Snack foods and ready meals Warehousing and distribution Adapting markets Adapting markets INTERNATIONAL Processing control and automation 01.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 14:37 Page 1Want sustainable thermal packaging? KƵƌĐŽƌƌƵŐĂƚĞĚďŽdžůŝŶĞƌƐĂƌĞǁŝĚĞůLJƌĞĐLJĐůĞĚďŽƚŚĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůůLJĂŶĚĚŽŵĞƐƟĐĂůůLJ͕ĨĞĞĚŝŶŐƚŚĞŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ ďĂĐŬŝŶƚŽƚŚĞƐLJƐƚĞŵƚŽƉƌŽŵŽƚĞĂĐŝƌĐƵůĂƌĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ͘dŚĞĚŝƐƉŽƐĂůŝƐĐŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶƚĂŶĚƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ͕ƚŽ ĐŽŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚƚŚĞĐĂƌĚďŽĂƌĚŝƚƐĞůĨǁŚŝĐŚŝƐ&^ĐĞƌƟĮĞĚĂƐƚĞƐƚĂŵĞŶƚƚŽŝƚƐĞƚŚŝĐĂůƐŽƵƌĐŝŶŐ͘ 02476 420 065 kitepackaging.co.uk powered by employee share-ownership 00002224444477666 444222000 0000666555555555 kkkiiittteeepppppaaaccckkkkkkkkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnngggggcccooooouuuukkk Zz>>Ky>/EZ^ 100% ^dz^>Kt&Z/E'&KZ ϯϱ,Z^ ^h^d/E>z^KhZ 100% Think Solution. Think NDC. Take Process Performance, Quality and KPIs to the Next Level >> Moisture >> Fat/Oil >> Protein >> Degree ofBake/ Brownness >> Collagen InfraLab At-Line Food Analyzer Series 9 On-Line Food Gauge www.ndc.com/food Intelligence that transforms the world. 02.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 14:37 Page 1Contents June 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 • Appointments • On line - production news • On the shelf - new products and initiatives Import & export10 While Japan’s food exports rise, hitting a long overdue government target, the country is looking to maintain momentum. Temperature control spotlight14 In controlling temperature, food manufacturers preserve and maintain a food product’s sensory profile and longevity. Even miniscule changes in temperature can result in spoilage, requiring constant vigilance and control. Sustainable packaging18 Demands for the food and drink industry to slash the environmental impact of its packaging show no signs of abating. Warehousing and distribution 24 Lean, efficient, resilient. With the pandemic behind us and a fuel crisis currently being experienced, perhaps “resilience” will become a more important feature than efficiency for warehousing. Flow measurement and control28 There’s a myriad of flow meters available to food and drink producers depending on the product and requirement. As well as exploring these options, we break down the advantages and disadvantages and some of the challenges to overcome. 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/cdkproductions • Top: stock.adobe.com/Petinovs • Middle: stock.adobe.com/asayenka • Bottom: stock.adobe .com/nolonely Processing, control and automation32 COVID may be over, but the results of the pandemic linger still and with fresh instability thanks to the war in Ukraine, there are a fresh raft of challenges facing the processing industry. Health, safety and hygiene36 From rigorous cleaning routines to the importance of microbiology, health, safety, and hygiene must be front centre of any food and drink company. Snack foods and ready meals40 With the removal of lockdown and a return to working, on the go foods such as ready meals and snack foods continue to grow, but new trends leaning toward health and sustainability dominate the sector. Events46 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world Classified 49 Food and Drink Diary 50 03.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 14:38 Page 1Phyto Organix to build $225m net zero plant protein processing facility in Canada Phyto Organix Foods has revealed that it has executed a letter of intent to purchase 15 acres of land in the Town of Strathmore, Alberta from the Western Irrigation District as the location of its new, state-of-the- art, net zero emission plant protein processing facility. The $225 million facility will be the largest-ever capital investment in Strathmore and provide a base for Phyto Organix to innovate and grow its plant protein business. When operational in 2024, Phyto Organix will use proprietary wet fractionation technology to annually process 40,000 metric tonnes of yellow peas, grown in close proximity to the facility, into soluble and insoluble protein isolates, processed fibre and starch, and high-quality dietary pea hull fibre. “This is an exciting time to be an Albertan,” said Chris Theal, founder, president and CEO of Phyto Organix. “Our $225 million investment will generate over $120 million of annual GDP, employ 80 Albertans and yield tangible economic diversification in the Town of Strathmore and the Province of Alberta.” 