< Previous20 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netin maintaining and improving key portsand harbours, a further £2.7 million hasjust been granted to improve three otherkey points at Tobermory, Tarbert andKerrera. Ireland’s fortunes have improved interms of food and drink exports, exceeding€9 million for the first time recently. Thisis all the more impressive given thecountry’s wider ill financial fortunes overthe past decade. This has beenput down to diversification intonew and emerging markets -indeed exports to Asia up 75%since 2010. Agri-food innovation, aswell as an onus on sustainability, is saidto be at the heart of the success, whichshows the benefits of seeking out newopportunities. Raising a glass to ChinaThe University of Nottingham isworking with twenty micro-brewers acrossthe East Midlands of the UK on a ‘Routesto Market’ project to help them developbottle conditioned beers that can be soldto China and South East Asia.Experts from the brewing sciencedepartment of The University ofNottingham have combined with the Foodand Drink iNet to help microbrewers inthe region to develop stable, bottledconditioned beers that are suitable forexport.In 2004, China overtook the USA tobecome the world’s largest beer market.The competition is growing increasinglyfierce among main brewers, but there areniche market opportunities formicrobrewers.The project involves surveying all of theexisting bottle conditioned beers producedby the micro-brewers and testing them forconsistency, measuring qualities such asalcohol by volume, CO2, microbialstability and shelf life. The valueof Scottish food and drinkexports have gone upby around 52% between2007 and 201119-21:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:26 Page 2Food & Drink International 21www.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTDr Jerry Avis, who is managing theroutes to Market project, says, “Themicrobrewers we are working with areextremely enthusiastic about the Routesto Market programme. They recognisethat we are able to help them improvethe consistency of their products, reducetheir costs and find new, innovativeways of offering their products tocustomers.”Preparations for the gatewayDeep sea containers are proving to bemore important than ever in exportcircles, with bulk ingredients provingpopular. In particular, the news that theLondon Gateway is to open in the latterpart of 2013 is great news. Located on thebanks of the Thames, the port willprovide unrivalled cost savings due tobeing at the heart of the capital, cuttingtravel costs and carbon footprints forthousands of companies. Several cranes,due for delivery soon, will be used to loadand unload containers and are impressivein size - currently larger than the world’swidest container ships. It means Londonand the UK in general will be seen as aleading port to both sail from and deliverto. Tim Halhead, London GatewayOperations Director says, “The size of thecranes future proofs the port, allowingLondon Gateway to handle the nextgeneration of ultra large container ships.These cranes are among the mostadvanced in the industry, assisting ouroperatives to deliver a reliable andconsistently high level of productivity.”With the UK’s food and non-alcoholicdrinks export rate increasing last year,taking the total to £5.9 billion, it’scertainly a fantastic opportunity for thosewithin the country to increase their reach.With better road connections from theGateway and a logistics park which will bethe largest ‘big shed’ operation of its kindin Europe, it seems London will soonbecome the main entry point for food anddrink as well as countless other high-valueproducts. With the capital’s reputation forfood and drink already firmly established,London Gateway will no doubt put it onan international scale.The cranes for London Gateway,capable of dealing with the biggestships used for containers set sailrecently for the Thames.Members of the brewing communityin the East Midlands toast therecent Food and Drink iNet projectwhich gave market advice to openup trade routes to China.The London Gateway, located on the banks of theThames, will provide unrivalled cost savings due tobeing at the heart of the capital.19-21:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:26 Page 322:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:10 Page 1www.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGProducts are now moving from theproduction line to the shelves faster thanever before – and this has led to addedcomplications in the materials handlingsector. Speed goes hand in hand withsecurity and retailers now usually havetheir own traceability regulations thatrequire companies to go above andbeyond the legal requirements.Speed is certainly of the essence in thecurrent climate and that brings with it theintroduction of warehouse managementand supply chain software. Retailers oftenprovide challenging timescales fortraceability – in some cases just four hoursare given to locate the information, whichcan therefore only be gatheredelectronically. Despite this, however, there are stillbusinesses that are working at arather slower speed and arecent survey of 250companies suggested that26% of those surveyedwouldn’t be able toidentify product recall itemswithin four hours, while 11%would need at least a day and 10%wouldn’t be able to carry out thoserequirements at all. These companieswould therefore have no chance when itcame to winning major blue chipcontracts.As