< PreviousFresh produce weigher provides high outputDouble opening bucket flaps and a morepowerful design of vibratory feeding system areamong features employed for high outputon a new multihead weigher developed byPFM specifically for fresh-cut salad andproduce.Equipped with memory buckets, thefourteen head MBP C2-EW machine iscapable of feeding a twin tube baggingmachine or loading two trays simultaneously,allowing typically 250-500g of lettuce to behandled at speeds of 120 packs a minute.PFM sales and operations director ChrisBolton says, “This is a highly productive,purpose-built machine which in many cases can almost double the output of produce and salad leaves, even larger ones.”In addition to the double opening flaps, which allow faster transfer of bulky product, the weigher also makes use of a new rigidised stainless steel for thebuckets and chutes. This has a surface pattern and coating designed to reduce friction and so increase product flow.10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIshida weigher is tops forspeed and accuracy A compact linear multihead weigher from Ishida Europe isdelivering high speeds and accuracy at small target weightsfor the weighing of yogurt toppings at the Budapest factory ofDanone Hungary.The Ishida CCW-R-112PL, which is specifically designed forultra-low target weights, is handling biscuit pieces, chocolateballs and cereals at weights of between 5g and 9g, achievingdeviation of less than 1% from the target weight at speeds of169 weighments per minute. Using a feed system devised by the customer, product isfed to the infeed of the linear Ishida weigher. An Arcilthermoforming machine produces the two-compartmentyogurt pot, one for the yogurt and the other for the topping.Once the topping is weighed, it is discharged into the fillingsystem; this is linked to the thermoformer which calls for thepots to be presented underneath. Six yogurt pots are filled simultaneously. The CCW-R-112 features short drop to handle the fragile toppings.Starfrost scoops majorcontract from Minor DairyThailand’s premier ice cream firm is investing inbespoke processing equipment from freezing andchilling system manufacturer Starfrost. The Britishfirm’s double drum spiral system for Minor Dairy is thelatest Starfrost freezer set to be exported to Thailand. Minor Dairy was looking for a high capacity freezingsystem to increase ice cream production at itsprocessing facility near to Bangkok. The firm requiredan efficient in-line freezing system capable of achievingthe long retention time needed to harden largecontainers of ice cream. Starfrost’s UK engineeringteam has custom designed a Double Drum Helix Spiralfreezer with a processing capacity of 1500 kg/hr.Starfrost Managing Director Neil Winney says,“Minor Dairy required an efficient, high capacityhardening system for large containers of ice cream.An ‘off the shelf’ in-line freezing system would simplynot be capable of achieving the capacity and longretention times needed.”Weighers increase throughput forMediterranean productsThe installation of five multiheadweighers from Ishida Europe hashelped to triple throughput atAnsolive, a supplier and distributor ofolives and Mediterranean products.The company has recently installedfive new automatic lines in a newproduction facility at its site in Ans,Belgium to meet growing demandsfor its products. This has enabled itto fill a further 60,000 pots of producta day in addition to the 30,000 it wasalready producing on seven semi-automatic lines in its original factory.Products such as olives, peppersand dried tomatoes are transportedby a belt elevator to one of the five16-head Ishida CCW-RS weighers.These are capable of handling both mono product and two-mix applicationsand their hygienic WP ‘waterproof’ construction enables fast and easycleaning between production runs. After weighing the products are discharged into one or two plastic potsdepending on the required production capacity.ICS Cool Energy provide temporarycooling for the perfect loafICS Cool Energy hassupplied a series of sixair handling units to anindustrial bakery toextract excess heat fromthe process and providea temporary coolingsolution to retainproduct stability andquality. The company initiallysupplied a 50kW lowtemperature air handlingunit mounted on a frame to maximise the floor space on site, andconnected to a 73kW TAEevo chiller. Following the initial installation, twofurther units were added in other areas of the bakery plant to decreasebuilding temperatures. Due to the summer ambient temperatures, further units have since beenadded to the site to provide temporary cooling through four 73kW chillersand a 129kW TAEevo 602 chiller. The units provide improved airmovement throughout the site, increasing production quality, site efficiencyand as units run in parallel the configuration can be adapted as seasonaltemperatures change or as capital for a permanent solution.10:Layout 1 20/9/13 14:05 Page 1Food & Drink International 11www.fdiforum.netTropical Sun unveils revitalised new lookTropical Sun has begun rolling out amajor revamp of its packaging design, whichwill increase brand recognition, productappeal and boost sales. While retaining theoriginal and