Food & Beverage Industry News February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024

THE FUTURE OF

PACKAGING IS NOW

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Editor: Adam McCleery

I

used to give little thought to the packaging used for the food and drinks I would purchase, beyond the cosmetic that is, until I started working within the industry and learning more about the impact packaging choices can have on wider society.

Today, awareness around the need for more innovative packaging has grown and the food and beverage manufacturing industry is answering the call.

As I continue to cover the food and beverage packaging space, I learn more about how the industry is driving innovation in packaging, from A to Z. Whether it be the machinery used to manufacture packaging, alternative packaging material, or end product packaging, innovation is everywhere in the industry.

APPEX 2024 presents the perfect setting to showcase these innovations. The trade event covers processing and packaging, and promises to offer invaluable insights from packaging and processing experts.

Starting on March 12, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, APPEX will have a 50 per cent larger floor plan than its predecessor, AUSPACK 2022. Showing the importance, and scope, of the sector to the wider industry.

Society continues to move towards a more sustainable future off the back of scientific data and the continued push from stakeholder groups around the need to reduce things like single use plastics.

The food and beverage industry is always present in the lives of consumers, who are helping drive the push for more sustainable and alternative packaging options, as plastics continue to be phased out.

From paper bags in supermarkets, to biodegradable

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4 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

packaging. The impact of consumer demand is obvious, and the positive impacts on the future as quantifiable.

The food and beverage manufacturing industry is helping lead the way in more sustainable packaging and trade shows like APPEX play an integral role. Bringing key stakeholders together proves to be invaluable when it comes to helping drive an industry forward, especially when innovation is in high gear.

Food & Beverage Industry News speaks with some of these key stakeholders about the innovations they are working on and/or using, and the various positive impacts of doing so.

Digitalisation is also playing a key role in driving innovation, with a string of software solutions helping to drive down energy consumption which in turn helps to reduce costs, while increasing output.

The future of the industry, in terms of packaging, is going to be an interesting one as alternative packaging materials continue to gain traction, and traditional materials undergo improvements.

The push for more a sustainable and efficient future is also helping drive the push for an improved circular economy where viable, including packaging. And 2024 is looking to be a critical year in the push to a circular economy, with several products and recycling programs, set to launch.

It’s going to be an exciting future in the sector, and I for one am here for it.

Until next month. Happy reading.

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CONTENTS 20

8 NEWS 16 MEET THE MANUFACTURER Single-O finding success in ready to drink coffee sector.

20 INGREDIENTS Earlee Products’ solutions address key areas within the industry.

22 BATCH SYSTEMS Bürkert is offering a turnkey fluid batching solution.

24 PACKAGING Packserv continues to innovate and upscale production.

30

26 DIGITALISATION IFM digital solutions’ amplify advantages of IO-Link technology.

28 INGREDIENTS Australian Bakels manufactures and distributes an extensive range of innovative ingredients and application solutions.

30 COMPRESSORS A new, class 0 oil-free rotary screw compressor has joined KAESER’s range in time for APPEX and AMW. 32 LOGISTICS Schmitz Cargobull continues to work closely with food industry.

36

34 PACKAGING Tetra Pak’s range of innovative and environmentally friendly packaging has entered the RTD coffee space.

36 MICE The 2023 Melbourne International Coffee Expo was a big success, sparking aspirations to surpass this achievement in 2024.

38 WASTEWATER Aerofloat’s wastewater treatment solution for Beak & Jonhston demonstrates the company’s expertise.

40 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IMCD Australia is a leading distributor of specialty raw materials, functional food ingredients and processing aids in Australia.

44

42 QUALITY CONTROL Ishida’s photon counting dual energy IX-PD Series X-ray system is a crucial tool in food manufacturing and packaging.

44 APPEX The Food Industry Solution Series, set to take place at APPEX 2024, promises to address a wide scope of topics.

46 MEGATRANS Melbourne will host a gathering of supply chain leaders to deliberate on the future of the logistics industry.

48 PACKAGING Haver & Boecker’s filling systems for valve bags will be on full display at APPEX 2024.

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6 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

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Haigh’s unveil designs for $130m manufacturing development H

Image: PepsiCo ANZ

aigh’s Chocolates has released designs of its future $130 million-dollar Salisbury South manufacturing facility.

The development, which works will commence on this month, is the single largest infrastructure investment in the history of the South Australian family-owned business as it prepares for further expansion and growth.

“This project represents a significant milestone for Haigh’s, as it will see our current chocolate production capacity double, allowing us to meet increased demand and interstate growth opportunities, including entering new markets,” says Haigh’s Chocolates chief executive Alister Haigh.

Haigh’s plan for the state-of-the-art facility to be fully operational in the second half of 2025, accommodating up to 400 employees over the course of the growth phase including the creation of approximately 150 new jobs.

“Not only will this project directly create new jobs and opportunities at this site, it will facilitate employment growth across our retail business

CIP Constructions have been appointed to oversee the development.

Australia-wide creating up to 250 new jobs in the medium and long term,” explains Haigh’s Chocolates chief operating officer, Peter Millard.

Encompassing 9,000m2 to house new production facilities and 6,000m2 for warehousing and online fulfilment,

$36 million dollars of the project investment will go towards state-ofthe-art European made equipment.

This includes specialised panning, enrobing and moulding lines as well as kitchen and packing equipment chosen to complement its artisan chocolate

PepsiCo ANZ appoints new HR Director P Charlton is currently Head of Talent Management & Organisational Design for ANZ.

epsiCo Australia announced the promotion of Kirsty Charlton to the role of HR director, PepsiCo ANZ. Charlton is currently Head of Talent Management & Organisational Design for ANZ, responsible for elevating the employee experience through Learning & Development, Leadership Development, Talent Management & DE&I. Her approach is to be creative, and challenge to do things differently.

Kirsty joined PepsiCo in 2018 as the HRBP for Commercial functions.

Commenting on the promotion of Charlton, Kyle Faulconer, CEO at

8 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

PepsiCo ANZ, said, “we are excited to welcome Kirsty into this new role, where she will be responsible for ensuring we have a robust pipeline and engagement that can enable our business growth in Australia and New Zealand.”

“Kirsty is a skilled and valued member of the PepsiCo ANZ team and has achieved many successes in her five years with the PepsiCo business.”

“Kirsty spearheaded a new L&D strategy for ANZ streamlining our offering and having a more personalised and targeted approach, launched Super 5, our new global team effectiveness framework incorporating

making capabilities.

CIP Constructions have been appointed to oversee the development on the 36,000m2 site and will engage over 200 people to support the construction of the building which has been designed

by BELL Architects. F

Insights Discovery across ANZ, revitalised the ANZ DE&I agenda with a focus on elevating women, building relationships with indigenous communities, and fostering inclusion, and successfully introduced the innovative ‘Mind the Gap’ careers agenda to the organisation,” said Faulconer.

“I am really excited to lead the ANZ HR team and shape the future of our People First Strategy,” said Charlton.

“I am really proud to work for an organisation where we have iconic brands that are part of consumers lives and where our career goals are seen and heard.” F

Image: Haigh’s Chocolates

NEWS

Spritzer clinches ninth win at the World Branding Awards S PRITZER Bhd has announced its ninth consecutive win in the national beverage division, water category, at the World Branding Awards – Brand of the Year 2023.

The prestigious award, presented at Kensington Palace, London, recognises Spritzer’s commitment to excellence, quality, and sustainability.

The World Branding Awards – Brand of the Year 2023-2024 showcased the excellence of over 3,500 brands representing more than 45 countries. Among these, only 250 brands declared as winners, spanning various categories at three distinguished levels – global, regional and, national.

Winnie Chin, head of PR of Spritzer, said, “this award stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of our silica-rich mineral water. It is a tribute made possible by the unwavering support of our loyal consumers, reliable suppliers, and

valued business partners.”

The award’s meticulous assessment process comprises brand valuation (30 per cent), public online voting (30 per cent) and consumer market research (40 per cent). A single national award is bestowed upon a brand in each product or service category, representing participating countries.

The World Branding Forum is a registered global non-profit organisation dedicated to producing, managing and supporting a wide range of programmes covering research, development, education, recognition, networking and outreach.

Spritzer’s silica-rich natural mineral water originates from underground aquifers in a pristine 400-acre site in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, adjacent to a tropical rainforest. The Company is committed to delivering the utmost quality to consumers and also actively champions community initiatives. F

The World Branding Awards recognises the excellence of more than 3,500 brands.

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Image: World Branding Awards

Image: Haigh’s Chocolates

NEWS

NEWS

in Indonesia have highlighted risks to our food system. Systemic change is required so that all Australians, and those that depend on Australian food production, will be food secure.

Consultation, cooperation, coordination and innovation are the keys to food security.” Swanson, said.

The Committee has made 35 recommendations to address food security in Australia, including: • creating a comprehensive National Food Plan; • appointing a Minister for Food; • establishing a National Food Council; • developing a National Food Supply Chain Map; • measures to facilitate innovation in the production of food; and • measures to eliminate food waste.

The report also proposes measures to

The report also proposes measures to improve sustainability. improve sustainability and resilience in the food supply chain, improve access to labour, and reduce food insecurity.

Over the course of the inquiry, the Committee held 24 public hearings,

visited numerous sites around Australia, and received 188 written submissions from individuals, industry and community groups and government bodies. F

SecondBite opens new warehouse S econdBite, Australia’s leading free food rescue organisation, has opened the doors to its new warehouse in Morningside, Queensland. The facility enables the not-for-profit to further its mission to end food waste and end hunger in the state.

The increased size of the new facility means SecondBite can significantly scale-up its Queensland operations with double the internal floor space (1200m2) as well as extended chiller and freezer capacity. During the last financial year, SecondBite rescued 6 million kgs or 12 million meals in Queensland. By moving to the new warehouse, it can now grow its food rescue efforts to 12 million kgs or 24 million meals.

The move and fit out has been made possible through $500,000 in Queensland Government funding as well as more than $500,000 worth of generous donations from the Charles and Cornelia Goode Foundation, Bowden Marstan Foundation and the Pavetta Foundation.

The team of 12 employees are already working in the new digs. It is equipped with five fleet vehicles that are used to collect food from donors and bring it back to the warehouse where produce and other items are sorted and packed for more than 50 charity partners that come for collection each week.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government as well as our charity partners and donors who have made this move possible. With just under 50 per cent of SecondBite’s Queensland stock coming through this warehouse site, their generosity means our operations are futureproofed to help connect the dots between the oversupply of food, and the Queenslanders who can’t afford to buy it,” said Moorfield.

SecondBite commenced its Queensland operations in 2012. The new warehouse location was chosen due to its close proximity to the gateway motorway making it convenient for major donors as well as charity partners to access. F

10 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

SecondBite commenced its Queensland operations in 2012.

Image: SecondBite

he Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has released its report for its inquiry into food security in Australia. The inquiry examined ways to strengthen and safeguard Australia’s food security, focussing on production, supply chains and key inputs, as well as climate change, biosecurity and food insecurity.

“Despite Australia being one of the most food secure countries in the world, recent developments both at home and abroad have shown that food security presents real and growing challenges to the nation,” said committee chair, Meryl Swanson.

“Food security is not something that any of us can take for granted. COVID19, floods, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease

Image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A /Shutterstock.com

Parliament releases inquiry into food security T

Return and Earn celebrates six years of success N

New return points and return point formats continue to be rolled out across the state.

SW’s recycling scheme, Return and Earn, is celebrating six years of success in which it has seen 8 out of 10 NSW adults participate and over 10.4 billion drink containers returned for recycling through its statewide return point network.

Launched in December 2017, Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

“We’ve achieved some incredible milestones in six short years, including putting $1.04 billion in container refunds back into people’s pockets and recycling 960,344 tonnes of materials,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change.

“Importantly Return and Earn is NSW’s leading product stewardship scheme, funded by the beverage industry. The clean stream of materials it generates allows for new bottles and

cans to be made from re-used plastic, aluminium and glass, contributing to a growing domestic circular economy.”

“Even though it’s been successful, everyone involved in delivering the scheme remains focused on continually improving and innovating to make it even easier for people to participate and increase the number of containers recycled.”

New return points and return point formats continue to be rolled out across the state with 618 return points now available in NSW including reversevending machines, automated depots and over-the-counter return points.

Network operator TOMRA Cleanaway has introduced several innovations this year, including upgrades to existing machines for a smoother recycling process, new Return and Earn mobile return point vans, as well as the introduction of new small-format machines in petrol stations, news agencies and other convenient locations. F

Image: SecondBite

Image courtesy of: Return and Earn NSW

NEWS

www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 11

FUNDAY Natural Sweets signs a multi-million-dollar contract with Coles F UNDAY Natural Sweets proudly announced its launch at Coles supermarkets across the country being one of the first brands Coles has embraced, offering healthier treats for shoppers.

Founded by the lolly-fanatic Daniel Kitay in 2021, FUNDAY offers healthier versions of your favourite lollies bursting with all-natural, glutenfree flavours and no added sugars or sugar alcohols (those ingredients commonly found in sugar-free products that give a laxative effect).

