Pakistan Food Journal, September - October 2021

Calendar of Events Date: 19 to 23, October 2021.

Date: 15 to 18, February 2022.

Venue: International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition, Italy.

Venue: Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany.

Date: 1 October 2021 to 31, March 2022.

BIOFACH JAPAN 2022

Venue: Dubai.

Dates: March 2022.

Venue: Chiba (Tokyo), Japan.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2021 Date: 7 to 9, November 2021.

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre.

ANUGA FOOD TEC Dates: 26 to 29, April 2022 Venue: Cologne, Germany.

International Green Week Date: 21 to 30, January 2022.

Dates: 11 to 13 May 2022.

Venue: Berlin, Germany.

Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre, China.

Fruit Logistica 2022 Date: 9 to 11, February 2022.

Asia Fruit Logistica 2022

Venue: Berlin, Germany.

Date: 7 to 9, September 2022.

Venue: AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong

The World’s Biggest Annual Food & Hospitality Show

BIOFACH America 2022

Dates: 13 to 17 February 2022.

Dates: 29 September to 01, October 2022.

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

Venue: Baltimore, USA.

Contents

Editor’s Note Dear readers, In September - October 2021 edition, the editorial board of Pakistan Food Journal is focusing on the Agricultural Sector of Pakistan, as a cover story is also published on the importance of this sector. The agriculture sector is indispensable to the country’s economic growth, food security, employment generation and poverty alleviation. It contributes 19.2% to the GDP and provides employment to around 38.5% of the labor force.

The great exhibition of machinery for agriculture, landscaping and related components EIMA International, offers the entire lanscape of technologies and electronic devices for the correct use of natural resources and the implementation of eco-sustainable processes. The 2021 edition of EIMA International, is taking place in Bologna from 19 to 23 October, is more "topical" than ever. In a context that sees the "Green Deal" taking shape in Europe, where ecological transition is a priority for national governments, where digitalisation is a condition for the innovation of production processes, EIMA International makes a contribution of high strategic value.

Gulfood Manufacturing returns live in-person from 7 to 9 November 2021 at Dubai World Trade Centre. It displays solutions for the complete spectrum of food & beverage manufacturing, starting from the initial formulation of ingredients, to processing, packaging, and automation.

ANUGA 2021, which is featuring international organic products, a full spectrum of organic products that carry proof of a recognized organic certification, commonly found on the marketplace, awaits visitors in the specialized ‘Anuga Organic’ trade show, held from 9 to 13 October 2021.

Amina Baqai Editor in Chief

Pakistan Food Journal, September - October 2021

Food Briefs National and International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 News and Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Corporate News Traceability guaranteed: GEA integrates laser marking systems into its thermoforming packaging machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Returnable PET for sensitive beverages?

Joint research project of Krones and Alpla delivers surprising results . . .22 Rapid launch of a new 1L bottle on a Guinean line thanks to Sidel remote services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Tomra 5C gives Hazelnut producer a competitive advantage targeting high-quality export markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Cover Story Pakistan Agriculture Sector: A Major Source of Economic Growth . . . . .28

by Engr. A. R. Daudpota; Italian Trade Commission (Pakistan Desk)

EIMA INTERNATIONAL 2021 Bookings open for Asia’s premier produce show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

GULFOOD MANUFACTURING 2021 Gulfood Manufacturing 2021: The Significant Event for Global Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Exhibitors at Gulfood Manufacturing 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

ANUGA 2021 ANUGA 2021 - Featuring International Organic Products . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Editor-in-Chief Amina Baqai

Hony. Editor Dr. Noor Ahmad Memon

Managing Editor / Publisher Sohail Aziz

Marketing Executive Asim Shamsi

Senior Editor / Publisher Nadeem Mazhar

Layout & Design Mazhar Ali

Suite B-4, & B-6, 2nd Floor, 64/21, Miran M. Shah Road, M.A.C.H.S, Karachi - Pakistan.

Tel: +92-21-34311674, 34303101 Email: info@foodjournal.pk, Url: foodjournal.pk Printed at Color Plus, Korangi Karachi.

Available on Gale Factiva and affiliated international databases through Asianet Pakistan.

Food Briefs National

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According to a Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) an increase in planted area and government support for an increase in minimum support price is expected to push Pakistan’s wheat production to a new record.

Punjab Food Director says the KP government will pay around Rs1,937 per maund, including official support price of Rs1,800 plus incidental charges to the tune of around Rs137 per maund, for the wheat, while Peshawar will make arrangements for transportation of the consignments on its own.

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Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam has recently announced that a ‘national agriculture commission’ would be set up for the promotion of agricultural education and research.

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 China will import 300 tons of chilli picked and dried at a pilot chilli field in Lahore, Punjab province in August, and that it is the first time Pakistani chilli enter the Chinese market since 2020.

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The Government of Pakistan has decided to dispatch humanitarian assistance, comprising food and medicines, to the people of Afghanistan, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently said.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan has consumed 78,000 tons of imported dry fruits and nuts and more than 258,000 tons of imported black and green tea in FY21, which closed in June. Just one year ago, it consumed just 22,000 tons of imported dry fruits and nuts and a little more than 221,000 tons of imported teas of all colours and flavours.

The Wheat Review Committee was informed on Monday that the country would not face any shortfall of the commodity in the next food year 2021-2022 due to increase in production in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Food Security and Agriculture has said that most of the commodities commonly imported would be available in Pakistan in abundance within a couple of years as the government was focusing on enhancing their domestic production.

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The government has allowed importing sugar at Rs106 per kilogram and wheat at Rs61 per kg, which are the highest prices to be paid so far on import of both of the essential commodities to meet shortfall and build strategic reserves.

Food Briefs International 

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The per capita consumption of edible oil in Bangladesh increased by 20 per cent in the last five years to reach 18.4 kgs in 2020 while the overall consumption of edible oil increased by 36 per cent in five years to reach 3.03 million tonnes in 2020 against 2.22 million tonnes in 2015.

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Canadian grocery and food prices are slowly rising in recent times, and it is not just the pandemic but rising production costs and the toll of climate change as reasons why the prices rise.

China’s drive to modernize its agriculture and food industries presents immense opportunities for investments and cooperation, more deals are taking place in agriculture and food technology and services, compared with earlier investments into mostly marketing applications.

A group of 20 meat and dairy companies produce a bigger carbon footprint than either Britain, France,

sustainable food source on the Moon, in an attempt to encourage the private sector to enter the space business, sources with direct knowledge of the plan said.

or Germany, according to a new report that has exposed the contribution of the European meat and dairy industry on global carbon emissions.

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Indian government has said it has set up Dairy Investment Accelerator to promote and facilitate investments in the dairy sector. The accelerator, set up by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under its Investment Facilitation Cell, is a cross-functional team constituted to serve as the interface with investors.

Indonesia and FAO have affirmed a stronger partnership to transform the agri-food systems in Indonesia.

FAO is committed to provide more support in the continuous effort to transform the food system in a more sustainable manner.

Japan's government and its space agency will join hands with food and tech companies to launch research on developing a

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Malaysian palm oil futures edged higher, underpinned by a forecast for a decline in July production, although the contract was set for its first weekly loss in seven.

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The agri-food sector in Thailand is particularly challenged with this new wave of coronavirus. A country dependent on tourism, Thailand’s many industries have suffered as a result of business restrictions and border closures.

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The Biden administration has increased the amount of government-provided food assistance distributed to approximately one in eight Americans each month. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an increase of over 25% for funds used to buy food.

News & Views

Pakistan wheat production forecast to reach record high

also are waning as there have been no reports of locust attacks in Pakistan in 2021.

KP will get 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Punjab

An increase in planted area and government support for an increase in minimum support price is expected to push Pakistan’s wheat production to a new record, according to a Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

So far in the 2020-21 marketing year Pakistan has exported about 2.2 million tonnes of rice of the USDA’s 4.3 million tonne estimate. A majority of the commodity export is non-basmati rice despite the government’s efforts to increase basmati rice exports as it is challenged with competition from India.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will begin lifting 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Punjab after Eidul Azha. The Punjab Food Department had procured the grain on the request of the KP government under a government-to-government arrangement.

Wheat production is expected to be 27 million tonnes in the 2021-22 marketing year, an 8% increase over the 25 million tonnes produced in the previous year.

The Pakistani government has approved the import of up to three million tonnes duty free wheat during the 2021-22 marketing year in an effort to increase domestic reserves. The country decided to prioritize maintaining a large wheat reserve following the COVID-19 induced demand and threat of locust attacks in 2020, the USDA noted.

However, Russia is permitting the importation of Pakistani rice after it was banned when a Khapra beetle was detected in a shipment in May 2019.

According to the USDA, Pakistan used to export around 35,000 tonnes of rice to Russia per year.

Pakistan’s rice production forecast for the 2021-22 marketing year remains unchanged at 8.3 million tonnes as the Pakistan Metrological Department expects normal monsoon rainfall in 2021.

The threat of locust attacks on the crop 6

Punjab Food Director Danish Afzaal says the KP government will pay around Rs1,937 per maund, including official support price of Rs1,800 plus incidental charges to the tune of around Rs137 per maund, for the wheat, while Peshawar will make arrangements for transportation of the consignments on its own.

News & Views

“The KP government earlier used to get wheat through private contractors, who would usually purchase grains from Sargodha and Faisalabad divisions. But, it had been requested this season to get atta (wheat flour) as much as required but not to disturb the market by contracting out the wheat supplies to private players.

It was suggested to instead get the supplies through G2G arrangement,” he explained.

He said the private contractors from KP would focus on Sargodha and Faisalabad divisions and even then the procurement ratio there would not cross 70 per cent. Whereas the food department had taken the ratio up to 110pc in Sargodha and 100pc in Faisalabad division, he added.

A wheat deficient province, KP consumes around 1.2 million tonnes per annum, whereas it produces only 100,000 tonnes of grain. Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Ltd will provide 0.5m tonnes, and the rest of the requirement will be met through imports.

The Federal Committee on Agriculture had fixed 900,000 hectares wheat sowing target for KP to produce 1.7mt of grain.

Pakistan decides to send medical, food aid to Afghanistan The Government of Pakistan has decided to dispatch humanitarian assistance, comprising food and medicines, to the people of Afghanistan, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently said.

Qureshi, earlier in the day, had drawn the attention of the international community to how Afghanistan being denied its foreign reserves, or international aid, may further compound the miseries of the Afghans and make economic migrants of millions.

Qureshi's remarks came during a Ministerial Coordination Session hosted by the US and Germany, following which a statement was issued by the Foreign Office.

"The international community must put the Afghan people first. We have to take care that in denying Afghanistan access to its foreign reserves or international financial institutions, we do not end up adding to the miseries of the longsuffering Afghan people.

In an earlier statement, the Foreign Office had said Pakistan would continue to closely follow the evolving situation in Afghanistan, a day after the Taliban announced their "acting" government.

"We have noted the latest announcement about the formation of interim political set-up in Kabul, which would address the requirement of a governance structure to meet the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan," the statement said.

The Foreign Office hoped that the new political dispensation would ensure coordinated efforts for peace, security,

and stability in Afghanistan as well as work towards taking care of the humanitarian and development needs of the Afghan people.

"Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to a peaceful, stable, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan," the Foreign Office added.

National agriculture commission to be set up Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam has recently announced that a ‘national agriculture commission’ would be set up for the promotion of agricultural education and research.

"Three C-130s are being dispatched to Afghanistan. After the first immediate tranche through the air, further supplies would continue through land routes," the statement said.

The Foreign Office said the Pakistani government would continue to do its best to help the Afghan brethren during the prevalent challenging environment.

"Pakistan also urges the international community to play its role in helping the people of Afghanistan to avert a possible humanitarian crisis," the ministry added.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood September - October 2021

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Presiding over a meeting at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Mr Imam said that no nation could achieve development without investing in human resources, and Pakistan would need to learn from the experiences of other nations which had progressed in the agriculture sector.

