Software spotlight News www.fdiforum.netMARCH 2021 £3.50 STERLING Flavouring and colouring Meeting challenges Meeting challenges INTERNATIONAL Food &DrinkFood &Drink01.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:09 Page 1 Space saving - No tape or glue requ uired 02.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:08 Page 1Contents March 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 export14 Food and drink businesses are struggling to navigate the added red tape brought on by Brexit – an issue that’s only been made worse during a year operating in a pandemic. Smart warehousing18 As the demand on storage and distribution continues to increase as the pandemic wages on, transitioning to smart warehouses has never been more pressing. Software spotlight22 New software is vital for enhancing food production and the survival of businesses, especially as they look to respond to the pandemic. Labelling, coding and marking26 Brexit has changed food labelling laws and heightened the importance for food makers to have robust, attractive and compliant labelling on their products. Food and Drink International investigates. Sieves, separators and detection 30 Manufacturers can’t afford to scrimp when it comes to sieves and separators, given their importance and versatility on the production line. But unintuitive design may be causing unnecessary downtime. 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/MIRONOV VLADIMIR • TOP: RADNOR VITS • MIDDLE: SHUTTERST OCK/NA TALIY A HORA • BOTT OM: SHUTTERST OCK/NEW AFRICA Flavouring and colouring34 With demands from consumers becoming ever healthier, ever less artificial, how is the flavouring and colouring markets coping? Water treatment38 The food and drink industry uses huge amounts of water, which also sees immense waste. Water treatment and reuse is therefore essential for establishing efficient systems. Meat, poultry and seafood42 Brexit, lockdown and the changing world has resulted in plenty of upheaval in the meat, poultry and seafood markets – especially within Europe and its trading partners in the US and Asia. 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 03/03/2021 10:21 Page 1Chadwicks’ mirror print a first for Symington’s debut plant-based brand Market leading pre-cut lid manufacturer, Chadwicks of Bury (a Clondalkin company), has produced a versatile lidding solution using mirror print technology for the launch of Symington’s new plant-based brand, Bloomin Good Food Co. Four different designs, printed using 8 colours on polyester material, have been produced for the vegan-friendly snack pot range which comes in four varieties. With mirror print technology the lids are printed on one side only, allowing both sides of the material to be viewed for additional pack information. Ideal for added branding or promotional information, marketing, competitions, and loyalty programmes. Symington’s brand manager Neil Burke- Thompson said: “Mirror printing has allowed us to better communicate our brand message through the packaging without compromising the integrity of the contents.” Alastair Bearman, Sales and Marketing Director at Chadwicks added: “Mirror print technology offers brands a versatile and cost effective packaging solution.” Farmers’ Rice Cooperative turn to AutoCoding Systems to improve coding and labelling Exclusive manufacturer of California rice products, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative (FRC) set out to find a supplier to assist in automating its coding and labelling processes. They were looking for a solution that would comply with their operational goals and suit their needs. They specifically didn’t want to be bound to one brand of hardware, and they needed to find a partner that would be willing to work on unique customisations as well as a solution that would integrate into their ERP. AutoCoding Systems’ coding and packaging verification solution ticked all the boxes. Brad Lint, of Farmers’ Rice Cooperative, said: “We found AutoCoding Systems’ product to be exactly what we were looking for; it met all our operational requirements and gave us flexibility on our hardware choices. “Ultimately, however, our final decision was based on the people; their knowledge, service and willingness to understand our issues and work with us to solve these issues made AutoCoding Systems our preferred supplier.” 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Spiroflow’s virtual interaction extends from machine demos to pre-delivery inspection & site tours For Spiroflow, embracing technology and finding new ways to interact with both customers and prospects was essential to maintain business momentum as the pandemic developed globally last year. The company started by offering virtual demonstrations, via either Teams or Zoom platforms, utilising its test bay facilities located at their Clitheroe-Lancs HQ. The space is fully equipped with a range of equipment, including mobile and static flexible screw conveyors (FSC) - the mobile version featuring Spiroflow’s remote monitoring system - SAM, various FSC tubes and spirals, aero mechanical and tubular drag conveyors, as well as bulk bag fillers and bulk bag unloaders. The test bay facility has also proved to be an ideal venue, with the online demonstrations providing a captivating alternative solution to on- site visits. Spiroflow has since expanded its virtual interaction to include full factory tours, engineering processes, SAM (Spiroflow Active Monitoring) demonstrations, comprehensive Factory Acceptance Tests and Pre-Delivery Inspections for customers to attend, albeit