< Previous10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.neton lineBelt system brings moreefficient freezing with ‘AlcoAsk’ from InterfoodAvailable in the UK and Ireland from Interfood’s Cooking &Cooling/Pasteurisation Division is the Alco ASK, a quick-freeze spiral freezer ideal for the continuous cooling andfreezing of a wide range of products, including meat, seafood,vegetables and fruits. Spiral freezers currently used in the food processing industryconventionally employ a friction drive between the drum and belt, withthe result that products are often displaced or rotated within the spiral system. The Alco ASK spiral freezer has specifically addressed this problem, adopting a patentedDirectDrive-System™ which connects the belt edge directly with the drum to prevent overdriveand belt slip. This technology ensures that product displacement is reduced to almost zero, minimising therisk of product jams. Available in a range of belt widths from 400 – 1,000 mm and working lengths from 100 - 500metres, the modular format allows Interfood to work directly with the customer to ensure thespecifications meet the requirements of a given application. Food makers targetsugar alternatives inpublic health pushRetailers and manufacturers are calling onfood and drink suppliers to help identify sugaralternatives in a bid to improve public health.The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and theFood and Drink Federation (FDF) are invitingingredient manufacturers, product specialistsand researchers to submit details of sugaralternative ingredients and products that mayhelp companies reformulate.The organisations are looking for ingredientsthat will help sugar reduction, whilst enablingcompanies to maintain product quality, taste,product safety and shelf life.The information will be used to create a listfor manufacturers and retailers in order tofurther support sugar reduction efforts acrossthe food and drink industry.The initiative follows the publication ofPublic Health England’s guidelines on sugarreduction and supports the Governmentambition laid out in the Childhood ObesityPlan to reduce sugar by 20%.Those suppliers who produce suitable sugaralternative ingredients are encouraged tocomplete an application form which can befound online.Versatile film scoops sustainability awardThe food protection and preservationcapabilities of X-Hance film from RPC bpiprotec have been acknowledged in a majorsustainability awards programme.X-Hance has been named the winner in the‘Cutting Food Waste’ category of the PackagingEurope Sustainability Awards, which celebrateinnovation and creativity that make significantenvironmental advances across the supplychain.X-Hance is a 100% opaque but still breathablefilm. This eliminates light rays in order to protectproducts, preserve their freshness and quality,and deliver extended shelf life. Equally important the high-impact film can be printed in up to 10colours to enhance brand image and deliver effective point-of-sale promotion.X-Hance has already been adopted by a leading retailer for its potato ranges, preventing thegreen discolouration that occurs when potatoes are subjected to too much light. This is themain reason why an estimated 730,000 tonnes (5.8 million individual potatoes) are thrownaway by households each year. Linx delivers quality coding industy environment The reliability and ability of the LinxIJ355 outer case coder to operate industy conditions have made the printerthe ideal solution for Serbian-basedStrauss Adriatic, part of the internationalStrauss Group and one of the largestcoffee producers in the Balkans.The Linx IJ355 is being used to codeproduction and best before dates ontocases of pre-packed coffee distributedthroughout the region. The coder,supplied by Linx distributor Insignis Ingd.o.o., was selected after a detailedanalysis by Strauss Adriatic of the choiceof models and technologies available andfollowing its excellent performanceduring a one month trial.The Linx IJ355 has been designed to cut production costs whilemaximising line uptime and print quality for the coding of secondarypackaging. Key to its reliable operation in difficult environments is itspatented ReFRESH® system, which maintains premium print quality andavoids wasted ink during print head cleaning. Mars takes majority stake inTasty BiteMars Food is set to acquirePreferred Brands International– the makers of ready-to-heatIndian and Asian productssold under the Tasty Bitebrand.Although Preferred Brandsoperates primarily in NorthAmerica, it also manufacturesproducts sold to retailers inthe UK and Australia – as wellas via foodservice