The total package The total package INTERNATIONAL Packaging materials and design Bakery and confectionery Meat, poultry and seafoodContents September 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 APP & Foopak Q&A10 We sit down with APP’s Benny Chiadarma to learn more about APP and its Foopak range. Import and export12 Against a complex international picture, Poland is casting its net wide to expand agri-food exports across the globe. Silverson Machines Q&A16 We speak with Silverson Machines about their high speed, high shear mixers, their applications and benefits. Machinery and equipment spotlight18 From robotics on the factory floor to predictive maintenance and safer lines, investment in advanced machinery is redefining how food and drink reach the shelves. • DC Norris Group Q&A Meat, poultry and seafood 26 Producers and retailers are rethinking meat, poultry and seafood with new product formats, sustainable packaging and advanced machinery to meet modern expectations and tighter regulation. Loading bays and doors30 From high-speed doors to advanced security and energy-saving seals, innovations in loading bays are helping food and drink companies move goods faster while protecting products, people and the planet. 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/Parilov • Top: stock.adobe.com/Dabarti • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ Olga • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ Umri Dust control33 From sealed storage to smart ventilation and advanced cleaning systems, food and drink producers are investing in new ways to protect products, workers and facilities from the risks of dust. Bakery and confectionery 36 From artisan-style loaves to healthier indulgences, advances in production are helping bakeries and confectioners deliver variety, integrity and innovation at scale. Microbiology 40 By embracing innovation in microbiological testing, a more transparent, safe, efficient, and resilient food industry is being formed. PPMA 2025 44 The UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery exhibition returns to the NEC, Birmingham this month. Packaging materials and design 52 A shift is taking place in food and drink packaging, with innovations hitting the shelves and novel materials being researched to create a more sustainable future. Events 58 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink diary 62Finsbury Food Group snaps up 70% stake in premium bakery brand Lola’s Finsbury Food Group, the speciality bakery manufacturers, has acquired a majority stake in Lola’s, the premium cupcake and celebration cake business, marking Finsbury’s entry into the direct-to- consumer market. Lola’s combines an e-commerce platform, which accounts for around half of sales, with a network of 45 kiosks and collection lockers in high-footfall locations including major London transport hubs. The business generates annual revenues of £25 million and employs around 400 people, operating from its Park Royal facility in London. It will continue to be led by managing director Asher Budwig, while benefitting from Finsbury’s manufacturing expertise, scale and commercial reach. Finsbury Food Group supplies a range of bread, cake and morning goods products to retailers, foodservice and export customers across the UK and Europe. This acquisition is part of the business’s long-term growth strategy, which includes targeted investments in innovative, high-growth segments of the bakery market. By adding direct to consumer capability to its portfolio, Finsbury broadens its routes to market, strengthens its position in the UK celebration cake and cupcake sector and creates new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news DataLase advances masterbatch pigment technology with dual colour solution for clear plastics DataLase, the global leader in photonic printing solutions, has announced a significant advancement in its masterbatch pigment technology with the launch of a unique dual colour masterbatch, now available in black and white, for clear plastic applications. This cutting-edge solution delivers a high- contrast colour change, from clear to white and black, using a single pigment and a single pulsed fibre laser source. It provides packaging manufacturers and brand owners with a cost-effective and sustainable method for high-contrast inline code verification on clear plastic packaging, eliminating the need for traditional labels and adhesives. By removing labels, the technology reduces waste streams and simplifies recycling processes while enabling new levels of personalisation and connectivity. It supports late-stage customisation, digital product passports and targeted promotional messaging, increasing both operational efficiency and consumer engagement. Compatible with a wide range of plastics, including PET, PP, PE and PVC, the masterbatch is designed for use in rigid plastic packaging and flexible films. Liquid masterbatch dosing is recommended to minimise haze, with pellet masterbatch options also available. For further information visit: www.datalase.com. Mondelēz and Tesco trial innovation on Cadbury Crunchie multipacks to reduce plastic packaging Snacking company Mondelēz International and supermarket Tesco are trialling a new initiative to reduce plastic packaging on Cadbury Crunchie multipacks. As part of a test-and-learn initiative lasting until early 2026, the plastic overwrap on ~1.8 million Cadbury Crunchie Four Bar Multipacks sold in Tesco stores will be replaced with innovative stickers, reducing