Food & Drink Matters Issue 166

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Tel: 01562 756960 – www.foodanddrinkmatters.co.uk – May 2022 – issue 166

Inside this issue:

Cleenol’s latest brand - edencleen

O Myth Drinks

Company Of The Year See them on page.............. 5

Deliciously Different Company Of The Month See them on page............ 11

ver the course of our 75 years, we have always produced products that offer a balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an eye to containing the environmental impact our products may carry. edencleen, our latest brand, reaffirms our credentials for environmental guardianship, and represents an evolution of our DNA. edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner, safer world, that has as an aim, an ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of and for future generations. edencleen products have been developed around the following principles.

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives • No animal derived products • Cruelty free • Minimal petrochemical derived products • No parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, quaternary ammonium compounds

• VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free • Recyclable / recycled packaging • 100% bio-based surfactant.

• Bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, low impact preservatives Combining carefully formulated products, with appropriate packaging, using recycled material or recyclable componentry, the range’s mostly colourless liquid and low fragrance usage are designed to convey a transparency and straightforwardness of our approach.

Careful use of enzymatic formulations and more traditional chemistry brings a portfolio of products that’s finely attuned to delivering effective cleaning which when used as instructed, helps maintain a neutral environmental impact.

For further information visit: www.cleenol.com/pages/edencleen

Puratos

Print & Packaging See them on page............ 16

Contents: 2-4 Editor Recommends 6-8 IFE Show Review 9 NRB Show Review 10 BeerX Show Review 14-15 ScotHot Show Review 17 Mono Material Packaging Matters 19 Wholesale Matters 20 Halal Food Matters 21 Chester Food Show Review 22 Pumps & Valves Matters 24 Pets Matters

The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 01562 756960.

Editor Recommends

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is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Editor Recommends

New data reveals half of construction workers feel lonely at work Group (APPG) on Issues Affecting Men and Boys recommends more stringent mental health provisions should be written into construction contracts.

The research revealed that nearly all (99%) of respondents said that getting together for a coffee break is important for team morale.

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he findings, conducted by NESCAFÉ as part of the ‘Make Chat Work’ campaign, with a report from the All-Party Parliamentary

Nadia Roberts, Brand Manager at NESCAFÉ at Nestlé Professional, said: “Our research shows breaks give workers time that’s been specifically carved out to connect, talk and engage with each other which is important in sectors like construction,

and the related trades such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians, which are typically male-dominated.”

The Make Chat Work campaign sees NESCAFÉ partner with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which represents 160,000 small business owners in the UK, as well as construction industry bodies the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), and acts as the connection between conversation, wellbeing of teams and positive business performance.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation

of Master Builders (FMB) said: “Mental health is a top priority for the FMB so our partnership with NESCAFÉ is another great way to highlight workplace wellbeing.”

Caroline Lavelle, Chief Commercial Officer at FSB, said: “We like to provide our members with knowledge and tools that enable them to run their business better; and the Make Chat Work campaign does just that.”

To find out more about the campaign visit: https://www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/your-business/ small-medium-workplace/make-chat-work

Steps for a greener drinks industry

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he FMCG sector has traditionally been one of the leading contributors to waste globally, with brands such as Nestle and Essity generating total waste of 1.56m and 1.44m tonnes respectively in 2021.

The drinks sector often stands head and shoulders above the rest, with Heineken’s total waste generation in 2021 reaching 4.49m tonnes.

With environmental credentials now a vital ingredient for the success of a brand, businesses are faced with increasing pressure to go green or go bust. The good news is that you can make simple changes to become more sustainable and not break the bank while doing so.

Big changes made simple Water is the most critical resource in the drinks manufacturing process; its conservation should be equally important. Adopting measures such as recycling water within your facility and using water-efficient equipment are tangible first steps, while larger-scale companies can also look to invest in wastewater treatment technologies to ensure the responsible disposal of water.

Minimising overproduction and the use of perishable ingredients in products and exercising recycling and upcycling across the manufacturing processes, will help to create a comprehensive eco strategy without significant additional costs; at Gunner cans of both our Saint and Sinner cocktails are fully recyclable.

Sustainability on tap When it comes to Gunner, I know that key to running an ESG-conscious drinks company is taking responsibility for your supply chain. When it comes to sustainability, this means scrutinising suppliers to ensure responsible materials and processes are being used throughout your product’s production and incorporating ESG criteria into supplier selection processes.

While not the solution for all companies, if you are eager to demonstrate a deeper devotion to ESG goals you should consider disclosing information about suppliers and environmental performance as a transparent commitment to sustainable practices.

The importance of being green Eco credentials are not just a regulatory requirement but a must for many consumers who are not afraid to vote with their feet. At Gunner, this is a key consideration for us as we are acutely aware that there is a large consumer demand for more sustainable food and drink products.

With an increasing number of drinks companies advertising their green credentials, brands which cannot stand up to the environmental demands of today face missing out on a market of eco-minded consumers, and focussing time and energy in the right places can afford fantastic benefits for your brand and revenues.

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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Editor Recommends

Fast-track hire filtration service

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nvesting valuable CAPEX into untested High Value Equipment carries certain risks. Will the equipment work? Is it the right solution? Will it waste company funds? These questions regularly stop CAPEX purchases in their tracks.

Filtration specialists Axium Process have answered these questions with a membrane separation rental service that swiftly bypasses traditional concerns. Axium’s new service is a valuable resource for fast or temporary filtration solutions that normally require deep research and risky commitment to large capital investment.

Suitable for many liquid processing applications, Axium’s UF2Go and RO2Go crossflow systems are rapid filtration solutions. The UF2Go and RO2Go meet industrial scale demand for most types of liquid processing requirements

and can fulfil high-priority needs from their range of universal membrane filtration systems.

more, the concept is built on tried-and-tested technology used by leading brands.

“The UF2Go and RO2Go crossflow systems provide a solution for urgent filtration needs,” says Derek Davies, Business Development Director at Axium Process.

“Available through a rental model typically using OPEX, they bypass usual CAPEX restrictions but allow observation of long-term trends - ideal for situations where a permanent installation may be required in future.”

“Both systems are easy to deploy with minimal operator intervention and can be up and running in a matter of hours,” says Derek. “During installation and commissioning, full operator training will be conducted by our technical engineers.”

Quick to install and easy to use, the systems are compatible in many different industries, including pharmaceutical, food, beverage, dairy and water recycling.

From removal of suspended solids and organic impurities to wastewater recovery, high-value protein extraction and

“We understand the need for businesses to find simple, cost-effective solutions for everyday problems and are excited to offer this level of flexibility and support to our customers.”

Axium Process is a leading membrane filtration system manufacturer, specialising in Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis technology.

For further information, please contact: T 01792 883 882 derek.davies@axiumprocess.com info@axiumprocess.com www.axiumprocess.com

Reliable wastewater pumping systems - save time and money!

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uring busy service it is essential that all equipment operates effectively and without problems. In an environment which relies on a wastewater pumping system, a pump failure which means that Sinks, Dishwasher and even Combi Oven are out of use could bring a commercial kitchen to a standstill!

The Pump Technology Ltd commercial kitchen wastewater pumping range, featuring the DrainMinor, DrainMajor, DrainMajor Duo, DrainKing and the new DrainMinor C (Combi Oven Pump) offers a well proven and reliable pumping solution for these applications.

Key to the reliability of these pumping system is the robust, German built, submersible pump with its large low-level triangular float mounted on a rigid float arm. Even with the build-up of food debris and grease, this float configuration ensures the automatic start/stop of the pump is accurate and reliable.

The DrainMinor and DrainMajor ranges feature several pump and tank configurations with pumps suitable for different discharge heads as well as wastewater temperature. The 730HES and 1030HES pump options are designed for pumping wastewater at elevated temperatures and are continuously rated at 90°C. The DrainMajor Duo and DrainKing systems each feature twin pumps. This ensures that the user has the additional safety of a duty/standby configuration. If one pump clogs or fails, the other one takes over and keeps everything working until an engineer can make the necessary repairs.

The latest addition to the commercial kitchen pump range is the DrainMinor C (Combi Oven Pump) This pump utilises the proven large lowlevel triangular float configuration. This means that, unlike other combi pumps, the automatic operation of the pump is far more reliable. The DrainMinor C is suitable for low level inlet/inlets and two ovens plus a sink can be connected to the pump system.

For kitchen designers, contractors and installers selecting the right pump is easy. Contact the Pump Technology Ltd application team and they will happily discuss each site’s requirements to ensure the correct pumping system is specified.

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is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Zero Proof Cane Spirits Company Of The Year

Creating an independent and uplifting alcohol-free spirits business

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n this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are delighted to announce that Myth Drinks is our Zero Proof Cane Spirits Company of the Year.

We have been stalwart supporters of Myth Drinks from the beginning and previously awarded this innovative non-alcoholic drink business as our Company of the Month.

in the new Channel Four reality show: “The Rise and Fall,” were drinking Myth! It’s starting to feel like my product is finally getting out and reaching people!”

Alice Lascelles went on to state that alcohol-free drinks have gained momentum, through growing temperance (abstinence) and sober-curious mindsets.

According to charity Drinkaware, 14% of Brits are now alcohol-abstemious (“teetotal”) and interestingly 19% of 18-24 years olds: meaning this is a shift across all age demographics. There are now three alcohol-free pubs across the UK, including one in salubrious Marylebone.

Awards. The Dark Cane Spirit wasn’t left out either: winning the Bronze IWSC Award and Bronze at the Free From Christmas Awards.

Myth Drinks isn’t Colette’s only rodeo though: last year, she also launched the energy drink brand: Goat Drinks. Full of added B-vitamins, Zinc and Co-enzyme Q10 for a natural, sustainable energy boost.

“I realised early on that Goat Drinks and Myth Drinks are aimed at totally separate markets, so I split the company into two brands.

Judging at the 2023 World Alcohol-free Awards, she dryly observed that the non-alcohol drinks industry is still wrapped in mystique, akin to the ‘Holy Grail,’ with scarce good examples available: Myth Drinks being the exception.

“I remain underwhelmed by non-alcoholic “spirits”- most taste like perfumed water. But props (due respect) to the gold-medal-winning coconut “rum” Myth for doing a very convincing impression of Malibu.”

Having Alice Lascelles’ curiosity piqued felt rather surreal to founder Colette, “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. One of my customers messaged me the other day to say that contestants

I wanted a drink that spoke to me: a cool, nonalcoholic spirit, beautifully packaged that looks pretty in a long glass with ice. I couldn’t find that, so I decided to start my own drinks business and create one,” Colette added proudly.

What Colette has achieved is nothing short of phenomenal- with no prior trade experience or financial backing, this self-declared inquisitive businesswoman has won multiple awards for her Myth Drinks range.

In 2022, the Coconut White Cane Spirit from Myth Drinks not only won at the coveted IWSC Gold Awards: it won the overall Trophy for the Zero Alcohol category!

“It was all so unexpected: my husband wanted to get some feedback on our first sample batch and entered the product on my behalf. It was a rather lovely surprise to be honest!”

The award run didn’t stop there: the same product was voted the Number One Christmas Drink Product of the Year at the Free From Christmas

The Myth Dark Spiced was described as “rum and vanilla on the nose. A liquorice dry and attractive burnt sugar taste,” by the highlyrespected IWSC judges, conjuring visions of exotic Caribbean nights, with backdrops of lapping waves constellations bursting from every inch of night sky.

The Myth Coconut scored equally as high: “Wonderful notes of coconut, peach, and caramel, almost akin to Malibu. The beguiling finish has a beautiful mouthfeel and is a real delight served either neat or as a great mixer,” applauded the same judges. This high-praise serves up Malibu beach vibes: chilling with friends round a beach campfire, toasting to a love of life and endless fun.

“I don’t drink alcohol and I’ve been sober for over 20 years. I was tired of being offered an elderflower fizz or kids drinks, where’s the fun in that?

