< Previous04-12:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:28 Page 7www.fdiforum.net11newsAllergen management prerequisites fromRomer LabsRomer Labs arehelping to assistbusinesses imple-ment changes tomeet new labellinglegislation, the latestBRC standard andretailer codes ofpractice.On Wednesday22nd February theywill host a workshopwith guest speakersfrom the Food Standards Agency to overview current legislation andHolchem Laboratories to give special insights into the validation and verifi-cation of cleaning. Romer Labs will also discuss where there is value in test-ing and with which tests.Recently they launched the new AgraStrip Gluten G12 for on-site factorytesting and the AgraQuant Gluten G12 for quantitative testing in the labo-ratory. Both kits will advance gluten detection in foods, rinse waters and onsurfaces to meet the latest European regulation. The tests use Romer Labs’new G12 antibody which targets the most immunotoxic proteins for those in-tolerant to gluten and thereby takes analysis in a new direction in assuringfood safety.Clip jars spice up product imageBart Spices hasselected the 350mlsize Clip Jar fromRPC Bramlage fora specialist gourmetspiced sugar, pro-duced for a leadingfood retailer.Part of RPCBramlage’s stan-dard range andavailable in foursizes, the Clip Jaroffers a modernand robust plastic pack that echoes the look of the traditional glass storagejar. The clarity of the PET enables products to be easily visible and togetherwith the jar’s distinctive design help to create a high quality image andstrong on-shelf impact and appeal. Individual branding can be achievedthrough quality decoration including top labelling of the lid and full colourprinting.The jar is lightweight, easy to handle and shatterproof, offering con-sumers valuable convenience and safety benefits in the kitchen. A furtheradvantage is that the jar is reusable. A metal clasp and hermetic seal ensureproduct quality and freshness are maintained.FORTHCOMING ONLINE AUCTION OF COMPLETE VERY MODERN ABATTOIRAuction to be held end of February 2012The majority of the machinery supplied by Butina, Stork and Nijhous etc.This is a completely integrated line and is available as a whole or as individual items.Comprising briefly:Lairage gates, auto push system, Butina Jumbo 6 basket Co2 auto stunning line, all s/s stickingtable, gambrel loading point, overhead rail system, scalding tank into triple de-hairer, scrubber with bottom auger feedinginto secondary de-hairer, feeding out on to inspection cutting table, feeding on to overhead hanging rail holding systemthrough de-hairer, auto singer, final de-hairer and polisher, feeding on to overhead rail system feeding inspection stations,automatic pig splitter with sensor system, feeding onto wash station. Offal is fed through 80 inspection pans, onto washer,gut cleaning station also secondary line feeding reject carcasses into Simo carcass grinder. The plant is totally s/s complete with numerous spares and was working up until the plant closure.ALSO COMING SOON…AUCTION OF COMPLETE BAKERY AND A VERSATILE RANGE OF MACHINERY.For further details or to arrange to view please contact:Tel: 01225 874677 Fax: 01225 87430604-12:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:28 Page 8newsElectronic Temperature Instrumentslaunches BlueThermThe BlueTherm, Electronic TemperatureInstruments’ new Bluetooth wireless tem-perature probe, is a wireless tempera-ture monitoring and loggingsolution. The BlueTherm probewill securely transmit temper-ature data up to a maxi-mum of twenty metresto any Bluetooth en-abled device. Nolonger is there aneed to worryabout dangling wires.The BlueTherm combined with the BlueTherm software or App providesa complete mobile temperature logging solution. Press the button on theBlueTherm to measure the temperature, and the data is automatically up-loaded for convenient viewing or retrieval at a later date.The BlueTherm probe incorporates a fast response thermocouple whichallows the measurement of temperature accurately over the range of -49.9 to249.9°c with a resolution of 0.1°c. The probe also incorporates a rechargeablebattery that can provide several days use before the need to recharge. TheBlueTherm is ideal for HACCP controlled food process or foodservice envi-ronments where efficient and accurate temperature acquisition is critical.Færch Plast Packaging helps keepChantenay Carrot Snacks freshFærch Plast is supply-ing a four-compartmenttray to Fresh Growersfor its new ChantenayCarrot