the outer plastic packaging by 60% per pack. Each sticker also incorporates a QR code linking to an online survey, providing consumers with a direct opportunity to feedback on the new design and its usability, along with all nutritional and recycling information currently found on existing Cadbury Crunchie multipacks. Insights from the survey will be used to help refine Mondelēz International’s approach to future packaging innovation, supporting its global sustainable packaging goals. Joanna Dias, Mondelēz UK sustainability lead, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this Cadbury Crunchie multipack trial in the UK which reduces the outer plastic use by 60%. Reducing our packaging and the use of virgin plastic are key pillars in our global ‘Pack Light and Right’ strategy.” The Label Makers partner with Double Dutch to deliver vibrant new look for premium mixer brand The Label Makers has collaborated with Double Dutch, the premium mixer brand, to produce striking new labels as part of the company’s rebrand. Working with packaging design specialists Boundless on the creative direction, Double Dutch set out to deliver a new look that not only captures attention but also improves functionality for trade customers. Once the designs were finalised, The Label Makers brought them to life in print, ensuring the labels reflected the brand’s bold, vibrant personality. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the final result,” said Double Dutch co-founder, Raissa De Haas. “The new labels bring our brand to life in a more contemporary way, while retaining the colour and brand cues our customers know and love. They’ve really exceeded our expectations in terms of vibrancy, finish and overall impact.” As with any premium rebrand, there were technical challenges to overcome, particularly around bottle specifications, colour consistency, and ensuring print quality across different materials and finishes. “The Label Makers’ technical print expertise was invaluable,” the Double Dutch team noted. For more information on The Label Makers visit https://thelabelmakers.co.uk/ © Mondele ē z InternationalTrusted by professionals worldwide, Teknomek manufactures hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the highest industry standards. •Uncompromising quality & service •Innovative, easy-to-clean designs •Competitive pricing •Bespoke and customised solutions Contact us today: teknomek.co.uk +44 (0)1603 381 177 Leading the way in hygienic designBetter Nature raises £1.1m to accelerate growth of high-protein tempeh range Better Nature has secured £1.1 million in funding to accelerate the growth of its high- protein tempeh range on a global level. The brand is tapping into the £3.2 billion UK chicken market to drive consumers towards more sustainable protein. The funding was primarily raised from angel investors, with 70% coming from existing investors. It will enable Better Nature to supercharge its sales and marketing initiatives, spearhead innovation and widen the appeal of its tempeh products to more consumers in the UK & beyond. Elin Roberts, co-CEO at Better Nature, said: “Our latest fundraising round is a brilliant boost for the business at a point when the tempeh category is rapidly gaining momentum and we are seeing strong brand growth. “We recorded our best-ever quarter in Q2 2025, with 128% year-on-year sales growth, and we’re now the UK’s No.1 tempeh brand by volume, with 38.1% market share, leading the category’s impressive 41% growth.” 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news LOMA SYSTEMS ® launches online training academy for the smart way to learn to support excellence in food safety and compliance Leading manufacturer of inspection equipment for the food and pharmaceutical industries, LOMA SYSTEMS ® , has officially launched its LOMA® Online Training Academy in the UK. As part of the LOMA® Training Academy, the online initiative aims to provide customers with a smart and sustainable way to train their teams, allowing businesses to upskill staff, while ensuring compliance and optimising the performance of their inspection systems. The online academy offers a wide selection of operator, supervisor, and quality assurance courses, developed by Loma’s in-house specialists to provide practical knowledge and certifications. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, access via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer, to flexibly train employees at a convenient time, pace, and location that best meets their operational needs. Learning online eliminates the logistical challenges and costs often associated with traditional classroom-based learning, such as travel, downtime, and coordinating schedules across shifts. Companies can learn more or register for a complimentary taster session at https://lomasystems.learnupon.com/store?st=Taster&commit= For further information, contact: training.academy@loma.com. Nactarome Group expands into sports nutrition with acquisition of Claremont Ingredients Nactarome Group, a developer and manufacturer of natural flavour, taste and colour solutions for the food and beverage industry, headquartered near Milan, Italy, has agreed to acquire Claremont Ingredients from THG Nutrition. Claremont has a deep expertise and strong presence in the sports nutrition market, as well as in bakery, bars and beverages. Luigi Del Monaco, CEO of Nactarome Group, said: “The acquisition of Claremont marks a significant add- on to our existing and important business footprint in the UK. Claremont’s deep expertise and strong presence in the sports nutrition market perfectly complement Nactarome’s own capabilities in food and nutrition flavours and colours, as well as our broader global network. “At Nactarome, we are committed to continuing our close and strong collaboration with THG to drive innovation and agility, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of market trends. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire team working on this deal, whose dedication made this milestone possible, and I look forward to a future of sustained growth and success for all.” WMH boosts efficiency with new packing systems at major bakery WMH has successfully completed the installation of two advanced packing systems for a leading wholesale morning goods bakery, marking a significant upgrade in operational efficiency and product handling. The newly implemented systems streamline the process of transferring frozen packaged goods from freezer storage to boxed units, ready for palletisation and dispatch. This enhancement has led to notable improvements in product flow, a reduction in product damage, and a more user-friendly packing experience for operators. Each system features a carousel packing conveyor, designed to allow for product accumulation and ensure a smooth packing rhythm. Ergonomic packing stations are seamlessly integrated with automated case erectors, supplying a continuous flow of empty cartons to the packing area—minimising downtime and maximising throughput. To further enhance usability and control, both packing lines are operated via intuitive touchscreen HMI (Human-Machine Interface) panels. These interfaces allow operators to monitor system performance, adjust settings, and respond quickly to production needs, all from a centralised control point. To find out more about WMH, please visit www.wmh-uk-ltd.com © stock.adobe.com/NataliaExplore our ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐƚŽĚĂLJ 02477 299523 joinus@kitepackaging.co.uk powered by employee share-ownershipCoca-Cola Beverages Africa invests R365m in new bottling line in South Africa Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested R365m in a new state-of-the-art bottling line capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour at its plant in Midrand, South Africa. The high-speed production line marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with an innovative sports bottle cap. Beyond this milestone, the line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company’s efforts to expand its hydration category. The line will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition. “By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,” said Moses Lubisi, manufacturing and technical director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), a company in the CCBA group. “Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.” “At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,” said Sunil Gupta, CEO of CCBA. “This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.” Arla Foods invests €50m in Bahrain site Arla Foods is making a major investment in its Bahrain production site to boost its position in the cheese glass jar category across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region with the popular spreadable cheese sold under the Puck brand. Demand is especially high during Ramadan and back-to-school seasons, and during these peaks production at the site in Bahrain is almost at capacity. And in just a few years, the two occasions will take place at the same time due to the date change of Ramadan. In order to future-proof for expected growth in demand, the farmer-owned cooperative is investing €50.9m to increase production capacity of the spreadable cheese jars. Lillie Li Valeur, executive vice president of international at Arla Foods, said: “We have one of the most well-known and loved dairy products in the region and we are proud to be part of families’ cooking whether it’s during the everyday rush or for special occasions.” The investment will add approximately 30% to the current production capacity. Construction is set to begin end of 2025. 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Beverages and food cleverly labelled Labels sometimes decide whether a bottle of wine, piece of meat, apples, broccoli, or pack of cookies are carried to checkout or back to the shelf by a consumer. Smart design, ingredients, dates of expiry, prices, filling quantities or origins are all relevant. Data on labels enable correct distribution, traceability, seamless workflows and economic calculability along the supply chain. For communication to work, the quality of a label material, comfortable look and feel, clearly visible data, legible printing and smooth and precise label application each play a major role. Industrial companies request labeling systems that achieve high processing speeds even with items following each other in quick succession on a conveyor. Whether an item is in motion or at rest at the time a label is applied and from which side labels are transferred are further factors. cab print and apply systems do all these. They also add variable data onto pre-printed labels, stick labels precisely to smallest spots, do linerless or smart labels. The long-established German company has been constantly developing its equipment. Farmers, food and beverage businesses, retailers and wholesalers benefit. To learn more about cab, please visit www.cab.de/en Mars to invest $2 billion into