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news More agile regulation needed for the UK to become a world leader in cultivated meat At an event held in Parliament, cultivated meat start-up Ivy Farm Technologies and the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI), laid out the need for a more collaborative regulatory process, and greater investment in research in the UK’s cultivated meat sector, to avoid missing out on its economic and environmental benefits. The event featured MPs and peers from across all parties, eager to learn more about the science and discuss the need for an enabling regulatory framework so Britain can assert itself as a ‘world-leader’ in the burgeoning alternative protein sector. Cultivated meat is real meat like beef, pork and chicken – but grown from animal cells in cultivators. Guests at the event, which was hosted by Anthony Browne (Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire), heard from Ivy Farm co-founder Dr Russ Tucker and Elena Walden, policy manager at the Good Food Institute Europe, about how cultivated meat has the potential to be a gamechanger, for the climate, for food security and for the UK economy. But these benefits will only be realised if we move quickly. New study finds UK litter is dominated by plastics and drinks packaging A new study looking at litter in the UK has revealed the types of materials and products being dumped in hedgerows and waterways. The research, led by Loughborough University geographer Dr Tom Stanton, found the majority of UK litter is made up of plastic, and the most common items discarded into the environment are drinks packaging. Dr Stanton says the findings are surprising given the European-wide initiatives in place that look to reduce single-use plastic and highlight the disconnect between the findings and the focus of environmental legislation and policy. Published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the study is in collaboration with Planet Patrol – the environmental non-profit dedicated to tackling the pressing threats of pollution using its citizen science app to analyse and interpret data to drive change. CSB ERP solution provides cost savings and informed business decisions Coherent data capture throughout the production process and detailed analyses, using an ERP solution devised by leading specialist CSB- System, has enabled US meat producer Courage Production to maximise yields and efficiencies throughout its operation, enhance data collection and planning processes, and deliver valuable cost savings. Courage, based in California, specialises in hot dogs, beef jerky, poultry and delicatessen products. To better support government regulations and the increasing documentation requirements for its business, the company introduced ERP software from CSB, which greatly simplified the processes. “In the past, everything was rather complicated with some 50 pages of paper being passed onto production, such as bills of material, recipes and work instructions,” explained Courage Production’s president, Rob Engelhart. “We have now digitised and streamlined this to a great extent. At the same time, we have really intensified our data capturing.” Several additional optimisation measures have further increased transparency. Overall, the ERP system and its data on purchase orders, order entries, invoices, calculations, production orders and inventory movements will become the ‘workhouse’ and growth driver for all Courage Production’s business decisions. © stock.adobe.com/meryll © stock.adobe.com/ricka_kinamoto 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 1Enhanced security for your food production With ifm you can monitor and control your hygienic production processes in a precise and, thanks to IO-Link, even more comprehensive and convenient way: The new TCC tempera- ture sensor with integrated Calibration Check Technology continuously validates the measured value and protects the production process and product quality in equal measure. The LMT level switch works reliably even in highly viscous, sticky and foaming products . It UKORN[KIPQTGUDWKNFWR6JGHWNNOGVCNRTGUUWTGUGPUQT2/KUVJGYQTNFoUƂTUVJ[IKGPKECNN[ approved (3A and EHEDG) sensor with G1/2”process connection and ceramic-capacitive OGCUWTKPIEGNN6JKUGPCDNGUITGCVN[UKORNKƂGFCPFEQUVGHHGEVKXGEQPPGEVKQPVQUOCNN FKCOGVGTRKRGYQTM6JGEQORCEV.&.EQPFWEVKXKV[UGPUQTUJGNR[QWVQGUVCDNKUJGHƂEKGPV CIP- cleaning and increase the availability of your system. ifm - close to you! An unbeatable team! ifm.com/uk ifm.com/uk Go ifmonline Go ifmonline years W A R R A N T Y o n i f mp r o d u c t s 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 26 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Granarolo acquires 51% of start- up White & Seeds Granarolo has acquired a majority stake in White & Seeds, an innovative start-up founded due to the intuition of Alessandro Ghizzardi and Federica Zanaglio. These two young people, driven by their strong passion for fitness and taste, and a special attentiveness to nutritional balance, decided to set up a company at the beginning of 2019 to promote protein products for athletes on the Italian market. These