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Premium Pouch packaging machines for snacks and confectionery
Economical, flexible, and safe
Who doesn’t know them – the little treats we enjoy between meals or as evening snacks? Sweets come in all forms: fruity or salty gums, chocolate with cookies or fruit, and countless flavour combinations. But to keep these popular snacks consistently available in shops, reliable primary packaging – ideally pouches – is essential.
This packaging must combine low costs with strong product protection. For cookies, breakage during filling must be min-
imised, while soft items like fruit gums need dosing systems that prevent sticking.
We aim to produce perfect pouches at the lowest unit costs and reliably over the entire service lifetime of the machine.
Contact us for more information on 01473 893990 or email@penn-packaging.co.uk
Kimberley Read at: kimberley@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk or Joanne Murphy at: joanne@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk
foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk
15. Priya Lakhani OBE announced as
Durite launches new LED warning light featuring HINVII™ technology to boost workers’ safety in low-light conditions
Durite, the leading supplier of vehicle safety and electrical components, has launched a new LED warning light that combines standard amber LED strobing with the market-proven HINVII™ system to improve visibility in low-light conditions and enhance safety for on-site personnel.
HINVII™ (High intensity non-visible intelligent illumination) produces a distinctive purple flash to activate high-visibility materials. This makes hi-vis clothing, signs, cones, and machinery glow brightly—dramatically improving visibility at dawn, dusk, or in poor weather, without creating distracting glare for drivers or crews.
The new warning lamp includes multi-programmable flash patterns and operates on 12/24V systems. Its rugged design is IP67 and IP69K rated, ensuring high performance in demanding environments. Built to last, it withstands vibration, water, and dirt, making it ideal for high traffic areas, roadside incidents, and industrial sites, says the company. Especially relevant for sectors such as waste management, construction,
Introducing A Picnic Winner – The Louisiana Crayfish Po’boy
The picnic season is now in full swing, and the crayfish po’boy makes a delicious and exciting addition to any outdoor spread. This recipe is a take on the traditional sandwich from Louisiana. Typically the sandwich is fried seafood in a baguette, with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and remoulade sauce. However, here is a healthier yet equally delicious version using fresh, cooked crayfish meat making a ‘prawn cocktail’ sarnie with a kick!
The po’boy originated in New Orleans during a streetcar strike in the 1920s. A local restaurant offered free sandwiches to the ‘poor boys’ on the picket line. It was so good it became a local staple.
The Po’boy recipe Makes 4 sandwiches: For the po’boy sandwich you will need the following: 1 large sourdough baguette, Approximately 200g of cooked crayfish tails, Remoulade sauce, Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles for serving
For the remoulade Sauce:
220g mayonnaise, 50g cornichons, finely chopped, ½ bunch fresh dill, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons capers, drained and coarsely chopped, 1 medium lemon, juiced, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, or more to taste, 1 small clove garlic, minced, 1-2 tbsp. smoked paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more!) Salt and pepper
The method
Make the remoulade sauce by combining all the ingredients together in a bowl, season to taste. This can be done way ahead of time, just jar it up and keep it in the fridge. This sauce is ubiquitous to Creole food and used in many dishes or as a dip.
Assemble the po’boys: In a large bowl, mix together the crayfish tails and enough of the remoulade to coat them well. Slice the baguette, spoon over the crayfish mixture then add the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Cut into portions and serve immediately.
For those who wish to fry their crayfish tails you will need: 120g plain flour, 2 eggs, beaten, 60g breadcrumbs, Vegetable oil, for frying
Then coat the crayfish tails in flour, dip in beaten eggs then cover with breadcrumbs. Heat enough oil to cover the crayfish in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry the crayfish until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and add to your po’boy!
This recipe is from the Kennet Crayfish Company who sell wild-trapped crayfish. Wild is considered superior to farmed in many food delicacies. Wild equates to more flavour, better texture and more satisfaction from knowing what you are eating had a happier life. The Kennet crayfish are sustainably caught in a British chalk stream and humanely processed to ensure quality and care at every step. (https://www.kennetcrayfish.com/)
highway maintenance, distribution, recovery, utilities, agriculture, and logistics, the warning lamp is suitable for any vehicle operating in high-risk or variable lighting conditions.
“This patented technology enables fleets to access precision warning lighting which quite literally cuts through the dark,” says John Nobbs, UK Sales Director for Durite. “By enhancing visibility without increasing visual noise, it empowers fleet and emergency service operators to improve crew safety without compromising performance or compliance. Truly, a leap forward in lighting safety.”
For further details, visit www.durite.co.uk.
Mechanical Handling to Launch New Smartphone HMI Functionality at PPMA Show 2025
The UK’s leading supplier of automated end-of-line packing solutions will launch its latest operating system, which features several innovative online features, at this year’s PPMA Total Show.
Visitors to PACE Mechanical Handling’s stand (C50) at the NEC on 23rd – 25th September will be able to get hands-on with the company’s new HMI machine control system, which provides easy access user manuals, maintenance instructions and online ordering of parts and services via a smartphone.
“We believe this is a first for end-of-line robotic and automated packing and palletising machines,” says Nick Cesare, managing director at PACE. “I’ve certainly not heard of any other manufacturer incorporating such easy-to-use and informative documentation in their machines.
“Users of PACE solutions will then be able to access user manuals, find maintenance instructions for all of the components and parts that can be serviced without specialist skills and order a service through their mobile phones. We think this will make a real difference to the user experience, saving them a lot of time.”
Launched at the PPMA Total Show last year, the PacePal collaborative robot is designed to work near people, handling cartons and cardboard boxes, without needing to be placed within a cage or behind a guard.
The PacePal CoBot, which has a 20kg load capacity, 1300mm reach, and packs up to 15 cartons per minute, is competitively priced, with models available for as little as £78,000.
To learn more about PACE Mechanical Handling, its new HMI machine control system and its range of automated solutions, visit stand G14 at the PPMA Total Show or www.robotpalletizing.co.uk
Dynamic fermentation and the making of non-alcoholic beers
The market for non-alcoholic beer is growing rapidly worldwide. The main factors driving this trend are lifestyle changes, increased health consciousness and the rising popularity of “mindful drinking”. In response, more and more breweries are expanding their portfolios to include nonalcoholic options.
Two approaches to production
There are a number of methods for producing non-alcoholic beer, which essentially fall into two categories: either the beer is prevented from producing alcohol in the first place or alcohol is removed from finished beer after fermentation. Each approach entails different processes. Breweries opting to remove alcohol from beer post-fermentation must first invest in new, specialised dealcoholisation equipment. The established methods in this category are thermal processes (distillation) and membrane separation. By contrast, methods that prevent alcohol from being produced in the first place are relatively easy to implement. Fermentation is interrupted before the beer reaches more than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
New technology uses crabtree-negative yeasts
For some time now, a special group of yeasts known as crabtree-negative has been gaining in popularity. Just like traditional brewers’ yeasts, they metabolise the sugars contained in the wort into alcohol - but only in an anaerobic environment. Unlike their traditional counterparts, once oxygen comes into play (in other words, in an aerobic environment), they stop producing alcohol. They continue to generate aroma compounds, but no alcohol. The aroma compounds mask the wort flavours that are often typical of non-alcoholic beers, to the extent that consumers no longer notice them. Thus, when an aerobic environment is maintained throughout fermentation, beers with 0.0% alcohol by volume (ABV) can be produced.
New variant of Poseidon with integrated aeration and oxygen sensor
This is where Steinecker’s Poseidon recirculation unit comes into play. With it, various circulation zones and flows can be established within the tank. The result is an even, efficient fermentation process that, in turn, is the key to producing high quality beer.
In order to use its Poseidon recirculation unit with crabtree-negative yeasts, Steinecker developed a variant featuring an integrated aeration system and oxygen sensor. The recirculation keeps the yeast in a more homogeneous suspension in the beer, which in turn improves flavour development and speeds maturation. Even more important, though, is its use for aerating the tank: During the maturation process, Poseidon recirculates the wort continuously and maintains a consistent oxygen content of between 1.0 and 1.5 parts per million (ppm). To develop the desired aroma profile, it is important that a high temperature be maintained for as long as possible - all the while in an aerobic environment. In trials conducted in the Steinecker Technology Centre in collaboration with Novenesis, a producer of crabtree-negative NEER yeasts, these conditions could be maintained for well over 20 hours using Poseidon. In the end, these tests produced fully flavoured beer containing 0% alcohol in just two days.