Frustrated by the lacklustre selection of healthier treats in supermarkets, Daniel Kitay set out to create something special.

With the help of Australia’s top food scientists, nutritionists, and chefs, he spent countless hours perfecting his

FUNDAY Sweets is committed to surprising customers with new and exciting flavours.

recipe. Finally, FUNDAY was born and the award-winning confectionary brand quickly gained a reputation for its highquality, delicious treats.

The demand for better-for-you

confectionery is going to grow continuously, and FUNDAY Sweets is committed to surprising customers with new and exciting flavours. Once you taste the amazing natural flavours

and gut-loving prebiotic ingredients that FUNDAY has to offer, you’ll never want to go back to the same old boring lollies again!

FUNDAY’s core products, Fruity Snakes, Sour Peach Hearts and Raspberry Gummy Frogs are now available at Coles checkouts.

“I am delighted to announce that FUNDAY Natural Sweets is now available in Coles Supermarkets’ checkout section. Coles has shown its dedication to innovation by prioritsing the “better for you” product category,” said CEO of FUNDAY, Daniel Kitay.

“We are excited to partner with Coles and introduce our range of delicious and better for you lollies, providing Coles customers with a delicious and healthy treat right at the checkout. F

Image: Craveable

Craveable Brands appoints new head of marketing at Oporto C

Simmons brings 20 years of experience in the marketing and fast-food industry.

raveable Brands has appointed Ben Simmons as the new head of marketing for Oporto Australia. Simmons was most recently general manager marketing & operations for Taco Bell at Restaurant Brands Australia and senior marketing manager at KFC. Speaking of the appointment, chief executive officer Samantha Bragg states the appointment comes at an exciting time of growth and opportunity for Oporto and Craveable Brands.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ben to the Oporto familia. Ben brings a strong strategic capability and an unwavering customer and growth mindset to the team. Oporto is in a period of rapid growth as we expand our market presence through an accelerated new

12 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

store opening strategy while continuing to transform our CX and broaden our market appeal to deliver continued same store growth.”

“It is an exciting time for Oporto and I look forward to working alongside Ben as we continue to make this iconic brand that started in Bondi accessible and loved by more Australians,” states Samantha Bragg, CEO at Oporto Franchising Pty Ltd. Simmons brings 20 years of experience in the marketing and fastfood industry, and previously worked at some of the world’s most iconic brands in Australia and the UK including Kit Kat, Uncle Toby’s, and Diet Coke.

Simmons, who officially started in the role at the beginning of October, said, “as one of Australia’s most iconic

home-grown restaurant brands with a devoted Australian fan base, I’m excited to join Oporto and really looking forward to leading its next wave of growth with the team.”

Having opened 11 new stores since July, including a considerable expansion into regional Queensland towns of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Townsville, Oporto has plans to round out the financial year with over 25 new store openings.

Oporto was founded back in 1986 in a shop in North Bondi by Antonio Cerqueira and continues to serve their delicious flame grilled chicken and Portuguese-inspired flavours across the country, providing a more flavoursome and feel-good option to the usual FMCG outlets. F

Image: FUNDAY Sweets

NEWS

Image: FUNDAY Sweets

Silver lining for consumers with food price inflation moderating T

here is a “further silver lining for consumers” with the latest monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, showing that food price inflation has continued to moderate.

RaboResearch senior food retail analyst Michael Harvey said the November 2023 data showed prices for food and (non-alcoholic) beverages had risen 4.6 per cent annually (from November 2022).

However, this was down on the 5.3 per cent rate of annual inflation in this category posted in October 2023, and well below the peak of annual food price inflation of 9.6 per cent that was seen in September 2022.

Harvey said red meat and fresh produce saw annual inflation of less than 1 per cent, which “will be welcome news for Australian consumers as they are important categories in household budgets”.

“More sticky inflation was evident

in key packaged food categories, such as dairy and bakery,” he said, “but the good news is there is less ‘sticker shock’ for consumers in these categories as well, with the rate of inflation also moderating and actually at the lowest level since mid 2022.”

Harvey said Rabobank saw agricultural commodity prices broadly remaining range-bound at lower price levels through 2024, and this would be “welcomed by consumers as it has been a leading cause of higher food prices”.

However, he said, recent rainfall and flooding reinforce the risk to local food supply and prices from unfavourable impacts of adverse weather conditions, particularly across horticulture and fresh produce. “Unfavourable weather during key growing periods can affect quality and disrupt supply, leading to upward pressure on prices,” Harvey said.

He said margins in the food supply chain were also improving “downstream’ for food companies on the back of

Harvey said red meat and fresh produce saw annual inflation of less than 1 per cent. weaker agricultural commodity prices and easing food processing and distribution costs.

“And with this, we are seeing a sharpened focus from food and beverage companies to tailor products to a valueconscious consumer. And this will be a key theme through 2024 as cost-ofliving pressures continue to influence purchasing behaviour,” he said.

Harvey said for agricultural commodity prices, there had, however, been “some outliers, such as cocoa and sugar”, which have remained higher for longer. “And this does keep pressure on certain processed foods such as chocolate,” he said.

“We will get a deeper dive look into the food basket when December quarter CPI results are released on January 31.” F

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Image: Rabobank

NEWS

Worldwide sales of craft spirits set to reach $342.75bn by 2033 A

Millennials are inclined to experiment with various flavours and types of distilled liquors.

flavoured varieties, capturing the interest of consumers worldwide. This heightened demand acts as a driving force for the expansion of the craft spirit market. The renaissance of craft spirits has led to the introduction of innovative products, establishing their unique presence with packaging designs that evoke quality and handcrafted sensibilities.

Millennials, driven by a preference for unique and authentic experiences, are inclined to explore and experiment with various flavours and types of distilled liquors. This trend has resulted in a surge in demand for new and unconventional offerings in the craft spirits market.

“Growing desire for craft spirits,

surge in craft distilleries, and an uptick in disposable income are propelling market growth.

Furthermore, the millennial demographic, possessing significant purchasing capabilities, is expected to be a driving force in the market over the coming years,” said a Fact.

MR analyst. F

Sydney Markets delivered pieces of fruit and veg during Christmas S ydney Markets and Auburn Police have partnered to support locals in need during the 2023 Christmas holiday. Local communities have been impacted by the rising cost of living so Sydney Markets has put together some gift hampers, courtesy of Paddy’s Markets.

Auburn Police have teamed up with Paddy’s Markets to give the gift of groceries this Christmas, providing local seniors with a month’s worth of food and hygiene essentials to help ease their cost-of-living expenses this holiday period.

Each basket contains pantry staples such as eggs and honey, as well as fresh produce such as grapes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and

raspberries. The hampers also include basic living essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and body wash soap.

A post on the Auburn Police Area Command’s Facebook Page said, “Paddy’s Markets partnered with Police and graciously donated some food hampers to the seniors. This helped to spread a little cheer over the festive season… All the hampers were received with plenty of positive feedback.”

The Auburn Police were out this week in a white and blue “Santa Sleigh” dropping off the baskets to 22 seniors who are part of the Auburn Police’s Seniors Care Register. Seniors part of the program are either independently living and reside alone or have minimal family contact. F

14 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Each basket contains pantry staples such as eggs and honey, as well as fresh produce.

Image: Sydney Market

ccording to market research and competitive intelligence provider Fact.MR, the Global Craft Spirit Market is expected to achieve a valuation of $342.75 billion by the conclusion of 2033.

The market is anticipated to experience a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29 per cent from 2023 to 2033.

Craft spirits, encompassing domestically manufactured alcoholic beverages, are crafted through distillation and fermentation techniques. Typically produced in limited quantities, often below 750,000 gallons, their production requires individuals to hold a distiller’s license specifying production capacity and emphasizing independent operation.

Regulatory oversight is provided by a major player in the alcoholic beverage industry, and in the United States, certification for craft spirit production involves label approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

The global demand for craft spirits has witnessed significant growth, spanning ethnic premium, super-premium, and

Image: Crin /AdobeStock

NEWS

ew Zealand cherry producer Southern Fruits International expects to send up to 340 tonnes of luxury cherries to the global market this summer – just over double that of the volume sent last year.

It will be the second commercial year on the market for Southern Fruits International’s Beyond brand cherries produced at two significant orchard developments spanning more than 160 hectares in Central Otago.

“We’ve had excellent pre-season interest from existing and developing markets in Asia and new markets in the Middle East and the United States. All the signs are there for a positive season,” Southern Fruits International founder and marketing manager, Sharon Kirk, said.

“We took our pre-sale system to (international trade show) Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong in September and a significant number of buyers

took the opportunity to pre-purchase fruit. This confidence in our brand and our fruit puts us in a very good place leading into the season.”

She said favourable pre-season conditions and an increase in fruit load due to the trees’ maturity contributed to the volume forecast.

“The trees are now three to four years old and about halfway to being in full production. As they mature, the fruit load increases and, if the weather is kind as it has been so far this year, we are looking at a very promising harvest with exceptional fruit size and brix (sugar content),” Kirk said.

The harvest has started with early varieties. It will continue until late January or early February, depending on weather conditions.

“Over the past year, we have been developing various markets within the United States and the Middle East.

The harvest has started with early varieties.

It will continue until late January or early February.

We have expanded our reach in China, Taiwan and Vietnam, and Thailand is emerging as new market,” said Kirk.

She said the Chinese market, which

traditionally paid a premium for 30-32mm fruit and 2kg or 5kg boxes, was this year showing more interest in 26mm fruit and 1kg boxes. F

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www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 15

Image: Southern Fruits International

Luxury NZ cherries set for bumper season as sales spike N

Image: Sydney Market

Image: Crin /AdobeStock

NEWS

MEET THE MANUFACTURER Rapid growth in the RTD coffee sector has helped Single-O’s canned coffee make an immediate impact.

Images: Cru Media/ Single-O

Innovative approach fosters success in RTD coffee Single-O has become one of Australia’s most recognisable and innovative coffee roasters since diversifying from specialist café coffee to include RTD coffee. Adam McCleery writes.

16 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

MEET THE MANUFACTURER

S

ingle-O Australia, an Australian coffee product manufacturer, has grown from a small café in Sydney to a wholesaler in the space of 20 years and in that time the team has continued to innovate.

The origin of the idea, and the company name, started by Dion and Emma Cohen, came when the pair started to talk about single origin coffee at a time, 2003, when it wasn’t necessarily a widely spoken about area of the industry.

Singe-O general manager Mike Brabrant said the germ of the idea would only continue to grow over the next two decades.

“It was born out of serving oat latte on the batch taps and then when we started to look into retail sales we realised pretty quickly we already had a blend that was loved by our customers, so we just needed to come up with how we wanted to package and market the product,” he said.

Because single origin coffee was the first brainchild of the team, they ultimately settled on Single-O as the company name.

“We took the recipe from our Surry Hills and Queensland where we have our batch on tap system,” said Brabrant.

“Then we went back and did some more research and development before canning it. It was very much a café out model.”

The first roaster the team bought, a 15kg machine, was affectionately named ‘Boris’

“We started in a small retail store before buying the roaster. Eventually we got so popular through retail sales we started building up a wholesale business,” said Brabrant.

“Today our business is an amazing and diverse bunch of high-quality people across Australia and Japan.

“This includes our own retail Single-O sites too, one in Surry Hills and one in Newstead in Brisbane, and we have the online retail business.”

The Newstead-based coffee bar will be home to Queensland’s first coffee-on-tap counter, offering a unique experience of self-serve filter coffee on tap, inviting patrons to get up close and personal with rotating single origin batch brews, or the cult-favourite Oat Iced Latte.

For espresso lovers, Single O will feature its signature blend Reservoir, which delivers its hallmark stone fruit and milk chocolate flavours “The first blend we came up with was the Reservoir Blend, which we still have today, and it was roasted on our first roaster,” said Brabrant.

The original Surry Hills café recently introduced the world’s first batch brew bar, Freepour Coffee On Tap, also launching one of coffee’s earliest climate-change impact awareness campaigns, No Death To Coffee.

Single O’s carbon neutral announcement marks the culmination of a 20-year journey, with a commitment to offsetting 3,219 tCO2-e of CO2-e through Greenfleet

Single-O coffee is backed by years of expert barista, cafe, and coffee experience. Combining for a quality product. www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 17

MEET THE MANUFACTURER

Single-O blends are also found tapped in cafe’s.

Single-O continues to experiment with new flavours and blends based on expert market research and knowledge.

Australia at a rate of $17.82 per Carbon offset with the achievement of their carbon neutral status.

Single O was also the first roaster to introduce climate-resilient coffees to customers as part of its No Death To Coffee campaign, giving Aussies a world-exclusive taste of the future of coffee.

Banning hundreds of thousands of single use cups from landfill through a ban on branded single use cups since the brand’s inception in 2003.

They have also installed 92 solar panels at their roastworks - a move which currently offsets 30 per cent of electricity production; co-founded The Juggler, which has saved over 18 million two-litre plastic milk bottles from the waste stream (seen in cafes across Australia); and launched their first climate-resistant F1 varieties in Australia.

Two of the products Single-O manufacture include the canned oat latte RTD coffee and the parachutes, a compostable drip bag product.

