< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net READY MEALS cuisines through ready meals. It is clear a key ready meal trend is developing, with appeal for products that are adventurous. Incorporating unique, international flavours will enable brands to tap into this and attract more consumers. Moreover, consumers are seeking takeaway and restaurant alternatives that are kinder on the purse, yet still a treat, with Kitchen Joy’s debut in Tesco accessing both global cuisine and ‘fakeaway’ trends, with a Thai ready meals range in takeout-inspired packaging. Responding to consumer trends will be essential as performance in the global ready meals market fluctuates. The US prepared meal industry, for example, dipped slightly in 2024, as reported by Mintel, reflecting continued economic caution, whereas China’s ready meal production volume has expanded, with a quarter of Chinese consumers expecting to purchase more in the future. The contrast in part may mark the difference in maturity of the US market, versus China standing in a rapid growth phase. Catching up with China’s leading production role are countries like India, South Korea, Brazil, and Thailand, representing some of the most significant observed Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) for ready meals. It © stock.adobe.com/Piotr Krzeslak illustrates a shift in dynamics, in which ready meals are no longer just a Western demand, with factors such as India’s rapid urbanisation and growing workforce and Thailand’s rise in convenience stores boosting placement of ready meals. With opportunities to tap into and balance convenience, healthy eating, and more adventurous palates, the chance to redefine ready meals is clear, with negative perceptions over nutrition and taste set to be overcome by those who can innovate and position their products as a higher quality offering. Rethinking freshness – when gas flushing isn’t the answer for ready meals Richard Little, Managing Director at Soken Engineering, discusses keeping food-to-go fresh. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is celebrated for extending ready meal shelf life. However, for a significant section of the market, including fresh, same-day serve, and frozen meals, gas flushing isn’t necessary. While MAP excels in inhibiting bacterial growth and oxidation, it introduces complexity and cost for producers. And, for meals intended for immediate consumption or rapid freezing, the benefits are diminished. For example, in hospitals, schools, or cafes that offer grab-and-go options, the priority is immediate quality, convenience, and efficient production, not prolonged shelf-life. A gas flush adds unnecessary time and expense when rapid turnover and consistent quality are key. Ultimately, the choice of sealing technology should align with the product’s intended journey. For many ready meal applications, a simpler and more economical sealing system, such as Soken’s HS55 automatic film and card sealer, which is designed without a gas flush, offers everything required to maintain quality integrity without additional process and costs. Visit https://www.sokenengineering.com/ to find out how Soken can help you find new efficiencies. Food & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net W ithourHalalcertificate,youcansend products,beverages,cosmetics,andconfectionery productsMiddleEast,Malaysia,Indonesia, Türkiye,Singapore,Europe,andtherestoftheworld. W ithourHalalce products,bevera productstothe Türkiye,Singapo ertificate,youcansendmeat,meat ages,cosmetics,andconfectionery MiddleEast,Malaysia,Indonesia, re,Europe,andtherestoftheworld. www.halalfoodauthority.comwwwwwwwwwwh.h.hahahaha.ha.hlalalalallalfooofoofoodadadadaauaudadauaudadttthottrititittttiyyy.cy.cy.cy.cy.cy.cooomom info@@hhhhhalaaaalllllffffffoooooooooddddaaaaauthoriiiiiiitttttttyyyyy.ccccomm 0044(0)208888444444446677112277 WESTERN MECHANICAL HANDLING UK Ready Meal Production Lines Moss Side Industrial Estate, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7SD +44 (0)1579 383788 enquiries@wmh-uk-ltd.com www.wmh-uk-ltd.com • Food-to-go and convenience packs • Counter top and conveyor based machines • Can seal trays AND sandwich/wrap packs • Greener packaging options • Ideal for schools, hospitals and airlines SOKENENGINEERINGISPARTOFTHEJENTONGROUP PACK www.sokenengineering.com01256 892184 SEALSELL For sandwiches, wraps, salad and ready meal packs Quality heat sealing machines Cost effective high speed solutions availableProPak India 3 - 5 September Greater Noida, India ProPak India 2025, now in its 7th edition, continues to be the premier platform for industry decision-makers. Growing each year, it showcases top suppliers, innovative sustainable machinery, live product demonstrations, and exceptional conferences. As India’s leading platform for sourcing cutting-edge packaging materials and processing technologies, ProPak India is designed to address attendees’ needs and enhance production capabilities. Speciality & Fine Food Fair 9 - 10 September London, UK Over the last 26 years Speciality & Fine Food Fair has built up a rich heritage and has become the home of fine food & drink discovery for buyers from across the retail, hospitality, foodservice, manufacturing, import & export, and wholesale sectors. Whether you’re looking for product inspiration for your business, or you’d like to learn the latest trends and insights from Farm Progress Show 26 - 28 August Decatur, USA Designed with farmers and producers in mind, the Farm Progress Show features some of the most innovative technology and products from across the globe. From established brands to unique start-ups, exhibitors bring new ways to make your operation more profitable. Livestock Malaysia 27 - 29 August Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of cutting-edge technologies and industry practices that are shaping the future of livestock. The upcoming 11th edition of Livestock Malaysia will showcase the latest innovations and advancements in feeds, livestock production, meat processing, and meat products, as well as provide an unparalleled platform for industry stakeholders to connect, explore business opportunities, and stay updated on the latest trends. 