The minister said that spending on research and development in the country remained at a low level from 1991 to 2012. This has impacted the per hectare production of major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton and maize.

Citing examples of countries, Mr Imam said Pakistan had been ahead of China and South Korea five decades ago, but now it was lagging far behind. Stating that both the countries invested in education and learned from other nations’ experiences, he called for reforms in curriculum in the agriculture and reverse engineering.

He said that the agriculture sector had been neglected for the last 25 years which was a matter of serious concern.

“Agriculture is a powerful sector that is employing 43 per cent of workforce. Our neighboring countries are progressing at a faster pace whereas we are lagging far behind in modern agriculture practices,” he regretted.

The minister said the modern seed technology would not only reduce the cost of production but also make the crop 8

profitable. “This will enable both the farmers and the country to march towards prosperity.”

tion of international standard are prerequisites to gain markets and earn foreign exchange.

He said that that increment in per acre production, value addition, empowering small farmers, tangible research in agriculture and rural development were prerequisites for the uplift of the country as well as food security.

Mr Imam said it was a matter of grave concern that Pakistan imported edible oil and pulses worth billions of rupees instead of producing these commodities in the country.

Mr Imam disclosed that the government had mapped out comprehensive separate policies for five major crops in order to boost per acre productivity, ensure food security and agriculture development. This year, he said, per acre wheat production had improved which remained stagnant for the past 10 years.

The improvement resulted in significant increase of 2.2 million tonnes in the national wheat production, showing the hike by 1.5 tonnes per acre, he added.

He said the cotton production in Punjab was touching 4.5m bales at an increase of about 8.5pc from the previous year. Overall cotton production is likely to reach 8.46m bales this year.

The minister said that the provision of certified seed, value addition and mechanisation were major challenges in which agriculture experts should have to play a pivotal role.

He said that the country was producing excellent fruits but their export was negligible. Value addition and the adapta-

UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan suggested that FSc in agriculture should be revived that would help produce dedicated agriculturists.

Agriculture as a subject must also be revived at the school level. He said the blend of corn and wheat be introduced to cope with increasing malnutrition issue.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Anas Sarwar said that a quality milk producing center must be set up, adding that the country was importing vaccination for livestock worth billions of rupees.

China to import 300 tons of chilli from Pakistan in August: Wu Guang China will import 300 tons of chilli picked and dried at a pilot chilli field in Lahore, Punjab province in August, said Wu Guang, General Manager of Pakistan Subsidiary, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), adding that it is the first time Pakistani chilli enter the Chinese market since 2020.

In July, a pilot chilli farm project under the cooperation between Pakistani farm-

News & Views

ers and their Chinese partners – CMEC and Sichuan Litong Food Group – began to bear fruit, with a yield around three times Pakistani varieties.

Chen Changwei, Chairman of Sichuan Litong Food Group, China, noted that their pilot chilli farm project successfully completed 100 acres of plantation in the first half of 2021 in Lahore. For the 100acre-pilot-project, the quantities of seeds are 380 grams per acre, with a yield reaching 3 tons per acre. The total production is expected to reach 300 tons.

While chilli is grown on 47,349 hectares in Pakistan with a crop yield of about 2.68 tons per hectare (1.072 tons per acre) and an annual production of around 126,943 tons in FY 2018-19.

Advanced Chinese irrigation systems have also been introduced into the field.

Umer Diyal, a farmer who worked in the pilot chilli farm in Qasbi, Lahore, said the Chinese introduced an irrigation system, and the expense of fertilizer has been reduced and every plant was getting water. “Watering of plants is not complex and expensive anymore,” he added.

Mostly Pakistan’s chilli and chilli products are exported to Middle Eastern markets like Saudi Arabia. As China became the world’s leading chilli and pepper consuming country, there is ample room for Pak-China cooperation.

According to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China, China imported 49,800 tons of chilli worth USD 34.002 million in 2020.

However, China did not import any chilli or chilli products from Pakistan in 2020.

Phenomenal rise in food import bill The nation of 220 million consumed 78,000 tons of imported dry fruits and nuts and more than 258,000 tons of imported black and green tea in FY21, which closed in June. Just one year ago, we were not so rich, as we consumed just 22,000 tons of imported dry fruits and nuts and a little more than 221,000 tons of imported teas of all colours and flavours, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The increase in tea consumption – September - October 2021

about 17% – is understandable. But unless the nation grew too rich how did it consume dry fruits and nuts three times over previous year’s consumption.

Interesting, isn’t it! Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) people say imports of tea, dry fruits and nuts actually went up because their purchases were fully documented and smuggling of these items into the country was effectively checked.

This means the government also earned an additional amount of revenue in import duties applicable to tea, dry fruits and nuts. The overall increase in food imports in fiscal year 2020-21 was just too taxing for the foreign currencystarved country. It had to spend about $8.348 billion on such imports in FY21 against $5.424 billion in FY20. This 54% rise in spending on food imports could have been contained to some extent, had the government aptly handled the wheat and sugar shortages – and had some important substitution policies been in place.

In FY21, Pakistan spent $1.112 billion (or 13.3% of total food imports) on the import of wheat ($983 million) and sugar ($129 million). In FY20, no wheat was imported and import of sugar was negligible in value terms at below $4 million.

In FY21, $983 million had to be spent on wheat imports not because the entire quantity of imported commodity – more than 3.6 million tons – was meant to meet demand. Part of this quantity had to

be imported to make hoarding of wheat and its speculative trading less lucrative for hoarders and speculators.

A serious wheat crisis, caused primarily by excessive hoarding in Sindh and Punjab at the beginning of FY21, necessitated imports in such large volumes. The same is true for sugar imports as well. In FY21, Pakistan had to import more than 281,000 tons of sugar not because there was that much gap in local production and demand.

It had to import such large volumes of sugar – even amidst enough local output – to arrest the ever-increasing prices caused by hoarding and speculative trade.

Reports of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and the FBR on wheat and sugar crisis bear testimony to these facts. Credible media outlets have also reported extensively on them.

Edible oil imports The overall food import bill swelled also because of higher global prices of palm and soybean oil. In FY21, the cumulative import bill of the two edible oils rose to $2.764 billion, or one-third of the overall food import bill, against $1.899 billion in FY20.

Economic recovery after the global recession of 2020 pushed up prices of the two oils in the international market and economic growth in Pakistan necessitated their imports in larger volumes. The com9

New & Views

bined effect was felt in the shape of greater import spending. Pakistan has long been negotiating with Malaysia and in recent years with Indonesia to attract foreign investment in palm production in the country.

Had the policymakers pursued those negotiations more actively in the past, Pakistan could have cut its import bill of palm oil by now. It would have, according to the negotiated plans, developed several palm orchards in the country and the output of those orchards would have been processed locally into palm oil with the help of Malaysia or Indonesia or both.

But sadly the country missed this opportunity.

Pulses demand In FY21, imports of pulses devoured $708 million, up from $615 million in FY20, due partly to increased volumes of imports but primarily due to higher international prices. For the past two decades, successive governments have been talking about making the country self-reliant in pulses production with each government rolling out its own version of growmorepulses programme.

But unfortunately such programmes have failed to deliver due to bureaucratic delays and the lack of coordination between the federal and provincial authorities.

Pushing up pulses production within the country to bring imports to zilch is very much possible if (1) modern ways of pulses cultivation are adopted (2) federal and provincial governments enhance poli-

cymaking and implementation coordination and (3) growers of pulses are incentivised through access to formal finance and improved supply chains. In FY21, Pakistan also had to spend more ($224 million vs $174 million a year ago) on the import of spices. Net import spending on spices also stood very high ($132 million) after factoring in Pakistan’s export earnings of $93 million from spices.

Wheat stock sufficient for next food year 2021-22 The Wheat Review Committee was informed on Monday that the country would not face any shortfall of the commodity in the next food year 2021-2022 due to increase in production in KhyberPakhtunkhwa.

“The total wheat production was estimated at 27.33 million tons in Pakistan. It

is now noted to be 27.539 million tons as the estimated production of K-P increased from 1.25 to 1.459 million tons,” the committee meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, was informed.

Agriculture secretaries from all provinces, representatives from the provincial food departments, PASSCO managing director and senior officials of the ministry were present in the meeting.

This meeting was held between the federation and the provinces including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan four-and-a-half months before the cultivation of the wheat crop to strategically plan for the efficient production of wheat in the next food year (2021-2022).

Punjab was estimated to produce 20 million tons which was increased to 20.9 million tons. The minister said that the track and trace system of wheat seed is essential to bring about a breakthrough in the next food year.

It was stated in the meeting that 50% of the seed requirement was certified last year and an even better figure will be expected this year. PASSCO was also directed to transfer stock to GilgitBaltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and K-P to ensure continuity in the demand and supply chain. The minister and provinces congratulated the stakeholders on the record production of wheat in the history of Pakistan.

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News & Views

Govt focusing on enhancing food production

being promoted. He said the government had allocated Rs10bn for research work on improvement of breeds.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Food Security and Agriculture Jamshed Iqbal Cheema has said that most of the commodities commonly imported would be available in Pakistan in abundance within a couple of years as the government was focusing on enhancing their domestic production.

He said a restructuring plan had been launched to improve the performance of government organisations and institutions. He rejected rumours about privatisation of the institutes and said the government had no intention to render highly educated researchers and scientists jobless. However, their salaries were linked with the performance system and the best performers would get more incentives, he added.

Addressing a press conference at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (Aari), he said the government had devised a policy to enhance production of fruits and vegetables up to 30 per cent and wheat up to 80pc.

He said Rs62 billion had been allocated this year to make Pakistan a net food exporting country and this amount would be increased next, while the previous government had allocated Rs1.6bn for this purpose.

Mr Cheema said steps were also being taken for speedy growth of the livestock sector and in this connection, best breeds of animals and birds were

September - October 2021

The special assistant said the research fund was being regulated so that the researchers could get necessary funding without running from pillar to post. He said the government was trying its best to enhance agriculture yield by strengthening linkages between government, researchers and farmers. The scientists and researchers must mould themselves in accordance with the new system so that Pakistan could regain its repute as an agricultural country, he added.

Mr Cheema said the government might hire the services of near retirement

scientists and agriculture experts on the basis of their performance. He urged scientists to play a productive role and develop new technologies and products to strengthen the national economy. He said the commercialization of innovations could bring repute along with financial benefits for the researchers and agriculture scientists.

The special assistant said the government strictly believed in merit and best salary packages would be offered to the right person for the right job. The promotion, facilities and perks would also be linked with the performance, he added.

He said he was visiting Faisalabad along with Adviser to the PM on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Husain to have detailed discussions and seek recommendations from the officials of Aari, National Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Postgraduate Agriculture Research Station, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and other departments regarding the transformation.

He said the media should focus on positivity instead of presenting negative 11

New & Views

view of the government policies. The performance and income of the growers had increased substantially as a result of institutional reforms, he added.

Pakistan to import more wheat, sugar The government has allowed importing sugar at Rs106 per kilogram and wheat at Rs61 per kg, which are the highest prices to be paid so far on import of both of the essential commodities to meet shortfall and build strategic reserves.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet approved to import 110,000 metric tons to 400,000 metric tons of wheat at $355.9 per metric ton. At Wednesday’s exchange rate, per kilogram price comes to Rs61 per kg including the freight charges.

The fresh tender was 17% or $52 per ton expensive than the last deal amid increasing price of wheat in the international market. The bid was for the import of 110,000 metric ton against a tender of 400,000 metric tons, suggesting suppliers were exploiting domestic shortages to the disadvantage of the government.

The ECC allowed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan to ask the other three responsive bids to match the prices.

The fourth highest bidder had offered $379.3 per metric ton price.