Myth Drinks has indeed arrived; winning multiple awards in a short space of time and even catching the eye, and the refined palate of revered, resident Financial Times drink industry journalist: Alice Lascelles.

Not only is Colette creating a stir in the alcoholfree spirits and energy drink markets, she is being taken seriously in the wine and spirits establishment with IWSC awards further validating the extraordinary high-level of mastery in her products.

Stepping into 2023, with the World Alcohol Free Awards Gold medal under her belt, Colette brings the energy drink and alcohol-free spirit businesses of the moment but she’s not interested in being all zeitgeisty- she's here to stay.

They have much in common though: completely zero alcohol 0.0%, (not just de-alcoholised), Vegan friendly, Gluten-Free and permissible. Colette’s a great believer in inclusivity ensuring that all her products have a broad appeal and are suitable for those with food allergies and those who make a conscious choice to avoid alcohol, animal products and gluten.

“2023 is going to be busy- I will be showcasing my new sugar-free Funky Goat drink product, which is market-driven, with the focus on a natural sugarfree alternative. For Myth, I am planning on adding some RTD to the range and looking at creating the perfect mixes.”

As a practising psychotherapist by trade, Colette continues to work in her specialist field whilst growing her two drinks businesses.

“It’s been a steep learning curve: the drink industry is firmly established but my products are creating a niche and challenging the status quo in both their respective sectors.

Despite coming from very different industry, drinks sales are growing steadily month on month and export sales are doing particularly well: especially America, Canada and most recently Jersey. I have a major retailer there in Jersey and award-winning Master of Malt distributes for me to their retailers across the UK. I’m blessed that I have a supportive family and my graphic designer friend: Gemma designed my stunning labels and posters.

I’m looking at increasing my route to retail market sales over the next year and will be promoting Goat Drinks at lots of different sporting events and Myth Drinks in more of the cultural and culinary arenas.”

Pour a glass of Myth Drinks today and experience the new beguiled, bewitched and beautiful taste revolution.

For more information, see below. info@mythdrinks.co.uk www.mythdrinks.co.uk

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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International Food & Drink Review

International Food & Drink Event

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FE took place this year on the 20-22 March 2023 at the ExCel in London.

Philippa Christer, Event Director stated “IFE is a place for game changing opportunity, harnessing everything that is inspiring and imaginative about the food and drink industry, all under one roof through an unrivalled live experience.”

Hundreds of exhibitors across the industry came together to present their latest products, innovations and findings in the food and drink sector. From Health & Wellbeing, to General Wholesale, Bakery, Snacks & Confectionary, Chilled & Frozen, Vegan & Plant-Based, IFE 2023 hosted them all, including the likes of Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

IFE 2023, alongside IFE Manufacturing and Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) welcomed more than 27,000 buyers from the worlds of retail, wholesale and hospitality. The event offered huge opportunities for industry professionals to connect with current suppliers as well as discover potential new partners.

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IFE 2023 was an excellent opportunity for IndiMart to get its foot in the door and to showcase its products and services to hundreds of food and drink professionals where it successfully delivered in producing high-quality and effective business connections.

Alongside its usual food and beverage products sold from across different regions of the world, IndiMart specialise in bringing unique tastes and flavours to UK customers in the form of different Rums. One to particularly note is Old Monk Rum, a premium dark rum produced using a traditional process and aged for at least seven and twelve years in oak wood barrels.

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Innovation was a key priority at IFE 2023 with the World Food Innovation Award winners announced on day one of the show as well as other highly-respected award ceremonies that took place in the New Products Tasting Theatre.

ll FiXX coffees are great taste award winners.

Seven original blends (including decaf and organic) are available as coffee beans, ground for filter coffee or in biodegradable compostable coffee capsules, making FiXX suitable for diverse markets.

The show included two stages – the Trends & Innovation Platform and the Sustainability Stage, both of which had packed schedules with insights on how to grow a business and enhance a product range.

Distinctive, vibrant packaging (created from recycled materials) make FiXX coffees stand out on shop shelves.

Our coffee achieves strong sales in specialty food outlets, high-end supermarkets, health food stores and any retail environment where quality counts.

The new Startup Market also featured lots of new product launches throughout the industry with plant-based goodies and new gluten-free ranges that are set to transform a new dietary market.

FiXX coffees are UTZ certified (UTZ is an efficient certification and traceability programme for socially and environmentally responsible coffee production). FiXX is a member of World Coffee Research (WRC) a non-profit organisation whose mission is to grow, protect and enhance supplies of quality coffee while improving the livelihoods of families who produce it.

1. To launch our new compostable coffee capsules. We received strong, positive feedback for both their taste and packaging.

2. Showcase FiXX to group buyers and distributors who in turn would recognise FiXX as a great opportunity to add a successful coffee range to their own product portfolios.

For details on FiXX please contact us.

T +353 (0)14608048 info@fixxcoffee.com www.fixxcoffee.com Social: @fixxcoffee

For more information:

Our motivators for partaking in IFE 2023 were:

www.ife.co.uk/welcome

Premium-quality chilled and frozen meat products

The taste you deserve ne of Milton Keynes' best known start-ups IndiMart Food & Beverages Limited was on fine form earlier this year at the International Food & Drink Event 2023. The Directors of the company began this business venture with the idea in mind to reach as many consumers in the UK as possible with their high-quality products marketed at a reasonable and affordable price.

FiXX coffees

With a 42.8% alcohol content it is not for the faint hearted but its creamy, silky texture that hints notes of vanilla can be truly irresistible.

It has been one of the highest selling rums and one of the most iconic brands in India with a lasting 100-year-old heritage.

IndiMart sell direct to the consumer as well as for trade and wholesale.

For more information on their services, see below.

T 07440 446633 contactus@indimartfnb.com www.indimartdrinks.com

Nutritious California Prunes showcase versatility in use

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armers Food Production & Handel GmbH proudly showcased its extensive range of chilled and frozen food produce at this year’s IFE at the ExCeL from 25-27 March to food and drink industry professionals.

The traditional German family business food company joined 1,500 other UK and international suppliers from 91 countries. Established in 1993, Farmers Food has a long, illustrious history of supplying high quality, premium poultry, beef, pork, veal, deer game meat, and more recently, vegan products to the wholesale, retail, cash & carry, kebab and food industry.

The fresh and frozen products meet ISF, BIO, ITW, QS standards and are committed to antibiotic-free meat, animal welfare and farming sustainability. This year’s top articles are e.g. Farmers award winning traditionally grilled, spiced and frozen chicken Kebab or the new turkey BBQ Bratwurst in a new recipe - beside a range of high-quality turkey, goose, Barbarie duck and beef products.

The Kebab food industry can order fresh or frozen turkey thigh, veal, chicken legs for the perfect kebab weekend takeaway. With the cost-of-living crisis persisting, shoppers are always looking for healthy, nutritious meals. Farmers Food offers new developed frozen beef, pork, turkey deer and cabbage mini-rolls in sauce with various fillings easy to cook - in tailored weights ideal for the catering and ready meal industry.

All food products can be delivered 48 hours after ordering and see the website for fortnightly food offers.

T +49 (0) 2594-78226-0 info@farmers.de www.farmers.de

Broad Oak Farm Sausage Company flavoured sausages including Pork and Apple, Pork and Honey, Pork and Chilli and many more.

he California Prune Board (CPB) showcased the premium nature, versatility and nutritious benefits of its prized prunes at this year’s IFE.

Shelf-stable prunes are also versatile enough to be used in sweet and savoury cuisine and as a substitute for fat or processed sugar in baked goods.

Over the years our range of products has expanded to include our award-winning hotdogs, burgers and meatballs. All our speciality products are produced using British Farm Assured pork and beef combined with the finest full flavoured ingredients.

California Prunes are renowned globally for their size, taste and use as both a snack and ingredient.

Packed with a range of vitamins and minerals, including gut-friendly fibre and bone-benefiting vitamin K, prunes have long been the subject of scientific studies into the positive effects just a handful a day can have on overall health.

Esther Ritson-Elliott, Director of International Marketing and Communications, CPB, adds: “California Prunes are increasingly popular in the UK. The recent removal of the import tariff on US prunes puts us on a level playing field with competitors and gives UK wholesalers, distributors and food manufacturers easier access to our premium California Prunes.”

We provide a quality delivery service to major supermarkets, local, independent shops, delicatessens, schools, restaurants, pubs, and cafes.

Leading bone health charity, the Royal Osteoporosis Society, has awarded California Prunes the

coveted Bone Health Approved accreditation. Prunes are also the subject of an authorised European and GB health claim, which states that 100g prunes daily contribute to normal bowel function.

For more information: www.californiaprunes.org

There is only ONE Prodolce

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ot a Prosecco and not a Champagne, Prodolce is shaking up the bubbly market with a subtly sweeter, totally new type of wine!

Certified by The Vegan Society, Prodolce is an obvious choice for all lovers of sparkling wine, with zero nasties or animal additives used.

Enjoy a glass, or several, of this beautifully balanced creation and discover that there is no equal...

There is only ONE Prodolce.

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Crafted by a 500-year-old Italian wine-making family, the expert blend of two well-known Italian grapes: Garganega & Moscato, results in a refreshingly delicate demi-sec with hints of pear, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, honeydew, and just a splash of citrus-laced fruits.

The subtle sweetness is not overpowering, and the bubbles have an immediate impact without taking over the spirit of the wine. We also went a step further & put our sensible hats on and kept the alcohol content to just 10.5%. Applause...!

What began as the simple intention to create a nicer tasting, veganfriendly wine, has grown vastly into a family-owned and run brand that we are well and truly excited about.

A splendid, Vegan friendly, bubbly to savour any time, day, or night.

Best served super chilled!

Now available in select bars, restaurants, and hotels, as well as online at www.prodolce.com.

T +44 7917 652321 info@prodolce.com

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road Oak Farm Sausage Company is a longestablished sausage producer located in the idyllic village of Hatfield Broad Oak in Essex and run by the Simons family. The business began in 1927 by producing sausages using local pigs and a traditional Irish recipe which is still used today.

We produce a wide variety of quality, award winning sausages from the traditional recipes such as the Premium Pork, Cumberland and Lincolnshire to our range of

At Broad Oak we are very proud of our reputation which is backed up by our total quality management AA grade certification from BRC (British retail consortium) and numerous industry awards.

Here at Broad Oak, we pride ourselves on making food for moments that matter.

For more information contact us on 01279 718316, info@ broadoakfarm.com or visit www.broadoakfarm.com

Deep fried food, but healthy!

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inners of the Best Innovation in Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo in UK 2022, OilChef has recently announced it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Almaco Group who will distribute the OilChef deep fryer devices to its marine and offshore customers across the globe.

OilChef is a premium brand that has created deep fryer products to help operators reduce their oil by up to 50% per month. Using FDA Approved Technology, OilChef is not a filter or a chemical. It requires no wires or power and is virtually maintenance free.

award-winning deep-frying solution that also reduces your carbon footprint as well as creating safer, healthier, and more superior quality tasting food. By increasing the shelflife and crispiness of your food will in turn enhance the experience and service to your customers or employees.

With a 14 day money back guarantee and a full 3 year warranty, OiLChef is a win win win!

For more information, see below. sales@oilchef.com www.oilchef.com

Businesses around the world are now saving money and improving their food quality with OilChef. From Global Brands to single stores.

Whether you filter oil or not, installing the OilChef device in your open pot fryer or pressure fryer will help you save between 35% to 50% on oil costs.

OilChef is a simple 3 second simple self-installation system that acts as a catalytic converter for your deep fryer that slows down deterioration of oil. Fry your food quicker and save money on energy in the process. OilChef is the

is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

International Food & Drink Review

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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International Food & Drink Review

Premium Honey

Eatplanted.

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hy I prefer to continue building my company during these difficult times?

I am extremely passionate about my business. Every day is different, not routine...

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e’re Eatplanted – a game-changing meat alternative brand launching here in the UK from Switzerland – boasting the cleanest label on the market, made from natural ingredients only and zero additives/chemicals/preservatives/colours/flavours. We’re big in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France and Italy – and now ready to take the UK by storm.