With Poseidon, you can set different mixing zones and circulation directions in the tank. The circulation unit is now also available with integrated aeration and oxygen sensor.
Perfectly integrated packaging solutions
Reliability, efficiency and optimised resource consumption: Krones’ innovative filling and packaging concepts are perfectly tailored to your particular needs – for glass bottles, PET containers or cans.
drinktec 2025
Supply of Oxygen
Sensor for Dissolved Oxygen
SIMPLY LUNCH UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGNED FOR MODERN CONSUMERS AND PREMIUM PERFORMANCE
PURPOSEFUL. PLAYFUL. BUILT TO STAND OUT.
Simply Lunch, the UK’s trusted food to go supplier, has launched a striking new packaging identity. This bold refresh is designed to elevate its presence on shelf, connect emotionally with consumers and support retail and foodservice partners in driving sales.
Launching on 18th August 2025, the new packaging marks a significant evolution for the 45-year-old, family-run brand known for improving lives through delicious food. With the food to go market more competitive than ever, Simply Lunch has reimagined its packaging to work harder across shelves and build stronger brand recognition.
“This is more than a new look. It’s the next chapter in our journey. One that reflects who we are today and where we’re going tomorrow,” said Sam Page, Managing Director of Simply Lunch.
WHY THE REFRESH MATTERS
Designed in response to rapid shifts in shopper behaviour and increased demand for premium, transparent brands, the new packaging puts the customer experience front and centre.
Stronger shelf standout: Bolder colours and simplified layouts help products pop in chillers and signal flavour at a glance.
Messaging with meaning: Messaging has shifted from trade-first to shopper-first, focusing on provenance, ingredients and values - designed to connect with consumers and reflect Simply Lunch’s brand personality.
Emotional storytelling: Custom illustrations and the brand’s iconic hummingbird reinforce Simply Lunch’s roots, people and purpose. Reinforcing their mission to seek out the best ingredients and spread positive impact one bite at a time.
Strategic design updates: Product names are now positioned to align with natural shopper eye-flow, improving decision-making time. Sustainability-led changes: Optimised materials to reduce waste and improve recyclability. This reflects the company’s ongoing sustainability journey.
The refresh also supports Simply Lunch’s ambition to become the UK’s leading food to go brand, while building on its legacy as a trusted foodservice expert.
PACKAGING THAT SELLS
Packaging plays a pivotal role in the food to go category. With 85% of purchase decisions driven by visual cues like colour and layout, Simply Lunch’s new identity is built to convert. It sparks sampling, reduces decision fatigue and reinvigorates the customer experience.
For loyal customers, the update feels fresh and intentional. For new shoppers, it builds immediate confidence in both product and brand. For operators, it reinforces Simply Lunch’s premium reputation across every channel.
“We’ve designed this new look not just to look good, but to perform. On shelf, in hand and in the minds of consumers,” said Will Page, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Simply Lunch.
SUPPORT FOR OPERATORS AND PARTNERS
To ensure a seamless transition and maximise impact, Simply Lunch is offering full customer support. This includes:
• updated POS materials and brand assets
• partner activation guides and product information
• data insights and merchandising recommendations
• on-shelf fridge visuals and signage.
Whether you’re an existing partner or launching food to go for the first time, Simply Lunch is committed to helping you maximise your opportunity. From strategic advice to day-one activation, we work closely with new customers to build strong foundations and drive long-term success.
A NEW LOOK, THE SAME CARE
The new packaging isn’t just a new look, it’s a new way to connect. With bold design, thoughtful messaging and a clear sense of purpose, Simply Lunch is setting a new standard in food to go. Because when your food is made with care, your packaging should be too.
ABOUT SIMPLY LUNCH
With over four decades of experience, Simply Lunch is a UK leader in handmade food to go. From sandwiches and wraps to hot eats, snacks and premium ranges like MADE. A family-owned company with BRC AA accreditation, Simply Lunch is built on quality, care and a commitment to making good food that improves lives.
For more information on the packaging refresh, product catalogue or to become a partner, visit simplylunch.co.uk
NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT SPECIALITY & FINE FOOD FAIR 2025
Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025, taking place on 9-10 September at Olympia, will once again provide a platform for independent and specialty retailers to discover the very latest artisanal food and drink products, with an exciting mix of brand launches and emerging businesses set to showcase their creations.
Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, comments: “One of the most exciting aspects of the Fair is seeing the incredible range of new products being introduced to the market. For our buyers, discovering something fresh – whether it’s a new flavour profile, a pioneering ingredient, or a reimagined classic – is one of the key reasons to attend.
“We’re proud to provide a platform for both established brands and start-ups to showcase their latest creations and connect with the retailers, chefs, and hospitality professionals who are always on the lookout for the next big thing.”
This year’s event will see East Forest introduce Kenari nuts to the UK for the first time. Sourced from Indonesia’s rainforests, the organic and vegan nuts will be showcased in four flavours: Unsalted, Sea Salt, Spicy Salted Caramel and Cocoa Cinnamon. Positioned as a sustainable superfood, the nuts will be available to sample at the Fair alongside visuals highlighting their provenance and social media activity to engage visitors.
Dublin-based Stillgarden Distillery will present Buí 43 and Glas 55, two new herbal liqueurs inspired by Chartreuse and created with botanicals harvested from its community garden. Both products reflect Stillgarden’s focus on sustainable production methods, with flavour profiles designed to appeal to bartenders and discerning consumers.
COCOES will launch its Coconut Blossom Sap Beverages, made directly on the brand’s farm without artificial additives. The drinks will be available in four varieties – Original, Calamansi, Oolong & Citrus Grape, and Twist – each showcasing the natural flavour and subtle sweetness of coconut blossom sap.
Homi Kitchen will be showcasing its newly launched ‘Hei Hei’ Pepper Sauce from the famous Singapore Black Pepper Crab for the very first time. The Pepper Sauce delivers a bold, fiery kick, balancing a sweet soya sauce base with the aromatics of fresh ginger, garlic and chillies. A distinctive blend of black and Chinese white pepper brings depth and heat, capturing authentic Singaporean flavours in a format that makes them simple to recreate at home.
IVA PLANTS specialises in thoughtfully crafted blends made with carefully sourced herbal and black teas. Each blend is created to deliver a balanced, natural taste, free from artificial flavourings or shortcuts. At Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025, the brand will unveil its latest launch: Vanilla and Cacao Black Tea. This new blend combines high-quality Ceylon black tea with whole vanilla beans that have been naturally infused over several months, offering a rich and aromatic profile.
Also new for 2025, Ruffingtons will present a line of patisserie-style dog treats, hand-decorated and packaged as luxury gifts. Designed to celebrate the bond between pets and families, the range is free from artificial additives and crafted as edible works of art.
The Start-Up Village will once again shine a spotlight on emerging talent. CHERICO will introduce chicory-based hot drinks as a natural, low-caffeine alternative to coffee. dffrnt will showcase its small-batch kombucha, double-fermented for a dry and complex finish.
Honest Umami will highlight a new range of MSG-based seasonings aimed at shifting perceptions around umami flavour, and Kwikish will demonstrate how its Jollof Paste simplifies the process of cooking African dishes at home, offering convenience without sacrificing authenticity.
HIGHLIGHTING REGIONAL STARS
This year’s edition of the Fair will have a new, in-depth focus on connecting independent retailers from around the UK with producers from their region. The Regional Producer Showcase will enable retailers to shop local and connect with quality artisan brands to delight their customers.
Additionally, the Fair’s new Village Square area, a bustling hub of networking and live demos at the heart of the event, will see Speciality Food Magazine hosting a number of regional product tastings, featuring brands including Welsh brand Radnor Preserves, award winning Northern Irish yoghurt brand Clandeboye Yoghurt, and Essence Foods, which makes a number of chutneys and preserves on its farm in rural Norfolk.
With such a strong line-up of new launches, regional stars and challenger brands, Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025 promises to deliver fresh inspiration for retailers, wholesalers, chefs and hospitality operators seeking products that will capture the imagination of customers.
