Unleashing Africa's untapped umami flavours
Functional ingredients driving continental innovation
Fueling beverage success with smart pumps
Baking into the future
Sew Drive grows its African footprint.
EDITORIAL
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Global beverage innovation takes centre stage
Baking into the future
Innovations in food ingredients
Transforming SA’s food ingredients through a powerful partnership A plant-based dairy butter alternative
PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
A batch made in heaven
Driving beverage success with smart pumps
Let your food be your medicine
Winning over hearts with Beta-glucans
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Embracing Africa’s rich tastes
Welcome to the first 2025 edition of Food Manufacturing Africa, where we spotlight the latest innovations driving the food and beverage industries forward. This quarter, we explore transformative solutions that showcase how the sector adapts to consumer demands for sustainability, functionality, and innovation.
Leading the discussion on functional ingredients, Bragan Ingredients highlights the power of Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) in transforming African winter classics like Egusi soup and hearty stews. Packed with umami-rich depth, HVP not only enhances flavour but also supports cost efficiency and product consistency—an invaluable resource for brands aiming to deliver rich, satisfying meals. Sabinsa showcases its plant-based, bioactive ingredients like turmeric, probiotics, and almond protein. These solutions are redefining functional foods for holistic wellness, addressing global health challenges with innovative bioactiveenhanced products that cater to preventive health strategies.
On the sustainability front, our labelling and packaging section examines the rise of biodegradable materials, smart labels, and automation. These advancements show how ecoconscious solutions can align with operational efficiency while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Lastly, the beverage sector is abuzz with innovation, and Sidel’s EvoFILL Can Compact is leading the charge. Its state-of-the-art modular design offers flexibility and scalability, catering to growing consumer demands for premium beverage packaging solutions.
This issue celebrates the achievements and ingenuity of Africa’s vibrant food manufacturing industry—whether it’s through functional flavours, advanced technology, or sustainable development.
Enjoy the read!
Nondzaba
Smart and flexible conveying that keeps your line running smoothly. We provide a wide variety of innovative and dependable conveying and product handling systems to move product through the line as efficiently as possible.
• Snack foods
• Prepared foods
• French fries
• Fresh produce
• Pet food
• Nuts + Trail Mix
• Crackers
• Confectionery
2025 DIARY
June 2025
AVI Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
3 – 5 June www.sapoultry.co.za
Food & Beverage West Africa
Lagos, Nigeria
10 – 12 June www.fab-westafrica.com
July 2025
AFMASS Food Manufacturing
Expo Kenya & Eastern Africa
Edition
2 – 4 July
Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi Kenya www.afmass.com
Dairy Manufacturing Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
2 – 4 July www.africadairysummit.com
Analytica Lab Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa
8 – 10 July www.analytica-africa.com
August 2025
SAAFoST Conference
Pretoria, South Africa www.saafost.org.za
A little heat, a little oil
Some say good things take time, and this year’s chilli harvest at Banhoek Chilli Oil is proof. Thanks to a slightly milder summer, the much-anticipated harvest kicked off a little later than usual, but patience has paid off in the form of Banhoek Chilli Oil’s biggest, most flavour-packed crop to date.
Nestled in the heart of the Banhoek Valley, an area renowned for its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions, Banhoek Chilli Oil has the perfect environment to cultivate its signature chillies. Surrounded by dramatic mountain views and rich agricultural land, the farm benefits from the unique microclimate, where warm days and cool evenings contribute to the development of the vibrant chillies. Grown just 2km from the factory, each chilli is handpicked at its peak for the best flavour. By using the same variety every time, Banhoek Chilli Oil guarantees the signature taste it’s known for
Eskort’s launches new ribs
Eskort has announced South Africa’s biggest pop-up restaurant to celebrate the launch of its best ribs evererrr. The pop-up will open every Thursday evening for eight weeks at 30 locations nationwide, and is expected to serve ribs to tens of thousands of people.
“There’s been an overwhelming response on social media to our #MessAroundAndFindOut competition, which is based on the idea that eating our new ribs is messy but absolutely worth it,” says Eskort Marketing Director Marcelle Pienaar.
“South Africans are clearly down to get messy, so we’ve decided to give them the opportunity to do just that by running the biggest pop-up restaurant the country has ever seen.”
Introducing Rooibos Earth’s Essence™
At Afriplex, we are proud to be at the forefront of South Africa’s botanical beverage innovation. In partnership with Earth’s Essence Liquors, Red Dawn (IP) Holdings and Audacia Wines, we’ve helped to enable the launch of a new range of patent process produced naturally preserved cider and
beer—now available in 14 Checkers Liquor stores across Cape Town. These beverages feature standardised Rooibos and Honeybush extracts, developed for their exceptional antioxidant content and natural preservative effect—offering a sulphite-free alternative aligned with modern wellness values.
A moreish moment
"A Moreish Moment speaks about more than just the taste of the new UltraMel Delight — it captures its immersive and almost transcendent sensory experience, highlighting our natural, uninhibited reaction to savouring something so incredibly satisfying," says Lazola Dali, Ultramel Marketing Manager at Danone Southern Africa.
UltraMel Delight, a rich, creamy, thick, and decadent new dessert innovation from Danone, promises to redefine the way South Africans experience indulgence in three popular flavours: chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. The dessert also promises balanced flavour notes of rich chocolate and cocoa in its chocolate variant, making each spoonful a truly irresistible experience. Ultramel Delight has undergone multiple consumer tests, consistently achieving excellent scores across all attributes, including overall appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. Testing higher than its closest competitor, consumers particularly praised the rich and moreish taste of the chocolate variant.
As a portfolio extension of the marketleading Ultramel custard, the new Ultramel Delight combines the product principles that have made Ultramel South Africa’s most loved custard with ultra-rich flavour variations and convenient packaging, resulting in a delightful treat set to become the go-to choice for that solo moment.
Look for Ultramel Delight in a convenient 4 x 100g packs located the fridge section available at targeted retailers countrywide — the perfect snack for enjoying on the go.
Sew Drive grows its African footprint
Momentum continues to grow behind the ambitious plans of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa to become a leading force in the continent’s industrial gearbox business, drives and automation solutions according to Managing Director Raymond Obermeyer.
“Building on years of planning and proactive investment, we are successfully rolling out our ‘African Strategy’ plans to get closer to customers all over the continent,” says Obermeyer. “To do this effectively, we are continuing to strengthen our foundation of technical capability and expertise.”
