Loading bays and doors News www.fdiforum.netFEBRUARY 2021 £3.50 STERLING Packaging spotlight Focus on innovation Focus on innovation INTERNATIONAL Food&Drink Food&Drink 01.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 12:58 Page 1 Innovat Advan tion nced Co ld Logist Q4 2021 TRIANGLE’ CO IN ‘L N AFA -FREE P- NEW DEEP F CILITY OP tics OGIST 1 , Y, ORB CS PENS EZE W TICS Y Agility rustT Automa ation 2021 Agility orkin – W NewCold E: jon.miles@newcold.co Contact: Jon Miles +44 www.new ng with Our Customers to A om 7740 924 695 cold.com alue and Quality in aAdd V 21st Century Cold Chathe ain Flexi-Hex 02.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:00 Page 1Contents February 2021 This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. FoodandDrinkInternational @fdiforumwww.fdiforum.net company/fdiforum News 4 • General news • On line - production news • On the shelf - new products and initiatives Import and export12 Brexit must by now seem like an overly drawn out affair, but now that it is finally happening, we’re starting to see the impact it will have on the food and drink industry. Adapting quickly will be key. Packaging spotlight16 The shift in the packaging sector can be seen right across the board, from eco- conscious start-ups, to the biggest names in food and drink making environmental commitments, whether that’s boosting recyclability and the recycled content of packaging or undertaking bold new product development. • Kite Packaging Q&A Loading bays and doors26 There’s more to consider when it comes to loading bays and doors than just getting good packed and unpacked, as we explore. Containers and pallets30 Often overlooked, yet key for keeping the food industry and its products moving, pallets and containers are vital as platforms for transport, storage, and delivery. Group Editor: Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor: Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor’s PA: Angela Sharman (a.sharman@blmgroup.co.uk) Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist: Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales Director: Teri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales: Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310302 Accounts & Subscriptions: John Downes (j.downes@blmgroup.co.uk) Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial: Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310305, Email: fdi@blmgroup.co.uk Part of the Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE England All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. MAIN: SHUTTERST OCK/FOT OFILIA MACIEJ P AZERA • TOP: REDEFINE MEA T • MIDDLE: SIG • BOTT OM: SHUTTERST OCK/WORLDPICS Microbiology and testing 34 As food safety awareness rises, manufacturers are expanding testing plans. Clean air solutions38 During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more critical for businesses across the food and drink supply chain to be cognisant of clean air solutions. Ready meals42 With the pandemic forcing more people than ever to remain in their homes, sales of ready meals have spiked as consumers prioritise cheapness, comfort and convenience. Events46 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world Classified49 Food and Drink Diary 50 03.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:01 Page 1Asda launches vegan butcher concept with Kbox global Asda has launched a ‘test and learn’ partnership with vegan concept creator, Kbox Global, as part of a one store trial that will see the introduction of a dedicated vegan butcher’s counter. The vegan butcher concept launches at Asda Watford as part of a six-month trial to coincide with Veganuary. Products available will include a large range of meat alternatives, in addition to a selection of pastries, vegan cheeses, and ready to eat meals. The counter will offer options for both those who are following a strict vegan diet and also flexitarians, who want to purchase plant-based meat-style products. It follows the launch of a dedicated vegan bay in Asda last year to help customers easily locate their favourite ingredients and treats. Vegan specialist Kbox Global will provide the products from their established range. This year Kbox Global, a startup in the food delivery space, has seen sales of plant-based products increase across its host kitchen network, with 24% of UK sales coming from its vegan range. “Our partnership with Asda to launch the UK’s first vegan butcher is an exciting trial that recognises growing demand for plant-based brands, from meat eaters and vegans alike,” said Salima Vellani, KBox founder and CEO. “Gone are the days when veganism was viewed as a niche requirement – it is now a mainstream, healthy and environmentally sustainable way for anyone to eat. More retailers and food providers are moving into the market and we are pleased to be working with Asda on this exciting project.” Preyash Thakrar, Chief Strategy Officer at Asda, said: “This new concept will offer customers at this store a choice of vegan ingredients and meal solutions that complement our existing vegan range.” 