42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/Igor Labelexpo Europe 16 - 19 September Barcelona, Spain Be immersed in a world of label and package print technology as leading industry suppliers from across the world gather in Barcelona for Labelexpo Europe 2025. Discover the world’s biggest exhibition dedicated to label, flexible packaging and folding carton print and converting technology, a vibrant festival of innovation, precision and imagination. top industry experts, then you’ll uncover the ideas you’re searching for at the Fair. Food Matters Live Rotterdam 23 - 24 September Rotterdam, The Netherlands Food Matters Live is heading to Rotterdam, bringing its unique blend of innovation, insight and ingredient © stock.adobe.com/gumpapaFi South America 26 - 28 August São Paulo, Brazil Fi South America brings local and global tastemakers together at one dedicated event for the food and beverage industries. Gathering food ingredients, health ingredients and natural ingredients together, the event is your best chance to meet your next business partner, mingle with thousands of industry professionals and discover the future of food. Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/ake1150 PPMA Total Show 23 - 25 September Birmingham, UK The PPMA Total Show is the UK’s biggest, free-to-attend processing and packaging machinery event. It brings together leading exhibitors from across industry, showcasing a wide range of the latest innovations and solutions, with expert-led seminars, live demonstrations and exciting networking opportunities. discovery to the heart of Europe’s food and nutrition community. The event is designed for R&D, technical, NPD and innovation professionals working across the food, drink, and nutrition landscape. With more than 750 attendees, 100 expert speakers, and 100 curated sessions, the programme offers a rare opportunity to explore the future of innovation from every angle of the ingredients value chain. Responsible Packaging Expo 30 September - 1 October London, UK The Responsible Packaging Expo is the UK’s leading event for sustainable packaging solutions tailored to the hospitality and foodservice industries. From refillable and reusable formats to recyclable and even edible innovations, this is where the future of responsible packaging takes centre stage. Designed to inspire change and drive industry-wide progress, the expo serves as a powerful platform for conversation, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Whether you’re a restaurant, café, hotel, or food brand, discover the tools and technologies that will help you reduce waste, lower your environmental impact, and align your business with a more circular, sustainable future.FEATURES Machinery and Equipment Spotlight Packaging Materials and Design Loading Bays and Doors Meat, Poultry and Seafood Dust Control Bakery and Confectionery Import and Export EVENT PREVIEWS PPMA Next month in September 2025 - Deadline 13th August INTERNATIONAL Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues?Classified You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Angela Cooper on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net Labels • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels INDEX Online Directory Labels Hygienic Equipment To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory To advertise your services on the Hygienic Equipment Visit our website at teknomek.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1603 249 663 today! 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.46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FoodandDrinkInternational@fdiforum company/fdiforum Once more Food & Drink International provides your ultimate guide to the industry – making sure you’re informed on what’s going on and looking closer at what’s happening. Don’t forget to keep up to date via www.fdiforum.net! Diary Food & Drink Stay in touch with Food & Drink International For more up to the minute information from the food and drink industry, visit Food & Drink International online at www.fdiforum.net. Keep up to date with Food & Drink International, and let us know what you think, by following us on X at @fdiforum, at www.facebook.com/FoodandDrink International or by searching for fdiforum on LinkedIn. August 26 - 28, Fi South America, São Paulo, Brazil 26 - 28, Farm Progress Show, Decatur, USA 27 - 29, Livestock Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia September 3 - 5, ProPak India, Greater Noida, India 9 - 10, Speciality & Fine Food Fair, London, UK 16 - 19, Labelexpo Europe, Barcelona, Spain 23 - 24, Food Matters Live Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands 23 - 25, PPMA Total Show, Birmingham, UK 30 - 1 October, Responsible Packaging Expo, London, UK Online this month… www.fdiforum.net is the best place to go for up-to-date food and drink industry news. Here’s a sneak peek at one of our latest stories. Bladnoch Distillery partners with Maison Villevert in French distribution deal Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, has partnered with premium spirits distributor Maison Villevert to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand in France. As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Cognac-based Maison Villevert to expand the Lowland distillery’s core portfolio into new markets and accounts across France. Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery. 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