“Which was born out of seeing the drip bag category in Japan and thinking that if we could put high grade and premium coffee into that with a sustainable outer, how would it perform,” added Brabrant.

“When we launched that product, we went out to the online market and got feedback from 200 customers and they told us they wanted particular things when it comes to sustainability of the product and how to dispose of it correctly, and price.

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Single-O uses unique art from local artists on its 1kg coffee bags.

Single-O’s Iced Latte Pilot Can is a prime example of the manufacturer’s continued innovation.

“Then on the can product it was the same process but different product.”

Customer, and wider market feedback, has always been a crucial part of the Single-O approach.

“Our customer feedback model is very important to what we do,” said Brabrant.

“We always come at it from a quality perspective, and we back ourselves, but you need to understand what your customer’s expectations are.

“You get great feedback. Sales have been good, and we have sold 60 to 70 per cent of what we had to market, which is a positive sign. We are getting good qualitative feedback through the QR code, giving us things like taste profiles.

It has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Consumer demand plays an important role. We have seen a massive

increase oat milk in cafes.”

Single-O coffee products are manufactured on the Australian Central Coast, with oats for the oat milk coffee being locally sourced.

“We source ingredients from 26 different countries, which goes up and down, and the main focus when we do that is on quality,” added Brabrant.

“We have seen a massive growth in alternative milks, particularly oat milk. So this worked to add that to our product offering.”

Tapping into areas that spoke to customers, while also providing a premium product was the goal for Single-O. “You have to think back 20 years there weren’t a lot of people talking about source, and single origin,” said Brabrant.

18 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

“But I think our industry has come a long way in two decades and now that is commonplace and Single-O has almost become a category name in that time.

“But when the company started there was no one really talking about it. That was where it all started. They were four people with diverse backgrounds who wanted to give it a crack.”

The growth of RTD coffee in Australia has also helped the growth of Single-O, which also has a small presence in Japan where the RTD coffee market is huge.

“RTD is massive in Japan, and we have a wholesaler over there and that has been great for us,” said Brabrant.

“That does influence some of what we do but it was more about trends of convenience for people looking for a product on the go.” F

packserv-adsFood-Beverage-full-page-3.pdf 1 15/12/2023 1:49:56 PM

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FOOD SAFETY

Ideal solutions for listeria control and waste reduction Earlee Products’ specialist ingredients and R&D solutions address a number of areas within the food processing sector, including listeria control and waste reduction. Adam McCleery writes.

Food safety

Controlling food waste

Food safety is one of the most important factors for food and beverage manufacturers, who are always on the lookout for ways to improve their production. Especially for those with products more susceptible than others to things like bacteria growth.

With this in mind, any new innovation that promises better control or protection against the threat of bacteria during and after the manufacturing process is an important one for the industry.

Earlee|Control, the product from Earlee Products, is one such innovation with a proven track record.

Food waste alone comprises a large portion of landfill in Australia, with many factors being the cause. As a result, food safety is considered a key area of focus in reducing waste, particularly with renewed focus on a circular economy and more efficient manufacturing.

Earlee’s control range assists in managing and extending shelf life particularly in products such as hams and injected roast products.

The solution acts as a surface barrier against spoilage bacteria, which works favourably in achieving a longer shelf life under controlled refrigeration temperatures.

Ease of use – Listeria Control The product is a safe and clean label dipping solution which provides protection in just 30 minutes, helping combat product recalls by increasing protection against bacteria growth.

Creating an extra barrier of protection for brands.

The natural anti-bacterial surface protector helps to maintain food integrity and safety while also extending the shelf life of a product, proving very effective against Listeria

Images: Earlee Products

Earlee|Control’s anti-bacterial surface protection promises better protection.

The anti-bacterial surface protector also helps to extend the shelf life of food products.

20 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Monocytogenes, Staph. Aureus, and E. Coli, all of which can wreak havoc on the industry and cause massive issues for brand loyalty and recognition.

Combined with these features is the product’s capacity to enhance the flavour, taste, and texture of food stuffs.

And it only has an application rate of 0.3 per cent to 0.5 per cent, making it a costeffective solution that can last longer than some alternatives.

Earlee|Control was initially developed as a solution for extending the shelf life of ham, but as Earlee Products CEO Brett McMullen said, many innovations are developed for one thing before it’s discovered it can be used in multiple applications.

“In addition to this, there are also new packaging formats as people move towards convenience foods, they want them ready packed and ready to eat,” added McMullen.

“Vacuum and gas flush packaging of these Ready To Eat protein foods are more prevalent however neither chilling or lack of oxygen stop listeria growing.

“You can’t see it, you can’t taste it, so you need a new solution and sometimes they are old solutions but applied in a

FOOD SAFETY

The natural anti-bacterial surface protector helps maintain food integrity. new way. This is one method we use to ensure we have offerings for current and emerging trends.”

Production scheduling assistance and extending product shelf life The Earlee Control Range has also shown to smooth peak production

periods, as demonstrated during its initial use in the ham manufacturing sector, before quickly following suit across other food sectors.

“We work with clients, SME’s and large companies, to help find and develop solutions for a range of different sectors and products, from meat to fruit and vegetables

and seafood,” said Lea Reid, Earlee Products’ R&D manager.

“The solutions cross sectors combined with the diverse expertise of our team helps us to share a wide spectrum of knowledge to help various businesses.”

A key feature of Flav®fresh is its natural infusion of citrus extracts and

vinegar which helps to prevent any strong odours or flavours.

These active ingredients, create ‘Hurdles’ that kill bacteria in the formula and provide strong protection.

Interestingly, these components also have a secondary use of preventing yeasts and moulds.

Earlee|Control is also a great solution for helping extend shelf life by allowing the packaged product to last longer against the onset of any harmful bacteria, which in turn creates less risk around products going out of date before being sold.

The extension of shelf life also applies to those foods which change colour and look less appealing to customers but are still good for selling and eating.

The natural bioflavonoids and polyphenols in Flav®fresh deal with this issue by staving off the discoloration for a longer period of time.

Flav®fresh is most suited for use in the production of smoked and non-smoked meats, processed raw meat, cooked and ready-to-eat meals.

All these products have large manufacturing bases within Australia, and thanks to the product being made and distributed from Australia, it is readily assessable and quick to acquire. F

INSTR U M ENTA TIO N & CALIBRATION PTY LTD S P E C I A L I S T S www.ams-ic.com.au AMS have been suppliers of instrumentation and calibration equipment to all industries since 1973 representing some of the world’s leading manufacturers of the equipment in their field.

The Liquid Measurement Experts

Dew-Point, Humidity and Oxygen Specialists

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Leaders of Inline Process Control Solutions

www.ams-ic.com.au sales@ams-ic.com.au www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 21

Image courtesy of: Bürkert

BATCH SYSTEMS

Burkert can provide individual batch systems that are customised to suit the needs of the application.

Turnkey food and beverage batching solutions

Bürkert is offering a turnkey fluid batching solution comprising sensors, valve actuators and batch controller, with the option of an integrated HMI. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

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ustralia has an international reputation for producing premium, safe and highquality food and beverage products.

That reputation, and Australia’s close proximity to Asian markets has made the food and beverage industry the largest manufacturing sector in Australia.

Now Australian food and beverage manufacturers are being supported by the Federal Government through the release of the Food and Beverage National Manufacturing Priority roadmap, part of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

The industry road map outlines industry-led actions to increase food and beverage manufacturing activity over the next 10 years. One of the opportunities identified for future growth is in the area of batch automation.

Turnkey batching systems Typically, a batch system may be built from components from various

automation technology suppliers, which must then be connected with each other and configured to work together.

However, for those food and beverage manufacturers looking to modernise their batch control systems in a simpler and more cost-effective way, Bürkert is offering a turnkey fluid batching solution comprising sensors, valve actuators and batch controller, with the option of an integrated HMI. The completed solution includes all the components needed for a batching solution supporting up to three valves, which can be supplemented with a touch-capable process control display that comes with a pre-configured batching dashboard.

A customised solution By combining Bürkert’s Type ME43 or Type ME63 batch controller with an extensive portfolio of flow sensors and valve actuators, Bürkert can provide individual batch systems that are exactly customised to suit the needs of the

22 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

application – either as a control cabinet installation with the Type ME43 or as a field installation with the Type ME63.

The completed solution includes all the components needed for a batching solution supporting up to three valves solution, which can be supplemented with the Type ME61 touch capable process control display that comes with a pre-configured batching dashboard.

The benefits of going digital The Type ME43 and ME63 controllers provide an all-digital solution.

The components in Bürkert’s custom batch systems are part of its Efficient Device Integration Platform (EDIP), which facilitates the digital integration of field devices in an existing system, right down to the sensor and actuator level.

Communication between EDIP devices is made possible due to a digital interface: the Bürkert system bus. Bürkert’s bus is based on, and is fully compatible with, the CANopen

industrial standard. It also features additional functions for simplified operation. A gateway function in the Type ME43 and ME63 controllers also allows the integration of the batch control into higher level automation systems using other industrial standards, like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP and PROFIBUS. Bürkert’s digital batch automation solutions significantly reduce the amount of cabling complexity, utilising a single Ethernet cable between the components of the system. Simplified connectivity along with reduced configuration effort significantly reduces the cost of deployment over a traditional system based on analogue control wiring.

Acquiring a standardised batch control loop solution from a single source, pre-configured to the specific application, saves time, increases flexibility and reduces spare parts inventory. F Discover more at www.burkert.com.au.

Image courtesy of: Bürkert

PACKAGING

Future of packaging technology Images: Packserv

Packserv used the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to innovate and upscale production and is already seeing the benefits of doing so. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

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ackserv, experts in packaging machinery, used the unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to not only improve existing products but to diversify, upscale and innovate.

Nathan Wardell, managing director of Packserv, said the company took advantage of the situation created by the pandemic, working with key technology and research partners, to innovate and develop a new range of products and improve the existing portfolio of equipment.

“We have been working with the UTS Tech Hub in designing and building an industry-first liquid filling machine that signifies a significant stride into the digital frontier of manufacturing. In terms of filling heads, bottom-up fill, gates, speeds, and timings, manual adjustments are now seamlessly facilitated by the onboard technology of this machine. Height adjustments are made effortlessly

Nathan Wardell, managing director of Packserv.

Wardell said the company was able to take advantage of the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

through programming via the HMI digital screen. Engineered for complete customisation, this innovative machine can adapt to the specific needs of businesses, catering to a spectrum that spans from SMEs to large-scale

manufacturing.”

“Facilitating the simultaneous filling of containers in various sizes feature is a game-changer,” said Wardell. “Additionally, the twin-lane access system accelerates production by eliminating the wait for bottle indexation. Instead, nozzles can seamlessly shift to the secondary lane, effectively doubling production outputs.”

Signifying a ground-breaking shift, this innovation stands as an industryfirst at the forefront of change, bringing digitalisation, heightened efficiency, enhanced reliability, and ease of use.

“We have invested a lot of time, energy, and resources into our internal infrastructure and ability to be self-sufficient to manufacture parts in-house, rather than being reliant on third parties, international supply chains and other outside sources,” said Wardell. “This included upscaling to larger facilities greatly increasing our local manufacturing capability. We’re a local supplier, with local support, local technical, local everything. It’s a big opportunity for Australian manufacturers that need to be able to service and support production onshore.”

Packserv has created an industry-first liquid-filling apparatus that demonstrates a significant stride in digitalisation.

24 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

“COVID also had a notable effect on the landscape of FMCG’s locally. After a dramatic decline we are now seeing an increase in the establishment of new manufacturing businesses, but more so a large increase in demand for our higher speed automation machinery, from mid to large size businesses who need faster machinery to meet onshore demand. This is why we have been working on a joint venture with UTS to design and build a production line that will run 50-100 units per minute that will be launched at APPEX 2024, with more development and additional machinery to follow during the year.

Wardell said Packserv was “well placed to help clients develop their packaging machinery solutions from the ground up, which in turn ensures our solution is the best.” Wardell added that Packserv’s large reach, extensive customer base and history also helped the company respond to any situation well equipped with their knowledge and know-how. F To learn more, and to be the first to experience the new AI-enabled packaging machinery in action, visit Packserv at Stand E100 at the APPEX expo.

Images: Packserv

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SENSOR TECHNOLOGY

IO-Link is transforming food and beverage manufacturing! ifm’s IO-Link has the potential to help revolutionise your manufacturing processes and is perfectly aligned with the rise of Industry 4.0. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

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IO-Link to identify potential issues before they become critical.

This is achieved by unlocking previously untapped data which creates a higher level of data visibility.

IO-Link sensors go far beyond basic on and off signals, providing detailed process data and diagnostic information for users.

This data allows for remote access and insights by monitoring and analysing data in real-time, enabling informed decisionmaking from anywhere and at any time.

Having IO-Link onsite within manufacturing and processing facilities allows for a broader opportunity for scalability and flexibility, which is extremely easy to expand.

Adding and adapting new sensors, instrumentation and actuators is now seamless which is especially important with ever evolving production needs.