With a firm footprint in many southern African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, the company is extending its reach northwards into the likes of Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania and Morocco. At its 26,000 m2 headquarters in Aeroton near Johannesburg, which the company occupied in 2022, work has already begun on expanding its footprint
TRANSFORMING EAST AFRICA’S FOOD FUTURE
In a contribution towards transforming East Africa’s food and beverage landscape, Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, in collaboration with Strathmore AgriFood Innovation Center (SAFIC) at the Strathmore University Business School, convened over 100 influential leaders at the first CEO Forum.
Themed “Insights and Innovations in the Food and Beverage Industry,” the event served as a platform for fostering innovation, strengthening academiaindustry collaboration, and driving sustainable economic growth across the region.
by building a second adjacent facility. “This service centre will further support our expansion of sales, support, engineering and training capabilities,” he says. “We have begun appointing key staff for the facility, and will add another 20 to 30 employees over the course of this year.”
He points out that many local gearbox users face the challenge of inadequate support for products being sold onto the market, and highlights that SEW-
EURODRIVE South Africa focuses on being well equipped to service and repair all its products.
“As one of the few gearbox OEMs in the country with advanced design and engineering infrastructure, we can also make use of our group’s world class facilities in Germany,” he explains. “This even allows us to service and repair the products of other OEMs – and to the same high standard as the original item.”
As Africa rapidly emerges as a hotspot for food and beverage innovation, the forum brought CEOs, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs together to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping the sector. A highlight was a panel discussion addressing topics from evolving consumer
preferences, sustainability as a competitive edge, to supply chain resilience, new models for academiaindustry collaboration, and how businesses can adapt to changing market demands while building more agile operations.
Hosted at Strathmore University Business School, the event builds on Kerry’s €1 billion investment in emerging markets, evidenced by Kerry’s rapid expansion in Africa including Rwanda in March 2025, bringing Kerry’s world-class quality closer to manufacturers
in the continent.
“Bringing together diverse perspectives from industry leaders helps us identify innovative solutions that address the complex challenges facing businesses today,” said Jad Neaime, General Manager, Kerry Africa. “The CEO Forum demonstrates our commitment to build collaborative leadership and advancing industry standards across Africa while contributing to economic growth and development. Our substantial investment reflects our confidence in Africa’s potential and our dedication to supporting its food ecosystem.”
A Seamless partnership driving smart material flow
As the push for automation in manufacturing continues to accelerate, the integration of autonomous mobile robots (AMRS) with flexible conveyor systems is transforming the landscape of material flow. A notable breakthrough is the collaboration between OMRON and Interroll, where the OMRON LD 90 AMR plays a central role in unlocking the full potential of Interroll’s new LCP AMR Top Module.
A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
Designed for dynamic environments, the LD 90 is part of OMRON’s powerful fleet of mobile robots, engineered to navigate complex industrial settings safely and efficiently. When paired with Interroll’s LCP AMR Top Module, a plug-andplay conveyor platform built to handle lightweight goods, the LD 90 forms a complete, scalable solution bridging the gap between stationary and mobile automation. The timing of this partnership is perfect. With skill shortages, rising costs, and competitive pressures impacting the industry, manufacturers are turning to advanced automation for greater resilience and productivity. Experts project that the global AMR market will surge to over $220 billion by 2030, growing by more than 18% annually. Solutions like the LD 90 and the LCP AMR Top Module are well-positioned to meet this demand.
The LD 90’s precision, reliability, and
seamless integration capabilities were crucial in Interroll’s comprehensive prelaunch testing. Consequently, Interroll officially recommends OMRON’s robots for use with the Top Module, a testament to the compatibility and performance of this joint solution. System integrators also benefit from this synergy. With pre-certified compatibility, minimal engineering effort is required to deploy the LD 90 and LCP module into existing production, storage, or packaging environments. Interroll’s Layouter tool further simplifies the design and implementation process, drastically cutting project timelines. Together, OMRON and Interroll offer an elegant, modular approach to material flow automation: flexible, scalable, and future-ready. As part of OMRON’s AMR strategic partner network, the LCP AMR Top Module is available exclusively through certified integration channels, ensuring expert support and successful deployment. By combining OMRON’s robotics expertise with Interroll’s conveyor innovation, this solution enables manufacturers to boost efficiency, reduce downtime, and keep pace with the evolving demands of smart production.
ABOUT OMRON
OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation based on its core technology of "Sensing & Control + Think." OMRON's business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial
automation and electronic components to social infrastructure systems, healthcare, and environmental solutions. Established in 1933, OMRON has about 30,000 employees worldwide, working to provide products and services in around 120 countries and regions. In the field of industrial automation, OMRON supports manufacturing innovation by providing advanced automation technologies and products, as well as through extensive customer support, to help create a better society.
ABOUT “INNOVATIVE-AUTOMATION”
As a leader in industrial automation, OMRON has extensive lines of control components and equipment, ranging from vision sensors and other input devices to various controllers and output devices such as servomotors, as well as a range of safety devices and industrial robots. By combining these devices via software, OMRON has developed a variety of unique and highly effective automation solutions for manufacturers worldwide. Based on its reservoir of advanced technologies and comprehensive range of devices, OMRON set forth a strategic concept called "innovativeAutomation" consisting of three innovations or "i's": "integrated" (control evolution), "intelligent" (development of intelligence by ICT), and "interactive" (new harmonisation between people and machines). OMRON is now committed to bringing innovation to manufacturing sites by materialising this concept.
ABOUT INTERROLL
Founded in 1959, Interroll is a leading global provider of material handling solutions. The company offers platform-based products, including rollers, drives, conveyors, sorters, and pallet-handling systems, used across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce and food processing to automotive and logistics.
Transforming automation with smart synergy.
Global beverage innovation takes centre
The world’s premier beverage industry exhibition drinktec, prepares to transform Munich into the epicentre of drinks technology and innovation.
As the beverage industry’s most anticipated global gathering approaches, drinktec is poised to once again bring together the brightest minds and most influential companies in Munich. This quadrennial trade fair serves as the definitive showcase for cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking innovations, and future-forward solutions across the entire beverage and liquid food value chain.
With exhibition halls already approaching full capacity, the 2025 event promises an unprecedented concentration of industry leaders, from multinational corporations to
specialised innovators. Spanning everything from processing technology and filling solutions to packaging innovations and sustainability initiatives, drinktec offers a comprehensive view of tomorrow’s beverage landscape.
“What makes drinktec truly exceptional is its ability to gather the entire global beverage ecosystem under one roof,” explains Petra Westphal, Exhibition Director. “It’s where deals are made, partnerships are formed, and the future direction of our industry takes shape.”
