The future of food The future of food INTERNATIONAL Control and automation Import and export Environmental spotlightContents October 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 Import and export10 Riding the swelling wave of popularity around South Korean culture, with everything from K-Beauty to K-Dramas and K-Pop trending, the demand for Korean food is also building, showing vast export potential. Environmental spotlight14 As carbon labelling moves from trial to trend, food and drink companies face pressure to measure, disclose and reduce their environmental impact or risk losing consumer trust. Labelling, coding and traceability18 As regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, the latest labelling and coding systems are giving manufacturers more than compliance - they are delivering speed, flexibility and trust across the supply chain. Control and automation 24 As the food and drink industry embraces robotics and data-driven systems, producers are under pressure to maintain the natural appeal consumers expect while meeting demands for safety, scale and consistency. 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/mandu77 • Top: stock.adobe.com/norikko • Middle: stock.adobe.com/ Barong • Bottom: stock.adobe.com/ thataroth Logistics30 With demand for greater efficiency, traceability, and transparency, food logistics is embracing transformative tech. Mixing and blending34 With ready meals, private-label foods, and seasonal SKUs shaping today’s food market, manufacturers are turning to mixing and blending systems designed for fast changeovers, reduced downtime, and multi- product agility. Fruit and vegetables 38 As retailers demand consistency, safety and sustainability, new machinery and packaging technologies are transforming how fruit and vegetables move from field to shelf. Events42 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world. Food and Drink diary46LDC backs Bespoke Kitchen Foods Bespoke Kitchen Foods, a provider of innovative vegetarian and vegan products for the pub and casual dining market, has secured investment from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Based in Coalville, Leicestershire, Bespoke supplies premium products to branded pub and restaurant chains and food wholesalers supplying the foodservice channels. Its products are developed specifically to meet customer requirements and include sweet and savoury baked and formed products. Founded in 2008, Bespoke has grown rapidly, with revenue increasing 18% on average over the last three years. In January 2025, it opened a new production facility near its headquarters to further increase its manufacturing capacity, raising its headcount to over 100. This growth has been supported by the rising popularity of vegetarian and vegan categories and more health-conscious dining. LDC is backing the firm’s management team, led by CEO Sam Tidball. The private equity investor will support the business’s organic and acquisitive growth strategy, which is underpinned by expansion into new segments, including high street casual dining chains. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Akona Process Solutions launches new website to showcase complete processing portfolio Akona Process Solutions has launched a new website that reflects its growth into a comprehensive provider of material processing and handling solutions. The move marks a significant milestone in a journey that has seen four leading brands - Cablevey, Kason, Marion, and Spiroflow - unite under the Akona name. Designed with customers in mind, the website not only offers clear navigation across Akona’s full range of processing technologies but also features interactive content that brings the company’s story and equipment to life. Among its highlights is a compelling animation video, providing a dynamic introduction to Akona’s capabilities, along with rotating 3D/AR models of equipment that enable users to examine technologies in detail and from all angles - an invaluable tool for decision-making and project planning. Throughout the website, customers can explore Akona’s offerings by equipment type, application or industry sector. With its clean layout and mobile-friendly design, the website emphasises the extent of capability now available under the Akona brand, while also showing how the legacy of each sub-brand continues to strengthen the group. Visit the new website at https://akonasolutions.com/ Fortnum & Mason selects Longbottom & Co. for its world-famous Piccadilly food hall The listing places the independent British brand alongside some of the most celebrated names in food and drink, giving Longbottom & Co. the seal of approval from one of the most discerning buyers in retail. Longbottom & Co. is leading a quiet revolution in the tomato juice category. Each can is made with proper tomato juice and real ingredients you’d find in your kitchen. Its fresh-pressed Canary and Pear tomatoes are grown in Southern Spain, juiced within two hours of harvest. Unlike most competitors, there are no concentrates, preservatives or artificial enhancers, only real tomatoes and precisely balanced seasoning that result in a perfect, consistent serve every time. Ed Bathgate, Founder of Longbottom & Co., said: “Securing Fortnum & Mason validates our approach to real ingredients. This isn’t just another Bloody Mary mixer, it’s the jewel in the crown, the best answer to decades of compromise in tomato juice quality. That’s why drinkers re-order more than any competitor, and that’s why it’s fast becoming the singular choice for prestigious retailers, airlines, bars and hotels.” To find out more about Longbottom & Co., visit drinklongbottom.co.uk Natra acquires Dutch peanut butter and ingredients supplier Bredabest Natra, the private label and co-manufacturing company for chocolate