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Kingsmoor Packaging launches lightweighting initiative Somerset-based thermoformed packaging firm, Kingsmoor Packaging, has recently launched KPL Cirrus™, a new lightweighting initiative. A year in development, the move is part of the company’s continued drive to make its plastic products as sustainable and recyclable as possible. Having made significant investments during 2020 to improve workflow and provide increased capacity, as well as making reductions to their waste and energy consumption though green initiatives, the introduction of KPL Cirrus adds further impetus and clout to their sustainability vision. Pioneered by Kingsmoor’s R&D team, KPL Cirrus works by creating a unique pattern in the sidewalls of a thermoformed container. As the container is formed, a series of small pockets are created where material continually gets slightly ‘affixed’ during the thermoforming process - this in turn creates stronger sidewalls with less material, thereby creating a much lighter yet stronger pack. Managing Director James Hill said: “The initiative also enables both our customers and ourselves to reduce carbon emissions wherever we can.” UK extends Seasonal Workers Pilot for 2021 harvest The number of workers permitted to travel to the UK to pick and package fruit and vegetables will be increased for the 2021 harvest. Originally launched in 2019, the Seasonal Workers Pilot has been extended and expanded for an additional year with 30,000 visas available for those wanting to come and work on UK farms for a period of up to six months. According to the government, the workers will play a “vital role in helping horticulture growers pick and package their produce in 2021, whilst reducing their reliance on migrant labour as we exit the EU”. The expansion of the scheme follows a long period of close working with the National Farmers Unions and the Association of Labour Providers, across all parts of the UK and in particular recognition of the need for additional seasonal labour in Scotland to support local rural economies and the renowned soft fruit growers. In addition, the government alongside industry will build on this year’s Pick for Britain campaign and actively promote the recruitment and retention of domestic seasonal workers in 2021. “We will always back our farmers and growers, who work hard all year round to provide us with a secure supply of fruit and vegetables,” said Environment Secretary George Eustice He added that the measures “will provide vital labour, both domestic and from abroad, to our farmers and growers to help gather the 2021 harvest to feed the nation. Our review into automation will pave the way for a pioneering and efficient future for our fruit and vegetable growers.” NFU Vice President Tom Bradshaw said: “This scheme will allow growers to employ seasonal workers at key times to pick a wide variety of fresh produce on British farms.” © Shutterstock/zlikovec 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 1Food & Drink International 5 www.fdiforum.net •Stainless steel conveyor systems •Standalone units or fully integrated •Robotic and end of line equipment •Bespoke engineering capabilities •Turnkey and standalone solutions •Integration and project management •Service support and upgrades •Partnered with Lita Palletising Systems for over 30 years Kensal Handling Systems www.kensal.com | sales@kensal.com | tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal Handling Systems Ltd, Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR Hygienic furniture & equipment For more information get in touch today W: teknomek.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1603 788 833 THAT’S FORWARD THINKING! our mission: quality products great value incredible service – Intelligent design limits water ingress – Easy clean design features throughout – Functional & ergonomic – Optional IP rated accessories Computer console – – – – CComC 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 2Better Juice joins GEA to disrupt global juice industry Better Juice, the sugar-reduction food-tech start-up, has entered a collaboration with Germany’s GEA Group, a major force in process engineering for the food and beverage sectors, in a push to scale up and expand its global footprint. This move comes as part of Better Juice’s commitment to transform the global juice industry through advancing its technology for reducing all sugars in orange juices. Israel-based Better Juice and GEA TDS agreed to collaboratively construct and install the sugar reduction innovative solution to reduce all types of sugars in orange juice and market the system globally. Under this strategic partnership GEA will engineer, design, manufacture, and install the bioreactor that reduces sugars via Better Juice’s proprietary enzymatic process. Better Juice will produce the immobilized microorganisms for the enzymatic process. The agreement contributes to Better Juice’s goals of broadening its outreach and support to the global juice industry. “This exciting collaboration marks a major milestone in Better Juice’s scale-up plans and advances the commercialization of our technology,” said Eran Blachinsky, PhD, founder and CEO of Better Juice. GEA will design three instruments with small, medium, large production capacities within several months to address various requirements of juice companies. The 200L device will launch within a few months. Each device will be customized to the manufacturer’s needs and limitations, with Better Juice & GEA providing full-service support. “This means that Better Juice can become a global player in the sugar- reduction market, with local support and service teams in each country,” said Gali Yarom, co-founder, COO, and VP of Business Development for Better Juice. 