in India.The move was motivatedby the growing popularity ofhealthy convenience products. It also complements Mars’ existingportfolio of ready-to-eat brands, which includes Dolmio and UncleBen’s.Mars said that the deal will expand its all-natural vegetarianofferings in the US. It will also leverage Tasty Bite’s productdevelopment pipeline and strategic ingredients sourcing.Tasty Bite manufactures products out of its Pune, Indiamanufacturing facility and exports the majority of its products tothe US.PHOTO: TASTY BITE© shutterstock/kezza04-12_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:48 Page 70$3$;0RGLILHG$WPRVSKHUH3DFNDJLQJ3UHVHUYHZKDWPDNHV\RXXQLTXH%2&ZLOOKHOS\RXVHOHFWWKHRSWLPDOPL[WXUHIRU\RXUIRRGSURGXFWLQRUGHUWRUHWDLQLWVRULJLQDOWDVWHWH[WXUHDQGDSSHDUDQFHDQGSURYLGHDWDLORUHGVHUYLFHWRVXLW\RXUSURFHVVVLWHDQGHPSOR\HHV:HGHOLYHUDUDQJHRI0$3$;VROXWLRQVGHGLFDWHGWRWKHQHHGVRIWKHIROORZLQJLQGXVWULHV߹%DNHU\DQGGULHGIRRGV߹'DLU\߹)LVKDQGVHDIRRG߹)UXLWVDQGYHJHWDEOHV߹0HDWDQGSRXOWU\߹3UHSDUHGDQGFDWHUHGIRRGV7RILQGRXWPRUHDERXWPRGLILHGDWPRVSKHUHSDFNDJLQJ0$3$;RUWKHIRRGJUDGHJDVHVDQGHTXLSPHQWRIIHUHGE\%2&FDOOXVRQHPDLOXVDWIRRG#ERFFRPRUYLVLWZZZ%2&IRRGFRXN%2&/LPLWHGUHJLVWHUHGRIÀFH7KH3ULHVWOH\&HQWUH3ULHVWOH\5RDG6XUUH\5HVHDUFK3DUN*XLOGIRUG*8;<(QJODQG1XPEHU²(QJOLVK5HJLVWHU$XWKRULVHGDQGUHJXODWHGE\WKH)LQDQFLDO&RQGXFW$XWKRULW\UHJLVWHUQXPEHU%2&LVDWUDGLQJQDPHXVHGE\FRPSDQLHVZLWKLQ7KH/LQGH*URXS7KH%2&ORJRDQGWKH%2&ZRUGDUHWUDGHPDUNVRI/LQGH$*0$3$;LVDQ(8UHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNRI7KH/LQGH*URXS7UDGHPDUNUHJLVWUDWLRQVDQGWKHLUVWDWXVPD\GLIIHUIURPRQHORFDWLRQWRDQRWKHU&RS\ULJKW/LQGH$*REGISTER FOR FREE qq www.lab-innovations.com Lab Innovations is the UK’s only exhibition dedicated to the laboratory industry. This is your opportunity to:• Discover the latest innovations in laboratory technology, biotech and analytical equipment, from over 130 manufacturers and suppliers of laboratory products• Network and build new relationships with key industry peers• Get access to over 30 hours of seminar content designed to discuss the latest hot topics in the industry and delivered by industry experts such as the Royal Society of Chemistry Discovering innovation at the heart of the laboratory industry1 & 2 November 2017NEC, Birmingham04-12_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:48 Page 812 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.neton the shelfWaveGrip combine brand impact withmulti-pack efficiencies WaveGrip has launched its carriers in a choice of different colours, helping beverageproducers to create further on-shelf impact and brand differentiation.The company maintain that its innovation is the “most efficient carrier available” and also themost environmentally-sustainable. WaveGrip applicator technology is easily integrated into the latest packaging equipment andWaveGrip Colours now provides the added benefit of additional brand impact along with thevery latest in multi-packing technology. Initially available in a range of four stock colours – Noir, Tangerine, Envy and Fury – butbespoke colours can also be specified to enable co-ordination with a particular brand or design. In line with all WaveGrip carriers, the new WaveGripColours are value-engineered to be lighter butstronger and use less plastic than any existingsolution, while securely collating cans to therigorous standards required in the retail sector.Naturshot launchesthree flavour fusionsof juicesUK start-up Naturshot has launched a naturaljuice blend showcasing nature’s best superfoodsin epicurean combinations. Naturshot is tapping into consumers’demands for exciting and flavoursome juicecombinations that are refreshing and can beconsumed on-the-go, providing them with a‘Shot of Goodness’.Naturshot comes in convenient 125 ml dosesof pure and nutritious fruit, vegetable, andsuperfood blends that are low in sugar andcalories. Naturshot is set apart by its artfulcombination of nutrients and tastes. It currentlycomes in three flavours: • Matcha Tea Naturshot, which is pepped upwith refreshing mint, nutrient powerhouse kale,and balancing cucumber. It helps to detoxify andinvigorate the body and augment the memory. • Green Tea Naturshot, which is blended withmellow sweet potatoes, earthy parsnip, andzesty ginger, to work towards fortifying theimmune system, lower blood pressure, andimprove cholesterol levels. • Green Coffee Bean Naturshot, which ismixed with vibrant red beet and tangy cherry. Kokoro Gin launchesminiatures Kokoro Gin has launched a miniature bottleof its Japanese-inspired London Dry Gin.Similar to its signature 70cl bottle, theminiatures will be brought to retailers in theUK through specialist spirits agency,Mangrove.Kokoro said the 5cl bottles will also allow itto expands its reach across the UK and tapinto the hotel and catering industries.Kokoro was launched in September 2016, with its first batch selling out in two months.Itscore ingredient – sansho berries – are hand-picked and imported to the UK from the AfanWoodland, a sustainable forest in the Nagano region of Japan.Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, sansho berries have a distinctive pepper flavour with acitrus aftertaste.James Nicol, Managing Director at Forest Spirits, which produces Kokoro Gin, said:“Introducing the miniature bottles will enable us to provide potential stockists with samples, aswell as accommodate the hotel industry and help them fill up their mini bars.”Jamaica Inn Black Ginger Rumlaunches in UKJamaica Inn Black Ginger Rum has beenlaunched into its Cornish heartlands by UK-based premium spirits distributor,Mangrove.The rum is a blend of Jamaican Pot andColumn Stills and is infused with ginger toprovide a bold flavour profile, alongsidenotes of lemongrass and citrus.Ginger is proving increasingly popularwith bartenders, leaving this rum an idealflavour for classic long drinks made withcola or tonic.The brand is inspired the Cornwallcoaching inn built in 1750 and madefamous if Daphne du Maurier’s novel of thesame name.Managing Director Nick Gillet said:“Jamaica Inn is a brand which we arefocussing on building at the forefront of ourMangrove rum portfolio that we will driveinto the growing premium rum market.”The rum has been aged for three years and has an ABV of 40%.Savoury & Sweetscoops Popchipscontract Leicester-based Savoury & Sweet hasbeen awarded the Popchips contractfor a major new launch taking place inthe UK later this year. The new product for the UK’s fastestgrowing snack brand will havesignificant marketing investment behindit and is a highly innovative air poppedsnack in several flavours designed toappeal to customers across a wide agerange.Savoury & Sweet moved into its newstate-of-the-art factory in LewisherRoad, Leicester early in 2015 and already produces popcorn and healthysnacks for many of the nation’s favourite brands.Popchips chose Savoury & Sweet to partner with primarily due to thecompany’s great team of people and its fantastic production facilities. Tony King, CEO of Savoury & Sweet, said: “We are delighted to beworking with Popchips. To date we have specialised in producing productsfor some of the UK’s best known popcorn brands and manufacturing thisnew range will showcase our wider capabilities in snacks.”Savoury & SweetCEO Tony King04-12_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:48 Page 9Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTThe UK was once the epicentre of perhaps theworld’s largest and most important trade nexus. Sorevelations that the nation imports over half of itsfood is something of a fall from grace. That the UKwould rather ship out its own produce, whilst feedingits people with overseas goods might indeed seemstrange. However, the shifting appetites and foodtrends among Brits are driving hunger for goods thatsimply can’t be grown or produced in Britain (thinkavocadoes). Yet it’s this same overseas interest inforeign produce that is heralding a boom in thenation’s food export market. According to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF),the UK exported a record amount of food and drink inthe first quarter of 2017. As a whole, exports grew by8.3 per cent year-on-year reaching £4.9 billion; thelargest first quarter figure to date. This spike wasspearheaded by Scottish salmon, with sales of thefish jumping more than 50 per cent in value. This isfurther evidenced by the strong global demand forBritish manufactured produce. It’s no coincidence that the UK has achieved itsbest quarter on record alongside ongoingnegotiations around tariffs and free trade for post-Brexit Britain. Since the outcome of the referendumlast year, the food industry has expressed defiance,14 Á© shutterstock/Aun PhotographerBuy BritishA flurry of lucrative new export deals are capitalising on theoverseas hunger for British meat and produce as the UK buildson its record-breaking food export levels. 