products, and Bredabest, a Dutch producer of peanut butter and other peanut- based ingredients, have joined forces to create a powerhouse in sweet spreads and confectionery. Natra has agreed to acquire Bredabest, which will facilitate the ongoing growth and development of the two businesses. The acquisition strengthens product offerings, cross-selling opportunities, and supply chain integration, while supporting Natra’s international growth strategy, which recently included the acquisition of Belgian chocolate producer Gudrun in September 2024. Founded in 1996 and based in the Netherlands, for Bredabest joining forces with Natra provides access to a wider international network and additional resources to support sustainable growth, while continuing operations at its existing facilities with all employees retained. The company was founded by Pieter Stienen and Rainier van Rey, who have served as CEO and managing partner since its inception. They will remain shareholders of the group and continue with the business. Bredabest will continue to operate under its existing brand and maintain its established way of working. Trusted 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 designSeafrigo meets Australian export demand with new Melbourne facility Seafrigo Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Mode Logistics across Australia, has opened a new facility at Melbourne Airport. The new warehouse for the cold chain logistics expert, specialising in food logistics, spans 10,000 sq m – quadrupling the space of the previous facility and increasing operational capacity. This expansion allows Seafrigo Australia to handle preload units more efficiently, ensuring smoother processing and extended loading windows for both day and night operations. The facility has been designed to meet the growing demands of Seafrigo’s airfreight business. It features a full range of temperature-controlled zones, including frozen storage (-16°C to -20°C), chilled storage (0°C to 4°C), and ambient temperature areas. “Until now, we had to turn down business because we simply didn’t have the space to accommodate more. With this new facility, we’re not only meeting current demand but setting the stage for expansion into new markets,” said Jason Farrugia, CEO of Mode Logistics. 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Xampla secures $14m of investment to replace single-use plastics A major injection of $14m in private capital is set to accelerate UK materials innovation company Xampla’s mission to replace single- use plastics with alternatives made from plants. Lead investor Emerald Technology Ventures runs Europe’s first specialist, venture-backed investment fund targeting the full packaging lifecycle. The fund aims to catalyse leaps in advanced materials that benefit the planet and earn significant returns. Also leading the Series A round is BGF, one of the largest growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland, and Munich-based Matterwave Ventures, along with follow-on investment from existing investors including Amadeus Capital Partners and Horizons Ventures. Over the next five years, the funding will see Xampla’s Morro materials replace more than ten billion units of the most polluting single-use plastic, including plastic linings found in takeaway boxes, coffee cups and sachets. Global plastic production is estimated to rise to a billion tonnes annually, and with less than 10% of plastic ever produced being recycled, there are now 8 billion tonnes of plastics and microplastics in our global environment. Xampla’s Morro materials offer a natural polymer alternative. Made from regenerative plant proteins, they are plastic-free, biodegradable and home compostable. Halal products pioneer sold Perwyn, a European private equity investor, is exiting its holding in Isla Délice, a market leader in branded halal meat products, to A&M Capital Europe. Perwyn acquired majority control of Isla Délice from its founders and the French private equity firm IDI in 2018, paving the way for substantial growth and development, and transforming the business from an owner-managed enterprise into being directed by an expanded independent C-suite. Perwyn’s support in strengthening the Isla Délice team enabled them to pursue new opportunities and achieve advancements in various aspects of the business. These included the continued professionalisation of the business, a material capital investment into its production capabilities, and three acquisitions in the UK, Belgium and Germany. A strategy of internationalisation was initiated, taking the business from a purely French enterprise to one with sales across the three international markets, as well as the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, which Isla Délice entered organically. REDUCED and Royal Greenland partner to upcycle cold-water prawn side streams Danish biotech company REDUCED and Royal Greenland, the seafood supplier, have signed an agreement to develop value from side streams. The partnership aims to transform prawn processing side streams into clean-label, high- performance taste solutions for future commercialisation. The partnership applies REDUCED’s proprietary fermentation-based platform to prawn shells and heads, which represent nearly half of the cold-water prawn biomass. Traditionally used for low-cost food and feed ingredients, this material is now being upcycled into a natural prawn concentrate with exceptional flavour and broad application potential. Kristian Ottesen, director, Royal Greenland, said: “At Royal Greenland, we work every day to use our resources responsibly. Therefore, we are also proud to enter into a collaboration that clearly demonstrates that good taste solutions and circular thinking can easily go hand in hand. “By upcycling the by-products from prawn