< Previous10 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Morrisons opens beef supply chain to dairy industry British supermarket Morrisons is allowing bull calves from its dairy suppliers participating in the Arla UK 360 programme into its beef supply chain in an industry-first. Dairy farmers supported by Morrisons to participate in Arla UK 360, will also be able to sell bull and beef calves into the calf rearing units of Buitelaar Production – Morrisons beef rearing partners. Belgian and British Blue crossed breeds may go on to form part of Morrisons beef supply chain. One of the Arla UK 360 standards requires that no healthy calf be shot or slaughtered before eight weeks of age so, the move will support farmers by guaranteeing a home for every calf. Graham Wilkinson, Agriculture Director Arla Foods UK, said: “This decision and the support through the supply chain with Buitelaar is the perfect example of how bigger change can be delivered in agriculture if we all work together.” £110m boost to Welsh food & drink Since it was launched three years ago, Project HELIX has resulted in a £110 million boost to the food and drink industry in Wales. The pan- Wales strategic initiative is delivered by Food Innovation Wales and aims to boost innovation and efficiency in the Welsh food and drink industry. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the scheme – which is funded by the Welsh government and the EU – has provided technical support and bespoke training that’s helped develop hundreds of new products, helped businesses innovate and be more productive, improve skills and reduce waste in the supply chain. According to a new report, Project HELIX has, to date, resulted in the creation of almost 300 jobs, 241 new markets accessed, and 366 new products developed. The latest figures come hot on the heels of the announcement that Food Innovation Wales has become a network partner of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food, Europe’s leading food innovation initiative. © Shutterstock/ Antony McAulay © Shutterstock/ small1 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 7Nestlé rolls out plant-based lattes in UK Nestlé has launched what it claims is the world’s first plant-based latte soluble coffee mixes under its Nescafé Gold brand. The Vegan Society certified coffees will be introduced in the UK in three varieties – almond, oat and coconut. The coffees will be exclusively available from Tesco until February 2020, after which they will roll out to other retailers across the UK. After the initial UK and Ireland launch, the coffees will be introduced to several markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania. “We are quick to spot and embrace fast moving coffee trends and tastes in this highly competitive and innovative market,” said Neil Stephens, Head of the Nescafé business in the UK and Ireland. “Our new plant based vegan latte mixes are the latest in a long list of innovations to bring new and exciting sensory experiences to our loyal Nescafé consumers.” Wider M&S listings for world’s first blockchain beer The world’s first blockchain beer is being rolled out to a further 150 Marks and Spencer’s (M&S) stores in France and the Channel Islands following strong sales in the UK. Brewed by Boyne Brewhouse and distributed by Irish Craft Beers, the beer secured an exclusive listing in 250 M&S stores across the UK in January 2019 and has since performed strongly selling over 40,000 cans over the period. Downstream Hybrid IPL guarantees consumers 100% authentication of provenance for every ingredient used in the brewing process thanks to its blockchain technology. “Irish producers are at the forefront of innovation, marrying years of experience and tradition with the very latest technology to create industry leading products,” said Shane McCarthy, co-founder of Downstream. “Downstream is a standout example of this, with insight, expertise and passion creating a truly trailblazing product, that has been incredibly well received by consumers.” Smithfield Foods launces plant-based protein portfolio US meat packer, Smithfield Foods, is launching a plant-based protein portfolio under its Pure Farmland brand. The new soy-based line comes in a variety of breakfast patties, meatballs, burger patties, and pre-seasoned protein starters all aimed at flexitarians. “We’ve been exploring the alternative protein space, and have taken our time to get it right,” said John Pauley, Chief Commercial Officer for Smithfield Foods. “With this launch, we are bringing together our expertise in creating market-leading food products, our organisational commitment to sustainability, and our deep understanding of ‘flexitarian’ consumers, to deliver a broad variety of flavourful plant-based protein choices that consumers want and can afford at a great value.” Pure Farmland has partnered with the American Farmland Trust. With every packaged sold, the brand has pledged to donate the cost of protecting one square foot of farmland. The range will launch in fresh, refrigerated sections of US grocery retailers in mid-September. on the shelf Tesco turns surplus bread into new products Tesco is tackling one of its biggest food waste streams by turning surplus baguettes and batons into new bread products. Baguettes and batons are among the UK’s most popular bread but also two foods which the highest waste at the supermarket. But now Tesco plans to dramatically reduce that figure by launching bread pudding and olive oil crostini lines made from surplus baguettes and batons. If the move is successful and the products are rolled out across Tesco’s