Snack Packs. Produced fromAPET with 50% recy-cled content and perfo-rated to allow each ofthe four compartmentsto be separated andpopped into a lunchbox, the containers are currently on sale in the fresh produce section of Mor-rison’s supermarkets.Alan Hunt, Commercial Manager at Freshgro, says, “We were looking fora new concept to provide a top quality alternative to baton carrots. A sam-ple punnet produced by Færch Plast was just what we needed for the pack-aging.” The packs are currently filled by hand with the lids sealed on a PA au-tomation machine, but as the product develops there are plans to fully au-tomate the process. Future plans for including a dip with the vegetables, aswell as a punnet with five cavities, are at the development stage.12www.fdiforum.netfdiforumfdiforumwww.www..net.netVisitVisit04-12:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:28 Page 9Thwaites presents 2012Signature RangeThwaites has revealed the twelve beersthat will make up its new 2012 SignatureRange of guest ales brewed on its newmicro-craft brewery. The range covers awide spectrum of brewing styles andstrengths, from the light fruit beer madewith Lancashire Loganberries, Logan’sRun, to the strong but mellow winter brewOld Dan.Building on the success of the first Signature Range first introduced in 2011, Thwaites is aimingto continue to capture the imagination of drinkers whilst having some fun creating some quirky and interesting beers on its new craft micro-brewery.The range will also celebrates key events such as the Olympic torch relay with Torch Light ale, Whet the Whistle to coincide with the European Cham-pionships and Egg Roller, a double fermented chocolate stout for Easter. 2012 also sees the return of 13 Guns from the previous Signature Range, an all-American hopped Pale Ale to coincide with the 4th July celebrations.New cookies from DawnLeading sweet bakery supplier Dawn Foods islaunching its new American style cookies in the UK.The new high-quality, indulgent cookies containthe highest level of inclusions and Belgian chocolate.These luxury cookies are available as either readybaked cookies (76g) or as frozen cookie pucks (80g)for operators to bake through in just 14-15 minutes –perfect for controlling stock and offering consistenthigh quality, as expected from Dawn’s standard of ex-cellence.The new cookies are made using natural flavoursand the finest quality ingredients in a nut free envi-ronment. Flavours for the luxury range include TripleBelgian Chocolate Chunk, Belgian Chocolate Chunk,Belgian White Chocolate Chunk, Cranberry and Bel-gian White Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal and Raisin.The large Belgian chocolate chunks and fruit piecesare generously and evenly spread, making them visible from both the cookie surface and withinevery bite.on the shelfthe happy egg co continuesinnovationthe happy egg co are rolling out a range of egg-based deli fillers. The range consists of two variants,Egg Mayo and Egg & Bacon and is available initiallyfrom Tesco stores.The latest product development follows a success-ful year of innovation for the happy egg co which hasdriven business growth and increased the brand’s dis-tribution. In 2011 the company entered new cate-gories beyond the traditional shell egg market with itshappy egg branded Quiches and Scotch Eggs.Rob Newell, Head of Brands at the happy egg co,says, “We’ve conducted extensive consumer and re-tailer research to help us gauge which products theywould like to see, and the egg inspired deli fillers werea popular choice. We are looking at entering evenmore categories that traditionally haven’t included afree-range egg product, as we feel the happy egg cocould add real value and drive demand for free-rangeeggs generally.”New year, new you with Emmi Caffe LatteLightTraditionally a time of focusing on ahealthy diet following the indulgent Christ-mas period, Emmi Caffe Latte is a refresh-ing treat that can help kick start a New Yearfitness regime. With only ninety calories per230ml serving and no artificial colours orflavourings, it’s the perfect guilt free pick meup at any time of day. Dedicated to both quality and sustainabil-ity, Emmi selects only the finest coffee beansfrom Rain Forest Alliance certified farms.Roasted to perfection, gently ground andmade into fresh espresso, then blended withthe freshest Swiss milk, Emmi Caffe LatteLight is then chilled and ready to drink. Proving that low fat doesn’t have to besynonymous with low flavour, Emmi CaffeLatte