My cause: To continue to supply premium quality products at irresistible prices: 45 types of honey, honey mixtures, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, food supplements, dried fruits and nuts, offering sourcing, packaging, private labelling, delivery.

Our challenge every day is to facilitate the smooth transition along the whole supply chain of a range of natural and organic healthy foods and food supplements with full transparency and traceability, delivering great value and service while constantly improving our long established connections with agricultural producers, manufacturers, grocers all the way to retailers.

My message to sole entrepreneurs like myself is to never let go of your dream and remember that hard work always pays off, sometimes not immediately but definitely!

Diana Archer, Founder & Director DPA International Ltd, London www.dpatrading.co.uk E: sales@dpatrading.co.uk M: +44 7507 274670 Instagram: @dpahoneywholesale LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ dianaarcherdpa

PLAYin CHOC: vegan, allergy-Free, organic & sustainable chocolate for all

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LAYin CHOC are proud winners of 27 international awards, including 14 for taste alone. Their deliciously smooth recipe is made using the finest criollo beans from Peru, Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla and Indonesian coconuts. With just three natural and organic plant-based ingredients, their chocolate is not only free-from the top 14 allergens, but vegan too!

The 66 collectable ToyChoc Boxes are great for curious little minds as each box comes with 2 individually wrapped organic chocolates, a puzzle toy and an educational fun facts card. Choose from dinosaurs, woodland animals, endangered animals and rabbits. These are great for party favours, schools, in-flight, stores and cafes as the recipe can be enjoyed by virtually everyone!

The JustChoc range comes in a M•LK and dark flavour and is available as a 30g bar, new 60g bar and 100g box. Each mini chocolate piece is individually wrapped in a plant based home compostable film, and the 30g bar is incredibly popular to display at the till point for quick

With the backing of our head office in Zurich (alongside our own factory, inside a greenhouse, as we’re on a mission to become

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PLAYin CHOC is proudly plastic-free, zero waste and 100% recyclable, plus their recipe is all ethically sourced with no animal or slave labour in sight. sales@playinchoc.com www.playinchoc.com

www.uk.shop.eatplanted.com Social media: @eatplanted www.instagram.com/eatplanted

Dalgety Teas: a vibrant lifestyle brand promoting natural health and wellness or over 25 years, Dalgety Teas has been the go-to brand for health-conscious consumers in Europe. The British-Caribbean brand is committed to promoting natural health and wellness through its 100% natural and strongly flavoured herbal teas. As "Master Tea Blenders", Dalgety Teas creates unique blends that not only taste great but also target specific health challenges.

impulse buys. For Christmas, there are two advent calendars and a Christmas Gift Set.

the world’s most transparent company) – we have all the flexibility of a start up, but with the resource of an established brand – so the best of all worlds when it comes to innovation and supporting launches with customers.

We make a range of products – from chicken, to pulled pork, to kebab and schnitzel – and our chicken won the best faux chicken award at the Plant Based Expo back in November. Everything is designed and created in house, between our Swiss bioengineering food technologist and our Michelin-star chef – meaning our products are the perfect gastronomic treat.

The brand's commitment to quality and natural ingredients is a testament to its passion for promoting healthy living. Dalgety Teas offers families of Ginger, Peppermint, Green Tea, and Lemongrass/Fevergrass, each with their own unique health benefits. In addition to the families, the brand also offers a range of solution-based teas, such as Effective Slimline for weight management and Good Night Sleep for those with sleep issues and disorders.

and working with small organisations to make a difference.

Dalgety Teas also works with numerous small-scale farmers and communities across the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, with a commitment to improving the livelihoods of underprivileged communities.

We remain committed to our passion for herbal tea solutions that promote health and wellness across the globe, and we endeavour to make a difference here in the UK, as well as abroad. Join the Dalgety Teas community and thrive vibrantly!

Buy now on Amazon sales@dalgety.co www.dalgety.co

But Dalgety Teas is more than just a brand of tea; it's a vibrant lifestyle product that promotes natural and healthy living. The brand is actively involved in promoting awareness of various health conditions

Langdon

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ver the past 170 years, Langdon has been mastering a world of taste and since 2016, has provided the UK and Ireland market access to emerging trends, flavour profiles, and the highest quality ingredients from around the globe. With a team of experts in QA, NPD, sales, marketing, and logistics Langdon is committed to delivering top quality service with in-depth knowledge.

We provide access to innovative ingredients, flavour profiles and emerging food trends; something we like to refer to as a world of taste.

We are constantly bringing on new suppliers, from world renowned potato starches to industry leading pasta specialists, expanding our pantry to suit the needs of our customers. Our 170-year heritage has allowed us to build up a global footprint, from Australia and New Zealand to the UK and Ireland and build trusted relationships with suppliers of the finest ingredients around the world.

Langdon is the go-to purveyor of the top quality, M&S A list Herbs and Spices and is BRC AA accredited. For more information about Langdon's pantry and capabilities, please get in touch infouk@hjlangdon.com.

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is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Northern Restaurant & Bar Review

NRB 2023 hits record number of attendees

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orthern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) is the North’s hospitality event of the year and provides an opportunity for leading operators, suppliers and industry figures to meet, speak and do business.

From Liverpool to the Peak District and all those in between, the event brings together the best in the hospitality industry under one roof in Manchester.

NRB 2023 took place on the 14-15 March 2023 at Manchester Central and was the biggest show to date.

Welcoming 8,712 attendees and 300 exhibitors, this trade only event opened the doors to all the latest trends, innovations and expert advice for the food, drink and hospitality industry.

Over the two-days there were seminars and talks put on in the HUB by industry professionals on topics such as: ‘Magnetic North: Shining a Light on the Northern Hospitality Sector’ – by Karl Chessell, Director – Hospitality and Food, CGA by NielsenIQ

‘Do Restaurants have an age limit? – by Katy Moses, MD – KAM and the ‘Kuits NRB top fifty 2023’ – which is a definitive powerlist of the fifty most significant and influential hospitality operators in the North.

Uber Eats also hosted a talk on how technology can help restaurants navigate economic uncertainty and drive their strategies for growth during a downturn.

Save The Date – Northern Restaurant & Bar returns on 12-13 March 2024 at Manchester Central. https://linktr.ee/NRBManchester

London Bar & Kitchen

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ondon Bar & Kitchen is one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of non-food consumables to the hospitality, catering and leisure sectors with products ranging across glassware, tableware, cutlery, bar equipment, disposables, cleaning, paper hygiene and much more.

Innovation is an essential element of our business and with that in mind we offer a range of 'Green Planet' products to ensure we offer items that are sustainable, green and meet recycling, compostable and biodegradable criteria as well as an emphasis on working with suppliers who manufacture within the UK.

bar, we have you covered. With exclusive products like the Flavour Blaster for wowing customers and elevating the cocktail making experience (which we've showcased at NRB the last few years) as well as ranges from the likes of Bormioli Rocco, RCR, Steelite, Churchill - we have what you need to stand out as well as confidence in the quality of the products we supply.

T 01923 80 20 88 mail@londonbarandkitchen.com www.ig-groupuk.com

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Because simplicity is at the heart of everything we do: every product, every service, every idea. That’s how we empower over 40,000 businesses across the UK with the cutting-edge payments technology they need to thrive.

Whether it’s through paying them quicker than any other provider, or processing transactions 80% faster than the industry average – we focus on putting our customers first, so they can do the same for theirs.

If you’d like to find out more about Dojo please reach out to James Harper (Payments Consultant) at james.harper@ dojo.co.uk or call 07514 378306

Making every moment epic

Find Zymurgorium’s award-winning alcoholic products in retail stores and local restaurants such as John Lewis, Wetherspoons, Greene King, Selfridges, and many more. Since 2020 when the company won Silver in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards, Zymurgorium has grown tremendously employing 17 members of staff who help to produce nearly 70 million bottles a year all of which is carried out using

For more information, see below. www.illy.com

Pinkstergin

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here's a new spritz in town, just in time for Summer and from the team behind Pinkster gin (the award-winning, original pink gin and still the only one made with real fresh raspberries).

Introducing the new Light English Spritz - a refreshingly sparkling spritz handcrafted in Cambridgeshire using gin-soaked Pinkster raspberries, blended with exotic hibiscus and a zingy lime soda.

It's naturally low in calories with just 50 kcal per serve. The flavour is full and fruity, despite a moderate 4% ABV (put another way, about 1/3 of the alcohol of wine). We'll drink to that, no excuse needed.

The Light English Spritz is the latest innovation from Pinkster HQ. If follows in the footsteps of Royale, Boozy Berries and Gin Jam, adding to a range which makes use of the inebriated berries once they've finished making gin.

Speaking of which, Pinkster turns 10 this year which feels like the perfect excuse to try it if you haven't done already (when you do you'll find it to be deliciously dry with a hint of fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish).

The finest UK sourced seafood direct to your restaurant

ere at Dojo, we like to keep things simple.

Out of its multi-million pound distillery, Zymurgorium create the highest standard SALSA accredited high speed bottling line. From its bonded facilities, the experienced distillers can supply both small and large volumes as well as providing an end-to-end own white label solution for your business.

Awarded to businesses who commit to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

www.pinkstergin.com

Dojo UK

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lly is an iconic Italian brand, an authentic piece of Italian culture, rooted in heritage. Created in 1933 in Trieste by Francesco Illy and is still owned by the family. His goal? To give the world the perfect espresso. illy today uses the top 1% of the finest Arabica from around the world within a unique blend that can be found in many formats and is the first Italian and largest global coffee brand to be accredited a B Corp status.

Available in 75cl sparkling wine bottles, you just need to chill, pour and enjoy. Time to get the Champagne flutes out...

When it comes to supplying hospitality venues, we have everything required, not to mention a new website that shows live stock availability and offers next day deliveries for orders nationally within the UK. Whether it's showstopping crockery for your restaurants or top notch glassware for your

enowned for its innovative recipes and USPs with several world first products such as Parma Violet gin and Ruby Chocolate Rum, all hail Zymurgorium, Manchester’s first registered distillery and creators of never before seen gins, liqueurs, rums, gin liqueurs, rum liqueurs, absinthe and other alcoholic products.

illy - The iconic italian coffee brand

environmentally sustainable operations.

Also in the heart of Manchester, set to the backdrop of a turn of the century illicit warehouse blues bar you’ll find Zymurgorium’s own cocktail bar called 'Project Halcyon Distillery'- Winner of the 'One to watch' at the Top 50 Cocktail bars of the UK awards 2023 and winner of the 'Best Newcomer' at the Manchester Bar awards. Each room in The Parlour, The Stillroom, and The Snug offer immersive masterclass sessions distilling spirits as well as spirit tastings and cocktail masterclasses as well as chill out zones and group party bookings.

For more information, see below.

T 0161 549 8994 info@zymurgorium.com www.zymurgorium.com

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O Seafood has been established in the wholesale fish delivery industry for close to 35 years. Its high-quality level of customer service alongside its enviable reputation delivering the "best the sea can offer" straight to your kitchen. Being a family run company with family-based principles they pride themselves on delivering a service with a personal touch, taking time to listen to you and your requirements.

The company has been running since 1987 and have formed healthy and trusting relationships with some of the top fish merchants and fisheries based off the Northwest, Scotland and Cornwall to as far as the Mediterranean, Far East and India too. They host a full range of products to fit your culinary needs; from the freshest haddock for the cherished fish and chips to something a little more luxurious and exotic, bringing the wow factor to your menu.

well-established relationships with customers in the Northwest, Cumbria, Yorkshire and North Wales.

Unlike other companies that may use machines, the experienced and well qualified fishmongers at AO Seafoods prepare everything by hand to make sure the quality and presentation remains a priority.

If you are looking to become part of AO family and change your supplier or interested in the full product range, see below for more information.

