Innovating for efficiency Innovating for efficiency INTERNATIONAL Sustainable packaging Warehousing and distribution Temperature control Trusted by professiona hygienicfurnitureand Leading the w , Tals worldwideeeknomek provi equipmenttailoredtothehigh way in hygienic des des hest sign hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the high industry standards. •High quality materials •Innovative designs •Bespoke and customised solutions Visit our website at teknomek.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1603 249 663 today! Contents June 2025 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 BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Q&A10 Food & Drink International speaks with Natasha Curtin, Global VP at BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, about the iconic brand’s new campaign, “Step Into The Blue.” Import and export12 With progress announced in quick succession on a trio of trade deals, the UK is striving to turn the tide on its dropping exports. Temperature control spotlight15 For high-volume chilled food manufacturers, maintaining exact temperatures during production isn’t just best practice but a fundamental necessity for safety, quality, and avoiding costly errors. Processing, control and automation 18 Beyond cost savings and labour solutions, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as the core technology driving a transformative wave of efficiency, quality, and sustainability across the food manufacturing landscape. Sustainable packaging24 For the food and drink sector, the shift towards environmentally sound packaging is no longer optional. Group Editor: Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor: Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor’s PA: Angela Sharman (a.sharman@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales Director: Teri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales: Angela Cooper (a.cooper@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/janzwolinski • Top: stock.adobe.com/panuwat • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ pkproject • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ somchai20162516 Flow measurement and control29 Accurate flow measurement is now central to maintaining consistency, quality, and efficiency in food and drink production, helping manufacturers meet consumer expectations and sustainability goals. Snack foods and ready meals 32 As consumer demands shift toward health, sustainability, and quality, biotech innovations and advanced manufacturing are transforming the snack and ready meal industry from the inside out. Warehousing and distribution 36 Warehouses are becoming the subject of optimisation and innovation as demand swells in the fast-paced food industry. Food Matters Live 40 Exclusive content, insights and opportunities for R&D, technical and innovation leaders. London Packaging Week 41 15 years of impact at London Packaging Week. Events 42 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 46WMH teams up with BETAVAC to serve UK & Europe WMH has been appointed as the official UK and European sales and service distributor for BETAVAC, the renowned brand specialising in vacuum sealing machines tailored for the cheese and dairy industry. For over a decade, WMH has been providing spares and maintenance services for BETAVAC machines on behalf of Cremfields. Their expertise in this area complements their bespoke manufacturing capabilities, enabling them to offer comprehensive solutions to their clients. With nearly 50 years of experience serving the Food and Pharmaceutical industries, WMH has established itself as a trusted name in manufacturing and support services. Recognising the critical nature of uninterrupted production, WMH takes pride in offering a wide range of services to ensure customers’ operations run smoothly, 24/7. This includes annual planned maintenance service programmes tailored to BETAVAC machines, as well as rapid-response support for unplanned spares and breakdown situations. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news BOMBAY SAPPHIRE invites the world to ‘Step Into The Blue’ BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has unveiled Step Into The Blue — a new campaign, inspired by the signature hue of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE bottle, that invites people to immerse themselves in a beautiful, blue world and celebrates the brand’s role in bringing the beauty of the moment to life. Step Into The Blue involves an integrated 360° marketing campaign across key markets including Western Europe, North America, and Australia — spanning advertising, social media, experiential activations, influencer partnerships, and brand collaborations. At the heart of Step Into The Blue is a striking new advertising campaign that captures the essence of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE experience: a perfectly chilled BOMBAY SAPPHIRE & Tonic savoured against a backdrop of nature’s most splendid blues, whether that’s a rooftop overlooking the city or by a shimmering sea. The images evoke a rich, multisensory moment — the clink of ice, the burst of citrus aroma, and the vibrant, refreshing taste of every sip. At a time when consumers are seeking lighter, brighter, and