< Previous10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netNimbus launchesmini chocolatebrownie piecesFollowing significant investment at its sitein Dolgellau in North Wales, specialityinclusions manufacturer Nimbus Foods haslaunched mini chocolate brownie pieces.The chocolate brownie pieces can beincorporated into ice cream and desserts togive either a folded-in experience or simplyadded as a topping. The product is designedwith a crumbly texture to achieve a softgooey eating experience in frozen and chilled high moisture products.Made with free range egg and all natural ingredients on a nut-free site, the product is alreadyreceiving very positive feedback from industry professionals. Nimbus Foods is part of the Raisio Group and operates from a BRC “A” grade certified site inNorth Wales.Asda’s Simply Roast in the Bag Chickenflying high with FFPSucculent whole chicken, ready to beroasted in the bag, have hit the chillercabinets in Asda as part of their Butcher’sSelection range, with new ovenable printedpackaging produced by FFP.FFP worked closely with Faccenda, whohad been challenged by Asda to come upwith a truly innovative packed product. Thenew packaging, part of FFP’s keyEstercook high temperature packagingproject was produced in conjunction withfilm partner DuPont Teijin Films and allowspeople to cook a whole chicken, from scratch, without ever having to handle the raw bird. The pack is simply pierced once, placed into the oven and left to cook in one of sevencomplementary flavoured coatings. The pack forms a chamber around the bird, keeping theinside of the oven clean and allowing the moisture and flavourings from the chicken to surroundand permeate the flesh.APPE Bottles support Oji’ssustainability messagePET packaging specialist APPE has worked with Ojiand Hero to produce an environmentally friendly 100%recycled PET bottle for Oji’s ‘sustainable’ functional fruitdrink.The Oji drinks are available in four variantsfeaturing different fruits and health benefits. Allcontain caffeine from green coffee beans to provide amild energy boost along with a variety of nutrientsincluding antioxidants, fibre, magnesium and vitaminC.APPE’s rPET material was the ideal choice for Oji’sstrong environmental ethos with its firm focus onsustainability and respect for environmental and socialissues. The new bottle enables the brand to achieve a‘closed loop’ recycling system as the product can berecycled and then reused for a new 100% rPET bottle.This fits with Oji’s co-operation with the TerraCycleprogram that focuses on eradicating incineration andwaste. Equally important, the bottle provides an ambientshelf life of six months, avoiding energy consumptioninvolved in keeping chilled.debbie&andrew’s unveil newsausage flavours and award debbie&andrew’s is on sizzlingform with the launch of two newsausages - Pork, Black Pudding andApple and Pork and Spring Onion, aswell as having its Perfect Porksausage voted best in its category inthe Quality Food Awards. The new Pork, Black Pudding, andApple sausage ticks all the boxes,using prime cuts of British pork with ahearty and unique taste that’s justright for winter. Pork and apple havelong been happy associates, but theextra element of black pudding makesthis a sausage to generate sales.The classic combination ofdebbie&andrew’s Pork and SpringOnion has made a stand out sausage. debbie&andrew’s also set thejudges sizzling at the Quality Food Awards when one of the toughestjudging panels in the awards’ history selected its Perfect Pork sausage asthe best in its category for taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients list,packaging, presentation and price point. combisafe offers a fresh look forcanned productsMore than two hundred productsare now on sale in combisafe, theheat-resistant carton pack from SIGCombibloc.combisafe is the perfect choicefor filling long-life food products witha very high particulate content, suchas vegetables and pulses, fruit,ready-meals and stews. The heat-resistant carton packaging can befilled with practically any chunkyfood product and subsequentlysterilised in an autoclave.The exceptional transportation andcommercial logistics of combisafehelp food manufacturers cut downcosts. Like all SIG Combibloc cartonpacks, combisafe carton packs are transported to the food manufacturer’sproduction plants as flat folded sleeves. This means the most efficient use ismade of a truck’s loading volume. The natural, fresh look the carton packsdeliver, and the design scope they offer with their four fully printable sides,provides the perfect blank slate for setting up the brand image.10-11:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:23 Page 1Food & 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!Kikkoman