Speciality & Fine Food Fair takes place on 9-10 September 2025 at Olympia. To find out more and register to attend, visit www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk.
Experience the Future of Supply Chain & Warehousing Technology at IntraLogisteX in Miami Beach
IntraLogisteX, the premier free-to-attend trade show and conference for logistics, supply chain, and warehousing professionals, returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 17–18, 2025. This unmissable event brings together the industry’s top innovators, thought leaders, and cutting-edge technology under one roof.
Over two action-packed days, attendees will have access to more than 40 expert-led conference sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and product launches. From warehouse automation and robotics to fleet management, picking, sorting, storage solutions, and digital supply chain tools, IntraLogisteX offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest innovations transforming logistics operations.
The conference program features insights from senior leaders at some of the world’s most respected companies, including DHL, Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Owens & Minor. Attendees will learn first-hand how these industry pioneers are leveraging technology to optimize supply chains, streamline warehouse operations, and drive operational excellence.
Additional expert speakers will join from organizations such as Locus Robotics, Kardex, EPG, HornerXpress Paragon Medical, MIC Food, Lakewood Organic Juices, Sportradar, Garland, CMI Foods, and Cambrex, offering actionable takeaways and real-world strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof operations.
Businesses that attend IntraLogisteX will gain immense value. By discovering the latest technology, learning proven best practices, and networking with industry experts, companies can identify new
solutions to boost productivity, reduce operational costs, improve accuracy, and increase overall supply chain resilience. Whether implementing robotics, warehouse automation, or advanced analytics, attendees will leave equipped with strategies to deliver immediate and long-term business benefits.
IntraLogisteX also features an extensive exhibitor floor, showcasing top-tier technology providers, including Geek Plus, Clustag, EPG, Kardex, Locus Robotics, Logistics Reply, Monoflo International, Packsize, NPSG Global, and many more. Visitors can explore innovations across warehouse automation, robotics, labeling, packaging, racking, safety, and more—providing the perfect opportunity to find solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes.
Attendance is completely free, and registration is now open. IntraLogisteX is designed for decision-makers and supply chain professionals eager to gain a competitive edge, network with peers, and discover practical solutions to enhance warehouse performance and operational efficiency.
Don’t miss this chance to see dynamic exhibits in action, connect with industry leaders, and stay ahead of supply chain trends.
Secure your spot today for free: https://www.intralogistexusa.com
Celebrating 15 years of innovation at London Packaging Week
Join the UK’s most influential packaging professionals this October as London Packaging Week returns for its landmark 15th anniversary.
Over its 15-year history, London Packaging Week has established a reputation as more than just another date in the calendar. As the premier packaging showcase prepares to bring together the brightest minds, latest technologies, and most creative solutions in the industry, packaging professionals everywhere are gearing up to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and shape the sector’s future. For anyone invested in the business of packaging – whether in design, sustainability, supply chain, or branding – this is a must-attend event that serves as the industry’s beating heart.
15 years of innovation
London Packaging Week has a rich and storied history. Launched in 2010 as Packaging Innovations & Luxury Packaging London, the event quickly established itself as a major platform for showcasing advancements and innovations. 2022 saw it rebrand as London Packaging Week for the first time, introducing a new format with four co-located exhibitions. Each of these was tailored to highlight a specific sector: Packaging Première for luxury products, PCD for perfume and cosmetics, PLD for premium and luxury drinks, and Food
& Consumer Pack for food and everyday packaging. This strategic shift enabled the event to better meet the unique needs of the industry and offer an invaluable experience for all professionals across the packaging value chain.
Recent years have seen attendance soar. In 2024, London Packaging welcomed more than 5,000 unique guests through its doors – the highest attendance to date – and showcased the products and solutions for more than 190 exhibitors. Throughout this history, the speaker programme has consistently emphasised sustainability and innovation, attracting a dynamic audience that keeps the event at the cutting edge of industry trends.
A landmark event
As London Packaging Week celebrates its landmark 15th anniversary in 2025, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on 15 & 16 October at Excel London, this year’s edition will reflect both the heritage and forward-thinking spirit of British packaging.
London Packaging Week 2025 will once again feature a curated line-up of more than 70 top creative and technical minds, delivering insightful sessions across three dedicated stages: The Luxury Stage, The Beauty & Drinks Stage, and The Food & Consumer Pack Stage. These sessions will address the most pressing issues facing the industry today, from sustainability and regulatory compliance to the rise of artificial intelligence and the demand for personalised, connected packaging. For example, one session will see Walpole –the UK’s only business organisation for luxury brands – explore the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility on the luxury market, while others will delve into the challenge of balancing luxury appeal with more sustainable practices and materials.
A major highlight for 2025 is the return of the London Packaging Week Innovation Awards, following their successful debut in 2024. These awards celebrate the most outstanding designs and solutions and underscore the packaging industry’s commitment to creativity. The awards ceremony, scheduled for the second day, will shine a spotlight on those businesses setting new benchmarks in packaging excellence. Prestigious brands including Hotel Chocolat, Mondelez, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Innocent, The Macallan, LUSH, Pladis, Sainsbury’s, Harrods, and The Glenlivet have entered the Innovation Awards, with the final shortlist expected to be announced in August.
The event’s commitment to showcasing the best in British design is evident in its partnership with Pentawards, the world’s leading packaging design competition. The ‘Best of British Design Gallery’ will feature 50 award-winning packaging designs, offering inspiration and insight into the creativity that defines the UK’s packaging sector. Visitors can also engage with the Museum of Brands, which will present a display of iconic, innovative, and sometimes controversial
packs from throughout history, bringing packaging’s past, present, and future vividly to life.
For those seeking practical solutions and inspiration, the Supplier Gallery offers a showcase of the latest and most sustainable supplier innovations. The top 10 innovations, selected by a panel of external judges, will be highlighted as must-see examples of industry progress. Meanwhile, the PackUK clinic provides attendees with the opportunity to consult with experts, ask questions, and receive tailored advice for their packaging challenges.
This year also sees the introduction of the EasyFairs Packaging Council (EPC), a strategic advisory board composed of industry leaders. The EPC will offer expert insights and guidance, ensuring that London Packaging Week continues to set the agenda for innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in packaging.
Connecting the industry
Networking and collaboration are at the heart of London Packaging Week. Bringing together more than 190 leading suppliers and over 5,000 packaging professionals, the event attracts representatives from iconic brands such as Burberry, Jo Malone, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Diageo, Tesco, and Elemis. Whether you’re sourcing sustainable materials, exploring the latest innovations, or searching for a completely new solution, London Packaging Week offers unmatched opportunities to connect, collaborate, and be inspired.
The exhibitor line-up features top-tier industry names, including AllPack, Beatson Clark, Berry Global, Dekorglass, DS Smith, Favini, Holmen Iggesund, International Direct Packaging, and Keenpac, giving visitors access to some of the most innovative and high-quality packaging solutions in the world.
With live product launches, immersive demonstrations, and a packed conference programme featuring more than 50 thought leaders, London Packaging Week 2025 is set to be the most dynamic and influential edition yet. It is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of industry change, to learn from the best, and to help shape the future of packaging.
As the packaging world continues to evolve, so too does London Packaging Week. This 15th anniversary edition represents a bold statement of intent for the future. Whether you are a brand owner, designer, supplier, or innovator, this is your chance to be part of the conversation and to play a role in driving the industry forward.
Register now for London Packaging Week 2025 and secure your place at the heart of packaging innovation, design, and collaboration. Join us at Excel London on 15 & 16 October and be part of the future of packaging.
www.londonpackagingweek.com
Innovations in food packaging, processing and production at FoodManufacturing.Live
FoodManufacturing.Live takes place on Wednesday 15th October at the NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Warks.
Casting the spotlight on the critical engineering aspects of food and beverage manufacturing, from processing and production through to packaging, FoodManufacturing.Live is a must-visit event for businesses looking to drive down manufacturing costs, improve productivity and enhance bottom line profitability.
On 15 October 2025, the National Agricultural Engineering Centre in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, plays host to FoodManufacturing.Live. Now in its second year after a highly successful inaugural event, this unique exhibition is focused exclusively on the engineering aspects of food manufacturing – from system design to installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair. Expert and leaders in their particular fields have come together to bring you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the industry.
The sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from labour shortages and rising costs through the supply chain, to the need to reduce energy consumption and increase production efficiency. We can’t control the uncontrollables, but we can make the business more resilient to those macroeconomic variables, and the engineering systems associated with food manufacturing have a key role to play.
Whether you work for food and drink manufacturers and processors large or small, you’ll discover answers to technical needs covering everything from simple component replacement right up to the integration of complete manufacturing and processing lines. And it’s not just about tackling the challenges; success is also about realising the opportunities for growth and innovation. At FoodManufacturing. Live, you’ll be able to discover and evaluate a host of different solutions to keep yourself ahead of the curve.
What’s on show?
With so many exhibitors on site it’s not easy to isolate highlights, but maybe these examples will whet the appetite if you’re thinking of attending!
PLUS Automation (stand 48) will be showing you how to ‘#MakeSenseofSensors’ with technology-leading factory and process automation sensors from Contrinex, ReeR and SATRON.
For its part, ifm (stand 10) has unveiled a new multi-protocol IO-Link Master with integrated OPC UA server. Carrying IP69K certification for food industry applications, the AL159x is designed to meet the evolving demands of Industry 4.0 – an advanced solution that combines robust performance with flexible communication to ensure seamless integration at both OT and IT levels.
sometimes soft and sometimes fragile. To address this issue, Schmalz (stand 167) has developed the mGrip finger gripper. Constructed in a hygienic design, it picks up delicate products such as vegetables or baked goods precisely and gently.
Energy efficiency is a further challenge for the sector, and WEG (stand 56) highlights its range of high efficiency IE4 electric motors for food and beverage applications. WEG offers a full range of solutions developed with a modern design and high performance standard, giving food and beverage applications low maintenance, high reliability and flexibility, resulting in industrial solutions of greater efficiency and safety.
FoodManufacturing.Live also includes a world-class programme of workshops that address real-world engineering requirements and explore the industry’s most pressing concerns. Presentations by experts from the likes of SKF, Brownlow Utilities and PurpleSector to name just three, will be looking at topics including strategies for future-ready businesses, how Formula 1 techniques are solving complex food and beverage manufacturing challenges, and cutting edge solutions to enhance food safety.
GAMBICA at FoodManufacturing.Live
Highlighting how, in industries where hygiene, safety and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable, the smallest components can make a big difference, Elesa (stand 27) offers a range of SAN-certified products for food and beverage manufacturing applications. The product range includes knobs, handles, latches, levers, fasteners and positioning elements.
Built to resist bacterial growth, the dual benefit of hygiene and safety means they not only support compliance with stringent standards but also improve operational longevity and reduce maintenance requirements. As an example, Elesa says one dairy processing plant that adopted SAN-certified fasteners and grips reported a 40% drop in surface bacterial counts following installation, along with longer component lifespan and improved audit outcomes.
In an industry where accuracy, speed and compliance are crucial, Rotech (stand 42) will be highlighting the importance of reliable marking: from batch numbers and best-before dates to allergen tracking and traceability codes, Rotech’s coding equipment integrates seamlessly with food production lines.
Increased automation
As food manufacturers look to increase the use of automation and robotics on production lines, one of the challenges can be that food products can have many different shapes, sensitive surfaces, and are
The event will also include a panel session, chaired by Nikesh Mistry, sector head for industrial automation at Gambica, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to explore how real-world manufacturing environments are driving practical innovation to stay competitive and adaptable. The discussion will delve into actionable strategies for building resilient operations, from supply chain agility and digital transformation to workforce development and collaborative partnerships.
Importantly, FoodManufacturing.Live recognises that we are all busier than we have ever been. The event has been designed so that you can get the maximum return on your time investment: get ideas for your business, with solutions that will help you to boost productivity, efficiency, traceability, cleanliness, safety, sustainability and more.
Workshops
A series of speakers and thought leaders are lined up at FoodManufacturing.Live delivering updates on a variety of subjects that are of importance to the UK’s food manufacturing industry. Places are free and are available on a first-come first served basis so be quick to reserve yours!
The full workshop programme may be viewed at the event website www.foodmanufacturing.live
Thinking of attending?
Pre-register now at www.foodmanufacturing.live and claim your free VIP Visitor badge which includes free event access, free parking immediately adjacent to the entrance, a free showguide and a free breakfast roll and brew on arrival with the compliments of the Organisers. The venue is easily accessible and is located just minutes from the A46 near Coventry and Kenilworth. Use satnav postcode CV8 2LH.
Unlock the power of information in codes!
Markem-Imaje is the leading provider of coding and marking of dynamic 2D codes and QR codes, by producing durable codes at high speed on any surface. We protect your brand by connecting your product from the factory to your consumer’s hands
Sustainability – Condition Based Maintenance - Digitalization
Standby regulator
Switch pressure between operation and standby
Air management hub
Flow rate, pressure, and temperature sensing Communication function
Residual pressure relief valve
Secondary air supply or shut-off (exhaust) switching
Sustainability Benefit
Reduce or shut off air pressure automatically during short or prolonged non-production stoppages, reducing the cost of compressed air by up to 40%, and the CO2 emissions generated by up to 29% by the compressors
Condition-Based Maintenance Benefit
The Pressure, Flow, and Temperature data can establish baseline conditions for machines, enabling predictive maintenance to reduce operating costs.
Digitalisation Benefit
The AMS High resolution data enables better management of your machines, and remote control for use in Dark Factories
Priya Lakhani OBE announced as first keynote speaker at the PPMA Total Show® 2025
Organisers of the PPMA Total Show®, which returns to the NEC, Birmingham in September, have announced the first keynote speaker for the event: Founder CEO of AI and education technology firm CENTURY, Priya Lakhani OBE.
Visitors to the UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, which takes place from 23-25 September, will have the opportunity to hear Priya’s keynote speech, AI Everything Everywhere All at Once, on the first day of the show.
Now in its 38th year, the PPMA Total Show® 2025 will showcase more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, giving attendees access to cutting-edge technology and solutions to optimise performance, reduce costs, and future-proof their businesses.
Organised by Automate UK, the PPMA Total Show®, offers live equipment demonstrations, valuable insight into innovative technologies and networking opportunities to industry professionals from across the entire manufacturing spectrum.
Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer for Automate UK, said: “When registrations for the PPMA Total Show® opened last month, we promised visitors access to unique expert-led seminars, and we are thrilled to have secured Priya to deliver the first keynote address at the event.
“As the founder of an award-winning AI and education technology company that develops learning tools for schools, colleges, universities and employers across the world, Priya’s work and knowledge is inspiring, and her presentation aims to demystify AI and leave attendees AI confident and ready to leverage the technology to its full potential.
“Her speech will include use cases and provide key strategic questions for visitors to apply within their own organisations, and we anticipate a great deal of interest from visitors keen to benefit from her expertise,” he added.
The co-host of BBC News’s flagship AI programme, AI Decoded, Priya’s experience is extensive. Further to having launched a successful FMCG business in 2008, Masala, which through its charitable foundation provided millions of meals and 35,000 vaccinations to the underprivileged in India and Africa, Priya went on to be appointed to the UK government’s AI Council in 2019.
Priya then co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI for the education sector, prior to being appointed as Non-Executive Board Member to the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), with specific focus on online safety and technology.
In 2023 she was an advisor to Patrick Vallance for his Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review and currently advises the government as a member of the Prime Minister’s Council of Science and Technology.
Most recently, Priya was selected by the World Economic Forum as a Tech Pioneer for her pioneering AI work at CENTURY.
Last year’s event has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best UK Trade Show category at the AEO Excellence Awards 2025, and Automate UK have pledged to deliver a show that exceeds expectations this year, with an itinerary of expert speakers, a networking reception and a series of live demos to showcase the latest technology solutions.
One of the standout successes of The PPMA Show® 2024 was Innovations Eleven – a brand-new live demo theatre, in which 11 selected exhibitors launched new technology directly to attendees. The PPMA Total Show® 2025 will expand on the success of this initiative, with the live demo theatre being broadcast in real-time via PPMA Total Show TV.
In addition, expert-led daily innovation tours will be hosted for visitors to expand on the technology being showcased and show them how to harness it within their own businesses.
Attendance for The PPMA Total Show® 2025 is free. To register, visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk.
