< PreviousBucher Unipektin acquires Czech brewery equipment supplier Bucher Unipektin is acquiring 100% of the Czech company Denwel, a supplier of specialised cold block equipment to breweries. With the acquisition, Bucher Unipektin – the supplier of beer filtration systems – further strengthens its beer processing capabilities and technologies. Denwel spol. s r.o., a privately held Czech company founded in 1997, designs, manufactures and installs specialised engineered cold block equipment for breweries and generated net sales of EUR 7 million in 2020. The company is located in Prague with a manufacturing site in Havlickuv Brod. Bucher Unipektin, a Swiss based business unit of Bucher Industries AG, is a manufacturer of systems and components for the juice industry and for the filtration of beer. The business unit is operating globally with production sites in Switzerland, Spain, Germany and China supported by a global distribution network and own sales and service organisations in Poland, Ukraine, Russia, New Zealand and Mexico. A third of UK consumers willing to try lab-grown meat A survey into public perceptions of emerging alternative proteins has revealed that a third of UK consumers would try cultured meat, and a quarter would try edible insects. It also revealed a greater number – 6 in 10 of us – are willing to try plant-based products many of which are already on the market. The Food Standards Agency research also highlights how important food safety is to consumers with it being the top factor in encouraging people to try lab-grown meat or edible insects. Assurance around food safety is already the main reason people are willing to eat plant-based proteins. The survey comes as the FSA reiterates its commitment to supporting food innovation, especially where there are potential benefits for dietary health, for protecting the environment or for boosting the UK economy. 10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line UK Food Valley seafood pilot launched in Grimsby The Grimsby seafood cluster has launched a £430,000 six-month UK Food Valley pilot programme to help upskill the fish processing workforce in Europe’s largest seafood cluster. The pilot is supported by the National Centre of Food Manufacturing (NCFM) in Holbeach, part of the University of Lincoln, and is part of the Government’s Community Renewal Fund. It was a priority project supported by North East Lincolnshire Council and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. The seafood sector and the NCFM will use this pilot to shape a new centre for food processing education, research and innovation in Grimsby. Formal proposals are expected to be brought forward this year. The aim is to ensure that the food processing cluster, centred on the seafood industry but also including expertise in other foods and food logistics and cold storage, has the expertise needed to drive forward growth. The project was launched on Thursday 13th January at Grimsby Town’s Blundell Park stadium. Upward Farms reveals plans for world’s largest indoor vertical farm Indoor aquaponic vertical farming company Upward Farms has announced plans to add what it says will be the world’s largest vertical farm to its network. The new 250,000-square-foot facility, located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, is slated to be complete and operational in early 2023 — providing fresh, locally sourced microgreens and sustainably raised hybrid striped bass to consumers throughout the Northeast and beyond. Upward farms is localizing production of what are today among the most dislocated perishable foods — 90 percent of leafy greens are grown on the West Coast and 90 percent of seafood is imported — increasing access to fresh, healthy, and responsibly grown food. Upward Farms says its new facility in Pennsylvania will be 2-4x the size of the next largest vertical farms operated by their sector peers. The company’s 250,000 square foot facility will conserve more than 100 million gallons of water and more than 120 acres of land on an annual basis, and eliminate 1.7 million food transportation miles per year. Morrisons to scrap ‘use by’ dates from milk to reduce waste From 31 January Morrisons will scrap ‘Use By’ dates on 90 per cent of its own brand milk – and encourage its customers to use a sniff test – to help to reduce food waste in the home. Morrisons anticipates the move will stop millions of pints of its own brand milk from being thrown away every year. ‘Use By’ dates will be scrapped from Morrisons own brand British and Scottish milks, Morrisons For Farmers milks and Morrisons organic milks in store – supplied into Morrisons by Arla farmers. Morrisons South West milk and The Best Jersey milk are yet to be converted. Morrisons will instead encourage its customers to use a simple sniff test to check if their milk is still good to consume. The milk packaging will show ‘Best Before’ dates to indicate to customers when they should drink it by – to get the best taste. Unlike some other fresh products, drinking milk after a ‘Best Before’ date