For manufacturers and brands navigating
rapidly evolving consumer preferences and sustainability requirements, drinktec provides invaluable access to technological solutions that address today’s most pressing challenges. The exhibition showcases innovations in energy efficiency, water conservation, alternative packaging, digital transformation, and automation – all critical components for companies looking to maintain competitive advantage.
Drinktec – www.drintec.com
Baking into the future together
The bakery industry embraces ingredient innovations, blending nutrition, convenience, and sustainability to meet evolving consumer demands and trends.
The bakery industry is undergoing a transformative shift in 2025, driven by ingredient innovations that align with dynamic consumer lifestyles and growing demands for nutrition, convenience, and sustainability. This year’s advancements highlight gamechanging solutions that redefine quality and efficiency, while preserving the essence of traditional baked goods.
A WHOLESOME APPROACH
The drive for healthier baked goods has led to a surge in functional ingredients. Highprotein baking mixes, particularly popular in Europe, cater to consumers seeking a balance between indulgence and wellness. Probiotics,
fibre-rich ingredients, and vitamin D-enriched components are increasingly finding their way into bakery formulations, promoting gut health and overall well-being. These innovations appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers—from health-conscious millennials to older generations prioritising added health benefits. With the fast pace of contemporary life, consumers demand convenience even in their bakery choices. Microwaveable baking mixes are gaining popularity. These energyefficient products allow home bakers to create cakes, muffins, and desserts in record time without sacrificing on taste or texture. This trend also caters to environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their energy usage.
Cost-saving innovations: As ingredient costs continue to rise, bakery manufacturers are focusing on cost-effective alternatives. One standout example is Egg ‘n Easy Plus by CSM Ingredients, a solution capable of replacing up to 100% of eggs in recipes like brioche without compromising on quality, mouthfeel, or flavour. By using vegetable fibres, wheat proteins, enzymes, and sorbitol, this innovation preserves product quality while reducing egg-related costs by up to 55%, providing much-needed relief for bakeries facing cost pressures.
www.safoodreview.co.za
The Polyline is Rondo’s starting point for automatic pie production. In addition to pies you can produce folded, rolled, filled, decorated, cut and even stamped out products with the Polyline.
Polyline production. decorated, the Polyline.
can produce dough bands and blocks easily and gently. thin dough bands and process the more difficult shortcrust pastry.
Rondostar 4000
The Rondostar 4000 can produce dough bands and blocks easily and gently. It can also produce very thin dough bands and process the more difficult dough types like shortcrust pastry.
Tel: +27 11 462 3224/5 Fax: +27 11 462 3226 E-mail: foodequip@arbonia.co.za
Tel: +27 11 462 3224/5 Fax: +27 11 462 3226 E-mail: foodequip@arbonia.co.za
CJP Chemicals and IRCA Group: A Power Partnership Transforming South Africa’s Food Ingredients Landscape
The Power of Partnership
CJP Chemicals, with its extensive presence across major South African centres and commitment to excellence, has long been a trusted name in supplying raw materials to diverse industries, including Food & Beverages and Pharma. Their operational excellence and BBBEE Level 3 accreditation underscore their reliability and commitment to local economic development.
IRCA Group brings over 100 years of Italian heritage and expertise in creating exceptional food ingredients. With 20 production facilities across three continents and a presence in over 100 countries, IRCA has established itself as a one-stop shop for professionals in pastry, bakery, gelato, and confectionery, both in the industrial and the artisanal food production. In their 7 Academies that are located close to their partners, the Group enables their customers to have a firsthand experience of their innovative, trend-driven ingredients of high and reliable quality. This proximity enables IRCA to establish true partnerships with its customers.
Together, these companies form a powerful alliance. CJP Chemicals’ robust distribution network and local market knowledge complement IRCA Group’s premium ingredient portfolio and technical expertise. This collaboration creates a seamless bridge between global innovation and local food manufacturing needs.
What This Means for South African Food Manufacturers
Enhanced Ingredient Portfolio
Food manufacturers in South Africa can now access IRCA Group’s ‘s exceptional range of products through CJP Chemicals. IRCA’s product categories, including chocolate, creams, pastry and gelato solutions, pistachios, fruits, and decorations, offer manufacturers the tools to create differentiated products that stand out in a crowded market. For instance, their vast pistachio portfolio caters to growing consumer demands for indulging and healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.
Serving Diverse Market Segments
The collaboration positions CJP Chemicals to serve both general food and beverage manufacturers and specialized gourmet channels. IRCA’s focus on the Gourmet sector, including artisans and fine-dining restaurants, complements CJP’s broad market reach. This allows them to address the needs of various customer segments within the food industry, from large-scale producers to boutique operations.
Conclusion
The partnership between CJP Chemicals and IRCA Group represents a new era for South Africa’s food manufacturing sector. By combining CJP’s local strength with IRCA’s global expertise and premium ingredients, food producers across the country gain access to exceptional solutions that can elevate their products and operations. “We’re looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with IRCA, bringing their innovative products and solutions to our customers” says Karabo Radebe, CEO of CJP Chemicals.
In the dynamic world of food manufacturing, the quality and variety of ingredients can make or break a product’s success. Today, we witness a ground-breaking collaboration that promises to elevate the ingredient game: CJP Chemicals, Southern Africa’s leading stockist and supplier of raw materials and ingredients, has taken on IRCA Group, an international leader in chocolate, creams, fruit, pistachios, decorations, and other high-quality food ingredients, as a new principal. This strategic partnership is set to transform how food manufacturers in South Africa source and utilize premium ingredients.
Innovative and healthier snacks with beta-glucans
Plant-based beta-glucans can add dietary fibre and heart health benefits to successful snacks with approved health claims, explains Beneo.
The vast majority of consumers (82%) around the world recognise the link between “heart health” and their overall health.1 Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Choosing to eat whole grains and fibre as part of a healthy diet, can lower the risk of CHD. Including such ingredients in your product offering and stating their health claims are an effective way to help consumers make better nutritional choices.
Incorporating beta-glucans from barley into recipes is an easy and affordable way to achieve this. Barley beta-glucans are viscous, soluble, fermentable dietary fibres with scientifically proven benefits for heart health, while also allowing for fibre enrichment and corresponding claims.
Beta-glucans generate a high viscosity, which makes the food thicker and slows its passage through the gastro-intestinal tract. This delays the uptake of glucose from food, lowering the blood glucose response. 2 In addition, the high viscosity lowers the uptake of bile acids and thereby reduces blood cholesterol concentration3, helping to cut the risk of coronary heart disease.
