Food & Drink Matters Issue 180

Theodore Global Lunch! Show Review Page 7

Volkmann UK

Manufacturing Matters Pages 16-17

January 2025 – issue 180

Contact 01606 354664 www.bartecpackaging.co.uk

BAKERY | CONFECTIONERY | DAIRY | DELI | FISH | NON FOOD | INDUSTRIAL

CONTENTS

January 2025 – issue 180

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Inside this issue

Beatson Clark: New glass packaging decorating service With their Design and Manufacturer of Glass Containers Company of the Month, Beatson Clark launched its brand-new glass packaging decorating service.

4 Caleño Drinks Editor Recommends

8 Futamura Group Packaging Matters

6 iSqueeze Lunch! Show Review

18 Hart Door Systems Warehouse & Logistics Matters

8 ystral PPMA Show Review

24 BICSc Training Matters

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Joy Spread: New sweet spreads Launched earlier this year, Joy Spread is set to shake up the UK spread sector with our indulgent flavours and textures! Some of the highlights include Crunchy Pistachio, Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut, and Crunchy Coconut amongst others, with new varieties already in the pipeline.

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

EDITOR RECOMMENDS

Caleño: Tropical non-alcoholic spirits N

on-alcoholic spirits brand Caleño is bringing a taste of Colombia to Waitrose with its new White Coconut rum liquid, launching in over 100 stores nationwide with an introductory offer of £15 (RRP £18). The award-winning liquid will be available onshelf from today, in time for Dry January shoppers.

The launch comes as non-alcoholic rum is projected to be one of the fastest-growing segments, with a CAGR of 14.1% between 2021-20251. Additionally, rumbased cocktails have seen a 12% increase in popularity in bars and restaurants globally over the past year, according to CGA Strategy. Waitrose reported a 28% increase in No/Low sales during January 2024 compared to the previous year2.

Caleño’s White Coconut Rum captures the smooth and sweet exotic taste of fresh coconut with subtle notes of vanilla and pineapple and is perfect for creating alcohol-free Piña Coladas and tropical mocktails.

The Piña Colada is still one of the world’s favourite cocktails and this year was ranked the fourth top

bar call globally3, proving popular with younger consumers who favour sweeter, rum-based cocktails.

Sarah Holland, Low and No Buying Manager at Waitrose, says, “Our customers are increasingly seeking out innovation in this space, and Rum is a category we expect to grow in 2025. Caleño’s new ‘White Coconut’ brings something truly unique to our shelves – perfect timing as tropical flavours become the drink trend of 2025.”

Ellie Webb, Founder of Caleño, adds, “With rum alternatives projected to outpace non-alcoholic gin by 2026, we’re excited to bring our Colombian-inspired White Coconut to Waitrose customers. The launch timing couldn't be better as Brits seek daily moments of tropical escapism and non-alcoholic varieties of their favourite tropical cocktails.”

The White Coconut rum alternative (50cl) launches in 120 Waitrose stores on 6th January at an introductory price of £15 until 22nd January, before moving to RRP £18.

https://calenodrinks.com 1) Source: IWSR 2) Source: https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/food-drink/12012024low-no-alcohol-drinks-sales-at-an-all-time-high 3) Source: Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, 2025

Vin Vineyards

by Argentina’s National Institute of Viticulture in 2017, sits between 1,000 and 1,400 metres above sea level, providing ideal conditions for premium viticulture. With a meticulous focus on quality, we oversee every stage of the winemaking process – from grape selection to bottling – ensuring the highest standards are upheld.

Vineyard established in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, sets new standards in organic, veganfriendly wines

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ounded in 2015 following an inspiring visit to Uco Valley, Argentina, our vineyard is located in the renowned Los Chacayes region of Mendoza. Drawn to the area by its natural beauty, welcoming hospitality, and unique terroir, we embarked on the journey of creating exceptional wines with the support of expert agronomists and sommeliers.

Los Chacayes, officially recognised as a Geographical Indication

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Our portfolio includes Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Torrontés, GSM, Rosé, and exclusive blends, all of which are 100% vegan-friendly. As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we are transitioning to organic farming, with all wines from the 2025 vintage onwards certified organic.

We invite you to explore our distinctive range of wines, crafted with care and respect for the environment. Our wines are available for purchase online at: www.vinvineyards.com with a 20% discount offered using the code VIN20.

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

DESIGN & MANUFACTURER OF GLASS CONTAINERS COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Beatson Clark: New glass packaging decorating service We’re delighted to welcome Beatson Clark as our Design and Manufacturer of Glass Containers Company of the Month

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uring London Packaging Week last September, Beatson Clark launched its brand-new glass packaging decorating service. Glass packaging can be spray-painted any colour, with stunning opaque, frosted, vignette, glitter and pearlescent effects. Thanks to innovative technology, the decorating plant utilises an electrostatic disc and spray gun technique to achieve colourful finishes. The premium water-based paint range includes high gloss through to full matt, in a wide choice of translucency levels and can be colour-paired for each order.

That’s not all. UV rays can change the colour and flavours of food products and cause light strikes in beer.

Beatson Clark have come up with an easy solution: UV coating can be sprayed to glass packaging to protect delicate food, beverage and pharmaceutical products from these harmful UV rays.

The flexible service can also decorate glass containers provided directly by customers, in addition to a wide selection of in-house bottles and jars.

Distinguished history Beatson Clark was established in Rotherham in 1751, over 270 years ago. Today, the family-owned company

reducing the fossil fuel used by approximately 10%.” adds Charlotte.

Beatson Clark’s IS machines are now running with servo electro mechanisms – reducing the compressed air consumption by over 10%.

remains on the site of the original glassworks on Greasbrough Road in Rotherham and is the only independently owned UK manufacturer of glass containers.

Packaging for a growing global market The food sector has cornered the lion’s share of Beatson Clark’s output, with supermarket own spice and condiment brands supplied, in addition to more boutique, niche lines. However, breweries and pharmaceutical manufacturers are particularly fond of amber glass. This offers multiple benefits such as UV protection, extended shelf life of products and preventing chemical leaching, “An increased demand for glass bottles and jars containing a high proportion of recycled materials has opened up the spirit market to us.”

“Our on-site recycling plant generates the majority of our post-consumer recycled glass (cullet). Using magnets, manual and vacuum systems, and advanced optical sorters, we process approximately 44,000 tonnes of waste glass each year which is recovered from kerbside collections, bottle banks and the hospitality trade. This is then melted in our furnaces and made into new bottles and jars.”

Trends in glass packaging “A demand for high levels of recycled glass content continues to be a trend in the food and drink sector.

The food sector seems to be leaning towards deep twist off necks with a straight sided, cylindrical design which gives a sleek and modern appearance to a glass container.”

“Glass is safe: it’s inert, and it’s the only mainstream packaging material that does not need an additional layer to be safe for food and drink, exempt from REACH registration.”

For more information, click here: www.beatsonclark.co.uk

“On average, our white flint glass containers are made of over 36% post-consumer recycled glass, while the figure for our amber glass is over 56%” explained Charlotte Pike, Marketing Manager at Beatson Clark.