UK stores, it could mean about 40% of the supermarket’s in- store bakery baguette and baton waste being cut. The Olive Oil Crostini will be made from in-store bakery white batons which are sliced, topped with extra virgin olive oil and then baked to a crisp and crunchy texture. The Bread Pudding will be made from surplus in-store bakery white baguettes and will first be broken into crumbs before having spices, sultanas and water added. Coffee sticks launched for dysphagia sufferers A new coffee drink aimed at consumers with difficulty swallowing has been launched by Hormel Health Labs. Part of the Hormel Foods Corporation, the company has introduced a “new and improved” Thick & Easy Coffee Sticks ranged aimed at people suffering from dysphagia. Dysphagia, the medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing, affects 1 in 25 adults but can occur in any age group. The launch is the latest in a line of more than 250 products from Hormel Health Labs specifically designed for those who have difficulty swallowing. The coffee sticks introduce an improved swallowing agent thickened with xanthan gum to traditional products thickened with starches, which can be more problematic. The product is also decaffeinated to help individuals avoid dehydration. The coffee sticks are available in two consistencies to meet individual dietary needs; IDDSI level 3 consistency which is moderately thick, and IDDSI level 2 consistency which is mildly thick. Food & Drink International 11 www.fdiforum.net 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 8Food production, reinvented Register Now! gulfoodmanufacturing.com #gulfoodmanufacturing 29-31 OCT 2019 Dubai World Trade Centre Official Media Partners Supporting Media Partnersa Partners Sponsor Official Saudi Arabia Partner Official Airline Partner Official Courier Handler Official Publisher An event byPlatinum SponsorStrategic PartnerPowerful co-location withHosted Buyer Lounge Sponsor Official Knowledge Partner Organised by Get Free Entry to the Conference and Meeting Programme Register Now 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 9Food & Drink International 13 www.fdiforum.net Impossible Foods strikes co-manufacturing collaboration with OSI Foods Plant-based pioneer, Impossible Foods, has struck a co-manufacturing collaboration with OSI Group, one of the world’s largest food producers. OSI will produce Impossible Foods’ flagship product – the Impossible Burger – in a move that adds short-term capacity to the alternative protein producer’s plant in Oakland, California. The company will continue to expand the production of the patty throughout the remainder of the year and beyond. With more than 65 facilities in 17 countries, OSI has the infrastructure in place to develop, produce and distribute custom food solutions worldwide. With Impossible Foods bent on global domination, it seems a logical choice. It’s an advantageous move for both parties, with Kevin Scott, Senior Executive Vice President of OSI North America, saying that it will help “fulfil the OSI Group’s commitment to sustainable food production”. Tyson Foods opens automation and robotics facility Tyson Foods has opened its new state-of- the-art facility aimed at developing more automation and robotics for its food production plants. The Tyson Manufacturing Automation Centre (TMAC) in downtown Springdale provides space for the development of new manufacturing solutions and collaboration with the company’s information technology team and equipment suppliers. It will also serve as a location for team member training on new technology. The two-story, 26,000-square-foot facility features four main areas: a machine vision technology lab, a lab that simulates a food production environment, training classrooms and space for team members to train in automation and robotics technology. Noel White, President and CEO of Tyson Foods, said: “This facility represents our commitment to creating the next generation of manufacturing solutions through advanced automation, robotics and machine learning.” To date, Tyson Foods has invested more than $215 million in automation and robotics over the last five years. MIDF Hygienic Electromagnetic meter for accurate ice cream production Badger Meter's MIDF Hygienic Electromagnetic meter, exclusively supplied by Bell Flow Systems, was the solution to a dairy farm's flow measurement requirements in ice cream production. The dairy farm required a high accuracy meter to measure the quantity of milk being added to their product. They had to ensure consist product quality, whilst being more efficient. Electromagnetic meters are ideally suited to food and drinks production due to the superior technology, design materials and hygienic connections available. The MIDF’s accuracy of ±0.2% and its high repeatability meant each batch would have the same, accurate volume of milk. The meter's backlit LCD display shows flow rate, accumulated total and batch total. The meter’s stainless steel housing and PTFE liner make it suitable for food-grade applications. It has a straight through design and no moving parts for quick and easy cleaning. The MIDF Electromagnetic meter can be supplied with Tri-Clamp connections BS4825/ISO 2852, or DIN 11851 process connections dependant on the application. Ingredion expands plant-based production Ingredion is meeting increasing consumer demand for plant-based proteins by expanding manufacturing and production capabilities in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan with Verdient Foods, the plant-based protein company co-owned by movie director James Cameron. The company’s total