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Similarly, the ECC also approved to import 200,000 metric tons of sugar at around $637 per metric tons that translates into Rs106 per kilogram. The price was 19% higher than the previous tender.

The government will require $270 million or Rs45 billion to finance import of both the commodities.

explore government-to-government wheat import arrangement.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, the ECC accorded approval to import 400,000 metric tons of wheat and directed to explore and expedite the option for importing the remaining amount of wheat through governmentto-government arrangement, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The price it received was $244 per metric ton, excluding the freight cost.

After adding the freight charges, the landing cost at Karachi port will be $304 per metric ton.

The ECC emphasised the importance of building strategic reserves in wake of evolving situation in Afghanistan which may affect the prices in the domestic market, it added. The lowest bid was offered by Falconbridge Resources for quantity of 110,000 metric tons for the shipment window of September 15 to October 21, 2021. The offered rate translates wheat price at the level of Rs61,463.4 per metric tons or Rs2,458.5 per 40 kilogram at Karachi port, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The food ministry had requested the ECC to either accept the bid or scrap the tender and issue a new one. The ECC had also been requested to direct the TCP to

Against the first tender for importing 500,000 metric tons of wheat by TCP, the national trading agency received responsive bids for 220,000 metric tons of imports in August and September, according to the government officials.

Along with uncertain international market prices, it faced another challenge in the shape of falling value of the rupee.

The currency has depreciated by more than Rs10 in just two months and traded over Rs166.2 to a dollar on Wednesday.

In June this year, the cabinet had allowed to import four million metric tons of wheat meet shortfall against the local consumption requirements. Although the government claims that the country produced bumper crop of 27.3 million metric tons, it still felt the need to import four million metric tons of wheat.

The wheat stocks with federal and four provincial governments stood at 6.13 million metric tons. Though the prevailing stock may cater for around eight months requirements till end April next year, any emergency situation like influx of refugees from Afghanistan or a famine situation in the neighbouring country may develop severe stress in the domestic market and push the prices up. 

Around the World

BANGLADESH Palm oil leads the edible oil market as Bangladesh consumed over 3 million tonnes of edible oil in 2020 The per capita consumption of edible oil in Bangladesh increased by 20 per cent in the last five years to reach 18.4 kgs in 2020 while the overall consumption of edible oil increased by 36 per cent in five years to reach 3.03 million tonnes in 2020 against 2.22 million tonnes in 2015. Palm oil, one of the largest consumed vegetable oils, enjoys a market share of 55 to 60 per cent due to its price competitiveness and other factors in the country.

The facts were presented at an international webinar titled“Edible Oils & Fats Consumption Trend in Bangladesh" organized by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), an intergovernmental organization for palm oil producing countries. The webinar was a part of CPOPC Webinar Series on“Sustainable palm oil towards a better world” with a special focus on the growing consumption trends of the highest consumed palm oil, its qualitative aspects over other edible oils and its role in meeting the increasing demand of the people and the most crucial SDGs in the country.

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Eminent industry experts AKM Fakhrul Alam, Regional Manager, Bangladesh and Nepal, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC); Dr. Puspo Edi Giriwono, Head, Southeast Asian Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center, IPB University and Faisal Mahmud, Senior Marketing Manager, Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd (BEOL) discussed the key industry trends, challenges, and recommendations to enhance the market share of palm oil in Bangladesh to meet the ever-growing demands of the country's consumers. Dr. Yusof Basiron, Executive Director and Dupito D. Simamora, Deputy Executive Director, CPOPC gave remarks and shared perspectives while Yash Kansal, Deputy Managing Director (India), APCO Worldwide moderated the webinar.

CANADA

way out of food inflation or if, for example, if a product in Canada was not available, we were able to import a product from elsewhere and priced pretty much the same as if it came from Canada,” explains Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, per City News 1130. “But with a weaker dollar, things may actually get a little bit more challenging for importers.”

Indeed, a recent Food Basics study found that while 85 per cent of grocery shoppers in Ontario would like to shop more for local products, two-thirds (65 per cent) consider local products to be too expensive right now.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has had huge impacts on virtually all aspects of life, impacts that have been felt particularly keenly by the foodservice industry. But Charlebois says that while

Canadian food prices rising amid higher production costs & climate change

the health crisis has played a big role in

Canadian grocery and food prices are slowly but surely rising in recent times, and one expert cites not just the pandemic but rising production costs and the toll of climate change as reasons why.

record-breaking heat wave has devas-

“For the longest time, the last 12 months or so, we were able to import our

when food prices went up about six per

increasing food prices, climate change is also a major culprit.

For example, British Columbia’s recent tated crops and food production in the province.

Charlebois says the current situation is the second-worst he has seen after 2014, cent on average.

Around the World

“We were expecting the food inflation rate to be about five per cent in December, when we released Canada’s Food Price Report. That’s pretty much where we’re heading for this year.”

Even staple foods like peanut butter, meat, and baked goods are seeing prices rise. Peanut butter has pretty much been priced the same since 2000 in Canada, Charlebois notes, but it’s gone up six per cent this year. “That’s due to the fact that COVID has actually slowed things down logistically and it’s costing more to move things around.”

Though the pandemic situation appears to be improving in Canada, Charlebois says the impact on food prices will likely last until the fall, when Canada’s own harvest kicks in and is hopefully unaffected by extreme weather.

“We are expecting the economy to normalize itself a little bit more, so things will be more predictable,” he explained.

“When things get more predictable for the entire food supply chain, it tends to allow companies to control cost. But until then, things will remain choppy.”

In December 2020, Canada’s Food Price Report said the average Canadian family would pay up to an extra $695 for food in 2021. It cited the pandemic, wildfires, and changing consumer habits as reasons for rising costs which have resulted in the highest increase ever predicted by a food price report.

CHINA China’s Agri-food Sector Modernization Presents Investment and Learning Opportunities China’s drive to modernize its agriculture and food industries presents immense opportunities for investments and cooperation, according to experts at the Pinduoduo Food Systems Forum.

Less than 3% of venture capital deals in China from 2010 to 2018 were in the agri-food industry, said Professor Jia Xiangping of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. More deals are taking place in agriculture and food technology and services, compared with earSeptember - October 2021

lier investments into mostly marketing applications, he noted.

The use of blended finance, an approach that attracts commercial capital toward projects that contribute to sustainable development while providing financial returns to investors, is a global trend and can be promoted in China, he said. The untapped social finance opportunities are worth $93 billion to $208 billion in the country, according to his estimate.

“We’re fortunate to be living in an era with many inspiring innovations that are changing our lives,” Jia said during the panel discussion titled “How China is Sowing the Seeds for a More Sustainable Food System.” “We need to go beyond planting seeds, because it’s relatively easier to have innovation but it’s very hard to have innovation survive. Scaling matters.”

In May, China issued a guideline to encourage social investment in 13 agricultural and rural sectors, as part of the country’s efforts to boost the rural economy and spur agricultural modernization.

The sectors include modern planting and breeding, farm produce processing and circulation, agricultural technological innovation, smart agriculture, nurturing agricultural talents and rural infrastructure.

Speaking on the same panel, Zhu Jing, a professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, discussed China’s 14th FiveYear Plan, the central government’s economic masterplan for the period 2021 to 2025. She highlighted new areas of priority in agricultural modernization, such as building a strong seed industry and upgrading cold-chain storage and transportation facilities.

EUROPEAN UNION EU Meat Industry Collectively Emits More Greenhouse Gases Than France, UK Or Germany A group of 20 meat and dairy companies produce a bigger carbon footprint than either Britain, France, or Germany, according to a new report.

The 2021 edition of the Meat Atlas, an annual report on the impacts of industrial agriculture and the meat industry published by the Heinrich Boil Foundation and Friends of the Earth, has exposed the contribution of the European meat and dairy industry on global carbon emissions.

Industrial meat and dairy production are estimated to account for around 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse emissions. Large enough to trump the annual emissions of entire economies.

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Around the World

The report also shows that the meat industry received close to $500 billion in backing from banks, private investment, and even pension funds.

While most greenhouse emissions are attributed to the developing countries such as China and India, rich countries in Europe and America, still contribute a significant chunk of the total emissions in the form of fossil fuel usage for transportation and through industrial agriculture.

Previous reports have urged developed nations to reduce the intake of dairy and red meat to tackle, reduce carbon emissions. Adding to previous calls, the report laid bare the unsustainability of industrial agriculture and meat production.

On the other hand, the report called for the conservation of pastoralism in India. Despite being the largest exporter of buffalo, sheep, and goat meat, the carbon emissions the country produced from the meat production was very less, owing to the traditional methods of cattle raring the country.

Although the numbers are scarce, the report estimates over 77 percent of all cattle are raised through extensive systems in India. Cattle are either herded through pastoral regions or left to graze on “waste”. Very few animals in the country are stall-fed. Hence, meat produced in the country emits very few greenhouse gases.

The report called for official recognition of pastoralism by the Indian govern-

ment to save a sustainable way of producing meat.

INDIA

ment opportunities, addressing queries about application to government schemes, connecting with strategic partners and providing on-ground assistance

Indian govt sets up dairy accelerator to promote, facilitate investments in sector

with state departments and relevant

The government has said it has set up Dairy Investment Accelerator to promote and facilitate investments in the Indian dairy sector. The accelerator, set up by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under its Investment Facilitation Cell, is a cross-functional team constituted to serve as the interface with investors, a government statement said.

and local industry participants and one-

The accelerator will provide support across the investment cycle by offering specific inputs for evaluation of invest-

Fund (AHIDF).

authorities.

"Further, the Dairy Investment Accelerator will work with DAHD to organise a series of events with global on-one discussions with the investors to understand their perspectives, facilitate direct interactions with government officials and connects with other players in the industry," the release said.

The accelerator will also create awareness among investors about the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development The Rs 15,000-crore AHIDF was approved by the Cabinet last year as part of the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. It offers financial support to entrepreneurs, private companies, MSMEs, Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs), and Section 8 companies. The fund offers 3 per cent interest subvention on loans and two-year moratorium with six-year repayment period to incentivise investment in dairy sectors.

"The DAHD encourages all the private companies, individual entrepreneurs, and start-ups, who are interested in investing in dairy sector, to reach out to the Dairy Investment Accelerator...," the government said.

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INDONESIA Indonesia-FAO Strengthen Agriculture Partnership through Digitalization Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative Rajendral Aryal have affirmed a stronger partnership to transform the agri-food systems in Indonesia.

FAO is committed to provide more support in the continuous effort to transform the food system in a more sustainable manner, as stated in an online meeting held recently.

“FAO will continue working with the (Indonesian) government to provide protection to smallholder farmers and their families, food workers in all sectors, and those who are particularly vulnerable”, Aryal said.

Retno Marsudi, highlighting Indonesia’s 2.19% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase, hopes that the FAO will continue to support Indonesia in the agricultural sector. “ I hope FAO will continue to support agriculture development in Indonesia focusing on strategic areas such as increasing production capacity, diversification of staple food consumption, strengthening food reserves and logistic systems, development of modern agriculture and promoting agriculture experts,” said the minister.

Rajendral Aryal mentioned that agriculture digitalization such as e-agriculture and innovation can help to tackle the agricultural problems in Indonesia. "We need to look at how the technological

innovation and digitalization, such as eagriculture," he said, adding that it can help the farmers and consumers to tackle the problems of food insecurity, malnutrition and depletion of natural resources.

JAPAN Japan to explore food production on Moon Japan's government and its space agency will join hands with food and tech companies to launch research on developing a sustainable food source on the Moon, in an attempt to encourage the private sector to enter the space business, sources with direct knowledge of the plan said.

The public-private joint study could start by March, spearheaded by Space Foodsphere, a Tokyo-based space food research group comprised of dozens of entities including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, seasoning maker

Ajinomoto and system integrator NTT Data, according to the sources.