authentic essence of thebrand’s identity, the new look will make iteasier for consumers to navigate the ethnicfoods aisle. The new packaging features a strip of thebrand’s traditional mottled yellow at the top,on which sits a prominent Tropical Sun logowhich sits as a seal of quality. The overalleffect of the new look is to give the brand avibrant, rejuvenated and uncomplicatedlook, which better reflects the brand’s personality.Its range of six table sauces are one of the first to be rolled out in the new look and feature a green Stamp of Quality “no artificial colours, flavours orpreservatives” logo. Additionally, the sauces have been upgraded with an improved recipe for a better taste and consistency.Fruity new look for Scott’s jamsR&W Scott is revitalising its jam andmarmalade ranges with new recipes,designs and the launch of a newpremium ‘naturally sweet’ fruit jam range.R&W Scott’s popular 340g ScottishFavourites range has been redesignedwith a modern, impactful and freshpackaging design which emphasises theproduct’s Scottish heritage. The jar alsofeatures a recognisable black lid with‘jam packed with pride’ strapline,Scottish flag and wraparound label. R&W Scott are also introducing a new ‘super premium’ third tier product made with 100%fruit. With a fruity character and naturally sweet taste, the new premium ‘Naturally Sweet’ rangewill be available in Strawberry, Raspberry and Marmalade, from fine food outlets.John Easton, managing director for R&W Scott, says, “We are confident that the enhancedportfolio will stimulate the category and create more choice for consumers. The new premiumpackaging designs better represents R&W Scott’s values and shows that we are innovators inthe industry.”Top quality flexo print andcolour management forWaitroseFFP Packaging Solutions believe their premium‘Menu From’ Waitrose salad packs represent thecurrent peak of flexographic print. They were printed onthe latest print equipment, using a Colour Managedrepro path and plate imaging techniques and FFP’sown in-house HD platemaking facility.Jacqui Fairey, of Bakkavor company WinglandFoods, visited FFP’s stand at NEC Ecopack. Impressedby the quality of the print on display, especially a testpiece produced to promote their high quality flexoproduct Platinum Print, she invited FFP to submitsamples for comparison.The ‘Menu From’ range has a high profile withinWaitrose across a number of categories and has beencompletely redesigned this year.Jacqui says, “We chose FFP on the basis of the highquality of print, and also because we needed to beconfident that we would achieve that standard first timeand throughout the project. We have been reallypleased with the results.”Citres see plastic as packaging of thefutureIn collaboration with RPC, Citres Spa, the Italian food specialist in pickles,pesti and sauces, is pioneering the supply of its products in new polypropylenejars. The companies have developed a solution that meets requirements forlong shelf life, lightness, resealability, recyclability and easy opening, whilemaintaining freshness and authenticity.The RPC jars all feature a multilayer PP/EVOH/PP construction that can bepasteurised and sterilised to provide a long ambient shelf life, while itsspecially-developed filling technology ensures the containers do not deformduring the pasteurisation process.Using RPC’s extensive range of jars, Citres Spa supplies products to bothretail and foodservice sectors. RPC is supplying its 1000g (Classic Jar) forPesto and Sauces, the 2400g (Thermic Ultra) for Olives, Sliced Artichokes andDried Tomatoes, and the 3800g (Amgall) for a variety of sliced and dicedvegetables. The jars are produced by RPC Corby and RPC Kutenholz, withcaps from RPC Halstead.Bavaria Radler – forcyclists andeveryoneFollowing the end of the world’s mostfamous cycle race, Dutch brewer Bavaria arelaunching Bavaria Radler Lemon and BavariaRadler Grapefruit, inspired by the sport ofcycling. These shandy-style beers areexpected to be a big hit with consumers inthe UK, even those whose thirst has notgrown through energetic exercise of the two-wheeled variety.Bavaria Radler Lemon is a mix of premiumlager and sparkling lemonade and BavariaRadler Grapefruit, a mix of premium lagerand sparkling lemonade with a twist ofgrapefruit. These light and crisp drinks with ahint of citrus are only 2% ABV.Mike Teague, Managing Director of Bavaria UK, says, “The Germansfirst made this style of shandy popular in the twenties, when cyclingboomed and a drink was need to offer refreshment, but no so as toimpair the ability of the cyclists to ride home again.”11:Layout 1 20/9/13 14:09 Page 112 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netDon’t forgetyou can now readFood & Drink International Digital Editionsnow available on iPad & iPhonewww.fdiforum.netIdeal for those who spendtime away fromthe officeonthego!Needlers appoints new MarketingManagerNeedlers, leadingsuppliers of hygiene,safety and personalprotection equipment,has recruited PaulWoodford asMarketing Manager tohelp drive thedirection of thecompany, in line withambitious plans forgrowth.Paul is a CIMqualified marketingconsultant, with seven years’ experience of marketing to the foodmanufacturing sector. He