Digital Transformation: Why Real Time Control Requires Integrated and Dedicated Hardware, Not Just Software
Visit Harford Control on Stand B80 at PPMA
An
article By Roy Green, Harford Control Ltd.
Digital transformation in manufacturing is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Driven by the principles of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are under constant pressure to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain compliance in an ever more competitive landscape. Yet, despite the buzz around digitalisation, many organisations still fall into the trap of believing that software alone is the answer, and that next year will be soon enough..
Dashboards, analytics platforms, and reporting tools have their place. They provide visibility, highlight patterns, and help management teams make datadriven decisions. But there’s a hard truth: software by itself does not fully control a process. It can monitor, but it cannot control. It can flag a problem, but it cannot fix it. And in a production environment where seconds matter and small deviations translate into significant costs, that gap between detection and correction can make the difference between profit and loss.
At Harford Control, we’ve worked closely with manufacturers for over 55 years, supporting continuous improvement through integrated systems. Time and again, we’ve seen businesses invest in software-only solutions expecting rapid ROI, only to find themselves firefighting the same issues months later. Why? Because software without hardware integration leaves a gap between insight and action.
Why Software Alone Isn’t Enough
Take, for example, an overfilling issue. A software-only system might flag giveaway above target—but by the time the report is reviewed, hundreds of packs may already have been affected. The problem is spotted, but not solved instantly. The operator is then tasked with manual adjustments, often under pressure and prone to error.
Now consider an integrated system—where software instantly
September 2025
flags adjustment advice and can be connected to in-line checkweighers, vision systems, sensors, and PLCs. The moment giveaway begins to drift, the system not only detects it but gives instant adjustment advice and may even adjust the filler automatically via a feedback loop. Waste is avoided. Quality is preserved. Efficiency is protected.
This is the Harford approach: seamless integration of software and hardware for real-time, in-process control—not post-production damage limitation and rework.
The Harford Approach
At Harford, our Manufacturing Information System (MIS) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) are designed with this principle at their core. Built around four critical pillars, our solutions help manufacturers achieve continuous improvement by combining insight with action.
Product Quality
• Paperless Quality
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Materials and Process Quality
• Full Traceability from Raw Material to Finished Good
• Vision Inspection and Barcode Inspection
Legal Compliance
• Legal Metrology
• Autocoding to prevent mislabelling and wrong date coding
• Direct Machine and ERP/SAP Integration
Production Efficiency
• OEE and Short Interval Control
• Centrelining and Real-Time Reporting
• Labour and Energy Monitoring
Manufacturing Yield
• Weight Control and Fill Optimisation
• Minimisation of rejects, rework and scrap
• Energy and Material Waste Reduction
• Process Integration and Loss Reduction
Not every factory requires every module. Our solutions are modular and tailored, with the flexibility to deliver maximum value without unnecessary complexity.
Fully Integrated vs. Software-Only
Here’s how fully integrated systems compare with software-only solutions:
Harford Control provides fully integrated solutions that combine best-in-class software with robust hardware— reducing operator burden, automating checks, and driving consistency. By closing the loop between detection and correction, our systems enable manufacturers to move from reactive, post-production firefighting to proactive, in-process control—improving performance exactly where it matters: on the factory floor.
See It in Action at PPMA
This September, Harford Control is bringing the future of manufacturing excellence to PPMA 2025 on Stand B80.
From real-time quality control and precision weight monitoring to OEE insights that unlock hidden efficiency, our fully integrated solutions put you firmly in control of your production line. The result? Less risk, less waste, and consistent performance improvement.
And this year, we’re going one step further. We will be partnering with Etavoni, the automation experts. Together, we’ll showcase how smart execution, actionable insights, and advanced automation can transform your operations—making them faster, smarter, and more sustainable.
Join us on Stand B80 at the NEC Birmingham, 23–25 September, and see how Harford Control and Etavoni are helping manufacturers reduce costs, strengthen compliance, and achieve real-time, in-process control.
Ready to move your digital transformation from theory to practice?
Get in touch at info@harfordcontrol.com or call +44 (0)1225 764461
Digital Transformation Where Software Alone Isn’t Enough
Real-time control requires MIS/MES software and hardware integration to achieve complete process control.
Many factories invest in software-only solutions, expecting quick results. But here’s the truth: software alone can only monitor. It can't prevent. It can only react, not control.
For true digital transformation, you need more than data — you need real-time action.
Data Accuracy
R esponsiveness
Process Control
Quality Assurance
Waste Reduction
Operator Dependence
Why Choose Harford?
+ Hardware
Automated, highly accurate
Real-time
Proactive, self-correcting
In-process, continuous
Strong impact
Low
At Harford Control, we combine end-to-end MIS/MES with smart hardware to give you complete process visibility, live control, and immediate interventions — exactly when you need them.
Don’t settle for delayed insights. Choose a fully integrated solution that puts you in control.
Manual, prone to errors
Delayed
Reactive
Post-production focus
Limited
High
Harford System and request a
Every corner, every aisle, every stand will immerse you in a world of print. Live product launches of cutting-edge machinery. A groundbreaking lineup of the world’s best industry’s suppliers.
Are you ready for the largest gathering of label and package printing technology the world has ever seen?
A festival of technology, innovation, precision, and imagination, at Labelexpo Europe 2025, where labels, package printing, and the future of print take center stage! LABELS
WATER AT THE CORE
Sustainable Solutions for the Food & Beverage Sector
Water is the lifeblood of the food and beverage industry. From blending ingredients and sanitising equipment to cooling processes, brewing, and bottling, it flows through every stage of production. Yet in an age of mounting environmental pressures, rising costs, and increasingly strict regulations, water can no longer be taken for granted. Businesses are now challenged to manage it with greater intelligence — cutting waste, improving efficiency, and showing real commitment to sustainability.
A Growing Urgency in the UK
The Environment Agency’s 2025 National Framework for Water Resources warns that England could face a public water supply shortfall of around five billion litres a day by 2055, plus an additional billion litres daily required for industry, farming, and energy unless urgent action is taken. This projection is based on climate change impacts, population growth, and increased industrial demand.
Water scarcity is not a distant prospect — it is already putting pressure on ecosystems and infrastructure. Abstraction from England’s rivers has surged by 76% over the past two decades, with levels now at record highs. Such extraction risks damaging delicate aquatic habitats, reducing biodiversity, and degrading water quality. Regulatory bodies have responded with tighter licensing rules, reducing the allowable take from certain catchments to protect long-term supply.
Building New Infrastructure and Reducing Losses
To meet future needs, the UK government has approved construction of two new large reservoirs — the first in over 30 years — scheduled for completion between 2036 and 2040. These projects are designed to serve hundreds of thousands of homes and support industrial demand.
Alongside these, national water companies are investing in new pipelines, leakage reduction programmes, and water recycling systems to bolster resilience. Smarter metering is also being rolled out to help households and businesses monitor and control their consumption. Water companies are adopting pressure management systems to minimise bursts and leaks, and some are trialling decentralised recycling facilities close to industrial clusters to reduce transport and treatment costs.
The Regulatory Landscape for the Food & Beverage Sector
Water management in the sector is shaped by overlapping environmental and public health regulations. Ofwat oversees
the economic regulation of water and wastewater services, while the Environment Agency enforces abstraction licensing and effluent discharge permits in England (with devolved agencies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The Food Standards Agency also regulates water quality in food preparation, cleaning, and processing to ensure hygiene standards are met.
Effluent discharge permits are becoming more stringent, with tighter limits on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These standards can only be met through investment in advanced treatment systems. UK water policy is also evolving to align with Net Zero goals, circular economy principles, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals — making compliance a moving target rather than a static box-ticking exercise.
Driving Efficiency in Process Water Use
Most food and beverage plants use significant volumes of water outside of the product itself, especially in Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) systems and cooling processes. Studies suggest that up to two-thirds of non-product water in such facilities is consumed here. This presents a major opportunity for conservation without compromising quality or safety.
Modern CIP systems can recover and reuse final rinse water for the next cleaning cycle, reducing both water and energy use. Optimised spray nozzles and rotating spray balls can cut washdown volumes by around 30%. Real-time monitoring systems track usage at each stage, enabling operators to spot inefficiencies such as leaks or malfunctioning valves quickly.
