Join us at Packaging Innovations & Empack Stand K32, NEC, Birmingham, 25th & 26th May Supply chain Functional ingredients Future proofing Future proofing INTERNATIONAL Frozen and chilled foods Join us at Packaging Innovations & Empack Stand K32, NEC, Birmingham, 25th & 26th May 01.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:38 Page 102.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:38 Page 1Contents May 2022 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 & export12 While new trade deals are struck, the impacts of Brexit on food and drink imports and exports continue to be felt. Supply chain spotlight16 Food and Drink International considers some of the key challenges hitting the industry’s supply chains and potential solutions. Functional ingredients20 The consumer craze for functional ingredients is well known, but social media has made the ups and downs fast and unpredictable, making riding those waves a difficult and time-sensitive challenge. Frozen and chilled foods 24 Once seen as less fresh and less healthy, chilled and frozen foods are now surging back both for their convenience and value – but new tastes and new approaches are also letting them corner healthier markets as well. Caps and closures27 Driven by demand, and shaped by legislation and environmental concerns, the caps and closures market remains one of the most innovative. 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) 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: stock.adobe.com/Piyachok Thawornmat • Top: stock.adobe.com/nadianb • Middle: stock.adobe.com/bodnarphoto • Bottom: stoc k.adobe.com/Idanupong Cleaning and maintenance30 With tighter working conditions and a heavier focus on worker safety and food hygiene, on the spot maintenance inspections may well become the norm. Packaging Innovations and Empack34 Food and Drink Exhibitors Flock to Packaging Innovations and Empack 2022. Slicing, dicing and cutting39 In a world where clear packaging is used to reveal the quality of the food inside, getting the right cut is paramount to a visually appealing meal. Events42 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world Classified 45 Food and Drink Diary 46 03.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:38 Page 1Good4U Launch NEW Caesar Crumbles Salad Toppers Health Food Company, Good4U, has announced the launch of its NEW Caesar Crumbles Salad Topper (in Tesco from 11th April), to add to its rapidly growing portfolio. Good4U is a family-run health food company, who use 100% natural ingredients to create nutritious products that are tailored to every individual, providing an array of functional health benefits. Good4U wants to empower people of all ages to live a healthier lifestyle, innovating products that appeal to everyone to help them #GetMoreGood. The new Salad Topper combines roasted, crumbled fava beans with a delicious vegan caesar seasoning and Atlantic grown seaweed. The product contains gently milled beans which are formed into a crumble, providing an even distribution of flavour and texture, with a zesty and peppery finish. First to the market with a functional Salad Topper containing 100% of your Vitamin D RDA, the new Caesar Crumbles Salad Toppers contain light, crispy crumbles, made from all natural, wholesome ingredients. The product can be simply added as an alternative to the usual Caesar dressing, to boost the flavour and texture of dull salads, wraps, soups and more. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Austin Cocktails enters new chapter of growth with Constellation Brands Constellation Brands, a beverage alcohol company, has acquired the remaining interest in Austin Cocktails, a rapidly growing, female-founded ready-to-drink cocktail company out of Austin, Texas. Best known for creating premium, bottled and canned craft cocktails, Austin Cocktails was started by two sisters who launched the brand as an homage to their late grandfather, Fred. Fred’s focus on family and his love of good spirits inspired the co-founders, Jill Burns and Kelly Gasink, to create high quality bar-proof drinks in convenient, ready-to-drink (RTD) formats. The acquisition follows a 2018 investment in Austin Cocktails as part of Constellation Ventures’ Focus on Female Founders initiative and reinforces the company’s commitment to support female leaders across the industry and meet evolving consumer preferences. Austin Cocktails is currently distributed in 28 states and grew 135% in depletions in calendar year 2021 as RTD trends continue to rise in popularity among consumers. The Austin Cocktails brand will be integrated into Constellation’s Fine Wine & Craft Spirits Division along with brands such as High West and The Prisoner Wine Company. ROCOL strengthen focus on customers with new appointment A new Head of Customer Experience has joined the team at