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news NewCold pod to play key role at new Corby facility In 2017, NewCold Advanced Cold Logistics designed a bespoke pallet handling pod to operate at its Wakefield deepfreeze storage facility. Now, the same unique technology will be deployed at its new Corby site, due to open in autumn. The pod bridges the gap between the deep-frozen production or storage environment and NewCold’s auto- loading 44-pallet double-deck trailers. As soon as the product leaves the production line at minus 22 degrees, it is automatically loaded through a sliding door at the back of the 60-pallet-capacity pod, which itself is pre-cooled to the same temperature. From here the pallets are automatically transferred into the double-deck trailer, docked to the front of the pod. Meanwhile, 3 refrigeration systems hold the temperature at a constant minus 25 degrees and being electric, keep harmful emissions to a minimum. With loading into the pod completed in just 5 minutes, every deep-frozen package or pallet remains at a constant set temperature of minus 22 – minus 25 degrees. Redefine Meat pulls off world’s largest alt-meat tasting Redefine Meat has successfully undertaken the largest- scale public blind-tasting of Alt-Meat products targeting meat-eaters. Conducted recently with meat distributor, fellow Israeli businesses Best Meister, the companies launched a food truck concept named ‘There’s a new meat in town’. Following an “overwhelming” response from the public, Redefine Meat has formed a strategic partnership with Best Meister, who will distribute the company’s Alt-Meat products commercially to Israeli restaurants and high-end butchers in the first half of 2021. The two companies set up a carnivore-branded food truck in a small suburb of Tel-Aviv (Kidron, Israel), targeting up to 200 tastings in two days. The truck boasted staple Mediterranean meat foods, cooked to order, which were in fact Alt-Meat provided by Redefine Meat. Putting the meat experience truly to the test, the meat was served with little to no condiments or extras – focusing consumer senses entirely on the Alt-Meat’s appearance, flavour and texture. Driven purely by customer satisfaction and word of mouth, over 600 visitors attended the food truck and purchased close to 1,000 servings of meat – selling out in less than five hours. Upon revelation that the meat products were plant-based, consumer feedback demonstrated overwhelmingly that the Alt-Meat products were comparable to animal meat on key metrics such as taste, texture, and mouthfeel – with over 90% acceptance rate. The success of the pilot test marks a historic moment for Redefine Meat, playing a pivotal role in the formation of a strategic partnership with Best Meister. Best Meister will provide Redefine Meat the go-to-market infrastructure and reach to launch in the Israeli culinary sector. Best Meister will start commercially distributing Redefine Meat’s Alt-Meat products to restaurants and high-end butcher shops within H1/21. © Redefine Meat Eran Blachinsky and Gali Yarom, co-founders 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 3We do more. Ergomodul #GermanBlingBling #Ergomodul Food & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net news SIG partners with Framptons to install first combidome carton bottle filler in the UK SIG has partnered with Framptons to install a new generation combidome filler, which will be the first of its kind in the UK. The project makes Framptons the first SIG customer in Europe to fill plant-based beverages in combidome. With this filler, customers will be able to enjoy the flexibility of the carton bottle combidome in three different filling volumes, as well as launch their products at different price points along with creating shelf-differentiation for end-consumers. combidome combines the best features of a carton and bottle, with convenient handling for consumers and easy opening and pouring from the single action domeTwist screw cap. The lightweight carton has an excellent environmental footprint, as it is fully recyclable and largely made from FSC™-certified paperboard. The combidome packaging solution also has the opportunity to include further enhancements such as SIGNATURE packaging material, where the polymers are linked to wood-based renewable material. CPI and Syngenta develop purification methods for novel crop protection CPI, a tech innovation centre and founding member of the UK Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, has completed its collaborative project with agriculture company, Syngenta, to develop purification methods for novel crop protection products. After a previous successful collaboration, Syngenta approached CPI to develop scalable purification methods for a new product. The project took place at CPI’s facilities in Darlington, UK, using its state-of-the-art downstream processing suite. CPI used its robotics platform