Light has a natural hint of honey,which enhances the creamy flavour and con-tributes to a deliciously distinctive baristaquality, iced coffee.TCD Foods launches saucesin new 220ml bottle formatAfter seeing sales grow steadily in 2011, TreesCan’t Dance has signalled its intention to be-come a nationally recognised brand and drivefurther growth in 2012 with the launch of its firstculinary table sauces in 220ml bottle formats. Previously available in 100ml bottles, thelarger bottle formats should encourage con-sumers to view the range more as everyday tablesauces. The bottle format will initially includethe company’s top selling sauces including theFlaming Lips Hot Chilli Sauce, the Green ChilliSauce and the Sweet Chilli Sauce which wonBest Sweet Chilli Sauce at the National ChilliAwards. TCD Foods’ Managing Director Dan Maysays, “We are confident the launch of theselarger bottle formats will not only help us takeadvantage of this ever increasing demand butwill provide greater brand stand out on-shelf andencourage shoppers to view the sauces as a reg-ular addition to the dinner table.”www.fdiforum.net1313:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:39 Page 1Purple praise for Vikan’s tool rangeLeaders in hygienic cleaningsolutions, Vikan has launchedpurple tools for use in foodand beverage production areas.This meets the needs of thosemanufacturers running a largenumber of food productionlines or for use where organicor allergenic ingredients arebeing used. Already available in sevencolours, Vikan’s innovativecolour coded range of cleaningtools and equipment provides a simple, practical and effective solution tominimising cross-contamination between production areas. Visual colourcoding ensures operatives use the correct equipment for each area as well asmotivating hygienic behaviour. Colour coding can be supported and docu-mented in compliance with HACCP, using Vikan’s free colour zoningVCCA system. Made for specific cleaning tasks, the range of purple tools includessqueegees, brushes and shovels. Made from FDA approved materials andautoclavable, Vikan’s tools are ergonomically designed for ease of use, effi-cient, durable and offer value for money. PFM lifts speed for stand-up display bagsItalian manufacturer PFM has developed a continuousmotion vertical form-fill-seal machine, providing higheroutput for stand-up bags for a range of snack and foodproducts.“Growing interest in Europe in display bags to replacerigid packaging, reducing packaging weight and pack foot-print, has driven demand for faster, more productive ma-chinery,” explains PFM sales and operations directorChris Bolton. Producing 100 block bottom bags or 90 PFM Steelofour-side-seal packs a minute the Solaris is equipped witha lightweight, long dwell box motion sealing jaw able toreciprocate at elevated speeds without vibration.Maximum speed on pillow packs is over 200 a minuteon all styles of bag and seal integrity is assured by controlsoftware, providing a constant sealing time, irrespective of machine speed.It is expected the machine will boost interest in PFM Steelo bags, on which the four corners areheat-sealed to improve rigidity and appearance.JUGIT success continues worldwideDemand is growing for RPC Containers Market Rasen’s re-designed reusable JUGIT, the core of Dairy Crest’s innovativenew concept in milk packaging. Following a successful trial in2010, the JUGIT continues to be rolled out across the UK andhas now gained interest worldwide.The JUGIT system offers consumers a pouch-based formatthat uses substantially less packaging material than conven-tional plastic milk containers. The milk bag system offers a 75%less packaging weight advantage over the traditional plastic milkbottle – the normal way supermarket milk is sold. Once placedinto the reusable JUGIT, a spike perforates the bag so the milkis ready to pour. John Middleton, Senior Brand Manager at Dairy Crest, says,“Our customers have been immensely supportive of the milkbag initiative throughout the project, seeing the environmentalbenefits in terms of reducing packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic bot-tles. It’s exciting to see our innovation having appeal worldwide.”14www.fdiforum.neton lineShrink tightening film wrapsFerrero chocolatesInnovia Films’ shrink tightening BOPP substrate,Propafilm OS, has been selected by global confec-tionery manufacturer Ferrero to overwrap boxes ofits Rondnoir chocolates.Propafilm OS is a high-speed, transparent, over-wrapping film manufactured