is not a food safety issue. © adobe.stock.com/Pongpichet © adobe.stock.com/ Алексей Филатов © adobe.stock.com/tilialucida © adobe.stock.com/Givaga © adobe.stock.com/Lumixera 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:15 Page 7on the shelf Carluccio’s launches exclusive fresh range in Sainsbury’s nationwide Carluccio’s restaurant inspired dishes will soon be available exclusively in 300 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide from 26th January as the Italian multi-channel, multi-format brand founded by the late Antonio Carluccio launches a bespoke range of fresh ready meals including chilled pizzas, pastas and sauces. The 16-strong fresh produce range uses authentic Italian recipes and ingredients, re-creating the brand’s dishes in a fresh and modern way. Six ready meal options include Beef and Chianti Lasagne for two, Roasted Mushroom Tagliatelle for one, plus an array of 12-inch pizzas from Margherita to Prosciutto Crudo & Mozzarella. In collaboration with Italian pasta brand Bertangi, the range also includes three fresh pasta variations; Ravioli, Mezzelune and Girasoli, and two stir- in sauce options. Bringing a new ready meal packaging format to the market; the card tray in the new Carluccio’s range can easily be separated from the film liner for 100% recyclability, whilst the film weight delivers over 80% plastic reduction (compared to a normal cPET tray). nibnibs Not Too Naughty announces Booths as first retail stockist A brand-new line of healthy cookies is coming to Booths this January. With less than 90 calories per pack, nibnibs ‘Not Too Naughty’ cookies are one of the most indulgent and nutritious options on the market. The Booths listing marks a significant step for nibnibs into the retail space, following their success supplying to some of the world’s biggest airlines. The Not Too Naughty cookies are a third less in sugar than their traditional biscuits, but actually around 50% less than other main players in the market too. In addition to having reduced sugar, the cookies are also high in fibre with no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives, and palm oil free. nibnibs are also proud to be fully recyclable and baked in Britain! The founders, Susan and Darren Everitt, a husband and wife duo, started the business in their kitchen in 2009 with a love of baking and slowly grew from supplying local farm shops to international airlines including United Airlines, Virgin Australia, British Airways, Emirates, Delta, and many more. Glebe Farm launches rebrand and extended range of British oat milk Family-owned Glebe Farm is launching a new range of oat drinks showcasing a fresh new look for retailers, baristas and consumers alike. Glebe Farm’s oat drinks are produced on site at Glebe Farm in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire and will be available to purchase directly through the Glebe Farm website, on Amazon, and will launch into Morrisons stores nationwide on 24th January. Both Glebe Farm PureOaty Barista and Glebe Farm PureOaty Creamy & Enriched will retail with an RRP from £1.80. Glebe Farm is the pioneer of gluten free oats and home to Britain’s first and only production plant for making oat drink from scratch in the UK. In 2021, the family-run business was faced with a court case from Oat Drink giant Oatly which had made claims of brand and trademark infringement. These allegations were comprehensively rejected by the judge, leading to a victory for Glebe Farm as the hearing ruled in favour of the brother and sister duo Phil and Rebecca Rayner. The Artisan Drinks Co Launches First 200ml Perfect Serve Cans With creativity at the heart of the brand and a now 10-strong range of mixers, since launching in 2018, The Artisan Drinks Co have gone from strength-to-strength; 2021 saw 147% growth, as well as winning an armful of accolades. Hitting 2022 at full speed, Artisan Drinks is cementing its position as the most innovative mixer brand in the category with the launch of the perfect serve 200ml cans. As most bartenders will know, 200ml is the recommended serving of a mixer to 50ml of spirit. Created by someone who knows a thing or two about the demands of being behind the bar, and with no other 200ml mixer cans currently available, Artisan Drinks are addressing the gap in the market and simplifying the process of mixing the perfect drink. Saving time by having the perfect quantity of mixer ready to pour, bar staff will be able to serve quicker and more efficiently. Switching to the new cans also means the product is more robust and easier to handle in a fast-paced environment, as well as being easier to stack both behind the bar and in storage, making the product more manageable and convenient for venues. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net Food Thoughts launches luxury dark and white choc chips Fairly traded baking brand Food Thoughts has expanded its organic baking cocoa and cacao powders, with the launch of new Luxury Dark and White Chocolate Chips. The single origin, Fino de Aroma (found amongst the top 8% cocoa beans in the world) products are carefully sourced from fairly traded partners who contribute to the development of communities in Colombia. They are now on sale in Sainsbury’s and online, inspiring a nation of thoughtful bakers. The new chips can be used in a variety of bakes, from cookies and brownies, to cakes, desserts and more. The Food Thoughts Luxury Dark Chocolate Chips 200g are made from 70% Cacao. With a deep and intense dark chocolate flavour in every bite, they are ideal for baking simple pleasures such as dark chocolate chip cookies and decadent and sophisticated chocolate desserts. The chips are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and are nut and gluten free. 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:15 Page 812 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMP0RT AND EXPORT Scotland strides ahead Though COVID-19 and Brexit continue to hit Scotland’s food and drink exports, the country remains committed to promoting its products. Meanwhile its famous whisky is set to shine as new trade agreements are formed. Scotland strides ahead 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:17 Page 1Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net IMP0RT AND EXPORT © st ock. adobe .com/R ebecca Vital to the Scottish economy, food and drink is one of the country’s top export sectors. While still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, as part of the UK, Scotland’s food and drink industry is also battling Brexit, and its government and businesses have not been shy in vocalising the negative effect leaving the EU has had on the country. Indeed in the first two quarters of 2021, Scotland’s food exports to the EU, including fish and seafood, were 14% lower than the same period in 2019. This compares with a 3% drop for non-EU exports of food in the same period. Seeing the introduction of more new trade barriers in 2022 and subsequent border issues expected, Brexit has hit Scotland’s food and drink exporters and importers with additional checks, trade friction, delays, significant and time- consuming paperwork, and increased administration, transport and packaging costs, not to mention the chaos felt at the start of 2021, when complex systems went live. Fresh changes to Export Health Certificates will come this year and produce extra challenges, such as requiring a large number of products to be signed off by vets, of which there is a shortage, before they can be approved for export. With the UK implementing its delayed import controls on products arriving from the EU in 2022, this will influence the cost and availability of supplies of food and drink from the EU, including essential ingredients and raw materials required by UK manufacturers. Adding further cause for concern, recently released figures on the UK’s food and drink exports show what the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has referred to as a “significant and persistent drop,” with exports of food and drink down £2.7bn (-15.9%) in the first three quarters of 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels, largely due to a dip in sales to the EU of £2.4bn (-23.7%) resulting from new barriers to trade with the EU and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not all doom and gloom however, with global exports of famously Scottish products, whisky and salmon, starting to recover. Sales of both products are 14 Á 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:17 Page 214 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMP0RT AND EXPORT up 21% compared to 2020. Certainly, salmon is a winning product for Scotland. According to Salmon Scotland, almost £192m worth of salmon was exported from Scotland in the third quarter of 2021, down slightly from £202m in the second quarter, though, overall Q1-Q3 exports in 2021 eclipsed the whole of 2020 during the pandemic. This performance comes despite the challenge of many key outlets and routes to market for Scottish salmon remaining closed or below capacity during the period. New trade deals meanwhile may well provide the opportunity to amplify Scotland’s food and drink exports. In January 2022, the UK and India launched negotiations on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. With India one of the world’s biggest and fastest- growing economies, a new deal would put UK businesses up front for supplying India’s growing middle class, with Scotch whisky producers set to benefit especially. The UK government is looking to cut tariffs of up to 150% on whisky exports (which currently mean it is significantly more expensive to buy Scotch over Indian whiskies), offering a boost to distilleries and the whole spirits industry. Slashing the 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky would make it more affordable in India, while keeping it a high-end, premium product. Moreover it would increase Indian government tax revenue at federal and state level by £3.4bn annually through an increase in sales. Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “The new year offers new hope for reducing the longstanding 150% tariff on Scotch Whisky in India. Launching UK/India trade talks offers a golden opportunity to reach an ambitious tariff reduction in an early harvest deal that could grow Scotch Whisky exports to India by £1 billion over five years. Tackling the tariff and State level regulatory issues would open the market up to smaller producers who are effectively locked out by the substantial barriers to trade. Improved market access for Scotch would enable an increasing number of Indian consumers to enjoy our premium product. It would also be good for our industry and Indian government tax revenues – a win-win for all.” In 2020, India was the third largest market for Scotch Whisky by volume, yet it represents just 2% of the Indian market for whisky, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, leaving much room to grow. Modelling indicates that the phased reduction of the 150% Basic Customs Duty could see Scotch Whisky exports rise by £1bn in the first 3-5 years, and push India to become the second biggest market by value, after only the USA. Aside from India, the Scottish whisky industry has © st ock. adobe .com/barmalini 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:17 Page 3Food & Drink International 15 www.fdiforum.net IMP0RT AND EXPORT welcomed the recent UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement which eliminates a 5% tariff on Scotch Whisky, helping the industry continue to expand exports to Australia, which have almost doubled over the last decade. In progress for other Scottish products, the US market will open its doors to Scottish lamb from 2022 after more than two decades of restrictions. Now amended, the small ruminant rule (SRR) previously restricted access to the US market for all sheep meat from the UK, as well as a number of other countries including EU member states and Canada. Furthermore Scottish food and drink products are gaining exposure in the Middle East market following a collaboration between Scottish Development International (SDI) and industry. Scotland’s international trade and investment agency and Scotland Food & Drink partnered with multi-national retailer Spinneys in January to see famous Scottish brands on sale and promoted in the supermarket’s United Arab Emirates (UAE) stores for two weeks. Raising awareness of Scotland’s premium grocery sector in the UAE, the initiative also hoped to see the amount of Scottish brands exporting to the Middle East increase. The Middle East project is part of the Scotland Food & Drink Recovery Plan to support the sector with a smart recovery from COVID-19 and Brexit. James Withers, CEO of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “We are hugely ambitious to drive food and drink export growth from Scotland. Our reputation as a Land of Food and Drink is growing globally and projects like this - which form part of a three-year continuous programme of action - are designed to help reach that international audience looking for premium and climate-friendly food and drink.” While new trade deals are made and connections deepened, initiatives are coming into play that are set to bolster Scottish food and drink exports further and support businesses. The Scottish Agricultural Export Hub has been launched, for example, to develop new export opportunities and expand existing export markets for Scottish agricultural produce for the benefit of primary producers. It will focus on the potatoes, cereals, fruit and vegetables sectors to expand the market horizons and connections more directly for primary producers and to seek out markets where a higher return may be possible. The Hub will be delivered by National Farmers Union Scotland and the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society. Though Scotland is wading through murky waters with Brexit and COVID-19, there are bright spots ahead for the export of its wealth of high- quality food and drink products. © st ock. adobe .com/ annapust ynnik o va 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:17 Page 416 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT BAG SEALING MACHINES RM Sealers remain a leading British manufacturer and supplier of high quality Bag Sealing Machines, also known as Rotary Band Sealers and Impulse Sealers. Call 01442 843387 to speak to a member of our team SEALERS © www.rmsealers.co.uk No sector is changing as quickly as the packaging industry, with environmentally-minded consumers putting pressure on big brands to ditch single-use packaging, rethink their relationships with established polymers but also provide more and more information about the An end to single-use Consumers have spoken and large brands have heard – the single-use plastics market may not have much of a future, but its end will bring about a raft of new opportunities for those innovative enough to grasp them. An end to single-use 16-22.