Future focus Future focus INTERNATIONAL Import and export Packaging Cold storageContents July 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 Import and export10 With tariff battles escalating and traditional markets under pressure, Canada’s food and drink exporters are rethinking routes, diversifying demand, and adapting supply lines. The country’s strength in processing and net export advantage may not be enough without strategic agility. Health, safety and hygiene spotlight14 In an era of rising regulation and consumer scrutiny, food and drink manufacturers face growing pressure to prove their products are safe, traceable, and honestly labelled. The cost of falling short has never been higher. Packaging 18 With sustainability, flexibility, and compliance driving the agenda, packaging is now a strategic priority. From smart materials to adaptable machinery, food and drink producers are rethinking how products are protected, presented, and processed. Meet the experts22 With “experts” everywhere nowadays, how can a true specialist be found and their experience verified, to ensure they can provide the insight your business needs? 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/Yulia Furman • Top: stock.adobe.com/Anoo • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ pamungkas • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ Vongvilay Cold storage26 As regulations tighten and expectations rise, cold storage is becoming a critical control point. From automation to hygiene-first design, innovation is reshaping how the industry stays cold, clean, and compliant. Engineering and components 30 Faced with tighter timelines, stricter regulations, and rising sustainability demands, food and drink producers are investing in smarter components and modular upgrades. The focus is shifting from wholesale overhauls to targeted engineering that delivers measurable improvements, without disrupting the entire line. The dairy industry 34 As environmental pressures mount, the dairy industry is under scrutiny. From methane reduction to sustainable packaging, producers are racing to adapt, before policy and public opinion leave them behind. Events38 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink Diary 42Drinktec 2025: CCL presents functional solutions for a true circular economy CCL Label, a world leader in specialty label, security and packaging solutions, will present label and packaging solutions at Drinktec 2025 that support a circular economy and reuse schemes. The focus is on developments that can increase recycling rates, enable larger-scale refill systems, reduce CO? emissions – and at the same time help brands stand out on the shelf. With this comprehensive portfolio of functional solutions, CCL Label underlines its role as a partner for brands that want to rethink packaging and actively contribute to a circular economy. Whether for single-use or returnable systems, PET or glass, flexible or rigid packaging – visitors to Drinktec 2025 will find concrete answers to tomorrow’s challenges in the context of EU-wide or global regulations and legislation. Visit CCL Label at Drinktec in Munich from September 15–19, Hall C2, Booth 358. More information can be found at: www.drinktecisback.ccllabel.com. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Kingsmoor Packaging launches new website showcasing innovation, sustainability and its commitment to “Forming a Better Future” Thermoformed packaging specialist, Kingsmoor Packaging, has launched a new website - www.kingsmoorpackaging.co.uk - designed to reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer service. The Somerset-based manufacturer, which supplies high-quality plastic packaging to the food, horticultural, airlines, medical and automotive sectors, has undergone a digital refresh that better aligns with its evolving business and growing customer base. The new site offers enhanced functionality, mobile responsiveness and a more intuitive user experience, with clear sections for products, materials, sustainability and technical support. Designed to cater to both existing customers and new visitors, the website emphasises Kingsmoor’s comprehensive manufacturing capabilities, from concept and design to in-house tooling and production. With a commitment to sustainability woven into every page, the site highlights Kingsmoor’s use of 100% recyclable EPR-supportive materials, which include high levels of post-consumer and post-industrial content, featuring materials such as biodegradable Breakdown-PET and POP (Prevented Ocean Plastic). $15m ‘low and no’ winemaking facility unveiled by Treasury Wine Estates Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has opened a new $15 million in-house facility dedicated to ‘low and no’ alcohol wine production in the Barossa Valley. The new facility features state-of-the-art dealcoholisation technology, complemented by world-first patent pending processes for treating the aromatic component of wine that locks in flavour. It houses customised, exclusive equipment alongside