When it comes to snacks enriched with these functional ingredients, there are benefits for producers, as well as for consumers. There are more than 120 scientific studies demonstrating the health effects of beta-glucans from cereals, and official bodies including EFSA, the FDA and Health Canada have approved corresponding health claims.4
As a leading producer of functional ingredients, BENEO offers barley betaglucans in the form of Orafti® β -Fit, a clean label, non-GMO, vegan-friendly wholegrain barley flour with a beta-glucan content of 20% on dry matter. Orafti® β -Fit is available at an affordable price and can be used in a wide variety of snacks, including baked goods like muffins, cookies, cakes and biscuits as well as extruded cereals. It can also serve as a clean label texturiser – for example in dairy and dairy alternatives.
The BENEO-Technology Center developed,
“Dependent on the amount of Orafti® β-Fit included in your product, on-pack messages can range between “source of fibre”, “high fibre” or “increased fibre”. Communicating on “wholegrain” is another way to draw consumer attention.”
for example, a recipe for multigrain cookies with beta-glucans that can carry high fibre and EU health claims, like “Barley betaglucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease”. This claim can be used for foods that provide at least 1 g of barley betaglucan per quantified portion, which can be easily fulfilled with the cookie recipe. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g barley beta-glucan. The cookies also have a great taste and a crunchy texture. Adding Orafti® β -Fit to a meal is a way to deliver fibre enrichment to consumers daily diet. As such, it can support people’s ambition to increase their fibre intake for an overall improved digestive wellbeing. Dependent on the amount of Orafti® β -Fit included in your product, on-pack messages can range between “source of fibre”, “high fibre” or “increased fibre”. Communicating on “wholegrain” is another way to draw consumer attention. Savannah Fine Chemicals –www.savannah.co.za Beneo – www.beneo.com
BETTER FOR YOU’ MULTIGRAIN COOKIE WITH FIBRE & HEART HEALTH BENEFITS
Minor ingredients (e.g. milk powder, salt, raising agents, flavour, emulsifier) q.s
*References available on request
Beta-glucan rich barley flour can be used in place of traditional flour in snacks like cookies.
The faba fix for a greener, tasty future. Replacing eggs and
Our answer to stricter rules around egg production is a sustainable one. We source faba from a region in which irrigation is not necessary, while improving soil structure and biodiversity. Dive into a delicious future with our faba bean protein –a revolutionary solution to replace or reduce eggs, ensuring stable ingredient costs, and good functionality in your recipes. Crafted by our experts, BENEO’s plant-based recipes open new doors in the bakery segment, featuring faba bean protein for impeccable texture and taste.
Want to know more about BENEO? Scan here!
www.beneo.com
A batch made in heaven
VEGA's specialised level measurement solutions help South African dairy manufacturers maintain consistent yoghurt quality while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
In South Africa, the dairy industry stands as the fourth-largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. In 2023, the country produced approximately 872,000 tonnes of cheese, excluding cottage and cream cheese, and 445,000 tonnes of fermented products, which include yoghurt. This robust production accentuates the importance of maintaining high standards in dairy processing to meet both consumer demand and regulatory requirements. The yoghurt market in South Africa has demonstrated consistent growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.68% between 2018 and 2023, reaching a sales value of ZAR 8.88 billion in 2023. This upward curve reflects a growing consumer preference for health-oriented dairy products, positioning yoghurt as a staple in many South African households.
SOUTH AFRICA'S GROWING DAIRY SECTOR
The journey from raw milk to the creamy yoghurt we see on store shelves is filled with challenges. Manufacturers must navigate a labyrinth of strict hygiene practices, adhere to evolving regulations, and manage escalating production costs. Any deviation in the production process can lead to inconsistencies, posing risks to both consumer safety and brand reputation. A stirred batching tank is an essential component in yoghurt manufacturing, where ingredients are combined and fermented. Maintaining the correct fill level is crucial; overfilling can lead to spillage and contamination, while underfilling may result in suboptimal fermentation and inconsistent product quality. VEGA provides solutions aimed at the food manufacturing and dairy sectors.
The VEGAPULS 6X radar-based level sensor offers continuous, non-contact measurement for accurate monitoring of tank contents. Designed for the food industry, it features hygienic materials and a construction that endures harsh cleaning processes, helping to prevent contamination. The VEGASWING 63, a vibrating level
"Maintaining the correct fill level is crucial; overfilling can lead to spillage and contamination, while underfilling may result in suboptimal fermentation and inconsistent product quality."
switch, functions as a point-level detector that provides safeguards against overfills and depletion of tank contents. When the yoghurt mixture reaches a specific level, the VEGASWING 63 sends a signal that prompts automatic adjustments to the filling process, aiming to maintain batch integrity and enhance operational efficiency by decreasing the need for manual intervention.
MEASURABLE BENEFITS
The use of precise instrumentation can provide measurable benefits. For example, a dairy producer in sub-Saharan Africa encountered challenges with inconsistent yoghurt textures, which resulted in customer complaints and product returns. By integrating VEGA’s level measurement solutions into their batching tanks, they maintained consistent fill levels, leading to uniform fermentation. This consistency contributed to a reported 15% increase in customer satisfaction and a reduction in product wastage.
These instruments also play a significant role in regulatory compliance. South African food safety standards require strict adherence to hygiene and processing protocols. VEGA’s sensors are constructed with materials that align with international food safety certifications, helping manufacturers maintain compliance. Their durable design withstands the frequent cleaning cycles necessary in dairy processing, ensuring accuracy while adhering to hygiene standards.
Cost management is another important consideration in food manufacturing. Inaccurate measurements can lead to excessive use of ingredients, increased energy consumption, and prolonged production times. VEGA’s instruments provide real-time data and enable precise control over the production process, supporting manufacturers in optimising resource utilisation. This optimisation can lead to cost savings and a more sustainable production process.
As the South African dairy market expands, manufacturers are expected to maintain high standards of quality and safety. The integration of reliable measuring instruments, such as the VEGAPULS 6X and VEGASWING 63, into production processes serves as a technical enhancement. It ensures that each batch of yoghurt meets required quality standards, complies with regulations, and is produced efficiently.
ABOUT US
VEGA is known for its long history of innovation and is recognised as a global leader in measurement technology. VEGA is dedicated to precision and reliability, and its customised solutions have positively impacted businesses worldwide, improving processes, efficiency, and quality standards. VEGA's sensors and instruments are known for setting new benchmarks in accuracy, durability, and performance, driven by a commitment to excellence.
The most important ingredient for your process? A pinch of perfection.