to screen different conditions to optimise the process. There were several challenging aspects of the project. CPI’s expertise in downstream processing, as well as its wealth of cutting-edge capabilities, allowed these challenges to be overcome, resulting in the successful development of a robust purification method. CPI and Syngenta will continue their collaboration and will begin work on a further project to progress the new method to a larger scale. © Shutterstock/Hryshchyshen Serhii 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 48 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news BlueNalu raises cell-based seafood industry’s biggest financing BlueNalu, a San Diego start-up producing seafood products directly from fish cells, has raised $60 million – the largest financing in the global cell-based seafood industry to date. Previously, BlueNalu announced completion of its Series A round of $20 million in early 2020, and its Series Seed round of $4.5 million in early 2018. The financing is intended to enable it to achieve several significant milestones over the coming year. This includes opening a nearly 40,000 sq ft pilot production facility, completing FDA regulatory review for its first products, and initiating marketplace testing in a variety of foodservice establishments throughout the United States. “This recent financing will allow us to continue advancing our mission and the next phase of our commercialisation plans, while we continue to develop strategic partnerships that we expect will provide us with global market reach during the coming years,” said Lou Cooperhouse, BlueNalu’s President and CEO. BlueNalu plans to introduce a wide variety of cell-based seafood products from its pilot production facility in San Diego. The company anticipates starting with the launch of mahi mahi later this year, followed by the launch of a premium bluefin tuna thereafter. “The global market for seafood is highly vulnerable today and is valued at an estimated $200 billion. With strong investor support, our innovative and visionary management team demonstrates a clear value proposition, technology, IP, and a comprehensive regulatory strategy, all of which provide a solid foundation as we move closer to our in-market launch,” said Amir Feder, BlueNalu’s CFO. BlueNalu is currently establishing joint venture partnerships within key markets where it will operate. These partnerships are expected to enable them to navigate regulatory pathways, lower the cost of goods, introduce new species and new product forms, and inform their global market strategy. Olam launches speciality cocoa business, Twenty Degrees Olam Cocoa, a major supplier of cocoa beans and ingredients, has launched Twenty Degrees, a new specialty cacao business sourcing premium quality cacao beans from around the world. The premium chocolate market has seen significant growth in recent years as consumers become more interested in the provenance of their food and increasingly seek out high quality, artisanal products with a unique flavour and story. Twenty Degrees – named for the cacao belt which ranges twenty degrees north and south of the equator – is responding by sourcing premium quality cacao beans from ten unique regions, each hand-picked for their distinctive flavour and sensory profile. The business will unlock opportunities for farmers by bringing single origin cacao beans to market that are either too specialist or too remote to be sold to mainstream manufacturers. From cacao grown in the highland Simbu region of Papua New Guinea, to beans farmed by the indigenous Eperara community in Ecuador’s coastal rainforest, a community only accessible by boat. A team of agronomists will work with each community to make sure the quality and flavour of its cacao meets the highest standards. The Twenty Degrees business model is built on positive partnerships with farmers and customers. It is helping farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices and investing in the growth and security of the communities it works with. This also allows it to provide customers with new levels of transparency and traceability right back to the farm gate, so chocolate makers can know everything about the cacao beans they buy, from the farmers who grew them to the carbon footprint of the crop. Twenty Degrees will be led by an entrepreneurial new team but draw on the expertise and operational strength of Olam Cocoa, one of the businesses under Olam Food Ingredients (OFI). BlueNalu’s whole-muscle, cell-based yellowtail prepared three ways © Shutterstock/mosista Calling all start-ups to apply for the SIGCUBATOR programme The first of three application rounds for SIG’s SIGCUBATOR programme in 2021 are now open. Food and drink start-ups and small companies can apply until February 28th at www.sigcubator.com. SIGCUBATOR is SIG’s accelerator programme for new businesses who need the right spark to ignite the next novel food or drink innovation. Anna Rabanus, Global Category Manager at SIG, explains: “The SIGCUBATOR programme supports entrepreneurs with the production facilities, the knowledge and connections in the food and beverage industry. “Our team of experts will be there to guide start-ups through the most crucial period of their innovation: from testing prototypes in SIG’s combiLab in Germany through to a final product and package concept that’s ready for consumers.” SIG wants to identify and engage with entrepreneurs at an early stage and attract potential like-minded partners who share the same vision for delivering nutritious food and beverages which excite and improve peoples’ lives in a sustainably packaged way. Find out more at www.sigcubator.com. 