include both dairy products such as yoghurt, breakfast products and snacks such as muesli, snack bars, porridge, spreads that are complementary to the dairy market. The agreement involves the acquisition of 51% of White & Seeds shares by Granarolo, with the possibility of reaching 100% in the next few years. The founders had a clear objective right from the very beginning: to create a brand that offered healthy foods to an “extended” sports target market, made with selected ingredients, with careful research in order to achieve an excellent taste, special attention to nutritional value and a ready-to-eat format. Emerging vegan businesses to get an investment boost from Seedrs and Vevolution Seedrs, the private investment platform, and Vevolution, the global investment marketplace for plant-based and cell-ag fundraising opportunities, have revealed a new partnership to increase investment in plant-based and cell-based businesses. Both platforms have long supported Europe’s $1.3bn (and growing) vegan market. Seedrs previous successful campaigns include Allplants (£4.5m), The Vegan Kind (£600k), THIS (£4.4m). In 2021 alone, Vevolution facilitated partial or full funding into 25 startups including MeliBio, Evo Foods, Jellatech, Opalia, and more. This new partnership expands the investment opportunities open to startups in the plant-based and cell-based economy who are meeting the needs of increasingly socially conscientious consumers. As part of the new agreement, plant-based businesses will be able to use Vevolution’s network to source lead investors as well as have the opportunity to tap into Seedrs’ strong investment community for equity crowdfunding, allowing them to build a more diverse investor base as they grow. © stock.adobe.com/ASDF © stock.adobe.com/nata_vkusidey 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 3Food & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net appointments Tim Cox joins Flexicon Europe Tim Cox has joined Flexicon Europe as regional applications engineer, it was announced by Keith Bourton, Managing Director. “Adding a seasoned professional of Tim’s calibre will benefit Flexicon’s UK customers across the food, pharmaceutical, mineral, plastics and chemical industries,” says Mr. Bourton, adding, “Tim will spearhead sales in the north of the UK, helping our customers find the best bulk handling solutions for their applications; and will have access to the combined experience of over 25,000 installations of Flexicon equipment and engineered systems worldwide.” Flexicon is a world leading manufacturer of flexible screw conveyors; tubular cable conveyors; pneumatic conveying systems; bulk bag fillers, unloaders and conditioners; box, drum and container tippers; manual dumping stations; weigh batching systems; and automated plant- wide bulk handling systems. In addition to their Whitstable, Kent, England location, Flexicon Europe maintain factory-direct sales offices in France, Germany and Spain. Parent company Flexicon Corporation of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA, also own and operate manufacturing facilities in the US, South Africa and Australia, the latter of which maintain factory-direct sales offices in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland promotes Rachel Sheldon to new sustainability and innovation manager role Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland (GPUK) has promoted Rachel Sheldon to a new role as sustainability and innovation manager. “Appointing Rachel to this role will help steer GPUK towards our strategic objectives,” says sales director Julie Eller. “Rachel has been with the business for 13 years in a market development role, and will now lead the sales and promotion of GPUK in sustainable and innovative product solutions in the marketplace with existing and new customers in the dairy sector and beyond. “As sustainability and innovation manager, Rachel will be working with many stakeholders in Greiner Packaging, in industry, in retail, and more – building relationships and gaining up to date information which will help to drive the growth of our business.” 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 4Cargill to build new soybean processing facility Cargill has unveiled plans to build a new soybean processing facility located in Pemiscot County, Mo. near Hayti and Caruthersville to support growing domestic and global demand for oilseeds driven by food, feed and fuel markets. The facility will be the first of its kind for Southeast Missouri with an annual production capacity of 62 million bushels of soybeans. Cargill anticipates breaking ground on the project early next year with plans to be operational in 2026. The new facility will add approximately 45 full-time positions to the region when complete. “Cargill’s new facility, with its location on the Mississippi river, will operate year-round and provide farmers opportunity to take advantage