Too many cooks spoil the broth. That’s why our level and pressure measurement technology focusses on the essentials: reliability, efficiency and knife-edge precision. With the latest technology, you always get the values you need, wherever you are. So that you can concentrate fully on your personal recipe for success.
Everything is possible. With VEGA
Smart pumps drive beverage success
The South African beverages market is poised for steady growth, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.19% between 2025 and 2030. This expansion is fuelled by shifting consumer preferences, increased emphasis on health and wellness, ongoing advancements in processing technologies and adapting to innovative operational models.
The imperative of quality, safety, and hygiene: As these trends accelerate, beverage processors must ensure unwavering product quality and hygiene compliance. Consumers demand safe, highquality beverages that align with modern health standards, leaving no room for shortcuts in production. Whether producing bottled water, energy and sport drinks, ready-to-drink coffee or organic, plantbased Kombucha and smoothies, as well as
non-alcoholic and alcoholic ciders, beer, wine and more, maintaining stringent hygiene practices is non-negotiable.
Advanced processing and fit-for-purpose solutions: The challenge lies in transforming raw ingredients into preservable, flavourful, and safe beverages - without compromising efficiency or sustainability. Pump technology innovations are proving to be a game-changer, allowing processors to enhance shelf stability, optimise production capacity through multi product lines, reduced energy and water use and minimise waste or leakage thereby reducing environmental impact. Selecting the right hygienic pumping solutions is crucial. Companies must consider cleanability requirements, ensuring that equipment meets both local and international hygiene standards, such as Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilisation-in-Place (SIP) protocols.
The perfect pumps for your beverage processing applications VERDER
Staying competitive with innovation and adaptability: As South Africa’s beverage industry evolves, adaptability and innovation will determine market success. Producers must address fluctuating consumer preferences, such as rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives, without inefficient production line reconfiguration. Smart pumping technologies allow for streamlined operations and reduced downtime, ensuring businesses stay ahead of competitors. Furthermore, fermentationbased processing facilities, including breweries and dairy production, face heightened risks of cross-contamination. Investing in fit-forpurpose hygienic equipment - designed to eliminate contaminants during production - is essential for maintaining the highest safety standards.
Pump innovation key to sustaining growth in beverage processing explains, Eddie Le Roux, hygienic pump specialist, Verder Pumps South Africa.
Efficient innovation for beverage filling
Sidel’s EvoFILL Can Compact offers premium beverage producers a compact, high-performance solution for efficient, precise, and flexible canning.
The launch of EvoFILL Can Compact addresses the growing demand for flexibility, efficiency, and adaptability in the beer and carbonated soft drink sectors especially, within the low-to-medium speed production market (up to 40,000 cans per hour). Global beverage production volumes are expected to rise, with the alcoholic beverage market reaching 492.1 billion units by 2028[1], and non-alcoholic beverage packaging volumes projected to hit 1.3 trillion units by the same year[2]. Metal packaging remains a key material in both markets, with increasing consumer preference for smaller, portable cans that offer convenience and recyclability. As SKU proliferation continues to shape the industry, it’s clear the need for filling systems capable of managing diverse product lines has become more critical.
“EvoFILL Can Compact extends the range of the well-known EvoFILL Can, offering a highly compact and efficient solution that meets the demands of low volume premium beverages market,” comments Tommaso Tegoni, Product Manager – Filling at Sidel. “Its ability to accommodate frequent changeovers with minimal downtime, coupled with advanced automation and modular design, ensures reliable, top-tier performance across both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages— including hot fill products—while maintaining speed and precision.“ This innovative system is designed to meet the growing need for high-quality, flexible filling solutions in the expanding beverage market.
A COMPACT, ‘PLUG AND PLAY’ DESIGN
The system features a ‘plug and play’ design, ensuring easy installation, operation, and handling. Its compact design combines the seamer and process unit into a single, space-efficient block, minimising its footprint to overcome space constraints and optimise total cost of ownership (TCO).
High-precision filling: With a high-precision filling accuracy of +/- 1ml standard deviation, up to 500ml format, the machine offers exceptional accuracy and minimal product losses (less than 0.1%). It is also highly versatile, supporting both CSD and hot fill applications. The EvoFILL Can Compact offers ambient temperature filling for carbonated soft drinks with limited CO2 losses (less than or equal to 0.2 Vol). Similarly, this latest can filling machine achieves an impressive 98.5% monoblock efficiency, ensuring seamless operation with minimal downtime.
ELECTROPNEUMATIC TECHNOLOGY
EvoFILL Can Compact utilises electropneumatic technology with magnetic flowmeters for precise and efficient liquid measurement. Electronically controlled pneumatic valves regulate flow, ensuring smooth and consistent filling. This advanced system enhances speed, accuracy, and hygiene while minimising waste and maximising production efficiency. Coupled with seamers integrated on the filler frame, this advanced can filling system ensures a seamless, efficient production process. The seaming machine is directly attached to the filler, allowing for immediate sealing of the can after it’s filled. This integration streamlines operations, reduces handling time, and enhances both speed and hygiene, intervention, ensuring maximum product safety.
The Umami power of HVP in Africa’s favourite soups
From hearty beef stews to vibrant Egusi soups, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) delivers rich, authentic flavours to Africa’s winter classics.
As winter sets in, kitchens from South Africa to Lusaka begin to simmer with the rich, comforting aromas of traditional soups and stews. These warm, hearty dishes are more than seasonal staples – they are deeply rooted in culture, family, and nourishment. But behind the scenes of these iconic meals lies a silent flavour enhancer that continues to shape modern formulations and elevate familiar recipes: Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP).
HVP:
A VERSATILE SAVOURY HERO
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is a plant-based savoury ingredient known for its rich broth- or bouillon-like taste that enhances soups, sauces, and other umamiforward meals. First developed in the 1830s, it is derived from protein-rich sources such as soybean, maize, or wheat. Today, HVP is widely used in modern culinary applications for its ability to deliver a deep, meaty flavour reminiscent of slow-cooked stock. In both African kitchens and large-scale food production, it plays a key role in recreating the depth of home-cooked meals in a costeffective, shelf-stable format - especially in products like commercial soups, seasoning powders, and bouillon cubes.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, this versatility
"HVP enhances the umami depth in soups, stews, and sauces, replicating the complexity of slow-cooked meals effortlessly."
has made it a hero component in many winter warmers that reflect regional taste.
HVP IN AFRICAN WINTER CLASSICS
Thick, protein-rich soups like Egusi and Ogbono are staples in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. These soups are often cooked with meat, fish, and leafy greens, then served with fufu or pounded yam. While the base flavours are robust, HVP adds a deeper umami note that binds the richness of nuts and oils with the smokiness of dried fish or the heartiness of goat meat. In commercial seasoning cubes that dominate West African cooking, many of which are household brands. HVP is a standard component, giving manufacturers an easy way to build flavour without starting from scratch.