Technology startups such as bio-venture Euglena are also among the participants in the project to be funded by the government.

The basic research is designed to meet demand for a supply of food on the Moon for long-term lunar missions involving a large number of crew members, which would make constant food shipments from Earth impractical.

Long-term travel to the Moon is becoming increasingly likely, with lunar exploration projects launched by the United States, China and other countries.

Japan is involved in the NASA-led Artemis program, which outlines the exploration and utilization of resources in space including those on the Moon.

The public-private team will begin research at a domestic facility and then may move to a location similar to the lunar environment, such as Antarctica, according to the sources.

Their study aims to help develop technologies to operate a plant factory for indoor crop yields on the Moon where the temperatures are below minus 100 C and there is a lack of water and air necessary for growing crops. The study will also include how to maintain healthy mental and physical conditions in a confined space for long periods of time.

These technologies, if developed, are also expected to solve issues of farming under desertification and climate change on Earth.

September - October 2021

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Around the World

MALAYSIA Malaysian palm oil gains on forecast of output drop

at the end of July likely expanded to its highest in 10 months, even as production is seen shrinking by 4%, a survey showed recently.

Malaysian palm oil futures edged higher, underpinned by a forecast for a decline in July production, although the contract was set for its first weekly loss in seven.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board will release the official data on Aug. 11.

Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract rose 0.3%, while its palm oil contract fell 0.6%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were down 0.2%.

The benchmark palm oil contract for October delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 30 ringgit, or 0.71%, to 4,247 ringgit ($1,007.59) a tonne during early trade.

Palm has declined around 3% for the week so far. Malaysia’s palm oil stockpile

Palm oil is affected by price movements in related oils as they compete for a share in the global vegetable oils market. Palm oil may break a support at 4,197 ringgit per tonne and fall to the next support at 4,105 ringgit.

THAILAND Agri-Food Industry is Thailand’s Opportunity for Economic Recovery This new wave of coronavirus is a sombre reminder that the pandemic remains the test of the century for Thailand. A country dependent on tourism, Thailand’s many industries have suffered as a result of business restrictions and border closures. Responsible for more than half of the nation’s workforce, the agri-food sector is particularly challenged.

According to a recent report by Oxford Economics, the agri-food industry saw significant unemployment, as well as a 6% contraction in GDP contribution, or a THB 228 billion drop, last year.

This decline underscores the key importance of an agri-food industry that accounts for more than a quarter of the country’s GDP before the pandemic.

During the last year, it has also pushed forward Thai exports, and will continue to do so.

According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the value of Thai food exports is expected to increase by 3-5% this year to 1 trillion baht if the situation of container shortage and high sea freight cost is relieved.

Yet, recovery will be tough. Thailand placed third worst in the report’s

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Around the World

Economy Recovery Matrix for the agrifood sector across Asia, with Thailand’s vulnerabilities stemming from its dependence on tourism and travel flows to revive its food industry.

Emerging challenges continue to arise from the ongoing pandemic – further developments on the virus, supply and demand challenges, as well as fiscal risks could potentially disrupt the sector’s recovery. Beyond current efforts, we need to identify the key areas that would boost the agri-food sector, and help the Thai economy pull itself from the depths of the pandemic.

The Thai government has demonstrated strong support for the agri-food sector through state aid. With Thailand’s reopening plans shadowed by a rising number of cases, the agri-food sector and the government will need to set up the right conditions for industry so that it can truly thrive in the new normal.

USA US increases food stamp aid for poorer Americans The Biden administration has increased the amount of governmentprovided food assistance distributed to approximately one in eight Americans September - October 2021

each month. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an increase of over 25% for funds used to buy food.

They also reflect current food prices and

The increased budget will be available starting in October to the 42 million people who receive food stamps - known formally as Snap benefits. The average benefit will increase by about $36 (£26) per person, per month.

foods, instead choosing salty and sugary

Americans enrolled in the program will see their monthly pre-pandemic allowance rise from $121 to about $157.

eating trends.

Experts say the budget has not been enough for Americans to choose healthier options. One study has found that 10% of the money is spent on sugary drinks alone - about three times the amount spent on milk.

The newest budget calls for Americans to eat more fish "and red and orange vegetables", the USDA said. The

In 2018, Congress ordered the USDA to review the Thrifty Food Plan, a diet plan created in 1962 which outlines nutritional needs for Americans and what budget is necessary to achieve them.

funding boost comes amid an effort by

The update is the largest permanent funding boost in the program’s history.

The agency's newest revisions to the plan include an increase in calories "to reflect the latest data and support an active lifestyle," the USDA said.

person household, their net monthly

President Joe Biden to bolster the country's social safety net. Americans must be below certain income limits in order to be eligible for the program - for a fourincome can't be above $2,184.

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Corporate News

Traceability guaranteed: GEA integrates laser marking systems into its thermoforming packaging machines The food industry is increasingly relying on laser technology for product labeling. In order to apply complex product information in a high-resolution and reliable manner, GEA integrates corresponding laser marking systems into the GEA thermoforming machines of the PowerPak series in cooperation with various suppliers on a customer-specific basis “Demand for laser marking systems is rising sharply,” says Volker Sassmannshausen, Senior Product Manager Thermoforming at GEA in Wallau, Germany. “While packaging has to provide growing volumes of product information for end customers, it also has to ensure that products are fully traceable at all times. Applying a QR code with a laser is a solution with plenty of advantages.” The GEA technology experts take an end-to-end approach to designing individual solutions. That includes overseeing everything from selecting the laser supplier and initial film test to optimally positioning the laser in the packaging line.

Lasers – the swift, sustainable solution The complex codes can encode large amounts of data on a very small area.

They can be applied to the packaging by laser at high printing speeds. The bundled light creates long-lasting markings on the top film that are impervious to external influences, including heat, abrasion and water. As lasers don’t require consumables such as labels and ink, they have impressive sustainability credentials.

Lasers are ideal as marking systems in the food and beverage packaging industry since they work just as well in dusty and moist operating environments.

Flexible laser placement Different packaging processes require different approaches. Depending on production batch sizes, it’s possible to either mark the top film feed in advance or once it has passed through the thermoformer’s sealing station, but before the finished packaging units are cut apart.

For instance, a food industry customer opted for a laser marking system from Videojet to accompany its GEA thermoforming packaging machine. The chosen CO2 laser solution was integrated at the GEA PowerPak system’s sealing station to print the top film before it is joined to the bottom tray. Despite the additional pro-

cessing step, there is no increase in production time because labelling is accommodated within the integrated production process cycle.

Increased efficiency thanks to fewer film changes When packaging similar products, using a laser can significantly boost machine efficiency since the only changes necessary are the ingredient lists, which can be accessed in the database. This means there is no need to switch to previously marked films in each case. Thanks to the reduced number of film changes, setup times are cut down. And that’s not all. The cost of consumables also decreases because they can be ordered in large quantities.

“Seamless interaction between components is the source of packaging machine efficiency. Given that the laser marking system and our thermoformer are engineered to be a perfect fit, they meet high throughput, quality and product safety requirements,” says Volker Sassmannshausen in conclusion. 20

Returnable PET for sensitive beverages?

Joint research project of Krones and Alpla delivers surprising results  Despite attractive environmental credentials, returnable PET containers remain a niche product.

outstanding environmental performance, especially if they are distributed mainly regionally,” emphasises Birk.

Bradshaw. “Among the findings: With the

 Krones and Alpla are cooperating on a research project aimed at better realizing this packaging type’s potential.

Bottle samples and cleaning processes tested

additive, and mechanical impact – tem-

 The result is a returnable PET container specially designed for chilled juices and dairy products.  Objective tests provide information about microbiological safety.

Rising out of the niche: In the beverage packaging market, returnable PET containers currently play a rather small role. Wrongly so, say the results of a joint research project of Krones and Alpla. In the project’s first phase, the material and process parameters underwent a comprehensive scientific evaluation. Based on these findings, Krones and Alpla developed a returnable PET container that provides an optimal environment for sensitive ESL (Extended Shelf Life) products such as juice and milk in the cold chain.

Be it due to regulations, voluntary climate targets, or growing environmental awareness among consumers, sustainability issues are becoming an increasingly important factor in packaging choice.

“Which type of packaging performs best from an ecological perspective depends on a number of factors and must be evaluated individually for each use case,” explains Martina Birk, who is responsible for the enviro sustainability programme at Krones. But returnable PET containers often don’t even enter into consideration in the first place. “And yet they can offer 22

Krones and Alpla teamed up to make these benefits available for use for a wide range of beverages. “Until now, the main applications for returnable PET containers have been carbonated soft drinks and water,” explains Jörg Schwärzler, returnables expert and project lead at Alpla.

“But we were certain that, if we combined our expertise in materials science, preform design, container design, and systems engineering, we could find a solution for sensitive beverages like juices and dairy products. The option of using a 38-millimeter bottle neck offers particular advantages for sensitive returnable applications.”

The partners dedicated particular attention to the container cleaning process because “PET is less heat-resistant than glass,” explains developer Ines Bradshaw. “So we had to find a way to ensure both a high level of microbiological safety and a high number of use cycles while cleaning at lower temperatures.”

To obtain an objective and meaningful base of data, Krones’ development plant for washing technology in Flensburg carried out an elaborate series of tests, analysing the interaction of different bottle designs and cleaning processes.

“The tests provided us with a very clear picture of the respective thermal, chemical, and mechanical factors,” says

right combination of parameters – especially lye concentration, temperature, peratures around 60 °C are sufficient to reliably remove even dried protein, fat, and starch contamination from the containers.”

Direct comparison with returnable glass A direct comparison of returnable PET and returnable glass brought to light another interesting discovery: Over the course of several cleaning cycles, the alkaline cleaning medium visibly roughened the surface of the glass bottle, whereas nothing comparable could be observed with the PET containers. “For the filling of sensitive beverages in particular, consistent container quality can be an advantage that should not be underestimated,” notes Ines Bradshaw.

Microbiological tests are currently being conducted to definitively establish whether the technology is safe. Initial results confirm the observations made thus far: “Microbiologically, PET bottles that had gone through 25 cycles could not be distinguished from new ones,” says a very pleased Ines Bradshaw. With this proof of concept, the project has reached an important milestone and is now ready for the next major step: Preparations are already well underway for the technical field test. 

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Rapid launch of a new 1L bottle on a Guinean line thanks to Sidel remote services To expand its carbonated soft drink (CSD) brands “Planet”, “Bubble Up” and “American Cola” and meet market needs for home consumption with larger formats, Nouvelle Brasserie de Guinée (Braguinée) reached out to Sidel for help with the remote tuning of its packaging line to produce 1L bottles. In just three days, Sidel’s multi-expertise team from around the world were mobilised to guide and empower the customer, using Sidel’s latest remote line-adaptation technologies and leveraging effective digital solutions for quick set-up of larger formats.

Braguinée is a family-owned company and part of Gaselia Group. It opened its plant, equipped with a Sidel PET packaging line, in 2018 in Conakry, capital of Guinea. Braguinée is one of the top three players on the Guinean CSD market with growing demand for its products. Its best24

known products are “Planet”, available in six flavours, “Bubble Up”, in three flavours, and “American Cola”. It also manufactures other beverages such as energy drinks, juices and bottled water.

mats but also 1L bottles for three of its flagship brands (“Planet”, “Bubble Up” and “American Cola”) with high efficiency, running at 22,000 bottles per hour (bph).

As Gaselia Group had already experienced successful collaboration with Sidel since 2009, Braguinée once again turned to its trusted partner to align with market demand. The company was previously producing beverages in small, on-the-go formats (300 ml and 350 ml) and needed to adapt its production for home consumption with a larger format (1L).

A fast launch together with greater equipment knowledge

With travel restrictions due to Covid and to ensure a fast launch of the new 1L bottle, line tuning was carried out remotely thanks to Sidel Remote Video Assistance and Remote Access solutions.

