< Previous20www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTAsia is one of the most exciting placesto do business at the moment for foodand drink producers, not only in termsof growing exports but demand from itshuge population for products notimmediately available. The potential fora whole host of new businessopportunities in a continent previouslydifficult to trade with will be good newsfor many food and drink suppliers.News that China may become the topcorn importer by 2014, which woulddisplace neighbouring Japan, is oneexample that is interesting. Demand formeat and feed grains among its growingmiddle classes means that in a matter oftwo or three years, the world could seean increase in corn delivery. In 2011,China bought 15.3 million tons of cornlast year with more being ordered all thetime. Growth in Asia and emergingeconomies is due to an increase in themiddle classes, which is expected to growby one billion by 2020.Asian consumer demand for Scotland’squality food and drink has alsoskyrocketed, with Scottish food anddrink imports to Asia reaching a recordhigh of £1,062.8 million in 2011, anincrease of 40% year-on-year.There has also been recent recognitionamong Asian consumers of Scotland’sreputation a country rich in premiumfood and drink.Demand has jumped most sharply inChina, Singapore, Taiwan and HongKong. Imports to Taiwan and HongKong have each increased by 47%between 2010 and 2011 to an impressive£160 million and £29 millionrespectively, while China and Singaporeeach posted growth of 44% during thesame period to reach £92 million and£319 million respectively. Other AsianTHAIFEX is a shining example of Thai andAsian food and drink producers pushing theirproducts to overseas customersPHOTO: DANSON PARKLooking to the EastEach month we take an in-depth look at the import and export trends affecting theindustry. This month we look at what Asia has to offer. Recent exports of Vietnamese honey has been turnedaway from US borders due to safety concerns20-21:Layout 1 19/4/12 11:41 Page 1IMPORT AND EXPORTwww.fdiforum.net21markets with high growth in importsfrom Scotland include India, up 29% to£53 million.Scotland’s array of Blended and SingleMalt Scotch Whisky, a drink that canonly be produced at one of Scotland’s108 distilleries, remains the leadingdriver of Scottish food and drink exportsto Asia. Key export destinations forwhisky include Singapore, up 44% to£318 million, Taiwan, up 45% to £155million, and China, up 21% to £66million. Singapore is the third largestimporter of Scotch whisky after the USAand France, and acts as a distributionhub for much of Asia.There has also been rising popularityof Scottish salmon, made available forthe first time in China last year.Love of sweet, sour and spicyfood boon for Thai exportsAhead of the international food eventTHAIFEX – World of Food Asia, theCommerce Ministry in Thailand hascalled for more companies to takeadvantage of demand in China. Theapparent appeal of Thailand’scombination of sweet, sour and spicyfoods is said to be the mostadvantageous offering, particularly tonew, discerning customers who want toexperience new tastes and flavours. TheMinistry has also encouraged trade showattendance for Thai companies abroadand results have been said to have beenpositive. Thanks, to THAIFEX, the reputationof Thai food has also been boosted, apremier sourcing platform for food andhospitality trade buyers, the eventreturns from 23rd to 27th May and youcan read more about it elsewhere in thisissue. It certainly promises to be thelargest trade exhibition ever since its firstinception in 2004.World class standards a stumblingblock for Vietnam?Vietnam has great potential foragricultural exports, and a pledge hasbeen made by the food producers thererecently to standardise and improve thecultivation and quality standards of foodset for shipping. This is a result havingreceived complaints from importersabout substandard products.Almost six hundred tons of honey hasrecently been returned to Vietnam afterwhen the US FDA found itcontaminated by carbenzamin, afungicide. Analysts have since warnedover an export reduction in honey to theUS, the product’s largest importer.In addition, Vietnamese fruit andvegetable exporters have faced EUcomplaints over Vietnamese goods notsatisfying good agricultural productstandards. It is admirable that Vietnamis increasing its activities in exports, butperhaps these standards will build itsreputation rather than tarnish it likethese previous infractions havepreviously.The first port of callWhen importing or exporting goods, itis sensible to utilise ports and the manyservices they offer. Not just simplylocations any more, ports operate fulllogistics chains, offering a centralised,custom service which could well cut outmajor costs to supply chains. Whengoods arrive, be they from Asia, Europeor elsewhere, ports that operate a fullyencapsulated service will be able toprocess vast amounts of goods quicklyand efficiently and ship them todistribution centres across the country. PD Ports in the UK, for example, hasmultiple sites across the country,allowing for delivery of products tosupermarket chains and the like withminimum delay. Having just won carrierof the year from supermarket chainASDA, PD Ports have the experienceand the enviable locations country-wideto effectively deliver food and drink. Asthe award