proprietary processes that delicately process the wine’s extracted essence as part of the dealcoholisation process, allowing winemakers to protect the components responsible for the wine’s flavour and fragrance. The system has been designed to overcome challenges with existing processes for removing alcohol from wine that change its chemistry and impact richness, body and ‘mouthfeel’. Treasury Wine Estates chief supply and sustainability officer Kerrin Petty said: “This world- leading facility cements our position as a global pioneer in winemaking. This state-of-the-art technology and proprietary process for de-alcoholisation is our latest step in building a hub of innovation, technology and sustainability in the Barossa Valley, where we’ve been crafting wine to delight consumers for more than a century.” Hardeman Egg Group makes acquisition to create fully integrated leader in UK egg products market The Hardeman Egg Group has acquired Bumble Hole Foods to form a fully integrated leader in the UK egg products market. This strategic move represents a major milestone in the Group’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the UK egg supply chain—enhancing stability, driving innovation, and building long-term resilience across the sector. Founded in 1961, Bumble Hole Foods offers a broad portfolio of egg products, including liquid whole egg, boiled eggs, egg mayonnaise, scrambled egg, and separated whites and yolks. Andrew Hewston, outgoing owner of Bumble Hole Foods, said: “After much reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision to sell Bumble Hole Foods. This business has been an integral part of our family’s life for many years, and what started as a vision has grown into a reality thanks to the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers and suppliers. “As the industry shifts—particularly with the move towards cage-free production, where Hardeman leads—we’re confident this is the right step to secure a sustainable and successful future for the business.” © stock.adobe.com/Sanc/peopleimages.com © stock.adobe.com/romannoru 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! Mondelēz backs tech-led sustainability with fresh global investments Mondelēz International has expanded its Sustainable Futures investment platform with a new round of capital deployed across ag-tech, fintech, and advanced materials sectors, aiming to accelerate scalable solutions around climate resilience, circularity, and community impact. Among its direct investments, the global snacking company is backing Estonia-based eAgronom, which supports regenerative agriculture through a digital platform that offers farmers tools to improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions. Another addition is ZIRO, a fintech venture that targets small retailers with inventory financing, aiming to improve business continuity and sustainability in underserved markets. Also joining the portfolio is Pack2Earth, a materials innovator developing compostable alternatives to flexible plastics. Mondelēz plans to use its products to replace up to 60,000 metric tonnes of plastic packaging by 2028. The company continues to support funds aligned with waste reduction and recycling capacity. Technical support remains a key component of the programme, with Mondelēz providing pilot-scale validation for early-stage technologies, such as SAM- DIMENSION’s AI-based agricultural monitoring. 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Cargill boosts tech investment in Colorado beef plant Cargill is investing nearly $90 million in automation and smart technology at its beef processing facility in Fort Morgan, Colorado, as part of its broader “Factory of the Future” initiative. The investment will roll out over the next several years and is aimed at increasing operational efficiency, maximising yield, and enhancing workplace safety. A key element of the upgrade is the deployment of CarVe, Cargill’s proprietary computer vision system. This patent-pending technology enables the real-time measurement of yield in red meat, allowing frontline managers to make on-the-spot decisions. By optimising cutting techniques and reducing waste, CarVe supports more sustainable and productive protein processing, a critical priority as U.S. cattle supplies remain constrained. The Fort Morgan site has already received $24 million in tech upgrades since 2021. The latest capital injection underscores Cargill’s commitment to leaner, tech-enabled meat production processes, as demand for efficiency and supply chain resilience intensifies across the industry. Diageo India to acquire NAO Spirits Diageo India (United Spirits Limited) has taken a majority controlling stake in NAO Spirits for $15.2m, with NAO Spirits becoming a subsidiary of the company. Launched in 2017 by Anand Virmani, to bring an Indian botanical infused gin to the world, Nao Spirits is an emerging Indian craft spirits company, with award winning brands ’Greater Than’ and ’Hapusa’. Praveen Someshwar, MD and CEO, Diageo India (USL), said: “Ventures, Diageo