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 5Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net UFlex to double aseptic liquid packaging production capacity UFlex Limited, an Indian flexible packaging and polymer science company, is doubling the production capacity of its aseptic liquid packaging plant. The plant, based in Sanand, Gujarat, will see its capacity rise from 3.5 billion to 7 billion packs per annum. Works are expected to complete within the next ten months. The expansion follows increasing demand for the company’s aseptic packaging laminates, having secured a number of new contracts. Driven by a strong and healthy order book and consistent market growth, this initiative doubles the production capacity and will allow creating company’s expanding operations team by adding more workforce, which will strengthen the company’s expansion plan. “Asepto expansion is part of the growing need for aseptic packaging and I am excited that our team and state-of-the-art facilities we have are well-positioned to respond to the increasing demand for our services and innovative technology in aseptic packaging,” said Ashwani Kumar Sharma, President & CEO, Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business, UFlex. “Despite the pandemic, we have continued to deliver services without a pause and carried on with innovative thoughts to deliver expected results from our customers. We have been working on taking Asepto globally, and our expansion takes a leap to enlarge the brand’s horizons to different continents. “We remain the most innovative packaging company when it comes to aesthetic rejuvenation in aseptic packaging space. The expansion steps in our operations reflect ASEPTO’s strong position in the marketplace and positive outlook for the future.” The first phase of expansion will focus on adding new machines to the existing. Once the commissioning of the project is complete, the company would take steps for global expansion. New guidance launches for low and no alcohol labelling The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has produced new guidance around the labelling of low and no alcohol drinks, as a record number of Brits explore low and no products. This guidance has been produced in partnership with the WSTA’s Primary Authority Trading Standards Partners, and at the behest of both retailers and producers. With the popularity of the low and no alcohol category at an all-time high, and January traditionally seeing efforts by consumers to cut out or cut down on booze to start the year, drinks producers are developing new and innovative techniques to provide consumers with more choice and greater quality. The latest data from the WSTA Market Report shows that overall alcohol sales are down compared to the same 12-month period last year. Wine and beer sales have dipped and overall, spirit sales are flat. Wine, the nation’s most popular drink, has seen a 5% decline in sales despite the boost in online deliveries. Many new products on the market are produced to closely resemble their alcoholic counterparts – they are closer than ever before – in taste, aroma and appearance – to the spirits and spirit drinks they are providing an alternative to. The new guidance aims to establish acceptable legal names, marketing text and general labelling requirements for low and no alcohol drinks. This will help ensure clarity and certainty for producers that they are labelling and marketing their products in the correct way. It also looks to boost confidence for consumers in the category, helping them make informed purchasing decisions through clear, accurate, and consistent labelling – which had been retailers’ over-riding concern and motivation for asking the WSTA to offer advice that can be applicable UK market-wide. Full Leister sales and service with Welwyn Tool Group Welwyn Tool Group is the UK and Northern Ireland’s sales and service centre for the full range of Leister plastic welding and Industrial Process Heat Equipment. Leister Authorised Repairs The company provides a comprehensive diagnostic and repair service with a fast turnaround. Leister Tool Maintenance Welwyn Tool Group offers a comprehensive maintenance service with a fast turnaround time. In most cases the tool is delivered back on site within 48 hours. Genuine Leister Spare Parts The company carry most spare parts in stock for the full range of Leister plastic welding and Industrial Process Heat Equipment. Should it not stock a particular part, prompt delivery can be arranged from Switzerland. Training Welwyn Tool Group offers an extensive range of training courses tailored to suit your requirements. Hire Machines If you would prefer to hire a particular machine, the company have a small hire fleet available. news © Shutterstock/bodnar.photo 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:04 Page 6Next >