of increased domestic demand versus relying solely on seasonal exports,” said Tim Coppage, regional commercial lead, Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America. “Access to both river and rail will provide more flexibility and market access for farmers.” New partnership underlines Ishida’s dedication to food safety design Ishida Europe has underlined its longstanding focus on food safety design by joining the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG). The EHEDG represents over 750 food manufacturers, research bodies and public health authorities across Europe and beyond. Its mission is to raise awareness of hygienic design and engineering, develop guidance and solutions, provide a platform to promote its expertise and facilitate networking across the world. “We share a common goal with the EHEDG in advancing safety and hygiene standards across the food processing and packaging industry,” said Neil Wightley, Ishida Europe Business Manager EMEA – Multihead Weighers. “Hygiene and easy cleaning have always been central to our machine design. The additional insight and knowledge gained through our membership of EHDEG will strengthen this further, helping our customers operate to the highest hygiene standards and meet all relevant legislative requirements.” 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Karro launches new initiative to support British farmers Pork processor, Karro Food Group, has launched a major new initiative to support British farmers. The ‘I Love’ campaign will see the company pledge that 5p for every branded pack sold through retailers will be passed onto independent British farmers. Offering bacon, ham and gammon, the ‘I Love’ products offer consumers pork options whilst also supporting Karro’s farming supply chain. The campaign has been launched following a difficult period for pork producers, driven by record high costs of production, the backlog of pigs on farms, retail demand and high feed costs. The campaign, which is already live in stores, will see the total amount generated for farmers calculated on a weekly basis based on the number of I Love branded packs sold. At the end of every four-week period the total amount in the fund will be divided between the total number of Red Tractor pigs processed during that period and split between qualifying supplying farmers. Munters dehumidifiers help Fairfax London create the best possible premium dry aged beef Munters, global leaders in dehumidification and indoor climate control, has supplied three MLT800 desiccant dehumidifiers to Fairfax London to create the optimal relative humidity levels for their meat maturation rooms. “When we designed this depot, our focus was to have a state-of-the-art maturation facility with a Himalayan salt wall. This would enable us to create the best possible premium dry-aged beef,” says Rob Shears, head of sales at Fairfax London. Munters recommended an MLT800 desiccant dehumidifier to dry age the beef in what became the first of three maturation rooms. “Each customer has their own, unique set of requirements to create their perfect climate, and here we suggested somewhere between 0-2°C, and between 50-80% relative humidity,” says Glen Wilson, senior sales engineer for Munters. Less than six months later, demand for the dry- age beef had doubled and the maturation room was filling up. This substantial growth was attributed to the superior quality of the meat, and the precise conditions in which it is aged – thanks to the Munters desiccant dehumidifier. © stock.adobe.com/Popova Olga Koa raises $10m to build Africa’s largest cocoa fruit factory Swiss-Ghanaian start- up Koa has secured $10 million growth capital to accelerate its disruptive upcycling business around the cocoa fruit. The investments will allow Koa to scale its production capabilities tenfold and thereby allowing the company to cooperate with an additional 10,000 cocoa smallholders in Ghana. Koa has announced the completion of its Series A equity round as well as the closing of additional senior and junior ranking debt for a total of $10 million of financing from both institutional and private investors. “We are excited that we won strong and reputable partners for the further growth of our business. It shows that our way of responsibly doing business and our value proposition are meeting the pulse of the time. With these investments, we will be setting up Africa’s largest cocoa pulp processing plant in West Africa which is the world’s largest cocoa growing region,” Benjamin Kuschnik, co- founder and group finance director of Koa, says. © stock.adobe.com/iprachenko 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 5Wall’s Pastry showcases fresh look with two new pickle products THE UK’s number one sausage roll brand Wall’s Pastry has paired its family-favourite rolls with a hit of tangy pickle in two new products. Having launched into Asda on Wednesday 11 