Artificial intelligence tools are also emerging, capable of analysing production data to predict optimal cleaning schedules, balance water and energy demands, and simulate operational changes for maximum efficiency. Forward-thinking businesses are integrating water efficiency into capital expenditure planning, often combining it with heat recovery systems to reduce both water use and the energy required to heat it.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
Even the most efficient facilities generate wastewater, often carrying high loads of organic matter, sugars, fats, and cleaning agents. In the UK, discharge standards are among the strictest in the world, requiring advanced treatment before release. Technologies such as membrane bioreactors, dissolved air flotation, anaerobic digestion, and reverse osmosis are now widely used in the sector.
Reusing treated water for non-potable applications — such as equipment washing, boiler feed, or cooling tower supply — is increasingly common. Breweries such as Shepherd Neame have adopted recovery plants that treat and reuse wastewater from brewing and cleaning operations, reducing both freshwater intake and discharge volumes.
Some sites go further by integrating energy recovery: anaerobic digesters break down high-strength effluents to produce biogas, which can fuel boilers or generators, cutting reliance on fossil fuels and reducing emissions. As technology costs fall, on-site water and energy recovery is becoming viable for a wider range of businesses, including small and medium-sized producers.
Beyond the Factory WallsThe Supply Chain Challenge
For most food and drink products, the bulk of the water footprint lies in the agricultural supply chain, where crops are grown and livestock raised. The UK’s “virtual water” footprint — meaning the water embedded in imported goods — is estimated to be thousands of litres per person per day, vastly outweighing direct domestic consumption.
Recognising this, the UK food and drink industry has backed collaborative efforts such as the Courtauld Commitment 2030 Water Roadmap. This initiative targets sustainable water management in 20 high-risk sourcing areas by 2030, aiming for half of all UK fresh produce to come from regions with robust water stewardship in place.
The Glasgow Declaration for Fair Water Footprints, launched at COP26, further underlines the global need to manage water equitably and sustainably. These initiatives encourage food businesses to work with farmers on efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, soil moisture monitoring, and habitat restoration projects to replenish aquifers.
Transparency, Technology, and Trust
With public and investor scrutiny of environmental performance at an all-time high, transparency is now essential. Frameworks such as CDP’s Water Security Questionnaire require companies to disclose detailed data on their water use, risks, and management strategies.
According to CDP, the potential financial impacts of water risks can be up to 20 times greater than the cost of addressing them.
Technology is making accurate reporting easier. IoT-enabled meters and cloud-based monitoring platforms can provide real-time visibility across multiple sites, flagging abnormal consumption patterns or changes in effluent quality before they escalate. Third-party certification, such as the Alliance for Water Stewardship standard, offers independent validation that a business is meeting recognised best practice in water management.
A Triple Win for the Industry
Comprehensive water management is more than an environmental responsibility — it’s a business opportunity. Facilities save money through reduced consumption and energy costs, compliance becomes easier to maintain as rules tighten, and sustainability credentials are strengthened in the eyes of customers, partners, and investors.
Water will always be at the core of food and beverage production. By combining technology, process innovation, and supply chain collaboration, the industry can adapt to scarcity, protect natural systems, and continue to deliver safe, high-quality products long into the future.
References
“England faces 5 billion litre public water shortage by 2055 without urgent action” –Environment Agency via GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/england-faces-5-billion-litre-publicwater-shortage-by-2055-without-urgent-action
“England’s rivers ‘under threat’ as water extraction surges to record levels” – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/20/england-rivers-waterextraction-record-levels
“First new major reservoirs in England for more than 30 years given go-ahead” – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/29/first-new-reservoirsin-england-for-more-that-30-years-given-go-ahead
“Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years” – GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-steps-in-to-build-first-majorreservoirs-in-30-years
National Framework for Water Resources 2025 (summary page) – GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-framework-for-waterresources-2025-water-for-growth-nature-and-a-resilient-future
National Framework for Water Resources 2025 (full PDF summary) – GOV.UK https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ media/685d4a2ac2633bd820a92a99/2025_EA_National_Framework_Water_ Resources_-_summary_document.pdf
House of Commons Library: Future water resources briefing https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10248/
Ofwat announcement on infrastructure planning alongside the National Framework https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/rapid-action-on-major-water-infrastructure-issecuring-supply-for-future-generations/
Solving Water Challenges with Integrated Expertise in Food & Beverage Production
In the food and beverage industry, water is indispensable — used throughout production for washing, processing, cooling, and sanitation. But once used, water becomes a challenge: often containing fats, oils, grease (FOG), solids, and organic matter that must be treated efficiently and in full compliance with environmental regulations.
Managing wastewater isn’t just about meeting discharge limits. It’s about ensuring operational continuity, avoiding costly downtime, and aligning with sustainability goals — all while navigating fluctuating production volumes and increasingly complex effluent profiles.
That’s where Xylem’s integrated water and wastewater expertise comes in.
As a global leader in water technology, Xylem offers a full range of solutions for the food and beverage sector — from pumping and pre-treatment to nutrient removal, sludge handling, and system optimization. We support both long-term infrastructure and temporary, emergency deployments, ensuring that your operation is never caught off guard.
When unexpected water issues arise — whether due to seasonal production spikes, equipment failure, or changing discharge requirements — Xylem can rapidly mobilize the right solution. Our extensive rental fleet of pumps, treatment systems, and accessories is available for fast delivery across the United Kingdom and Ireland enabling you to maintain uptime and regulatory compliance with minimal disruption.
Temporary needs don’t mean temporary quality. Our rental solutions are backed by expert support and the same highperformance technology trusted in permanent installations. Whether you need to lower solids loading, manage FOG, or respond to flooding or equipment breakdown, we can have equipment on-site — fast, and fully configured to your needs.
By working with Xylem as your single-source partner, you benefit from:
• Coordinated support across the full water cycle
• Flexible rental and service contracts
• Proven technologies adapted for food and beverage environments
On-demand expertise to keep your site running safely and efficiently With increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact and improve operational resilience, food and beverage producers need more than equipment — they need a partner who understands the full picture.
From everyday operations to urgent interventions, Xylem is ready.
From dairy to brewing, DAF treats your wastewater reliably to keep penalties off the menu.
Fast-delivery DAF solutions for efficient, compliant wastewater treatment.
CROSS+MORSE MAKES CONVEYING EASY!
At Cross+Morse we aim to fulfil all industry demands, from the simplest to the highest level of precision required. Our objective is to offer a complete solution - not just products - to your power transmission challenges.
Cross+Morse are known in the industry as pioneers in quality standards, which is why we take our quality control processes very seriously. Quality assurance is central to our organisation with controls encompassing all aspects of design, manufacture, logistics and customer service. We are ISO 9001:2015 accredited and have been for over 30 years.
At Cross+Morse we have continuously invested in top of the range measuring equipment: Co-ordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), digital tri-bore gauges and micrometers which are constantly calibrated to comply with ISO standards. Our stringent inspection process guarantees that when manufacturing each operation is thoroughly inspected by either a highly trained shop-floor staff supervisor or an inspector, ensuring that manufacturing is only allowed to continue when each phase has been approved. Our hardening treatment is checked using either our Rockwell or Vickers hardness testing machines.
We review our quality procedures continuously to provide up-to-date mechanisms for ensuring conformity to the quality system; different audits are carried out on all activities in the company throughout each year.
Power Transmission Solutions
freewheels, roller ramp clutches, combined sprag and bearing units and many more.
Cross+Morse is the largest authorised distributor and stockist for American transmission products manufactured by RegalRexnord (formerly EPT) in the United Kingdom. The range includes Sealmaster®, Browning®, Jaure®, Kop-Flex®, McGill® and Morse®.
We pride ourselves in offering a complete range of overload protection devices ranging from the simplest to the most accurate and precise overload clutch: Sheargard range of overload clutches, wedge pin type, available as a chain coupling and the option of low inertia rubber elastic couplings for higher speed drives. The Crossgard range, ball detent type, comes in 3 versions and also available with roller chain and low inertia rubber coupling option. The Safegard CS series, ball/roller detent type, comes in 2 two basic types (standard or mini) and also available as shaft couplings. Series CZ and CN zero backlash Safegard clutches for responsive overload protection, available in both basic and shaft coupling types.