shows, their investment ininfrastructure and services has garneredthem a great reputation. Theirintegration of services, including acontainer port and shunting servicesbetween ports and ASDA’s distributioncentre mean their efforts have beenrecognised.It is certainly worth considering anintegrated service such as this whenimporting by deep sea methods, if anintegrated and fully capable service isavailable from ports, it means fastdelivery on often perishable goods and aleaner, more profitable supply chain thatis mutually beneficial to ports andcompanies using them alike. It may alsoencourage business from elsewhere if theservice is deemed spectacular too, alsobenefiting the countries involved.PD Ports’ Teeside container port, the company has recently won a supply chain award from supermarket giant ASDAChina could become the top corn importer in just afew years it has been estimated20-21:Layout 1 19/4/12 11:41 Page 222www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTIt is the third consecutive year that the PD Ports Group, whichincludes PD Logistics, has picked up an ASDA Carrier award, but thefirst time it has received the overall prize. The award is not open forentries but is given by ASDA to the most outstanding supplier in theretailer’s supply chain based on performance and excellence in service. Alex Linton, Senior Supply Chain Manager, Global Logistics atASDA, says, “The award is well deserved by the whole team atPD Ports. It is to recognise the effort that the whole team puts in tosupporting our business. They really demonstrate a partnershipapproach, delivering solutions when we need them.”Kim Catterick, PD Ports’ Key Accounts Manager, who picked upthe award at the ceremony at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, says, “Thisis such an outstanding honour. All the other prizes handed out at theceremony were based on written submissions but to be recognised byASDA for our performance throughout the year without having toput together an entry is an even greater distinction.“We pride ourselves on the wide range of services that PD Portssupplies to ASDA, from our container terminal at Teesport, LogicalLink, the shipping service we provide between Felixstowe andTeesport and our logistics services, right through to our portcentricbusiness model.”The PD Ports Group has scooped yet anothersupplier award from one of the UK’s majorretailers, ASDA – this year walking away with theoverall prize for Carrier of the Year.PD Ports Group scoops prestigiousASDA supplier award22:Layout 1 20/4/12 09:35 Page 1Specialist suppliers of packaging to the Food and Meat industry including ...• Polythene items including Dolav Liners and Eurobox Liners • Boneguard • Elasticated roasting loops• Polypropylene trays • Compactor sacks • Standard stock sizes plus most bespoke requirements to orderVisit our web site today!www.keymesh.co.ukMEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOODwww.fdiforum.net23The cost of meat, poultry and seafoodhave all increased in price in the retailsector and it is important manufacturersand producers of these products look atefficiencies to eke out the best possibleresults month on month.With factors affecting production suchas safety, legislation, packaging and evendrug use when it comes to keepinglivestock, the production process is longand complex.Resistant to change?The use of antibiotics, for example,has reared its head recently, with theFood and Drug Administration layingdown new rules aimed at usingantibiotics in livestock. Consumer groupshave largely been critical of theseguidelines as they seem to allowproducers to pick and choose their levelof use voluntarily. The main concernwith antibiotics being given to livestockis one of safety of human consumptionand the risk it poses to public health. Astaggering statistic is that around 70-80% of antibiotics sold in America eachyear are for animal use. However, this isnot due to animals being sick - it israther to fatten them or as an insurancepolicy against the conditions in whichthey live, much of which can be of poor24 Meating the challengesDealing with the production of meat, poultry and seafood is a challenge. Maintainingfreshness and appeal, as well as the logistical side, can be fraught with problems, fortunatelythe industry has innovative solutions to help businessesThe meat from animals previouslytreated with anti-biotics, often fornon-medical reasons, can beharmful for human consumption,but are voluntary guidelines viable?23-25:Layout 1 19/4/12 10:13 Page 124www.fdiforum.netMEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOODquality.The guidelines themselves call for thephasing out of antibiotics in livestock fornon-medical reasons, which could takeup to three years to have any effect. Theeffects can be catastrophic for humans asthe resistant bacteria to antibiotics canbuild up in animals which have beenconstantly treated. This bacteria thenaffects the human body in negative waysfollowing meat consumption. Protestsfrom the meat industry includeportioning blame of this effect toindividual farms rather than the widersector and calls have been made toencourage responsible use of antibioticsas using them can prevent pre-clinicalconditions, meaning faster growth inlivestock such as pigs.Waste not, want notOn a manufacturing level within meat,poultry and seafood, it is important toremember