the industry consolidates, companiesare looking towards new materialshandling solutions that can produce amore efficient and effective business. Onegreat example is the recent palletwarehouse project for The Weetabix FoodCompany, with TGW designing andintegrating a management solution.To free up space within the existingwarehouse complex at the Weetabixheadquarters in Northamptonshire, and toreduce the number of pallets currentlyheld in off-site storage, the companydecided to invest in an automated storageand retrieval system, and TGW were24 PHOTO COURTESY RTITBTheINTEGRATIONgameThe materials handling sector is prioritising an intelligent approachSpeed iscertainly of the essence in the currentclimate and that brings with it theintroduction of warehouse managementand supply chain software.Food & Drink International 2323-26:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:35 Page 124 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGvisit us atIMHX 2013Stand17R82engaged to design andintegrate the newautomated warehousesolution into the existingoperation. Philip Steeds, SalesDirector of TGW, says,“We have deployed the TGWload recovery access system forthis type of application. It allowssafe access for qualified operators into thestorage tubes to recover a failed or damaged load and can alsobe deployed in support of the maintenance and health andsafety activity. The Magnus & Muli is used to deploy andrecover the access cages into and from these storage tubes.”The entire solution has been integrated into the existingfacilities, and to allow the current operations to continuewhilst the new solution was installed, TGW phased theinstallation works and coordinated every step of the realisationand transition with the on-going live operations. The newwarehouse solution has now been in place for around twoyears and its benefits have been readily apparent. The healthand safety benefit is the minimisation of truck movementthrough the space, reducing the risk of accidents.The warehouse has also been able to maximise its footprintby use of the intelligent TGW Muli system – the availableOne greatexample is the recentpallet warehouse projectfor The Weetabix FoodCompany, with TGWdesigned and integratinga managementsolutionA TGW AutomatedStorage & Retrievalmachine with satelliteload handler to handlepalletised loads is beingused at the Weetabix sitein Northamptonshire23-26:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:35 Page 2Food & Drink International 25www.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGThe complete truck at your serviceVisit us at Multimodel on stand 237For further information please call 01844 215501 or email sales@atlet.co.ukwww.atlet.co.ukpallet storage has now increased fromcirca 12,000 to 22,000, within the samefootprint. Intelligent warehouse operationsuch as this allows both increased safetyand storage – a vital aspect at a time whencompanies are consolidating theirdistribution facilities to save on excessiveoverheads.Companies are also examining the valueof voice solutions to facilitate moreeffective materials handling. Heavey RFGroup, for example, supply VocalPointVoice Solutions which allows distributorsand manufacturers to optimise theirsupply chain processes, providingsignificant increases in productivity,reductions in operational expenses anduplift in business intake. There areobvious benefits that can be gained fromsuccessful implementation of voicetechnology in warehouse and logisticsbusiness, and the VocalPoint solution canstill be used in tandem with other new orexisting RF technology.Among the companies to have recentlymade use of the voice warehouse solutionis Irish drinks supplier and distributorGleeson Group. Since introducing thesystem, more than eighty end users acrossvarious workflows are now able tostreamline their tasks and creating a lessstressful working environment. Mobileworkers can now interact in a moreintuitive and efficient way withoutreferencing long lists or images ofproducts. The company reports an 11.3%reduction in errors since the system wasintroduced.It’s not just in the management of thewarehouse where increased intelligencecan help companies reap the rewards.Investing in new, more effective hardwarecan also make a major impact. Atlet, forexample, are producing more ergonomictrucks which can allow operators to workfaster and more efficiently with minimumstrain.For example, the Ergologic joystickcontrol that is now fitted on many of theirtrucks considers the natural position andmovements of the hand and fingers, andallows the driver to handle the vehicle in apredetermined ergonomic way, without26 Weetabix’s newwarehouse solutionfrom TGW hasbeen in place foraround two yearsand its benefitshave been readilyapparentAtlet are producingmore ergonomictrucks which canallow operators towork faster andmore efficiently withminimum strain23-26:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:35 Page 326 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGAutomatingthe food chainAs a leading supplier ofhighly dynamic,automated logisticssolutions for warehousing,production, picking anddistribution operations,TGW has been helpingfood and drinkmanufacturers to optimisetheir internal supplychains for several decades.With major customersincluding Weetabix,Cuisine de France,Mercadona and Coca-ColaEnterprises, TGW designsand installs state-of-the-art automated storage andretrieval systems thatenable manufacturers to