using Innovia Films’unique bubble process. It has balanced shrink tight-ening properties and offers a sparkling pack appear-ance. In addition, Propafilm OS can significantlyincrease product shelf life owing to the superb watervapour, flavour and aroma barrier properties it canoffer.Steve Langstaff, BOPP Product Manager at In-novia Films, says, “We are pleased to supplyPropafilm OS to Ferrero. The outstanding sparkleand gloss of the film are important factors in the con-fectionery market, where shelf appeal and pack wraptightness can influence purchasing decisions.”Ferrero Rondnoir is mild, dark chocolate with del-icate wafer, smooth chocolate cream and an almondpearl hidden within. The BOPP overwrapped choco-lates are available in two sizes of box – 12s and 24sthroughout Europe.UK freezing firm bolsters Thai chickenproductionUK equipment manufacturer Star-frost has supplied five spiral freezers toa chicken processor in Thailand as partof a factory expansion. Based nearBangkok, Golden Foods Siam (GFS)manufactures a variety of chicken prod-ucts. In 2011 GFS opened a processingfacility in order to significantly expandits cooked division. A key requirementfor the new factory was a freezing sys-tem for processing products.UK-based freezing and chilling specialist Starfrost was awarded the con-tract following a competitive tender process. As an existing customer, GFSwas impressed with Starfrost’s competitive price, as well as its ability to in-corporate the latest developments in freezing technology to meet processingrequirements.GFS worked closely with Starfrost’s UK-based engineering team, whichcustom designed and manufactured five in-line Helix Spiral freezers. Eachmachine has a processing capacity of up to 2,000 kg/hr and features a660mm wide belt with 32 tiers spiralling upward around a single rotatingdrum.14-15:Layout 1 26/1/12 15:47 Page 1Payne offer ideal solution for QR codesBrand owners are ideally placed to takeadvantage of the growing popularity of hi-tech Quick Response codes using printedmessage tape and labels from Payne.QR codes hold many times more char-acters than traditional linear barcodes, sothe sophisticated digital print capabilitiesof Payne’s tape and labels, combined withthe ability to add either to existing packag-ing, offers an ideal solution to brands look-ing to exploit the benefits.Adding the QR code using a printedtape or label from Payne means the QRcode can be changed quickly to adapt to changing interactive content. Only the tape or label de-sign needs to be changed, saving money on origination of a new pack. This also has potential to avoid packaging waste.The use of printed tapes or labels also ensures the code is at consumers’ fingertips for entering promotions online or via SMS, providing a valuable toolfor brands to engage with their consumers.Zero air tray sealer blows away thecompetitionPackaging Automa-tion has revealed thenext evolution of itsEclipse range of highspeed tray heat sealingmachines as the first inthe UK to operate en-tirely without using anycompressed air, provid-ing food manufacturerswith environmental ben-efits without raising costs or compromising reliability.Incorporating PA’s E-Seal technology, the new Eclipse SL4 is a unique,fully electrical machine that requires zero air for full operation while stillachieving high standards of rugged reliability, versatility and performance.With all operations driven directly by small servomechanisms, runningcosts can be as low as 8% of an equivalent pneumatic system, resulting in sig-nificant annual savings and a sizeable reduction in carbon footprint. Sealingup to five packs at once, the SL4 and, the smaller, SL3 are the latest additionsto the Eclipse range, joining the successful SL6 single lane and TL6 twin lanewhich achieves impressive seal speeds of up to 200 per minute.MasoSine pump replacesprogressive cavity pump at foodmanufacturer The Runcorn plant of leading food manufacturer,AAK Foods, has swapped an ageing progressive cavitypump for the latest MasoSine pump from Watson-Mar-low Pumps Group. The twist in the tale is that AAK ini-tially tried a progressive cavity alternative, only to find itwas taking three hours to strip, clean and rebuild – toolong for a company that often undertakes short runs. Asa result, AAK Foods turned to a MasoSine SPS4 sinepump, which proved a far more suitable solution, offer-ing both higher performance levels and quicker strip-down times.AAK Foods produces over 300 different products and a wide range of