virtually. Event to share ingredient innovation and expertise virtually from around the world With its virtual event series Fi Global CONNECT, show organiser Informa Markets unites international experts from across the ingredients industry. The ‘Regions in the Spotlight’ event kicks off in April and will be followed by two more themed events in June and September, focused on health ingredients and plant-based ingredients. Fi Global CONNECT offers exhibitors and participants the chance to showcase their products, make new contacts, learn about trends and innovations, and broaden their market knowledge. From 12-23 April, companies from all over the world will present their ingredients, technologies and services to an international audience. An extensive agenda of live and on-demand sessions promises cutting-edge insights into regional markets, along with their specific trends and regulatory particularities. FMCG Gurus will be joining as the Key Content Partner, providing market insights on various regions. Other expert speakers from organisations such as Rabobank, EAS Strategies and The Good Food Institute India will share information on the different markets and their regulatory landscapes. 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 1Perfect solutions for reliable food production With intelligent and robust sensors, ifm offers solutions for the most demanding production environments found in the food industry. The intelligent MVQ valve sensor continuously monitors valve position and has diagnostic outputs for valve seat and stroke time errors. This prevents unpredictable, costly producti- on downtime whilst maintaining product quality. The O6 Wet Line optical sensor and full-metal inductive sensors performance is uncompromised in high humidity environments. They are also resistant to high pressure water and chemical washdown. In combination with matching ecolink connectors, a guaranteed watertight connection, up to IP69K, makes sudden sensor failures due to moisture ingress a thing of the past! All of these sensors transmit their process and diagnostic data, digitally and without any conversion losses via IO-Link: avoiding any unwanted surprises. ifm – close to you! Everything, without surprises ifm.com / uk ifm.com / uk Go ifmonline Go ifmonline years W AR RANTY on ifm pro du ct s 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 2Biofuel trial creates ‘world’s most sustainable glass bottles’ An aspirational mission to create the world’s most sustainable glass bottle has been lauded an incredible success by the industry, following initial results from a ground-breaking trial. A revolutionary project undertaken by glass container manufacturer, Encirc (a Vidrala company), and industry research and technology organisation, Glass Futures, has proven that new bottles are able to be made from 100% recycled glass, using only the energy from burning ultra-low-carbon biofuels. It is thought that the world-first initiative will pave the way for an industry-wide reduction in carbon emissions, as the glass sector moves away from fossil fuels, and towards low-carbon alternatives. Made out of waste organic materials, biofuels are a renewable and much more sustainable fuel source than those traditionally used by the glass sector, and can reduce the carbon footprint of each bottle by up to 90%. By using up to 100% recycled glass to create the new bottles, the trial has been able to even further minimise the lifetime impact of these products. The trial took place at one of Encirc’s plants in Derrylin Northern Ireland and is expected to feed into UK Government policy around decarbonisation. The project forms part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Energy Innovation Programme, within which Glass Futures is leading a £7.1 million project to help determine the most effective route to switch the glass sector to low carbon fuels. A key focus for Glass Futures, and the biofuel project, is further reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and the impact of the glass manufacturing in the UK, futureproofing an industry directly employing 23,000 people. Fiacre O’Donnell, Director of Sustainability, Vidrala (Encirc’s parent company), said: “By working with Glass Futures, we have helped pioneer the development of a glass bottle which is net-zero-ready, meaning it will truly have no negative impact on the environment throughout its entire lifecycle.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Manufacturers must prepare for increased nutritive scrutiny, says safety certification specialists Food manufacturers should prepare for increased scrutiny over nutritive claims according to global food safety certification specialists, Lloyd’s Register, following growing commitments from retailers to move towards selling healthier products. It follows a growing trend being seen in major UK retailers making commitments to sell healthier food and drinks and taking the lead in supporting the fight to tackle obesity. With retailers looking to seek healthier options, Lloyd’s Register is warning food manufacturers that they should prepare for added pressure to rethink how they approach nutritive and functional claims in their products. According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, with more than 38 million children under the age of five overweight or obese in 2019. The commitments from retailers are not exclusive to the UK, either. The promotion of healthy lifestyles is a key health and nutrition policy objective for both the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection in Germany. Kimberly Carey Coffin, global technical director at Lloyd’s Register, said that “…manufacturers will need to meet the challenge to prioritise nutrients and potential health benefits in future product development. However, they must be alert and ensure that any nutritive or functional claims, such as lowering cholesterol or boosting immunity, can be substantiated. If processes for evidence-based validation of claims are not in place, brand reputation may be at risk.” Research from Lloyd’s Register highlighted that food issues impact brand trust, with one in five UK shoppers having changed brands following reports of a food safety incident or product recall. Ms Coffin added: “Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about their dietary decisions, selecting foods that deliver health and wellbeing, and it is reasonable to assume that scrutiny will grow in the area of nutritive and functional claims.” © Shutterstock/alexskopje Radnor to launch first vitamin D spring water drink in Tetra Pak® packages Wales’ leading family-owned branded soft drinks company is launching a new product to help customers get their daily vitamin D dose. Radnor Vits is the first vitamin D flavoured spring water in Tetra Pak® packages and, as well as providing your daily dose of vitamin D, it contains vital vitamins and minerals to support a balanced diet. Designed to be straw- free, you can drink it straight from the pack. Public Health England and NICE advise that 10 micrograms of vitamin D are needed every day for healthy bones and muscles. Vits is a low-calorie sugar-free drink, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, available in Lemon & Lime and Apple & Raspberry. Radnor is targeting listings in supermarkets and health stores plus care homes and hospitals. Vits is available to buy as a three-pack from Radnor’s own online shop and from Amazon. 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 3 design.it bli ck PROUR T YBOOS y:ed bganizrO BUSINTE LABELATVAIVA CAS’ S WITH MAR w NES f:With the support o CHING TTATNEW e.itca.bolognafier.marwww MA OOL •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 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 48 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Deaths from food allergy declining in the UK, study shows Deaths from serious allergic reactions due to food have declined over the past 20 years, despite an increase in hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis over the same period, an analysis of UK NHS data had found. The analysis – conducted by scientists from Imperial College London and published in the BMJ – also found that cows’ milk is the commonest single cause of fatal food- induced allergic reactions in school-aged children. In anaphylaxis, which can sometimes be fatal, a person can develop breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing or speaking. However, deaths from anaphylaxis are rare. It is estimated that there are less than 10 fatalities due to food per year in the UK. The study, funded by the Food Standards Agency and Medical Research Council, analysed UK hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis between 1998-2018, and how these compare to fatal anaphylaxis events. Food Standard Agency ’s Head of Policy and Strategy for Food Hypersensitivity, Sushma Acharya, said: “These important findings help us understand the trends of severe food induced allergic reactions, like who is most at risk and which foods are responsible. “This research is part of a wider study we have commissioned to support our ambition for the UK to be the best place in the world to be a food hypersensitive consumer. “We want to improve the quality of life for people living with food hypersensitivity and support them to make safe informed food choices. “We note that young adults are most at-risk from severe and fatal allergic reactions to foods. Our upcoming promotion to encourage young people to ask for allergen information when ordering food is one example of how this valuable data will be used to inform our campaigns and policy making.” The team at Imperial are now investigating why some people may be more susceptible to severe allergic reactions, and whether factors such as genetics may play a role. Kerry expands Asian flavours capabilities with Jining Nature Group buy Kerry has acquired Jining Nature Group, a Chinese manufacturer of savoury flavours, seasonings and prepared food products. The deal brings a wide range of authentic local and regional taste technologies and application capabilities to the Kerry portfolio. Jining Nature Group, which has over 300 employees, will help expand Kerry’s China customer base by providing deeper access to the country’s large regional markets via existing and well-established distribution and foodservice channels. It will enhance Kerry’s savoury flavour manufacturing capabilities in the Asia Pacific market and will enable the company to offer a full suite of savoury offerings in the region alongside its existing comprehensive sweet and beverage flavour portfolios. “This acquisition will be an important component of our global savoury taste strategy and, as a highly respected leader in the savoury taste marketplace in China, will allow us to accelerate our leadership in the key categories of Meat, Snacks and Instant Noodles,” said John Savage, CEO of Taste at Kerry. © Shutterstock/VICUSCHKA © Shutterstock/Evan Lorne Coca-Cola European Partners joins EV100 initiative Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has joined EV100, a global initiative that brings together companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and making electric transport the new normal by 2030. CCEP has committed to switch all of its cars and vans to electric vehicles, or ultra-low emission vehicles where EVs are not viable by 2030. This follows the launch of the bottler’s new climate strategy including its ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2040 and a new science-based target to reduce GHG emissions across its value chain by 30% by 2030 (versus 2019). GHG emissions from CCEP’s car fleet and vans makes up approximately 17% of its total Scope 1 emissions, making it a key driver to help the business achieve its Net Zero ambition. 