boostoperational efficiency, enhancetraceability, optimise space andimprove health and safety.TGW sales director PhilSteeds says, “Weetabix sought toreduce the number of pallets heldin offsite storage so we designed anautomated storage and retrieval system wherethe pallets are conveyed and handled two pallets high and storedmulti-deep up to 8 pallets deep to optimise throughput and space.”TGW’s solution facilitates the storage and retrieval ofapproximately 200 loads per hour. On site pallet storage capacityhas also increased from around 12,000 locations to 22,000 – yetstill within the same available footprint. The system has alsoreduced the number of forklift truck movements inside thewarehouse, which is helping to reduce the risk of accidents.Phil Steeds says, “In addition to improved efficiency and spaceoptimisation, automation also affords food and drinkmanufacturers with greater stock traceability. Consignments arevisible at every stage of the process, which is particularly valuableto manufacturers who need complete assurance for quality controlpurposes.”For more information, visit www.tgw-group.com.With majorcustomers includingWeetabix, Cuisine de France,Mercadona and Coca-ColaEnterprises, TGW designsand installs state-of-the-artautomated storage andretrieval systemslocking the hand into astatic position. To avoidfatigue and increaseefficiency, the driver canvary their hand positionand control all hydraulicfunctions in the mostintuitive way. The use ofergonomic tools such as this meanoperational efficiency can easily beincreased and secured.”Health and safety remains a top priority and that is illustrated atthe IMHX Show in Birmingham this March. Among theattractions at this event is the RTITB Operator of the YearCompetition, where forklift operators from across the UK andIreland will compete in a special arena designed to test their skillsto the full, with the best then moving forward to the Grand Finalin the autumn. This competition has enjoyed particular success inrecent years as companies have placed more importance on thehealth and safety requirements that exist in the sector.The IMHX show will also feature the Design 4 Safety Awards,which recognise the importance of product design in improvingsafety. As well as allowing visitors to the event the chance to votefor the most impressive examples of safety-focused design, there isalso a particular opportunity for apprentices to submit their ideasfor how existing products and procedures could be improved.As well as the forklifts, pallets and other materials handlingsoftware, companies that make use of innovative wrapping andpackaging solutions can also benefit. Aetna Group UK, forexample, offer up a range of semi-automatic and fully automaticmachines, as well as machines for shrink wrapping and cartoning,that allow companies to work much faster in making goodsavailable for retailers. They offer an “off the rack” service ensuringtheir customers can find a solution that is most appropriate fortheir requirements.Materials handling is prioritising safety and efficiency to ensurethat they meet the stringent regulations now passed down by themajor retailers. A more effective production line helps everyonemeet the desires of consumers worldwide for fresher products thatcan be trusted – and the materials handling sector plays a pivotalrole in that regard.INTERNAL LOGISTICSThe RTITB Operator ofthe Year Competition,which takes place atIMHX, emphasises theimportance of safety tothe sectorHealthand safety remainsa top priority and thatis illustrated at theIMHX Show inBirmingham thisMarch23-26:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:35 Page 4Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netSNACK FOODSThe health and indulgence markets areno longer at loggerheads. In fact therenow exists a middle ground which canconfuse some consumers. The fact thatmanufacturers are creating a diverserange of choice for consumers isadmirable, but leaves the snackmarket without an identity, or atleast a confused one, at times.Certainly, there has been a recentdrive for snack products aimed atadults, even in the dairy sector.Indeed, Maggie Walker, MarketingDirector at Long Clawson Dairy says,“Adult snacking, for lunch boxes and‘on-the-hoof’ eating, is increasing andconsumers require interestingproducts to ring changes in repertoire. “Certainly, we have seen thatflavoured and distinctive brandingbrings a new upper tier to the slice andblended cheese market, which hastraditionally been a position that ownlabels have struggled to develop. Theintroduction of licensed brands hascertainly added to the blended market as awhole as they represent different usages forconsumers than standard blended cheeses.