IO-Link is a future-proof technology which adheres to international standards, ensuring compatibility with future advancements.

Real-world examples Aerofloat, a wastewater treatment specialist, leverages IO-Link to optimise plant operations. They gain valuable insights into process efficiency and identify maintenance needs early, minimising downtime and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“ifm are well known for reliable and high-quality products, so having their brand associated with Aerofloat is a great selling point for us,” said Tim McCann, operations manager at Aerofloat.

“Technologically speaking, ifm’s IO-Link technology suits us as a business perfectly because it saves us and our customers on time and wiring costs.

“We also gain more visibility in terms of data collection than we’d otherwise have with traditional instruments.”

Michael Anderson, general manager at Aerofloat, adds that because ifm has so many instruments in their portfolio, there are always new products that can be added to Aerofloat’s arsenal in servicing its wastewater plants: “With IO-Link, if we want to add a new instrument in later, I really like that we don’t have to upgrade our control panel,” he said.

“Where traditionally you would want more PLC inputs and outputs on analogue signalling, we can just get this instrument into one of the field modules – which is fast and straightforward.

“Having that scalability, flexibility, and ease of addon functionalities is very important in helping us respond not only to customer demands – but also to potential changes to the regulatory structures that govern our industry.”

Major food manufacturers utilise IO-Link for precise temperature and pressure control, among other key data, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing energy consumption. ifm’s comprehensive portfolio of IO-Link sensors, masters, and software caters to the specific needs of the food and beverage industry. This commitment to innovation empowers manufacturers to:

Image: Ifm

ith the rise of Industry 4.0, ifm’s IO-Link emerges as a game-changer for industry offering a powerful solution especially within the food and beverage sector with sensor technology being the backbone of production.

Thanks to real-time data insights from sensors, manufacturing is now streamlined and efficient. Food safety can also be guaranteed with advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance preventing poor quality product entering the market and costly recalls which impacts brand reputation.

Close monitoring of precious resources can reduce consumption which reduces the cost of running a factory. This can now be optimised which minimises waste and removes impacts on the environment.

IO-Link is a manufacturerindependent communication system that connects sensors and actuators directly to automation systems, thus unlocking a wealth of benefits which includes enhanced efficiency, improved production, higher quality assurance and overall reduction of costs.

Standard, unshielded cables create simplified installations and maintenance processes by replacing costly and complex wiring systems, saving time and money.

Predictive maintenance tools such as ifm’s IIoT platform, moneo, work with

The IO-Link system is made up of an IO-Link master and several IO-Link devices.

26 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

• Boost productivity and profitability • Enhance product quality and safety • Minimise environmental impact • Embrace the future of food and beverage manufacturing with IO-Link.

Key features of IO-Link • I EC 61131-9 compliant: Global standard for digital communication protocols •P oint-to-point communication: Simplifies setup and integration.

•E thernet compatibility: Seamless connection to existing fieldbus systems which includes: Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, EtherCat, MQTT and JSON.

Benefits of IO-Link • Standard M8 or M12 cables up to 20 metres • Easy and cost-effective installation.

• Increased data exchange •G ain deeper insights into your production processes.

• Digital data transmission •E liminates conversion losses and ensures accuracy.

• S oftware-based parameter setting and monitoring • Streamline sensor management.

•E vent and diagnostic data logging: Preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.

IO-Link unlocks the hidden potential of your sensors, providing valuable data that was previously trapped.

You can also connect your sensors to your SAP interface for real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance as well as identify failing sensors before they cause disruptions, ensuring smooth production flow.

With its flexibility and scalability, IO-Link empowers you to adapt to changing regulations and customer demands. Invest in a future-proof technology that will drive your food and beverage business to success.

Ready to experience the transformation? Visit ifm’s website, www.ifm.com/au/en, to learn more about IO-Link. F

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH

INGREDIENTS

Flexibility is an added benefit for innovative baking solutions Images: Australian Bakels

Australian Bakels, a group of international companies, manufactures and distributes an extensive range of innovative ingredients and application solutions. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

Australian Bakels provides both the flexibility and agility of a family-owned business, backed my expert research and development.

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ustralian Bakels offers the flexibility and agility of a small family-owned business because it has kept in touch with its roots, which in turn creates an advantage for its customers.

The advantage being that Bakels can tailor make and turnaround a solution in a short period of time and backed by industry experts in its research and development team. Solutions which work for manufacturers who work with quantities as small as 3kg to one tonne.

Australian Bakels national sales manager, David Brown, said the bakery market remains the focus area of the company but its solutions can also cater to other sectors.

“We have capability to do any dry blending,” he said.

“We can do any liquid blending you want, sweet or savoury. We also have fat

blending capabilities, think liquid and mixed oils.

“If we look at our dry blending capability, the bulk of that busines sis pre-mixed cakes and muffins and things like that for manufacturers, wholesale bakeries, all the way down to little cafes.

“However, we can do a dry premix that can go to dog food manufacturers, or poultry manufacturing. Any sweet or savoury spice blends and then pack that off in various packaging formats.”

Australian Bakels also has a focus on other areas such as cake applications, dessert applications, and even BBQ sauces and alike. All on a mass industrial scale.

“What makes Bakels unique is holding its family-owned culture in place, which helps us to be fast and nimble,” said Brown.

“Me and my team go to the customer

28 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

to work with them on a bespoke product.

“Our research and development team, or our D&A team, will have probably turned around a first cut of that sample product within a week

or two.

“And then we are back to our customer showing them that and we could be to market within a couple of months. We are proud of how nimble and fast we are.”

Brown said the quick turnaround time presented a host of benefits to the company’s customers.

“We have a sales team in every state in Australia, no matter where you are you will get the same turnaround speed,” he said.

“For example, we have recently worked with different companies to develop a reduced bake time improver that cuts down on industrial bake time which increases throughput and allows more product to market, or reduces shift structure, a number of benefits really.

“Ultimately adding value for the customer.”

Brown said the company’s R&D team also made a concerted effort to avoid taking on a ‘project manager’ style approach.

“Instead, our team looks for the next trends or innovations,” he said.

“They come up with ideas and developing those concepts of trust to take to customers, and vice versa.”

Brown said Australian Bakels has built a recognisable brand within the baking sector, but also wanted to reiterate the company has more diversity

Australian Bakels can tailor make and turnaround a solution within a short window of time.

INGREDIENTS

Australian Bakels has built a recognisable brand within the baking sector thanks to its innovative solutions.

in its offerings.

“They may not know the full scope of what we do,” he said.

“For example, we recently had a large baking company come through the plant and were surprised about the full depth

of what we do. Our traditional market is baking, but we have capability beyond that.

Brown said the company always remains committed to investing heavily in innovation, which in turn

benefits customers.

And in terms of ingredient supply sizes, he said the company can package product from 3kg up to one tonne bags.

“Large industrial bakeries could be doing four to 10 thousand loaves an

hour so any reduction in bake times, even a minute or two, has significant implications at those throughput rates,” he said.

“They are shocked but also keen to learn more and see how it works within their process.

“The first iteration is the base concept, then we tweak it to make sure it works in their application because every manufacturing site all have slightly different processes.”

Brown added that the company always emphasises the customers’ needs when in the development phase.

“From my experience 80 per cent of what we do is client led,” he said.

“We engage with our customers to fine tune what their needs are and then we work to achieve that.

“Whether that be existing processes, or something bespoke, and we also develop our own stuff and take it to market.

“Part of the ethos of the company is we will never compete with our customers. We are here to meet our customer’s needs.”

And this ethos is made abundantly clear by Australian Bakels set of core values of respect, integrity, and dedication to its customer and their needs. F To learn more, visit: www.bakels.com.au.

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See solutions for trending formulations involving: • • •

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Images: KAESER

COMPRESSORS Sigma Air Manager 4.0 runs each compressor at its most efficient level despite fluctuating demand.

KAESER Australia unveils new oil-free machine A new, class 0 oil-free rotary screw compressor has joined KAESER’s range in time for APPEX and AMW in early 2024. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

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nveiled at the 2023 Hannover Fair in Germany, the newest iteration of the oil-free CSG rotary screw compressor is now available in Australia. KAESER will be displaying the CSG.1 at APPEX in Melbourne on 12-15 March and at Australian Manufacturing Week in Sydney on 17-19 April.

KAESER understands the importance of a well-thought-out compressed air system, whether it is for manufacturing, processing or packaging.

Benefitting from decades of experience across industries and the globe, KAESER engineers assist the customer through every step from inquiry, needs analysis, design, order, factory approval, packaging, loading and transportation to unloading and initial on-site start-up.

KAESER has assisted numerous food and beverage businesses with their compressed air system upgrades.

Cream of the crop Kaeser Compressors has satisfied Tatura Milk Industries’ stringent internal benchmarks for air quality in its food processing operations. Tatura Milk Industries Ltd (Tatura), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bega Cheese, is nestled in the heartland of the Goulburn Valley.

High-quality clean air is a fundamental component of dairy manufacturing. It ensures that the quality raw dairy ingredients remain uncontaminated during processing.

The four DSG series oil-free screw compressors that were installed at two of the company’s sites, along with

30 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Kaeser Compressors’ quality assurance, have proven to meet and exceed these requirements.

Patrick Davies, Kaeser Compressors Engineering Manager said, ‘this is an extremely effective compressed air system, with energy efficiency at its core.

The SFC compressor [frequency control drive] is utilised during all operations to adsorb the minor fluctuations in air demand. When a surge in air demand occurs; one of the DSG’s [direct drive] kicks in at full load to supply the extra air in a complete block.

Direct drive compressors operate most effectively when operating at maximum capacity, so the Sigma Air Manager (SAM) is programmed to run each compressor at its most efficient levels against fluctuating air demands.

Master controllers like SAM are vital for any multi-compressor station. It automatically creates adaptive behaviour of the compressor station to match with altered consumption of the plant’s use, to achieve maximum cost effectiveness.’

Fully networked compressed air system for control and efficiency New Zealand food manufacturer Tasti Foods invested in a complete Kaeser compressed air system. Additionally, to maximise efficiency and ensure complete control and connectivity of all components within the compressed air station, a SAM master controller was also installed.

Tasti has always manufactured in New Zealand and has been in its current

Images: KAESER

COMPRESSORS

purpose-built facility on the Te Atatu Peninsula for almost 50 years. In that time the factory has been extended and re-fitted several times as the company has grown. This modern facility is fully automated and designed to deliver the highest quality products, and Tasti continues to invest heavily in the required plant and facilities to ensure they can operate efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

Compressed air is mainly used for the automation of equipment in the manufacturing process. Some of the most sensitive pieces of equipment that compressed air powers at Tasti are the sophisticated and robotic packing machines.

Here, compressed air powers cylinders that perform a number of critical tasks from; picking and making boxes, placing the products in the boxes, to then sealing the boxes up ready for dispatch. The equipment operates very quickly – it is able to pack over 800 products a minute – however, to do this it relies on a constant supply of high quality and dry compressed air.

The compressed air system comprises three ASD series rotary screw compressors alongside a complete compressed air treatment package which includes refrigeration dryers. For total control and digitalisation, the entire compressed air system is controlled and managed by a SAM master controller.

For Tasti, incorporating the SAM master controller was the final piece of the puzzle to ensure they had complete control of the entire compressed air system. By predictively calculating and comparing various operating scenarios, it selects the most efficient to suit Tasti’s specific needs at any one time. Compressor flow rate and energy consumption are therefore always optimally matched according to actual compressed air demand.

Matthew Barber, Maintenance Engineering and Environmental Manager at Tasti, concluded: ‘The new Kaeser compressed air system has helped us solve a number of issues. The SAM 4.0 in particular has allowed us to develop a fully connected compressed air system, giving us a lot of control over for example our energy usage.’

Optimising the König brewery’s compressed air supply system.

For more than 150 years the Duisburg district of Beeck has been home to ‘Königs Pilsner’, affectionately referred to as the ‘King’ of beers. With assistance from Kaeser Compressors, over 1.3

KAESER’s CSG.1 class 0 oil-free air compressor will be displayed at APPEX and AMW 2024.

Tasti Foods’ compressed air installation by KAESER. million bottles are filled each day in one of the largest and most advanced bottling plants in the world.

“One of the compressors’ main tasks is to supply the brewery with a reliable supply of quality compressed air that complies with food standards.

The whole brewing process relies on compressed air - from its use as a pumping medium, to the aeration of the wort at the beginning of the fermentation process, to the filling of bottles and kegs.

Furthermore, a considerable volume of compressed air is needed for the many valves and regulators. Of course, the compressed air must be completely clean, and this is achieved using dry running

compressors together with sterile filtration,” explains Werner Randschau, head of Facility Management, Environment, and Work Safety at König.

The dry-running compressed air station at the König brewery saw expansion in the form of a nextgeneration Kaeser rotary screw compressor: The new frequency controlled DSG leads an ensemble which also includes three previously existing dry running rotary screw compressors and has been a great success.

As Werner Randschau happily explains, “The station’s idle run time dropped from over twenty five percent to just two percent once the Kaeser machine came online. That saves a lot of electricity.”