Embedded sustainability practices “Beatson Clark has invested heavily in two lowemission regenerative furnaces and energy-efficient compressors.”

“Our regenerative furnaces reuse waste heat, cutting the amount of energy needed to achieve the correct temperature by approximately 15% and thereby reducing our emissions. The electrical boost in our amber furnace helps melt the batch more efficiently,

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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LUNCH! SHOW REVIEW

Review of lunch! 2024: Resounding success L

unch! and Casual Dining joined forces this year from the 18th-19th September at London’s ExCeL – bringing together the brightest minds from across the sector with key industry buyers. Lunch! is the calendar event for the cafe, coffee and food-to-go sectors and Casual Dining is a firm favourite for the restaurant, pub & bar industry.

Collectively this year, both shows attracted over 500 leading exhibitors, over 8,000 buyers and over 165 expert industry speakers. With 6 Keynote Theatres and 2 Innovation Galleries, this joint event proved to be a one-stop-shop for the whole industry. The hot topics this year included: plugging the staffing shortage, sustainability, delivery to food, marketing and operations, with notable speakers from JD Wetherspoon, Wagamama, Greene King, Pizza Pilgrims, Costa Coffee, M&S Food, Subway, and many more top companies.

The two co-located events encouraged industry networking, with all the latest innovations across food & drink, technology and sustainable packaging.

With leading visitors like WH Smith, Amazon,

and Bagel Factory, the quality of the footfall was extremely high.

“Lunch! Is a great show to make new connections across the industry. We now have a long-term partnership with a company we met at lunch!” Thomas Campbell-Rawlinson: Head of Hospitality: M&S. During the two-day events, we selected our five Top Exhibitors from a leading competitive field: ● Ask Mummy & Daddy: This quirky-named business offers leading unique confectionary gifts including its best-selling cocktail gummies. With many alcoholic beverages, confectionary, snacks, this company owns vegan, vegetarian and own label-products from over 1,000 stockists globally. ● Belvoir Farm: Exquisite cordials and sparkling soft drinks like organic elderflower, curated from hand-picked flowers, natural fruits, fresh juice and spices. Delicious and unforgettable. ● Biotiful Gut Health: Nutritious, delicious-tasting products, designed to look after the gut such as: cultured milk, oat-based Kefir drinks and snacks

carefully made from traditional fermentation methods. All products are low-sugar, packed with live cultures and are high in protein. ● Bottle up: With a huge focus on sustainable packaging, this company offers spring water in a reusable, plant-based bottle: perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Offering a new alternative to wasteful plastic bottles: eco-friendly packaging for the green era. ● Sheese & Cathedral City: Delicious plant-based cheese from established experts: Bute Island Foods & Saputo. Perfect for branching out into plantbased bar & restaurant vegan options.

Interested in booking an exhibition space for 2025?

Save the date: Lunch 2025!

Co-located with The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show.

24th–25th September 2025: ExCeL, London https://www.lunchshow.co.uk

Joy Spread: New sweet spreads i

Squeeze is leading the fresh juice revolution unlike bottled competitors from concentrate, where juice sits on shelves losing freshness and nutrients. What’s more, with iSqueeze hotel dining becomes more exciting, when guests can see their drinks transform from fresh fruits to a glass of juice. Bars will get top marks, for providing a more sophisticated drinks menu, enabling cocktails to fizz with fresh fruit rather than premixed alternatives from concentrate. iSqueeze also offers a range of premium blenders, smoothie makers, and slush machines.

Today iSqueeze is the largest UK provider of juicing equipment with machines in retailers, cafes/restaurants, hospitals, gyms, convenience stores and continuing to grow nationwide. iSqueeze offers the opportunity to boost businesses bottom line, with

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the latest in juicing technology, offering flexible payment options, and full and speedy maintenance of machines. The companies mission to make freshly squeezed juice as popular and easily accessible as coffee, with selfservice machines to give people a fresh juice hit on-the-go without preservatives or sweeteners. Fruit is simply squeezed in front of customer’s eyes. iSqueeze is continual expanding its offering with juice machines to squeeze apples, pomegranates, grapefruits as well as oranges with the technology to extend to further fruits including pineapple. It’s team of experts also source premium blenders, smoothie makers, and slush machines to suit a range of business needs.

Get in touch today marketing@isqueeze.co.uk https://isqueeze.co.uk

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aunched earlier this year, Joy Spread is set to shake up the UK spread sector with our indulgent flavours and textures! Some of the highlights include Crunchy Pistachio, Crunchy Chocolate Hazelnut, and Crunchy Coconut amongst others, with new varieties already in the pipeline. Complemented by our VEGAN options, there really is something for everyone.

those looking to further elevate their already delicious products. Prepare to WOW your customers and be amongst the first to offer them something innovative with amazing quality.

Our range is available in glass jars for resale, or commercial sized tubs for

www.joyspread.co.uk www.joy-edibles.co.uk

Look out for us being featured on James Martins’ Saturday Kitchen next spring!

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

LUNCH! SHOW REVIEW

: The purest gluten Introducing! The JBN free British oat range Brand! Since 2018 G

lebe Farm Foods is the UK’s premier supplier of the purest, British oats, with a delicious portfolio of 100% gluten-free products made with the nutrient-rich grain.

Its award-winning PureOaty range of oat drinks, granolas and porridge help venues across the UK ensure their hot drink and breakfast menus are inclusive to a range of dietary requirements and lifestyles.

Pure by name and nature, PureOaty oat drinks are made up of only four natural ingredients: British oats, water, sunflower oil, and salt, and is the only oat drink on the UK market certified by Coeliac UK. By testing its grains every tonne to ensure absolute purity, Glebe Farm Foods has achieved an undetectable <5 parts per million standard of gluten, guaranteeing allergen safety,

absolute purity and zero complaints from customers.

At this year’s lunch!

Show, Glebe Farm Foods debuted its gamechanging innovation made specifically to work in tea; PureOaty Tea-rrific. Formulated to avoid splitting, curdling or impacting taste, and with oats sourced from within 70 miles of the Cambridgeshire-based farm and processed and packed all on one site, visitors to the stand were able to try the product first hand, and were blown away by its performance in a brew, alongside its impressively low carbon footprint.

2025 looks set to be a milestone year for Glebe Farm Foods and its PureOaty brand, with the products appearing on more and more menus across the country.

To find out more about the range, head to: https://www.glebefarmfoods.co.uk

As customers sampled JBN, we eagerly waited for that delightful ‘hmmm’ moment before handing them their very own drinks pack to take home.

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As a mother and daughter trio... Janet, Bethany and Nicola (JBN), we love crafting new and exciting flavours, ensuring the authentic Caribbean taste is exactly right before production.

Our alcohol-free wine alternative is perfectly tailored for Gen Z and Millennials.

The brand has launched their e-commerce site: www.jbnbeverages.com and very excited to be working with two core supermarkets and distributor Comesto, who distributes to the hospitality and independents, ensuring all routes to market is covered.

ur all Natural, Caribbean Grape Juice range, Wine Alternative, Alcohol-Free, added Vitamin C, Very Cool, Slightly Sparkling, Sophisticated, No added sugar, or Sweeteners, Vegan and vegetarian friendly too.