more elevated experiences (IWSR 2024 Report), BOMBAY SAPPHIRE offers a beautiful invitation to pause, engage, and lean into an experience or moment. Prism eLogistics keeps Sneak Energy’s fulfilment flowing Third-party logistics provider, Prism eLogistics’ fulfilment, distribution, and innovative shrink sleeving solutions are playing a key role in supporting the rapid growth of UK-based drinks brand, Sneak Energy. Since partnering last year, Prism has shipped over 2.2 million cans of Sneak Energy’s drinks, amounting to more than 2,000 pallets and fulfilling over 32,000 orders across 47 countries. The partnership began as a response to Sneak’s need for a fast and scalable solution for their carbonated cans as they expanded into retail. Through a long-standing relationship with Sneak’s Senior Leadership Team, Prism was able to step in and offer the flexibility and agility required to keep up with the brand’s fast-paced growth. Initially focused on deliveries to smaller outlets, the collaboration quickly expanded to include direct-to-store and event fulfilment. With Sneak planning to bring its EU fulfilment back to the UK, Prism’s efficient and cost-effective logistics offering emerged as the preferred solution for the next stage of growth. Sneak’s product range now includes a variety of flavours, with Prism’s two high-speed sleeving lines helping to meet increasing demand. For more information visit https://www.prismelogistics.co.uk/ Colbert Packaging enhances quality and efficiency with LearyVIEW Print Solution powered by EyeC Colbert Packaging has invested in a robust solution to ensure defect-free shipments, improve operational efficiency, and maintain compliance with industry standards. The company has integrated the LearyVIEW Print Solution, powered by EyeC and W. H. Leary, into its production processes, transforming its quality control, efficiency, and market positioning. Colbert Packaging sought a vision system that could detect and eliminate defective products before shipment, prevent costly returns from overseas customers, meet stringent industry requirements for defect scanning and serialization, improve operational efficiency through automation, and give them an advantage in the packaging market. Colbert Packaging partnered with W. H. Leary to implement the LearyVIEW Print Solution due to its seamless integration with existing Leary gluing systems, technologically advanced defect detection technology powered by EyeC’s 100% inspection system, compact size, requiring only 18 inches of additional space versus other solutions needing 6-8 feet, strong technical support from both W. H. Leary and EyeC, and ease of installation. www.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 2025 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk INTERNATIONAL INTERN NATION AL chal Ope lle tin l dchilled dcosur rFoozen and c fooods Caps and cl ain y upplS lyy cha spotlight INTERN NATI O N AL Sustainabl e pack kaging ngand n e practic Sustainab r W a eehousin distribution b distribution ution e tur e contr o l practices emperTe aatur spotlight INTERN NATI O N Neewws hallenge Up to the Col c INTERN NATI O N AL I nno G re o v a ti nmena d I En vir onmen spotlight Contr ool and Impor rt and aut omation xpor d rt ation MINIMUM COST…MAXIMUM IMPACT! www.fdiforum.net Burts introduces new packaging made from 55% recycled plastic Snack maker, Burts, is launching new packaging for its crisp packets made from 55% recycled plastic. Using recycled post-consumer (PCR) material to create the more environmentally friendly packets, Burts will be rolling out the new packaging across a selection of its favourite flavours and pack sizes of 40g and 150g from June 2025 – including flavours such as Mature Cheddar & Onion, Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar and Devon Roast Beef. The updated packs will also feature a green flash to indicate the use of recycled plastic in the packaging. The new packaging is set to save approximately 8,000 tonnes of virgin plastic as PCR recycles used consumer materials that have met their intended end use and is mixed with virgin resin to create packaging that uses less plastic than before. Rikin Lakhani, managing director, Europe Snacks said: “Over the past few years, we’ve carefully considered the different ways we can move to a more environmentally friendly packaging while keeping the same high-quality hand- cooked chips our customers know and love.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Shaking up the summer drink menu with SHOTT The new SHOTT Summer 2025 Recipe Collection features delicious, easy to prep recipes incorporating SHOTT ‘super concentrate’ real fruit based syrups that capture the sun kissed flavours of summer. “It’s all about the experience,” says Louis Dobson for SHOTT. “Consumers are moving away from traditional cappuccinos and gin and tonics, to more unusual, hand crafted beverages served though the day. “Our new Recipe Collection caters for different palates seeking new taste experiences, appeals to all generations and fills the around the clock trading gaps with enticing profit boosting coolers; lemonades; iced Matcha; iced coffee; milkshakes and ENERGY drinks which customers will love.” Mango Iced Matcha Add 2g of Matcha to 50ml of water (80 degrees) Add 30ml Shott Mango syrup into a glass Fill ¾ of the glass with ice Add milk (or alternative) to the ¾ line Top up with the Matcha mix and serve Scan the QR code to download the SHOTT Summer Recipe Collection 2025. For further information contact Louis Dobson on 77746 77660 or louis@shott.co.nz or visit www.shottbeverages.com Cranswick acquires sausage manufacturer Blakemans, the manufacturers of sausages for the foodservice industry, has been sold to food producer Cranswick. Blakemans is a family business that has been manufacturing specialist raw and cooked sausage and meat products for over 70 years. The business, which employs a total workforce of approximately 290, has a particularly strong foothold in the UK foodservice market and is a leading supplier of sausages to UK fish and chip shops; and also supplies products to leading manufacturers of prepared meals. The acquisition is complementary to Cranswick’s existing added-value gourmet business, adding capacity in raw and cooked sausage production whilst enabling efficient supply into the foodservice market. Founding family members, and current CEO and finance director of Blakemans, Philip Blakeman and Susan Cope, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to become part of the Cranswick business. The two businesses compliment each other in so many ways and we also look forward to working with the management at Cranswick to continue producing quality products into the foodservice sector.” £6m invested in sustainability makeover for Lucozade Energy Lucozade producer Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) has invested £6.3 million in a major packaging redesign for Lucozade Energy bottles, significantly reducing plastic use and supporting the efficient recycling of its bottles. Lucozade Energy bottles will now feature a half sleeve that covers 50% of the bottle height compared to previous full-length sleeves. This results in a 60% reduction in the total sleeve weight, removing 956 tonnes of new plastic per year. The changes also reduce water use during production, equivalent to an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 289 days. The project involved installing new sleevers with the latest technology across three different production lines in SBF GB&I’s factory in Coleford. Karl Ottomar, supply chain director, SBF GB&I, said: “As one of the biggest energy brands in the UK, producing over 3,000 bottles of Lucozade Energy per minute, this has been a complex and large-scale change for our factory. “While reducing a drink’s sleeve size may sound simple, it has required a full redesign of the bottle and complete change in componentry on our production lines. The team have dedicated thousands of hours to plan and then successfully implement the changes on our lines and I’m so proud of their incredible commitment to this project and helping us meet our sustainability goals.” © stock.adobe.com/Szasz-Fabian JozsefFood & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net news krones.com drinktec 2025 Digital solutions for sustainable performance From user-friendly analytical tools and intelligent operator prompting right through to AI-based concepts: Our digital services help you keep on top of complex processes and optimise both costs and output while also saving valuable resources. FDA approves CRISPR-edited pigs for human consumption The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved gene-edited pigs for human consumption, marking a significant development in the biotech sector. The pigs, developed by UK-based biotechnology company PIC, have been genetically modified using CRISPR to resist porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a viral infection that has a major impact on the global pork industry. PRRS, which causes significant losses to the pig farming industry due to reproductive failure and high mortality rates in young pigs, is estimated to cost the U.S. pork industry around $560 million annually. PIC’s gene-editing technique targets a receptor on pig cells that the PRRS virus typically hijacks to cause infection, providing the pigs with resistance to almost all known strains of the virus. The approval granted by the FDA allows PIC to produce these gene-edited pigs on a commercial scale, with the genetic modification being passed down to future generations. The pigs are genetically identical to their unmodified counterparts in terms of taste and safety. © stock.adobe.com/Aleksey Sagitov Artisanal gelato and pastry ingredients company, Casa Optima to be sold to private investment firm Charterhouse Capital Partners has entered into an agreement to sell Casa Optima, a global player in the artisanal gelato and pastry ingredients market, to a group of investors led by private investment firm Terlos. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Rimini, Northern Italy, Casa Optima serves over 30,000 gelato shops and 6,000 pastry shops in over 150 countries worldwide. The company has a portfolio of premium ingredients for artisanal gelato, pastry and beverages, developed in manufacturing facilities in Italy and Brazil. In partnership with Charterhouse since 2016, Casa Optima has pursued a transformational growth journey to expand and professionalise its offering. This has included widening its product offering through organic and inorganic growth opportunities, notably the strategic acquisitions of Modecor, Giuso, Pernigotti Maestri Gelatieri Italiani and Blend, and accelerating innovation through investment in R&D. © stock.adobe.com/Digihelionofi opens soluble coffee facility in Brazil ofi has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art soluble coffee facility in Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The strategic investment strengthens ofi’s position as a top 3 independent producer in the growing global soluble coffee market, projected to reach $52.2 billion by 2031, while creating significant economic impact in Brazil’s premier coffee-growing region. Located in the heart of Brazil’s Conilon coffee region, the Linhares facility transforms coffee beans sourced from ofi’s coffee units across Brazil into premium soluble products. Serving a global network of customers, the Linhares site has two complete lines of freeze- dried and spray-dried instant coffee, thereby maximizing output and material efficiency. “This inauguration represents a triple win – for local communities, for our customers, and for the environment,” said Vivek Verma, ofi’s managing director & CEO, coffee. “By processing coffee at the source, we’re strengthening our integrated supply chain and farmer partnerships to deliver traceable, sustainable soluble coffee products to our customers. “A strengthened innovation infrastructure focusing on value-added coffee products will build growth opportunities in South and North America, while also serving consumption markets in Europe and Asia. I would like to thank the Espírito Santo state government for establishing an enabling business environment.” Sustainability is built into the Linhares operation, in line with ofi’s “Choices for Change” strategy. It is powered by 100% renewable electricity and biomass boilers that convert coffee production waste into energy, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of ofi and its customers. The facility features cutting-edge technology for producing diverse soluble coffee products, with a state-of-the-art Freeze Dryer that uses energy-efficient methods. It also incorporates ofi’s new soluble coffee innovation center, building on an integrated global network of 19 innovation centers – across ofi’s portfolio of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices. Pepsico invests in sustainability at Leicester factory PepsiCo has installed three electric ovens at its site in Leicester, following the recent completion of a £58 million investment in the factory. It means snacks including Wotsits, Monster Munch, Frazzles, Chipsticks and Cheetos, are now cooked using ovens powered by 100% renewable electricity. As part of the upgrade, PepsiCo has installed two new electric ovens and converted its previously gas-powered oven to now run on electric. Switching to these new electric ovens will help reduce the Leicester site’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year. The oven upgrades are the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives at PepsiCo’s UK sites as the company continues work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, PepsiCo replaced elements of the existing manufacturing line for Doritos in Coventry with new equipment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 700 tonnes a year and invested in new, more efficient fryers at Brigg, the home of Pipers Crisps. 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Valio to invest €30m in cheese maturation warehouse and automation Valio is investing €30m in a new cheese maturation warehouse to be built at its Joensuu production plant. Construction work on the warehouse expansion, to be built adjacent to the production plant, will start immediately and will be completed by the end of 2027. The investment covers the construction of the Valio Joensuu production plant’s maturation warehouse expansion and automation of its operations. At the same time, the old maturation warehouse will be renovated to accommodate the production lines being relocated from the Vantaa production plant. Cheese slicing and grating, as well as processed cheese production, are being relocated from Vantaa to Joensuu. The investment is part of Valio’s plans to gradually move production from the Vantaa plant to Joensuu during 2025-2027. Joensuu plant director Petri Liukka said: “The expansion will create a total of about one hundred new jobs at the Joensuu production plant within a couple of years. New positions will be created as the new production lines and facilities are gradually taken into use.” Two hundred year old brewing company turns to solar to power its pints Independent UK brewery, T&R Theakston has received funding for the installation of solar panels to provide energy to the near 200-year-old business. South facing buildings within the Theakston brewery site in Masham have undergone a transformation, with the addition of 205 solar panels, which will produce 25% of the brewery’s annual energy requirement. It follows a number of capital investment projects by Theakston’s over the last 12 months which have sought to ensure the historic brewery is able to continue producing high quality beers and offering tours of its facilities as it prepares to enter its third century in 2027. Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston’s, said: “From our use of traditional wooden casks for Old Peculier and all our other casks, which are collected, cleaned and reused every day to now being able to produce our own energy, we are committed to evolving in ways which will make our business and our industry more sustainable.” © ValioMontezuma’s launch Neapolitan Ice Cream Truffles In the spirit of Summer, Montezuma’s has launched its most playful creation yet to remind you of endless hours of summer fun: the Neapolitan Ice Cream Truffles. Inspired by the classic ice cream trio of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, these cheeky bite-sized truffles have three decadent layers - bringing you a scoop of sunshine wherever you’re enjoying them. Bringing a smile to your face with every bite, this classic flavour combination will whisk your mind away to a sunnier place! The irresistible truffles combine a smooth white chocolate shell infused with Madagascan vanilla and a smooth strawberry ganache centre coated with a generous dusting of milk chocolate shavings. Available in a vibrant, ice-cream parlour inspired box of nine, the Neapolitan Ice Cream Truffles are the perfect gift to bring to a summer party, share at a barbeque or enjoy at endless summer soirées. Small Beer Brew Co. doubles retail distribution with UK launch of 4-packs Small Beer, the UK’s original mid-strength brewer, is launching its first-ever 4-pack offering in the UK, available exclusively in Marks & Spencer (M&S). The new product launch will feature Small Beer’s popular Lager (2.1% ABV) and Hazy (2.6% ABV) beers in convenient 4-packs, bringing the brand’s brews to 450 M&S locations across the UK. The new partnership with M&S will more than double Small Beer’s existing retail distribution in the UK, making mid-strength beer more accessible to customers than ever before. The collaboration aims to meet the growing demand for more balanced drinking choices offering a grab and go option for mid-week enjoyment. With M&S’s reach, Small Beer will tap into a broader convenience market, catering to a modern drinker looking for a great tasting beer that is more aligned to their lifestyle. on the shelf Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Swizzels launches HFSS-compliant Squashies in sour and tropical flavours British sweet maker Swizzels has launched two brand new products - Squashies Tropical and Squashies Sour Shooting Stars. Landing on shelves in time for summer, the new additions to the Squashies lineup reflect the rising popularity of sour and tropical flavours. Squashies Tropical feature fun parrot, pineapple and watermelon shapes in the fruity flavours of mango & passionfruit, pineapple and watermelon. Squashies Sour Shooting Stars feature the tempting sour flavour combinations of pink lemonade, starfruit & peach and cola lime in cute shooting star shapes, perfect for shoppers seeking a refreshing treat. In response to the increasing consumer demand for healthier, lower-sugar products, both the Sour Shooting Stars and Squashies Tropical are HFSS-compliant, for shoppers seeking a treat that is lower in sugar but doesn’t compromise on taste. The new hanging bags come in bright, eye-catching packaging to stand out on shelves and catch shoppers’ attention. With an RRP of £1.15, the new Squashies are available to retailers now. Squashies Tropical will also be available in PMP format to help retailers drive sales, encourage impulse purchases and build trust, price confidence and shopper loyalty. Clare Newton, trade & shopper marketing manager at Swizzels, said: “The iconic Squashies range is set to get even more exciting with the addition of bold new shapes and flavours which are sure to make an impact. “Reflecting consumer trends, including the rising popularity of sour and tropical flavours, Squashies Tropical and Squashies Sour Shooting Stars retain the unique soft and foamy texture and beloved taste of Squashies whilst appealing to those seeking a HFSS-compliant choice. “These on-trend, delicious treats are set to be a hit with consumers looking for fresh, fun treats this summer.” Good4U launches functional meal toppers for kids Irish health food company Good4U is breaking new ground in the UK with the launch of the first functional meal toppers specifically designed for children aged 3+. This innovative range introduces a new category to the children’s food aisle with a convenient, all-natural boost that delivers essential nutrients to support bone health, immunity, digestion and cognitive development. The range includes three new SKUs designed specifically for growing children: Breakfast Boost, Pasta Boost, and Everyday Boost. These versatile, natural products are designed to be sprinkled over or added to meals, instantly enriching them with essential nutrients, diverse plant ingredients, and kid-friendly flavours. Aimed at busy parents and aligned with Tesco’s mission to provide healthy options for every household, the new range taps into the growing consumer demand for functional snacking and nutritional add-ons. The launch aims to appeal to new family shoppers seeking natural solutions for their children’s health and well-being. Next >