global industrial lubricants, cutting fluids and line marking systems manufacturer, ROCOL. Ellen Limbert joins from her previous role as Senior Customer Experience Manager within the digital division at Leeds Building Society. Ellen brings a wealth of digital transformation experience to the business from her time at Leeds Building Society, where she took an underutilised online platform and turned it around to deliver continual service to users with no drop off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ellen says: “I have been impressed with the ambition within the business and the dedication to doing the right thing for customers. The opportunity that I have been given by Andrew is one that I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited to pull the teams together and use customer focus as the thing that binds us all. Whilst there is deep heritage in the brand, which is exciting, it shouldn’t inhibit us from moving forward and helping the business claim an even bigger market share. I’m very excited for what the future holds.” NYU Water Research Centre in Abu Dhabi using Axium Process Pilot Plants for innovative research program NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), a leading research university having an international presence with a comprehensive science academy at its core, recently commissioned filtration specialists, Axium Process to develop, manufacture and supply a range of bespoke membrane filtration and Ion exchange pilot systems suitable for detailed investigations over a wide range of industrial, environmental, and process-based applications. Manufactured in 316L stainless steel, Axium’s membrane systems are designed to support the development of innovative solutions via education, training, and comprehensive research into Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis technology. The equipment accommodates multiple commercial scale membrane options, including hollow fibre, tubular, spiral and ceramic variations. Now successfully installed and commissioned at the NYU Water Research Centre in Abu Dhabi, the sophisticated data collection software supplied with each plant has been fully optimised by Axium’s commissioning team to enable accurate and detailed representation of the practical separation/concentration limits achievable against a representative feed stream sample. © stock.adobe.com/arinahabich 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 1For the full story... 01603 788 833 | teknomek.co.uk meAnWhile, in A SECrET* FACILITY JUSt OuTsIDE NORwICh, ThE CUStOMER SERvICE TEaM RECEiVE A CALl FrOM SOMEoNE IN NEeD OF HELp… ARE ON HANd TO GIVE EXpERt ADvICE ON ChOoSINg ThE RIGhT PrODUCt TO HELp IN ThE FIGhT AGAiNsT GrIME! WhENEVER A CUStOMER CALlS… THE THE EKN MEXPE TS EKN EXPE TS *NOT SO SECrET - YoU CAN COME ANd SEe US ANY TIME! Yes, we CAN HELp YoU! WhAT’S ThE PrOBlEM? news Pioneering food packaging firm wins Queen’s Award for enterprise in sustainable development A pioneering company that harnesses the properties of natural materials to create environmentally responsible food packaging products has been awarded a coveted 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise, for Sustainable Development. Staffordshire-based Woolcool has spent more than a decade investing millions of pounds developing temperature-controlled packaging products for the food and pharmaceutical markets, which use 100% sheep’s wool as an alternative to polluting manmade insulation such as polystyrene. This innovative use of wool – which is recyclable, reusable, renewable, compostable, abundant and part of the natural carbon cycle – means customers use less fuel in their supply chain, reduce their carbon footprint and help avoid tonnes of polystyrene from going into landfill sites across the globe. Now the firm has been recognised with a 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, a five-year accolade that is considered to be one of the most coveted and influential in British business. Remarkably, the honour is the second to be won by the company, which received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2018. Managing Director Josie Morris MBE said: “It is a huge honour to receive a second Queen’s Award for Enterprise, this time for Sustainable Development – following the Royal recognition we received for innovation in 2018. “After more than a decade of research and development into the properties of wool, which has proven conclusively that it outperforms polluting manmade insulators, this award helps drive home the message that the use of natural materials offers a truly sustainable alternative for businesses that want to seriously address the climate challenges we all face. “Coming after the challenges of the last two years, this award also reflects the hard work and resilience of the entire Woolcool team, as well