Moving eastward, countries like Kenya,
Tanzania, and Uganda offer a different winter soup palette. Think of beef bone broths, chicken soups, or even githeri stew - a comforting mix of maize and beans simmered with vegetables and sometimes meat. In these contexts, HVP is often incorporated into bouillon powders or stock cubes that help intensify flavour, especially when fresh meat or bones are limited. With rising food costs, it allows brands to deliver satisfying soups with fewer animal-based inputs, all while maintaining flavour.
THE ROLE OF HVP IN SOUTHERN AFRICAN CUISINE
Down south, in Zimbabwe and South Africa, familiar winter favourites include beef stews, samp and beans soup, and even peanut butter-based vegetable dishes like
muriwo unedovi. These meals, often served with pap or sadza, require a strong savoury backbone. In stews where meat is minimal or cooked down, HVP steps in to replicate the umami sensation typically derived from long simmering. It is particularly valued in quickcook or low-prep formats used by working households, school feeding schemes, or industrial kitchens.
But HVP’s value doesn’t lie solely in taste. It aligns well with broader food industry goals such as cost efficiency, clean labelling, and product consistency. It can contribute to sodium reduction strategies by enhancing flavour without the need for excess salt. It’s also plant-based and heat-stable, making it an ideal ingredient in soups that need to withstand high-temperature processing or
extended shelf life. Its application ranges from dry soup powders and instant noodles to frozen ready meals and slow-cooked, premium broths.
HVP: MEETING INDUSTRY NEEDS
In a winter season marked by a demand for comfort, depth, and authenticity, HVP provides food manufacturers with the unique ability to deliver rich, satisfying flavoursquickly, consistently, and cost-effectively. Its versatility and flavour-enhancing power make it an invaluable ingredient for meeting the evolving tastes of consumers across Africa’s diverse and growing markets.
At Bragan Ingredients, we’re proud to offer high-quality corn-based and Soybean-based HVP tailored to the diverse taste profiles of
FAST FACT
Globally developed in the 1830s, HVP remains a star ingredient, transforming dishes with its deep, meaty, broth-like taste.
the African continent. Whether it’s a rich Nigerian egusi soup or a South African beef stew, our HVP solutions help brands and food developers deliver on taste, cost, and consistency. As the continent embraces its seasonal winter classics, we’re here to supply the savoury backbone that makes every bowl a celebration of flavour.
Innovations in food ingredients
AECI Food & Beverage, one of the leading suppliers of premium food ingredients, offers a diverse range of products and services. Their commitment to innovation and quality supports the evolving needs of the bakery industry.
We exclusively represent leading international manufacturers and suppliers of specialty ingredients, catering to the Food & Beverage industries. We provide a broad range of ingredients across various markets, including Dairy, Bakery, Health & Nutrition, Meat, Beverages, Commodities and Processing Aids. Our company serves a vast market among the industry; one of them is bakery production. AECI Food & Beverage offers full-scale services, which highlights our commitment to delivering functional blends. These offerings are underpinned by our cuttingedge pilot plant facility based at Linbro Logistics Park in Sandton, together with a fully equipped laboratory managed by qualified Food Technologists. These resources allow the company to support its customers’ varied and evolving needs, at the top of innovation in bakery.
COMPREHENSIVE INGREDIENT SOLUTIONS
has grown, and consumers have become increasingly interested in what exactly is in their food, and where their food comes from. Consumption is not only driven by price, but also by functionality. Transparency is of utmost importance, both in statements and claims as well as in the perceived value of the product or service.
MEETING CONSUMER DEMANDS
“Naturally Healthy” is the most powerful trend in for consumers’ need for foods and ingredients which should be “naturally functional”. The demand for clean label has now challenged the Bakery Industry tremendously. Not only must baked goods taste good but must also have natural nutrients together with reduced sugar and salt.
As a leader in the Food Industry, AECI Food & Beverage not only has one of the most diverse bakery-specific product ranges available on the market today; it is a range that continues to grow. This includes different components such as phosphates, hydrocolloids, cocoa powder, starches emulsifiers, whipping agents, spices, freeflowing and anti-caking agents, sweeteners, preservatives, glazing agents, specialty flours, milk powders, egg replacement as well as bread and cake improvers. The wide selection of products emphasizes AECI’s commitment to be able to provide an allround solution for its customers, catering from the basic through to those looking for a point-of-difference.
In the last decade, “foodie” culture
Consumer awareness around the advantages of whole grains has significantly increased over the years. According to common perception and research, whole grains reduce inflammation, help to prevent weight gain, lower the risk of a stroke and ischemic heart disease, and positively influences gut bacteria. There is a consumer demand for whole grain products that must maintain the taste and texture that they are used to. Whole grain “side-effects,” such as a rough texture and a slightly bitter taste, is not what our consumers want. Therefore, industry is required to provide the benefits of whole grain, and at the same time, deliver a soft, light crumb, mild taste with prolonged freshness.
The demand for clean-label has now extended to flavourings and extracts, with natural herbs and spices becoming popular. In line with this, consumers are looking for simpler labels with a shorter list of ingredients. They perceive these labels as an indication that the product is “better” for them.
We find consumer demand is not only for high-quality bread and baked goods, but also in snacks and out of home products. This is an important driver of business development and market expansion because consumers love quick and convenient products to fit in with their lifestyles. As such, bakeries are reacting to these demands by growing their portfolio of snacks, such as the “baker burger” and innovative variations of the traditional sandwich.
Consumers want indulgence, convenience and authenticity and this is driving significant growth in the bakery market. Manufacturers are innovating constantly to deliver more varied and alluring products to meet consumer expectations.
MARKET TRENDS AND CONSUMER PREFERENCES
AECI Food & Beverage use these trends as opportunities for developing innovating and exciting products.
Our vision is to continue to provide customers with innovative technical solutions with sustainability of preferred ingredients and exceptional service. In addition, AECI Foods & Beverage further utilise the specialty ingredients portfolio by combining ingredients to engineer valueadded solutions for various sectors of the food industry.
In the Bakery industry phosphates are widely used. These are a crucial function in leavening and dough conditioning. They help the product to have a required texture and volume. We have varied phosphates for varied controls in temperature. In contrast, for controlling the viscosity and texture of food products hydrocolloids are then used to improve the texture especially for gluten-free baked goods which is growing trend for gut health, which also enhance dough handling and increases the shelf life. When making chocolate-flavoured baked goods Cocoa powder is essential.