AO Seafoods fleet of drivers deliver to restaurants and hotel groups all around the UK, having formed

T 01282 429000 sales@aoseafood.co.uk www.aoseafood.co.uk

ABK Brewery

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BK have been brewing the finest beers in Bavaria since 1308. We still use the same recipes we’ve always used in accordance with the Bavarian Purity Laws 1516, using only pure water, the finest hops, barley and yeast.

All our beers are Vegan friendly and are truly imported from our very own Bavarian Brewery.

Each brew is created and quality checked by Bernd Trick, our incredible Master Brewer, nothing leaves the brewery without Bernd’s approval, ensuring our Award Winning Beers are always of the highest standard.

ABK Hell recently won the prestigious Best Lager up to 5% award at the International Beer Challenge 2021 to add to our ever growing trophy cupboard.

ABK Beer Proudly Bavaria since 1308. www.rokitdrinks.co.uk

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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BeerX UK Review

Record number of tickets sold by newly appointed team at Beerex 2023 up of live music arranged across four sessions that looked like:

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elivering a bigger and better Beerex experience, the brand-new team smashed the latest Beerex out the park. Whilst still raising lots of money for local charities and good causes, Beerex offered attendees the chance to try over 35 real ales from around the country as well as a number of local ciders and local gins.

Alongside entry, attendees were gifted a commemorative limited edition pint glass as well as 1 or 2 half pint drinks of choice, and hot food was available throughout the two-day event thanks to B Curtis Butchers.

The event organiser also put on an exciting line

Friday lunchtime - Frankie Miles Friday evening - Feverstreet Saturday lunchtime - PeggyVenton Saturday evening - Celtic Confusion There were a few brands that also showcased at the event such as the Award-Winning Dorset Gin who were passing out samples of their Gin and talking about their story and the process behind their signature recipe. Other showcases and event sponsors included Gloriette Gin, The Salt Pig, Wareham Carnival, and many more.

Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s event and be sure to get your tickets fast before they sell out. www.beerex.org.uk

How it started vs how it’s going

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Moorgate Brewery Finance

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t was great to return to BeerX as a faceto-face event, with both familiar faces and new people to meet. The turnout and atmosphere were great, as was the selection of beers available at the bars over the two days.

When speaking to attendees it became clear that additional challenges will be met head on by the industry. With increasing energy costs and the deposit return scheme on the way, being green was high on the agenda, as was distributional channels and it was interesting to listen to the group forums and the Q&A sessions.

We have been working hard to increase funding options for not only new brewhouses, taprooms and canning lines, but to offer further solutions for solar panels, raw materials, and refrigeration solutions. By working with our customers, we have been able to offer long term solutions to improve

the sustainability of the brewery industry and allow them to grow.

The other aspect that we have help our customers with is growth into new markets by allowing them to fund their invoices where clients have demanded payment terms. This has allowed brewers to enter the wholesale and supermarket model at a time of consumer interest.

T 01908 926262

SCG Consulting

f you stopped past the SSV Limited stand at BeerX you would have seen their brand new Brew Bloc 4. It has a 20 UK BBL (32HL) per cycle cold wort production capability (brew length) with the ability to produce up to 8 brews per day or 52,000HL (assuming only weekday/5days per week operation).

The brewhouse was destined for a new home at Quantock Brewery and arrived at the newly expanded brewing site within 24 hours of the BeerX doors closing.

It forms part of a full turnkey project for SSV Limited and the equipment is now fully installed including water system, brewhouse, cellar, CIP system, new steam boiler, Chiller, raw materials handling plant and C02 distribution.

The expansion offers Quantock maximum flexibility and the ability to meet seasonal and product variant demand pressures with

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ease as they have the ability to produce a 10HL seasonal within 3.5hours right up to producing 260HL of a core range product in 24 hours and any mix of variants in between ensuring their production equipment can keep pace with their ever growing sales demand for years to come.

For more about SSV Limited and their offering visit their website - www.ssvlimited.co.uk

t SCG Consulting, we take pride in offering exceptional customer experiences.

Our services include broadband, phone packages, and more, all designed to help your business run more smoothly and efficiently.

We have a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, and we're committed to maintaining this level of service for all of our customers.

We know that it's important for you to have control over your finances, which is why we offer online billing and e-fraud alerts on all accounts.

Additionally, we guarantee cost reduction, helping you save money wherever possible.

We also believe in providing personalized and timely support to our customers. Each of our customers is assigned a dedicated account manager who will answer your calls within 4 rings and be your point of contact throughout your time with us.

Don't settle for subpar IT services. Choose SCG Consulting for unparalleled service and support that will help your business thrive. Contact us today for a free review at: Martin Kershaw 0131 3000 103 martin@scgconsulting.uk

CERTUSS

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he earliest known records for steam technology can be traced back to Alexandria in AD.75. It was there that a mathematician known as "Heros" or "Heron" wrote three books on mechanics and the properties of air, and presented plans for a simple "Steam Engine".

Fast forward from this invention, right through the many innovations of steam technology throughout the world, to 1957 in Krefeld, Germany, where our company founder Hans-Joachim Schroder and a team of enthusiastic and focused Engineers set to designing a reliable, low noise, rapid steam raising, vertical Steam Generator.

On these solid foundations our company has grown into a World leader in the steam industry, with continual growth and expansion across the globe. In the words of our current owner and CEO Mathias Brauner: "Our history is the cornerstone that supports our current success. Continued growth allows us to push innovation in the future".

Today, with our UK service centre, the main German manufacturing base, and USA Group members along with 34 other CERTUSS agencies worldwide we offer the latest steam technology and exemplary service.

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is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Free-From & Low Fodmap Food Producer Company Of The Month

Deliciously Different Food Free-From approved from all top 14 allergens.

Based in Crawley, West Sussex, Slightly Different Foods has had a phenomenal past 12 months. Hot on the heels of a huge brand expansion throughout the UK in 2022, we spoke with Simon who explained some of the company’s recent highlights.

“We have expanded our reach throughout the UK and in December 2022 we secured the Best Small Independent Brand 2022 at the Free-From Christmas Awards. We also launched more award-winning products and rebranded our product range to Deliciously Different.

Between October – December 2022, two of our products were available in over 600 Holland & Barrett stores and online as part of their Christmas Seasonal campaign. We also secured awards at the Free-From Food Awards and also Nourish Awards.”

The business was formed because Sonia is an IBS sufferer herself and knew all too well how difficult it was to find products that not only cater to all allergies but also taste delicious. This inspired their dream to create a range of products that are tasty, delicious and innovative whilst also being safe, trustworthy and certified.

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Following the rebrand, their award-winning gut-friendly products now come under the name ‘Deliciously Different’ and are made up of a range of Italian, Curry & Mexican cooking sauces - Bolognese, Tomato & Basil,

Thai Style Red Curry, Tikka Masala and Spicy Mexican Style, plus an extensive range of condiments such as Pickle, Mediterranean Inspired Herb Vegan Mayo, Chip Shop Curry Sauce, Coriander & Lime Salad Dressing, Tomato Ketchup and many more.

Coming soon is the launch of more brand-new products!

“We are launching our next new product in early May 2023 which is the Deliciously Different Spiced Rhubarb & Mandarin Chutney with Cranberries,” stated Simon.

n this issue of Food & Drink Matters we are pleased to feature Slightly Different Foods as our Free-From and Low Fodmap Food Producer Company of the Month.

One of the benefits of Slightly Different Foods is that many products that are currently in the Free-From sector don’t always cater to those who must follow a strict Low Fodmap diet.

Slightly Different Foods is the company that has secured FODMAP Friendly certification over its competitors, and it is because of this that the brand has grown and expanded so quickly in such a short period of time.

The surging movement of Gluten-Free, Low Fodmap and vegan foodies is becoming more and more relevant and popular here in the UK and across Europe, therefore, Slightly Different Foods plan to expand their reach even further over the next 12 months, as they look to also secure a major high street retailer listing.

You will currently find Deliciously Different products across a range of stockists and retailers both online and in store, so if you’re a consumer please check the website for more info on this. However, if you are a retailer wishing to stock Deliciously Different and deal with many Free-From consumers who are also seeking Plant Based and FODMAP Friendly products, please get in touch below.

In 2018, Simon and Sonia Fox set out on a mission to create a line of products that cater to those who either suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have specific food allergies, or simply eat certain foods as a way of choice.

Slightly Different Foods has recently exploded onto the vegan consumer market with its innovative vegan approved, Gluten-Free and Low Fodmap friendly products that are made from clean ingredients and are

T 07940 004990 www.deliciouslydifferentfood.com

Artisan Bakery Company Of The Month

First-class Mediterranean bread different kinds of flour such as wheat flour or whole wheat flour. Our bread is chemical-free and has no additives with a shelf life that exceeds 10 days.

Compared to other similar products, our bread does not cause abdominal bloating and it is considered one of the healthier options of bread.”

Taza – meaning Fresh is the company motto, to ‘Eat fresh, stay fresh’, and this depicts the entire concept of the business, to deliver a freshly baked bread product direct to the customer on a daily basis. However, the road to success has not always been smooth for Taza Bake, with the effects of COVID-19 hitting the business hard in 2019.

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n this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce Taza Bake as our Artisan Bakery Company of the Month.

Specialising in fresh flat bread, Taza Bake is the first Syrian flat bread manufacturer to produce fresh flat bread on a daily basis from its Edinburgh based factory. Taza Bake is distributed around the country from Scotland to the North of England, the Midlands and the North of Ireland.

Established in April 2015 by Abdullah Razzouk and his wife Mays Al Emam, you’ll find Taza Bake in small authentic shops, takeaways and restaurants, distributors and catering companies. Taza Bake also produce other bakery items such as rounded pitta bread that is currently used in a number of five-star hotels and restaurants around the country.

“We are proud to be the first producer for these kind of products in Scotland,” stated Abdullah, “we specialise in Syrian flatbread (or so-called wrap bread or Khobez), and we produce it in different sizes and

Abdullah explained, “Over the pandemic our sales dropped significantly and this is because we heavily rely on the hospitality sector as our main source of business. However, since August 2022 the market has picked up again and we started seeing lots of customers restart their operations. We are happy that things are now on the road to recovery and pretty much back to normal in the hospitality sector which has helped business.”

Over the coming few months, Taza Bake is working to expand its business to develop a new production line which will in-turn allow them to add more kinds of bread to its current portfolio. “We always had plans to expand and to add new products, however, over the last two years the pandemic obviously put our plans on hold. We are excited to announce however that we have started working on the new products from this year,” added Abdullah.

job to support the business and we wouldn’t have had the success we have had so far without them.”

For more information, see below.

T 01316293833 tazabake@tazabake.co.uk Sales@tazabake.co.uk www.tazabake.co.uk

The first few months of 2023 have already been successful for Taza Bake. Alongside obtaining the SALSA accreditation, the company has also received some long-term fulfilment orders from large customers. In January 2023 Taza Bake was also awarded the bronze award for Best Product in Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, which has given the company a confidence they the products they are manufacturing are in demand from the market but also of the highest-quality.

Always looking to make the business stronger and the product offering greater, Abdullah had one closing statement, “As a small family business, we always welcome any feedback from customers and directly reflect their feedback to our products to make sure we are serving our customers with the best quality and service. And lastly, a huge thank you to our team, from operation to sales. We have 25 employees between full time and part time who are doing a great

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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ScotHot Review

ScotHot celebrates its 50th year

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cotHot is Scotland’s premier showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retails and tourism.

The latest exhibition took place on the 8-9 March 2023 at the SEC in Glasgow and was a roaring success.

Marked as Scotland’s most anticipated event, ScotHot 2023 delivered an unmissable opportunity for attendees to meet suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and to learn all the latest trends from across the industry.

ScotHot 2023 welcomed over 6,000 senior hospitality professionals from all over Scotland and the North of England who were attracted by over 250 exhibitors on its 50th year running. The Expo delivered a vibrant educative platform of inspiring seminars and a series of one-to-one clinics for essential business advice. Many well-known brands and independents were excited to showcase new products to key decision makers and share their expertise with a brand-new audience. The Expo is famously known to be a great place to generate new business with over 83% of visitors placing an order with exhibitors they have connected with.