Inverted tooth chain: including the standard SC type from 3/16” to 2” pitch and HV type from 3/8” to 2” pitch; as well as conveyor chains up to 12” width in centre or outside guide construction. We manufacture standard and special sprockets in-house for a complete drive solution.
We offer a wide stock range of flexible shaft couplings to accommodate different types of misalignment: Jaw couplings, elastomeric couplings, roller and Delrin® chain couplings, gear couplings GFA & GFAS, polymer gear couplings, Morflex elastomeric disc couplings and Crossflex disc couplings.
Our Crossbore® rework service includes reboring, keywaying and setscrewing of standard sprockets, pulleys and gears in a dedicated production area with specialised CNC machines for a rapid response. Induction hardening of teeth is also offered in-house.
Shaft clamping elements for precision transmission of torque with no backlash: a complete range from stock. Three ranges of locking devices available in corrosion resistant stainless steel.
Our range of Freewheel clutches for overrunning, indexing and backstopping applications; including sprag clutches, industrial ratchet
By Mike Pipe, Head of Product Inspection, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection
In Britain, food recalls are no longer rare events, they are a persistent challenge that continue to test the UK’s food industry. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recorded 1,837 food and feed safety incidents in the UK in 2023/24, which is a 10 percent drop from the previous year and the lowest total in six years. While this marks an improvement, it still equates to an average of more than five safety alerts every day, underlining the continued scale of the challenge. These numbers also underscore common pitfalls in production and present opportunities for adopting advanced technologies to mitigate risks. So, how can manufacturers tackle the root causes before they turn into bigger issues?
Labelling Mishaps
In the UK, allergens accounted for 240 food safety incidents in 2023/24, making them the second most common hazard after pathogenic microorganisms. Common triggers include recipe changes, cross-contamination and mislabelling, often the result of manual checks that leave too much room for human error. UK legislation requires that all 14 major allergens are clearly declared on packaging, making label accuracy a critical line of defence for consumers.
Physical Contaminants
Incidents involving foreign materials, such as metal and glass, highlight vulnerabilities in production processes. In the UK, contamination from foreign materials such as metal or glass continues to be a recognised risk in food production. In 2023/24, the FSA recorded 136 incidents in the hazard category “Poor or insufficient controls”, a classification that can include failures in contamination detection systems at Critical Control Points. These figures show that even with advances in detection technology, process weaknesses still leave openings for potentially harmful materials to enter the food supply.
Modern metal detection and x-ray inspection systems, optimised for high sensitivity, can detect contaminants reliably and combat this worrying trend. Regular testing and maintenance of these systems are essential to be sure of optimal performance and to build consumer trust through consistently high quality products.
Bacterial Threats
Pathogens like bacteria are another significant contributor to recalls. Maintaining stringent hygiene standards in production environments, especially in hot, harsh or wet conditions, is critical. Investing in washdown-capable equipment, such as metal detectors that have an IP69 rating can withstand rigorous cleaning processes, can prevent machinery from contamination. Manufacturers are encouraged to implement thorough cleaning programs and invest in equipment designed with hygienic features to minimise risks.
Expiration Date Errors
Mistakes in labelling of expiration dates can lead to serious consequences for manufacturers and consumers. These errors often arise from manual processes but can be mitigated with vision inspection systems that automatically verify label content. By integrating this technology, manufacturers can prevent costly recalls and maintain consumer confidence.
Packaging Defects
Packaging issues, such as damaged seals or compromised materials, present a risk of product contamination or spoilage. X-ray technology offers a comprehensive solution by not
only detecting a wide range of foreign body contaminants but also simultaneously conducting multiple quality checks on the packaging itself. This dual capability allows manufacturers to identify and address defects so that only high-quality products reach consumers.
Complex Products, Complex Risks
As food production becomes increasingly sophisticated, so do the risks. Ultra-processed foods, with their multifaceted supply chains and intricate handling, introduce multiple points of failure on a production line. Whether it’s contamination, labelling errors or packaging failures, complex foods require extra vigilance from manufacturers.
Embracing Advanced Technologies
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining. The industry is seeing a growing adoption of cutting-edge product inspection technologies. Solutions like metal detectors, x-ray systems and vision inspection equipment are being installed at key production stages. These tools not only reduce recall risks but also strengthen relationships with consumers and retailers, fostering greater confidence in the safety of food products.
As the food manufacturing sector adapts to these challenges, the path forward lies in proactive measures, continuous improvement and the integration of advanced technologies. By addressing the root causes of recalls, manufacturers can enhance safety standards and gain and uphold the trust of their consumers.
For more information about product inspection, visit http://www.mt.com/pi-guides-pr
Tackling the Crisis of Food Safety Standards in Developing Countries & How Software Solutions Can Lead Change
In many developing nations, food safety remains a silent crisis, often overshadowed by challenges like poverty, sanitation, and infrastructure gaps. Yet the burden it places on public health and economic growth is staggering. Regions such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa carry the heaviest toll, accounting for more than half of global foodborne illnesses and nearly three-quarters of related deaths. Despite these numbers, food safety systems in these countries often receive limited policy attention and inadequate funding.
One of the core issues lies in fragmented food control systems. Regulations, where they exist, are often outdated or poorly enforced. Oversight becomes even more complicated due to the dominance of informal markets. Street vendors, small-scale processors, and backyard producers often operate beyond the reach of government inspectors. In many cases, food travels through long, loosely connected supply chains with little traceability and minimal hygiene controls.
Reliable data on contamination, outbreaks, and the economic cost of unsafe food is hard to come by. This makes it difficult for governments to identify priorities or measure the impact of their interventions. Even with the best intentions, many food authorities lack trained inspectors, equipped laboratories, or the budget to respond quickly. On the consumer end, awareness about food safety is often low, especially in rural or underserved areas, which reduces the demand for safer practices.
Unsafe food is not just a public health issue. It weakens national productivity, places a heavy burden on healthcare systems, and shuts countries out of lucrative export markets due to noncompliance with international standards. Food safety must be recognized as a building block for broader development goals. Strengthening it is vital for improving nutritional outcomes, reducing poverty, unlocking trade opportunities, and restoring public confidence in the food system.
Digital tools offer a promising way forward. For instance, software platforms can streamline inspections, allowing agencies to collect and review findings in real time. Centralized dashboards help spot high-risk areas and detect patterns early. Traceability systems using QR codes or barcodes can follow food items from farms to markets, making recalls faster and more effective when problems arise. Training modules delivered through mobile apps or web-based platforms can bring food safety knowledge to the front lines. These tools are scalable and can be deployed even in areas with limited infrastructure, especially when paired with international support or public-private initiatives.
Technology alone cannot fix a broken system. Lasting progress demands strong policies, committed governance, and crosssector collaboration. However, when applied strategically, software solutions can help bridge critical gaps, streamline oversight, and enable a proactive shift from crisis response to prevention. For many developing countries, this represents a practical and scalable path toward safer food and healthier communities.
Author Credits :
Prasant Prusty (CEO & Founder, Smart Food Safe).
We have utilised over 30 years experience in the industrial cleaning sector to design and manufacture high performing cleaning equipment. Combine this with ease of use and British manufacturing and our cleaning apparatus is among the best available.
We believe in building products that find solutions to existing cleaning problems, improve ease of use and longevity of product life. Our commitment to quality has lead us to create the CHESS range of equipment which is fully interchangeable and is designed with you in mind. Parts can be integrated together to create a solution that is unique to your requirements.
Why Central Hygiene?
• Established for over 30 years
• Our expert engineers design all products in-house and fully test them before adding our seal of approval for sale.
• The highest quality British manufacturing means your products have a much longer life than inferior imported equivalents.
• We continually evaluate, add, and develop our products so you can be totally satisfied that by using Central Hygiene, you are buying the best on the market.
Future-proof food processing: sustainable growth starts with smarter equipment choices
Sustainability is no longer a trend, it’s an operational strategy. In the food processing industry, where margins are tight and efficiency is paramount, companies are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on productivity or quality.
Recent research from the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that 18.5% of companies in the food sector expect to continue investing in climate-neutral operations in the coming years. Yet for many, the path to greener production is obstructed by long lead times for new machinery, high investment costs, and ongoing economic uncertainty.