as our valued wider family of suppliers, clients, customers and friends.” Food & Drink International 5 www.fdiforum.net 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 2Bounce Back ‘Bounces’ onto the Shelves as the ‘first post-social replenishment drink’ Creating a category first, Bounce Back is the first ever post-social replenishment drink. Developed and produced by two biochemists, this new health drink is unlike any other product on the market and has been specifically designed to be consumed after socialising and before bed, giving the body the replenishing nutrients it needs, while you sleep. It’s unique science-based formula of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids works together with the body’s natural restoration process to help alleviate the stresses of an active social life, allowing the body to feel refreshed the next day. Bounce Backs’ creators wanted to a develop a range of nutritional drinks that restored the balance of the ‘four pillars of health.’ CEO and Co- founder Vandana Vijay said: “We have spent years researching and experimenting to find just the right combination of replenishing nutrients. Finally, after 59 versions, we found our winning formula. Bounce Back is all about focussing on Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise and Mindfulness – these four pillars of wellbeing work in harmony to keep your mind and body healthy. When an active social life disrupts these pillars, Bounce Back works effortlessly while you sleep to help restore balance.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Delipac – the definitive sustainable food and drinks packaging solution As the move away from plastic packaging continues to gather urgency, Delipac - the award winning, plastic-free barrier board - has emerged head and shoulders above the packaging alternatives in the food and drinks packaging sector. Engineered for a broad and robust range of applications, it completely dispenses with the need for PE, film laminated and mono plastics packaging. Produced entirely from sustainably sourced virgin paper fibre, its unique barrier properties make it the definitive solution sustainable for food and drinks packaging. Certificates: - • Recyclable - in all mainstream waste-paper processors • Biodegradable - naturally and industrially • Compostable - naturally and industrially • Plastic free and full compliance with the EU Single Use Plastic Regulation • PFAS Free • Food compliance • Free of taint • For use in oven and microwave • Migration free • Freezable (- 40ºC min) • Chillable • Ovenable (+220ºC max) • Microwavable • Heat-sealable • Made from sustainable pulp sources • Carbon Balanced For more information visit www.denmaur.com Tosca opens an automated washing centre in Dublin, doubling wash capacity per hour Tosca, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions and pooling, has launched an automated, cutting-edge washing centre in Dublin. Automation is the way of the future and crucial to achieving a smooth supply chain, minimising the challenges of hiring and maintaining the manual workforce in a very competitive market. Tosca’s innovative washing facility can process 5,000 reusable plastic containers (RPCs) per hour, more than twice as many as the standard line can process. The state-of-art equipment allows for operations to be handled with hardly any human interference. Adrian Dale, Managing Director at Tosca in the UK and Ireland, declares: “Our new washing centre in Ireland reflects our dedication to solving some of the most critical matters that the food supply chain faces, such as labour shortages, food safety, and environmental impact. With this new facility, we are pioneering a fully automated centre to fulfil the needs of our partners in a sustainable manner.” NGS launches Healthy Heights® KidzProtein and KidzProtein Vegan nutritional shakes Nutritional Growth Solutions, Ltd., (NGS, ASX:NGS) launches Healthy Heights® KidzProtein and KidzProtein Vegan to support children’s development. The new product line includes 10 products: KidzProtein comes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry; KidzProtein Vegan comes in chocolate and vanilla. Initially launching in the US, the new nutritional shakes which include both dairy and plant- based formulas can serve as a nutritious and delicious breakfast or a healthy tasty snack between meals. They contain a proprietary blend of micro- and macronutrients demonstrated to support optimal childhood growth and development, as well as a fruit and veggie blend. They complement an existing product line shown in a clinical study to help children grow in height and weight. “There is a high demand from parents for a nutritional shake formula for children to support everyday wellness,” remarks Liron Fendell, CEO and Managing Director for Nutritional Growth Solutions. “We