production, we not only create new high-quality products, but we also reduce waste and actively contribute to the future of food production. Every time we fish, we have a responsibility to manage the catch in the best possible way.” Royal Greenland, certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for its sustainable cold-water prawn fisheries, brings scale, supply chain credibility, and a clear route to market to the partnership. Together with REDUCED’s fermentation expertise, the collaboration shows how circular processing can turn side streams with great potential into high-value taste solutions, demonstrating both strong commercial potential and a clear path toward more resource-efficient seafood production. © stock.adobe.com/Rafael Ben-Ari Xampla investors © stock.adobe.com/dvoevnoreExplore our ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐƚŽĚĂLJ 02477 299523 joinus@kitepackaging.co.uk powered by employee share-ownershipNoPalm Ingredients and NIZO sign agreement for yeast oil demonstration factory NoPalm Ingredients and contract research company NIZO Food Research are establishing NoPalm Ingredients’ first Demonstration Factory at the Food Innovation Campus at NIZO in Ede. Here, NoPalm Ingredients will for the first time run its process for sustainable palm oil alternatives entirely at one location. This contract marks the transition from pilot to commercial-scale production. “The step towards our first factory is a concrete milestone in our ambition to become a leader in yeast oil production,” said CEO and founder Lars Langhout. “From a shaking flask and a microscope in the lab, we are now building our own factory: dreams are becoming reality. As pioneers, we are showing the industry that yeast oils no longer only exist in the lab, but can also be produced at large scale, and that we are a reliable partner for sustainable oil alternatives.” Until now, process steps took place at multiple locations, but soon everything will happen under one roof. This saves time, reduces costs, and accelerates scaling. The factory will start with several hundred tons per year and grow to more than 1,200 tons. Investindustrial to acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel and Reyco Investindustrial has entered into an agreement to acquire Kiremko, Idaho Steel, and Reyco, collectively one of the leaders in the design and manufacture of customized equipment and solutions for the food processing industry with a focus on potato processing systems. The Group – composed of Kiremko, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Montfoort, Netherlands; Idaho Steel, founded in 1918 and headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Reyco, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Caldwell, Idaho – has been serving the world’s leading potato processors under a tri-brand partnership since 1996. Supported by a team of more than 450 employees operating across manufacturing facilities and offices in the Netherlands, United States, India, and China, the Group generated over $200 million in sales in 2024. Through its intended investment in the Group and in partnership with the Group’s management, Investindustrial aims to further integrate the Group and build a leading global food processing equipment platform positioned for continued global growth, both through organic and acquisitive expansion in its existing markets and extension into adjacent food processing equipment categories. Building on its success in supporting companies at the intersection of the industrial automation and food & beverage industries, with investments such as Omnia Technologies and Piovan, Investindustrial brings the deep sector experience, integration capabilities, operational expertise and global presence needed to support the Group’s continued development. With this transaction, Investindustrial’s portfolio companies in industrial automation collectively generate approximately €1.5 billion in revenue and employ around 5,000 people, while those in the food & beverage sector generate approximately €8.2 billion in revenue and employ over 20,000 people as of December 2024. Kiremko is currently owned by Paul Oosterlaken and Andy Gowing, while Idaho Steel and Reyco are owned by the Bradshaw and Christensen families. Investindustrial will acquire 100% of the three companies at closing. 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net on line Key Technology introduces COMPASS ® optical sorter for chips Key Technology, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its COMPASS ® optical sorter for chips. Designed specifically for potato chips, tortilla chips and similar snack foods, this belt-fed sorting system identifies and removes product defects and foreign material (FM) to protect food safety and product quality. Delivering sustained performance over long production cycles with minimal human intervention, COMPASS simplifies operation, cleaning and maintenance while providing a quick return on investment. “Key has been at the forefront of potato chip sorting and handling technology for decades, and COMPASS represents the next evolution in our commitment to this industry,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President - Food Sorting and Handling. “We’ve leveraged our extensive applications expertise to develop innovations that address the real operational challenges of chip processors, including automatic belt tracking, intuitive controls and clean-in-place features for extended run times between sanitation cycles.” Key supports its customers worldwide through an extensive sales network and its global service team. For more information on Key’s optical sorters, visit www.key.net/en/our-products/sorting/. Acquisition sees Jungbunzlauer establish U.S. manufacturing footprint Jungbunzlauer, a producer of sustainable