The complete packaging line with a Combi SF300 for CSD, installed in 2018, can now manage not only on-the-go for-

The main objective of the intervention

by Sidel experts was to empower Braguinée’s employees with in-depth equipment expertise to ensure a safe and efficient line adjustment to the new format. To do so, an international team of high-level Sidel experts from Pakistan, Italy, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates were mobilised to ensure flawless line conversion. Remote collaboration, continuous availability of Sidel experts, accurate and clear communication between both parties as well as specific documentation facilitated the

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successful installation of the new equipment parts required to run the new 1L bottle format.

“A fast release of our new product on the market with minimum line downtime was possible thanks to strong collaboration and excellent project management

by Sidel. Everything was planned in detail, from parts installation to line start-up, and we could count on the expert team at every step of the project. They also showed great teaching skills and, thanks to the digital solutions they used, they

quickly transferred Sidel's expertise to our team. Learning by doing was a great way to develop our operators’ technical skills even further!” remembers Amadou Ndiaye, Technical Director at Braguinée.

Right combination of digital tools for efficient remote support Line tuning for the new format involved a combination of complementary digital remote solutions: Remote Video Assistance (RVA) and Remote Access to customer equipment.

Braguinée’s team could successfully check

all mechanical aspects: correct installation and adjustment of parts, validation of machine operations, and optimisation of line efficiency. In addition to live chat and drawing-over functionalities, the videosupported Augmented Reality feature accurately guided the customer. With Sidel’s expert hands showing the movements and pointing to details in real time on the equipment, seamless exchanges were possible. This resulted in Sidel experts having complete situational awareness and in accurate corresponding actions from the customer’s operators.

Also, during line adaptation, Sidel experts checked all settings and set the correct ones for the new format to ensure its quality and maintain optimal line efficiency.

“Despite the distance and Covid restrictions, Sidel was able to provide the same high quality of line conversion services to the customer with the help of our digital solutions, thus enabling greater flexibility in the whole process. The remote services also gave an additional advantage for Braguinée by saving on travel-related project time and costs for the Sidel team,” says Hannes Oeschger, Lead Customer Care Manager at Sidel.

September - October 2021

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Tomra 5C gives Hazelnut producer a competitive advantage targeting high-quality export markets Gürsoy, one of Turkey's most established hazelnut producers, is the first company in that country to harness the TOMRA 5C’s sorting technologies.

Gürsoy has been producing and selling hazelnuts since 1933 and is today one of Turkey's top 10 hazelnut exporters.

With its three facilities in Ordu on the Black Sea coast, Gürsoy is recognized in international markets as one of the most established producers in its region of hazelnuts and hazelnut side products.

Exporting to 32 countries worldwide, Gürsoy supplies natural and processed hazelnut products to large industrial companies that operate at the top level.

Gürsoy continuously invests in its facilities to ensure the quality meets customers' demands, and it is at the forefront of automation with its purchases of TOMRA optical sorters. It has chosen the new TOMRA

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5C, featuring the latest technologies, to further increase the quality of its products. Gürsoy is the first company in Turkey to use this optical sorter in processing hazelnuts.

Gürsoy produces natural hazelnuts and various processed hazelnuts for industrial use, cream types with cocoa or milk, hazelnut spread, dragée, various packaged hazelnuts, sauces, and chocolate for the domestic and export retail industry. Gürsoy has been using TOMRA machines in its facilities since the early 2000s. Six TOMRA machines are operating on the production lines of its three facilities in Ordu.

Dursun Oğuz Gürsoy, Chairman of Gürsoy, said: "Although our production volume varies from year to year due to yield and export conditions, our sales volume ranges from 10,000 to 14,000

tons of hazelnut kernels. To achieve this capacity, we benefit from the advantages of the TOMRA machines. These are usually on the natural hazelnut line because if the raw material is sorted well, you do not need to sort the product again after processing. We also have TOMRA optical sorters on the processed hazelnut lines. As we are happy with our partnership with TOMRA, which dates back over 20 years, we decided to invest in their newest machines and use the TOMRA 5C for the first time for sorting hazelnuts."

Dursun Gürsoy explained that Turkey exports hazelnuts mainly to Germany and Italy, as well as other EU countries such as France, Poland and Austria. He commented: "To meet the high expectations of European markets, we manage the production process meticulously.

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Therefore, the investments in automation that we and our customers trust become more significant. Above all, we trust the organizational structure and the continuity of TOMRA. The high productivity and success in achieving quality products with TOMRA's solutions add value to our processing operations. On the other hand, everybody knows that optical sorters reduce operational costs. Firstly the reduction in labor costs, then the advantages of high sorting capacities, and the ease of sorting the defects that are impossible to detect through visual inspections made by workers - these factors all reduce operational costs."

On the subject of exporting, Gürsoy explained: "Turkey supplies 65-70% of hazelnuts in the world every year.

Although Italy, the US, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Chile, and Spain are also top producers, Turkey leads the way globally in terms of volume and quality. In 2020, Turkey exported 280,924 tons of hazelnut kernels for a value of $1.9 billion.

Year-on-year hazelnut exports decreased by 12% and year-on-year foreign currency exports by 4% due to the downturn in export markets caused by the pandemic. The pandemic has hit the domestic market harder, with demand decreasing by 15%. However, in 2021, the strict measures and vaccination campaigns in the European countries will positively affect the markets for the June-December period, which will accelerate the positive trend in consumption.

So, we think hazelnut producers should keep investing in their facilities."

As the leading hazelnut producer, Turkey needs to increase investment in automation The pandemic has brought to the fore once again the importance of automation and optical sorting solutions in the food industry.

The rapid increase of labor costs, the added costs of the measures necessary to protect workers in and out of the facility, as well as the costs relating to the loss of labor, are all factors that highlight the importance of automation and mechanization.

September - October 2021

Dursun Gürsoy explained, "Although Turkey started using optical sorting solutions about 10-15 years ago, the use of these machines is still not sufficient. The rapid increase in financing costs makes it impossible for small- and mid-sized companies to invest. Large-scale companies strive to equip their facilities with optical sorting systems in accordance with their financial capabilities. However, the high finance charges and the downward trend of profit margins due to strong competition in the hazelnut sector are slowing down investments in optical sorters. The percentage of optical sorting systems in small- and medium-sized companies is below 5%, and despite widespread use of these systems in large- sized companies, it is still below 50%. But I believe that the negative effects of this pandemic will accelerate decisions to invest."

Gürsoy stated that using TOMRA machines has dramatically decreased the number of complaints about foreign materials and added, "While reducing labor costs, we increased our production capacity. Also, fast maintenance service, spare part service, and high machine performance are among the most important advantages of TOMRA. The return on investment for the optical sorters has improved because of all these advantages."

Gürsoy thoroughly researched the market before deciding to purchase the new TOMRA 5C: "We analyzed different optical sorter solutions. The main factors in preferring the TOMRA 5C were its sorting performance, capacity, and ability to detect the defects which other machines would miss, and our previous experience with TOMRA machines in the past years."

TOMRA Food Turkey Sales Manager Ahmet Koçyiğit said: "The TOMRA 5C premium optical sorter combines industry-leading sensors with machine learning and big-data analysis to ensure the most accurate foreign material removal possible. High-resolution lasers and the latest generation sensors help the TOMRA 5C detect and analyze the smallest defects, which are impossible to scan with other machines. With this sorter, we address the biggest challenges of the nut and dried fruit industry, such as labor, food safety and product quality. Gürsoy will be the first hazelnut processor in Turkey to use this special machine thanks to its approach being always open to improvement."

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Pakistan Agriculture Sector: A Major Source of Economic Growth

by Engr. A. R. Daudpota; Italian Trade Commission (Pakistan Desk).

Agricultural sector is indispensable to the country’s economic growth, food security, employment generation and poverty alleviation particularly, at the rural level. It contributes 19.2% to the GDP and provides employment to around 38.5% of the labor force. More than 6570% of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Agricultural growth rate has been constrained by shrinking arable land, climate change, water shortages, and large-scale population and labor shift from rural to urban areas. Increasing agricultural productivity, therefore, requires adoption of new approaches. With strong forward and backward linkages with the secondary (industrial) and tertiary (services) sectors, it can play a pivotal role to spur economic growth. However, this sector has remained prone to several challenges like climate change, variance in temperature, water shortage, and changes in pattern of precipitation along with increase in input prices.

The government is closely monitoring key crops and devising policies/planning interventions to ensure uninterrupted supply of basic food items at affordable 28

prices in the country. The primary goal of the government is to enhance financial inclusion in the agriculture sector to boost productivity and exports, thereby enabling a rural development-driven economic growth.

Rabi, being the second season, sowing begins from October to December and is harvested from April to May. It comprises mainly of wheat, gram, masoor(lentil), tobacco, rapeseed, barley and mustard.

Realizing the importance of agriculture, the government is also focusing on pro-agriculture set of policies to tap maximum benefits by introducing the agricinput regime to increase yields of major *RABI and *KHARIF. The Prime Minister has approved “Agriculture Transformation Plan” with the objective to enhance national agricultural output and livelihood of farmers.

The agriculture sector s performance during 2020-21 broadly stands encouraging as it grows by 2.77% against the target of 2.8%. The growth of important crops (wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize and cotton) during the year is 4.65%. The production of major Kharif crops 2020, such as sugarcane, maize and rice indicated considerable improvement compared to last year and surpassed the production targets.

Agriculture Performance during 2020-2021 Pakistan has two cropping seasons.

“Kharif”, the first sowing season, which starts from April to June and is harvested from October to December. This season crop cycle mainly consists of rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, moong (a small round green bean), mash (powdered malt), bajra (pearl millet or similar grain) and jowar (Sorghum vulgare, extensively cultivated in Asia and Africa).

The production of sugarcane increased by 22.0% to 81.009 million tonnes from 66.380 million tonnes, rice by 13.6% to 8.419 million tonnes from 7.414 million tonnes and maize by 7.4% to 8.465 million tonnes from 7.883 million tonnes. However, the cotton crop suffered mainly due to decline in area sown, heavy monsoon rains and pest attacks. The cotton production reduced by 22.8%, to 7.064 million bales from 9.148 million bales last year.

Cover Story Wheat, the most important crop, showed a growth of 8.1% and reached record high production level of 27.293 million tonnes compared to 25.248 million tonnes last year. The wheat cultivation area increased to 9.178 million hectares prompted by record domestic prices and official programs promoting wheat production. For the Rabi crops 2020-21, the government provided a comprehensive “Rabi Package” comprising of subsidies on fertilizer, fungicides and weedicides, together with an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat to Rs 1,800 per 40 Kg. Livestock having a share of 60.07% in agriculture and 11.53% in GDP achieved a growth of 3.06%. The fishing sector, with a share of 2.01% in agriculture value addition and 0.39% in GDP, grew by 0.73%, while forestry sector having share of 2.10% in agriculture and 0.40% in GDP grew by 1.42%.

Water availability during Kharif 2020 remained at 65.1 million acre feet (MAF) showing a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to 65.2 MAF of Kharif 2019. Rabi season 2020-21 received 31.2 MAF, showing an increase of 6.9% over Rabi 2019-20.

Crop Situation: The important crops contribute 22.49% to value addition in agriculture sector and 4.32% to GDP. Other crops account for 11.69% in value addition of agriculture sector and 2.24% in GDP.

Important Crops Cotton Cotton crop stands vital in agriculture as well as textile sector of the economy. It contributes around 0.6% to GDP and 3.1% of the value added in agriculture.

Cotton crop faces multiple challenges and competes with other crops especially sugarcane. International prices also play a role. Being an export oriented raw material of textile industries, maintaining prices at levels competitive with the international market while ensuring due profitability of growers has been a great challenge for policy makers. During 202021, the crop was cultivated on 2,079 thousand hectares, reflecting a contrac-

tion of 17.4% as compared to last year s sown area of 2,517 thousand hectares.