created our evidence-based Healthy Heights KidzProtein range in both dairy and vegan versions to support the unique nutritional needs of children including those with dairy allergies. Milk allergy is the most common allergy among children, as well as intolerance to lactose.” KidzProtein and KidzProtein Vegan provide 10g of protein and a full array of vitamins and minerals. The versatile line allows parents to sneak the added nutrients into smoothies and other recipes. “It is formulated to fill common nutritional gaps,” explains Fendell. “You cannot fool kids; the product has to be designed for flavor as well as their needs and preferences. The products contain real fruit and veggie powders for an extra boost of nutrition.” KidzProtein and KidzProtein Vegan are also supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for brain and cognitive health and neurological development. This nutrient is often deficient in children’s diets. 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 3Food & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net news Nomad Foods launches Open Innovation Portal to accelerate food tech collaborations Nomad Foods (NYSE: NOMD), Europe’s leading frozen food company, which owns brands including Birds Eye, Findus and iglo has partnered with global innovation network Innoget, to launch an Open Innovation Portal that invites partners to share new solutions that could be scaled to help shape the future of food and support more sustainable diets, covering areas such as increasing the use of mussel and bivalve proteins in everyday diets and sustainable packaging. The Nomad Foods Open Innovation Portal2 is open to academics, subject experts, start-ups and SMEs with the goal of developing exciting new partnerships spanning from the ideation phase through to product development and eventually, launch to market. Activities will include co-developing product solutions, consumer testing, facility testing and funding or building new ecosystems, focused initially on four key areas: * Scalability of frozen mussels and other bivalve products * Recyclability solutions for products that are currently in multi- material, non-recyclable vacuum packaging * Solutions to enable recyclable paper-based meal trays or bowl packaging to be used for frozen foods * Clean label replacements that replicate the functional properties of methylcellulose in food applications Stéfan Descheemaeker, Chief Executive Officer, Nomad Foods, said: “Consumer demand for nutritious, high-quality, sustainable food and sustainable packaging solutions is growing and the role of technology in delivering these needs is accelerating. We are very fortunate to have a world class in-house R&D team and a growing number of partnerships in the food tech space including our cell- cultured fish collaboration with BlueNalu. Our new Open Innovation Portal will help us to unlock the potential we see in important areas such as alternative protein as we play our part in helping to deliver a more sustainable food system and bring to life our purpose of Serving the World with Better Food.” Weetabix takes a bite out of high-protein market with Lacka Foods acquisition Weetabix Food Company, the UK-based breakfast brand, has acquired Lacka Foods Ltd, owners and manufacturers of UFIT, the ready-to-drink high-protein shake brand. The all-cash deal, backed by Post Holdings, unites two of the UK’s market leading food and drink businesses and unlocks growth opportunities for Lacka Foods both in the UK and in international markets. The two firms will operate separately, with the Lacka Foods management team continuing to run the business and drive growth in the fast growing high-protein RTD market. Austin Bailey, founder and Managing Director of Lacka Foods, said: “Securing investment from a like-minded British business and family favourite such as Weetabix is a transformational step in the Lacka Foods story, and will help accelerate our pace of growth in a rapidly expanding category both here in the UK and internationally.” 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 4Del Monte Foods commits to net-zero emissions by 2050 Del Monte Foods has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative’s (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. To achieve this goal, the company has also committed to define near-term science-based targets to reduce Scopes 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions that support SBTi’s focus on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Science-based targets provide companies with an established approach, including 2030 milestone goals, to reduce emissions that also support the Paris Agreement. “As Growers of Good, creating a healthy and more hopeful tomorrow has been at the core of Del Monte Foods’ purpose for over 130 years,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods. “Committing to a net-zero emissions goal, aligned with SBTi, extends our environmental sustainability commitments and gives us aggressive and measurable milestones to reach as we strive to nourish the planet, people and communities for many generations to come.” 