ingredients from natural sources, has signed a binding and definitive agreement to acquire the International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) multipurpose production site in Thomson, Illinois. “This acquisition is an important step in delivering on our strategic capacity expansion in North America,” said Bruno Tremblay, CEO of Jungbunzlauer. “Establishing a U.S. manufacturing footprint allows us to work closer to many of our U.S. customers, better understand their challenges and deliver solutions that truly make a difference.” The asset deal does not include any of IFF’s commercial business, product lines or employees, and terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Upon closing the transaction, our immediate focus will be on preparing the site for our specific production needs,” added Tremblay. “As we finalise our operational plans, we look forward to sharing updates, including information about future hiring.” © stock.adobe.com/Kawee © stock.adobe.com/BuonaventuraFirst chilled soup in a can launches for UK food-to-go market Breaking new ground in food-to-go, DOZZ is the first chilled, ready-to-eat soup available in a 100% recyclable aluminium can, designed to be consumed straight from the pack cold with no bowl, microwave or cutlery required. The range of ten nourishing soups in an innovative format offer a fresh, convenient solution for busy, health-conscious consumers looking for a light lunch or snack on the go. DOZZ fills a clear gap in the market for chilled, healthy soup that’s ready to eat. The range includes ten globally inspired recipes, such as Gazpacho, Mixed Vegetable, Yogurt and Mint, Tomato, Broccoli, Chicken, Chili Bean, Lentil, Mushroom and Spinach, catering to both plant-based and meat-eating consumers. Each 310ml can is low in calories, ranging from just 33 to 57 kcal, made with high-quality ingredients and free from preservatives and artificial colours. The product offers a chilled shelf life of 4-8 months depending on the recipe, providing flexibility for retailers and out of home outlets. Cathedral City strengthens value- led range with bigger packs of minis, slices and grated formats Cathedral City is strengthening its value-led offering for budget-conscious shoppers, with range updates across both its snacking and core cheese portfolio. The expanded range now includes: * Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar ‘Big Pack’ Slices (12 slices / 250g) - rolling out into Sainsbury’s with further distribution confirmed in Tesco, Morrisons and Asda over the next six months. * Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar ‘Big Pack’ Minis (12 x 20g) - already launched into Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, with further expansion into Asda later in the year. * Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar ‘Big Pack’ Grated 320g – now available in Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Ocado, with plans to expand availability in the coming months. * Cathedral City Our Mature Cheddar Grated 1kg – launching in Tesco from November. Lissie Bernard, brand manager for Cathedral City, said: “By expanding pack sizes of our Minis and Slices and extending the distribution of our ‘Big Pack’ Grated, we’re ensuring Cathedral City is top of mind for shoppers looking for both everyday meal solutions and convenient snacking options.” on the shelf Food & Drink International 9 www.fdiforum.net SpiceBox debuts organic Black Dal Award-winning Indian food brand SpiceBox has launched the UK’s first ever organic certified Black Dal exclusively at Sainsbury’s. The first major retailer launch for the company will also see two other organic Dals from SpiceBox available in Sainsbury’s instore and online - Moong Dal (whole mung bean curry) and Tarka Dal (a red lentil curry). Founded by Grace Regan, and now part of the What on Earth group, SpiceBox has earned a loyal following for its ready-to-eat Dal that honours traditional Indian recipes while meeting the demands of modern convenience. The new organic Black Dal is inspired by both the decadent restaurant-style Black Dal recipes that has become so popular in the UK and the lighter ‘home-style’ recipes found in home kitchens across North India. It strikes the perfect balance of tasting rich and creamy whilst remaining light and healthy, providing a new experience in the UK ready meal aisle. SpiceBox uses whole urad beans, painstakingly sourced from a certified organic farm in India for superior flavour and texture. As part of an ultra-slow process, SpiceBox soaks the lentils for 14 hours and then cooks the ingredients overnight in small batches at their London-based manufacturing facility. This 30-hour process results in a deeply flavoured, nutrient-rich dal that is high in fibre and a source of protein. Coco di Mama fuels retail growth with launch in Tesco across the UK Coco di Mama, the Italian food-to-go business, is accelerating its journey from London favourite to nationwide omnichannel success story with a major retail milestone: a nationwide launch into Tesco. Coco di Mama’s new range of freshly made Italian sourdough sandwiches begins its rollout across the Tesco premium meal deal section in more than 1,000 UK stores. The launch follows a hugely successful debut year in retail with its range in Sainsbury’s’ £5.50 meal deal range. Since entering the grocery market in 2024, Coco has expanded rapidly, growing to 11 product lines in over 2,000 outlets with 6,000+ SKU listings with a retail sales value of c. £50m annually. Coco di Mama’s omnichannel presence now spans branded stores, delivery kitchens, corporate catering, travel franchises, and supermarkets, demonstrating how a London-centric hospitality business can transition into the grocery aisle while retaining its premium, quality led appeal. Next >