investment in plant-based proteins has increased to $185 million from $140 million by the end 2020. Part of this investment has seen the US ingredient solutions provider begin construction on a new manufacturing facility to produce speciality pulse-based protein ingredients. Expected to be operational in the second half of 2020, the new facility significantly increased Ingredion’s food processing capabilities to meet consumer demand. James Cameron said: “I’m excited to further our relationship with Ingredion, which will power significant expansion of plant-based proteins to consumers around the world. By working together, we have an amazing opportunity to be leaders in the next wave of global food production, which will have a lasting impact to future generations.” Funding awarded to boost IoT innovation in agri-food production Three pilot projects designed to drive Internet of Things (IoT) innovation in agri-food production in the UK have secured funding. The Internet of Food Things Network Plus has awarded £150,000 to the University of Aberdeen, the University of Stirling and the University of Nottingham. The projects will last for six months and preliminary findings will be presented at the Internet of Food Things Network Plus Conference in September. The University of Aberdeen’s ‘PROoFD IT!: Provenance of Food Delivery through IoT’ project will explore the potential of IoT devices to enhance food safety in B2B and B2C food delivery contexts. The University of Stirling’s ‘Use of sensors to improve pig productivity’ will seek to identify ways in which data can be used to enhance efficient and sustainable pig farming. The University of Nottingham will investigate how data and IoT technologies can be used to detect the presence of allergens and enhance the cleaning of food factories with their ‘IoT enhanced Factory Cleaning’ project. on line © Shutterstock/ Oksana Shufrych © Shutterstock/ Zapp2Photo 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 1014 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net A showcase of the latest technology You can’t afford to delay any longer, make sure you join us at Robotics & Automation 2019 to discover more about this vital area of innovation. *Due to rapid growth the 2019 exhibition is moving to the Ricoh Arena, Coventry ROBOTICSANDAUTOMATION.CO.UK Media partners: Brought to you by: David Butcher joins Carabao as new MD David Butcher will return to stimulation energy drink brand Carabao as Managing Director for UK & Ireland, following a six- month tenure at the South-East Asian energy drinks brand back in 2017. Having already delivered major sales growth for Carabao during this period, Mr Butcher will be focused on continuing to significantly grow the UK&I business. Reporting into the CBG Board in Bangkok, Mr Butcher will be responsible for strengthening relationships with existing customers, while also growing Carabao’s distribution footprint. He replaces outgoing MD Mark Young, who leaves the company after two and a half years to pursue new ventures. Carabao launched in the UK three years ago. Its energy drinks are currently widely stocked in the UK including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Co-op, Spar, BP and WHSmith Travel. To advertise your services on the news pages contact us on 01472 310302 Phil Williams Victor Manufacturing MD named EFCEM President Phil Williams, Managing Director at food service and retail equipment supplier, Victor Manufacturing, has been appointed as the new President of the European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers (EFCEM) for the next two years. Mr Williams has served as Vice President of EFCEM for the last two and a half years and has now taken over the presidency from Drewry Pearson of Marco Beverage Systems. As part of his new role, Mr Williams will be lobbying governments to introduce legislative changes across the food service equipment industry, in order to develop and specify new directives and ensure organisations across worldwide catering markets are collaborating to develop and adhere to the same global standards. © Shutterstock/ Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 11One event. 2 days. The brightest innovators. New for 2019 ―see the game changers in action, who are shaping the future of our retail landscape in the new Future of Retail Trends theatre ―meet forward-thinking food and drink producers in the UK Future Brands and International Brands Pavilion ―book valuable meetings with key buyers in pre-arranged 1-2-1 meetings Register now at foodmatterslive.com/2019 @foodmatterslive foodmatterslive.com/youtube foodmatterslive.com/linkedin foodmatterslive.com/facebook 19-20 November ExCeL, London foodmatterslive.com 04-15.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 11:13 Page 1216 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT & EXPORT It’s not without a sense of irony that the UK’s scheduled withdrawal from the European Union is slated for the 31st October. As we move closer to that proposed deadline, the prospect of leaving without a deal is looking increasingly like a nightmare the British public are going to be stuck with, one that no amount of keeping calm and carrying on will pacify. State of the NATION © Shutterstock/ Raggedstone 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:01 Page 1Food & Drink International 17 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT & EXPORT Firms across the food and beverage sector have been preparing themselves for a no-deal scenario for months and, in some cases, for years, both on their own initiative and on official advice from