“There is definitely a move to a greaterfocus on adult snacking and anexpectation that greater segmentation ofSnack-sized cheese products aimed at theadult market are proving popularPHOTO: LONG CLAWSON DAIRYA convenienttruthSnack foods are becoming an ever-more unclassifiableentity. With a mix of indulgent and luxury brandscompeting with healthy and convenient products,manufacturers must strike a balance. We investigate how companies are diversifying to remain relevant.28 27-29:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:28 Page 1SNACK FOODSthe category will make it easier to shopand make consumer choice that muchmore simple.”With the success of shows like Lunch!and the Speciality and Fine Food Show,taking place this year, another show whichadds to our overall attitude to food awayfrom home is in the pipeline. The CasualDining Show, run by the group behindLunch! shows the time-starved nature ofour society is calling out for food they canconsume informally, whether in thestreets, on the go or inside at their leisureand without pomp and circumstance.Peculiar preferences?A recent insight into how consumersnacking habits can differ from country tocountry has been revealed by Global TGI.The survey highlights global variations inthe crisps andpotato chips market in particular.While 86% of consumers throughoutthe USA and France consume potatocrisps, closely followed by 84% of Britishconsumers, China is at the far end of thescale with only 28% consumption.This is not simply due to Chineseconsumers snacking less. Data suggestsChinese consumers snack on other goodsrather than crisps, such as biscuits (66%),sweets (64%) and chocolate (44%). Tracy Allnutt, Head of CommercialDevelopment at Global TGI says, “Thebest-known potato crisp and potato chipbrands are Western-owned brands, whichmay explain their huge appeal to Westernmarkets and lack of popularity in China. “Our research gives companies fastunderstanding of how people’s perceptionof brands drives behaviour, so they canuse consumer opinion to inform theirmarketing strategies.”Attitudes towards diet and health canalso vary between markets. Only 25% ofAmerican consumers agree it is worthpaying more for organic foods, incontrast to 60% of consumers inChina. And whereas 46% of Chineseconsumers agree that they ‘alwaysthink of the calories’ in what they eat,there was a much lower level of agreementthroughout the USA of 27%.What’s striking, however, is that 39%of consumers in both countries considertheir diet to be ‘very healthy’, indicatingthat people’s perception of what theyconsider to be a healthy diet is likely tovary across markets. In this case, Chineseconsumers are much more consistent intheir perceptions of healthy eating andwhat this constitutes. This gives an unclear strategy formanufacturers who perhaps only producea unified brand or product that might justfocus on one market. This, of course,means differing strategies for each countryin a way that other food and drinkmanufacturers do not have to consider asmuch. Getting perception right is therefore achallenge, but something we are seeingaddressed through packaging choices andlifestyle identification. For more luxurysnack foods, the idea of an occasionaltreat seems to be the message, any over-consumption should therefore bediscouraged. In the UK, suggestions ofserving size and the correspondingA consortium of teacompanies have formedan alliance to ensure thefuture sustainability andviability of the teaindustry.Adult snacking,for lunch boxes and‘on-the-hoof’ eating,is increasing andconsumers require interestingproducts to ring changesin repertoire. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NITR27-29:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:28 Page 2Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netSNACK FOODSNCD Infrared EngineeringTel: +44 1621 852244Email: enquiries@ndcinfrared.comwww.ndcinfrared.comCompany ProfileNDC has worked closely withthe snacks industry to developaccurate, reliable and robust in-process NIR measurements of themoisture and oil content, forquality and process control of awide range of snack foods, bakedor fried, potato or corn based,including crisps, tortilla chips andextruded snack products.Product ProfileThe NDC InfraLab SnacksAnalyzer measures a samplescooped from the process line injust 5 seconds and requires nospecial operator skills in routineuse. Able to store up to 10,000 measurement files, InfraLab is securewith passcode protection and automatic logging of date, time andoperator details as well as measurement and SD values. InfraLab canalso be linked to your factory Ethernet network or LIMS.Designed for integration into the process, the MM710e SnacksGauge, with its food-safe stainless steel housing, provides single ormulti-component on-line measurements, providing display, andanalogue or digital outputs, of the measured values.nutritionalinformation aredisplayed, butultimately the choiceas to whether tofollow this is up tothe consumer. Protecting thehumble cuppaA coalition of leading businessesand organisations from across the tea value chain havecome together to secure a thriving long-term future for theindustry. Through the a new project entitled ‘Tea 2030’, thegroup will come together to understand the key challengesfacing the sector to 2030, and develop creative innovationsthat will build a successful and sustainable sector across theglobe. A partnership between some of the most influentialorganisations in the tea value chain, it is being steered bysome of the biggest producers. The International TeaCommittee will also be engaged with this initiative. It isfacilitated and managed by global sustainability non-profit,Forum for the Future. The reason for the initiative is that the global tea sectorfaces a host of future challenges, including climate change,increased demand for energy and water, competition forland use, and rapidly changing markets for tea.Only 25%of Americanconsumers agree it isworth paying more fororganic foods, in contrastto 60% of consumersin China.Studies into the preferences ofvarious countries for differentsnacks has shown interestingperceptions of good health andpreferences across the world. 27-29:Layout 1 25/1/13 11:28 Page 3Next >