U.S. manufacturing by 2026 Mars, Incorporated is ramping up its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a $2 billion investment planned by the end of 2026. This is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its domestic operations, with 94% of Mars products sold in the U.S. produced locally. The company has already committed over $6 billion to U.S. manufacturing in the past five years. A key part of this investment is the development of a $240 million Nature’s Bakery facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, which will generate over 230 jobs. The 339,000-square-foot plant will increase production capacity, with plans to produce nearly one billion bars annually. Earlier this year, Mars also launched a $450 million Royal Canin pet food factory in Lewisburg, Ohio, creating 270 new jobs. With a century-long presence in the U.S., Mars continues to expand its operations. The company currently operates 38 factories across 49 states and employs more than 70,000 associates. The $2 billion investment is another step towards reinforcing Mars’ resilience and capacity to meet consumer demand while boosting regional economies. © stock.adobe.com/Stockphotoman © Arla Foods © Coca-Cola Beverages AfricaRoly’s Fudge celebrates the flavours of Autumn As the leaves turn and the weather cools, Roly’s Fudge is introducing its new Autumn range of fudge - a collection of flavours which capture the comforting tastes of the season. This year’s Autumn selection features rich and warming favourites, including classic Toffee Apple Fudge, indulgent Chocolate Sea Salt Fudge, and the very moreish Chocolate Orange Fudge. Each flavour is handmade using traditional recipes and the finest natural ingredients, offering that signature smooth, crumbly texture which is much loved. Presented in beautifully designed gift bags, the Autumn range is perfect for sharing at cosy gatherings, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying a little seasonal treat yourself. Whether you pick up a loose selection or opt for one of the stylish gift bags, these flavours promise to bring a taste of autumnal warmth to every occasion. FieldGoods partners with Wildfarmed to launch new bread and butter pudding Luxury ready meal brand, FieldGoods, has partnered with regenerative farming pioneers, Wildfarmed, to launch a new Bread & Butter Pudding. The pudding features white chocolate and raspberries layered between slices of Wildfarmed’s Seeded Loaf, baked together in a golden, creamy custard. Wildfarmed’s Seeded Loaf is made with 100% regenerative flour, grown in a way that actively restores soil and landscapes. Free from palm oil, fat and artificial preservatives, it’s packed with six types of seeds and slow-fermented, using a traditional method, for a nutty, malty flavour. Elliot Day, co-founder at FieldGoods, said: “Not all heroes wear capes! And this Bread & Butter Pudding is one of them. Great farming leads to great produce, which leads to great food, and we’re pumped to be able to deliver that in a pudding that keeps everyone coming back for more.” on the shelf Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net Snyder’s of Hanover launch Pretzel Pieces into the UK Pretzel enthusiasts, Snyder’s of Hanover has announced the launch of Pretzel Pieces into the UK market. Innovation and excitement come to the UK pretzel aisle with Snyder’s of Hanover’s Pretzel Pieces, available in four flavours — Cheddar Cheese, Honey Mustard & Onion, Hot Buffalo Wing, and Jalapeño — offering a bold alternative to the more traditional salted and unflavoured pretzel options. Snyder’s of Hanover’s Pretzel Pieces use the craveable, bold flavours the brand is known for. Generous chunks of Hard Pretzels bursting with intense flavour combinations… like the spicy kick of jalapeño, the bold taste of cheddar cheese, the tangy blend of honey mustard and onion, or the fiery heat of buffalo wing seasoning. Pretzel Pieces offer a convenient snack, perfect for on the go or for enjoying a movie night at home. Blanca Cerro, Campbells growth marketing lead, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Pieces to the UK market, offering our popular range of seasonings to UK consumers. We believe dedication to craftsmanship can make the ordinary extraordinary. We exist to make the best pretzels, like we have since 1909, and it’s this heritage that consumers know and love us for today.” Founded in 1909, Snyder’s of Hanover has a rich heritage, rooted in tradition and a dedication to true pretzel craftsmanship that has defined the brand for over a century. Lindt gets a buttery makeover with classic British biscuit Shortbread. An edible emblem of British tradition and one that’s deeply embedded in British culture, has now received the ultimate makeover from the Lindt Master Chocolatier. To tempt tastebuds this Autumn and Winter, Lindt has announced the limited-edition release of a buttery twist on LINDOR’s iconic truffles, made especially for UK chocolate lovers. Introducing the Lindt LINDOR Shortbread Truffles. The iconic milk chocolate shell with shortbread pieces and a smooth, melting milk chocolate filling, delicately infused with shortbread aroma. Stefan Bruderer, Master Chocolatier at Lindt & Sprüngli, said: “We understand UK consumers have a unique love for biscuits and shortbread particularly has deep roots in British culture, so it felt like the perfect crumbly treat to blend with our beloved truffles. We love creating new and unique flavours with our iconic Swiss Chocolate!” © Guy HarropNext >