Government. One could perhaps be forgiven for thinking that a no-deal is inevitable, an outlook that even the EU has adopted as gospel. Brussels is reported to be operating with a “working hypothesis” of a no-deal following an August meeting between the UK and officials from the European Commission and Brexit diplomats from the twenty-seven other EU member states. The crux of this impasse is centred around the Irish backstop – the insurance policy intended to prevent a hard border returning between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The backstop formed part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by former Prime Minister Theresa May, one that was rejected three times by MPs. Newly appointed PM Boris Johnson has effectively thrown this agreement out with the aim of negotiating a brand-new deal, one he’s gambling the nation’s future on. EU negotiators have said that the UK’s demands to remove the backstop from the deal were unacceptable. In response, the Government has rejected claims that it is unwilling to negotiate and said that the EU needed to “change its stance” in order to secure an agreement. A spokesperson from Number 10 said that Johnson “wants to meet EU leaders and negotiate a new deal – one which abolishes the anti-democratic backstop”. However, David Frost, Johnson’s newly appointed Europe Adviser and Chief Negotiator for Exiting the European Union, reportedly told EU officials that an alternative to the backstop “would not be ready now for Brexit”. From his early career in journalism to his tenure as London Mayer and his role leading the Leave campaign, it’s never been clear whether Johnson was wearing his poker face or not. But Brussels has said that he “isn’t bluffing” when he says he will leave in October with or without a deal. In a bid to stop a no-deal from happening, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said his party will call for a vote of no confidence in Johnson at an “appropriate very early time” soon after MPs return to Parliament in September. Corbyn said a no-deal would lead to rises in food prices and medical shortages. This isn’t simply rhetoric from the leader of the opposition, but outcomes backed up by economic forecasts, think tanks, academics, industry leaders and from within the government itself. A presentation slide marked “official sensitive” was recently leaked to Sky News and warned of the immediate impact leaving the EU without a deal would have in the UK. The slide – which Press Association said was shown to ministers but not signed off by Government as official policy – said there would likely be consumer panic, food shortages and increased security threats within just two weeks of leaving the bloc even in areas which are not directly affected at the border. In the first month, the pound could fall significantly, while Northern Ireland may face law and order challenges. Another document seen by The Guardian backs this up, suggesting that disruptions in the food supply chain would cause an increase in the prices of some fresh products. It also warned there was a real risk of panic buying and disruption to supplies which will be worse this time of year in the run up to Christmas. These are sentiments backed up by key figures in the food and beverage industry. Ian Wright, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said that in the event of a no-deal Brexit “prices will rise, there will be significant shortages of some products and disruption for shoppers and consumers will be far reaching”. Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union, said that a deal with the EU is “crucial to maintaining free trade with our closest neighbours 18 Á 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:02 Page 2Details of € 100m Beef Exceptional Aid Measure released Details of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) have been released by Michael Creed, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. “I am keenly aware that the past few months have been very difficult for beef farmers,” said Mr Creed. “There has been a prolonged and exceptional period of depressed prices since last autumn, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of Brexit, among other factors, contributing to this market disturbance.” BEAM is a demand-led, voluntary scheme that will provide financial aid to Irish beef farmers and is targeted towards those farmers most affected. It is also designed to meet the requirements set out by the European Commission, including granting support to farmers engaging in actions which enhance their long-term resilience and sustainability. Farmers who meet the initial eligibility criteria will then have to commit to meeting the following conditions in order to qualify for aid. Rise for New Zealand’s red meat exports Exports of New Zealand’s sheep, beef and co-products increased by 8% to $8.8 billion for the year to June 2019, according to the Meat Industry Association. More than 399,470 tonnes of sheepmeat was dispatched, similar to 2018 volumes but the value of these exports increased by 6%. For beef, export volumes were up by 9% to more than 453,202 tonnes with a 13% increase in value. For the month of June, beef exports to China increased to more than 25,000 tonnes, more than the annual exports to Taiwan, Japan or Korea. The volume of beef exports to Japan also increased by 10% compared to June 2018. China remains New Zealand’s largest market by value for red meat and co- products with $319 million exported to the country in the month of June 2019, followed by the US and UK. Trade tensions ramp up between US and China China