says, “I’m excited about this new challenge.Having worked with Needlers in my previous role I have a goodunderstanding of the company, and I’m delighted to be part of such asuccessful team.”Alistair Needler, Needlers Managing Director, says, “The creation of a newMarketing Manager position is a reflection of our commitment to developingour already successful business. We are looking to add depth in the supportfor our sales team, and be more strategic in our marketing efforts. Paul’sexperience will help with the continuous improvement of our customerexperience.”Needlers’ high-profile national accounts include 2 Sisters, Greencore,Samworths, Cranswick and ABP.Senior consultant returns to LorienLorien Engineering Solutions hasbolstered its team of seniorconsultants with the appointment ofGlen Prentice at the firm’sheadquarters in Burton on Trent. Glen joins Lorien from RobertWiseman Dairies where he wasgroup process improvementmanager, responsible for projectsinvolving new products, continuousimprovement and capacityincreases. Having previouslyworked for Lorien, Glen is nowrejoining the firm with a wealth ofexperience under his belt. Having delivered hygienicinstallations in the dairy, food andbeverage sectors he is lookingforward to using his knowledge tobenefit Lorien’s growing raft ofclients in the dairy industry. He is also the firm’s lead sustainabilityconsultant, providing energy efficient solutions for client’s existingmanufacturing processes. Glen says, “It’s great to be back at Lorien. Having worked on the otherside of the fence during my time away, I’m looking forward to using mydairy experience for the benefit of Lorien clients.”www.fdiforum.net12:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:36 Page 1Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTEnsuring that bulk materials are safelystored, effectively transported and meetstrict safety guidelines can often bedifficult. With such heavy loads, the useof equipment for importing and exportingsuch orders can be complex but there aremethods out there that mean much of thepain is taken away. With a lean onautomation prevalent in the rest of theindustry, where this is not possible, thereare many specialists on hand to make theprocess as smooth as possible.Look upSome would say that the bulk materialshandling process for shipping ortransporting goods internationally differslittle for domestic markets but often thesupply and demand is a lot more protracted.When containers of materials are used,often the materials can be stored formonths at a time, meaning more specialisedspace is needed to effectively carry this out. Simply looking up is one solution manycompanies end up doing as most storagefacilities negate to effectively use spacethey have right above their heads. Use ofracking and automated systems to monitorand manage such solutions is becomingmore common and there are companiesout there that can take your space andtransform it into a cost-effective and trulyuseful way to work. For many companies,the loading dock and warehouse can bebusy places, space is at a premium.Vertical reciprocating conveyors and workplatforms therefore offer foodmanufacturers a new level of storage spaceby going up and adding a second level.These options are not only a cost-effective solution to gaining new storagespace, but provide food manufacturers theflexibility to adapt to their changing needs.14 Bibby’s new teardrop-shapedtrailers are cutting down on windresistance and therefore fuel costsThe BULKof itMaterials handling is an issue that faces the whole food and drink industry, but what comes into play whenthe materials that need packing, preparing and storing for import and export standards? 13-15:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:49 Page 114 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTAdding new space to an existingloading dock and warehouse by going upis a more cost-effective solution whencompared to adding a new building. Thecombination of a VRC and workplatforms can effectively double a facility’sstorage space, and they can be installed injust a few weeks with minimal disruptionto daily operations. When it comes tosafety, a guard rail with a high impactrating can provide excellent protection foremployees and equipment against forkliftsand other vehicles.Knowing your levelWhen dealing with such huge amountsof material, spillage, evaporation andgeneral deterioration of raw materials issometimes an occurrence that could affectbottom lines overall. When thinkingabout receiving such large amounts ingeneral, it’s perhaps a good idea to investin methods of measurement that are non-intrusive and do not disturb the product.For those who keep products in silos orsimilarly large silos once products havebeen imported, radar could be the answer.Knowing precisely to the millilitre orcentimetre how full or empty a containermight be can prove useful for those whodeal with materials in large volumes on aregular basis. Some radar level sensors even boasttemperature sensing equipment thatallows ambient resting temperatures tobe monitored and fed back with nooperative required to carry out thisoperation. The advantages of using thesekind of systems seem obvious, with mostactually