CEO Janet Theodore shared ‘we are thrilled to be a manufacturer of Caribbean soft drinks, which are created and made in the UK. Our drinks are vibrant and colourful, just like the people behind them.’

We are also thrilled about a new exporting opportunity that has come up.

The Lunch Show provided an excellent platform to showcase and launch JBN. It was our first exhibition which was a remarkable success story.

Contact: Paul Warren, Sales and Marketing Director paul@theodoreglobal.com www.jbnbeverages.com

We are actively seeking stockist. If you would like to Stock JBN, please get in-touch.

The Label Group: For all your food & beverage labelling needs T

he Label Group was one of our Top Exhibitors from Lunch! and co-located Casual Dining held at ExCeL from the 18th-19th September 2024.

The company are suppliers of label printers, printer labels and labelling software for food & drink customers across the UK. With a history spanning back over 20 years, the family business is based in Bedford.

The extensive product range includes: ● Label printers: The FX3 standalone printer and the plug n’play CL4NX Plus Series: 14ips printing speed even at 350dpiwith high printing accuracy ● Thermal transfer & Direct thermal labels: Plain or bespoke ● Carbon ribbons ● Hand held pricing machines & labels: One, two and three line

labellers with plain or bespoke labels. ● A4 Sheet labels Customers can order bespoke labelling for specific requirements, with a range of standard stock labels always available.

Need food-safe adhesives or have hygienic requirements?

Contact The Label Group: Your Printer and Label Specialists For all enquiries and to view the full range, please see the details below: T 01736 810334 info@thelabelgroup.co.uk www.thelabelgroup.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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PPMA SHOW REVIEW

PPMA Show 2024

YSTRAL Coflow: New continuous disperser T

he German mixing and dispersion technology specialist ystral extends its machine portfolio with the YSTRAL Coflow, a continuously operating powder wetting and dispersing machine. ystral is represented in the UK by S3 Process Limited.

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PMA Show, the premier exhibition for processing and packaging machinery in the UK, made a grand return to the NEC from 24th-26th September 2024.

Showcasing the latest breakthroughs in robotics, industrial vision systems, materials, containers, and packaging design, the event drew thousands of professionals from the food and drink sector, eager to explore cutting-edge innovations shaping the industry.

The 2024 show focused on uniting suppliers and end-users under one roof, whilst educating attendees on the best solutions on the market.

Attendees were delighted at this year’s show with 96% of exhibitors stating it was the best in the show’s history.

Our Top Exhibitors from PPMA 2024 included: ● Clegg Food Products: Industry-leaders in the design

and construction of capital projects for the food & drink, manufacturing and distribution industries. ● Evolution Bottling & Packaging Solutions: Renowned experts in capital machinery to the food & drink sector, offering everything from single-machines to complete turnkey solutions.

Over 70% of PPMA Show’s 2024 exhibitors have already booked a stand for 2025, to secure a stand today, please see the details below: Save the date: PPMA Show 2025 23rd-25th September Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham Contact https://www.ppmashow.co.uk

With the YSTRAL Coflow, powdered solids are inducted, mixed and dispersed into liquid streams in a controlled way and in proportion to quantity via volumetric or gravimetric solid dosing systems. The product is subjected to a pressure increase via an inducer installed between the premixing zone and the rotor-stator zone, which causes separation of the air inducted with the powder, thus resulting in a lower residual air content in the product. In addition, this inducer is used as axial pumping stage, to be able to also process more viscous products and then pump them from the dispersing stage.

The continuously operating powder wetting and dispersing machine YSTRAL Coflow is suitable for a broad range of applications in different industries. The focus here is

Photo Credits: ystral on products which are produced in large series.

For more information on YSTRAL, contact the regional UK office (S3 Process Limited) in Derbyshire: T 0845 5053530 info@s3process.co.uk http://www.s3process.co.uk More about YSTRAL Coflow at: https://ystral.com/en/machines/ inline-dispersers/coflow

PACKAGING MATTERS

Compostable packaging for Vicentini tea bags V

icentini 1920 S.r.l, an Italian family run company was established at the beginning of the twentieth century. Initially supplying quality confectionery in Europe, the passion for quality products has been passed down over four generations of the Vicentini family and the same care applies to its range of quality teas and infusions. For its Regina di Fiori tea brand, Vicentini meticulously searches for the best quality ingredients, allowing them to offer the finest blends of herbal teas and provide unmatched flavours and aromas.

The Regina Di Fiori brand offers a line of herbal teas in practical and elegant consumer packaging. The individual tea bags are wrapped to ensure that their aroma is protected and avoid the product being handled by multiple individuals; the latter being particularly valuable in hotel or conference settings.

Today, Vicentini uses a NatureFlex™ compostable film to maintain their tea quality throughout the supply chain.

The wrap preserves the aromas and flavours of each individual tea bag and its delicate flavour. This is particularly important in mixed flavour boxes, as cross contamination must be avoided and each delicate aroma must be protected until it reaches the consumer.

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As well as being convenient, these individual wrappers can be composted at their end of life along with the teabags.

NatureFlex™ films are produced from renewable wood pulp, harvested from responsibly managed plantations.

The films meet all the relevant standards for industrial composting, including EU (EN13432) and US (ASTM D6400). As well as being industrially compostable, they are also certified for home composting according to the OK Compost Home protocol or by Din Certco/ABA for the French or Australian home composting standards.

T +44 (0)1697 341212 www.futamuragroup.com www.natureflex.com

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

THE HOSPITALITY B2B PORTFOLIO REVIEW

The Hospitality B2B Portfolio 2024 review T

his major leading hospitality industry event was back at London’s ExCeL from the 15th16th October, with not one but six connected events. These were: Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo, Street Food Business Expo, Responsible Packaging Expo, Café Business Expo, Hospitality Tech Expo and Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo, making this the biggest B2B event across the hospitality sector.

This year saw 15,000 industry professionals converge on the multievent from a range of backgrounds including: hotel operators, venue owners, cafe executives to many buyers and specifiers. 500 of the brightest minds in the sector were on hand to showcase cutting-edge innovations, products and services, to cultivate brand awareness and generate new sales leads.

The wide range of exhibitors included the following: Food wholesale, menu planning, health & safety, Food Standards Agency, restaurant furniture, food preparation, catering equipment, automatic ordering services, food social media experts, mobile/event catering, loyalty schemes, corporate catering, franchising, building rentals, uniforms, labelling, vehicle wrapping, printers, PR specialists, food suppliers,

: Reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles with next-level water purifiers and reusable water bottles

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t’s time to rethink water.

accounting, food packaging, food branding specialists, food marketing experts, website designers, cooking utensils, delivery vehicles, retail, finance, insurance, land rental, catering business consultants, catering regulatory organisations and other businesses in the catering sector. Over 83% of visitors had direct purchasing power.

Interested in booking a stand for 2025?