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 5Sedamyl unveils £80m expansion plans for potable alcohol plant Sedamyl has unveiled major £80 million plans that will see it double production, create additional jobs, add new product lines, and provide an increased market for wheat grown by local farmers at its Selby, Yorkshire plant. The development comes a decade after the Italian- owned agribusiness first acquired the redundant former Tate & Lyle site in Selby as its UK base for the production of potable alcohol (a main ingredient in the making of premium spirits and a processing aid in the food industry). As well as increasing its potable alcohol capacity, once completed over the next two years, the enlarged operation will begin the production of liquid sweeteners. The distillery expansion is underway with completion expected by the autumn and the first deliveries of high-quality liquid sweeteners due to start in late 2022. The significant investment into the plant totals £80 million and will double its current capacity – increasing its workforce to around 150 – creating an additional 75 jobs as well as supporting hundreds more among its suppliers. Sedamyl uses Yorkshire-grown wheat in its production, purchased from a network of over 1,000 local farmers, providing a valuable and sustained revenue stream. The expansion will further support farmers and boost the local economy in the region. “These are difficult and challenging times for everyone because of the pandemic, so we’re incredibly proud to be able to announce such an important investment plan, which will enable us to reinforce and grow our position as a leading and sustainable supplier for our customers,” said Elena Frandino, Managing Director at Sedamyl UK. “Supporting Yorkshire farmers is also important to us and we are proud to say that our wheat is sourced from an average of 60 miles from our North Yorkshire factory, helping us to improve our sustainable practices.” Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net UK’s distillery boom continues despite COVID COVID-19 has failed to put the brakes on the UK’s distillery boom, new figures show. New HMRC figures show a record number of distilleries were registered in the UK in 2020 – growing by over 100 in 12 months – for the first time. Bold investors have chosen to take the plunge and launch new spirit businesses across the country, despite the restrictions of the pandemic and closure of the hospitality sector. The latest data shows that the number of UK distilleries grew by 124, up 28% on 2019, doubling the number of UK distilleries in four years. Remarkably, the number of distilleries in England has almost tripled since 2016, which was the same year that the gin boom helped the number of English distilleries overtake Scotland for the first time. England’s distillery numbers have topped 300 for the first time, with 311 registered distilleries in 2020. Scotland has increased its number of distilleries to 214, and Wales and Northern Ireland saw distillery numbers grow too. The total number of distilleries registered in the UK in 2020 grew to over 560 (at least 563)*, up from over 440 (at least 441) in 2019. Despite record growth, 2020 has been the hardest year for so many of the UK’s distillers, the majority of whom are small, independently owned businesses. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is urging the Government to back the brave army of distillers, who are taking a risk and ploughing their cash and efforts into businesses at a time of such uncertainty, and to ensure that the UK remains the world’s biggest spirit producer. The WSTA is calling on the Chancellor to continue to nurture the distillery boom by cutting duty and extending the hospitality VAT cut, so as to include alcoholic drinks, at the upcoming Budget on 3 March. news Elena Frandino © Shutterstock/barmalini Coco goes hexagonal Coco Chocolatiers is one of the UK’s leading bespoke chocolate manufacturers. Many of these specialised chocolates are designed to be presented in gift packaging. The packaging is a key element of Coco’s presentation and has won many awards for the unique presentation that they operate. Recently it launched a new range of chocolate drops. After designing the chocolate drop, the next challenge was to find a unique tube that would differentiate the presentation from standard round tubes. Product Development Manager Debbie McLennan had been working with Bell Packaging for several months and recognised the potential for a hexagonal tube. With a tight deadline, it was decided to print the tubes using a digital process. No sooner had the product been launched then a second order was commissioned. More recently the design has been upgraded with international credentials. In bulk production the tubing is supplied packed flat with the end caps separate. 04-13.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:15 Page 6Next >