value added services forthe retail and food service markets. The pumps are used to transfer product from intermediate bulkcontainers to depositor feed hoppers on the filling lines. on linewww.fdiforum.net15Ishida versatilitydelivers organicqualityThe versatility of an Ishida multiheadweigher has been demonstrated by theinstallation of a CCW-RS-214/30-SSmodel at Danish organic product spe-cialist Urtekram International, wherethe machine is handling a wide varietyof products from sugar, raisins and datesto nuts, pulses and muesli.Thanks to its consistently accurateand reliable performance, the weigher isnow able to handle on one packing linewhat had previously been divided over two. This has reduced the numberof packing shifts each day from three to two and enabled two thirds of theoperators who used to run the line to be deployed on other duties. Typi-cal packing speeds have increased by as much as 200%. Overall, Urtekramestimates that payback on the machine will be achieved within two years.Urtekram packs around seventy different products in packs sizes from15g to 1kg, with every combination programmed into the Ishida’s remotecontrol unit for extremely fast changeovers.Hartley’s Squeezy JamsDispensed by Zeller HeadstandValve CapsZeller Plastik launches Rio, a new standard light-weight 55mm headstand valve dispensing closure tar-geting the jams and condiments markets. PremierFoods Group Limited is introducing Rio initially onHartley’s Squeezy Jam.The versatile closure design is more than 25%lighter than Zeller’s current standard and utilises alarge diameter valve for clean and effective dispens-ing. Two standard valve options are available - a two-slit version for preserves and a three-slit version forsauces or chutneys with fruit or vegetable particles;alternatively the closure can be supplied without avalve. Drainage features are provided for manufac-turers using water jets in their post-filling operation tocool hot-fill products. Induction heat seals provide ahermetic seal and Zeller Plastik offers three-tab pee-lable or Lift ‘n’ Peel options.The product formulation and packaging format hasmade Hartley’s Squeezy Jams a hit with children sincetheir introduction in 2009.14-15:Layout 1 26/1/12 15:47 Page 216www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTThe food and drink industry has reportedfairly healthy growth in 2011 but witheconomic turbulence still prevailing in the EUits likely that companies will have to moveinto new markets to find continued growth.Pundits have already declared that 2012 islikely to see high prices and food shortages,but out of this, there is positive news. Ingrain exports, for example, Argentina’s fieldshave been withering under drought, whichopens up the global market in this area.Russia, a country we featured a few monthsago is set to pounce on this shortage, havinghad their supply chain opened upinternationally once more and being blessedwith an ample supply. In terms of meat and poultry, thestrengthening demand for British products hassoared recently, which could see a long termdecline reversed. Population growth, foodsecurity concerns and climate change pressurehas led to more demand. The British MeatProcessors Association has welcomed this withopen arms, describing the market as ‘thriving’.Development of more coherent structure to dowith meat standards has also been developedin tandem with the Food Standards Agency,something which means reliability is toimprove and in turn, consumer confidence inBritish meat.Different countries are boosting theirimport and export profiles in different ways.In Canada, for instance, representation in theform of trade missions and product awarenesshave been invested in heavily byGovernment. Over $600,000 has been setaside for sales and product awareness ofCanadian good worldwideThis investment will allow FBC to helplead a joint trade mission to Gulfood inDubai, where they will bring Canadiancompanies to showcase their products at theworld’s largest annual food and hospitalityshow. The funding has allowed FBC toextend its marketing through other keyinternational food and beverage shows,including Anuga and the Hong Kong FoodExpo. Breaking boundariesVoice picking can make all the difference totraceability in warehouses, particularly helpful whenperishable and time-sensitive good are being usedPICTURE: ZETESAlthough the EU remains a lucrative export customer for the food and drink sector, there has beengrowth in many emerging markets such as