gulf process eachyear is Afghanistan, a country rich inspeciality fruits and dried goods. It isseeing high uptake for its apricots, grapesand apples as well as wild pistachio nuts.Similarly, Pakistan is seeing increasedexports to the Gulf in the form of rice,meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetablesand spices. Their exports are reportedlyworth around $500 million to the UAEalone and more than $1 billion to theGulf Cooperation Council area too. Aneed to add value to these exports isapparently present, though, with littlespent on marketing or establishingbrands, there is little confirmed longevity.Total food and drink exports from UKto UAE increased by 14.8% in 2011 to$26.39 billion, representing the seventhconsecutive year of growth, according toUK government statistics. Despite this, the country does haveemerging niche markets which arehelping to build its reputation in certainareas. Re-exports of certain food anddrink products including cereals, fruit,citrus peel, melons and confectionery areon the increase, having already risen inthe year ending 2010. The main reasonthese re-exports occur is to make trackswith producers and buyers, with over 140countries being exported to. Dubai is an ever-growing city with an equally impressive offering of tradeshows, including those specialising in seafood and confectionery. UAE FACTS AND FIGURESGDP growth: 4.3%GDP per head: $56,940Inflation: 2.2%Budget balance (% GDP): 2.3Population: 7.9 millionKey imports: Seafood, meat, poultryKey exports: Dates and date products, rice (re-exported)PHOTO: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANNA OMELCHENKO15-16:Layout 1 13/12/12 10:09 Page 2Used 1 Vans & Servicesfrom Mercedes-BenzA new standard in used vanswe think you could get used to.The Used 1 Quality Label - the mark of a truly great vanProven PerformanceThere’s no mistaking a Mercedes-Benz Used 1 Qualifying Van. Just look for the Mercedes-Benz Used 1 Quality Label. It’s proof that the vehicle has met our exacting safety and quality tests. And it’s the mark of a truly great van.www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans17:Layout 1 13/12/12 09:43 Page 118 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netLOADING BAYS & DOORSEnergy efficiency has never been moreimportant for the food and drink industryand we hear much about how productionlines are being continually adapted andrevamped to ensure they are as optimisedas possible. Yet even after adapting theseapproaches, there are still numerousflashpoints where energy consumptionremains a major issue – and that’sespecially the case when it comes toloading bays and doors.The challenge for companies is thatthey need to ensure the smooth runningof the supply chain, making it easier thanever for deliveries to enter and exit thewarehouse – but this can be at odds withthe importance of security and theobvious need to ensure conditions areappropriate for those who have to workaround that area as well.It has often seemed the case that theneed to invest in heating to ensuretemperatures in the loading bay aren’ttoo low is an unavoidable side-effect ofthe need to have the doors constantlyopen all day and even during the night.This is especially relevant at this time ofyear and research suggests that, based ona fuel cost equivalent of 1.5p/kWh, asingle 6x6m doorway open 24 hours aday for 215 days from October to Aprilwould waste energy worth £16,700.Yet this doesn’t have to be the case, asmany companies are enjoying the benefitof installing air curtains. Air curtains area simple and cost-effective solution –providing a loading door barrier that isrobust, keeps out the cold and allowsgoods or people to pass through whenrequired.Within moments of opening a loadingbay door, the temperature inside candrop by as much as 10°C, but the use ofan air curtain can reduce this to just 1°C.With the installation of energy efficientair curtains directly over or down the sideof the doorway, such as those supplied byAirbloc, the internal climate can bemaintained to offer significant costsavings and improved worker comfort.Air curtains work by providing aninvisible barrier across the loading baydoorway that effectively separates theinternal and external environments. Thisair shield reduces the incidence of coldand humid air, dust, fumes or flyinginsects entering and warm or cooled airescaping. High quality air curtains alsousually fully comply with advice from theEuropean Food Safety Inspection Serviceand are wrapped in stainless steel,making them easy to wash down andwipe clean – undoubtedly an essentialelement for their introduction withinfood environments.As well as energy saving capabilities,air curtains have numerous additionalbenefits. They are not subject to thesame risk of damage as traditionalroller-shutter doors, which meansthat mechanical failures and costlyrepairs will no longer be an issue.Over door air curtains alsoinduce warm air down from highlevels to prevent air being lostthrough the roof, while helping tode-stratify the building andeliminate cold spots.The introduction of air curtains canoften be so effective that loading bayStepping upto the plateLoading bays and doors are undergoing a transformationto ensure operator and energy efficiency alikeThe introduction of air curtains,such as those supplied by Airbloc,make a major difference to theefficiency of a warehouseWith theinstallation of energy efficientair curtains directly over or downthe side of the doorway, theinternal climate can be maintainedto offer significant cost savingsand improved workercomfort.18-20:Layout 1 14/12/12 12:17 Page 1For further information, visit www.airbloc.co.ukor call 01384 489 700..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Commercial & Industrial Air CurtainsAIRBLOCFood & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.netLOADING BAYS & DOORSdoors can be left open all day with verylittle effect on the heating system orincreased energy consumption. Heated orunheated, depending on the projectspecifications, they can also be configuredto re-circulate warm air within thebuilding. One other happy side-effect,which is particularly valuable when wastemanagement is under the spotlight, is thatthe powerful curtain of air can also helpkeep offensive odours under control, dueto the total environmental separationbetween external and internal areas.Of course, energy efficiency is not theonly factor that can cause problems duringthe loading process. As the supply chain isconsistently required to move faster andmore efficiently, those working in the baycan be subjected to pressure to get itemsin and out as quickly as possible – whichcan have obvious health and safety issues.Accurate visual and audiblecommunication systems are thereforehighly valuable, such as the introductionof internal and external traffic lights thatcan let drivers know when it’s safe toenter the bay and leave the bay – whileensuring those working in the bay are fullyaware of the movement of vehicles andknow where they can be at any one time.This means many companies are installingdock management systems that can ensurevehicles are in the right place at the righttime, and there is no danger of them beingdriven until the area around them is clear.Many make use of electronic systems thatensure drivers have to hand in their keysupon arrival and don’t receive them againuntil the loading is completed and it’s safeto drive away.In these instances, the vehicle keys are20 18-20:Layout 1 14/12/12 12:17 Page 2Next >