to keep a close eye onproduction methods. The problemsassociated with ‘giveaway’ rates rarelyraises its head within most of the meatand seafood processing world as weight isgenerally what these particular productsare usually sold on. However, differingdensities, shapes and sizes of cuts andfillets can mean it becomes difficult formachinery, no matter how precise, toallow incorrect weights through.This of course can be combated byinvesting in precise weighingmachinery that can integrate seamlesslyinto your production line. After all, giveaway is still a problem -give away too much product and overthousands of packages, the costs willsoon add up. Weigh out an incorrect orinaccurate weight and you could beaccused of underselling to yourcustomers. Being accurate to within afew decimal places may seem trite orpenny-pinching but when the pennies alladd up, you could be damaging your hardwork and reputation. Product recalls areexpensive to arrange, so making sureweights are right first time is important,not only for consumer confidence, butalso for your bottom line. Products are available across the sectorto measure products precisely andmachinery specialists like Bizerba evenoffer density and analytical scales too.Bacteria can live on surfaces for a longSeafood production has beenboosted in GrimsbyUsing automated machinery is hygienic and effective, as this meat tenderiser shows.PHOTO: BIZERBA23-25:Layout 1 19/4/12 10:14 Page 2time, so scales of this nature are made with safety and ease ofcleaning in mind. Metal surfaces are used throughout theBizerba range, even in its meat processing equipment such asbone and meat bandsaws, mincing machines and steaker andstrip cutters. With hygiene in mind, transporting meat or seafoodaround factories or production areas can meancontamination if you are not careful, the boxing and stackingoptions offered by the likes of Stamford Products mean youcan effectively store and move small or large amounts ofproduct around easily. Producing a wide variety of solutionsfor not only fresh products, but waste and for cleaningsolutions too. These kinds of products offer the micro-logistical solutions that operatives will thank you for andcould prove to drive up efficiency and safety levels.A safety net To ensure products end up on the shelf in excellentcondition, packaging will generally keep meat, fish andpoultry fresh if refrigerated or frozen properly, but thosefinishing touches when it comes to large cuts of meat inparticular can make a difference to both consumer loyaltyand overall aesthetics. Keymesh, for example, offer theoption of meat netting, which can protect as well as helpkeep the shape of meat. Replacing traditional meat tying,which is complicated and old fashioned, there are a number ofoptions available such as elastic meat netting, roasting bandsand twines. Automated meat-netting machines are also availableof course, which can not only make the process easier, but canoffer a better quality too. This is worth considering for retailerswho want to present an easy to cook product, because these cutsof meat keep their shape, even during cooking. The ease ofroasting and the shape it keeps means it will appeal to theconvenience and the foodservice markets.Grimsby continues its seafood legacyIn great news for a town which has seen a decline in much ofits seafood past, Grimsby in the UK is still seen by many as afish and seafood gem. News that Morrisons has chosen adisused factory on Europarc in Grimsby to locate a majorseafood processing plant was announced recently.This investment offers a much needed boost to the localseafood and food manufacturing sector, especially in the light ofthe recently announced job losses at Kerry Foods Group plc. The economic implication of this announcement, in terms ofdirect job creation, is very positive. It is anticipated that thisphase will lead to the employment of 170 people and byFebruary 2013 this number is expected to rise to 230. Furtherdevelopments, which are currently in the planning process,should also increase local job numbers significantly. Dalton Philips, chief executive of Morrisons, says, “This willdeliver mouth-wateringly fresh fish into our stores. Nobody elseis buying direct from the quayside but we’re doing it.”www.fdiforum.net25Cattle treated with antibioticsmay be being treated for nomedical reason.Bizerba UK Limited, 2-4 Erica Road, Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, MK12 6HS01908 682740 info@bizerba.co.uk www.bizerba.comMEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD23-25:Layout 1 19/4/12 10:14 Page 326www.fdiforum.netALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES / BREWINGSome of the smallest companies in thefood and drink industry are those thatwork in the brewing sector. Indeed, in2010 some seventy new breweries openedin the UK, making a total of around ninehundred, and the vast majority of theseare little other than solo pursuits. Yet thesmall size of their operations are offsetwith some of the most stringentregulations regarding hygiene andingredients imaginable.This is perhaps not as big an issue as itmay appear, however. Even before thecurrent trend for natural products, thebrewing sector were always quick toemphasise the purity of their products,and that’s something with has continuedto be the case to this day. The brewingmarket is also one in which