Production declined by 22.8% to 7.064 million bales against production of 9.148 million bales last year. Declining cultivated area has reduced production as the crop has lost its competitiveness relative to other major crops, in particular sugarcane.

Rice Rice is an important food as well as cash crop. It is the second main staple food crop after wheat and the second major exportable commodity after cotton.

It contributes 3.5% of value added in agriculture and 0.7% in GDP. Rice production comprises of basmati (fine) and coarse types. During the last few years, production of coarse types is increasing.

During 2020-21, the crop was cultivated on 3,335 thousand hectares, reflecting an increase 9.9% as compared to last year s sown area of 3,034 thousand hectares.

The current year witnessed a record production growth of 13.6% to 8.419 million tons against 7.414 million tons last year.

This was essentially due to rising unit prices and higher demand for the country s rice in export markets.

Wheat Wheat is Pakistan s main staple crop and, therefore, essential for the food security of the country. It accounts for 9.2% of the value added in agriculture and 1.8% of the GDP. Self-sufficiency in wheat has been a core objective of every government. During 2020-21, area under cultivation increased by 4.2% to 9,178

thousand hectares over last year’s sown area of 8,805 thousand hectares. Wheat crop recorded historic high production of 27.293 million tons showing an increase of 8.1% over 25.248 million tons production of last year. This was primarily due to the increase in cultivated area, along with the shift of policies towards supporting wheat crop through increase in MSP for the crop. The MSP in 2020-21 increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,800 per 40 Kg, a 29% hike.

Maize Maize is the third important cereal crop of Pakistan after wheat and rice. It contributes 3.4% to the value added in agriculture and 0.6% to GDP. Maize is cultivated as a multipurpose crop for food, feed and fodder. While human consumption is declining, its utilization in feed and wet milling industry is growing at a fast pace. During 2020-21, maize was cultivated on an area of 1,418 thousand hectares reflecting an increase of 1.0% over last year s 1,404 thousand hectares. Its production increased by 7.4% to 8.465 million tons compared to last year s production of 7.883 million tons. The production increase was largely due to increase in area, availability of improved variety of seed, and better economic returns.

Major Achievement during FY2021: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all efforts were made to fully protect the ongoing water sector development program during FY2021. Following major objec29

Cover Story tives are expected to achieve by the end of current FY2021:  Completion of 22 on-going projects at a cost of Rs 124 billion, resulting in bringing about 40 thousand acres area under cultivation especially in Baluchistan.  About 1.567 million acres of agriculture land protected from water logging & salinity by completion of RBOD-I & III in Sind.  Rainwater harvesting of 0.21 MAF through construction of small dams for irrigation, flood protection and drinking water supplies for more than 10,000 people in Baluchistan.  Employment generation for about 10,000 people (direct/indirect).  Recharging 1,000 wells/tube wells and improvement of about 400 Karezes in Baluchistan.  Around Rs 46 billion allocated for construction of large/medium dams followed by Rs 10 billion for construction of small/recharge/check dams.  Safe disposal of drainage effluent into sea through construction of RBODI,II& III.  For remodeling of existing irrigation system, a sum of Rs 961 million is planned to be expended. However, the program will be gradually transferred to the provinces.  About Rs 6.84 billion are expected to be incurred for construction of new canals (Kachhi, Rainee, Warsak and Maki Farash Link Canal).

Implementation of water management projects launched during FY2020 under the Prime Minister s Agriculture Emergency Program to “Conserve and

increase Productivity of Water” continued during FY2021.

Livestock and Poultry Livestock Over the years livestock has emerged as the largest subsector in agriculture. The sector contributed 60.1% to the agriculture value addition and 11.5% to the GDP during FY2021. More than 8 million rural families are engaged in livestock production and deriving more than 3540% of their income from this source.

Gross value addition of livestock increased to Rs 1,505 billion (2020-21) from Rs 1,461 billion (2019-20), an increase of 3.0%.

The government has renewed its focus on the livestock sector for economic growth, food security, and poverty alleviation in the country. The overall livestock development strategy resolves to foster "private sector-led development with public sector providing enabling environ-

ment through policy interventions". The regulatory measures are aimed at improving per unit animal productivity by improving health coverage, management practices, animal breeding practices, artificial insemination services, use of balanced ration for animal feeding, and controlling livestock diseases.

Poultry Poultry sector is one of the most important sub-sectors of livestock sector as it provides employment to more than 1.5 million people in country. With an investment of more than Rs 750 billion, this industry is growing at an impressive rate of approximately 7.5% per annum over the last decade. Pakistan is now placed at the 11thposition among the largest poultry producers of the world and has ample space for further improvement.

The Poultry Development Strategy revolves around disease control, hi-tech poultry production, processing, value addition, improving poultry husbandry practices and diversification of products.

Through farmer friendly policies, the government has been encouraging rural as well as commercial poultry production.

Ongoing Projects: The federal government has launched following programs under the “Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Emergency Program”: Back Yard Poultry: Under this project five million pre-vaccinated high laying backyard birds will be distributed among public across the country at subsidized rates in four years. This will provide livelihood and adequate animal protein to undernourished population. The total cost

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Cover Story

of the project is Rs 1.6 billion and 30% will be contributed jointly by federal and provincial governments while rest of the cost is expected to be borne by the beneficiary.

Safe the Calf: Under this project, 380,000 male calves have been projected to be saved from early slaughter in 4 years period through financial incentive of Rs 3,000 per calf to farmers besides reducing mortality with improved nutrition and husbandry practices. The intervention will provide stock for feedlot fattening for enhanced productivity and quality beef which ultimately result in high profit margins for the farmers and reduced rural poverty. The total cost of the project is Rs 3.4 billion. The federal government will contribute 20% of total cost while the remaining will be shared by provincial governments.

Calf Feedlot Fattening in Pakistan: Under this program Rs 4,000 for each calf has been allocated as financial incentive to persuade farmers to produce healthy and nutritious beef in the country. The intervention will promote feedlot fattening business in the country. The total cost of the project is Rs 2.4 billion.

The following two projects are also being launched by federal government:  Development of Yak at High Altitude Area of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan): The main objective of the project is to increase the population of Yak in potential valleys of Gilgit–Baltistan through support and training to Yak farmers for proper feedings, breeding, disease control, fattening and marketing. Under this project assistance will also be provided for development of hygienic butcheries in the January - February 2020

private sector with the aim to improve livelihood of farmers and self-sustaining Yak entrepreneurs.

The total cost of the project is Rs 54.0 million.  National Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Eradication Programme: Under this project efforts will be made to move Pakistan into Stage 3 of the progressive step-wise approach of Office International des Epizooties (OIE) for PPR eradiation in next five years. This will be achieved by maintaining an efficient surveillance system through better coordination between different laboratories and the use of bio-molecular techniques for epidemiology of PPR in Pakistan.

The total cost of the project is Rs 1.8 billion.

Government Policy Measures Ministry of National Food Security and Research(NFS&R) with its re-defined role under the 18th Constitutional Amendment undertook the following measures:  Import of high yielding dairy cattle breeds of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey for enhanced milk production.  Provision of semen and embryos of high yielding animals for the genetic improvement of indigenous low producing animals.  Import of high quality feed stuff/micro ingredients for improving the nutritional quality of animals & poultry feed; and  Import of dairy, meat and poultry processing machinery/equipment at concessional tariff/duty in order to encourage and promote the establishment of value addition in the country.

Future Plans Ministry of National Food Security & Research (NFS&R) plans to focus on the following in future:  Inter-provincial coordination for development of livestock sector.  Coordination with private sector to promote value addition in livestock industry and diversification of livestock production.  Control of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (FMD, PPR, Zootomic diseases) of trade and economic importance through provincial participation.  Bringing more investments in livestock sector.  Exploring new markets for export of meat and dairy products with focus on global Halal food trade market.  Development of national breeding policy.

Finale Agriculture sector has a strong linkage with food security and growth of other sectors of economy. The present government has assigned high priority to growth of agriculture sector on sustainable basis and is implementing the most appropriate policies to achieve the desired outcome.

The government s *Rabi/*Kharif packages for growth of agriculture will further improve its output and trickle down to farmers. The emphasis is on the use of better quality seed, and modern technologies to ameliorate agriculture outlook and food security. *Rabi(in Pakistan the grain crop sown in September and reaped in the spring). *Kharif(in Pakistan the autumn crop sown at the beginning of the summer rains). 31

EIMA INTERNATIONAL 2021

EIMA International Exhibition 2021 International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibition The 2021 edition of EIMA International, scheduled to take place in Bologna from 19 to 23 October, will be more "topical" than ever. In a context that sees the "Green Deal" taking shape in Europe, where ecological transition is a priority for national governments, where digitalisation is a condition for the innovation of production processes, EIMA International will make a contribution of high strategic value.

The great exhibition of machinery for agriculture, landscaping and related components will offer the entire lanscape of technologies and electronic devices for the correct use of natural resources and the implementation of eco-sustainable processes. The exhibition is divided into 14 product sectors and five specialised theme halls, and will feature all those solutions that guarantee environmental compatibility, now a priority in the new EU agricultural policy. Particular attention 32

will be paid to new models that have won the Technical Innovation Award and especially to those awarded the "Blue" sustainability prize.

Considerable interest may be aroused by the wide range of products exhibited in the "Idrotech" show dedicated to systems for optimising water resources, as well as those on display in the "Digital" show, dedicated to electronic, computer and satellite applications that help control the processing and the scientific management of production factors, achieving the "4.0" model in agriculture.

The conversion towards renewable sources is the objective of EIMA "Energy", which offers mechanization systems for entire bioenergy supply chains. The preservation of organic substance in the soil, the reduction of chemical inputs and the prevention of geological risks will be the subject of numerous conferences and seminars as

part of the rich calendar of events scheduled during the exhibition.

The Bologna exhibition center, which has hosted the event since 1969, the year of its first edition, is ready to welcome exhibitors and visitors in avenue that is being upgraded: after the new pavilions 29 and 30, inaugurated at the 2018 edition, EIMA International will see the launch of pavilion 37, as well as a restyling of the walkways, refreshment areas and services, representing a further step towards the complete restructuring of the exhibition Centre that was already planned. But it will be above all the control and health and safety systems that will qualify the Bologna exhibition center and the October event.

These systems will ensure the distancing of visitors, expected from all over the world, thanks also to the "green corridors" set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The measures include rationalized

EIMA INTERNATIONAL Fruit Logistica 2021

routes for flow management, IT support and apps to monitor the distribution of the public in the halls, health and control facilities, and above all systems for the on-line purchase of tickets and for booking business meetings so as to avoid crowding and useless stops inside the exhibition canter. In all likelihood, EIMA 2021 will be one of the first major exhibition events to adopt the Pass for "certified" visitors - currently being studied at the European level - representing as far as possible a protected place, the symbol of an agricultural and industrial economy that is finally getting back on track.

The sustainable use of water resources is one of the central themes of EIMA International, the great exhibition of agricultural machinery to be held in Bologna. Climate change is depleting the planet's water resources, as the reduction in rainfall and the increasing irregularity in their distribution make it impossible to balance consumption and replenish reserves. According to a recent FAO report, these reserves have shrunk by 20% in 20 years, bringing to 1.2 billion the number of people living in areas with a high water deficit. The emergency also concerns Europe, in particular the

September - October 2021

Mediterranean basin which - warns the European Environment Agency - is increasingly affected by desertification. In a scenario characterised by a growing demand for foodstuffs, agriculture must necessarily increase production yields without worsening the water deficit, and the answer lies in the use of advanced technological solutions. Pumping and filtering systems, water delivery systems from "sprinklers" to hose reel wagons, from rain wings to fertirrigation equipment, and all the specific components including the most advanced control units and devices, are the wide range of products that EIMA Idrotech can showcase, and which it can also describe thanks to a programme of conventions and technical seminars involving universities and institutions and taking place at the exhibition.