Over the two days, Scottish Chefs hosted the Scottish Culinary Championships that included Scottish Chef of the Year alongside the Scottish Tourism Alliance that co-located with a 400-attendee senior tourism conference with international speakers and networking event.

Get your brand in front of key decision makers such as owners, directors, managers, and executive chefs with 69% of visitors being from hospitality, 15% from food service, 10% from import/export/ wholesaler/distribution, and 6% from retail.

Find out more below. www.scothot.co.uk

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The problem is that many of these products either don’t taste like the real thing or are full of hidden sugars or sugar-syrups, ruling out that other big audience of diabetic and sugar-intolerant consumers.

So, we were thrilled when we came across LUXLO’s range of Light Spirit Drinks.

LUXLO is an award-winning range of innovative lower-calorie spirits targeted at this new era of mindful drinkers.

At 20% abv and only ½ UK alcohol unit per serve, LUXLO is lighter in alcohol but full of the flavour consumers expect in a premium spirit.

Packed with natural botanicals, they’re also 100% sugar-free, meaning each service is just 28 calories, half that or less of regular gins!

And, just like regular full-strength spirits, they

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n today’s market, it is essential that businesses not only have a strong online presence but also a physical space that reflects their values and unique brand.

One way to achieve this is by incorporating branded planting into your space.

We bring the power of nature to your brand with plants, floral displays, and more. Our bold designs bring out the best in any venues to ensure your brand is showcased in a way that maximises consumer engagement, motivates them to share their branded experience, and leaves a lasting positive impression.

From a floral alfresco dining experience to a pop-up bar in full bloom, we not only provide branded plants and flowers but furniture and collateral too. Whether you want to create space that’s permanent or seasonal, we’ll help you make an impression that lasts all year long.

We also offer a hassle-free maintenance service to keep your plants looking as healthy as the day they were installed so you can focus on what matters most to your business.

LUXLO

ith over 27million consumers wanting to cut back on their alcohol consumption, there’s never been a better time to range lighter alcoholic beverages.

Creating a lasting impression with branded planting and florals by Benholm

serve in a standard 25ml measure, making them great value for money, typically retailing at around £31.95 for a 70cl bottle.

Vegan and gluten-free, the LUXLO range is currently available in four superb gin-based expressions, while they’ll have added 3 rum-based options by the summer.

Diabetic and keto-friendly they also don’t contain any artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, making these for us an absolute must-stock item.

You can find them through The Cress Co at www.thecressco.co.uk or direct, emailing trade@ luxlospirits.com

Visit our website to see floral brand promotions we’ve created for the likes of Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, and Jack Daniels, and start to imagine what we could do for you next!

For more information: www.benholm.com T 01324 861300 mail@benholm.com Benholm Group, Melonsplace, Falkirk, FK2 0BT

Healthy and delicious oat milk... from Scotland

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cotland’s oats are the best in the world, thanks to the unique climate, famous sea haar and, of course, fantastic farmers. That’s why Brose only uses carefully selected Scottish oats to create a sustainable oat milk that’s full of natural goodness – and tastes great.

We’ve history on our side too. As a simple meal of oats and spring water, ‘brose’ fuelled generations of Scottish farmers in their fields. According to legend, it even sent the armies of William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace and Robert the Bruce into battle.

Today, Brose still contains Scottish water and 100% Scottish oats – a natural superfood with essential vitamins and minerals, and a great source of fibre.

That makes it a healthy and delicious alternative to dairy, and perfect for porridge, breakfast cereals, smoothies and vegan baking... not to mention your favourite frothy coffee.

further. As well as only using reusable glass bottles, they’re committed to operating with a social and environmental conscience in ways that create local jobs and training opportunities, help combat climate change and support people in need.

“Not only do Brose have a perfectly crafted, creamy and delicious Scottish oat milk, their passion and drive to support the local community is inspiring,” said Stuart Aitken, Culinary Lead Scotland for leading business catering company BaxterStorey.

T 07952713364 hello@broseoats.com www.broseoats.com

Oat milk is the most environmentally sustainable of all plant-based drinks, but the folk at Brose go

FareShare

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ore than 13 million people in the UK are living in food insecurity while more than three million tonnes of food goes to waste in the UK supply chain each year.

FareShare is doing everything it can to change that. Through its network of local charities, FareShare helps to tackle hunger by getting good food to the people that need it most, instead of going to waste.

FareShare makes it as simple as possible for food businesses to work with them. When a food organisation has surplus food, resulting from cancelled orders or labelling errors for example, they offer it to FareShare. The charity’s food team then arranges for the surplus to be collected for free and delivered to one of 34 FareShare depots around the UK. The charity also has its groundbreaking Surplus with Purpose scheme, which can help food producers to cover the costs of harvesting or packing their food. This fund helps FareShare redistribute thousands of tonnes of surplus fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as other foods such as meat, dairy and chilled and frozen foods.

To find out how FareShare can help redistribute your surplus, email givefood@fareshare.org.uk.

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is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

ScotHot Review

Orders Made Simple wins the ScotHot People’s Choice Innovation Award

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rders Made Simple (OMS), a leading provider of digital solutions for the hospitality industry, is delighted to announce that it has won the ScotHot People’s Choice Innovation Award at the ScotHot exhibition in Glasgow.

OMS was selected as the winner of the award based on its innovative approach to streamlining orders in the hospitality industry. The app allows users to put all their suppliers in one place. The company’s all-in-one platform combines simple ordering and real-time reporting into a single solution, helping restaurants and bars to cut costs, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.

The ScotHot People’s Choice Innovation Award is the latest accolade for OMS, which has quickly established itself as a leading provider of digital solutions for the hospitality industry. The company’s platform is used by hundreds of restaurants and bars across the UK and has helped businesses of all sizes to streamline their operations and enhance the customer experience.

For more information, visit www.ordersmadesimple.com

Starting out in Edinburgh in 2020, OMS had a dozen suppliers and a handful of customers, now they are UK wide with hundreds of customers and over 100 suppliers on the platform.

Homegrown hemp oil proves a hit at ScotHot

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“It was phenomenally popular,” said owner Anna.

“Everyone wanted to have a taste and find out more about it – there wasn’t a drop left by the end of the show.”

The hemp crop was grown by farmers Ross and Anna Mitchell, on their farm in the heart of the Howe of the Mearns in south Aberdeenshire.

After harvest, the oil is extracted by pressing the raw hemp seeds, with no heat added, to preserve all the raw nutrients.

“It tastes a bit like walnuts or sunflower seeds. It’s darker and more intense than other more neutral oils on the market, such as vegetable oil,” said Anna.

As well as containing all the essential amino acids and fatty acids, it is vegetarian, vegan and free from gluten. Castleton Farm’s Extra Virgin Culinary Hemp Seed Oil expands their existing range of

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ixologist's Garden, the leading brand of premium freeze-dried garnish for cocktails and beverages, has received significant interest and positive feedback during the ScotHot 2023 trade show held at the SEC Centre in Glasgow also featuring on the Liquid Academy panel.

The Mixologist's Garden booth showcased its wide range of innovative all-natural with long ambient shelf-life garnish products, including pre-sliced citrus and berries. The high-quality and visually stunning garnishes received an overwhelmingly positive response from bartenders, mixologists, and beverage professionals alike.

"Our team is thrilled with the reception we received at ScotHot 2023," said Stuart Findlater, Business Director of Mixologist's Garden. "The demand for premium garnishes has been steadily increasing, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this trend.

Our products offer superb operational efficiencies and are designed to elevate the flavour and appearance of cocktails and beverages.”

ScotHot is Scotland’s largest trade event for the food, drink and hospitality industry, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. The People’s Choice Innovation Award is one of the most prestigious awards at the event, recognizing companies that have made a significant contribution to the industry through innovation and technology.

berdeenshire food producer Castleton Farm was blown away by the ScotHot success of their latest launch, a homegrown hemp oil.

Mixologist's Garden

jams, preserves and vinegars, as well as the popular premium fresh berries and cherries.

Details of the homegrown hemp oil are available at www.castletonfarm.co.uk or on 01561 320 409 / 01561 321 155

Mixologist's Garden offers a range of freeze-dried garnish products ideal for adding a pop of colour and flavour to cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages, available through Molson Coors and leading wholesalers.

The brand's products are made with 100% natural ingredients, without preservatives and are carefully crafted to provide long-lasting and ambient shelf life.

For more details see: www.mixologistsgarden.com

Aviko taste test new product: Chili Cheezz Nuggets

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e brought our latest product release to Scot Hot. The feedback from our Aviko Plant Based Chili Cheezz Nuggets was very positive, people couldn’t even guess it was a vegan cheese!

One tester said, “They’re absolutely delicious!” In the strongest Scottish accent you can imagine. He continues, “that is the best Vegan Cheese I’ve ever had.”

Our Cheezz nuggets are like no other. The Cheezz is made from potatoes and not coconut, so they have a rich and indulgent cheesy taste that can’t be beat.

Spicy, Cheezzy and Crunchy. A delight for Vegans & non-vegans alike. Our vegan Chili cheezz nugget is a great sustainable menu item that sits perfectly in Fast Food, QSR and casual restaurants.

that Aviko are releasing this year. And it is a continuing commitment to creating great products and innovating new menu solutions.

Aviko are a responsible and dedicated food service supplier for various industries. If you want to find out more Contact Gillian Dow: g.dow@aviko.nl

Try them out yourself, request your free sample now at: www.Aviko.co.uk This is the first of 3 ‘Green Delight’ Vegan products

Alliance Scotland at ScotHot 2023

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nce again we at Alliance Scotland were represented by our team at ScotHot and event we have attended for many years. As always, we enjoyed the experience and found the event to be professionally organised, well attended and a great experience for all involved. On our stand we featured a wide variety of new products which we are excited to list and bring to the catering market including ranges such as Steelite’s Mogogo, Churchills new Stonecast colourways, Nevilles Bonna, Utopias new glassware such as their Twisted Hayworth and much more.

At Alliance Scotland we have been a regular exhibitor at ScotHot having featured at the show for the last 15 years and we have always found the event to be a credit to the Scottish catering industry. As principle suppliers within Scotland to the catering and hospitality sectors we pride ourselves on our service, value to customers and expertise when it comes to suggesting and implementing new product solutions.

For more information surrounding any of the new products we showcased or our existing product offering, please contact us on 0141 771 2900 or email us at scotland@alliancelocal.co.uk.

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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ScotHot Review

Nudie Snacks

Avogogo™ - ready-to-serve smashed avocado launches at ScotHot 2023

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udie Snacks are a producer of plant-based snacks, that are high in fibre, high in protein, award winning and taste truly awesome! with a range of plant-based snacks that have a better for you twist, all suitable for Gluten Free, Vegans & Vegetarians, completely free-from.

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vogogo™, the new ready-to-serve smashed avocado brand, launched to the Scottish hospitality & catering trade at ScotHot 2023. The brand is designed specifically take the stress out of serving avocados, making it quick and easy, whilst also helping businesses to save time & money.

Nudie Snacks Cauliflower Crisps are the UK Number 1 Award winning cauliflower crisps, true innovation in the snacking world. Sporting a Great Taste Award, FreeFrom Award, World Veggie Award, Scottish Retail Product Award and Gold Product award at Farm Shop & Deli 23.

Avogogo™ solves common problems associated with of serving avocados, such as; inconsistent ripeness, making-to-order, high wastage, and low yield.

Avogogo™ is made using only the freshest, ripest Mexican Hass avocados, ensuring consistent high quality all-year-round, and can also be used as a base for other avocado dishes making it a versatile addition for professional kitchens.

Available in two awesome flavours Katsu Curry and Cheese & Caramelised onion.

Our cauliflower crisps are made with 40% fresh cauliflower, home grown and home produced right here in Scotland!