May, the Pork and Pickle Sausage Rolls and Cheddar and Pickle Cheese Rolls will offer hungry shoppers something different in the savoury snacking category. Bringing something new to the sausage roll category, the rolls introduce a tangy pickle flavouring as the perfect partner to a succulent pork and a sumptuous flaky pastry. The rolls are available in packs of four and will cost £1.75. Vegetarian customers can also shop with a smile, with the Cheddar and Pickle Cheese Rolls expected to become a meat-free favourite, ready to hit shelves during the summer season. Jason Manley, head of marketing for Wall’s Pastry, said: “We’re delighted to bring a new taste into the category. Pork, cheese and pickle have long been flavours that pair beautifully together so we’re excited to be bringing this to consumers with our two new products.” on the shelf UK’s first plant-based gut health yoghurt range launched by The Coconut Collaborative The Coconut Collab – a small British company creating delicious, plant-based yogs and puds using the humble coconut – is delighted to announce that it has launched the UK’s first plant-based yoghurt range dedicated to promoting better gut health. The new Gut Health, Cultured Coconut Yog range launched into Sainsbury’s stores nationwide on 8th May 2022. Research shows that over 90% of serotonin receptors are found in our stomachs – meaning a healthy tummy can help stimulate a release of our happy hormones. With this in mind, The Coconut Collab set out to create a range to aid overall gut health, and in turn help towards supporting a happier mind. Each yog is packed with billions of live and active bacteria, essential for sustaining a diverse gut microbiome. The yogs also contain prebiotic fibre, calcium and vitamins D, B6 and B12, all of which promote a healthy digestive and immune system. Huel launches plant- based Bolognese Huel’s brand-new 100% nutritionally complete, plant-based Pasta Bolognese now means you can enjoy the comfort of healthy home cooking in a matter of minutes. Huel Pasta Bolognese is made with real penne pasta in a rich and delicious tomato sauce, with both authentic flavour and real nutrition in mind. At just £2.66 per meal and 400kcal a serving, Huel Pasta Bolognese is a healthier, modern twist on the everyday classic made easier. Perfect as a convenient lunch or dinner, you can rustle up this innovative take on a Brit family favourite in just 5 minutes with 200ml of boiling water. The new product is both cost-effective and time-efficient, ideal for those with busy schedules who crave the hearty indulgence of classic Italian food, with complete nutrition guaranteed. Including 25 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Huel Pasta Bolognese is suitable for vegans and is a great source of fibre. It’s a plant- based Bolognese that actually tastes like Bolognese, ensuring not to compromise on flavour or texture while providing your body with the 26 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Burleighs Gin is “tickled pink” with its latest launch Burleighs Gin has introduced a new flavour to its range of artisan gins, perfect for sipping in the spring and summer sun. The Raspberry Edition Gin is the distillery’s first flavoured gin, a new departure for the Nanpantan-based business. Produced by steeping Burleighs award-winning signature gin recipe in raspberries and peaches - the blush- coloured drink is a fresh and fruity yet delicate gin which is delicious on its own with a tonic, or as a base for cocktails. The new gin expands Burleighs’ core range to eight bottles and offers gin fans on-trend flavours and a vibrant colour. For the perfect serve Burleighs recommends accompanying 50ml of Raspberry Edition Gin with premium tonic, plenty of ice, fresh or frozen raspberries and a spring of mint. Don Papa Rum release Father’s Day canister to support conservation efforts on island home Don Papa Rum, the premium single island rum, has unveiled its limited edition ‘Secrets of Sugarlandia’ gift canister for Father’s Day 2022, launched to raise awareness and support key conservation efforts on its island home of Negros Occidental, known locally as Sugarlandia. Available from June 2022, the ‘Secrets of Sugarlandia’ canister is a mesmerizing tropical visual feat, encapsulating the rich, lush flora and fauna found on the island, and some of its critically endangered species. A percentage of the canister sales will go to support the important conservation work of key organisations on the island including the Talarak Foundation and the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation. The canister, which holds the Don Papa Rum 7- year-old blend, renowned for its long, rich- textured finish and flavours of vanilla, honey and fruit cake, features a QR Code scan link to learn more about the initiatives set up by Don Papa to protect the island and its creatures. 04-09.qxp_Layout 1 27/05/2022 15:09 Page 6Next >