13-15_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:49 Page 114 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTAKW updated warehouseswith £250k investment Following an exceptional start to 2017, AKW are delighted to announce afurther £250,000 investment in its Trafford Park Warehouses keeping thecompany ahead of the competition, optimising space through the instillationof additional racking, improving safety and environmental measures.A fleet of 16 FLT’s equipped with cutting edge technology have arrived,boasting features including an automated control system and stop-starttechnology. Fob access means only those with relevant qualifications canoperate the equipment.Operations Director Paul Welsh, said: “The market is changing for value-added services, we must evolve; remaining modern is critical. We strive toexceed blue-chip in-house supply chain solutions, which has won us theloyalty of industry giants such as L’Oréal.”Managing Director Julian Richard added: “We constantly demand more, heavily investing in consumer fulfilment; ensuring we can pick andship directly to the consumer. Our new Warehouse Management System means we have the technological capabilities to do this.”For more information, visit www.akwgroup.co.uk.solidarity and, understandably, fears.Though the sector’s status quo was farfrom static, this was a profound change.Quite what that change entails remainsambiguous. Despite the outcomes,trade with the EU will be foreverchanged. Although a fair deal may, inthe long term, mean little, Britain needsto look further afield for new exportmarkets. This has coincided with an uptick ininterest in British products fromlucrative markets, such as China. A new export deal announced byFood Minister George Eustice withChina is expected to provide a £200million boost to the UK’s food industry.Although automation is tipped to drivefurther growth in food manufacturing,Mr Eustice has claimed the deal willsupport some 1,500 jobs. The dealfollows in the wake of ongoing work byGovernment officials and ministers inboth the UK and China. Seven new© shutterstock/DronG13-15_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:49 Page 2Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT & EXPORTbusinesses in England and NorthernIreland will now export pork to China.This also includes a UK first with theexport of pig trotters. Although thisoffal has fallen out of favour with Britishconsumers, it’s perfectly aligned toChinese eaters. To put the importance of this marketin context, last year, the total value ofBritish food and drink exports to Chinarose by a third – reaching £465 million.This is representative of a wider hungerfor British pork, with demand doublingin terms of value over the last threeyears. “China is a hugely important marketfor our world-class food industry andby opening up access even further,more UK businesses can takeadvantage of the growing appetite forour food and drink,” said Mr Eustice.“British food is produced to the verybest standards of welfare, quality andsafety and this growth in exports toChina is creating more jobs andopportunities for our premium porkproducers who can guarantee qualityfrom farm to fork.”This latest export win follows anearlier deal – announced by MrEustice in March – in whichBritain began to supplylamb to Kuwait. The deal, worth up to£15 million, was a revelation followingKuwait’s ban of British lamb afterconcerns of scrapie – a degenerativedisease that effects the nervoussystems of sheep and goats. The traderoute was re-opened followingGovernment vets providing evidence toallay concerns and demonstrateBritain’s commitment to animal welfare. As well as breaking into new markets,the future of Britain’s food exports liesas much in nurturing relations withexisting trade partners. To that end, thenation has secured a new five-yearexport deal – worth £34 million – withthe Philippines. The Department ofEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs(Defra) was supported by theDepartment of International Trade teamat the British Embassy Manila insecuring the deal. British reared beefwill now join pork, poultry, lamb anddairy in British food and drinkscurrently shipped to the country. Aswith lamb exports to Kuwait, Britishbeef was banned from entering thePhilippines. Due to concerns over BSE,UK beef was withdrawn in 1996 in a banthat continued until 2001. Thisparticular deal, then, is something of acoup. Britain’s beef sector currentlyexports more than £350 millionworldwide. Demand is driven byheritage breeds and high welfarestandards creating opportunities andstrengthening exports. From its conception, the decision toleave the European Union was an issueof change and reinvention. By leavingthe Bloc, Britain has had to lookelsewhere to maintain and build uponits food and drink exports. This hasmeant breaking into new markets, aswell as strengthening existing ties inAsia, the Middle East and beyond. Thisyear saw the UK smashing its currentfood and drinks export level, and withthe current spate of deals