AECI - www.aeciworld.com
Beta-glucans can win over hearts in a beat
Beta-glucans are the perfect solution to enhance snacks by introducing dietary fibre and heart health advantages. By incorporating this plant-based ingredient, they become eligible for approved health claims. Make hearts glow with joy and discover how these benefits can be translated into practice.
Most consumers worldwide understand the connection between heart health and their overall well-being.1 For example, 63% of consumers worldwide show interest in products that support heart health, even if they don’t have specific health concerns. 2 As a result, providing snacks with approved health claims presents a compelling opportunity for manufacturers.
BETA-GLUCANS FROM BARLEY
To achieve this in an easy and affordable way, incorporating beta-glucans from barley into recipes is the way to go. Barley beta-glucans are viscous, soluble, fermentable dietary fibres with scientifically proven benefits for heart health. Because of this, they also enable fibre enrichment and corresponding claims. Beta-glucans generate a high viscosity, which makes the food thicker and slows its passage through the gastro-intestinal tract. This delays the uptake of glucose from food, lowering the blood glucose response.3 In addition, the high viscosity lowers the uptake of bile acids and thereby reduces blood cholesterol concentration 4, helping to cut the risk of coronary heart disease.
Snacks enriched with these functional ingredients provide advantages not only for consumers but also for producers. With more than 120 scientific studies demonstrating the beta-glucan health effects from cereals,
“Beta-glucans are the perfect solution to enhance snacks by introducing dietary fibre and heart health advantages.”
official bodies including EFSA, the FDA and Health Canada have approved corresponding health claims.5
DEVELOPING RECIPES WITH BETAGLUCANS
The BENEO-Technology Center developed multiple recipes with beta-glucans that can carry high fibre and other health claims depending on local legislation, like “Barley beta-glucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease”. This claim can be used for foods that provide at least 1 g of barley beta-glucan per quantified portion. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3 g barley beta-glucan. One of those developed recipes are mouth-watering multi-grain biscuits. Not only do they offer health benefits, but also a desired texture and great taste.
BENEO, a leading producer of functional ingredients, offers barley beta-glucans in the
form of Orafti® ß-Fit, a clean label, non-GMO, vegan-friendly wholegrain barley flour with a beta-glucan content of 20% on dry matter. Orafti® ß-Fit can be used in a wide variety of applications. Some snack solutions can include baked goods like biscuits, muffins, cookies and cakes as well as extruded cereals. Also in dairy and dairy alternatives it can serve as a clean label texturiser.
BENEO’s customer technical support manager, Dr Isabel Trogh, sheds even more light on this versatile ingredient: “Orafti® ß-Fit is a cost-effective ingredient that offers technical advantages alongside health benefits for consumers. As well as having a neutral colour and taste, it is pH and temperature stable. When reformulating recipes with Orafti® ß-Fit, in some cases, small adjustments, like adding a bit more water, might be necessary. But most applications allow for a simple 1:1 replacement of the original flour ingredient, e.g., wheat flour, with our wholegrain betaglucan rich barley flour.”
Discover the full recipe of our instant noodles with Orafti® ß-Fit and other recipes, get inspired for your next product innovation. *References available on request
A proven way to a healthier heart.
Orafti® β -Fit is nature’s affordable solution.
At BENEO, we know that consumers have a heart for healthy food choices. That’s why we’re taking traditional foods to a heart-healthy level with an affordable source of beta-glucans. Orafti® β -fit is a wholegrain barley flour, offering 40% total fibre with 20% beta-glucans. This ingredient is proven to reduce LDL cholesterol, which lowers the risk for coronary heart disease significantly, enabling EFSA and FDA approved health claims. From pasta and cereals to breakfast biscuits or sourdough bread, our versatile ingredient makes healthy food creations easy.
Want to know more about Orafti® β -Fit? Scan here!
www.beneo.com
Wellness revolution: Food as medicine
Functional foods are transforming eating habits, addressing the global health crisis with nutrient-rich, bioactive ingredients for holistic wellness.
As modern life becomes increasingly hectic, consumers seek foods that offer more than just food. With rising rates of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic illness, the demand for functional foods – products that deliver health benefits beyond calories and nutrients are skyrocketing.
THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CRISIS
According to the Huntington Psychology Report, 5% of adults globally experienced depression in 2024, while 4% struggled with anxiety disorders1. On top of that, sleep issues are on the rise: the CDC reported that 14.5% of adults in 2020 had trouble falling asleep most days, and nearly 30% showed signs of insomnia2. In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)-like heart disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes-caused over 43 million deaths, representing 75% of all non-pandemicrelated mortality worldwide3. These numbers paint a clear picture: the need for effective, accessible, holistic health solutions is more urgent than ever.
WHY FUNCTIONAL FOODS?
Enter functional foods-nutrient-rich, plantbased products enhanced with bioactive ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, omega-3s, and adaptogens. Unlike many pharmaceuticals, these foods are designed to support long-term health without harsh side effects or the risk of dependency. They can help:
• Boost immunity
• Reduce inflammation
• Support digestive health
• Improve mental well-being
• Regulate sleep patterns
Functional foods are not just a trend
– they're a movement toward natural, sustainable wellness.
"The global functional foods market, valued at $280.7 billion in 2021, is expected to grow annually by 8.5% through 2030."
MARKET GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
What's next?
As more people optimise preventive health and natural wellness, functional foods' future looks promising. Brands that innovate with evidence-backed ingredients and transparent labelling will win the trust of today's healthconscious consumers.
WHERE NUTRITION MEETS INNOVATION
The food and beverage industries are also evolving fast. Consumers today aren't just shopping for taste or convenience; they're actively seeking products that deliver real health benefits. Brands that combine nutrition with ease of use are gaining traction, especially as once-niche wellness trends become mainstream. Rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are pushing people toward more conscious food choices. That's where functional foods step in.
What's coming next?
Breakthroughs in food technology and nutritional science will shape the next wave of functional foods. Expect to see:
• Plant-based compounds that support heart and brain health
• Probiotics and prebiotics for better digestion and immunity
• Bioactive peptides that may help regulate blood pressure, inflammation, and stress levels
This isn't just a passing trend—it's a shift in how we view food itself.
Food as preventive medicine: With growing awareness around preventive healthcare, functional foods are becoming a key player in everyday wellness. As innovation continues, the line between food and medicine will keep blurring, empowering consumers to manage their health naturally, one bite at a time.