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:19 Page 1Food & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT BENCHTOP BAG SEALING MACHINE IMPULSE BAG SEALING MACHINE HORIZONTAL BAG SEALING MACHINE VERTICAL BAG SEALING MACHINE nutritional and other benefits of the food within. It’s undeniable now that this is no mere trend but the way of the future. Numerous large brands, including Carlsberg Group, Nestlé, Aldi, Marks and Spencer, Iceland, Quorn, PepsiCo, Coca- Cola and more, currently market and present themselves as pioneering and leading the charge toward sustainable packaging and tackling global plastic pollution. This comes in many forms – from Carlsberg ditching the distinctive plastic rings that keep four-packs of beer together for recyclable glue affixed to the cans, to Nestlé supporting Indonesian initiative Project STOP which aims to prevent plastic waste leaking into the ocean. All the brands are furiously promoting their efforts to reach out and prove to customers that they are taking plastic pollution seriously, and all of this provides both a challenge and an opportunity to the packaging supply chain, especially those who might wish to target such, and other larger, companies. The message is clear – packaging must adapt to enable these messages, and innovations must be sought. It may well be that in twenty years’ time, or even less, that single-use plastic packaging is completely obsolete, so companies relying on that as their main production method need to think about their future. This is set not only to affect large- scale manufacturing on supermarket- based products, but there are also suggestions that a ban might be coming in on restaurant and takeaway condiment sachets. Gone may be the days of those small packets of sauces, vinegars and dressings, as the single- use squeezable packets have been a sore sticking point for environmental groups. The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs has signalled their intent to cut down on plastic waste that cannot be recycled, and these are liable to be on the chopping block. This global drive for an end to plastic usage is taking place not only in the finished packaging of manufactured products, but also in the delivery of such – both supply chain and to customer. Amazon’s new paper-based 19 Á © st ock. adobe .com/R omolo T av ani 16-22.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:19 Page 218 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net info@macpac.co.uk Tel: 0161 442 1642 www.macpac.co.uk THERMOFORMED PACKAGING SPECIALISTS We design, produce tooling and manufacture packaging all under one roof, at our AA grade BRC accredited factory. We use responsible manufacturing processes and raw materials with up to 100% recycled content as well as being 100% recyclable. UP TO 100% RECYCLED 100% RECYCLABLE Innovative, Economical & Responsible. UK MANUFACTURER Be part of the UK’s leading packaging event! 25 & 26 May 2022 | NEC, Birmingham Packaging Innovations & Empack Register to attend www.packagingbirmingham.com NEC2022_Advert_188x133.indd 126/01/2022 17:05:26 16-22.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:19 Page 3Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT delivery wrappings for frozen and chilled foods has been making waves on Twitter, replacing plastic-based packaging with numerous folded sheets of recyclable paper that trap insulation inside. This innovation was announced last November and has been used in the US for the delivery of fresh and whole foods and is part of Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This is mirrored in the logistical supply chain where companies are seeking to use less single-use plastic or other environmentally harmful materials in the shipping and transport of food goods – particularly to supermarkets, who are eager to present as environmentally friendly an image as possible. Usage of material like corrugated card in transit over harmful materials like plastic or polystyrene offers both a recyclable alternative, but also a rigid and insulating one. This is important for the transport of chilled or frozen goods, but also means that, with enough rigidity and strength, the packaging can be stacked denser in transit, saving on fuel costs and further Advantages of automation Food and drinks packaging lines have become more automated as many businesses continue to realise the advantages which can include improved quality control, safety and an increase in output. More recently, the need for an automated labelling machine has originated from a requirement to be more sustainable and create less waste. At their facilities in Suffolk, HERMA are recognising an increase in enquiries from businesses looking to limit their product packaging as some replace existing packaging with a tamper proof label option instead. HERMA UK continue to support businesses to make this change as they have done for over 30 years with their onsite design and manufacture of easy to operate automated labelling systems. If you are looking for alternative packaging and labelling options for your product, contact HERMA by emailing sales@herma.co.uk or calling 01440 763366. 20 Á © st ock. adobe .com/R osemarie 16-22.qxp_Layout 1 31/01/2022 12:19 Page 4Next >