has halted imports of US agricultural products following talks of new tariffs on Chinese products as trade tensions between the two nations intensify. According to an announcement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, Chinese companies have now suspended the purchase of US agricultural products. This came shortly after US President Donald Trump said that the US would add a 10% tariff on the remaining $300 billion in goods imported from China. The Ministry said that adding this proposed tariff – due to come into effect 1 September – would not be beneficial to resoling the issues between the two countries. As things ratchet up and retaliations respond to retaliations, the Ministry said that China would take “necessary countermeasures” if those tariffs were put in place. Read more about the US/China trade war in the February issue of Food and Drink International. 18 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net IMPORT & EXPORT and largest trading partners”. With this information finding its way into the hands of the British public, the Government has been called on to be open and transparent with its planning. Professor Tim Lang of the Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London has called on Government to publish its planning assumptions for disruptions to food supply following a no-deal Brexit in October. His calls follow an announcement that £138 million has been allocated to inform the British public about Brexit impacts, a move described by John McDonnell, Finance Chief to the Labour party, as an “appalling waste of tax- payers’ cash”. Writing in the peer-reviewed journal The Lancet, Lang said that Government planning assumptions of expected food disruptions are leaking out and should be make public. For example, it is widely known that the Government is planning for the flow of trucks to drop by a third or more within a day of Brexit while half or more of trucks no longer having a smooth transit across borders. Moreover, there’d be a drop in imports from EU and countries with EU trade deals of around half as well as a strict imposition of new UK status as a “third country” under EU and World Trade Organisation rules. Disruption is expected to last for three months after which time supplies might have returned to two- thirds pre-31 October levels. These planning assumptions, Lang says, would result in a massive disruption to the flow of fresh fruit and vegetables from the EU – where the UK sources the majority of these foods – with no alternative sourcing available. With Johnson at the helm, Britain may very well be crashing out of the EU without a deal come 31 October. A move that will mean huge social and economic ramifications and could compromise the nation’s leading position as a food and beverage powerhouse. © Shutterstock/ Aritra Deb © Shutterstock/ Syda Productions © Shutterstock/ Igor Bukhlin 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 20/08/2019 10:06 Page 3This food expo allows its participants to have a look at what food producers and distributors have to offer. Every year, the exhibition is attended, among others, by the Polish dairy industry and the meat sector, as well as fruit and vegetable processing companies and companies producing sweets, teas, drinks, spices and dried fruit. It is worth emphasising that Polish food products deserve to be called specialties. Their characteristic, incomparable taste is the result of unique recipes, high nutritional value and the best quality ingredients. The popularity of Polish agri-food products abroad is confirmed, inter alia, by the value of exports, which in 2018 exceeded € 29 billion. Visitors can get to know the exceptional Polish food and the taste from all over the world. There are also many exhibitors from abroad at POLAGRA FOOD, including France, South Korea, Lithuania, Germany, India, Indonesia, Croatia, Senegal, Ukraine, Hungary and Italy will present their offer. Every year, the POLAGRA FOOD fair is visited by professional visitors: food distributors, merchants from retail chains, managers of food wholesalers and retail grocery stores. The huge potential for food producers is also the International Fair for Gastronomy and Hotel Equipment POLAGRA GASTRO & INVEST HOTEL which is held at the same time. So, the POLAGRA FOOD fair are visited by restaurateurs, cafe owners and chefs from all over Poland who are looking new equipment to the kitchen, but they also are interested in high quality food products. This group includes chefs from abroad and the best chefs in Poland, in particular the finalists of the most important gastronomic competition for professionals in Poland - Polish Culinary Cup. The POLAGRA FOOD fair is business event during which the products known from shop shelves in new flavour variants are presented as well as new products which follow consumer trends - without lactose, BIO, without GMOs. Visitors from abroad can take part in a special Hosted Buyers program, under which the exhibition organizer covers the costs of travel and stay. Last year the POLAGRA FOOD fair was visited, among others, by representatives of the food industry, among others from Tajikistan, Great Britain, Georgia, Kaliningrad, Greece, Romania, Azerbaijan. POLAGRA FOOD Fair Taking place on 30 September – 3 October in Poznan, POLAGRA FOOD is one of the most important annual events in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to the food industry. Find out more by visting www.polagra-food.pl/en Food & Drink International 19 www.fdiforum.net IMPORT AND EXPORT 19.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2019 15:37 Page 1Next >