offering measurements inadverse conditions such as areas thickwith dust or moisture. This offersadvantages over traditional mechanicalmethods of measurement or previously-used electronic methods that used meansthat were poor on performance unlesscalibrated in perfect, unchangingconditions. Lloyd Fraser milk trucks have started usingIsotrak, a driver behaviour monitoringplatform to track fuel use during delivery ofbulk orders of milk13-15:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:49 Page 2Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTtransporting bulk materials and having norestrictions around the world means newdesigns like ‘teardrop’ shaped trailers usedmean overall fuel costs are shaved downeven further. Automatic transmission inlarge vehicles is also having an impact,with manual transmission on heavy loadstaking too much strain to be effective costwise. Overall, the storage and delivery of bulkmaterials handling remains a challengebut thanks to smart automation andtechnology options, thinking outside thebox and efficiencies made behind thescenes it seems that those challenges arebeing met head on.Fuelling the economyWith so much onus on companies toreduce their carbon footprint, measurestaken once materials have been importedor exported to transport them in a waythat doesn’t impact too much on fuelcosts or the environment are growing inimportance. Because the loads carried during thesejourneys are so heavy, they tend to takemore fuel to transport in general to movearound and so any measures that are inplace to combat fuel waste or associatedcosts are welcomed by all. Companies arenow using modules to feedback livedriving style data over the vehicle trackingsystem to monitor and manage driverbehaviour, which often leads to significantsavings. Scheduled reports are often then setup for management teams. These includedriver score cards, driver performancetables, fleet utilisation, fuel performanceacross fleets and driver log on and log offfor monitoring shifts, locationturnaround times, and unknownlocations so unscheduled stops can bereviewed. Putting in these measuresfollowing driver training can save untoldamounts.Similarly, use of aerodynamic vehiclesalso helps. Having no impact onWhen dealing with such huge amounts of material,spillage, evaporation and general deterioration of rawmaterials is sometimes an occurrence that could affectbottom lines overallPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ARTENS13-15:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:49 Page 316 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netEFFICIENCY AND OPTIMISATIONConsumers’ increased interest in awider variety of products than ever beforehas created numerous valuableopportunities for manufacturers anddistributors. However with that comesfurther challenges and consumers are noweager to get hold of products as soon aspossible, regardless of whether they’re inseason and where they originate from.This explains why manufacturers anddistributors are ensuring their productionlines and supply chains are as efficient aspossible. With capital expenditure budgetsremaining tight, increasing numbers ofprocessors are seeking operationalimprovements that deliver cost savings,increased production levels, enhancedproduct quality and reduced plantdowntime without the financialimplications of new equipment. As well asthe requirement to speed up processes,the new techniques that are now used canalso ensure complete traceability at everypart of the lengthy supply chain, allowinginefficiencies to be pinpointed.New software allows these flashpointsto be identified and the relevant peoplealerted no matter where they’re working.For example, Hosokawa Micron’s newprocess control demonstration app aims todemystify the complexities of plantperformance improvement. Iain Crosley,the company’s Managing Director, says,“The technicalities of processoptimisation can leave even the mostexperienced engineers baffled by jargonand lack of practical processingexplanation. The aim now is thatprocessors will be able to see forthemselves how readily available plantdata can be used to achieve theequipment and process controls needed toachieve the production results they want.”The new diagnostics app shows theautomatic generation of diagnostic faultconditions for a typical milling system.Fault conditions are reported for thedifferent areas of the milling system, and afollow up action recommended.Other forms of software are alsohelping to improve management ofproduction processes. Mettler-ToledoProduct Inspection’s data managementsoftware ProdX v1.2 optimises productinspection data collection and monitoring.The software can connect productinspection technologies to single ormultiple remote processing and controllocations within an organisation,streamlining the data analysis.Manufacturers can also remotely set upproduct inspection systems on theproduction line, which saves time duringthe product changeover process andmaximises productivity.Spotting the flashpoints can make adifference, but being able to address theseto ensure machinery runs smoother and ismore energy efficient can prove to havethe most noticeable effect on the bottomline. IFF, for example, have