The Hospitality B2B Portfolio 2025 is back with seven-events-in one!

The Trade Drinks Expo has now been added to the programme line-up Save the date: The Hospitality B2B Portfolio 2025: 30th September-1st October ExCeL London https://www.hospitalityb2b.co.uk

Bluewater is the Swedish company changing all the rules. Since 2013, the company has pioneered water purification through SuperiorOsmosis™ technology. The Spirit and Pro undersink water purifiers bring secondgeneration reverse osmosis (RO) – the industry gold standard for removing contaminants from tap water.

The patented Bluewater technology reduces the water wasted by traditional RO systems by up to a staggering 80%, providing an unmatched sustainable solution. Not only does this ensure more sustainable purer drinking water from the faucet for private households and commercial businesses — it also significantly reduces dependence on single-use plastic bottles.

Bluewater’s purifiers provide the foundation for scaling ‘Hydration 2.0,’ the essential wellbeing pathway to amplifying rehydration to protect vital organs by replacing body fluids and eliminating waste.

These water purifiers provide up to 7,000 litres of still and sparkling

water every day, with a recovery rate up to 60%. For a branded corporate approach, why not consider personalised glass and stainless-steel bottles? For every Bluewater bottle sold, Bluewater promises to remove 1kg of plastic waste from beaches around the world, restoring them to their natural beauty.

The range of Bluewater purifiers and sustainable water bottles are available in all major markets worldwide, from Europe and the UK, to China, Southeast Asia, North America, and South Africa.

Change the way you think about water today.

For more information and updates, click here: www.bluewatergroup.com

Accurise: Cloud-based finance software, processes & teams A

ttending Hospitality B2B Portfolio marked a significant milestone for Accurise, as it was our first event following our acquisition by VIEW Group. The decision to participate came late in the day, leading to a whirlwind of preparations – managing suppliers, sourcing freebies and printing flyers, all with a shiny new brand to showcase throughout.

Despite the rush, the event proved to be a tremendous success.

There was a great mix of key decisionmakers from hospitality, offering valuable opportunities to network and build relationships. The talks were a particular highlight, with insightful sessions that resonated with the challenges and opportunities in the industry. For a company like Accurise – specialists in outsourcing finance departments and software – the event was perhaps not the most obvious of choices but proved to be the perfect platform to connect with forward-thinking brands, without an oversaturation of competitors.

Danny Stone, our Sales and Marketing Director, remarked, “Despite the late

rush that was purely our own making, this was a flawless event that served its purpose perfectly. Great brand awareness, solid conversations, and great leads from stellar brands. Oh, and the free food and coffee was a lovely touch!”

We’ll be back next year with a sharper offering – and perhaps even a speaking slot – to continue building connections and sharing our expertise with the industry.

Contact T 020 4570 3420 sales@accurise.net www.accurise.net

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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MUSHROOMS MATTERS

How to navigate the Shroom Boom The healing powers of an ancient remedy are making a big comeback in a modern context, here’s everything you need to know

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t was only a matter of time before functional mushrooms started to hit the headlines. 2025 sees the likes of Bristol Fungarium partner with Fortnum and Mason, who will be offering their organic, UK native strain functional mushroom tinctures as an addition to hot beverages in the F&M coffee shop from late January. Not only that, but Marks and Spencer have recently launched their ‘Yay Mushrooms’ range, offering premixed mushroom drinks in their grab-and-go fridges.

In addition to being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, mushrooms offer an abundance of health benefits, most widely known for their anti-inflammatory and immune regulating properties. With everyone from athletes to dj’s raving about their benefits, it’s likely that mushrooms have popped into your awareness in some form over the last few years. As humans, we’ve been using mushrooms as food and medicine for millennia, and this is still very much commonplace further East, but this knowledge is making a steady comeback in the West.

The most widely talked about mushroom by a long way is Lion’s Mane, touted for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is essential for the survival of neural cells in the brain. Those taking it regularly report improved cognition, clarity and focus - and as such, there’s a lot of conversation about lion’s mane within Neurodivergent communities, especially with regards to ADHD. There is very little evidence to back up many of Lion’s mane’s claims to fame currently, however a great deal of research over the last six decades has contributed to a good understanding of how mushrooms like Lion’s mane are able to support the function of a healthy immune system.

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It should be known that all medicinal mushrooms contribute to regulation of the immune system. Mushrooms are known to have ‘immunomodulating properties’: in other words, they don’t simply strengthen, but re-educate the immune system, calming it down or revving it up depending on what the body needs at the time. They are able to do this due to the molecular structure of fungi beta-glucans, which are inherently recognised by receptors in the immune system.

This capacity to balance rather than boost or suppress is particularly important in the case of cancer and auto-immune diseases, both of which are on the rise. As, coincidentally, is conversation around one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms of all: Turkey Tail, or Trametes Versicolor. The ability of this mushroom to bolster the immune system and help it fight disease such as cancer has been supported by a significant number of clinical trials across decades of research. A key talent of a Turkey Tail extract, ideally consumed as a high strength extract, is that it can be used alongside conventional chemo and radiotherapy.

Like many other mushrooms, Turkey Tail contains prebiotic compounds essential for a healthy gut biome, that help to strengthen overall digestive health.

If the immune system has been overwhelmed and starts to overreact, as is the case with so many auto-immune conditions, a mushroom called Reishi is an excellent candidate to help. Its well-researched immuno-modulatory activity means it’s increasingly used to help with allergies and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Reishi also possesses powerful adaptogenic qualities by nourishing the central nervous system and endocrine system – helping us to both build resilience, and to relax.

With so many brands inviting us into the fascinating world of functional fungi, there’s never been a better time to try these medicinal marvels for yourself.

T 07300 898204 hello@bristolfungarium.com https://bristolfungarium.com

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

BEVERAGES MATTERS

Jamu Wild Water: Redefining hydration in hospitality with nature’s goodness I

n today’s dynamic hospitality landscape, discerning consumers are no longer satisfied with just a drink – they’re seeking experiences that nourish the body, mind, and soul. Enter Jamu Wild Water, a purpose-driven brand that’s poised to enchant health-conscious customers, diners and hotel guests alike, offering a refreshing blend of flavour, functionality, and sustainability.

Jamu Wild Water is not just sparkling water – it’s a premium, canned infusion of gut-friendly prebiotic fibre and botanicals inspired by British hedgerows, wild meadows, and even curb side flora. The result? A drink that tastes as exceptional as it feels, delivering a host of tangible health benefits alongside its crisp, clean refreshment.

Crafted on the fringes of Dartmoor in South West England, Jamu Wild Water is deeply rooted in sustainability. Its botanicals are sourced from British farms that employ organic and sustainable practices, ensuring every sip is as kind to the planet as it is to your body. The brand’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there, Jamu uses recyclable aluminium cans, operates with a zero-plastic policy, and strives to minimise its environmental footprint at every stage of production.