India’s investment arm is dedicated to strengthening our portfolio by investing in disruptive alco-bev startups. This allows us to offer consumers a wider array of products that resonate with evolving preferences. “The acquisition of NAO Spirits, a promising portfolio company within our Ventures arm, represents a pivotal step in exploring future growth opportunities in Indian craft spirits. We believe it is the right time to scale up NAO Spirits using Diageo’s expertise, unlocking new avenues for distribution and production. We are excited to welcome Anand into the Diageo family as he continues to lead the NAO Spirits business.” Food and drink manufacturers slash salt and sugar in products by almost a third New data from Kantar Worldpanel shows the result of years of investment made by food and drink manufacturers to slash salt, sugar, and calories from British diets. The Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) members’ products now have around a third less salt (31%) and sugar (30%) and a quarter (24%) fewer calories compared to a decade ago. The ‘Shaping a healthier future through food and drink’ report illustrates the wide variety of food and drink that manufacturers are producing to help people achieve more balanced and varied diets amid busy lifestyles. FDF’s members produce a quarter of all food and drink sold in the UK, from the everyday staples found in kitchen cupboards, fridges and freezers, from oats, yoghurt, tins of beans and frozen vegetables, to ready meals, confectionary and new healthier snacks. In 2024 alone, food and drink manufacturers invested around £180 million in healthier product innovation. This includes modifying recipes to reduce sugar, calories and salt, developing new healthier products and changing portion sizes. While food and drink manufacturers will continue to lead the way, FDF is calling for government to take bold, coordinated action across the whole food system to rethink how we support the shift to healthier diets, building on existing policies. This includes mandatory reporting on the sales of healthier and less healthy products across manufacturing, retail and hospitality. It also means taking a more consistent approach to health policy across the entire food chain. Additionally, with 41% of food and drink manufacturers compelled to scale back investment as they grapple with rising production costs and regulatory pressures, government must open more R&D funding and science support to the food sector to sustain investment in healthier products. © Diageo India © stock.adobe.com/oasisamuel © stock.adobe.com/boonchok © stock.adobe.com/Julia MangaFood & Drink International 7 www.fdiforum.net news Administrators appointed to alternative milk brand Watkins Drinks Limited, trading as Mighty Drinks, the alternative milk brand, has entered administration. Based in Leeds, Mighty Drinks is one of the UK’s fastest growing dairy alternative brands, with its specialist range of pea protein and oat milks. Its products are sold nationwide from supermarkets and health stores. In common with a number of other companies across the plant-based food sector, the company had faced trading headwinds in recent years, including rising costs and the impact of fragile consumer confidence which impacted its ability to scale and ultimately, achieve profitability. In response to these challenges, the directors of the company sought to explore the investment options available to them, but when it became clear that a solvent outcome was not possible, they took steps to file for the appointment of administrators. James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators on 17 June 2025. © stock.adobe.com/Jenifoto Sartori Cheese gobbles up Rumiano Cheese Company Sartori Cheese, a fourth-generation family-owned artisan cheese company, has acquired Rumiano Cheese, a leader in organic cheese and butter. This strategic acquisition brings together two heritage brands. The combined expertise and resources will enhance Sartori’s product offerings and expand its market reach while continuing to honor the traditions and values that both companies hold. “We are thrilled to welcome Rumiano Cheese into the Sartori family,” said Bert Sartori, CEO of Sartori Cheese. “This acquisition aligns with our mission to make the Best Cheese in the World. We look forward to building upon Rumiano’s commitment to their Redwood Coast family farm partners and local community. Rumiano’s dedication to excellence and innovation makes them a perfect fit for our company.” Established in 1919, Rumiano Cheese has built a legacy of producing premium, pasture-raised organic cheese and butter. The integration of Rumiano’s product line will complement Sartori’s existing portfolio, offering consumers a broader selection of artisanal cheeses. © stock.adobe.com/pressmasterCanadian pork and poultry meats processor plans major plant expansion In a $142 million investment, Olymel, the Canadian producer, processor and distributer of pork and poultry meats, is constructing a major expansion of its La