goes forstir-fry sauceKikkoman is re-launching its main stir-frysauce with a complete re-design and namechange. Kikkoman’s new premium Stir-fry Saucereplaces Sukiyaki Sauce and is positioned foreveryday cooking. The new name change willbring more consumers to the brand as it clearlycommunicates the specific role of the product. Bing-yu Lee, manager of Kikkoman UK, says,“In line with the UK’s love of Oriental cuisine weare confident that our newly re-launched Stir-frySauce will be a success. Consumers don’thave much time to read the labels so we’remaking things easier by clearly communicatingthe specific role of the product and the colourfullabel gives good shelf standout. Stir-frying is acooking method that most consumers arewilling to attempt because it’s simple andversatile. We’re tapping into consumers’ desirefor convenience and great tasting food.”Systems Labelling develop a firstclass finishSystems Labellinghas successfullydeveloped a unique“brushed metal” lustrefor a major SouthAfrican supermarketown label launch. TheVit flavoured waterrange includes 4variants which displayan eye-catchingmetallised label design. The “brushed metal”finish has been achieved by sharing technical knowledge from both theSouth African design agency and the technical team from SystemsLabelling. Paul Byard says, “We pride ourselves on our positive approachto NPD, working with customers to deliver the best result from thecombination of standard materials, inks and varnishes.”Michael Cairns, Commercial Manager from Irish beverage supplierKilkenny Nutritional, says, “By working collaboratively Systems Labellinghave achieved a premium finish that has enhanced the product offer. We allknow the importance of shelf stand-out and the practical requirements ofpackaging. In this case Systems Labelling have delivered on both counts.”The finish is available in both cut & stack and self-adhesive label formatsin either polypropylene and paper stocks. To advertise your services onthe news pages contact us on01472 31030210-11:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:23 Page 212:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:14 Page 1Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTBringingit in,shippingit outThe business of import and export istruly one that you get as much out of asyou put in. With extensive efforts beingmade by companies, what seems to bethe key to their success?Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement. TheUK in particular is rife with unique and innovativeproducts, often with a long history that other countrieslove to sample and with the rise of the global middleclass, this kind of thinking is becoming more popular.This, combined with the increase in sales of readymeals, convenience food and snacks in particular,mean companies are releasing targeted products andpackaging to reach new customer bases worldwide.To boost the profile of heritage brands, the Prince ofWales recently visited Bedfordshire to put the spotlighton traditional UK small and medium size business thatuse the history of their products to increase overseassales. On his visit to Jordans Mill in Biggleswade thePrince met six locally-based companiesincluding a brewer with over 100 years’experience. The firms export tocountries both within Europe andfurther afield including USA,UAE, and Japan. The East of England has seenan 8.7% growth of exports tocountries outside the EuropeanUnion at £12.11 billion –accounting for 44% of theregion’s overall exportscompared to 39% a year ago. The export section of the Prince’sFiguresrecently released bythe Scotch Whisky Association show thevalue of exports increasedby 11% to almost £2 billionin the first six monthsof this year15 Scottish whiskey is seeingever-increasing rates ofsuccess in the export marketPHOTO: THE WHISKY SHOP13-16:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:25 Page 113-16:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:25 Page 2Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTvisit to the region has been organised byUK Trade & Investment as part of effortsto promote exporting and help thegovernment achieve its target of gettingup to 100,000 more to export whichwould generate an extra £30 billion forthe UK economy. Liz Basing, Regional Director of East ofEngland, says, “More and morecompanies are finding that there is astrong demand overseas for products thathave both the heritage and badge ofquality given by the ‘Made in Britain’stamp. “This puts a group of top Bedfordshireexporters in the spotlight and I’mdelighted we have the opportunity toshowcase these companies as a sample ofthe best the county has to offer. The UKTI recently launched a nationalcampaign, Exporting is GREAT, which