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news The Bart Ingredients Co. opens major new £15m production facility in Bristol Herbs and spices specialist The Bart Ingredients Co. has officially opened a £15m state- of-the-art production facility in Bristol as part of its ambitious growth strategy. The business has been transitioning its operations to the new 167,000 sq ft facility at Severn Beach after rising demand saw the business outgrow its previous facility in the city centre. In its most recent financial results, The Bart Ingredients Co. saw turnover rise 33 per cent to £40m in 2020/1, as the pandemic lockdowns encouraged more people to cook at home. The new facility is two-and-a-half times larger than its old factory and has been developed to help significantly enhance the sustainability of the business’s operations. The whole of Bart Ingredients’ dry goods business will be housed at the facility, reducing carbon emissions associated with stock movement between sites and warehousing whilst improving operational efficiency. Ohio Processors to acquire Pierre’s Ice Cream Company Pierre’s Ice Cream Company, a manufacturer and distributor of ice cream and other frozen desserts, and Ohio Processors, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of dairy related products, have finalized an agreement under which Ohio Processors will acquire Pierre’s Ice Cream. This agreement brings together two Ohio-based businesses and allows Ohio Processors to expand its product line, customer base, and geographic reach. Ohio Processors, a fourth-generation family- operated business based in the Columbus, Ohio area, is owned by the Smith family, which has been involved in the operation of food manufacturing and distribution companies since 1934. Shelley Roth, President of Pierre’s Ice Cream Company, reflected on the transition. “I have spent long hours thinking about and working toward a succession plan that would ensure continuity for the business,” Roth said. “That is why I am pleased to announce the impending transition of Pierre’s to Ohio Processors, Inc.” © stock.adobe.com/Stefan_E Harkstead Hall Barn, Harkstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 1DB Tel: +44 (0)1473 893990 Fax: +44 (0)1473 893995 email@penn-packaging.co.uk www.penn-packaging.co.uk • Case/tray Packing machines • Shrink Wrapping systems • Stretch-Film Wrappers • Depalletisers • Palletisers • Bag Closing Machines • Pillow pouch systems • Pre-made pouch • Stand-Up / Doypack • Slider/Zipper • Wet glue / PSL / hotmelt and combination rotary labellers © stock.adobe.com/ahirao Patriot Pickle acquires pickle assets of Farm Ridge Foods Patriot Pickle, a Swander Pace Capital portfolio company that manufactures and distributes fresh pickles across the United States to restaurant chains, supermarkets, and delis, has acquired the pickle assets of Farm Ridge Foods. Farm Ridge Foods distributes pickled products into the retail channel under its own name, as well as private label and third-party brands. “This is an exciting time to be a leader in fresh pickle manufacturing. The acquisition of Farm Ridge Foods is a key step towards rounding out and building up our internal retail sales capabilities. Fresh, refrigerated pickles are a key growth area for our retail and foodservice partners, and we are excited to be able to better serve them more directly with this acquisition,” said CEO of Patriot Pickle, Bill McEntee. © stock.adobe.com/mizina 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 5www.fdiforum.net Plan your campaign with Food & Drink International… ...your competitors are! As marketing is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer advice and packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account executives. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO? • Print • Online • E-Newsletters • Regular News • Topical Features The perfect medium to give your brand the best chance of being seen! Contact us below for our 2022 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk INTERNATIONAL INTERN NATION AL ahe The d ysafety and a News Healltth, saf hygiene Pumps and nd INTERN NATION AL i nno F o c o vati io i New s P ack aging spotlight oading baL ay y doors syss and INTERN NATION AL News challe n g Meeti ng Flavouring col ouring ges col ouring c INTERN NATION AL Be ve rages el lff The futu i n f o c Thefutu On the shel ture s in f o cus i s End of f line pack kaaging MINIMUM COST…MAXIMUM IMPACT! www.fdiforum.net 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/04/2022 14:42 Page 6Next >