Fernandière plant in Trois-Rivières. The start of operations is scheduled for spring 2026. The plant, which manufactures sausages, will expand production to include a wider range of pork and poultry products. It will also be converted into an integrated facility where products can be fully processed and packaged on site, thus reducing the transport of raw materials, better aligning processes, and strengthening the company’s productivity. Yanick Gervais, CEO of Olymel, said: “We’re very proud to announce this major expansion of our Trois-Rivières plant. It’s a big step forward for Olymel. Having this state- of-the-art plant will create new possibilities for expansion and significantly improve our efficiency, which is central to our company’s performance. “The project is perfectly aligned with our strategy of capitalizing on the creation of value-added products made with meat of superior quality that’s produced by local farmers.” Technologies to be employed at the facility include artificial intelligence, a unique industrial battery system, a continuous cooking line, completely autonomous operations (slicing, packaging, boxing and palletizing), and autonomous vehicles. Designed to optimize energy consumption, measures in the project include heat recovery, net-zero water-based cooking, and a heat exchanger to recover heat from wastewater. On-site industrial batteries will be used to store energy and better manage the plant’s power consumption when the grid is at peak demand. The ham cooking systems will utilize closed-circuit water management, which saves much more energy and water. In addition, a primary and secondary water treatment plant will be built on site, along with the necessary retention pond, to manage stormwater runoff. dsm-firmenich breaks ground on production facility for development of flavors and functional blends dsm-firmenich has begun construction on a new production facility in Parma, Italy. Scheduled to be completed in Q1 2027, the new site will significantly expand the company’s capabilities in concentrated powder flavors, reaction flavors, culinary blends, and functional blends – and will create more than 100 jobs. This marks a key milestone in the Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) business unit’s strategy to boost global flavor capacity and invest in advanced, sustainable technologies in high- growth markets such as sweet goods and savory products. The new facility will use the latest technologies to enable the use of liquid flavors in dry blends. dsm-firmenich’s customers will benefit from the facility’s custom-built, ultra-efficient, agile encapsulation process combined with fully automated packaging lines, modern warehouse, sampling, quality control lab, and expanded capacity. The plant will support the production of functional blends, such as flavors for plant-based products and more nutritious ready-to-eat meals. 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Arla Foods invests in Linköping to meet skyr demand Arla Foods is investing EUR 34.5 million in a new skyr production line at its dairy in Linköping, Sweden. The new production line will predominantly produce skyr for the Swedish market where skyr demand has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The interest in skyr is driven by the increasing appetite for high-protein, low-fat products. Executive vice president, supply chain, David Boulanger, said: “I am very happy to announce this great investment that truly ticks all the boxes. “Consumer demand on Skyr is high and growing, our Swedish farmer owners are dedicated to producing with lower carbon footprint and Arla has a specific expertise in turning their milk into high protein, tasty Skyr products. With this investment, we are setting ourselves up to secure future growth on this category.” The new skyr line is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2028. Fairfields Farm scales up with multi-million- pound investment to boost crisp production Fairfields Farm, the crisp producer, is continuing its expansion plans with a major factory investment. The multi-million-pound upgrade includes the installation of a second industrial fryer, boosting weekly crisp output by 40%, alongside a new automated weighing and bagging system to support the increased production volume. The latest investment follows the installation of a similar fryer in 2024, which delivered a 90% uplift in capacity. Together, the upgrades significantly increase Fairfields Farm’s ability to meet rising demand across retail, hospitality and foodservice channels. This expansion caps off a strong year for the business, which reported +38% year-on-year sales for their financial year to July 2024 and is on track to deliver a further 25% year-on-year growth from July 2024 to July 2025. Fairfields Farm’s co-founder Robert Strathern said: “This upgrade is about unlocking the next phase of our growth. As we scale, we’re investing in the systems and infrastructure that will allow us to stay agile and deliver more of what our customers want, without