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At its core, Jamu Wild Water is driven by a mission: to inspire individuals to reconnect with nature. This ethos is fuelled by a growing body of research highlighting the profound benefits of nature connectedness in contrast to the detrimental effects of our increasingly disconnected, modern lifestyles. By bringing nature’s goodness to the forefront, Jamu offers more than just a drink – it’s an invitation to rediscover the power of the natural world.

A functional beverage for the wellness generation What truly sets Jamu Wild Water apart is its clean, all-natural ingredient list and use of prebiotic fibre that supports gut health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria. As gut health and low calorie options continue to dominate the wellness conversation, Jamu positions itself as a leader in the functional beverage space, offering establishments a premium, healthforward alternative to traditional sparkling water.

This innovative approach resonates strongly with today’s consumers – particularly younger generations – who are increasingly drawn to purpose-led brands that prioritise sustainability, health, and social impact.

Jamu’s dedication to supporting the wellbeing of young people and its broader commitment to sustainability

make it a natural fit for establishments looking to align with their customer’s values.

Elevating hospitality experiences Whether served as a standalone drink, paired with a meal or featured as part of a curated wellness package, Jamu Wild Water allows foodservice operators an opportunity to enhance their offerings with a unique product that combines British provenance, premium health benefits and a commitment to environmental stewardship. And in a world where health and sustainability are paramount, Jamu Wild Water offers a compelling story that hospitality businesses can proudly share, and customers will surely savour and remember.

Jamu Wild Water can be purchased via: Creed Foodservice Westcountry Foodservice Delicious Ideas Food Group Inn Express Diverse Fine Food CLF Or online at: jamuwildwater.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER REVIEW

That’s a wrap!

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he muchanticipated Good Food Show Winter 2024 returned to the NEC in Birmingham on the 21st-24th November.

The doors burst open on 21st November to 40,000 food obsessed visitors who stepped into a festive wonderland, experiencing the joy of the season as top chefs including James Martin, Tom Kerridge, and Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisserie shared their top seasonal recipes, across multiple LIVE cooking stages.

The 2024 show welcomed a BRAND-NEW stage – ‘Good Food Kitchen’ hosted by Barney Desmazery, that featured the Good Food Magazine team and star contributors who shared live demonstrations and culinary tips on how to get ready for the festive season.

The ‘Christmas Kitchen’ had everyone feeling festive, sponsored by Franklin & Sons, it was hosted

by Chris Bavin who really put on a festive treat featuring new culinary talents and plenty of recipe inspirations.

Visitors also got hands-on with some Winter Workshops that included everything from Cocktail Masterclasses, to Knife Skills, and even ‘How to Create Festive Slaw with Sam Goldsmith.’ It was the perfect place to shop till you drop, with hundreds of artisan producers offering unique gifts, festive decorations, foodie delights that included exquisite chocolates, artisan cheeses, and premium wines, as well as top-of-the-line cookware.

The Good Food Show Winter 2025 will take place from 27th-30th November at the NEC in Birmingham. https://www.goodfoodshow.com/winter

Introducing CrAQ: A cheeky artisanal candy that will delight every candy lover!

C rAQ is a new brand dedicated to creating high-quality, artisanal candy that brings joy and indulgence to candy lovers everywhere. With a focus on using the finest ingredients and traditional hand-made methods, CrAQ aims to redefine the candy experience for all.

Made with whole milk British butter, brown sugar and couverture Belgian chocolate, we have created a flavour profile that is both decadent and delightful.

Vanilla flavoured shards of crunchy caramel, generously topped with velvety couverture Belgian milk chocolate, freshly chopped pecan

nuts and a sprinkle of sea salt, deliver an irresistible combination of sweet and salty nuttiness with every bite.

Perfect for sharing with friends, treating yourself, or gifting to a loved one, CrAQ is designed to elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a cozy night in, or a fun celebration, CrAQ is the ultimate companion for those sweet moments.

To receive a sample and become a stockist, please contact: Michelle Lipman, Director T 07552 411112 hello@craq.co.uk www.craq.co.uk

Crafting the perfect drink: Revolutionising beverage concentrates

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uarterpast UK Ltd is the UK branch of Quarterpast, a beverage company founded in 2014 with a mission to make home beverages better.

Designed for every type of beverage enthusiast, the range has been curated over 10 years and includes Energy Drink Concentrates, Fruit Tea Infusions, Coffee Syrups, Iced Drinks, and Mixology.

Gold Energy is their energy drink concentrates and includes flavours like Tropical, Apple & Lime, Kiwi, and Watermelon. This range achieved Outstanding Gold and Silver status at the Food Producer Awards 2024, and offers consumers a new way to enjoy caffeine! Simply pour 30ml of syrup over ice, top with still or sparkling water, and enjoy up to 12 flavour-packed drinks!

Also, Quarterpast’s Hot Fruit Tea Infusions have been flying off the shelves! Offering a blend of fruity and floral flavours with fruit tea infusions, they are made using the finest handpicked fruits and botanicals, and can be consumed as a comforting hot brew or over ice as a refreshing drink.

The range of Iced Coffee & Chai Concentrates are also extremely popular. Transforming home coffee experiences, consumers can choose from a range of flavours including Original, Caramel, Mocha, Spiced, and Vanilla. Simply mix 20ml with ice and water or milk, and enjoy a variety of delicious iced drinks at home, all year round.

For more information, please see below: david.wilcock@quarterpast.com https://quarterpast.uk

Sweet success: The Brazilian chocolate company redefining Cocoa Bliss The pure taste of Brazil, made in Wales

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n a mission to create the finest and most authentic Brazilianstyle chocolate, Bossa Nova Chocolate makes chocolate using a unique blend of natural ingredients in an exquisite way, so your tastebuds dance to the Brazilian Bossa Nova rhythm.

Featuring collections of truffles, snacking bars, and hot chocolate bombs, Bossa Nova has two chocolate ranges catering to those who follow a Vegan diet and Vegetarian chocolate types.

Plenty of gluten-free chocolate choices include milk, dark, white, fruity, nutty, and even liquor.

The Vegan range is exquisite and incredibly popular. Catering to all allergy needs, it

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includes chocolate that is Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, and made without alcohol.

With Valentine’s Day and Easter fast approaching, now is the perfect time to stock your shelves with Bossa Nova Chocolate Gifts. These luxurious treats are ideal for any occasion, from anniversaries and birthdays to weddings.

Bossa Nova is not just for adults! Their delightful chocolatebox gifts for children are a fantastic alternative to traditional birthday cakes, desserts, or favours at celebratory parties.

All Bossa Nova Chocolates are traceable to sustainable farmers and derive from cacao bean pods. The finest Belgian chocolate makers transform them into chocolate callets/buttons, which become delicious Brazilian-style chocolate.