China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and South Africa.16-18:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:45 Page 1IMPORT AND EXPORTwww.fdiforum.net17Change is also afoot in Ireland, acountry hit incredibly hard by the globalfinancial crisis. The export sector for allgoods in the country has seen a greatincrease. With dairy exports up a massive28% and food exports up 14%, this canonly be good news. This increase ismainly due to Ireland’s fantasticreputation for quality products and witha government plan to bring jobs to thesesectors in their Action Plan for Jobs, wecould see this improve even more overcoming months.On a similar level, figures from the UKSecretary of State Caroline Spelman haveshown that plans to use the UK’s foreignembassies to help promote UK food anddrink internationally have beenwelcomed as new figures have beenreleased, showing exports for the sectorto have grown by 12.2% compared to thesame period last year.This follows the German idea of usingforeign embassies as bases for promotingfood and drink and this announcementhas been applauded by the Food andDrink Federation as a great way forwardfor the manufacturing industry.Food and drink is one of the UK’sexport growth sectors, reaching £10billion for the first time in 2010 andexpected to finish close to £12 billion for2011. Although the EU remains the UK’sbiggest export customer, there has beengrowth in many emerging markets suchas China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong andSouth Africa. Strongly performingproducts included chocolate, breakfastcereals, soft drinks, coffee, soup andconfectionery.Room for improvementIn the field of importing and exportingfood and drink products, it is, of course,important to have a well-managed supplychain. Efficiencies are something mostfood and drink manufacturers will befamiliar with, but those in logistics or inthe supply chain sector will have toconsider not only their overheads, butthe extra maintenance needed whendealing with goods like food and drinkthat can spoil easily. The nature ofdealing with perishables or goodssusceptible to conditions such asmoisture, temperature and handlingmistakes is much different than dealingwith solid, permanent goods such as rawmaterials. One recent initiative that is availableto those in the UK has been pioneered bythe Carbon Trust. Carbon TrustImplementation Services can providesupport to warehouse and logisticscompanies who may be looking to cutenergy costs by implementing newlighting or heating equipment. The newservice introduces warehouses toestablished suppliers of energy efficientequipment that are accredited by theCarbon Trust. It helps warehousecompanies obtain a set of high qualityproposals and competitive quotes for anenergy efficiency project.The Carbon Trust delivers value towarehouses through energy efficiency,helping warehouses develop a businesscase for an energy efficiency project -demonstrating a proven return oninvestment. It also comes with no upfrontcost, which is surely a bonus. Warehousescan obtain high quality proposals andcompetitive quotes from establishedequipment suppliers, accredited by theCarbon Trust. In partnership withSiemens Financial Services, the CarbonTrust provides affordable financingpackages for new equipment and projects,that are designed to pay for themselves.One example of this in action would beThe Carbon Trust helping a haulage,freight and warehousing company toimplement a new lighting project, whichachieved a payback within two years. Withtwo sites, the company was eager to cutcosts and reduce its carbon footprint.Calling in the Carbon Trust to carry outan on-site carbon survey and identifypotential savings, the survey highlightedthat warehouse lighting accounted for93% of the company’s annual energyspend.After applying for an energy efficiencyloan, the company received £44,400towards new lighting, which cost just over£60,000. Thanks to its expected monthlysavings and reduced maintenance costs,the loan will be paid for in under twoyears.18 Lighting is a major issue withinwarehouses, bills can be cut bythousands if intelligent solutionsare used, such as movementsensors or timed cycles16-18:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:45 Page 218www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTWarehousemanagement fromClydebuiltBusiness SolutionsClydebuilt Business Solutions havesuccessfully launched LocateIT WMS intothe food industry, attracting clients suchas The Jordans Ryvita Company andCrown Pet FoodsOriginally