upgraded theAtlas Copco compressed air system attheir UK manufacturing plant inHaverhill. Performance logging of thecompressors, carried out prior to theexpansion highlighted the fact thatsignificant energy savings could beachieved with the installation of a singlevariable speed drive compressor to replaceboth existing units.Engineering Manager Matt Borrill says,“We calculate that in the past year wehave saved £10,000 pa on our energy billsand significantly reduced our carbonfootprint. Like Atlas Copco, we value ourenvironmental credentials and practicelean manufacturing techniques in ourproduction processes. Also, the noise-reduction characteristic of the new ZTcompressor is a welcome asset in view ofthe plant’s proximity to residentialproperties.”Away from the production line, themost effective way of saving time comesfrom efficiencies and optimisations in thesupply chain. Indeed, given the supplychain now increasingly involves a numberof organisations and can often crossnational boundaries, the potential for thesmooth running to go awry is very great.Many are therefore looking at new waysto make routing and scheduling moredynamic to allow the supply chain to reactmore effectively to unforeseen events orchanges in demand.For example, grocery distributorBlakemore Logistics has implemented adynamic routing and scheduling solutionfrom Paragon Software Systems. As wellas providing a million kilometre reductionin delivery miles, there are benefits thanksto lower overall emissions and a 10%reduction in the fleet.Logistics Manager Marc Deakinillustrates the supply chain challenges ashe says, “Our delivery volumes canfluctuate by as much as 3% on a weeklybasis. This dynamic system enables us toeffectively accommodate these changesOptimism aboutefficiencyIt’s proving easier than ever for manufacturers and distributors toincorporate efficiency and optimisation into their processes16-17:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:51 Page 1Food & Drink International 17www.fdiforum.netEFFICIENCY AND OPTIMISATIONmore efficiently whilst achievingsignificant benefits. This is definitely themodern way to manage wholesaledistribution because staying with a fixedrouting approach means you will alwayshave an element of waste due toovercapacity in the plan and inresourcing.”One further value of this kind ofsoftware is that it can monitor thebehaviour of drivers and ensure that theyare keeping to schedules. The idea is notto spy on their behaviour but to makesure that they are complying with theWorking Time Regulations which limitthe number of hours they can work forsafety reasons, and make sure they aredriving in an efficient manner.Systems such as Isotrak can offerscheduled reports for a company’smanagement team. Lee Westgate of LloydFraser Milk Division explains that makinguse of Isotrak’s CANBus module hasallowed them to review the work of theirdrivers. He says, “Drivers also get theirindividual weekly driver score cards andthe supervisors will congratulate thosewho are performing above standard. Wecan then focus on those who need toimprove their driving styles. For example,we may target harsh braking or excessiveidling. This is proving to be verysuccessful and we’ve been able to makethe improvements using the informationthat Isotrak captures and reports to us.”Making changes to the way driversoperate, vehicles are tracked and vehiclesare maintained and operated don’t haveto be extensive – but together they cancreate a whole host of savings that areallowing companies to work moreeffectively than ever before.Main: Grocery distributor Blakemore Logistics has implemented a dynamic routing and scheduling solution fromParagon Software SystemsTop right: Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection’s data management software ProdX v1.2 optimises productinspection data collection and monitoringAbove: IFF have upgraded the Atlas Copco compressed air system at their UK manufacturing plant in Haverhill16-17:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:51 Page 218 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGINGConsumer habits have changed inrecent years and “own brand” products nolonger have the stigma they once had.Now more commonly referred to as“private label”, many retailers now offerproducts that are just as high quality asestablished brand name equivalent, whileconsumers are more promiscuous and willhappily opt for a private label brand ifthey feel it provides good value.These developments have led to a hostof opportunities for manufacturers andpackers to win lucrative contracts. IndeedCanadean’s Global Food and BeverageSurvey, which has a particular focus onbuyer spend and procurement strategies,suggests that 68% and 48% of global foodand drink manufacturers respectively are‘more optimistic’ about the revenuegrowth for their company in 2013, withthe ability to expand and offer newproducts and services a major driver.As the survey reports, factors such aslevel of service, price and delivery leadtimes are considered to be significantfactors for supplier selection by drinksmanufacturers, and the results reveal that15% and 9% respectively of food anddrink manufacturers are willing toimplement e-procurement soon.This would go some way to address theissue revealed in recent researchconducted by Model N and technologypartner Feedback Processi Logici suggeststhe companies hoping to win tenders willneed to change their approach to takeadvantage of the new streamlinedmethods. James Robinson, Director ofIndustry Solutions at Model N, says,“With more than two thirds of businesseslacking automated processes and no seniormanagement buy-in, it’s clear theimportance of effective tendering has stillto take its place in today’s boardrooms,despite increasing market pressures.