compromising on the values that set us apart.” © Arla Foods © stock.adobe.com/elnariz © stock.adobe.com/alenahDiamond of California expands Snack Nut line with new Snack Pecans Diamond of California is launching Snack Pecans, marking the century-old specialty nut producer’s first-ever exclusively pecan snack offering. The expansion of Diamond’s Snack Nut line features two premier flavors—Sea Salt and Pecan Pie—available now online and on Amazon, with a nationwide in-store rollout planned for this summer. “While pecans have long been associated with the holiday season, their distinctive crunch, naturally buttery taste, and nutritional benefits make them an ideal choice for everyday snacking,” said Rachel Ercole, director of marketing at Diamond of California. “The launch of our first dedicated pecan snack line represents a significant milestone for the brand, especially as pecans are driving growth in the flavored snack nuts category, with a large majority of consumers loving their rich, versatile taste that naturally pairs well with both sweet and savory applications.” Pork Farms launches Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies for Food-to-Go Building on the success of its Medium Size Melton Mowbray Pie, Pork Farms is introducing a new, convenient two-pack format of Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies. This latest launch meets consumer demand for greater variety, portion flexibility and on-the-go convenience, making it easier than ever to enjoy the traditional taste of Melton Mowbray in a smaller, snackable size. The Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies have been designed to provide a branded, premium option for meal deals, while also strengthening Pork Farms’ presence across snacking occasions. Pork Farms is permitted to produce Melton Mowbray pork pies under its Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) status and crafts its pies in the designated region using time- honoured techniques. Each pie is made with uncured, coarsely chopped pork for a rich texture and is combined with hand-formed pastry that is baked free-standing without a mould, with the signature bow shape filled with jelly for added flavour and freshness. on the shelf Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Beyond Belief Brewing Co hops into retail with pasta beer Sustainable craft brewery, Beyond Belief Brewing Co, has secured its first major supermarket listing with Sainsbury’s. The brand’s Zenith Pasta IPA (440ml can, RRP £3.25, 5% ABV) will be available in 400 stores. Born from a collaboration with premium fresh pasta manufacturer, Dell’Ugo, Beyond Belief Brewing Co is tackling food waste by brewing surplus pasta into a range of great tasting sustainable craft beers, which also includes a Pale Ale (4.7% ABV) and Vienna Lager (4.2% ABV). Beyond Belief Brewing Co’s patented brewing process is the first to be created within the industry in 43 years and replaces half of the traditional base malt with surplus pasta. This reduces both food waste and the environmental footprint associated with conventional brewing saving a massive 1.35L of water per litre of beer. The brewery has invested heavily in the innovative, circular economy brewing approach to minimise waste and create a sustainable craft brew. Freddie Ugo, head of brand, said: “We’re excited to bring Zenith Pasta IPA to beer fans nationwide. Today’s consumers expect products that deliver both great taste and environmental responsibility, and this milestone proves we’re meeting that demand. If you’re hesitant about trying pasta beer, rest assured, it won’t add extra carbs to your diet, but it will help reduce food waste and support a more sustainable future – and it tastes great too!” The sustainable craft brewery is now looking to expand its range further, by utilising surplus ingredients from other sectors, such as bakery waste. Early experiments have already led to the creation of Jetsam, a rich Flapjack Stout. Biscuit manufacturer Hill Biscuits unveils a savoury treat A sweet biscuit manufacturer is unveiling Simply Savoury by Hill Biscuits, working in partnership with Cerealto UK, launching its first-ever savoury product in the company’s 170-year history. Manchester-based Hill Biscuits introduces a classic cream cracker to the market in direct response to growing consumer demand for quality, value-for-money savoury options and an evolving snacking market. “Following our acquisition by Cerealto in July 2024, we recognised an opportunity to diversify our product range as Cerealto UK already manufactures a wide range of sweet biscuits and savoury products,” said Brendon Ward-Banner, CEO of Cerealto UK. “Entering the savoury category in biscuit baking felt like a natural and exciting progression for the business whilst staying true to our values of quality, tradition and affordability,” added Brendon. The new product launches to the wholesale and food service sectors initially, before becoming available for retailers to stock directly from the manufacturer. © Diamond of California Next >