istargeting almost three million people withthe ambition of generating three thousandappointments with UKTI Advisers anddriving £1.2 billion in export revenue fromthe leads it generates. With businesses earning £100,000 onaverage in additional sales within eighteenmonths of working with UKTI, there issignificant growth potential for SMEs thatstart exporting. As part of Export Week, the BritishChambers of Commerce has announcedthe launch of a new website designed tosupport businesses at every stage of theirexport journey. Alongside partners Cathay Pacific,DHL Express UK, and Experian, ExportBritain showcases the opportunities in keyinternational markets, and the supportavailable from British Chambers andBritish Business Groups in the UK andaround the world. Drink and be merryFollowing in this heritage trend, thenews that Scotch Whisky exports grew inthe first six months of 2013 are to bewelcomed. Figures recently released bythe Scotch Whisky Association show thevalue of exports increased by 11% toalmost £2 billion in the first six months ofthis year from £1.78 billion in the firsthalf of 2012. 563 million bottles of ScotchWhisky were exported between Januaryand June this year, up 9%, or almost 50million bottles, from the same period in2012. This snapshot of export performance inthe first half of 2013 reflects growingdemand from a wide range of marketsagainst a slowdown during the sameperiod a year earlier. On an annualisedbasis, the value of exports rose by 6% to£4.5 billion from £4.2 billion in thetwelve months up to the end of June. There was growth in mature markets,such as the USA and France, with awelcome return to growth in Spain,alongside increasing demand fromemerging economies, such as South Africaand South America. The USA remains the biggest market byvalue, increasing by 29% to £391 millionin the first half of 2012. It was followed byFrance which saw exports grow by 6% to£199 million and Singapore which jumpedby 19% to £174 million. Singapore is adistribution hub for much of Asia with aAs part ofExport Week, theBritish Chambers ofCommerce has announced thelaunch of a new websitedesigned to support businessesat every stage of theirexport journeyThe opening of the London Gatewaywill no doubt see an increase in foodand drink imports to the capitalPHOTO: J F HILLEBRAND16 13-16:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:25 Page 3IMPORT AND EXPORTlot of the Scotch Whisky exported directly tothat market shipped onto other countries inthe region, including Taiwan, South Koreaand China. The 20% decline to £25 millionin the value of direct exports to China waspartly offset by the increase in shipments toSingapore and also reflects consolidation andmore challenging current market conditionsin China. Gavin Hewitt, Scotch Whisky Associationchief executive, says, “Demand for ScotchWhisky from mature and emerging marketsaround the world grew strongly in the firsthalf of this year after a slow start in 2012.While these figures provide a snapshot ofwhat is happening with exports, the industryis confident this expansion will continue.Significant new investment in the industryin Scotland by Scotch Whisky producersreflects the belief that growth will besustainable. “Scotch Whisky is widely recognised as aquality product and leads the way into newmarkets for other food and drink exportsfrom the UK. It continues to be vital forthe UK’s export-led recovery.Developments, such as new tradedeals, help ensure success willcontinue.” London callingDP World London Gateway isEurope’s newest port and aconsignment of South Africanwine shipped by global beveragelogistics provider JF Hillebrandrecently became the first officialcontainer to be unloaded there. The 58,000 TEU capacitycontainer ship, MOL Caledon, carriedthe wine from South Africa andbecame the first scheduled commercialvessel to dock at the UK’s newest deep seaport. Within just ten hours of vessel arrival, thefirst of two JF Hillebrand ‘Wine Trains’transported containers of wine from DPWorld’s London Gateway to Daventry, witha second Wine Train departing for Bristollater that day. David Mawer Managing Director of JFHillebrand UK, says, “London Gateway isvery important for the UK economy in beingable to accommodate the ever-growing shipsutilised to transport containers around theWorld, ensuring the UK retains direct calls.It means we can continue to provide our UKcustomers with the shortest, most reliabletransit times. By linking into our uniqueWine Train network, we minimise the riskof delivery delay and minimise our carbonfootprint. “It is quite something to think that wewere delivering containers from this vesselwithin three weeks of them loading inSouth Africa, which gives South Africanshippers a tremendous competitiveadvantage in the market. “The Port itself is hugely impressive,being the most modern in Europe. Indeed,when it is fully operational it is expected toadd 30% to the UK’s port capacity.