innovationcontinues to be welcomed, with drinkersregularly looking for new flavours andbrewers happy to provide these.Companies such as BrewDog , forexample, have enjoyed great successthanks to their marketing asindependent, pioneering businesses thatlavish great time and attention on newflavours and whose products are unique,as opposed to their mass-produced rivals.This has led in recent months to a hostof partnerships between brewers andingredients suppliers to create new andappealing products. Scotland’s TennentCaledonian, for example, promoted theirprogressive new partnership with localbarley farmers with the launch of theirCaledonia Best brand – where thecommitment to 100% use of Scottishbarley is considered a unique sellingpoint. The aim enliven the traditional alecategory and provide drinkers with freshbrands to choose from at the bar, whilealso responding to the growing interest inprovenance.Tennent’s plan to roll out the exclusiveuse of Scottish barley in all its brands inthe next few years. Indeed, as well asproviding selling points, there areadvantages in terms of sustainability, asthe supply chain is shortened, as well asoffering greater stability to their suppliesand easier traceability.Other companies are able to make useof the independent spirit to providefurther information to customers. Micro-brewery WJ King, for example, has addeda unique QR code to the pump clip andbottle label of each of its 25 beers.Scanning this code with a smartphoneautomatically links to a video of HeadBrewer Ian Burgess talking about thatspecific beer and the ingredients fromwhich it is made. These videos allowcustomers to understand more about theart of the brewer and mean they canmake a more informed choice.The larger breweries may not be ableto compete in terms of charm anduniqueness, but they can certainly offeradvantages in terms of their size thatallow them to innovate. Diageo, forexample, are investing €153 million in abrewing centre of excellence in Dublin.This will comprise of a new brewhousefacility, a new grain intake building andassociated silos and an extension of anexisting fermentation plant. The newbrewhouse volume will have a capacity ofaround seven million hectolitres. Thereare also opportunities for existing brandsto innovate. Diageo’s Guinness, forexample, have been trialling their newBlack Lager in Northern Ireland, aimedat young male drinkers who preferchilled, bottled lagers.Despite brewing still emphasisingtraditional ingredients and traditionalBrewed to distinctionThe brewing sector includes some of the smallest companies of all – but they’reat the forefront of innovationRobinsons are the first brewery toinclude units of alcohol and hopdetails to the front of the pump-clip,using a uniform tab system26-27:Layout 1 19/4/12 10:21 Page 1ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES / BREWINGwww.fdiforum.net27methods of production, there havecertainly been innovations in recent yearsthat have allowed for a more consistentproduct that reaches the exactingstandards of consumers and retailers. Forexample, control of dissolved oxygen isparticularly important during variousbrewery processes. Rapid, accurate DOmeasurement is central to maintainingbeer quality and maximising yield andshelf-life and therefore developments inDO sensor technology are apparentacross the industry.To this end, Mettler Toledo haveintroduced sensors that use an opticaltechnique for oxygen measurement.These offer a number of benefits overtraditional amperometric probes such asfaster response time, reduced drift andlower maintenance. The combination ofoptical measurement technology andMettler Toledo’s Intelligent SensorManagement can certainly make adifference, as ISM aids analytical sensorhandling and maintenance through anumber of innovative functions anddesign features.If anything emphasises the tradition inbrewing it’s the fact that brewers stillmake use of Henry’s Law to ensureproduct quality doesn’t deteriorate. Thecontent of dissolved CO2 can make allthe difference to the quality, taste andflavour stability of a product, hence therequirement to continuously control andmeasure the CO2 content duringproduction. Pentair Haffmans are amongthe companies who are making thisprocess more effective, having launchedtheir In-lineCO2 MeterAuCoMet-I,which can swiftlyreview the CO2 contentbased on Henry’s Law. Throughembedded software, the CO2 dosingrate can be immediately adjusted ifnecessary.Equally important for the brewingindustry is the quality of product flow.John Guest’s acetal shut-off valves, forexample, have been specifically designedfor the sector with their new full boremechanism. When used with N2/CO2,they can be used to a maximumtemperature of 50°c, and the rangeincludes valves with short and longhandles to operate a 1/4 turn on/offaction.One issue that is affecting the brewingsector as much as any is that ofsustainability, most obviously its use ofwater. The importance of preservingwater has been a hot topic but strides arebeing made to ensure as little is wasted aspossible. The Radegast brewery ofPlzensky Prazdroj, for example, haveinvested in a new compressor forcompressed air production with heatrecovery – decreasing water consumptionby 250,000hl as the hot water can beused again – as well as new washingtechnology, process changes and the useof recycled water from bottling plants –altogether conserving more than750,000hl of water a year.The news the UK government areconsidering a minimum price point foralcohol could have a major effect on thebrewing sector as consumers end uppurchasing less than ever before. Yet thenewest brands emphasise flavour andtaste above the alcohol content and itmay well be the case that these factorstake on much increased importanceamong consumers. Happily the brewingsector is well-placed to meet this demand.Budweiser have recently brought its new global can and secondary packaging designs to the UK. The design emphasises the Budweiser creedhighlighting the beer’s unique Beechwood Ageing process and 135-year longcommitment to qualityMettler Toledo have introduced sensors that use anoptical technique for oxygen measurement. Theseoffer a number of benefits overtraditional amperometricprobes such as fasterresponse time,reduced drift andlowermaintenance26-27:Layout 1 19/4/12 10:21 Page 228www.fdiforum.netFLOW MEASUREMENT & CONTROLYou may think your production line is running at full capacity, asmeasuring and flow technology is constantly changing there are hugeefficiencies to be had. Being able to ‘see’ what is in your pipes,machinery and pumps can make all the difference to youroperations. If you are dealing with particularly viscous materialsuch as syrups, preserves, sauces or liquids that contain largeparticles of food, it can sometimes be a concern thatblockages might occur. Using high-pressure and air-drivenpumps and equipment means you can be sure ofminimum blockages as products are delivered. Thenozzles and delivery systems these days alsooften have technology that preventsleaking, dribbling and spillages.Keeping things moving will notonly mean you canproduce food anddrink products atspeeds which will improve your bottom line, but will also ensure therest of your line is kept up with. Integrated with packaging and otherprocessing elements such as slicers, dicers, mincers or heat sources, aquality flow will affirm your standards.Seeing ‘inside’ the pipes however has proven difficult in the past, butsolutions exist to allow you to approximate what is happening alongyour production line. The Ultraflo from Micronics, for example, bringsa non-invasive measurement of liquid flow to food and drinkmanufacturers. The unit fits onto the outside of a pipe or flow systemgiving flow measurement with no need to be invasive to either the lineor your supply line. This negates the need for traditional flowmeasurement techniques and equipment which would probablyrequire dismantling of pipes or removal of equipment while it isfitted, shutting down your line when it could be workingcontinuously. This not only protects equipment from damagedue to clogging or blockages, but also means a consistent,saleable product is produced. Sending out a product that isinferior in quality will damage your reputation with bothstockists and end users, so making sure things are running asGo with the flowThe HygroPalm HP23-AW-A fromRotronic can give you fast, accuratereadings on water activityPHOTO: ROTRONICDoes your integrated production linerun as smoothly as possible? How doyou keep track?28-30:Layout 1 19/4/12 11:43 Page 1FLOW MEASUREMENT & CONTROLwww.fdiforum.net29smoothly as possible is important.Pumping is also important. Using ineffective methods canmean not enough or too much product is delivered, too little andyou won’t be filling your products with the optimum amountneeded for taste, value or aesthetics. You are compromising notonly your product reputation, but also the product itself. If aproduct is not consistent in taste, texture, amount or looks,brand loyalty will become non-existent. This kind of idea alsoworks within packaging. If a product looks different every time itis purchased, this shows a lack of care taken with products. Thesame applies to delivery of various elements to the end productbefore it is packed. Companies like Kecol offer effectivesolutions that not only ensure a smooth flow, but also a majorsaving of waste. The company also places an emphasis on cleandelivery, meaning it is not only a hygienic method of dealingwith materials, viscous or not, but also one that leaves behindlittle residue for cleaning operatives to deal with. Able to dealwith hot or cold material, pumps of this nature mean you canconcentrate on other elements of your business.When a product is finished, it is often difficult to know howmuch water or moisture has made it into the finished item.Testing is difficult without ruining the integrity of a product inmany instances so being able to measure the activity fromanother perspective is useful. Rotronic have technology that notonly gives you an accurate reading of moisture within solidobjects, but can also be used for thicker liquids such as fat andproducts that contain a combination of both. Their handheldHygroPalm HP23-AW-A can help inspect specific foodstuffs tomonitor humidity or water activity to make sure they reachcertain specifications. Too much water present in a productcould cause it to spoil earlier than expected or could compromisepackaging options and product aesthetics. Fast results can begained from products such as cheese, meat, animal feeds, bakery30 Kecol offer vacuum-ledpumps that can deliverproducts cleanly, safely andaccurately, meaning minimumwastePHOTO: KECOL28-30:Layout 1 19/4/12 11:43 Page 2Next >