< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FRUIT AND VEGETABLES differently from conventional plastics. Traceability has become central to supply chain credibility. Retailers expect to know not only that the fruit and vegetables are safe, but exactly where they were grown, how they were transported and what conditions they experienced along the way. Labelling and coding systems have been integrated into produce lines in ways that would have seemed excessive a decade ago. From laser etching directly onto the skin of fruit to QR codes that connect packaging to digital databases, the produce industry is aligning itself with wider food sector standards on accountability. For the supplier, this means investing in technology that can capture and transmit information seamlessly, ensuring compliance while also protecting brand reputation if a recall ever becomes necessary. Frozen produce is another area where technology is driving change in the supply chain. While once seen as the poor cousin to fresh, the latest freezing techniques preserve texture, flavour and nutrients to a degree that rivals chilled alternatives. Individual quick freezing systems prevent clumping, improve presentation and reduce waste both in production and in the consumer’s kitchen. For suppliers, this opens new markets in convenience and export, but it also requires investment in equipment that can maintain quality across vast distribution networks. As retailers expand their frozen ranges, those able to meet expectations on consistency and quality will be positioned to grow. These shifts carry heavy implications for capital investment. The cost of upgrading machinery, packaging systems and digital integration is significant, particularly for small and mid-sized suppliers. Yet the cost of not doing so can be greater. Retailer contracts are increasingly awarded to those who can prove efficiency, sustainability and compliance in equal measure. Falling short means not just losing business, but losing access to markets © stock.adobe.com/ Ірина Пальцеваwww.fdiforum.net where regulations around hygiene, labelling or packaging are becoming ever more stringent. Many suppliers are therefore weighing the economics of investment against the strategic necessity of staying in the game. Partnerships with equipment manufacturers are also evolving as part of the supply chain response. Instead of one-off machine purchases, many producers are entering service agreements that provide ongoing maintenance, upgrades and training. This reflects the reality that technology in the sector is advancing too quickly to allow for static solutions. From robotics to predictive maintenance systems, suppliers need confidence that their investment will remain viable as standards evolve. Equipment firms that can provide long-term support are becoming as critical as the machines themselves. The wider outlook suggests that demands on the fruit and vegetable supply chain will only intensify. Consumer expectations for convenience, sustainability and safety are not retreating. Retailers are likely to tighten standards further as competition in grocery intensifies and as environmental targets move closer. For producers, this means that automation, digital traceability, sustainable packaging and advanced freezing will become core pillars of competitiveness. The image of natural, untouched produce on the shelf will remain, but behind it lies a reality of complex systems and cutting-edge machinery designed to deliver uniformity at scale. W ithourHalalcertificate,youcansend products,beverages,cosmetics,andconfectionery productsMiddleEast,Malaysia,Indonesia, Türkiye,Singapore,Europe,andtherestoftheworld. W ithourHalalce products,bevera productstothe Türkiye,Singapo ertificate,youcansendmeat,meat ages,cosmetics,andconfectionery MiddleEast,Malaysia,Indonesia, re,Europe,andtherestoftheworld. www.halalfoodauthority.comwwwwwwwwwwh.h.hahahaha.ha.hlalalalallalfooofoofoodadadadaauaudadauaudadttthottrititittttiyyy.cy.cy.cy.cy.cy.cooomom info@@hhhhhalaaaalllllffffffoooooooooddddaaaaauthoriiiiiiitttttttyyyyy.ccccomm 0044(0)208888444444446677112277 © stock.adobe.com/RMediaCambodia offers an unparalleled view into the future of food technology. Food Matters Live Dublin 4 November Dublin, Ireland Join an unmissable day at Food Matters Live in Dublin, bringing cutting- edge insights to the forefront. The main content stream will spotlight the trends shaping the industry, offering opportunities to engage with experts and reimagine innovation in food. In today’s ever-evolving food landscape, collaboration and innovative thinking are essential. Food Matters Live is designed to help innovation and NPD leaders accelerate their product development journey and stay ahead of the curve. American Food Manufacturing Summit 4 - 5 November Chicago, USA The American Food Manufacturing Empack 15 - 16 October Madrid, Spain With more than 11,600 unique visitors, 150 exhibiting brands, and more than 41,000 commercial interactions, Empack Madrid is a benchmark event for the packaging sector. This October, Empack will be the dose of innovation, networking and business that your company needs. FOODTEC Cambodia 22 - 24 October Phnom Penh, Cambodia Experience the cutting-edge of food manufacturing innovation at FOODTEC Cambodia. As part of CAMFOOD+HOTEL 2025, FOODTEC Cambodia brings together groundbreaking technologies in processing, packaging, and food safety, showcasing how Cambodia’s food production landscape is rapidly evolving. From fully automated production lines to sustainable packaging