A smart alternative for forward-thinking producers
For companies looking to overcome these obstacles, Industrial Auctions provides a practical solution by facilitating the buying and selling of used food and beverage machinery through its specialized online auction platform. Weekly auctions cover the full spectrum of the industry, including meat, dairy, fish, fresh produce, bakery, confectionery, beverage and catering.
From mixers, slicers, pasteurizers and cooking solutions to packaging lines and bottle fillers, there’s always something to discover. Even vegetable washers, infeed bunkers, cooling systems, tanks, compressors and workshop tools are ready for a new home. By choosing used equipment, companies not only reduce their capital expenditure and lead times, but also contribute directly to a circular economy, extending the lifespan of machinery and minimizing waste. This approach aligns perfectly with modern sustainability targets while ensuring rapid, cost-effective scaling and adaptability of production.
Full-service throughout the auction process
To help companies take full advantage of these opportunities, Industrial Auctions provides dedicated support throughout the
Noble Foods Partners with Starfrost to Launch Value-Added Convenience Food Products Using High Performance Freezing Technology
The pre-prepared foods market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by consumer demand for quick, nutritious meals. Recognising this shift, Noble Foods—best known for its flagship brand, the happy egg co.—has partnered with Starfrost, a leading innovator in cooling technology, to launch a new range of value-added, ready-to-cook omelettes.
Central to this collaboration are two of Starfrost’s state-of-the-art
Helix Spiral Freezers, which are enabling Noble Foods to launch a new production line efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and consistency.
We spoke with Pete Robertson, Project and Engineering Manager at Noble Foods, to discuss the company’s move into convenience foods and the role Starfrost’s technology is playing in their expansion.
Noble Foods is known for its popular brand, the happy egg co. Can you tell us about your new venture and why you decided to move into the value-added convenience sector?
“We’ve always taken pride in delivering high-quality, egg products, and we’re seeing increasing demand for more convenient, nutritious and protein-rich options that suit today’s fast-paced lifestyles.
Moving into the pre-prepared food space was a natural progression. Here at our new innovation and manufacturing site, our first products off the production line are frozen omelettes by the happy egg co., which is part of our new value-added pipeline.”
What led you to choose Starfrost’s Helix Spiral Freezer, and how did you select the right solution?
“We hadn’t used automated freezing or chilling systems before, so we wanted to pursue the best options for our ambition. We knew we needed a system that would give us flexibility, reliability and efficiency.
We found Starfrost to be a trusted name in the industry. Their equipment stood out for its durability, ease of use and the company’s commitment to long-term relationships and aftercare. That was crucial for us. The Helix Spiral Freezer ticked all the boxes.”
You explored liquid nitrogen freezing—why did you ultimately opt for mechanical freezing?
“We considered liquid nitrogen initially, but the costs and supply logistics made it less viable. Cryogenic freezing comes with volatile pricing and complex transport considerations, whereas mechanical freezing offered more stability and lower long-term costs. After in-depth discussions with Starfrost, we were confident their mechanical freezing systems could achieve the same highquality results with greater consistency.”
How has the spiral freezer benefited you in terms of consistency and production scalability?
“The biggest win has been consistency. The freezing process is extremely reliable, which ensures our product quality remains high. From an engineering standpoint, the system is intuitive and straightforward to operate, and it performs well under different production conditions. It’s also versatile—we can seamlessly switch between products or recipes, which gives us the flexibility we need as our added-value businesses grows.”
What’s next for Noble Foods and the happy egg co. brand?
“This partnership with Starfrost is just the beginning. As our business grows, we’ll need equipment that evolves with us. Starfrost’s freezer systems provide that scalability. The Helix Spiral Freezer is future-proof—designed to handle greater capacity and accommodate alternative products as production ramps up. We’re excited for what the future holds, knowing we have Starfrost’s ongoing support.”
Future-Proof Freezing
Starfrost’s Helix Spiral Freezers provide Noble Foods with the capacity, consistency, and flexibility required to scale and diversify, enabling the food manufacturer to meet growing demand— efficiently and reliably.
www.starfrost.com
Southgate Global Launches White Paper to Help Food Manufacturers Reduce
Costs and Carbon Footprint by Repairing
not Replacing
Southgate Global, a leading specialist in equipment servicing, is helping food manufacturers cut costs and their carbon footprint. Southgate’s White Paper outlines the benefits of repairing instead of replacing key equipment in the movement of stock efficiently around the warehouse.
Equipment reliability is key to preventing disruption when handling time critical deliveries due to perishable stock and multi-site coordination. Even minor faults, such as damaged roll cages or broken wheels can slow picking, compromise stock handling, or increase the risk of spoilage - all of which can lead to costly operational impacts. Therefore, it is now more important than ever for organisations to assess how they can streamline operations and reduce downtime to respond to these pressures.
With essential equipment subject to heavy use and varying temperatures, the risk of unexpected downtime is particularly high. Recognising this, Southgate Global’s White Paper is helping organisations understand when to repair instead of replace damaged equipment, and the importance regular servicing plays in boosting equipment readiness, protecting stock integrity and keeping operations flowing smoothly.
Last year alone, Southgate repaired more than 200,000 carts and trolleys that would otherwise have been written off, helping its customers extend the life of their equipment, minimising downtime, and substantially reducing their CAPEX. Its repair-first maintenance programme also created £40 million of CAPEX savings in a single year for one customer and made a real contribution to that customer’s sustainability targets.
This is the latest in a series of industry-leading White Papers produced by Southgate aimed at helping businesses create a more resilient and cost-effective operation. It sets out the seven key benefits of repairing equipment, a checklist process for organisations to use, and provides a calculator to enable businesses to work out when repairing is the most cost-effective option over replacement.
John Maher, Head of Fulfilment Servicing at Southgate Global, explains: “Carts and trolleys, indeed any manual handling equipment, are integral to every warehouse operation no matter the sector. But they’re often perceived as low value and as a result, are frequently replaced at the first sign of wear.
“There is a danger when taking this approach. Often, the financial cumulative cost of replacements is not factored in. For example, replacing equipment incurs not only the capital cost of new assets but also additional expenses related to transportation, downtime and integration. Repairing damaged trolleys, either brakes, wheels or general servicing, is far more cost-effective than purchasing a whole new unit. We proved this to ourselves and our customers time and time again in all our calculations. With more than 40 expert technicians maintaining and repairing over 5,000 items of packing and material handling equipment each week across the UK and Europe we’re in a strong position to know.”
In food manufacturing, the frequent replacement of equipment not only adds to an organisation’s costs, but can also massively undermine its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. Prioritising repairs over replacements helps to extend product lifecycles, minimise resource consumption and lower an organisation’s carbon footprint.
But Southgate Global recognises that there are times when replacement may be the more economical choice long term. Machines and equipment can deteriorate to such a point where ongoing repairs can only provide a temporary solution, leading to mounting maintenance costs. Alongside this, older machinery often might run less efficiently, making a more energy-efficient replacement the better option long term.
In response to this, Southgate’s pioneering White Paper contains a checklist of factors to consider such as cost, the lifecycle stage of the equipment, the wider impact on overall operations and speed when deciding to repair or replace. It has also produced an industry-first equation which provides a structured approach to weighing the costs and benefits of repair versus replacement:
A (Value of extended asset life + Operational continuity benefits) - Total repair & maintenance cost = £Value of repair
B Value of improved efficiency & reliability – Total replacement cost = £Value of replacement
If A is greater than B = Repair
If B is greater than A = Replace
Southgate’s experts are on hand to support in accessing and analysing the necessary data to input into the equation. Its team has the technical expertise to calculate the cost and value of repairing and renovating equipment, but also the knowledge to assess the relative costs and benefits of replacing them with the latest models when more appropriate.
To download Southgate’s latest white paper to help reduce CAPEX and improve sustainability, visit https://bit.ly/4mL2tMv
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere One of these samples is non-compliant. The only way to find out? Testing.
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere One of these samples is non-compliant.
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere
Take control of product integrity anytime, anywhere
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info@bia-analytical.com www.bia-analytical.com
info@bia-analytical.com www.bia-analytical.com
info@bia-analytical.com
info@bia-analytical.com www.bia-analytical.com
Trusted by professionals worldwide, Teknomek manufactures hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the highest industry standards.
• Uncompromising quality & service • Innovative, easy-to-clean designs • Competitive pricing • Bespoke and customised solutions