As a leading compressed air systems provider, KAESER not only delivers compressors, air treatment components, control technology and on-going maintenance. The global experts in air technology ensure customers’ needs are met with bespoke solutions using quality, German-made compressors. F See KAESER Australia and the oilfree CSG.1 on stand B145 at APPEX at Melbourne Exhibition Centre 12 - 15 March.

Or if you’re in Sydney, visit stand WA635 at Australian Manufacturing Week, 17 19 April at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. For more information, visit au.kaeser.com or phone 1800 640 611

www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 31

LOGISTICS

Providing robust refrigerated trailers to the market Image: Jolly & Sons/Schmitz Cargobull

Schmitz Cargobull designs and manufactures refrigerated trailers that carry temperature-sensitive goods throughout Australia for fleet operators like Jolly & Sons. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

Schmitz Cargobull offers the industry refrigerated trailer solutions with added values such as improved fuel efficiency.

T

railer builder Schmitz Cargobull offers the food and beverage industry a range of refrigerated trailers (reefers) designed to streamline, simplify and reduce the costs of transporting food products around the country.

Jolly & Sons, a family-owned business, has helped transport perishable goods for customers between Perth, Darwin and Karratha for more than 60 years and recently acquired two Schmitz Cargobull trailers to bolster its seafood freight task.

Steele Jolly, managing director, Jolly & Sons said he turned to Schmitz Cargobull to modernise the trailer fleet because they provide reliable and robust road transport equipment.

“We have run a number of trailer brands over the years, but when there was an incident that led to one of our vehicles being written off, we decided to rent out a replacement before deciding on what to replace the old vehicle with,” he said.

Jolly & Sons contacted a rental company and picked up a refrigerated van. It just so happened the van was a Schmitz Cargobull vehicle.

“At that point we thought it best to trial that for a while before deciding on what van to buy and the trials led us to believe the Schmitz Cargobull unit was the right pick,” said Jolly.

Following the successful application of the rental van, Jolly & Sons settled on the purchase of two new Schmitz Cargobull reefers.

Jolly said outside of the non-negotiables that the company requires before trailer purchase, there are two other aspects which are of importance to the company – thermal capabilities and equipment durability.

“How well the van or trailer can hold its temperature inside, especially during extreme weather conditions, is essential for optimising vehicle uptime and achieving fuel efficiencies,” he said.

“Schmitz Cargobull trailers are right up there in terms of their strong thermal

32 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

properties due in part to the Ferroplast patented body panels. This also means the trailer refrigeration unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the perishable goods at the right temperature.”

In addition to their thermal capabilities, Jolly specified Schmitz Cargobull reefers for their robustness.

“These trailers are stronger than anything else we have used in the market.”

Another benefit for Jolly & Sons was the rear trough that can be carved into the trailer which helps the company maintain its food safety standards, which includes ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001, OHAS 18001, and AS 4801.

“At the rear of the trailer, we have a trough cut into the floor to catch all the runoff from the fish, which we transport a lot of,” said Jolly.

“As you can imagine – fresh fish in boxes with ice as they are being transported from the Northern Territory and the Pilbara region – juices do leak and then flow to the back of the trailer.

“The trough catches that and runs a hose into a catchment tank so we can catch all the fish juice which prevents it from dripping all over the road. And this is in accordance with our food safety accreditation. We catch run off and dispose of it responsibly.

“That one was a condition of sale for us.”

Schmitz Cargobull provides a host of services to its clients, beyond providing trailers, which includes a database for potential service partners, and a telematics data service that provides all the necessary information about the vehicles.

The company also provides a data management centre to share telematics data and compliance with data protection regulations.

Jolly said he was thrilled to have discovered the product offerings from Schmitz Cargobull and highly recommends the company to others seeking reliable and cost-effective refrigerated transport solutions. F

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Image: Jolly & Sons/Schmitz Cargobull

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PACKAGING Images: Tetra Pak

Bringing innovation to RTD coffee space Tetra Pak’s range of innovative and environmentally friendly packaging has been well known for its popularity in the beverage space, and this trend has continued with RTD coffee. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

T

etra Pak, experts in packaging, have built a strong reputation in the beverage space for its alternative packaging options, particularly with milk and juice.

However, what some might not realise, is Tetra Pak’s packaging solutions are perfectly catered to many other segments in the sector, including RTD coffee, which has seen a spike in popularity in recent years.

Jaymie Pagdato, marketing director, Tetra Pak Oceania, has also recognised the growth of the RTD coffee sector.

“We are seeing a growth in the RTD coffee space, and it isn’t a big surprise given how much Australians love coffee,” she said.

“From the establishment of cafes was interrupted by the pandemic which helped grow inhouse coffee consumption and that carries on with RTD. It’s a bit about consumption change and location changes, whether that is at home or out of home. RTD

coffee is serving up convenience.

“The source of energy, convenience, and of course the taste all plays a part.

“We are also seeing up and coming brands that were previously in the plantbased space extending into the RTD coffee space which is injecting curiosity and interest in the market.”

Pagdato said the impact of emerging coffee drinkers in Generation-Z, along with the impacts of other coffee drinking trends, was also playing a key role in the changing face of the RTD coffee sector.

“Gen-Z consumers are not your traditional coffee drinkers,” she said.

“They tend to prefer colder brew and take away coffee. These things, plus genuine interest in something new, has

seen the RTD coffee segment really grow.”

Tetra Pak’s existing and innovative packaging options have already been proven in the beverage space, which makes them the perfect option for RTD coffee manufacturers.

“We have existing packaging options available that are perfect for the RTD coffee space,” added Pagdato.

“For example, we have the Tetra Prisma Aseptic with the Dream Cap. This innovation has been in the market for a handful of years but now when you think about convenience consumers are looking for with RTD coffee, it presents a great solution.

“The Dream Cap forms to the contour of your face for superior

“Gen-Z consumers are not your traditional coffee drinkers.

They tend to prefer colder brew and take away coffee.

These things, plus genuine interest in something new, has seen the RTD coffee segment really grow.”

The growth of the RTD coffee sector is being driven, in part, by younger consumers who also push for more sustainable packaging.

34 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Tetra Pak has applied its expert alternative packaging solutions to the growing RTD coffee sector. consumer experience.”

Another advantage of the Tetra Prisma Aseptic design is its ability to avoid the opening of the carton being soaked through by the beverage, something Pagdato said out consumers off.

“And with due respect to other packaging options such as cans, this one is great because it can be re-closed and taken with you wherever you go, and it won’t spill,” she added.

“Providing more convenience. I should also point out the pack has plenty of real estate for businesses to showcase everything they want and need for their brand and its personality.”

Tetra Prisma Aseptic cartons also provide a large space with which brands can work with to help their product stand out, and to provide critical information to the consumer.

“If you look at some the packaging options there may be some limitations but this one you can fully utilise the packaging space to create something that jumps off the shelf,” said Pagdato.

On top of this, other consumer demands, and industry demands, are centred around more environmentally friendly and sustainable models of packaging. Something Tetra Pak can provide.

Images: Tetra Pak

PACKAGING

“A lot of our packaging solutions are at an average of 75 per cent paper based which means a lot of our packaging material is made from plants and trees,” said Pagdato.

“Even the plastic component of the pack we have options for brand owners to choose plant-based plastic. Which means they are renewable and low carbon.

“These materials can be replenished over time and alongside innovation we want to make sure whatever we put out there has a halo of sustainability and doesn’t compromise on emissions.”

Another advantage to Tetra Pak’s global presence is that its products already meet very stringent European Union packaging regulations and standards, which already exceed those in Australia. Ensuring top quality and compliant packaging for the Australian market.

On top of this, is a proven track record across the world for providing the perfect solution for RTD coffee.

“I think that brings a level of familiarity and credibility. We join forces to bring credibility, familiarity, and innovation to consumers,” said Pagdato.

“Therefore, consumers are predisposed to trying these new offerings. The other thing it brings for Tetra Pak is we are mostly known for juice and milk packaging but now you can find out products as solutions to categories outside of those two.

“What those partnerships bring is exposure and relevance of our cartons

Tetra Pak’s existing and innovative packaging options have already been proven in the beverage space.

“If you look at some the packaging options there may be some limitations but this one you can fully utilise the packaging space to create something that jumps off the shelf.” into other categories where we perhaps weren’t as well known for.”

Some of these foreign markets include the huge RTD coffee sector in Japan and the emerging sector in the USA. “We live in a world where people in general love coffee and they will be looking at new ways and places to consume coffee, especially based on convenience throughout the day,”

Another advantage to Tetra Pak’s global presence is that its products already meet very stringent European standards.

said Pagdato.

“This packaging provides the opportunity to give consumers exactly that.

“Whether it is about recyclability of the packs, renewable and recycled content, we can always point to our product meeting those guidelines across the world.

“That gives us the ability to support brand owners locally and future proof

against where that growth may take that packaging to, in terms of foreign markets.

Tetra Pak’s marketing and development teams also provide an invaluable tool to customers.

“The role there is to accelerate decision making, what you find in established brand is they have their own data and marketing team, we provide complementary data to help see local and global trends better,” said Pagdato.

“And for emerging brands it’s about giving them avenues to produce a formulation that benefits them, and we can do that in smaller batches.

“This helps limit the waste risk, especially when you are still developing your formula.”

Another way Tetra Pak is helping to limit waste is with the use of saveBOARD, a low carbon building material made from recycled plastics and materials.

“The used cartons are collected and brought to a saveBOARD facility in NSW where we have a full carton solution,” said Pagdato.

“The materials are recycled into building boards and the whole packaging is used. We want to make it easy for consumers and saveBOARD is a proven technology.

“The next site in Victoria will be up and running from the middle of next year. Even beyond recycling we look at the packaging lifecycle.” F To learn more about how Tetra Pak you can visit the company website on www.tetrapak.com.au.

Growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging is driving companies to innovate new packaging options.

www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 35

Images: Prime Creative Media

MICE

MICE2024 is shaping up to be one of the biggest installments of the annual event.

MICE2024 will be bigger and better The return of Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) to the city was a resounding triumph, sparking aspirations to surpass this achievement in 2024.

2

024’s Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) will centre on various themes encompassing procurement, innovation, technology, and business expansion.

MICE hosts a diverse array of sectors within the coffee industry, spanning dairy, alternative dairy, packaging technology, machinery like grinders and coffee makers, and other pivotal sectors.

Noteworthy exhibitors, such as ADM Packaging Automation and BioPak, known for their substantial presence in the food and beverage manufacturing sphere, have found a significant place at MICE. Adding to the anticipation, MILKLAB, a pioneering alternative milk company, has declared its return as a platinum sponsor for the 2024 event.

MILKLAB will offer exhibitors a choice

between plant-based and other dairy alternatives to showcase their coffee creations throughout the expo.

Since its establishment in 2012, MICE has emerged as the largest exclusive coffee exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Organisers emphasise its core objective: uniting buyers and sellers, fostering industry connections in a singular annual gathering.

It serves as a comprehensive hub for the latest cutting-edge technology shaping the global coffee landscape.

Exhibiting at MICE2024 Displaying your brand through exhibition remains the most effective means to present it to a vast audience of qualified attendees.

With MICE drawing in over 11,000

36 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

participants annually, it offers an opportunity to showcase your brand to a large and engaged audience.

Exhibitions provide a platform to showcase brands, products, and services to a targeted audience, increasing brand visibility.

MICE exhibitors will have the opportunity to Interact directly with potential customers, industry professionals, and decision-makers, fostering relationships and networking within the industry.

Gary Smith, BioPak CEO said, “it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet all the coffee roasters and industry professionals face-to-face in one place.

“An in-person conversation just feels different and often leads to great ideas. It’s important for us to maintain personal connections, especially in a

post-Covid world where quick back-toback online meetings are the norm, and MICE will be a catalyst for that.”

Exhibitors can gather leads and contacts interested in offerings, which can create a valuable pool of potential customers or partners.

Exhibiting at MICE2024 can provide insights into market trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences by engaging with attendees and observing industry dynamics.

MICE2024 provides a great a launchpad for new products or services.

It can also provide an avenue to promote existing products to a captive audience, generating interest and potential sales.

“We look forward to seeing the technological innovations and advancements in sustainable roasteries, networking with like-minded people, and

Images: Prime Creative Media

MICE

giving visitors a chance to see and feel our packaging in real life,” said Smith.

“Being able to hold, inspect, and trial our packaging is important for customers, and whilst they can order samples, they will be able to explore all

of our range at MICE.” Smith expressed his excitement to exhibit BioPak’s cutting-edge sustainable cups at MICE2024, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly solutions and contributing

to the broader narrative of sustainable practices within the industry.

“Coffee cups are our biggest seller,” he said.

“We will be showcasing our certified home compostable Aqueous cups that

Some of MICE core objectives for 2024 include uniting buyers and sellers while fostering industry connections.

can be paired with certified home compostable sugarcane lids.

“This gives our clients a fully sustainable solution that is demanded by coffee lovers, who can just pop these into their home compost. Roasters also love our uni-lid solutions that simplify their inventory, save space, and speed up service.”

There is a variety of workshops, seminars, and presentations to expand knowledge, learn about innovations, and stay updated on industry advancements.