Innovation will, once again, be the key theme of EIMA International.

Organized by FederUnacoma, the Italian association of agricultural machinery manufacturers, the Bologna event - the first event for the agromechanical sector that takes place "physically" after the restrictions imposed by the Covid 19 emergency - will be the international showcase of the latest generation tech-

nologies applied to agriculture, and it will offer businesspeople from all over the world the widest choice of models for every type of processing.

"EIMA 2021 will have great impact in terms of technological offerings," explains Alessandro Malavolti, president of FederUnacoma, the Italian federation of manufacturing industries that is the direct organizer of the event, "and it will have considerable influence in terms of political content, helping to promote strategies to guide agriculture towards a green transition. As always, the technology showcase is expected to be very wide-ranging, given that to date 1,500 manufacturers have confirmed their participation, with more than 400 foreign companies. Many more could join in if the restrictions imposed by the health emergency in some countries are lifted.

"Industries from every country are taking part in EIMA with increasingly sustainable technologies," concludes Malavolti, "because the ecological transition is a qualifying element of the European economy, but first and foremost it is a vital necessity for the entire planet".

The spotlight will be on the new products and initiatives dedicated to new gen-

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EIMA INTERNATIONAL 2021

eration systems, but above all on the Technical News, competition/exhibition, which will be exhibited for the entire duration of the exhibition in the Quadriportico of the exhibition center.

This time, the initiative dedicated to "Technical Innovations", which has always been one of the most anticipated sections of the event, had a longer preparation and selection phase than usual, due to the postponement of the EIMA dates.

The components industry for agricultural machinery and equipment is restarting at a faster pace than expected. Data from the periodic survey carried out by Comacomp (FederUnacoma) on the basis of surveys of member companies indicate a clear increase in total turnover in the first quarter of the year. 51.5% of the companies surveyed recorded increases of over 20%, and another substantial number of companies (22.5%) recorded increases of between 11% and 20%. The majority of companies (60%) have seen their turnover increase on the domestic market, but the expansion trend has also affected the share of turnover generated by exports. Sales in the European area have a great impact, with about half of Italian companies reporting increases in turnover of over 11% and one company in five reporting increases of over 20%.

Non-European markets also performed positively: 53% of the sample recorded a growth in business, while a significant

34

number of companies (35%) maintained last year's levels.

Digital technologies for agriculture 4.0 are at the center of EIMA International 2021, the world exhibition of agricultural mechanics scheduled from 19 to 23 October at the Bologna Fair Centre. In fact, the great Bologna event will include a space specifically dedicated to advanced electronics in Pavilion 36. It is the EIMA Digital Exhibition, confirmed this year after the success of the 2018 edition, offering visitors a broad overview of the latest generation solutions for satellite guidance, GPS, on-board computers, ISOBUS devices, sensors, specific software and drones. Four months after the show, says FederUnacoma, the direct organizer of EIMA, about 30 specialized companies have confirmed their participation in the "Digital" exhibition, and others should be added in the coming weeks, given the topicality of the theme and the economic interest in 4.0 technologies.

In addition to being a showcase for the most advanced technologies, EIMA Digital is also an opportunity for dissemination and professional updating on the applications of 4.0. Specific seminars and conferences are scheduled in the context of the Show, thanks to the presence of university and research institutions and the collaboration with AEF, the world

association of experts in digital systems applied to agriculture, which will have a fixed presence at EIMA 2021.

The rescheduling of the event due to the health emergency made it possible to divide the “Technical Innovations” award into two stages, extending the deadlines for submitting candidate innovations. The first round, during which 43 unpublished solutions were awarded - 15 as "Technical Innovations", strictly speaking, and 28 as "Mentions" - ended on 12 November with the proclamation of the winning technologies, as part of the EIMA Digital Preview, the virtual preview of EIMA International. The second, which saw the recognition of 12 other innovations among those that subsequently came to the attention of the jury, ended at the end of January with the completion of all the procedures and dissemination activities. Of the 12 awarded innovations, five were recognized as "Technical Innovations", being totally original and unpublished devices, while the remaining 7 as "Mentions", that is to say as constructive solutions that still stand out for efficiency and ability to improve the performance of agricultural machinery.

The 43 winning models of the first session and the 12 winners of the second will be awarded in October in Bologna, with the official ceremony scheduled during EIMA International.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2021

Gulfood Manufacturing 2021: The Significant Event for Global Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry The annual event that matters for food manufacturing globally, Gulfood Manufacturing returns live in-person from 7-9 November 2021 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Many of the world’s leading manufacturing innovators wouldn’t miss the opportunity to be at the only industry event of the year. Meet them all, alongside the global food processing & packaging communities to explore all the major production advancements, in one go. Gulfood Manufacturing, in associa-

36

tion with partner food processing players will take you on a memorable journey that will show you real-life innovations at work inside some of the region’s top, award-winning food factories.

From robotic packing solutions to tech-based ingredients to integrated manufacturing solutions, here’s the chance to first-hand experience all the megatrends and innovations redefining the food sector. The new and improved 2021 edition of Gulfood Manufacturing

sets to unveil a much wider exhibition profile than ever before. It displays solutions for the complete spectrum of food & beverage manufacturing, starting from the initial formulation of ingredients, to processing, packaging, and automation, all the way through to supply chain and logistics when finished products reach end-consumers.

A year after the pandemic caused havoc in the global food supply, the pressure on the industry is larger than ever.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2021

Experts and industry prophets are raising the alarm on feeding 9.1 billion population by 2050.

ent countries as well as tens of thousands of visitors.

paving the way for leaner production, automated operations, and optimized processes. Those who run a food production plant, this is what they stand to gain by visiting: Strengthen production capabilities, Get face time with thousands of global companies from across the GCC and Africa, Meet the professionals who will solve equipment, service and support problems, Test new ingredients that will keep customers happy, See which technology one can upgrade with, Find budget-friendly F&B processing solutions, Cut costs, Make way for profits, Touch and feel the power of innovation, Meet the great minds behind the world’s leading production facilities, Network with investors and find next big business opportunity.

Gulfood Manufacturing returns with all its conferences, with the mission of bringing the leading food authorities, manufacturing companies, supply chain entities, distributors, retailers and the most influential industry names in-person to address the now and next.

Gulfood Manufacturing will connect the visitors with suppliers from different countries showcasing the latest F&B manufacturing business improvement tools. It recognizes the region’s ripe business potential as a leading international manufacturing and processing hub to serve domestic and international demand.

Growing food safety and waste concerns, and a desire to get produce to the market faster and more affordably, are factors driving innovation and impacting equipment producers in a fiercely competitive F&B market. Gulfood Manufacturing 2021 addresses these and other industry issues with the latest in processing technology on show across thousands square meters of exhibition space. Tailored networking opportunities at the mega event are also shaping the industry’s future, with sector-wide collaboration that is crucial to meeting challenges.

In addition to qualified food manufacturers expected at Gulfood Manufacturing who will actively be seeking solutions that are provided, one will also have direct access to a bonus 15,000+ buyer footfall from three colocated shows running alongside the event. These shows focus on gourmet, seafood, confectionery, and snack industries. As for packaging, Gulfood Manufacturing will showcase the latest innovations in FMCG packaging like spoilage sensors, smart caps, customized packaging, hologram technology, virtual reality, and personalized packaging.

Gulfood Manufacturing now has a well-established reputation as a multi-billion-dollar business transaction space with multiple dedicated sectors to improve the buyer and seller experience: Ingredients, Processing, Packaging, Automation & Controls, and Supply Chain Solutions – that accommodated almost thousands of local, regional and international suppliers and industry service providers from differ-

The event will also offer industry professionals, manufacturers and solution providers from around the world a glimpse of the latest in food processing and packaging across three days of business-intensive trading, networking and learning.

Like the previous years’ event, this time also the Gulfood Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards 2021 will recognize and honor the best practices and innovation within the food manufacturing industry value chain. In addition, the Innovation Demos will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to witness reallife innovations at work inside some of the region’s top, award-winning food factories.

The current F&B landscape is undergoing constant change. The latest innovations and disruptive technology are

They are open for application by all confirmed exhibitors of the show. Entries will be judged by an international panel

September - October 2021

Industry Excellence Awards

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Gulfood Manufacturing 2021

of qualified experts representing food processing and packaging industries, graphics experts, equipment suppliers, academia, the trade press, governmental, environmental and trade organizations.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on the first day of the show in Dubai.

Foodtech Summit The Gulfood Manufacturing Foodtech Summit will once again bring together international F&B experts and industry leaders, key decision-makers and innovators to discuss the global F&B market developments and the latest solutions that will help the industry improve efficiency, productivity, and quality.

The conference will look at the introduction of next-gen technologies into the industry to transform F&B manufacturing facilities into smart factories and how that will potentially advance the industry. The program will also explore how we can secure food for the future and to what extent F&B industry can innovate and create alternative food supply and resources.

aroma, the added ingredients, and various sensory elements are woven together throughout to create a narrative-based holistic experience, something unique.

Innovation Tours

Ingredients Lab

One can sample breakthrough products fresh out of food laboratories and can also feel the power of versatile, highspeed machines. In a rare guided tour, one can experience the best of food production showcases that are changing the way food is manufactured.

Master classes and demonstrations by main exhibitors with limited spaces will be held. Paired by design with sound and

Gulfood Manufacturing, in association with partner food processing players, is bringing an unforgettable drive that will

show real-life modernizations at work exclusively some of the region’s top, award-winning food factories. The tours will also lend in a sneak peek into some of the region’s most advanced and progressive food factories and world-class, topof-the-line production capabilities that make them the best in the business.

Packaging Showcase Manufacturers over the world are looking for more sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. Material and design innovations are reshaping this category, and for the first time at Gulfood Manufacturing, one will be able to explore a showcase of the latest innovations in FMCG packaging: Spoilage sensors, Smart caps, Customised packaging, Hologram technology, Virtual reality, Personalised packaging and more.

Connexions - The Meetings Programme The Gulfood Manufacturing Connexions Meetings Programme is the official oneto-one networking platform for exhibitors and visitors at the show. This matchmaking feature allows registered visitors and exhibitors to search thousands of contacts in the Gulfood Manufacturing database and arrange meetings at the show.

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Gulfood Manufacturing 2021

Exhibitors at Gulfood Manufacturing 2021 Iftekhar Ahmed & Co IAC is the single largest company working in Pakistan with well integrated supply chain management systems, operating comprehensively as grower, packer, wholesaler, cold storage facility provider, processor and exporter of fresh fruits, vegetables, fruit pulp, clear juice concentrate, fruit drink & fruit nectars.

Riverside Raw Materials Pvt. Ltd. Riverside Raw Materials Pvt. Ltd. is a part of Chicago Group of Companies located in Pakistan and USA. We are in the business of providing Raw Materials to the Food and Beverage industry.

GEA GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Their portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Used across diverse industries, they enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Their business model has evolved significantly since our founding in 1881 as a metals trading company. Today, their five business divisions are supported by more than 18,000 dedicated employees located in 64 countries. GEA customers benefit from our global reach, extensive local presence, and from the depth and breadth of our processing knowledge and portfolio, underpinned by a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.

September - October 2021

Shafi Gluco Chem Shafi Gluco Chem is the world’s leading producer and exporter of sweeteners and proteins. Specializing in Rice and Tapioca ingredients, we believe in creating consistent value for our customers. In line with our organic philosophy, Shafi Gluco Chem has pioneered several innovations, driving the industry trends forward.

We ensure top quality procurement from our organic fields; an additive-free natural production process; and promise a simple and cleaner label while enabling numerous functionalities for all food and drink formulations.