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nstock Group were proud to attend ScotHot 2023, Scotland's premier showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail and tourism. We had a fantastic response to our new ranges including the new Probionate system which we are pleased to announce won the 2023 Innovation award.

Argyll Systems Ltd

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Instock is one of the largest independent distributors of cleaning and non food catering supplies in the UK. We are a family owned independent business which allows us great flexibility and speedy decision making.

Learn how EPOS systems work and how they will enable you to sell more.

From Schools, Prisons and Universities in the public sector through to Healthcare Homes, Facilities Management and Cleaning companies in the private sector extending into every type of accommodation and catering outlet in the hospitality sector.

lectronic Point of sales or EPOS systems as they are better known, are crucial to the day-to-day operations of Retail and Hospitality businesses.

Give us a call for more information that can help your business run smoothly.

Contact Robert Harley, Four Seasons Harvest Ltd: rharley@fourseasonsharvest.co.uk T 07831122667

Refurbishment and Fit-out business for commercial catering kitchens of all sizes. This combination of hands-on design and project management allows us to plan and deliver commercial kitchens or bars to any budget.

Our teams have a wealth of experience delivering first class results on all types of commercial catering projects.

Connect with us today to discuss how Instock can work with your business.

Call us: 0844 844 1563 or email us: sales@ instockgroup.co.uk

We have also developed Prois - a strong Design,

Argyll Systems Ltd. T 0141 950 6766 www.argyllsystems.co.uk

Capital Power Clean

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apital Power Clean have been innovating cleaning for bars, restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities for over 15 years.

With staff shortages resulting from Brexit and the Covid pandemic, we have found that our revolutionary product ranges maximise staff resources through reduced cleaning times and also improve cleaning results! Lower use of water and chemical products can also assist with your environmental strategies.

Whether your requirement is for a simple vacuum cleaner or more advanced equipment for hard floor or carpet cleaning, we have a system to meet your needs; our Cobotic equipment may be left to work on its own while cleaners undertake other cleaning tasks elsewhere.

History of Jamaican coffee

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n 1723 King Louis XV of France sent three coffee plants to the trench colony of Martinique, five years later the Governor of Jamaica under British Colonial Rule received a gift of one plant from the Governor from Martinique. From that one plant a whole plantation was born then a whole industry-The Jamaican Coffee Industry.

a wide range of professional cleaning chemicals, cloths, disposable paper products and traditional mops and brushware, and our new, touchless sanitary bin can eliminate the cost of specialist washroom waste disposal services!

For those committed to environmental protection, we can offer chemical-free cleaners and sanitisers, produced on-demand on your premises, to combat soiling, bacteria and viruses!

View our full range at www.capitalpowerclean. co.uk or contact one of our specialists for advice on 01506 854585

Of course, as a one-stop-shop, our product range is not limited to cleaning machinery – we carry

Blizzard Equipment

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perating over 25 years Blizzard Equipment is proud to position itself as a leading mid market refrigeration and catering equipment brand here in the UK. With 100s of products from upright storage refrigeration to serve over counters & catering appliances for budget friendly prices you’ll struggle to find a reason not to upgrade to Blizzard.

Flamstead Estate A family-owned farm, founded in 1982 by Ambassador Carlyle Dunkley. The company is managed today by his sons Stephen and Graham Dunkley.

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For more information on how to buy Avogogo™ visit www.avogogo.co.uk

Instock Group

Don’t take our word for it, try them for yourself, get in touch at hello@nudiesnacks. co.uk for stockist information or visit our website www.nudiesnacks.co.uk.

Only after receiving independent certification from Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority are we allowed to export.

ScotHot 2023 was a brilliant platform to launch Avogogo™ to the Scottish catering trade, as everyone that visited then stand could taste our product.

We were delighted to receive universally positive feedback, and lots of commercial interest.

"We're thrilled to bring Avogogo to the catering and hospitality sector," said brand ambassador Rob Harley. "Our goal has always been to provide

Utilising wonky waste veg that would be destined for waste. Available in two sizes 22gm & 80gm bags, perfect for Food2Go, Farm-shops, Deli's, Independent retailers.

We are proud producers of 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Our farm stands at 3,300 feet above sea level, our arabica typica coffee trees are oftentimes covered by the cool mists of the Blue Mountains. We established our own pulpery operations (2000) and Dry Mill (2005) in the heart of Kingston where, under strict supervision, we dry, store, process and package our coffee.

catering businesses with a high-quality product that helps them deliver perfect smashed avocado”.

A reputable cupper described our coffee as “very sweet coffee with notes of chocolate, caramel and dried apricots, with a smooth mouth feel”. Our limited supply is sold in Europe, Japan and North America.

Contact, Don Evelyn: donevelyn12@gmail.com M +30 694 280 5098 www.jbmc.gr

Building on decades of experience Blizzard has looked to further its reach within the UK market in recent years expanding their product offering and brand awareness as well as working closely with its network of amazing dealers and end users to ensure continued product development that falls in line with market requirements such as energy efficiency improvements.

lines to its portfolio following keen interest from its users such as small & large capacity ice machines, pizza ovens and will welcome in their first line of freezer merchandisers later this year.

In the last year Blizzard has added various product

www.pentlandwholesale.co.uk

is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

ScotHot Review

Mechline's

MCR Systems

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echline's commitment to providing differentiated products that maximise environmental efficiencies was recently showcased at the prestigious ScotHot event, where their advanced HyGenikx system was recognised in the innovation awards. The Air and Surface Sanitiser makes it possible for operators to save money, improve food quality and safety, while reducing food waste. HyGenikx has been shown to increase the shelf-life of fresh perishable foods by an average of 58%* with some produce lasting up to 150% longer. This is thanks to its combination of highly effective air and surface germicidal technologies that can eradicate bacteria, viruses, and moulds in food storage/preparation areas.

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Mechline's BioCeptor was also on display at the event. BioCeptor is a highly effective grease management solution, which helps operators prevent blocked drains, bad odours, and compliance issues caused by FOGS (Fats, Oils, Grease & Starches). Its design combines the principle of grease trapping with the natural process of bioremediation to retain and break down FOGS on site. This means that FOGS are prevented from entering the drainage system, and the frequency of servicing, cleaning and maintenance is reduced.

CR Systems has over 40 years of experience in providing hospitality, catering and leisure organisations with enterprise management solutions that directly improve the efficiency of their business operations. We do this by combining high-quality software and cutting-edge EPOS technology.

T 0116 299 7000 enquiries@mcr-systems.co.uk www.mcr-systems.co.uk

As the industry evolves, Mechline continue to develop products that solve real operational issues, helping to improve foodservice environments.

For more information on the ALS fresh food shelf-life study visit: https://www.mechline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HyGenikx-SuccessStory_-Testing-_-SHELF-LIFE.pdf

Taste Chester Food & Drink Festival Review

Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival 2023 Rimmer were in attendance, alongside chefs from Michelinstar restaurants chefs and the best local chefs.

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he sun was shining on the 23rd annual Easter Chester Food & Drink Festival at Chester Racecourse, in the heart of the city.

With a new, improved layout incorporating the central racecourse and extended free parking, over 30,000 visitors converged on the outdoor food and drink event.

Celebrity chefs: John Torode, Chris Bavin and Simon

The annual event is the best in the industry and attracted over 150 food, drink and lifestyle exhibitors, from small local independent companies to regional and national companies.

Manchester University research cited that the event brings in over £2 million annually to the local hospitality industry and with main sponsor Taste Cheshire running monthly local farmer’s markets locally, it is the best place to showcase new food and drink products, to a hugely

Henstone Distillery, your award winning local distillery

receptive audience.

With a nod to seasonal, sustainable produce: there was something for everyone from BBQ grills, noodles, vintage organic cheddar, sausage rolls, tapas, paella, coffee beans, chocolate rum, craft beers and prosecco.

The three-day event was a roaring success: showcasing the best local and national food and drink innovation and products.

For more information, see below. www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

Mr Vikkis

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t the heart of Henstone Distillery lies a passion for creating amazing spirits.

From the moment the ingredients are carefully selected to the final sip, every step is infused with dedication and expertise. The result? A collection of spirits that are nothing short of exceptional.

The accolades speak for themselves. Henstone Distillery has been recognised and celebrated by industry experts, winning numerous prestigious awards for their spirits. Whether it's their smooth and aromatic gin, velvety single malt whisky, or their silky vodka, each product boasts a unique character that tantalises the senses.

What sets them apart is their commitment to using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients.

They work closely with suppliers to ensure that every element that goes into their spirits is of the utmost quality.

But it's not just the ingredients that make Henstone Distillery special. Their state-of-the-art distilling techniques, combined with traditional

methods, result in spirits that are perfectly balanced and rich in flavour. Each bottle is a testament to the passion that goes into creating these award-winning spirits.

They recently achieved a clean sweep at the 2023 Gin Guide Awards. Their London Dry, Navy and Rosé Gin’s all voted winners in their categories and Rosé Gin winning the coveted Best in Britain award! Visit their website and online shop to find out more, www.henstonedistillery.com

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r VikkisTM Est 2005 Award Winning Indian Fusion Pickles, Curry sauces and Chilli sauce.

5 coveted 3 Stars. Everything is made in small Batches in Cumberland still all made by me, Adam, so that we can protect the quality. Passionate about everything Chilli.

Twice Golden Fork award winner for Best Speciality Food North West 2013 and 2022, 143 Great Taste Awards Inc

For more information, contact Info@mrvikkis.co.uk

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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Print & Packaging Matters

Innovating for better packaging of bakery mixes it is impossible to manually check each bag produced for the presence of seal defects.

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elicious bread is a favoured element in the daily food consumption of millions of people. Bread is typically prepared with high-value bakery mixes that consist of living ingredients such as yeast. As these need to be protected from oxidation and moisture, the packaging must be perfectly sealed. That’s why Puratos has equipped their Vertical-Form-Fill-Seal packaging machines with a SealScope® in-line seal inspection system.

The sourdough bakery mixes are packaged in flexible bags of 1 kg or 10 kg on UVA vertical packaging machines. As these are packaged under modified air conditions for long preservation, it is important that the sealing of the bags is perfect. In view of Industry 4.0, the lines are fully automated - from packaging to placing the labelled bags in cardboard boxes, ready for shipment. Focusing on continuous improvement, Puratos was searching for an automated solution for seal inspection. In practice, at the speeds which they are packaging,

And the sealing process, especially with a powdery product, is a challenge as product in the sealing area can result in a defective seal. A costly possibility would have been to check each bag under a vacuum bell to detect leaking nitrogen, but this would have required the use of an additional machine on the production line, taking extra space and adding significant maintenance costs.

Inspired by another Puratos plant where chocolate pellets are packaged, the production team of Andenne decided to evaluate Engilico’s innovative SealScope® system on a first packaging line. After a successful line audit, a first system was equipped with SealScope® , and shortly after, Puratos decided to also retrofit their new, second packaging machine.

“We were pleased with the Engilico system on our first line, and it was a logical step to also equip our second line with SealScope®. The system instantly detects seal problems and allows us to detect a process deviation as early as possible.” explains Thomas Partiot, Process Improvement Manager, “On top of that, this solution excels in its simplicity of installation and its integration directly on the structure of the bagging machine.

Automated seal inspection As sourdough is a living product that is sensitive to oxygen and moisture, it is essential to have an effective barrier to protect it. Quality control of the seal is therefore of great importance to avoid open or leaking packages. The innovative SealScope® system verifies by means of sensors mounted on the sealing bars whether there are folds or product in the seal which can lead to leaking packages. The entire production is thus automatically verified and when errors in the seal are detected, the bags are automatically removed from the conveyor belt by an ejection system. The rejected products containing defects are reworked, so that there is no production waste and yet the best quality is ensured.

The SealScope® system is fully integrated into the UVA VFFS machine and requires no additional space in the packaging line.