MICE attracts a diverse attendance, including coffee shop owners, baristas, roasters, green bean suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

As a result, MICE offers a chance for attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners, all while fostering strong networks and knowledge sharing.

And Melbourne, with its vibrant coffee culture, provides the perfect location for the annual event. F If you are interested in finding out more about how your brand can benefit from involvement, contact Tony Francis on tony. francis@primecreative.com.au. And mark your calendars for May 12 to 14, from 10:00am to 5:00pm, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

MORE COMPRESSED AIR.

LESS ENERGY.

From consultation to design, manufacture and installation to ongoing service support, at KAESER we always aim to give you the most compressed air, for the least expenditure of energy.

Our completely re-designed range of CSG oil-free rotary screw compressors is made in Germany to exacting standards and will save you energy and money, meaning it’s good for the planet as well as your bottom line.

Visit us at APPEX or AMW and speak to the experts about a bespoke KAESER compressed air system.

DISCOVER THE NEW OIL-FREE CSG RANGE

Scan to download the brochure or call 1800 640 611 au.kaeser.com www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 37

WASTEWATER

Catering to the ready-meals market Aerofloat’s wastewater treatment solution for large ready-meal manufacturer Beak & Jonhston is another example of the company’s capacity to meet the needs of any food and beverage customer. Adam McCleery writes. and requirements, namely ensuring treatment systems will run effectively, are future proofed, and produce effluent that meets discharge requirements.

Some of the things which need to be looked at include incoming feed quality, which will dictate the water treatment design, along with the best way to integrate other systems into the design.

Aerofloat also takes sustainability and efficiency seriously, ensuring the final design is both.

Anderson said Aerofloat undertook its usual hands-on approach, which plays a key role in developing solutions that are unique to each customer.

“We conducted due diligence on the wastewater based on the products City Kitchens would be producing,” he said.

“The process included a pump station for wastewater collection, a treatment room where large food particles are screened out, a balance tank for mixing, aeration, and pH correction, and a reaction tank for coagulation and flocculation.

“This leads to a dissolved air flotation system, using our newly developed Aero V-DAF 30 system.

30m3/hr treatment capacity.”

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is the physical chemical separation technique employed to remove suspended solids and fats, oils, and grease from the wastewater.

Aerofloat has patented DAF technology in its AeroDAF, which has combined proven traditional dissolved air flotation principles with world-first patented design elements to make a truly innovative product which is perfectly tailored to the food industry.

Some of the benefits and features of the wastewater solution include the patented scum removal, which reduces maintenance time, coupled with a unique double hopper design that is self-cleaning, eradicating the need for mechanical scrapers.

This also creates a more costeffective solution for food and beverage manufacturers and producers.

Aerofloat’s AeroDAF is also compact in design, making it easier to fit into a small footprint, saving space to produce goods for the client.

“Different clients require different

38 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

DAFs, depending on their requirements and we take pride in doing our due diligence to provide the best wastewater treatment solution,” said Anderson.

“We look at data around waste streams and gain a deep understanding of a client’s internal processes, and we use that sound wastewater data to select the right DAF. “We can process to the 200-litre per minute speed, or we can slow it down.

This system is ideal because creates a lot of room for expansion alongside the company without having to be replaced any time soon.”

Aerofloat’s AeroDAF solutions can, and are, developed for the individual needs of clients. From compliance to space, output, and growth expectations.

As shown by the Beak & Johnston wastewater solution.

Aerofloat’s has a strong reputation working with ready-meals manufacturers.

Images courtesy of: Aerofloat

A

erofloat’s expertise in wastewater treatment for large scale food and beverage manufacturers is on full display at the ready-meals manufacturer Beak & Johnston’s newest $100 million production facility.

The state-of-the art 10,500 sqm facility, unveiled in October in Arndell Park, Sydney, has an Aerofloat wastewater system in place, more specifically, Aerofloat’s Aero V-DAF 30 system, with 30m3/hr treatment capacity.

Michael Anderson, general manager, engineering and projects, Aerofloat, said it was the company’s first time working with Beak & Johnston, but that the company’s experience helped with the consultation process.

“Our past work with ready meal companies gave us insight into the variability and seasonal conditions of a wastewater plant,” said Anderson.

“This experience helped us analyse and design the wastewater treatment process for City Kitchens.”

Aerofloat’s expert experience creating bespoke wastewater treatment solutions across Australia is another advantage, given the variety of requirements.

“The project involved creating a trade waste plant for Sydney water compliance,” said Anderson.

Wastewater standards are different from state to state, with Victoria having some of the more relaxed regulations.

This is due to the state having the largest sewerage treatment plant in the country which can withstand input from food and beverage providers without as much input from wastewater treatment, but input, nonetheless.

Aerofloat can apply the required standards and regulations to each job, no matter where in the country it is, to ensure its clients not only meet, but exceed the requirements.

This is helped along by the company ensuring its engineers assist in both the design and construction of water treatment plants using a variety of options for clarification, filtration, and disinfection.

The team undertakes extensive consultation with a client to ensure the design is the best one for the space

Aerofloat can apply the required standards and regulations to each job, no matter where in the country it is.

“The whole plant was a custom solution, including the wastewater plant layout and all mechanical, electrical, and process components,” said Anderson.

“We also had to accommodate other equipment in the plant room, like fire suppression pumps.

“We also factored in future growth.

For example, sizing the balance tank for peak hourly and daily flows.

“The system is also designed to be efficient and adaptable for different

types of food production.”

“Our history with ready meal centres really was crucial. It gave us confidence and made it easier to sell our solution to City Kitchens.”

As environmental and sustainability standards continue to become stricter, food manufacturers need to ensure they collaborate with a trusted wastewater treatment provider who can guide them through the best solution for their business. F

.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

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The Australian Bulk Handling Expo is returning 18-19 September 2024

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The Australian Bulk Handling Expo is designed for businesses who are bulk commodity producers and require the use of equipment for the movement of bulk goods, either domestically or internationally. The exhibition will feature suppliers showcasing innovative technology, equipment or services to bulk commodity manufacturers and producers.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

AUSTRALIAN BULK HANDLING EXPO

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Following trends is a key step to success in ingredients sector IMCD Australia is a leading distributor of specialty raw materials, functional food ingredients and processing aids in Australia. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

Image: Olga Klochanko/Shutterstock

U

nderstanding trends is the first step towards successful product development.

What’s trending informs and inspires innovation – and shows the way to potential business opportunities. IMCD know this from deep experience working with and advising food and nutrition companies.

With the cost of living being one of the major consumer concerns across the globe.

Affordability has become the driving force for food manufactures to understand the importance of reformulating food and beverage products.

To combat the rising cost in food and beverage products, food manufactures have found ways to minimise this expense by reducing the size of the product.

However, consumers have noticed this “shrinkflation” in all areas, with 66 per cent of consumers noticing grocery packs becoming smaller, and 56 per cent noticing smaller restaurants meals.

So how do food manufacturers differentiate themselves from the competitors?

By Redefining value. This has become the number one trend for the past couple of years as consumers adapt to a global cost-of-living crisis.

Consumers wants brands that provide quality, trust and confidence in their product formulations, and wider sustainability actions.

Whilst consumers are exploring money-saving strategies by looking for lower-cost items, they continue to look for new experiences, personal well-being and to support a healthier environmental impact.

Manufacturers can revise their costs through Modification, Fortification and Reduction.

• Modification: Food product reformulation to lower costs involves modifying a food product’s ingredients and/or production process to reduce the overall cost of production while maintaining the desired quality and taste.

IMCD taps into its deep expertise when working with industry stakeholders such as food and nutrition companies.

• Fortification: This involves adding essential vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to enhance its nutritional value. Fortification can add nutrients typically lacking in certain food products, such as calcium in orange juice or iron in cereal. As well as reducing costs, fortification can provide other benefits, such as extending the product’s shelf life and improving flavour and texture.

• Reduction: Reducing fat, sugar, or salt involves modifying a food product’s ingredients and/or production process to reduce the levels of these components. The reduction of fats, salts or sugars can help address the concerns related to obesity, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. This adds value to the health-conscious trend.

These three strategies can be useful in lowering the cost of food products by using less expensive ingredients without significantly altering the products taste or texture. It can also work towards extending the shelf life of a product, and in some instances, providing consumers with healthier, more nutritious food options.

The next generation of consumers has been brought up in the interactive and digital world, they have a strong

40 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

voice and influence in dictating the food and beverage market and redefining what the markets should provide.

While health is an increasingly important driver in purchasing products, the younger generation are also influenced by novel and international flavours.

This is called the Generational Push trend. However, each generation is looking for different benefits of products. While the younger generation is influenced by flavour, affordability is more important for millennials, and finally naturalness is more important for Gen X and Baby Boomers. Therefore, creating transparent products that meet each demographic is essential for any brand.

The past couple of years the younger generation have pushed the plant-based narrative, and whilst there has been a vast improvement in the product offerings, the plant-based category has seen a decline in popularity.

However, this doesn’t mean the plant-based sector is dead. In fact, two-thirds of Innova’s global survey respondents have expressed their desire to try plant-based versions of traditional, local cuisines, and the consumers would like to see improvements in taste and texture.

These plant-based products were limited to just alternative meat options but have expanded to other food formats with finger foods and ready meals seeing the highest increase CAGR over the past three years.

As a leading global distributor, formulator and solutions provider in speciality chemicals and ingredients, IMCD is committed to solving formulation challenges and creating healthy, convenient, and sustainable solutions, that are consumer trend-led and exceed all expectations.

By meeting current consumer trends to show what is possible, IMCD aims to inspire its industry partners to discover what’s next in food. Expect to see solutions for trending formulations involving: • Flavouring • Affordability, Reduction and Clean label • Gut health and Specialised nutrition • Plant based and alternative Proteins • Child Nutrition IMCD believes that every challenge becomes an opportunity to innovate when you look at it the right way. Its team of technical sales experts can help you find the right opportunities to innovate, and the best way for your business to grow. F

Image: Olga Klochanko/Shutterstock

Food & Beverage Industry News is distributed nationally to more than 5000 subscribers, while the website has more than 40,000 unique views every month. It is the food and beverage industry’s one-stop-shop when it comes to the latest products, services and technologies in this space.

Visit our website and subscribe to get your print and digital editions in additon to our free daily newsletters today!

To book contact Stephanie Suzuki now stephanie.suzuki@primecreative.com.au 0422 046 711

FEBRUARY 2024

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QUALITY CONTROL

IX-PD Series: elevating quality control I

shida and Heat and Control have been close business partners since the 1970’s, integrating their products to provide leading services in the food manufacturing and packaging industry.

While Heat and Control specialise in a wide range of food processing solutions, Ishida - a leader in food packaging solutions - complements their offering. This collaboration fortifies the IX-PD Series as a seamless extension of Heat and Control’s processing equipment.

“The two companies complement each other by the fact that Heat and Control can design and supply processing equipment which results in products that Ishida’s equipment can weigh and pack, along with inspecting.

This enables us to be a true supplier of a turnkey solution,” said business team manager for packaging and inspection systems at Heat and Control, Robert Marguccio.

What can the IX-PD Series do?

Leveraging photon counting dual energy technology, the IX-PD X-ray machine boasts an advanced sensor and refined image processing. Its hallmark lies in the unparalleled sensitivity and precision it offers in identifying low-density and minute foreign objects.

Its distinguishing feature lies in its ability to differentiate between product and foreign materials with great accuracy, significantly minimising false detection rates.

X-ray inspection identifies material inconsistencies within product packaging or a continuous flow of items passing a specific point.

It detects various foreign objects like bone, stone, glass, metals (iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminium), and several high density plastics (Nylon, PVC, Teflon).

The XP-PD system can detect varying particle sizes depending on the material and system sensitivity.

Utilising Ishida’s patented Genetic

Images: Heat and Control

Ishida’s photon counting dual energy IX-PD Series X-ray system is a crucial tool in food manufacturing and packaging. Food and Beverage Industry News reports.

Algorithm (GA) image processing, this technology enhances detection sensitivity swiftly and efficiently for any product.

Beyond foreign bodies, the XP-PD system can highlight voids, broken, or missing product portions, while ultimately expanding quality control capabilities.

Unlike metal detectors, these systems identify inconsistencies in products packed in cans or metallised film.

Moreover, X-ray inspection is also able to be used to measure and estimate piece weight.

How it works “The PD system is now photon counting, whereas traditional x-rays look at wavelength absorption,” said Marguccio.

In photon counting, a detector records each photon that strikes an object, allowing for precise determination of the number of photons at different energy levels.

This method provides enhanced sensitivity and accuracy in detecting X-rays, especially at lower radiation doses, and enables better differentiation between different energy levels or types of photons.

“An energy source is passed through the product. The software then – based on the darkness of the contaminant in relation to the darkness of the productpings contaminants based on the grayscale,” explained Marguccio.

“The darkness and the algorithms basically determine how big or small, how clear or how well focused they are.”

Conversely, voids and fissures show up as lighter areas due to increased penetration.

Why is quality control essential?