We are deeply committed to safety, quality, integrity, and excellence in everything we do! Since 2003 we have been exporting our wide range of products to more than 90 countries globally. Our customers include a wide array of consumers including bakeries, confectioneries, food and beverage companies, pharmaceuticals, buyers and distributors. Our strong supply chain network assures a prompt response, shortened lead times and dependable product quality when and where you need it.

Krones Krones offers lines for the beverage industry and food producers: process technology, filling technology, packaging machines, all the way through to IT solutions. Every day, millions of glass bottles, cans and PET containers run through a Krones line. As a supplier for complete systems, Krones provides breweries, beverage bottlers and food producers all over the world with individual machines and with complete production lines.

Krones designs and implements complete lines for beverages and food, which cover each individual production process step – starting from product and container production, filling and packaging all the way up to material flow and container recycling.

Schneider Electric Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On. Their mission is to be your dig-

ital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

They drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realize the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities for your business. Provide end-point to cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services. They enable lifecycle solutions from design and build to operate and maintain phases through a digital twin and deliver capabilities to transform from site-to-site to an integrated company management. Their integrated solutions are built with safety, reliability and cyber security for your homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

Sidel People all over the world consume products packaged by Sidel Group solutions every day. Each of those packaging solutions is developed according to the goal to deliver the highest quality standards to consumers. They are a leading provider of equipment, services and complete solutions for packaging liquids, 39

Gulfood Manufacturing 2021

foods, home and personal care products in PET, can, glass and other materials.

There are close to 40,000 Sidel Group machines in operation in over 190 countries today. Every one of them is the result of our almost 170 years of proven experience and innovation. They continually focus on providing partners with advanced systems, line engineering and innovation that are designed with one thing in mind: to ensure the customer reach their business goals.

TATE & LYLE They make food extraordinary. For 160 years, they’ve been driven by the passion to create food people love.

Because we’re food people. It’s not just what we do. It’s what we love. Their deep technical expertise and passion drive the innovation and creativity that thrive within their business. They are committed to operating responsibly, working with the local communities and protecting the environment for future generations. Their core values of safety, integrity and respect help drive their corporate responsibility program.

BAKER PERKINS Throughout the world, shop and supermarket shelves are stacked with foods made on equipment supplied by Baker Perkins. In the bread, biscuit, confectionery, snack and breakfast cereal sectors, many of the world's leading brands rely on technology supplied by Baker Perkins.

Baker Perkins' equipment and service drive the production and profit at many of the world’s leading food manufacturers. The company's strength lies in its process expertise, engineering excellence and extensive service philosophy, extending from design and manufacture through installation and commissioning to Lifetime Support.

THOMASON Since its establishment in 1977, THOMASON is one of the leading European Industrial companies in manufacturing of all kind of 40

MULTIVAC MULTIVAC is one of the leading suppliers of integrated packaging solutions with a focus on packaging, processing, portioning, labelling and marking as well as inspection and handling.

They build the market position on an innovative and cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive product portfolio, as well as on a long-term expertise and experience. Their customers benefit from the profound knowledge of processes and automation, the same as from the closeness to their business.

Bottling Lines and its accessories for liquids - creams and powders for the Cosmetics - Pharmaceuticals - Food and Beverage - Dairy - Chemicals and Agrochemicals - Liquid Detergents Edible Oils as well as Lube Oils .

THOMASON is one of the leading companies with clients in all over Arab Countries - Europe – Asia and USA basing the company success of being able to design and manufacture machines according to customer needs and specifications .The developing and studying of the machines is done by high skilled personnel and are under all European high standard materials according to CE regulations, manufactured for high performance, precision and efficiency.

TECALIT TECALIT Srl is an Italian company which manufactures and supplies machinery for the food industry and is specialized in complete plants for the production of Pasta and Snack pellets. TECALIT Srl designs its own equipment and delivers "Turn-Key" industrial plants. They supply a number of complete State-Of-The-Art production lines. Tecalit provides the Customer a highly specialized technical and technological service during installation and after sales. They transfer knowhow and competent training to Customer's personnel.

Kohlhoff The origin of our company was in 1976. At that time Uwe Kohlhoff founded a specialised company for sheet metal processing. Thanks to its high operational flexibility and the specialisation in the

processing of stainless steel, KOHLHOFF was soon able to construct and produce custom-made articles of the most diverse kinds. An up to then very successful development resulted in the foundation of our present company in the early 1990s.

The performance focusses of the KOHLHOFF Hygienetechnik GmbH & Co. KG encompass development, production and sales of own hygiene technology machines, appliances and equipment in order to comply with the worldwide applicable regulations for personnel and industrial hygiene for food processing companies.

GATRONOVA Gatron (Industries) Ltd. and Novatex Limited belong to a group of companies, G&T – Gani & Tayub. The group is in business since 1948. These seven decades of operational excellence, experience and expertise have all formed a combined strength to empower the group as a leading name in Polyester Filament Yarn, Polyester Chips and PET Resin in Pakistan.

SOCAPS SOCAPS is the worldwide leader in TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE in the Food & Beverage packaging industry, but also present in the Healthcare, Cosmetics, Energy and Aeronautics industries. Since 1984, they are assisting industrial equipment manufacturers all over the world by helping them to design, assemble, install and maintain their equipment worldwide.

They are present all over the world, with local teams in several countries and a large community of technicians ready to travel wherever they are needed.

ANUGA 2021

ANUGA 2021 - Featuring International Organic Products A full spectrum of organic products that carry proof of a recognized organic certification, commonly found on the marketplace, awaits visitors in the specialized ‘Anuga Organic’ trade show at Anuga 2021, held from 9 to 13 October.

The theme 'organic' has gained significance over the past few years due to consumers' growing awareness of health and the environment. The global market for organic food and beverages and related innovations have experienced an additional boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic and inclination towards healthy, regional and natural products.

According to a market survey by Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA), the international market for organic products, which was estimated to be worth US$198.1 billion in the year 2020, is anticipated to increase up to US$ 495.9 billion by 2027. An annual growth rate of 14.7% has been forecast for the fruit and 42

vegetables segment alone. For meat, fish and poultry, an annual growth rate of 15.3 % is expected for the next sevenyear period. The list of exhibitors at Anuga currently includes around 2,000 suppliers for organic, clean label and nonGMO products. Out of this total, about 180 exhibitors were directly exhibited at Anuga Organic. Some prominent exhibitors included BioOrto, English Tea Shop, Followfood, Lauretana, Natur'inov, Sipa, Spack, Trouw, The iidea Company, Veganz, Wechsler Feinfisch and Wholey.

Anuga Organic also boasts an excellent international alignment with group stands from Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Peru, Hungary and the USA.

Anuga Organic Market and the Anuga Organic Forum The exhibition skilfully presented organic products to the retail trade and

graphically demonstrates the possibilities of a diversified organic line-up. An organic range that suits the customers and location, offered regional products, fair trade and vegan food continue to set trends and drive the industry.

The focus additionally lies on fresh meat, milk and dairy products, Matcha products, organic delicatessen and organically grown wines. Parallel to the 'Anuga Organic Market' special event, high-calibre speakers discussed the current and forward-looking themes of the organic industry in the 'Anuga Organic Forum' of the digital format Anuga @home.

The focus here lies on practical information and training. The aim is to promote and enhance knowledge on organic products and their marketing. The top themes included:  The development of the organic landscape in Europe in the context of the green deal

ANUGA 2021 Fruit Logistica

 Organic in the USA: Maintaining integrity  25% organic in the EU - how will we manage that by 2030?  Organic in Russia - current status and where the development is headed  Organic brand essence as a driver of the transformation Around 4,000 companies from 91 countries have participated in Anuga 2021, more exhibitors this year than the previous ones, particularly in the form of joint country participation.

With the aid of the new funding program of the Federal Government in Germany, the leading global trade fair for food and beverages wss supporting the re-start of German exhibitors at trade fairs.

Small and medium-sized companies based in Germany received financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) in participating at leading international trade fairs in Germany, including Anuga.

This program aimed to support the marketing of innovative products, processes, and services as efficiently as

September - October 2021

possible to open up export markets. The funding comprised a subsidy towards the costs for stand rental and stand construction of up to Euro 12,500.

This year's trade fair won't quite match the full international scope of exhibitors compared to previous events due to the pandemic. The event has set a new concept-related benchmarks as it combines the advantages of a physical event with digital features in the form of Anuga@home.

However, all ten trade shows are taking place, and the entire grounds of Koelnmesse are covered. Countries with the highest number of exhibitors come from Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the USA.

Future Themes Under the key theme 'Transform', the leading global trade fair for food and beverages has picked up on future themes this year and presented, among others, innovations from the cell-based proteins, meat substitute products, clean label, free-from, health and functional foods sections.

The congresses that were being staged parallel to the trade fair also addressed the key topics. For example, the New Food Conference was celebrating its Anuga debut this year, focusing on cell-based proteins.

The sustainability conference of the Centre for Sustainable Corporate Management (ZNU) examined the complexity of a wide range of challenges across the supply chain, such as climate, packaging, food losses and human rights.

The innovation summit, Newtrition X, addressed the topics of change and provide insights into new cognitions regarding personalised diets.

The International Frozen Food Network (IFFN), a gathering of the world's leading frozen food associations, took part in Anuga for the first time in 2021.

The IFFN aims to raise international awareness of the benefits of frozen food and share best practices within the international frozen food industry. In Cologne, the network focused on its efforts in communications, sustainability and food safety.

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ANUGA 2021

Koelnmesse - Global Competence in Food and FoodTec Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing.

Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders.

Koelnmesse not only organized food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany, but also in other growth markets around the globe, including Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

These activities enable Anuga offered its customers a network of events that grant access to different markets, creating a sustainable and stable international business.

Anuga Frozen Food, part of the Anuga 2021 trade show, was the international business platform for the global frozen food industry – a segment that has proved popular with consumers during the pandemic period.

According to the organisers, some 370 national and international exhibitors from across the frozen food segment represented at the event, supported by a digital extension, Anuga@home. Anuga Frozen Food 2021 will help shape the

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international exchange in the frozen food business.

Anuga Meat, which forms part of Anuga 2021, was the most comprehensive business platform for the meat industry, encompassing unprocessed meats, meat preparations and convenience products.

While the pandemic is likely to mean that this year's Anuga Meat exhibition didn't quite match the usual scope of international exhibitors, suppliers from more than 30 countries are set to attend this important trade fair for the meat industry.

From an international perspective, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the USA participated in Anuga Meat, while further exhibitors have already announced their digital participation in the accompanying Anuga @home platform.

The Anuga Dairy trade fair, which forms part of Anuga 2021, recorded 'good registration figures', the organisers have said, as the industry readies itself for the return to in-person events.

Businesses already registered to take part in Anuga Dairy which occupied Hall 10.1 at Koelnmesse, include major producers such as Emmi, FrieslandCampina

and Lactalis, as well as a broad range of national and regional firms and representative groups.

Showcasing The Dairy Alternatives Market In keeping with the theme of Anuga 2022, 'Transform', this year's Anuga Dairy will devote special attention to the 'Dairy Alternatives' market this year.

Plant-based milk alternatives have been enjoying rapid market growth for several years. According to the statistics, the worldwide market of alternative dairy products is forecast to reach a market volume of around $34.6 billion by the year 2029.

In particular, milk and dairy products based on plants such as soya, oats and almonds are popular among consumers, while more and more plant-based cheese alternatives are similarly establishing themselves.

Alongside new players on the market, the traditional dairy industry is taking advantage of this market opportunity and is developing new, high-quality trend brands. For example, over the past years more and more milk alternatives and young brands like Simply V, Happy Cheeze or Jogurty Magda Sp. z o.o. have earned themselves a place in the refrigerated aisle.