To view the featured collection or to learn more, please see below: T 07484 310484 info@bossanovachocolate.co.uk https://bossanovachocolate.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

FOOD TO GO MATTERS

Bullseye Food Packaging: Switch to sustainable packaging S

ustainable food packaging is now a ‘call to arms’ across the food sector, with ESGs neatly aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero Targets. For many, The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) proved a defining moment, with enforced taxes now on imported or manufactured plastic that doesn’t contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

Switching from plastic to paper/fibre-based packaging Making the switch has never been easy. Bullseye Food Packaging is a market leader in sustainable meal packaging, driven by a passion to become ‘products of choice’ for farmers’ markets, butchers, cafés, delis, food manufacturers and takeaway outlets around the country and further afield. The Solihull-based, familyrun business was established in 2009 by founder Peter Prior and prides itself on an innovative product portfolio including its flagship product: film-sealable fibre-based ready meal trays. Customers receive free delivery on orders over £100, next-day delivery and a 10% discount on their first order.

Reasons to make the switch There are numerous fiscal and environmental benefits enshrined with switching to paper pulp/plant fibre-based packaging from Bullseye Food Packaging: ● Enhanced Safety: Paper/fibre-based packaging remains robust when heated or frozen. There are no sharp edges (unlike foil/plastic) and can be removed with bare hands from the oven ● Green product: Sustainably sourced paper/plant fibre packaging, which lowers transportation scope 3 emissions and costs due to its lightweight properties.

The ready meal trays are recyclable or compostable, providing a complete green product life cycle. ● Flexibility: The FMCG is built on flexibility and this packaging is built for microwaves, conventional ovens and frozen temperatures down to -40°C; perfect for food on the go or for serving later.

● No leakage/spillage: food trays have interior liners, preventing spillage and contamination. ● Portion control: Compartmentalised trays ensure controlled portion sizes – ideal for replacing a traditional help-yourself ‘buffetstyle’ operation.

Spotlight on Bullseye Food Packaging: family values, global outlook The family-run business started by supplying the care sector, namely the ‘meals on wheel’ industry. At first, the ‘safety’ aspect of the packaging was the main driver but over time, this was superseded by the push towards sustainability.

Royal Warrant holders supply to the Royal Household amongst other distinguished guests. Aubrey Allen have been using these new food trays for some time and have remarked on the robust properties of the products and improvement in customer satisfaction.

We will be marketing these new trays across the country in the coming months, alongside a fully compostable clingfilm wrap. We will be exhibiting at the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC in April 2025, where you can see these new products for yourselves, or please contact us for samples and more information.”

As Alex Prior, Sales & Marketing Director, explains, “We now work with a diverse range of sectors including high-street delis and, independent cafés, through to farmers, butchers and large food manufacturers. We offer a wide range of meal packaging systems and everyday consumables such as napkins, wooden cutlery and cups; for some businesses, having a single source of supply streamlines operations.

“We’re making a difference globally too; our innovative approach to food packaging has enabled us to supply sustainable multicompartment meal trays to hard-working miners operating in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. They can now enjoy a hot meal, delivered to them at their place of work, rather than having to be bussed back and forth between central canteens, improving not just the workers’ satisfaction with their meals, but also efficiency on-site.”

Embracing an inclusive approach incentivised top celebrity chef Praveen Kumar to approach Bullseye to package his range of high-quality, restaurant-standard Indian meals. “We happily obliged and worked with him as his business grew from a home-based operation to a fully-realised high-capacity kitchen, modifying the production process as required and upgrading his sealing machinery to account for his business growth.”

Exciting new product launch Towards the end of this year, Bullseye Food Packaging will be launching a range of new, fully sustainable food trays, designed for fresh meat from the butchers. They are made from sugarcane and bamboo fibre, and will replace traditional plastic and polystyrene trays, offering a vast improvement in quality and sustainability. They are home compostable and recyclable, and are even available with a home-compostable absorbent pad, for use with high-moisture products.

Looking to the future Bullseye Food Packaging is driving sustainability across the food packaging sector, in anticipation of a switch from plastic and foil to fibre-based packaging.

“It’s inevitable really. Fibre-based materials will become the default product of choice before long.

The FMCG sector in particular is being driven by consumer-led action on sustainability best practice.

It’s not just a trend or knee-jerk reaction, this has been a clear shift in consciousness: we need to be using regenerative packaging that is sustainably sourced. Consumers are now willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, signalling a green light to the food packaging industry.”

Make the shift today: chat to Bullseye Food Packaging about: ● Fibre-based film-sealable meal trays ● Fibre-based fresh produce trays ● Paper-based takeaway meal packaging ● Bagasse/sugarcane/ takeaway meal packaging ● Everyday consumables such as cups, straws and napkins See Bullseye Food Packaging at the Farm Shop & Deli Show 2025: 7th-9th April, NEC Birmingham To find out more, click here: www.bfpuk.com or contact: info@bfpuk.com.

“We are really excited about this launch,” says Alex. “Behind the scenes, we have been working with longstanding, high-profile client: Aubrey Allen.

Renowned for the finest meat, cheese and produce, the

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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MANUFACTURING MATTERS

The Optimum Solution Clean, efficient & secure handling of bulk material with Volkmann UK from 0.1µm up to bigger sized pellets, tablets, sweets, or bottle caps, for example. Alongside bulk material transfer, Volkmann also create the most effective solutions for loading materials, including Drum Discharge Systems, Bulk Bag Unloading Stations and Rip-and-Tip Dump Stations.

In today’s industry it’s imperative to stay ahead of the competition, meet consumer demands and guarantee maximum efficiency in all manufacturing processes.

Gone are the human-centred methods of the past as we move into the highly automised processes of today.

What stands Volkmann apart is their ability to create custom solutions for each application. As specialists

Most food ingredients are of organic origin and therefore flammable as they can form explosive dust.

Volkmann vacuum conveyors are ATEX certified.

Even substances with low minimum ignition energy such as maltodextrin or cornflour are transported reliably, efficiently and safely. Volkmann is one of the leading manufacturers of the most secure systems for powder handling and explosion risk protection and prevention. Their ranges of Vacuum Conveyors were the first on the market that were fully certified under European ATEX regulation for all dust and soon after, also gas explosion zones. Customers can trust that Volkmann care about safety.

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o manufacture the highest quality food products, you have to start at the very beginning – the raw ingredients. Have you optimised raw material handling in your production line? From flour, sugar and spices to oats, nuts and small pieces of ham, every material must be handled with the upmost care from the very moment they enter production to the final packaging.

With the highest quality equipment, Volkmann create innovative solutions to transfer bulk material with Vacuum Conveyors. Driving drastic efficiency improvements, reducing waste and creating significant cost-savings.

in the design and manufacture of pneumatic vacuum conveyors and systems, their experience and expertise ensure that you get the right solution, every time.

Pneumatic powder-transfer systems are replacing more and more conventional mechanical conveying methods like screws, augers, lifts, belts and bucket conveyors. Volkmann UK can ensure that you have the optimum solution for your processes. Creating custom solutions, designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring smooth integration into your systems and transforming production. Consistently creating the optimum processing solution for food, pharma, AM and chemical industries.

Volkmann provide reliable, hygienic, and efficient material handling solutions that enhance the quality, productivity, and safety of the manufacturing processes. In the food industry, mechanical conveying systems are often replaced because they are no longer able to meet the increased requirements for transportation. Vacuum conveyors can be custom designed to maximise efficiency and meet production demands. In the food industry it’s vital to protect ingredients that are fragile or that could be easily damaged. Volkmann can convey materials gently to protect even the most sensitive products.