KEY FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Turmeric: Known for its potent antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is widely used to promote joint health, enhance brain function, and increase general well-being. It has been incorporated into various food forms like bread, cookies, cake, and ice cream, valued for both its colour and health benefits.
Probiotics for digestive health: Probiotics support digestive health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They help break down food, absorb nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens.
Probiotics are now being integrated into everyday foods like cookies, yogurt, bread, porridge, and snack bars, enhancing their nutritional value and digestive benefits. Enzymes for optimal digestion: Digestive enzymes like amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase are crucial in breaking down complex food molecules into simpler, absorbable forms. These enzymes are increasingly incorporated into functional foods, particularly vegan protein supplements, to enhance the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
Amla: The Ayurvedic Superfood: Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), or Indian gooseberry, is a potent antioxidant due to its high content of Beta glucogallin, tannins and Vitamin C, known for its powerful antioxidant properties, boosts immunity and energy levels.
Smarter, greener packaging innovations 2025
The labelling and packaging sectors are experiencing groundbreaking innovations in 2025, reflecting the drive for sustainability, automation, regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer engagement.
Smart labels equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) capabilities are reshaping the packaging landscape. Particularly prominent in pharmaceuticals, these labels offer immediate access to product information for end-users and serve as a tool for realtime supply chain tracking and monitoring. Beyond pharmaceuticals, the food and beverage sector is also leveraging smart labels to track temperature changes, monitor expiration dates, and authenticate product origins. These features appeal to increasingly discerning consumers seeking transparency and safety in their purchases. Digital authentication through QR codes and blockchain technologies is another major trend in labelling. Regulatory standards like the EU's Falsified Medicines Directive and the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act have accelerated the adoption of advanced authentication tools. By scanning a label, consumers can verify product legitimacy instantly, enhancing trust and brand loyalty.
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE
The push for sustainability continues to dominate packaging innovations in 2025. Leading brands are heavily investing in paper-based alternatives to reduce plastics. Compostable and biodegradable materials, as well as reusable containers, are becoming the standard across various industries. Companies prioritising sustainable solutions are reaping the benefits of public goodwill, aligning with both regulatory pressures and consumer expectations for more environmentally friendly practices.
For example, food manufacturers are adopting water-based printing inks and recyclable flexible packaging materials, meeting sustainability goals without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Smart packaging initiatives are rapidly gaining traction. By integrating technology like Internet of Things (IoT), packaging solutions now deliver added value in the form of temperature monitoring, freshness indicators, and interactive consumer
“Smart labels and sustainable packaging are redefining consumer engagement, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility in 2025.”
experiences. For instance, augmented reality (AR) features are being used to tell a product's story through smartphone apps, redefining the way brands engage customers.
AUTOMATION FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY
The packaging production process is also witnessing a wave of automation. Robots and AI-powered equipment increase speed, precision, and adaptability while reducing labour costs. As the demand for shorter production times and larger outputs grows, packaging plants are incorporating automated systems that refine the entire process from material selection to printing to product assembly. Stricter regulations for environmental compliance are prompting companies to reevaluate their packaging practices. Policies aimed at reducing the use of plastics and increasing the recyclability of materials are driving innovation, particularly in the realms of lightweight packaging and
improved recyclability standards.
In Europe, the proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is drastically reshaping how manufacturers must design and label their products. By placing legal requirements on recyclability and waste reduction, forward-looking companies now see compliance as an opportunity to lead with greener packaging innovations.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
As companies adapt to these advancements, the future of labelling and packaging is clear—products will look smarter, greener, and more interactive. Balancing innovation with cost efficiency will remain a primary challenge, but brands embracing these transformative trends will continue to lead the charge.
From smart labels and digital authentication to sustainable materials and automation-driven production, labelling and packaging in 2025 are setting new benchmarks across industries. The convergence of eco-consciousness and technology offers businesses a unique chance to align with modern consumer values while enhancing operational efficiency.
This is a year of opportunity—one where packaging is no longer just a protective layer but a dynamic, interactive medium shaping the future of product delivery and consumer trust.
www.safoodreview.co.za
Inline pump filling equipment
equipment
Round bottle labelling
Gravity filling equipment
Entry level filling equipment
Front and back labelling
Pharmaceutical labelling & coding
Rotary filling
Coming up in June!
Conveyor belts
Conveyor belts are increasingly incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT and AI? With a growing emphasis on hygienic design, smart conveyor belts now offer real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These systems are enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring food-grade safety, especially in high-demand manufacturing hubs.
Flavour inspirations
Did you know consumers globally are gravitating towards natural and clean-label flavours? Leading trends include health-conscious flavour enhancers, cultural spices like robust curries, and emerging demand for fruit and vegetable-based flavours in beverages.
Food sustainability practices
Cutting-edge sustainability practices such as improved food storage, small-scale farming innovations, and the “Just Transition” approach are leading the way to combat wastage. Sustainable farming and reduced waste initiatives are becoming main pillars in the fight for food security and ecological balance.
BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW!
Contact: Cándida Giambò-Kruger
Email: candida.giambo-kruger@ newmedia.co.za
Tel: 0714381918
Advertising booking deadline: 03 June 2025
Advertising material submissions deadline: 10 June 2025
Editorial submissions are welcome and
can be sent to: Kelebogile Nondzaba: kelebogile. nondzaba@newmedia.co.za
Deadline date: 29 May
Risk management
Managing risks in South Africa’s food industry is more vital than ever. Did you know that risks such as load-shedding, supply chain disruptions, cyberattacks, and climate impacts are major challenges? The industry is now focused on advanced risk management strategies, climate adaptation, and technology-driven food testing measures to navigate these uncertainties.
Ready-To-Drink
The Ready-To-Drink market is booming both locally and globally, from RTD coffees and health-focused teas to naturally flavoured juices, these products are dominating convenience retail shelves. Increased demand for on-the-go beverages underscores the importance of innovation in packaging and flavour profiles.
I t ’s the only one of its k ind in the countr y to target decision makers in the manufac tur ing of food, beverages and and author itative repor ts on all aspec ts of the process, from raw mater ial sourcing, to manufac tur ing and pack ing, r ight down to goods. infor ms readers about the introduc tion of new ingredients, equipment, produc ts and pack ing, and provides objec tive commentar y on cuttingedge local and inter national mar ket trends and issues.
To contribute editorially contact Kelebogile (Lebo) Nondzaba kelebogile.nondzaba@newmedia.co.za +27 (0)78 175 9632
For adver tising enquiries, contact Candida Giambo - K ruger +27 (0)71 438 1918 candida.giambo - k ruger@newmedia.co. z a
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