“Disconnected, manually-basedprocesses result in highly damaging gapsin the tender management lifecyclebetween offers, administration and awardmanagement. This creates unnecessaryrevenue leakage and reducedprofitability.”The Model N survey suggests that only14% of those surveyed recognise tenderingas an opportunity to differentiate thebusiness on value rather than price, sothere is an obvious opportunity forcompanies to illustrate their ability toprovide the full package. James Robinsonsays, “Bearing in mind the fundamentalimportance of ensuring legal complianceat every step in a highly-regulatedtendering environment, the relative lackof concern found by our research is both asurprise and a concern.”Contract packaging is certainly a sectorwhere companies need to be adaptive andinnovative to their customers’ demands.One example is Thomas Hardy Brewingand Packaging, who are one of the leadingcontract packers of beers, ciders, softdrinks and FABs for many companies.Their Kendal plant currently packsaround 150 SKUs, filling over fortydifferent bottle sizes, though thereremains demand from customers forfurther packaging flexibility.Hence, the decision was made toupgrade the end of line solution to offerboth current and future customers newsecondary packaging options. The originalDimac shrinkwrapper supplied by AetnaUK had packed over fifty million cases,and an upgrade project commenced,which provided a solution for replacingthe old shrink tunnel. Customer requestswere crucial in this aspect as the companyneeded to be able to offer the additionaloption of registered or printed film fortrays or pads. The tray erector andwraparound packer were also replacedwithin the existing format of the line,which included linking in a direct feedfrom the existing Mead Clusterpakmachine.David Walkinshaw of Aetna UK says,“As Thomas Hardy are Co-Packers, theneed for high speed changeovers andflexibility is key to their success andprofitability. Once the last bottles of oneproduct are packed out and palletised atthe end of the line, the plant aims tochange over their various packers andlabellers in readiness of the next productcoming off the filler. The improvedmechanisms on the Prasmatic TC 500 andDimac Greenstar F that we installed havedefinitely facilitated changeovers and helpthe Thomas Hardy team reducedowntime.”This month will see co-packers fromacross Europe get together in Brussels forthe first European Co-PackersConference, and organisers ECPA havemarked this by commissioning a majorsurvey into the sector. Wouter SleyffersSigned, sealed,deliveredContract manufacturers and packagers need to make sure they’rewell placed to meet potential customers’ requirements18-19:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:52 Page 1Food & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.nettogether in an attempt to provide acomprehensive industry-wide response tothe new challenges they now face.Co-packers are certainly beingconfronted with a substantial number ofgeneric audits, like ISO 9001, andcustomer specific audits. It’s estimatedthat 60-75% of these audits haveoverlaps. This high number of qualityaudits generate costs on both sides andthe ECPA are aiming to establish acentralised and accredited QualityCertificate for the whole of Europe whichwould allow companies to meet a uniformset of standards and for customers to besure they are working with a companythat meets their needs.There are certainly numerousopportunities for contract manufacturersand packers as companies look tooutsource their obligations and make useof innovative new processes. Thechallenge is to make sure they are well-prepared to answer any question that isposed to them.Thomas Hardy Brewing and Packaginghave upgraded their end of line solution tooffer both current and future customersnew secondary packaging options withimproved hardware from Aetna UKPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GORAN BOGICEVICfrom Annalise Market Intelligence, whocarried out the survey, says,“Consolidation is the core theme amongco-packers across Europe. The market hasbeen under consistent price pressure forseveral years now and is characterised bysubstantial over-capacity. It is not asurprise therefore that each co-packer hasan internal focus, trying to minimise costsand trying to keep the business they have– sometimes successfully, sometimes not.”ECPA’s research suggests there aremore than a thousand co-packers areactive across Europe, of which 80% haveannual sales between €2 million and €10million, highlighting what appears to beextensive fragmentation of the sector. Theconference aims to bring the sector18-19:Layout 1 20/9/13 13:53 Page 2Next >