alreadysecured this year, the market isforecast to flourish. © shutterstock/MaraZe13-15_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:49 Page 316 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netLOADING BAYS & DOORSProducts are perhaps at their mostsusceptible during transit, either as rawingredients to a warehouse, or as afinished, packaged product to storesand stockists. It is little surprise,therefore, that loading bays would betargeted by criminal fraternities foreverything from theft to adulteration. Ineither case, a company can be left withwounded profits and nursing a blow toits reputation. Though companies areoften insured in the event of theft ordamage, this can lead to extendedperiods of downtime. The inclinationhere may be to invest in the latesttechnological safeguards, with next-generation solutions providing anotherlayer of security for worried supplychain managers and food makers alike. Contamination of any kind is anomnipotent threat, with the supplychain having any number of potentialentry points for adulteration to occur.These can manifest in a variety offorms, from environmental damage toforeign bodies and other pathogenscoming into contact with food andbeverage products. The same due careand attention must be applied to theloading and unloading of goods asduring its manufacturing stage. Think ofit as an extension of the production line,meaning that trucks and pallets shouldbe regularly washed down. A ruggedwashdown should also include baydoors themselves, many of which arepurposefully built with hygiene in mind.In manufacturing, hygienic designprescribes a set of principles to ensuremaximum efficiency and cleanliness,without leaving processors with aconvoluted cleaning routine. Dirt, however, is far from the onlyenvironmental factor thatmanufacturers must be wary of, withboth wind and rain presentingpersistent threats. Loading bays areshields against these meteorologicaloccurrences and protect a warehouseor distribution facility, and the workers itserves. The difficulty faced bymanufacturers is in striking a balancebetween function and necessity. Whilelighter materials may be advantageousfor the constant opening and closingrequired of bay doors, conventionaloptions such as these may not hold upagainst high winds and violentdownpours. With one bay out of orderdue to environmental damage, acompany’s entire logistics operation cansuffer, setting productivity, profits andorders back with perhaps an even moreprofound knock-on effect. Robust security doors should factorin water and airproofing measuresalongside good thermal transmittance.for this reason specialist door makershave turned to wooden fibreboards –To serviceand protect Loading bays and doors are a core part of a company’s logistics chain, linkingthe production line to warehouse and then onto suppliers. For this very reason,they can also leave a company vulnerable. 16-18_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:50 Page 1Food & Drink International 17www.fdiforum.netLOADING BAYS & DOORSThe UK’s leading specialists in the design,manufacture, installation and maintenance of Loading Bay Equipment and Industrial Door SystemsTel: 0870 770 0471 • Email: info@stertil.co.uk • Web: www.stertil-dockproducts.co.uksuch as MDF – treated withpolyurethane-based insulators as awaterproofing solution. The doors arethen reinforced with heavy duty metalarmours such as stainless steel toprovide a rigorous defence. Thissatisfies all concerns, with a lighter,more functional structure, andprotection against tough weatherconditions. The above assumes that all loadingbays are made equally which, of course,is far from the truth of things. In reality,specific loading bays and doors arerequired depending on the kind ofproducts moving through them. Sowhat might be sufficient for an ambientproduct can be detrimental to frozengoods. In the latter example, a fewdegrees difference in temperature canspell disaster, leaving an entire shipmentwasted and the producer left to absorbthe costs. Loading bays are make-or-break areas in ensuring a stable andreliable cold chain. Accomplishing thisaim sees companies turning towardsfour sided vehicle seals whereby avehicle will only be opened from insidea facility. Here it is the loaded, securedand deployed and all without affectingthe carefully controlled temperature. The specialised and expensiveequipment inside warehousing anddistribution facilities are often attractiveto thieves and their third parties.Although a company may never suffertheft, it’s important to safeguard itspotential. There are a number ofsecurity measures at a company’sdisposal, including