Due to constant development and improvement in technology, removal of explosion risks and with a focus on good hygienic solutions, Vacuum Conveyors today are a preferred choice in many industries. They can transfer nano-sized material and fine dust with particles size

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Because many production processes require multiple powders or granulates to be conveyed with the same equipment, it is important to have a receiver with a simple assembly to allow quick and easy manual dismantling and cleaning to avoid cross contamination.

The Volkmann VS and PPC series of vacuum conveyors feature a unique, stainless steel modular design with clamp rings allowing no-tools assembly and disassembly for cleaning and fast product changes.

Volkmann provide reliable, hygienic, and efficient material handling solutions that enhance the safety, productivity, and quality of the manufacturing processes. Volkmann pay particular attention to the perfect interaction between theirs and other systems applied in the process. The optimum solution for a vacuum conveyor is often found by conducting a practical trial. Because modular, stainless-steel systems are very easy to handle and integrate, trials can be performed in test laboratories or directly at the on-site process. Volkmann UK offer free on-site trails of their vacuum conveyors with no obligations, to book simply email or call. Contact us today to find out more or to request a brochure. Visit our website to learn about Volkmann’s bulk material handling solutions.

T +44 (0)1494 512228 mail.uk@volkmann.info https://uk.volkmann.info LinkedIn: Volkmann UK Ltd

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS MATTERS

Hart sees 2025 as another year of opportunity high, controlling internal temperatures, escaping dirt, odours and noise.

H

art Door Systems, the original British manufacturer of the highspeed door concept, is confident of another successful year for its Speedor and Typhoon brands.

“Despite global uncertainties I believe our leading Speedor and Typhoon brands will continue to be in demand,” says Doug Hart, Hart’s chairman. “We have had many successes at home and abroad during 2024 not just through our Speedor range of high-speed doors but through our range of high quality Typhoon shutters too. Both these leading brands offer industry a choice of solutions for industry and commerce.”

The Speedor high speed door is a good example of an engineered door system for frequent use in high-traffic situations. This rapid roll door is robust, requires low maintenance and delivers exceptional wind resistance in exposed areas. Its high-speed opening and closing action improve efficiency, the energysaving potential of this rapid roll door is

Special features include; moisturecontrolled electrics, mechanical components shielded from dust and dirt, and a unique guide system offering exceptional wind resistance up to class 5 as defined by DIN EN 12424.

There are several options with the Speedor brand namely ECO, Storm, Mini, Conveyor and Cleanroom which together strengthen Hart’s overall highspeed door offer.

Speedor Storm is Hart’s bestselling door, ideal for challenging applications where reliability is essential. Its increasing success is based on its improved, rugged, design predominately for external use up to 8m x 6m/6m x 8m) often in robust operating conditions with high wind loads.

Quality is Hart’s prime driver not just in high-speed doors but shutters such as the Typhoon range. The fundamentals are quality throughout manufacture to installation and service to comply with changing national and international safety standards.

T +44 (0)191 214 0404 info@hartdoors.com www.hartdoors.com

Union Industries helps Crown Lift Trucks overcome operational challenges with installation of high-speed Ramdoor U

nion Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke industrial doors, has assisted Crown Lift Trucks in addressing multiple operational challenges with the installation of its cutting-edge high-speed Ramdoor.

Crown Lift Trucks, based in Warrington, faced several issues at its facility, including the need to segregate two adjoining units with different temperature requirements while allowing the movement of high-mast forklift trucks through a large opening.

To tackle these challenges, Union Industries produced a bespoke solution to accommodate the building configuration, ensuring the required opening height could be achieved without compromising functionality.

Additionally, the limited space at high-level, between structural steel frames, posed a significant obstacle.

Since launching their UK operations in 1960, Crown Lift Trucks have become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forklift and material handling equipment. Designing and manufacturing up to 85% of its forklift components, Crown provide their wide customer base with forklift rentals, servicing and maintenance, used equipment and a variety of support services.

The installation of the Ramdoor not only addressed the temperature control and safety concerns but also enhanced operational efficiency. Union

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Industries designed the door to accommodate Crown Lift Trucks’ requirements while incorporating a pedestrian access door to segregate traffic flow, ensuring a safer working environment.

The Ramdoor features a dual height opening facility, allowing for optimal heat retention while accommodating different forklift sizes. Furthermore, the engineered seals and infills achieve a seamless finish, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

It has also been designed to achieve a Class 5 wind resistance rating, making it able to withstand strong winds and to remain operational even during severe weather conditions.

Achieving this rating is supported by a number of the Ramdoor’s features, including its thick Ramhide door curtain material, which is high frequency welded to give the strongest fabric joins available.

In addition, it features heavy-duty wind-brace and wind-bar systems for added strength, plus extra-deep side-guides, which all contribute to the Ramdoor’s ability to cope with high wind loads and pressures.

Like other doors in the Union range, it also benefits from a ‘Crash Out’ facility, in case of vehicle or personnel impact to the bottom beam, thus ensuring minimal downtime and repair costs.

Alan Hirst, Sales Director at Union Industries, said, “We are delighted to have assisted Crown Lift Trucks in overcoming their operational challenges with our high-speed Ramdoor. This project highlights our ability to provide innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ specific needs.”

Mark Eccleston, Branch Manager, at Crown Lift Trucks, said, “Union Industries’ Ramdoor has revolutionised our operational efficiency and safety standards. Their dedication to understanding our unique requirements and delivering a bespoke solution underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction. The Ramdoor not only enhances temperature control and traffic segregation but also contributes to our sustainability goals. We are grateful for their expertise and partnership in achieving our objectives.”

T +44 (0)113 244 8393 enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk www.unionindustries.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

HEALTH & SAFETY MATTERS

This is NOT Scaffolding: A Platform for the 21st Century W

e all appreciate that one of the most expensive overheads in a business walks on two legs, arrives every day at 9am, and leaves at 5pm. So, it might just be worth investigating when a product comes along that suggests it can reduce labour costs and provide a more flexible and safe way of working.

Scaffolding is not usually a subject I would get excited about; however, analysis of the data suggests this product requires deeper scrutiny.

I would have my knuckles wrapped by the manufacturer if I did not dispel the image conjured up by the word scaffolding. There are significant differences between scaffolding and the LOBO Work Platform System, the subject of this article. Unusually, the differences are both technical and commercial, hence the excitement.

Firstly, it is improbable you’ll see this product on a building site, so dismiss from your mind the concept of traditional scaffolding, with its heavy tubes and planks of timber. Instead, think more of an industrial version of Meccano or an Erector set that can be assembled without any tools and is used by companies to gain safe working at height access when performing both routine and unscheduled maintenance and production tasks.

Enough about the product; let us look at the cost benefits that LOBO claim could save your company thousands of pounds. The system manufacturer has supplied me with countless examples of companies who use it in preference to expensive and inflexible scaffolding contractors. It needs to be said upfront that the system is not the answer to every access requirement. Still, for any internal

facilities, plant or machinery applications, it is a strong contender.