The presence of foreign objects in food products can trigger various consumer reactions, from mild dissatisfaction and reduced trust in the product to potential injuries like broken teeth or serious

42 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Ishida’s photon counting duel energy IX-PD Series X-ray system boasts advanced sensor and refined image processing. health risks.

Minor incidents often result in complaints, while more severe cases may lead to legal actions, impacting not only the retail outlet or manufacturer but any link in the supply chain.

Such incidents can severely

tarnish reputations and brand names, culminating in substantial financial losses, sometimes reaching millions.

“I remember back in the early 90s, when Heat and Control first started working with X-rays, a client had a legal case in the States where a manufacturer

QUALITY CONTROL

Using X-ray systems in food production can act as an important marketing tool. of pies was taken to court and sued by the consumer on the basis that the company had not implemented the best available technology that potentially could have captured the contaminant,” said Marguccio.

“A customer had found a piece of wire.

“The company claimed that since they had metal detection, they believed that they had implemented enough due diligence to cover themselves, however this technology could not find the wire based on its orientation and size, relative to the metal detector aperture,” Marguccio said.

“But the court found that the company had not carried out proper due diligence, and put the maximum safety in, because they potentially would have found this size contaminant, in any orientation using X-ray.”

Even if retailers intercept contaminated items before they reach consumers, suppliers bear the cost of returned products, facing potential fines, and risking contract termination or a damaged relationship with the retailer.

The best risk management and marketing tool Having a strong brand image is essential for any food manufacturer or processor for several reasons.

Customer perception shapes how customers view a company. A positive brand image creates trust and loyalty, influencing consumer decisions and their willingness to engage with a brand.

Any manufacturer using X-ray technology is doing their due diligence and the best to ensure customer satisfaction.

A well-crafted brand image enhances the perceived value of products or services. People are often willing to pay more for brands they trust and perceive as high-quality.

But product contamination can ultimately tarnish any well-crafted brand image, resulting in a loss in customer trust.

“Businesses can destroy their brand very quickly, depending on a consumer complaint, or if it gets into the media or social media,” said Marguccio.

“Today, complaints can be more far widely highlighted to the consumer compared to the past. In the past, recalls were simply advertised just in the newspaper. Today, social media, TV and various different social outlets, very quickly reach a far larger audience, so it’s critical that your reputation is maintained.”

Marguccio explains that prevention is always the best way to avoid product contamination, but prevention is not always possible. For many of Heat and Controls customers, the IX-PD acts as a type of insurance policy.

“Manufacturers already do their best to have the product process as well encapsulated as possible, so that nothing can potentially contaminate the product.

However, you still have machinery to process a product, and then pack it, you will always have the risk of potential contamination, as things can still be missed and occur,” he said.

“Manufacturers can try to prevent foreign bodies as much as possible, but for peace of mind and brand protection,

they need an insurance policy, X-ray when needed can give them this assurance and protection. ” Subsequently, using X-ray systems in food production can act as a marketing tool. It can signify that any manufacturer using X-ray technology is doing their due diligence and doing their best to ensure customer satisfaction.

Running costs The IX-PD system boasts economical running costs, making it a prudent investment for businesses in the food industry.

X-ray tubes, generators and line sensors constitute primary wear components in the system, that must be periodically checked to maintain system performance.

“The beauty of the Ishida range of X-ray models is that they have been extremely reliable systems. Normally an X-ray tube has a warranty period of 10,000 running hours, however, we have X-ray tubes in the field that have been running for 40,000 hours, while still exhibiting clear images. One step further is now the IX-PD model that will carry a 5 year warranty period on the units line sensor,” explained Marguccio.

The reason that Heat and Control can offer this exceptional warranty period on the line sensor is because IX-PD counts photons rather than trying to look at the wavelength absorption, this means that there is less deterioration of the line sensor.

Finding the right customer Heat and Control believes in providing customers with solutions rather than attempting to sell them something that may not meet their needs, or offer them benefits.

Prior to offering or supplying an X-ray system, Heat and Control always prefers to conduct X-ray product testing using the customers product samples.

“I always have stock of units and we prefer to run tests, then write a report, and tell the customer exactly what they can and can’t find,” said Marguccio.

Heat and Control also prefers to make it very clear with all of their customers as to what the sensitivity against the probability of detection will be.

A customer may want to find something to a certain size, however, this may be influenced by the product variation, making it impossible to find the foreign body 100 per cent of the time.

If the operator tries to set it too finely, it is more possible to have a false reject due to product variation.

Marguccio explained, “we try to find 100 per cent probability with a realistic sensitivity level.”

“We aim to give customers the full picture of what they’re getting into.

When purchasing an X-ray machine, we make sure our customers have a clear understanding of what they can and cannot detect.” F See the Ishida IX-PD X-ray system at the APPEX trade show at stand C160.

www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 43

Images: Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

APPEX

APPEX 2024 will showcase the best processing and packaging solutions being offered to the food and beverage industry,

Seminar series designed to inform APPEX attendees The Food Industry Solution Series, set to take place at APPEX 2024, promises to address a wide scope of topics catered to the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Adam McCleery writes.

I

n the lead up to APPEX 2024, the Food Industry Solution Series is coming into clearer focus.

“With food produced across 25 major food and beverage product types by over 16,000 businesses, from startups and sole traders to blue chip brand icons, the solutions, and capabilities for implementing next generation food production vary a great deal,” said Barry McGookin, who is leading the series.

The seminars will address key areas of focus and concern for key stakeholders within the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

McGookin said it was invaluable insights directly from industry that played an important role in helping to formulate the series.

“While acknowledging key challenges such as energy cost or ongoing access to customers, we surveyed a wide range of food and beverage manufacturers to find

out what their opportunities were for improving manufacturing capability,” he said.

That survey identified a range of common areas of interest regardless of company size, age or sophistication.

“By hearing from like-minded companies and industry experts, the ‘Food Industry Solution Series’ is designed to showcase what’s available to manufacturers interested in bringing manufacturing innovation into their businesses to improve their competitiveness in the market,” continued McGookin.

“The series is designed so companies can see what’s possible.”

McGookin’s experience in the industry has also helped inform the formulation of the series.

“With a background in FMCG, I spent 20 years developing and implementing new products and manufacturing processes or coordinating

44 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

and running whole of business idea-tomarket processes for some of Australia’s most recognisable food brands,” he said.

“While immersed in this wide variety of products, projects, and opportunities I gained an appreciation of the power of belief, the importance of timing in delivering innovation and the benefit of asking questions. The series aims to underscore manufacturers belief in their capability, help answer questions and give them insights for additional innovation.

Over the last decade McGookin has been a part of a not-for-profit organisation focused on building connections, capabilities, and knowledge for Australian businesses across the whole food and beverage manufacturing and supply.

“In partnership with my industry background, the ability to connect across Australia let me help food and beverage businesses focus and/or pivot in response to change or implement new products or

processing solutions.

“Being part of the journey with many businesses, I’ve had a front row seat seeing the right input at the right time change belief, capability and ability to take their next step in positively impacting their business and their chosen markets and consumers.”

McGookin also runs a company called Samvinna. A business management and consulting firm dedicated to helping small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Through collaboration with a range of industry specialists, Samvinna seeks to find solutions for food and beverage manufacturers with a question,” he said.

“Samvinna steps in when manufactures don’t know where to begin or where to find information. It’s not just technical or production assistance, Samvinna also supports companies improve their idea-to-market or supply chain skills so they can enhance what

Images: Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

APPEX

they already do well.”

So far, the seminar series has four sessions on day one of APPEX and four talks for the third day, both starting at 9:30am.

waste and supports traceability. Speakers in this session outline the approach to transitioning to digital data capture when you don’t know how or where to start or want to take your next step in digital capability.

Day one: March 12 Sustainable energy, 10am-11am: With increasing pressure on planetary resources and the improving supply of sustainable energy, this showcase takes an overview of the key question’s manufacturers should ask to gain insights into the costs and approach of transitioning to increased sustainable energy usage to maintain production and equipment capability and performance.

Sustainable Packaging, 11:15am-12:15am: With the Environment Ministers Meeting proposing regulated packaging design standards and packaging targets to reduce packaging usage and wastage, the focus on sustainable packaging in food manufacturing will only be more important. This session provides an overview of key truths and myths of where sustainable packaging is at; it’s pros and cons and showcases the journey the industry should consider for how to make a successful transition to more circular packaging.

A series of seminars will also run during the event, designed to cover the most important focus areas for key stakeholders.

Inventory Management, 12:30pm-1:30pm: Everyone in manufacturing uses and makes inventory, but not all inventory is created equal, or is equally useful.

Changing the way inventory is managed can improve the bottom line, reduce waste, simplify operations and allow better machine performance. Industry leaders in inventory management will provide insights and approaches for small and large producers on this often overlooked but valuable topic.

Global Packaging Trends, 2-5pm: Although sustainable packaging has

the attention of many manufacturers, packaging protects the contents, allows transportation, carries information and can have direct consumer benefit. Global leaders in packaging will give insights into emerging packaging trends and the implications for Australian Food and Beverage Manufacturers.

Day three: March 14 Sensors for improved efficiency, 10am-11am: With the increasing availability of sensors, it’s now easier to capture data that matters. Information that improves output, reduces the operating costs,

Digital packaging, 11:15am, 12:15am: While packaging protects it’s also a great vehicle for direct consumer interaction via mobile devices allowing consumers to connect with the company, product, and its journey to the shelf. This session outlines the implications of recent government announcements and showcases what’s for now and yet to come in this dynamic area of digital packaging.

AI and food manufacturing, 12:30pm-1:30pm: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a live and emerging capability able to benefit food manufacturers. AI can assist with improved operations efficiency, better production planning and whole of supply chain management. This session showcases some future opportunities for manufacturers already on the digital transformation journey.

Robotics, 2pm-4:30pm: Session being designed by APPEX. F

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www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 45

Image: Prime Creative Media

MEGATRANS2024

MEGATRANS2024 will explore how traceability serves as the cornerstone for establishing an ethical and sustainable supply chain.

A MEGA move towards sustainability In September 2024, Melbourne will host a gathering of supply chain leaders to deliberate on the future of the logistics industry. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

T

he logistics sector is projected to make a MEGA move towards sustainability next year.

Recent global events have underscored the imperative of a sustainable supply chain. However, achieving this goal requires concerted efforts.

The attainment of a truly sustainable supply chain necessitates cutting-edge technology, pioneering initiatives, progressive businesses, and exceptional talent.

Leading professionals from various parts of Australia will convene at MEGATRANS to deliberate on the pivotal factors influencing the trajectory of the sustainable supply chain.

Sustainability The MEGATRANS2024 expo will explore how traceability serves as the cornerstone for establishing an ethical

and sustainable supply chain at every phase.

This segment of the conference will also feature insights from prominent retailers detailing their strategies and visions for the future of ethical sourcing practices.

Making supply chains more sustainable helps minimise the environmental footprint which can be achieved by reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering emissions.

“We know that sustainability is a big issue in logistics, but also for most other industries. The show is designed to deliver solutions and foster the discussion on how we, as an industry, can make practices more sustainable,” said Lauren Chartres, MEGATRANS show director.

“We want to ensure that the longevity of the industry is secured.

That’s really the focus for next year.”

46 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

Moreover, by using eco-friendly materials, optimising transportation routes to reduce carbon emissions, and implementing energy-efficient practices, industries can further minimise their environmental footprint.

From electric vehicles and charging stations to telematics solutions and fleet management software – all will converge in a single, MEGA location.

“We want to look at alternative fuels, ways where we can be monitoring the supply chain to reduce unnecessary trips or unnecessary travel. Ultimately, we want to ensure that those energy conservation systems are in place,” said Chartres.

This dedicated exhibition space also aims to provide fleet managers with a preview of the innovative solutions poised to shape their strategies for the upcoming decade.

The integrated event comprising a

conference, exhibition, and jobs pavilion presents a unique chance for similar suppliers and key figures in the industry to convene.

Together, exhibitors and attendees can delve into the pivotal role of sustainability in shaping the future of supply chains and explore ways to actively engage in this transformative journey.

From reducing carbon footprint to fostering diversity in the workforce, the event will scrutinise every link in the chain, spotlighting their potential contributions towards a sustainable future.

MEGATRANS stands as an interactive expo exclusively showcasing companies that specialise in cuttingedge technologies and services, specifically categorised based on their impact on fostering a sustainable supply chain.

Image: Prime Creative Media

MEGATRANS2024

“MEGATRANS offers unparalleled access to decision makers from right across the industry,” said Chartres.

“We’re talking about major food producers and major retailers. It’s the decision makers from those businesses that that you’re able to meet with at MEGATRANS. It’s the people who are making buying decisions about supply chains, like logistics managers, and procurement managers.

“Those are the people that you can meet on site,” explained Chartres.

A shift in logistics Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics findings, over a third of businesses (37 per cent) encountered supply chain disruptions in February 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although this data indicates a decline from January’s figures, where nearly half of businesses (47 per cent) reported disruptions, the prevalence of these issues has remained high compared to April 2021.

The primary challenges faced by businesses revolve around delays in domestic and international deliveries (88 per cent), followed by supply limitations (80 per cent) and escalated prices (75 per cent).