The SealScope® sensors detect during each sealing closing whether defects occur, such as material or folds in the seal.

the best quality and also because the cost of returned goods due to defective packaging is extremely high, our goal is to deliver 100% inspected packages to our customers,” comments Paul Rase.

a continuous improvement project of the production area, it allowed us to optimize the production process. Before the optimization process, the rejection ratio of defective bags was in the range of 15%, where after optimizing the production lines it is now between 1 and 2%.

Optimizing the packaging process using SealScope® Another important function of SealScope® is the monitoring of the packaging process. Because each package is measured, it is also possible to register trends and deficiencies in the production process. In this way, if the rejection ratio increases, proactive maintenance can be planned. Or the machine can be timely adjusted, which can prevent production of bad packages and production delays. With the support of Engilico as part of

“We are very satisfied with the seal inspection installations and believe this has a wide potential in the packaging industry”, concludes Paul Rase, “The main advantages of the SealScope® system are better quality of outgoing production, better control of the packaging process resulting in fewer product returns.”

Contact: Renaat Van Cauter Renaat.vancauter@engilico.com T +32 16 498 139

“SealScope® is an important element in the quality and value chain. As we are dedicated to deliver our customer

Premier Foods Paxo Packaging

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hen Premier Foods decided to replace the PVdC coated packaging film on their Paxo stuffing range, National Flexible were challenged to supply a film that provided consumers with a fully recyclable solution.

The film needed to incorporate as much recycled content as possible, maintaining the performance, and full food packaging compliance.

The replacement film, developed by National Flexible,

in conjunction with the polymer supplier and film manufacturer, was ‘Highly Commended’ in two categories, ‘Flexible Plastic Pack of the Year’ and ‘Resource Efficient Pack of the Year’ at the 2022 UK Packaging Awards.

The new film is 100% recyclable, has a lower carbon footprint, reduces the use of virgin material, and has many sustainable and environmental advantages, demonstrating how collaboration between technical teams of the customer, the supplier and the film manufacturer can produce a positive outcome.

6 O’clock Gin announces launch of refill pouches

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ristol based distillery, 6 O’clock Gin, has unveiled its recyclable gin pouches as part of its ongoing sustainability strategy.

The new 700ml pouches are designed to be decanted into the iconic 6 O’ clock Gin London Dry blue bottles. The recyclable refill pouches can then be returned to the brand’s distillery for recycling through Royal Mail free post service, or dropped off at a designated TerraCycle UK point.

The manufacture and distribution of the 6 O’ clock Gin London Dry pouches will reduce associated CO2 emissions by more than 90%.

Tom Fowkes, Marketing Director, commented “In recent years we have seen a dramatic increase in the interest of sustainability and we want to ensure our customers have the opportunity to purchase our gin in a more environmentally friendly way. Our empty 700ml bottles weigh around 650g each, and the consequent CO2

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emissions equate to roughly 812g.

Comparatively, the pouch weighs just 30g, resulting in only 46g of CO2. That means there’s a huge saving of 94.4% between the two methods, and that’s per bottle. When scaling up to the amount of gin produced in the UK each year, it’s easy to see how much better pouches are for the environment.”

The pouches are the latest addition in the company’s ongoing sustainability journey. 6 O ’clock Gin has been using solar energy captured by panels on the distillery roof for over 10 years, which generate enough electricity to run the still and office usage every day as well as changing the bottles’ security seal to a plantbased material, and has recently installed electric car charging points for staff.

For further information, please contact Rachel Davey: Rachel@racheldaveypr.co.uk T 07725118093

National Flexible provide FREE Sustainability Packaging Audits, considering all aspects of existing packaging operations, including pack design and printing, film selection, carbon reduction, running speeds, and optimum shelf life. These audits invariably result in a resolution in film usage and / or reduced packaging costs.

Book an Audit: Scott McEvoy 01274 685566 Find out more Premier Foods Paxo Packaging Wins Award | National Flexible

Industry-recognised certifications enhance Allpack’s packaging solutions

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ince 1994 Allpack has been providing sustainable packaging supplies and solutions to a wide range of customers, who know they are using industryrecognised products, designed specifically for their intended sector and application.

Allpack’s National Distribution Centre National recently received an A-Rated BRC Level Certification for Food Packaging Storage & Distribution, enhancing and solidifying to customers that Allpack warehoused products comply with stringent food storage and distribution packaging standards and guidelines.

solutions, to our business partners and clients. We work hard to select and maintain supplier’s products that are manufactured from at least 30% recycled content and are 100% recyclable making them Plastic Tax Compliant, which is better for you, your customers, and the environment.

Contact Allpack today at 01543 396 888, or email sales@ allpack.uk.com to discuss your packaging enquiries and see how we can assist you in selecting sustainable and greener packaging products, or visit www.allpack.uk.com to view our range of marketleading sustainable packaging products and brands.

Sustainability is a key mission for Allpack, as we are proud to be a Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified business, ensuring we source, supply and deliver sustainable

is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Mono Material Packaging Matters

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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Natural Health Trade Summit Review

The Natural Health Trade Summit 2022

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he NHT Summit is where the independent health food trade comes together, offering the chance to network with 100+ exhibitors, take part in round table discussions and learn some of the newest innovations and trends in the industry.

As the go-to expo for independent health food retailers to meet, learn and do business, The NHT Summit 2022 took place on the 2nd of October at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester and was held in association with the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS).

The one-day show was designed exclusively for independent retailers to develop their business and to source products and brands targeted at their stores.

Many Artisan Food and Nutrition companies from across the country gathered together for the event, that also included a free healthy buffet lunch for every visitor.

The 2022 show focused primarily on a theme of better business and included a number of informative roundtable discussions debating the most ‘on-trend’ retailing topics alongside championing many networking opportunities with like-minded business professionals

and suppliers.

The NHT Summit is well-known for its many extensive networking opportunities, so don’t miss out on your chance to book into this year’s show which will be held on the 8th of October 2023 in Bristol in association with Health Stores UK. Registration is free and open to anyone involved in the independent health food trade. www.nhtsummit.co.uk

Natural nutrition company receives Natural brands – supporting multiple awards independent retail

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eel Supreme was a standout exhibitor at last year’s National Health Trade Summit 2022. The exhibition came hot on the heels of an extremely successful year for the company where its Lions Mane product not only won the NHT award for Best Healthcare Product 2022, but also Best Supplement 2021 award and Best Alternative Product Award 2022.

Lions Mane comes in liquid form using both a dual extraction method and dual delivery method to optimise the absorption and effectiveness. Lion’s Mane mushroom is an extraordinary fungus used for millennia to support nerve growth, drive improvement of cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative stress.

Feel Supreme has created a culture that strives for nutritional excellence. On a mission to bring the finest quality ingredients that can help with stress, poor digestion, tiredness, and overall poor quality of life, its innovative range of quality supplements were created in-house by a naturopathic nutritionist and are proven to give your body exactly what it deserves.

Off the back of its recent growth, Feel Supreme has more than doubled the size of its mushroom range with new mushroom liquids, including Turkey Tail, Reishi,

ntroducing ‘Natural Brands’ - a great new service for all independent retailers.

Set up purely to support retail, Natural Brands helps buyers find and source on-trend, natural and organic products from around the world. Covering both category leading brands and innovative new-comers to the market, the service offers product and distributor information, special offers, incentives and news on product launches, range extensions and more.

Cordyceps, Tremella and Agaricus Blazei. The future is bright for Feel Supreme as it continues to develop new cutting-edge products alongside its already thriving range that includes Mushrooms, Shilajit, Seamoss, NAD+, Vitamins, Adaptogens, Digestive Support and much more.

For more information, see below.

T 0333 050 1553 info@feelsupreme.co.uk www.instagram.com/feel_supreme/ www.feelsupreme.co.uk

www.naturalbrands.co.uk to receive regular communications along with special offers, product incentives, access to POS and more.

It’s free to join and there’s no hidden agenda, and if you sign up this month you’ll receive some FREE stock to get you started on your journey!

If you’re interested in finding out more just email the team at hello@naturalbrands.co.uk.

Altai Mountain Shilajit - the UK's best Shilajit store

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ifas da Terra (HdT) is the leading multinational biotech company in the development of medicinal mushroombased products for human health.

We are committed to transparency and traceability of our entire production. In this way, we guarantee that the content of each product

Set up as the retail-facing arm of Brand Organic – an import agency specialising in bringing category leading and new-to-market brands to the UK – Natural Brands is a free resource to help retailers deliver the best brands to their customers.

You can sign up to their exclusive ‘Buyers Club’ at

Hifas da Terra Our expertise is based on more than 20 years of experience researching and studying medicinal mushrooms' clinical applications. We use biotechnology, innovation and ecology to develop products and improve health and well-being worldwide. We are committed to Research and Development (R&D) and allocate 62% of our profits to R&D (currently more than 15 active human studies), including clinical trials, mainly in gastroenterology, oncology, immunology, the musculoskeletal system, mental-emotional health and women's health.

Soo Cieszynska from Natural Brands said of the launch, ‘we realise that independent retailers are struggling to juggle so many things and are often short on time to navigate the hundreds of new product launches and special offers happening every month. I speak to retailers every day and they always say how helpful it would be to receive more promotional and sales support to help drive daily sales. That’s why we set up Natural Brands – to do this for them.’

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ltai Mountain develop and supply supreme quality shilajit products. Shilajt is one of the Earth's most nutritionally dense naturally occurring substances used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Shilajit is harvested from high altitude mountain ranges and contains over 85 essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, carbon 60, humins and fulvic acid. is faithfully reflected on the labelling. Hifas da Terra nutraceuticals are a natural solution made from medicinal mushrooms with pharmaceutical production standards and a proprietary system that guarantees maximum quality, safety and efficacy in each formula: Hifas Quality System (HQS).

Learn more by visiting www.hifasdaterra.co.uk

Known as the 'Destroyer of Weakness' or 'Mountain Blood', shilajit has been shown to have a multitude of health benefits for both mind and body as modern research begins to catch up to ancient wisdom.

Altai Mountain have a full stack shilajit range from both the Altai Republic and the Himalayas in resin form, capsules, topicals and much more.

Increase physical and mental performance naturally and feel the power of the mountain!

Visit the website below to get 10% off your first order today. www.altaimountainshilajit.com

Pets Matters

Bamboodles and Sir Woofchesters the solution for all hospitality settings

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f you accept dogs within your business you will know how they can sometimes be a little, disruptive, shall we say. Bamboodles and Sir Woofchesters are the ideal solution, if you are looking to distract or treat your dog customer, look no further Bamboodles are fast becoming the UK's favourite dog chew toy, with a special T design the dog can hold it in their paws and chew until their hearts content.

These chews come in a variety of flavours and sizes so perfect for all dogs and settings. These dog chew toys are infused with bamboo so designed to be extra tough while flaking away, rather

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inspired treat range. The Doggy tapas is a must have addition to any business that allows dogs inside. With treats ranging from Bark Burger treat pots, to Pawstar martinis to a full roast dinner in a bowl!

than sharding or snapping. Even the most aggressive or destructive of chews will love these long lasting toys.

If you are looking to treat your pooch, the Sir Woofchesters are a pub grub

So if you are looking to distract or indulge Bamboodles and Sir Woofchesters are a must have partnership of products for your business.

If you are interested in stocking these brands, or want more information please contact Pet Trade Innovations on 01276 919808 or email office@ pettradeinnovations.com

is sponsored by Myth Drinks – see them on page 5

Wholesales Matters

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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Halal Food Matters

The future of Halal Food food. There’s no excuse, except for saving your very life.

In all other circumstances, Muslims have to eat Halal.

Therefore, food spending is a prime thing in their budget.

So, the halal food business is not a fad or fashion. It’s been there since the emergence of Islam and it will keep here forever.

And, Muslims happen to be as great food lovers as any other people. Then there’s a significant portion of Muslim youth that is tapping the economic opportunities presented by technological advances, increasing the purchasing power that enables them to go beyond their traditional minimal food basket.