Case examples We all accept that the way data is presented can have different interpretations, but looking closely at the figures, they appear to stack up. Well-documented case studies clearly show the costsaving advantages, revealing impressive results with only a minimal investment. The customers studied are not all from the same sector and range from doubleglazing installers to large manufacturing multinationals.

While they come from a diverse industrial base, they all appear to have similar cost issues.

LOBO cites NASA, Boeing, Airbus, Miller Brewing, Anheuser Busch and Sainsbury’s as only some of their best-known customers. The actual use may differ due to the versatile nature of the product, but the cost-saving benefit applies to all. All these companies and many more besides, have to employ external scaffolding contractors. In addition, they have to comply with the working at height regulations, sometimes for reasonably simple maintenance tasks.

This can be expensive, as it is time-consuming (in labour costs) to erect, and the scaffolding has to stay up for an agreed minimum rental time, which can be a week or longer, with overrun penalties. However, LOBO points out that anyone can assemble their system (once trained) quickly and easily and then pack away immediately when not in use.

The case studies I looked at revealed a payback time of between one and nine months, with capital spend of between 10% and 40% of the existing scaffolding budget. This cost only applies in the first year as, once you have invested, it is ‘free’ to use whenever and wherever from then onwards.

There are ongoing, annual operational costs.

In addition, training is recommended, and replacements, spares and additional components have to be factored in. Still, looking at the big picture, these figures make impressive reading – cost savings alone could decide the issue: LOBO claims they might be able to cut your scaffolding costs in half or even reduce it down to zero.

For example, big-budget holders, oil and chemical companies spend millions each year and may feel resigned to paying these vast sums year after year. Now perhaps there is an alternative where the cost benefit analysis adds up, safety is not compromised, and your reliance on scaffolding contractors can be reduced. www.lobosystems.com

The additional benefit of having your system is that it is available seven days a week and can be deployed whenever you want it, more quickly than traditional scaffolding. The knock-on effect could mean increased production uptime, with obvious cost-saving implications.

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

Credit: James King. Photographer

FRESHLOCK® BY BARFOOTS A

veggie revolution: All the flavour, crunch and vibrancy of fresh...with all the time-saving-wastereducing convenience of long life!

Freshlock®, by award winning sustainable growers Barfoots, is a revolutionary innovation that gently pasteurises fresh veggies, locking in their goodness with a longer life of 40 days. Free from preservatives or additives, it’s delicious, easy, good for you and helps reduce food waste too.

Unlike standard vacuum packed veg, Freshlock® keeps the flavour, crunch and vibrancy of the fresh veggies.

When tested with 50 consumers, 100% of respondents preferred Freshlock® sweetcorn to standard vacuum-packed sweetcorn. It scored an impressive 85% across flavour, texture, aroma, appearance and convenience compared to 50% for the standard product.

Freshlock® sweetcorn is available as sweet succulent bites, ribs, cobettes, and full cobs.

Each pack takes just 3 minutes to cook in the microwave, hit with your favourite flavours or enjoy simply season free!

Freshlock® is currently available to retail and food service directly from Barfoots and through global food service leader Sysco’s subsidiaries Fresh Direct and Brakes.

“As the UK’s largest foodservice fresh produce provider, we put the customer at the very heart of our business from the field through to the delivery. Working in partnership with companies like Barfoots whether through Freshlock® or other vegetables, allows us to really focus on what the customer wants and ensure that we are delivering exactly what they need to support their business.” says Sarah Phillips, Sysco.

Freshlock® is exclusively produced by award-winning sustainable growers Barfoots. Founder Peter Barfoot has a CBE for Services to Sustainable Farming and his ethos to ‘look after the land like we are going to farm

forever’ is at the core of the business. Freshlock® is also processed in a factory which is powered by its own waste and solar energy.

Barfoots are the sweetcorn experts, and having pioneered the mass supply of supersweet corn to the UK retailers during the late 80s and 90s, Barfoots continues to be the UK’s largest grower and importer of sweetcorn. With the highest light levels in the UK and a natural wind break of the Isle of Wight, Barfoots’ farms on the South Coast ensure the highest quality corn with a season that runs from July to October. Barfoots follows the sun to offer a consistent delivery of the sweetest, freshest corn on the cob 365 days of the year, with Barfoots España and Barfoots Senegal providing the supply outside of the UK season.

The corn is transported via an optimised cool chain, by road, rail and sea to minimise carbon.

In addition to Freshlock® and Sweetcorn, Barfoots has also pioneered and continues to supply a number of semi-exotic vegetables including courgettes, squash, sweet potatoes, asparagus, chillies, and Tenderstem®.

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“Barfoots strives to bring new and exciting ways for consumers to enjoy vegetables and we have a rich history of doing so. We’re super excited about this innovation that in addition to providing a delicious product, also addresses key sustainability issues,” Kim Barfoot-Brace, Barfoots Brand & Marketing Manager.

To find out how Barfoots and Freshlock® can revolutionise your business, please get in touch: Sales: freshlock@barfoots.co.uk Marketing: kim.barfoot-brace@barfoots.co.uk https://www.freshlockbybarfoots.com

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

CLASSIFIEDS Beverages

Printing

Tools

Food Hygiene

Ingredients

Contract Drying

Catering Consultancy

Measurement Solutions

Foodservice Consultants

Ingredients

Trade Marks

Halal Foods

We help to make sure food is safe to eat.

That's our passion.

Safe food hygiene solutions for your food company. www.christeyns.com

MACKLE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Bulk supplies for Food Manufacturers BRITISH MADE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR USING BRITISH APPLES No sulphur or additives used with acidity levels to suit your requirements

Ingredients

Brewed in our own BRC approved factory PACKED IN 25 AND 1000 LITRE CONTAINERS or Full Road Tankers Buy Direct from manufacturer Deliver anywhere in the UK Tel 02887 784345 or email anthony.conroy@mackleapple.com

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FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

Packaging

Ingredients

Water Filters

Cannabis Tea

Plastics

Logistics

Packaging Machinery

Packaging

Discover our range of cannabis products grown on certified organic farms

Balance the Body, Calm the Mind Purchase online or find a stockist near you www.bodyandmindbotanicals.com

Food Packaging

Personalised bespoke packaging solutions for a range of speciality food sectors: Confectionery, Dairy, Bakery, Delicatessen & Fish Get in touch 01606 354664 sales@bartecpackaging.co.uk www.bartecpackaging.co.uk

Machines for Food

UK MANUFACTURED PACKAGING MACHINERY EXCELLENCE

Turnkey Solutions | Filling, Capping Labelling Automation | Bespoke, Special Purpose Design Pharmaceutical | Food & Beverage | Chemical Aromatherapy | Medical | Diagnostics Industrial | Ecig | Adhesives To discover more, please visit

www.capcoder.com • Tel 01865 891466

Water Treatment

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.

01761 410345 | 01761 410332 sales@machines4food.co.uk www.machines4food.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by Volkmann UK – see them on pages 16-17

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