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/EVA GRUENDEMANN“LondonGateway is veryimportant for the UKeconomy in being able toaccommodate the ever-growingships utilised to transportcontainers around the World,ensuring the UK retainsdirect calls”David Mawer Managing Directorof JF Hillebrand UK16 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.net13-16:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:25 Page 4Food & Drink International 17www.fdiforum.netPROPERTYWhen a business has outgrown itsoriginal base, it’s sometimes seen as awrench to have to leave the place asuccess has grown from but, especially inthe food and drink industry, this is oftenunavoidable.With the growth of manufacturing andon-site production, it’s often the case thatsimply space is the issue. Refitting apremises with new lines, increased storageand all the ephemera that comes with thiscan be a challenge. However newpremises, particularly warehousing and‘big shed’ space, are on the increase andwith good reason. With often greenercredentials than you’ll ever find in anolder facility, regulations are often cateredfor at the planning stage, so efficienciesare in-built.Similarly dedicated space, not only forequipment like extended lines, but alsofreight storage, loading bays andintegrated high-rise racking is often astandard fixture. This means moving toanother location can give you thefreedom to make it as seamless aspossible and avoid disruption that arefitting or refurbishment project canwreak on a business that needs to runconstantly. A slow ‘migration’ of sorts isa better fit for most business, in whichworkers leave one site to join anotherover a set period. This avoids the chaosof every operative having to get used to alocation all at once.With more and more business parksbeing also geared to innovation andcollaboration, it is interesting that anincreasing number of food and drinkcompanies are joining this particular fray.Being on site with similarly-gearedcompanies can mean working on projectstogether to achieve more is much easier,with there often being shared spaces orfacilities, encouraging companies to talk toeach other. This creates a micro-climate inwhich it is easy to do business and wherenew relationships can be fostered.However, Kite Packaging Group is aNew premises can meanfaster production, morestorage space and thechance to update machineryPHOTO: BARRY CALLEBAUTPromising premisesThe decision to relocate is not one that should be taken lightly, but the options out there forbusinesses wanting to expand are vast18 17-18:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:24 Page 118 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPROPERTYgreat example of having investedsuccessfully in expansion of an existingsite. The recent £3.5 million deal hasmeant that the company’s Coventrybranch will expand from 69,000 sq ft to179,000 sq ft –more than doubling thesite that is home to Kite EnvironmentalSolutions, Kite Online, Midlands Sales,Telesales, Accounts, IT and HRdepartments.The expansion has meant Kite nowown the address next door to its currentoperation, and is part of significantgrowth for the packaging company, whereemployee-owned Kite has generatedshareholder investment that has been putback in to the business. Building work hasalready begun inside the units, which willbe completely stripped back andrefurbished. The growth will also create a host ofnew job opportunities for the Midlandsarea, and already Kite Packaging has arecruitment drive underway, activelylooking for staff to join its Telesalesdivision. Kite Telesales began operation inFebruary 2012 and is looking to doublethis team in 2014. For companies serious about continuedsuccess and furthering their advancetowards offering an extended range orcapacity, moving or site expansion may bethe perfect solution. It’s an option reallyworth weighing up –is your businessfuture destined to stay where it is orventure elsewhere? Kite Packaging recently overhauled their premises inthree locations, expanding into neighbouring land,improving staff facilities and logistics.For companies serious aboutcontinued success andfurthering their advancetowards offering an extendedrange or capacity, moving orsite expansion may be theperfect solution17-18:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:24 Page 2...size matters,THINK BIG!www.towerthurrock.comChip Mittonchip.mitton@altusgroup.comRichard Lordrichard.lord@cbre.comA JOINT DEVELOPMENT BY:50,000 – 300,000 sq ft UP TO 24M EAVES HEIGHT19:Layout 1 12/12/13 14:14 Page 1Next >