< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FOODSERVICE for lunches or enjoy exclusive menu access. It gives operators a steady revenue stream and customers a sense of belonging. Loyalty programmes, too, are getting smarter, driven by data that tracks preferences and tailors offers to individual tastes. Meanwhile, the experience economy continues to influence how people dine out. Eating has become entertainment. Open kitchens, tasting counters, immersive pop-ups, and themed nights are all ways to create moments worth sharing. Restaurants and caterers are leaning into theatre, design, and storytelling to stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just about feeding people anymore—it’s about giving them something to remember. At the same time, sustainability and social values are shaping purchasing decisions. Diners are paying attention to everything from carbon footprints to fair pay. Hospitality brands are responding by cutting food waste, switching to renewable energy, and supporting local growers. Some are rethinking packaging entirely, moving toward reusable containers or compostable alternatives. Others are taking sustainability into the dining room, using reclaimed materials for décor, eliminating plastic straws, and reusing offcuts in creative ways. These ambitions, though, come with trade-offs. Local sourcing can drive up costs, while new technology demands capital investment and training. Experience-led dining formats can be hard to replicate at scale. Subscription models risk consumer fatigue. It’s a constant act of balancing innovation with practicality: an equation that shifts depending on geography, audience, and brand identity. © stock.adobe.com/Maryna Another interesting development is how operators are rethinking mealtimes themselves. Dinner, often seen as the domain of restaurants, is becoming an untapped opportunity for caterers and canteens. With many people working later or returning to office routines, there’s growing potential for convenient, high-quality evening options. Smaller plates, seasonal menus, and chef’s specials are bringing a touch of restaurant flair to everyday foodservice. Health, too, is climbing the priority list. Consumers are more label-conscious, scanning for allergens, additives, and nutrition. They want food that supports wellbeing—balanced, functional, and free from excess salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Caterers are adapting by offering portion-controlled meals, clearly labelled Food & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net FOODSERVICE © stock.adobe.com/Bussakon 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 menus, and dishes rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients. What used to be seen as a compromise—“healthy” food that felt bland or restrictive—is now expected to be delicious and satisfying. The sector is no longer defined purely by volume or efficiency. It’s about value, trust, and alignment with changing lifestyles. Diners are more discerning, more informed, and more vocal. They reward businesses that are open about their practices and consistent in their ethics. In this climate, the smallest details can shape how a brand is perceived. As dining habits continue to evolve, one thing is clear: choice is no longer just about what’s on the menu. It’s about who we are, what we value, and how the industry responds to that growing appetite for meaning. Produce up to 2,800 sealed trays or sandwich/wrap packs per hour Soken HS55 •Increases shelf life •Eco-friendly packaging •Standard tooling to support a wide range of packaging •Bespoke tooling readily available •Machine and tooling made by Soken in the UK SOKENENGINEERINGISPARTOFTHEJENTONGROUP PACK www.sokenengineering.com01256 892184 SEALSELL Cost effective, high speed solution The new HS55 isSoken’s fastest DXWRPDWLF¿OPDQGFDUGVHDOHU with the ability to seal the latest HFRIULHQGO\WUD\VDQG¿OPVZLWKTXLFN LQWHUFKDQJHDEOHDQGFRQ¿JXUDEOH tooling options. •Touchscreen HMI setup •Manual index or automatic mode, selectable on HMI •Multiple tooling plate options for different tray sizes •Easy-access for maintenance and cleaning scan for detailsevent 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 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. 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, 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 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 42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/InfiniteFlow 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. 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. Gulfood 26 - 30 January Dubai, UAE In 2026, Gulfood enters a bold new era. For the first time in its history, the world’s largest F&B sourcing event will span two © stock.adobe.com/romasetRetail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 12 - 13 November London, UK The Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo is set to return to Excel London, bringing together the most innovative minds in retail logistics, supply chain management, and warehouse automation. This year’s edition will feature cutting-edge fulfilment services, 3PL solutions, AI-driven automation, and the latest warehouse technology. With a powerful lineup of expert speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain actionable insights to optimise their supply chains and improve customer experience. Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net IPPE 27 - 29 January Atlanta, USA The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of domestic and international decision-makers attend this annual event to find solutions for their business, network with industry colleagues and learn about the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry. The 2026 IPPE already has 1,200+ exhibitors that will occupy more than 655,000+ square feet of exhibit space. The 2026 IPPE will offer timely and important information and an efficient way for producers and processors to find solutions to enhance their operations. iconic venues, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City, creating the most expansive, immersive, and strategically connected edition to date. With over 6,500 exhibitors, representation from 130+ countries, and 12 power-packed sectors including an all-new tech vertical and future-focused platforms, Gulfood 2026 will not just reflect where the food industry is - it will define where it’s going. Backed by game- changing alliances, record-breaking participation, and a renewed commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global food security, this is where supply chains reset, partnerships realign, and the architecture of global food is redrawn. Sustainable Foods 2026 28 - 29 January London, UK Building on last year’s sold-out edition, the Sustainable Foods Conference returns with expanded programming designed to spark action and deliver impact. This year, you’ll experience four dynamic content stages featuring industry-defining keynotes, strategic panels, and hands-on workshops; a brand- new NextGen Stage spotlighting breakthrough solutions from the most promising startups; curated 1- 2-1 meetings to power partnerships and accelerate innovation; and VIP roundtables for deeper dialogue and decision-making. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most influential gathering shaping sustainable food systems. © stock.adobe.com/NataliiaFEATURES End of Year Success Stories Process, Control and Automation Traceability End Of Line Packaging Warehousing and Optimisation Recycling and Waste Management Import and Export Next month in December 2025 - Deadline 5th November 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. November 4, Food Matters Live Dublin, Dublin, Ireland 4 - 5, American Food Manufacturing Summit, Chicago, USA 12 - 13, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo, London, UK 19 - 22, ProPak Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia December 2 - 4, Fi Europe, Paris, France 2 - 5, Labelexpo Asia, Shanghai, China January 26 - 30, Gulfood, Dubai, UAE 27 - 29, IPPE, Atlanta, USA 28 - 29, Sustainable Foods 2026, London, UK 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. Hebridean distillery raises a dram to £1.5m investment boost Benbecula Distillery, one of Scotland’s newest whisky producers, based in the Outer Hebrides, has secured a £1.5m investment boost from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland. Delivered via Maven Capital Partners, the funding is set to enable the distillery to embark on a programme of growth, including scaling up production, supporting the whisky maturation process and expanding its headcount. Reviving a recipe first crafted over 130 years ago, Benbecula Distillery began production in spring 2024. Its visitor centre and café opened in April 2025. The business is led by founder, Angus MacMillan, and managing director, Hector MacLeod, both born and raised on the Islands. Distilling is overseen by master distiller Brendan McCarron, whose career has included senior roles with Moët Hennessy and Distell, and is admired for critically acclaimed whiskies he has created for Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Oban, Tobermory, Deanston and Bunnahabhain…www.macpac.co.uk Tel: 0161 442 1642 info@macpac.co.uk SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING RECYCLED MATERIALS - FULLY RECYCLABLE With over 50 years of expertise in providing sustainable packaging and excellent customer service, the entire process of design, development, tooling, and manufacture is conducted at our 90,000 square foot AA grade BRC accredited site in Stockport. C O N C E P T D E S I G N T O O LI N G P R O D U C T I O N www.fdiforum.net Plan your campaign with Food & Drink International… ...your competitors are! As marketing is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer advice and packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account executives. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO? • Print • Online • E-Newsletters • Regular News • Topical Features The perfect medium to give your brand the best chance of being seen! Contact us below for our 2026 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk INTERNATIONAL INTERN NATION AL ackP aging Col INTERN NATION AL i nno Hea tio lth kkaging ngSpotlght i Pouch Pack Processing INTERN NATION AL pac The ckag etot l and erryy y try yand p yer Bak ryy and ec conf ctione Meat, poul tt seaf oood ackP aging m and design gmat erials www.fdiforum.net The smarter solution for kitchen labelling Get a taste of the full range at brother.co.uk/stock-rotation Helping you reduce food waste, meet Food Standards Agency guidelines, and manage FEFO effectively – all with: Handwritten day dot stickers slowing you down? It’s time to bring your kitchen up to speed with Brother’s digital stock management. 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