electronic key cards,iris recognition and keyless entrydevices. As well as helping to deter anddisengage would-be thieves, they also© shutterstock/Petinov Sergey Mihilovich18 Á16-18_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:50 Page 218 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netLOADING BAYS & DOORSThe UK’s leading specialists in the design,manufacture, installation and maintenance of Loading Bay Equipment and Industrial Door SystemsTel: 0870 770 0471 • Email: info@stertil.co.uk • Web: www.stertil-dockproducts.co.ukdo away with lock and keys. As companies of all kindsembrace automation, the idea of a physical lock andkey is becoming antiquated. Better to move with thetimes and embrace these next-generation solutions. Ifstill in doubt, a company can take stock in the fact thattheir competitors will be investing in the latesttechnology available. Modular loading docks and mobile platforms arebeing used with increasing frequency, given the flexibleand practical benefits they offer over traditional fixedraised loading docks. For safety purposes, docklevellers are also a far more common site inwarehouses and distribution facilities. In short, they’re acylinder powered platform which can be used tobridge the gap between loading bays and logisticsvehicles of any height or distance. This relatively simpletechnology offers significant gains by prevent costlyspillages and worker causalities. Loading bays are critical in a products journeythrough the supply chain. From farm to fork simplywouldn’t be logistically feasible without these criticaljunctions along the way. For that reason, companiesmust ensure that their doors can withstand theft andforced entry, environmental damage as well aspreserving the integrity of the products that movethrough them. © shutterstock/BalonciciUnion Industries the flavour of themonth for Pilgrim FoodserviceUnionIndustries hasinstalled five ofits best-sellingBulldoors™ andone Matadoor™in PilgrimFoodservice’snew warehouseextension.After a periodof stronggrowth, theLincolnshire-basedfoodservice supplier needed an effective solution for maintaining itstemperature controlled environment, and to provide necessary airlocksin specific areas of its new warehouse extension.This is the second time that Union Industries has returned to PilgrimFoodservice. In 2016, Union was asked to replace two competitor highspeed freezer doors at the foodservice supplier’s warehouse. Afterbeing impressed with Union’s Eiger Doors™ and after-sales service,Pilgrim Foodservice got back in touch with the Leeds-based businessto order the new doors for its new build project.Union’s best-selling fast action option, the Bulldoor, has a trackrecord of controlling temperatures and improving hygiene. TheBulldoor comes with the Lifetime Warranty scheme and includescontrol outputs for options such as airlocks, traffic control systems andremote monitoring. For more information, visit www.unionindustries.co.uk.16-18_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:51 Page 3Food & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.netSOFTWARE & HARDWAREThe increasing diversity of productsand product packaging has made a bigimpact on the technology used in foodproduction in recent years. Companiescannot now function correctly withoutsoftware packages being used at allstages of the production anddistribution process – but the challengeis to work out what systems are themost suitable for any given company.It’s now easier than ever forcompanies to make use of bespokesoftware that can be fully integratedinto the production process, rather thanhave to change your ways of workingto incorporate an off-the-shelf option.The added advantage is the exceptionaltraceability, which is of particularimportance as the supply chain isextended.ERP solutions are now commonplacethroughout the industry – and that’s notsurprising given how effectively theyhave changed the way in whichcompanies can work. The presence ofreal time information means downtimeis drastically reduced, with a perpetualinventory – which is accurate –replacing the requirement for regularstock takes. The solutions ensureconfidence in the accuracy of theinformation the companies provide toall parts of their supply chain, and allparts of the company. As always the focus is on efficiency,with a view to reducing costs through© shutterstock/vectorfusionartSoftware and hardware systems are in use all across the food and drink industryand yet there are some areas where many food manufacturers still fall behind.Computing quality20 Á19-21_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:52 Page 1Next >