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alal food is a growing business across the world and business experts predict it to expand even faster. This prediction is primarily based on two solid reasons: 1. Muslim population keeps growing and so do their food needs and aspirations.

2. Halal food is also becoming popular among nonMuslims for different reasons.

What is Halal Food?

Halal means permissible. Actually, halal food is any kind of food that is permitted for Muslims to consume as per religious guidance. Since almost all kinds of vegetarian stuff (except sedative and piousness) are allowed in Islam.

The main aim of this article is focused on the Halal meat.

Now, what’s halal meat? There are many kinds of animals that Muslims can consume but there are others they can’t.

For example, meat of sheep, goat, cow, camel, chicken, duck, dove, etc, are allowed if it is slaughtered in an Islamic way, but pork, crow, toad, etc, are forbidden and it is Haram for Muslims.

It’s not just Muslims that consume halal foods, an increasing number of non-Muslims also are seeking halal meat for certain benefits that the Islamic way of slaughtering provides. There will be more on this later in this article.

Business Opportunity The business community is investing more funds and human resources to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for halal foods. But the overall demand is so high that there is an acute shortage of halal foods in some parts of the world, including many Muslim countries.

This shortage issue is more pressing in parts of Europe, where there are large Muslim communities, but the supply is limited. The Muslim population here has kept growing at a significant pace but the food industry has failed to fulfil the halal food demand for different reasons. Mostly, it has either simply failed to appreciate the opportunity or lacked the culture and skills to process halal foods.

For example, the Muslims in Norway often have to go to Sweden to buy halal stuff. And, even there, the available food is not fresh, since the items are frozen to extend their shelf life. Obviously, frozen food is not preferable but Norwegian Muslims have no choice.

Frozen meat loses some quality attributes on thawing.

Even if there’s no significant change in nutritional value, its texture, juiciness, freshness, and chewiness is affected.

However, the damage can be minimised through controlled thawing.

Challenges Apparently, the biggest challenge in investing in halal foods is demographic and geographic.

The Muslim population in many countries in Europe is scattered, with few clusters large enough to sustain large food processing units. A scattered Muslim population means you can’t do without cold storage facilities and the transportation costs are also going to be higher than usual.

But this challenge can be surmounted with better and more efficient supply modes. And this is worth doing simply because Muslims would buy halal even if its costs more.

They will also go for frozen halal meat than fresh nonhalal flesh.

Business Beyond Boundaries The biggest advantage of the halal food business is that your products can be sold beyond the home market.

Muslims are everywhere and despite being different in their cuisine preferences, the basic required item is the same – halal meat.

It’s not just geographic borders that won’t hinder this business, the halal food appeal goes across cultural and religious barriers. A growing number of non-Muslims are turning to halal meat for its taste, appearance, nutritional value, and health benefits.

Demand for Halal Food The global population of Muslims is estimated to be around 1.98 billion (or 24.9% of humankind).

Why Halal Food?

Halal meat is sourced from places where there are minimal chances of any kind of contamination. For example, in the UK, halal meat is mostly sourced from farmed assured and Red Tractor assured farms.

Muslims are religiously duty-bound to only consume halal

It’s not just the consciousness of the modern man that

is behind this selection of the good and healthy stuff, actually, Islam as a religion also bounds its adherents to follow certain practices that make halal more hygienic, safe, and clean, the concept which is called Halal and Tayyab which means permissible and safe.

1. Islam forbids eating animals that are unwell, unfit, diseased, or dead.

2. Animals must be reared with love, care, and respect.

3. The animals are kept calm and stress-free during the slaughtering process. Lack of stress decreases the release of hormones that can change meat quality and sensory attributes.

4. In the Islamic way of animal slaughter, blood is completely drained off the carcass. Due to the absence of blood, the meat becomes more tender, juicy, and tasty.

The draining of blood also extends the shelf life of meat as harmful pathogenic bacteria cannot grow in the meat.

For all these reasons, halal meat is more nutritious and excellent in quality and taste. Several research studies have proved that halal meat also boosts the immune system and is healthier for the brain and metabolism. A stronger metabolism means an enhanced ability to absorb nutrients and detoxification – the removal of harmful substances from the body.

T +44 (0)208 446 7127 info@halalfoodauthority.com www.halalfoodauthority.com

Vending Matters

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Cleaning Matters

Specialist hygiene company achieves Zero Waste to Landfill as sustainable initiativestake hold Considerable budget has been invested in equipment and training to ensure facilities are as modern and efficient as possible.

This has included installing low energy LED lighting across the whole site, creating a reduction in usage of up to 75%.

W

arrington-based Christeyns Food Hygiene has achieved Zero Waste to Landfill for the last two years as it puts sustainability at the heart of company policy.

By working in partnership with ACM Environmental, the firm has achieved exceptional environmental performance with Zero Waste to Landfill in 2020, 2021 and on target for 2022.

Christeyns Food Hygiene, as part of Christeyns UK, has been working on a strategy for reducing waste and emissions and is part of a group initiative, Project Terra, which focuses on every aspect of the firm’s business in relation to sustainability and the environment.

Other initiatives completed over the past two years have been the installation of EV charging points, the recycling of all toner cartridges, adding plants to the site to improve and restored biodiversity and the collection and monitoring of all gas, electricity, and water data to establish targets for reductions.

Raw materials are purchased from carefully selected suppliers, sustainability being a key requirement when choosing ingredients.

Recent developments have also led to the introduction of concentrated formulations that reduce the number of deliveries and hence carbon footprint.

Containers are washed and reused and wash-out water from both customer sites and the firm’s manufacturing facilities, is recovered and reused, reducing the amount of effluent being deposited into the environment.

Sarah Hobbs, Health, Safety & Environmental Supervisor at Christeyns Food Hygiene said: “Being one of the largest food hygiene providers in the UK, it is important for the whole team to lead by example and minimise the impact of our business on the environment.

More and more of our clients are focusing on green issues and it is reassuring for them to know that their supply chain is equally committed.”

Increased focus at Board level is adding impetus to Christeyns’ strategic goals on tackling environmental issues both on site and in the wider community. A range of project are currently running to meet these goals, including motion sensor lighting, solar panels, hybrid and fully electric vehicles, and the re-using rainwater for washing out containers.

For more information, see below. www.christeyns.com

is sponsored by Quantex – see them on page 22

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Pumps & Valves Matters

Pump technology helps reduce plastic waste Quantex is rapidly moving forward with exciting purposeful rebranding, exponential manufacturing figures, an incredible 100% growth in turnover during 2022, all alongside retaining its harmonious collaborative culture.

Q

uantex offers off-the-shelf, recyclable pumps with additional varying flow-rate ranges. In 2021, Quantex was acquired by PSG, an operating company of Dover Corporation and now sits alongside 13 other pump and flow measurement brands. We caught up with Director of Marketing, Gillian Harding-Moore to find out more about last year, “We’ve had an exceptional year, full of change.

Benefiting from a ‘one company’, collaborative culture, we’ve been integrating with sister brands in Germany, laying the foundations for rapid growth in 2023 and beyond.

Perhaps the biggest change is the move of our Head Office to Duisburg in Germany, joining our PSG sister brands: Quattroflow, Almatec and Hydro, making future collaboration even easier.

At this established and quality-assured facility, we have more resources and manufacturing facilities, including 380msq of ISO 7 certified clean room facilities.”

Quantex is the cutting-edge provider of recyclable pump technology, instead of the pump being attached to static equipment, it is uniquely fastened to liquid packaging, as part of a fully integrated fluid packaging system.

The pump is clipped into a motor drive, allowing the liquid to be dispensed at different flow rates, dependent on the liquid. Once the liquid supply is depleted, the customer replaces the bag with a corresponding new bag and pump, as Gillian illustrates, “Quantex Pumps carry an exceptionally hygienic solution, especially with possible aseptic and sterile versions of the pumps, meaning that cleaning is eliminated since no product travels through the fixed machine. In addition, multiple products can be swapped in and out of the same channels with no cross-contamination.

footprint of the dispensing equipment is greatly reduced – due to the simplicity and wide availability of the mechanics required to drive the pump.

Furthermore, high vacuum capability means selfpriming, better bag evacuation/less waste, and highly viscous fluids can be pumped successfully.

Usability is increased by the reverse cycling of the pumps allowing the dispenser to suck the product back in to eliminate drips and provide a clean dispense.

Quantex’s London office and dedicated manufacturing plant in High Wycombe remains fully operational and with a further rebranding of the high-quality pumps, Quantex has harnessed the power of visible readability for customers. The pumps have been renamed to match corresponding maximum flowrates, allowing customers to select the right pump quickly and accurately.

This leading company has doubled pump production since 2021, through increased manufacturing, showing this company’s eager prowess in the industry. With a further automated assembly line planned for the Bag-in-Box pumps, it is expected that the pump production capability will triple this year.

machines in beverages and retail refill: Fresh Blends® Frozen Beverages Self-Serve IoT Platform and FillX’s SupershelfTM. There was a flurry of interest in both products from interested trade delegates. The ‘SupershelfTM’ is a state-of-the-art new dispenser, allowing retail customers to sustainably refill existing bottles from bulk containers, making unnecessary existing, packaged containers redundant. Singleuse packaging is one of the biggest villains of the plastic waste industry and this innovative product is helping end endless landfill waste.

The future looks bright for Quantex with exciting futuristic projects planned as Gillian demonstrates, “In the near future, we’ve got some exciting collaborative projects planned with our sister PSG brands in multiple sectors including Biopharma, Industrial Cleaning and Agriculture.

Over the next few years, Quantex will be supporting its Refill OEM customers to develop and establish an optimum, standardised platform for retailers, combining optimised user-experience with IoT technology, with streamlined supply chain and shop-floor maintenance.

Bag-in-Box Pump fitted to liquid pack

Further advantages include: pump maintenance/ calibration are eliminated due to pumps being replaced with product packaging and the cost and Quantex recyclable pumps dilute to any ratio

Ultimately, if bands can create higher concentrations their products, our dilution pumps will enable them to take water out of the distribution channel, saving shipping costs and carbon emissions.”

Sustainability and cost-cutting are current priorities for many companies around the world and Quantex pumps help reduce expensive, rising shipping costs, offsetting carbon emissions by transporting less water, herby minimising product shelf-space requirements.

We will be growing our Industrial applications, where our pumps are used to reduce downtime for cleaning and maintenance in manufacturing lines.

Our technology is entering the Biopharma sector, offering hygienic and low-shear micro-dosing capabilities for cell and gene therapy and low-flow upstream applications. It’s an exciting sector where our pumps can make a difference.”

Quantex has been busy refining these existing, excellent pumps even further, as Gillian explains, “We have a number of exciting new products in the pipeline for 2023, including our new High-Speed Eco Pumps. These use air pressure to activate the diaphragm and seal the pumps instead of a silicone spring, so they are more easily recycled, and can run almost three times as fast as our standard or high-pressure pumps. We are also working on new, easy-to-use Evaluation kits and pump driver technology which is primarily designed to help our OEM customers evaluate and integrate our pumps into their equipment more swiftly.”

The Quantex team had a successful run showcasing its unique recyclable pump technology at The Packaging Innovations & Empack at the NEC. The team exhibited two of its most popular dispensing

Quantex has unreservedly demonstrated a commitment to not only continuously producing quality-assured pump technology but be fully embracing the technological age, it has once again contributed to leading sustainable, ecological products.

For more information, please see below.

T +49 (2065) 89205-0 www.quantex-arc.com

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Vacuum Packers

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Uniball Tumbler Mixer Ideal for flapjack mixes and fragile products Capacity 225 litres, 316 stainless steel drum, variable speed

The machines have been sold to clients using a range of different products as coating vegetables in oil, mixing medical powders, Bakery recipes, flapjack mix, mixing different nut types, marinating meat with sauces, mixing coffee beans, food ingredients, coating olives in flavours, flavours on nuts, pasta & mayo. Sold worldwide to USA, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Iceland and Europe.

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Pets Matters

24

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