After the disruptions caused by the pandemic, major logistics companies are redirecting their focus and investments towards sustainable practices, moving away from solely securing supply chains.

This shift towards sustainability is supported by the Federal Government’s recent budget allocation of over $4.5 billion for climate-related initiatives.

A portion of this budget, $20.9 million over five years, is dedicated to decarbonising transport and infrastructure.

With the sector currently contributing 46 per cent of national emissions, transportation is expected to become the country’s primary source of emissions by 2030.

Beyond environmental concerns, the logistics industry faces challenges in workforce stability and diversity.

Despite escalating market challenges, the Australian cold chain logistics sector is witnessing expansion driven by heightened demands for food items, meat, pharmaceuticals, and various goods necessitating controlled temperatures throughout the delivery process.

Additionally, the market is experiencing growth due to the demand for temperature-sensitive vaccines, necessitating precise temperature control

from supply to citizen administration.

Cold supply chain transportation Within the food and beverage sector, an intricate logistical system – the cold supply chain – plays a pivotal role in preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods.

This specialised process ensures that temperature-sensitive items, from farm produce to dairy and seafood, maintain their freshness throughout the supply chain.

“Cold chain solutions are vital to the food and beverage supply chain,” said Chartres.

Cold supply chain transportation involves the movement of temperaturesensitive goods across various stages of the supply chain while maintaining specific temperature conditions.

At its core, the cold supply chain relies on temperature-controlled storage facilities and refrigerated transportation. These components work in tandem to uphold product integrity, prevent spoilage, and uphold food safety standards.

Continuous temperature monitoring, facilitated by advanced technology like sensors and data loggers, remains central to this process.

This meticulous oversight guarantees compliance with strict safety regulations at every stage of the journey.

The projected size of the Australia cold chain logistics market is anticipated to increase from AUD 6.83 billion in 2023 to approximately AUD 8.20 billion by 2028, demonstrating a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.73 per cent over the forecast period spanning 2023 to 2028.

The burgeoning growth of the cold supply chain in Australia during a stage of industry transition exemplifies not only economic expansion but a relentless pursuit of excellence in preserving product quality.

This journey of adaptation is set to redefine the future of logistics, promising a world where every product, from farm-fresh produce to life-saving pharmaceuticals, reaches consumers sustainably.

Whether you’re pioneering tech, unveiling logistics solutions, or showcasing the future of transportation, your stand at MEGATRANS2024 is an opportunity for your business to shine.

Join the league of industry leaders, innovators, and trendsetters converging under one roof today. F

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www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 47

PACKAGING

From the smallest to largest packaging solutions Images: Haver & Boecker

Haver & Boecker’s growth in the Australian food packing space through its Behn + Bates brand will see its filling systems for valve bags on full display at APPEX 2024. Food & Beverage Industry News reports.

A Haver & Boecker Behn + Bates Roto-packer.

H

aver & Boecker’s has had a global presence in the development and supply of food packing technology since it acquired the Behn + Bates brand in 1994. Since establishing a dedicated local presence in the Australian market 10 year ago, the company has enjoyed a steady expansion into the local food packing space, specialising in dry, bulk foods.

With decades of experience and an unwavering focus on innovation, Haver & Boecker has a strong reputation for quality, high performance products.

Alexandre Santi, sales engineer at Haver & Boecker, said the company was always looking to expand its capabilities

and took pride in offering a ‘one stop shop’ for customers.

“For our packaging business we have four focus areas. Cement, chemical, building materials and minerals, and food,” he said.

“In terms of food packaging, our expertise lies in powdery and granulartype foods; things like flour, starch, gluten, sugar, oats, cocoa powder”.

Santi said the valve bagging technology was what the company hoped to showcase to the Australian market, along with its much wider packaging expertise.

“Haver & Boecker believe that valve bagging technology is the future of dry, bulk food packing,” he said.

48 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

“This transition from open-mouth bags has already happened in different parts of the world and now it’s being introduced to the Australian market.”

Some of the benefits of the valve bagging technology include cleaner filling, lower product losses, hygienic focus, and flexibility to apply different packing technologies according to product characteristics. Due to the perfect brick-shape form of the full bags, customers can produce more stable full pallets, which increases safety during transportation “The sealed valve bags also perform better in terms of durability, proving to be more reliable on drop tests and manual handling by end customers.

Furthermore, the modular rotating system from Haver & Boecker, the Roto-packer, can deliver high capacity while maintaining cleanness and weight accuracy,” added Santi.

“All our packers for the food industry are equipped with the SEAL-kit, which comprises an inflatable sleeve on each spout, to avoid spillage during filling, and an ultrasonic sealing unit, to seal the bags immediately after the filling cycle.

“Our high-automated machines can also be equipped with functions to assist the rest-emptying and cleaning cycles, increasing reliability for our customer’s processes, and reducing chances of crosscontamination after product changes.

“For all our solutions, we focus on

Images: Haver & Boecker

PACKAGING

delivering a clean filling system, with high weight accuracy.”

Haver & Boecker also utilise The Haver Institute to ensure customers get the best possible solution available.

Located at Haver & Boecker’s headquarters in Olede, Germany, and led by packing specialist Thomas Hilling, it is the biggest and most comprehensive packing institute in the world.

“The Haver Institute is there to assist the sales teams and customers to find the best packaging technology solutions for every application, by performing packing trials, product and bag analysis,” said Santi.

On top of this, Santi said Haver & Boecker’s large portfolio of packaging machinery was another key selling point for the business.

“We have solutions and expertise from the smallest manual packaging units to the largest solutions a customer may need. But from a new project perspective, we can provide a full packing line.

“The message we want to emphasise is we can work from the very minimum and manual process right up to the fully automated and biggest throughput you need.

Santi said being able to provide a ‘one

stop shop’ for a customer was beneficial to all parties involved, and something the company remains proud of.

“It is important we can offer a turnkey solution, so customers can be sure that we are not only focusing on delivering a high-quality machine but also working on the integration of all equipment,” he said.

“For auxiliary equipment, such as check weighers, metal detectors and pallet protection, we partner with top players on the market. For palletisers, we have our sister company, Newtec Bag Palletiser.

“That is not to say we only work on full projects.

“Whenever I discuss with the customer, we try to emphasise the reliability of our machines around things like lifespan and output. We have machines installed in Australia and New Zealand that are over 40 years old and are still in full operation.”

By having a local subsidiary in Australia, Haver and Boecker can offer quicker turnaround times and a more hands-on approach.

“We are proud not only to offer high-quality machinery but also a strong and reliable after-sales support, that ranges from spare parts to service and modernisation packages,” said Santi.

Haver & Boecker offers dedicated technology for the food sector through its brand, Behn + Bates.

“Our after-sales team is led by our operations manager Robert Sukumaran.

We have our spare parts team located in our office in Perth, and four well-trained service technicians exclusively working for Australian and New Zealand customers.

“Our technicians are able to supervise the installation of new machines, provide general servicing and customer training.”

The customer support, Santi said, is a great example of Haver & Boecker’s emphasis on building long-term relationships with customers.

Santi said Haver & Boecker’s focus on the Australian and New Zealand food packaging industry will certainly see a rise in the use of valve bagging technology, especially due to the market demand.

“Once the end customers start receiving full pallets with sealed valve bags, they realise all the benefits and that becomes the new benchmark,” said Santi. F

All Haver & Boecker packing machines for the food industry are equipped with the special SEAL-kit for clean filling and immediate sealing.

To learn more, Haver & Boecker will be exhibiting at APPEX 2024, where you will be able to see some of the company’s premium packaging technology and solutions on full display. www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 49

Time for packaging technologists to shine The Australian Institute of Packaging details why brands can no longer ignore the most-important role that packaging technologists and designers play within the business.

Author Nerida Kelton FAIP, Executive Director – AIP, Vice President – Sustainability & Save Food - WPO

W

education and training in the discipline.

Not having the right technical packaging training and knowledge can create unintended consequences due to incorrect material selection or poor packaging design at the start. If the packaging is not functional and fit for purpose and is unable to contain, protect, preserve and transport a product all the way through the value chain then the decisions made can be costly for a business. The environmental impacts of these decisions can also be significant.

The harsh reality we are seeing right now is a limited supply of truly qualified Packaging Technologists and Designers in Australia and New Zealand. The qualified and skilled packaging professionals that we do have in the region are already entrenched in a business and are not looking to leave their current role anytime soon.

There is a juxtaposition happening right now in the industry and it is interesting to watch.

On one hand the recent abundance

of job advertisements for skilled Packaging Technologists, often thinly veiled in sustainable or procurement roles, is a clear sign that the industry is in desperate search for the ever-elusive qualified Packaging Technologist.

On the other hand, the high volume of applications every year through the AIP Scholarship Program indicates that many people are wanting to upskill and to become qualified Packaging Technologists. The sad reality is that there are not enough scholarships Image credit: Shutterstock/Aleksandar Malivuk

ith the 2025 National Packaging Targets looming and the Federal Government announcing that there will be mandatory packaging design standards coming, brands can no longer ignore the most-important role that Packaging Technologists and Designers play within the business.

The challenge that businesses are facing is that Packaging Design and Technology is in fact a science that requires the appropriate higher

Businesses can no longer ignore the most important role that packaging experts play in the industry.

50 Food&Beverage Industry News | February 2024 | www.foodmag.com.au

There is a monumental skill set shift occurring in the region as the number of qualifies packaging professionals is too low.

Image credit: Shutterstock/Aleksandar Malivuk

available each year for all applicants and there seems to be limited budgets being offered by brands to upskill staff in packaging-related competencies.

How can the industry work together to fill knowledge gaps and skills shortages?

Starting to hire packaging professionals that are qualified, or upskilling current staff with packaging competencies, will ensure that the people who are responsible for packaging design understand the fundamentals of packaging technology.

We must also consider that there is a monumental skill set shift occurring in the region as the number of qualified packaging professionals currently working in the industry are not sufficient to be able to fill the gaps that will be left behind by those set to retire.

How can we help those already in the industry?

The education and qualifications are already available through the AIP and have been for over forty-five years. As the peak professional body for packaging training and education in Australasia, the AIP offers internationally accredited and globally recognised degrees and courses including the Diploma of Packaging Technology, the Certificate in Packaging, bite-sized modules wrapped up in the Fundamentals in Packaging Technology (FPT) course, a Master of Food Packaging & Innovation

in partnership with the University of Melbourne and a certified professional development program – the Certified Packaging Professional designation.

The move to Sustainable and Circular Packaging Design has also

Recommended Skillsets for Packaging Technologists and Designers • Foundation Undergraduate Degree – such as Food Technology, Science, Engineering, Chemistry or Industrial Design • Followed by a Diploma in Packaging Technology Degree • It is recommended that all Diploma students also participate in AIP training courses that are outside the topic scope of the Diploma in Packaging Technology degree • Followed by attaining the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation • Master of Food & Packaging Innovation Degree For new people to the industry or new to a packaging role • Foundation Undergraduate Degree such as Food Technology, Science, Engineering, Chemistry or Industrial Design • Followed then by the Certificate in Packaging or; • The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course • It is recommended that all Diploma students also participate in AIP training courses that are outside the topic scope of the Certificate in Packaging • Followed by attaining the Certified Packaging Professional in Training (CPIT) Designation and the building the Resume of Activities to become a Certified Packaging Professional in due time For people already employed in the industry who need to fill knowledge gaps • The Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Course • The Certificate in Packaging • AIP Training Courses • Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Designation

seen even more people working in, and around, packaging development and design. People that hold roles in Environment and Sustainability, Procurement, Sales & Marketing, Design Agencies and Packaging Machinery also need to understand packaging at a more technical level than ever before; especially those who are responsible for achieving the 2025 National Packaging Targets and future mandatory design standards for the business.

Added to the higher education portfolio mentioned, the AIP also offers over 30 training courses in all materials, all types of packaging and every topic known to the packaging industry. The training courses are designed for anyone who works in and around packaging Every company has a role to play as everyone uses packaging within their business. Identify key staff that need core competencies in the fundamentals of packaging to fulfill their role.

Anyone that is responsible for the 2025 National Packaging Targets, or the future mandatory design standards, or the purchasing of packaging for the business needs to be supported with access to packaging-related training and education.

Start by reviewing training and professional development budgets and allocate some for the packaging, procurement and sustainability teams. Look to incentivise your packaging-related teams by allowing them a budget each year for their own professional development. Allocate a budget for new hires so they can have access to basic packaging training from the start of their careers. The AIP are here to help map out a program for all levels of professional development to suit your business.

Another idea is to consider working with the AIP to develop an internal scholarship program for your packaging-related team, or pay for a Diploma in Packaging Technology or Certificate in Packaging degree for someone who shows promise in this field. Just one person a year enrolling in a packaging-related degree will make such a difference for the skillsets in the industry in the future.

By enhancing the core competencies of not only your packaging team, but also anyone who works in and around packaging, you will set your business apart as one that invests in future-proofing the skills of the industry. F

www.foodmag.com.au | February 2024 | Food&Beverage Industry News 51

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