designed for 3pl providers, LocateIT boasts anattractive array of features that help streamline warehouseprocesses and monitor important data associated with eachtransaction. Due to the intrinsic flexibility of the system, LocateIToffers unparalleled control within food manufacturingenvironments and existing users are reaping the rewards in allareas including raw materials, production and finished productwarehousing. Crown Pet Foods use LocateIT within their raw materialswarehouse as well as with finished product, enabling them toservice a multi-channel distribution network, which replenishes petsuper-retailers as well as the vast array of individual vet practices.LocateIT manages their bulk, pallet and pick and pack operationsconcurrently, ensuring the correct delivery channel is electronicallyupdated and that the correct despatch labelling is attached andpaperwork is produced. With a flawless integration into their backoffice system Navision, the complete set up provides a first classsolution without compromise. LocateIT easily tracks data associated with products such asBBE date and Shelf Life remaining, and track and trace ability isinbuilt, meaning a complete audit trail is compiled with everytransaction. This level of detail is paramount withinmanufacturing sites, and users of LocateIT have confidence thatthe right quantity of product will be picked at the right time, andthe intelligence of the system dictates the most efficient andprofitable way of doing so.For more information, call 0141 847 1920 orvisit www.clydebuiltsolutions.com.Smooth operationsUse of software solutions to make your operations run that littlebit faster and to save every last penny available is something moreand more warehouse and logistics firms are using day to day. Evenin these times of austerity, it is clear that investment on the baselevel and changing daily operations means food and drinkmanufacturers and the associated supply chain are settingthemselves up for a comfortable future.With emphasis placed on traceability, Clydebuilt BusinessSolutions’ system considers elements such as best before end andshelf life. This reiterates the need to be overly-cautious and surewith food and drink goods. Their perishable nature means systemslike this will make food rotting away on a far-flung shelf a thing ofthe past. Every inch of your warehouse should be accounted forand systems like Clydebuilt’s LocateIT mean you can be sure ofwhat is happening under your own roof.Combine this with the futuristic and reliable systems on offerfrom various manufacturers that involve voice picking and everyminute detail of your operation will also be accounted for. Youwill be able to see, at a glance, what you have in storage, whatgoods are on the road and which are to arrive soon. The best advice seems to be to integrate as much technologytogether as you can, outside of the warehouse, driver-trackingsoftware for freight and utilising smart hardware such as intelligentheating and cooling systems can save you thousands in the sameway those canny about domestic home heating and electricity can.Being smart about what technology you utilise first and the orderyou go from there is also worth thinking about. You can have thebest voice picking solution available, but if you are wasting moneyin other, more fundamental areas such as heating or lighting,perhaps a long list of priorities is needed. Looking into these options in the flesh is always advisable tooand thankfully there are several logistics and warehouse-gearedexpos available worldwide. The UK alone has the Logistics Linkshows, one in the north, one in the south and its annual Liveshow, as well as the Multimodal show and the impressive Foodexin Birmingham. Elsewhere you can see what is happening in Indiaat the International Week for Transport and Logistics in Mumbaiand the European version in Paris. For those stateside, theInternational Warehouse Logistics Association’s ‘BridgingGenerations for Success’ expo in San Francisco should prove wellworth the visit. What these shows do is give you the chance to seethe software being demonstrated and also the chance to quizexperts and manufacturers on how the different solutions wouldhelp you. Wheat exports could be rising in Russia as traderoutes have opened up recently16-18:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:45 Page 3Let us do thetalking…….www.fdiforum.net the voice of the Food and Drink industryINTERNATIONALFood&DrinkFood&Drink19:Layout 1 27/1/12 09:45 Page 1Next >