systems, FOODTEC 42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/Iryna Mylinska Hi Japan 15 - 17 October Tokyo, Japan The leading platform in Japan for functional foods, supplements and nutraceuticals, and catering to the region’s huge demand for health foods. Summit (FMS) sets the standard for an executive-level food manufacturing conference, bringing together senior leaders from leading F&B brands and manufacturing companies. This exclusive event hosts over 200 industry executives, speakers, and solution providers for two days of strategic insights and meaningful networking. Discussions focus on innovation, process optimisation, quality, safety, supply chain performance, and digital © stock.adobe.com/Richie ChanLondon Packaging Week 15 - 16 October London, UK London Packaging Week gives you access to 190+ of the very best packaging suppliers and innovative solutions in design, sustainability, branding, e- commerce and more! Gain competitive advantage with the free-to-attend conference programme that discusses challenges and solutions in the packaging industry. Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/kasto Fi Europe 2 - 4 December Paris, France Fi Europe unites the world’s leading food & beverage suppliers, buyers, R&D experts and production specialists all under one roof. Showcase and source F&B ingredients, technologies and solutions, build valuable connections with industry leaders and innovators, gain a competitive advantage with cutting-edge insights, and forge new partnerships that fuel your brand’s success. transformation, making it a valuable platform for staying current with key food and beverage trends. ProPak Indonesia 19 - 22 November Jakarta, Indonesia ProPak Indonesia is the international trade event in Indonesia for processing & packaging technologies for the food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industry sectors. It is the centrepiece of market trends, industry & investment networking discussions for you to build your connections and increase your brand awareness. Labelexpo Asia 2 - 5 December Shanghai, China When it comes to selecting the right machinery or materials, confidence in your decision is key. The best way to achieve this is by experiencing all your options in one place. At Labelexpo Asia 2025, you won’t just read about the latest innovations—you’ll see them in action. Hear the roar of the presses, feel the quality of substrates, and observe cutting- edge print technology delivering unmatched results. FEATURES Packaging Spotlight Depositors and Filling Facilities Management Cold Storage Foodservice Soups and Sauces Import and Export Next month in November 2025 - Deadline 8th October INTERNATIONAL Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues?Classified You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Angela Cooper on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net Labels • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels INDEX Online Directory Labels Hygienic Equipment To Let • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory To advertise your services on the Hygienic Equipment Visit our website at teknomek.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)1603 249 663 today! Trusted by professiona hygienicfurnitureand Leading the w , Tals worldwideeeknomek provi equipmenttailoredtothehigh way in hygienic des des hest sign hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the high industry standards.46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FoodandDrinkInternational@fdiforum company/fdiforum Once more Food & Drink International provides your ultimate guide to the industry – making sure you’re informed on what’s going on and looking closer at what’s happening. Don’t forget to keep up to date via www.fdiforum.net! Diary Food & Drink Stay in touch with Food & Drink International For more up to the minute information from the food and drink industry, visit Food & Drink International online at www.fdiforum.net. Keep up to date with Food & Drink International, and let us know what you think, by following us on X at @fdiforum, at www.facebook.com/FoodandDrink International or by searching for fdiforum on LinkedIn. October 15 - 16, London Packaging Week, London, UK 15 - 16, Empack, Madrid, Spain 15 - 17, Hi Japan, Tokyo, Japan 22 - 24, FOODTEC Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia November 4, Food Matters Live Dublin, Dublin, Ireland 4 - 5, American Food Manufacturing Summit, Chicago, USA 19 - 22, ProPak Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia December 2 - 4, Fi Europe, Paris, France 2 - 5, Labelexpo Asia, Shanghai, China Online this month… www.fdiforum.net is the best place to go for up-to-date food and drink industry news. Here’s a sneak peek at one of our latest stories. 71 Brewing acquires Bon Accord Soft Drinks In a landmark move for Scotland’s craft drinks sector, 71 Brewing has acquired Bon Accord Soft Drinks, combining two independent, premium brands. The acquisition merges 71 Brewing’s expertise in craft beer with Bon Accord’s naturally sweetened, plant-based carbonated soft drinks, creating a complementary portfolio positioned to capture growth across the premium beverage market, both domestically and internationally. Karen Knowles, founder of Bon Accord, said: “Now is the right time for this transition. We’ve had nine successful years of growth, building a brand founded by my great-great-grandfather in 1903, which places wellbeing and better-for-you drinks at the heart of everything we do. 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