Food & Beverage Asia June/July 2024
Food & Beverage Asia (FBA) is the leading source of food and beverage news in Asia since 2002. FBA delivers a comprehensive view of the food and beverage landscape, spanning across the latest health and nutrition trends and industry innovations in ingredients, recipe formulations, food science, sustainability, packaging, and automation, as well as advancements in agri and food-tech.
Food & Beverage Asia (FBA) is the leading source of food and beverage news in Asia since 2002. FBA delivers a comprehensive view of the food and beverage landscape, spanning across the latest health and nutrition trends and industry innovations in ingredients, recipe formulations, food science, sustainability, packaging, and automation, as well as advancements in agri and food-tech.
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JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong><br />
www.foodbeverageasia.com<br />
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A modern approach to data management<br />
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CONTENTS<br />
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
10 Seeds of change: Transforming Singapore’s food systems through<br />
urban farming<br />
12 Culinary diversity and excellence at FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
14 Old ties, new journeys: Singapore and New Zealand strengthen<br />
bilateral relations<br />
BITING ISSUES<br />
16 H2:iD Hydrogen Water On The Go offers natural energy boost<br />
17 dsm-firmenich and Indena debut biotic and botanical<br />
combination concepts<br />
18 Ohly announces launch of new NEIVA range of health products<br />
19 Roquette launches new LYCAGEL Flex softgel capsule shell system<br />
20 Mintel: Kelp seaweed an emerging ingredient to watch<br />
21 Study: CuberUp cucumber extract may have positive impact on<br />
knee pain, mobility and muscle function<br />
22 Cheribundi expands product offerings with new line of tart cherry<br />
gummies<br />
INGREDIENTS<br />
24 Embracing the evolution: The dynamic landscape of tea in South East <strong>Asia</strong><br />
26 Training innate immunity: A scientific breakthrough in immune support<br />
for everyday health<br />
28 Count your macros: New trends for a new era<br />
30 Beyond the buzz: Comvita brings the bee’s knees of honey production to<br />
the next level<br />
ON THE TABLE<br />
32 THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong> returns hungrier than before<br />
34 Cargill redefines indulgence with cocoa portfolio<br />
36 Keeping food fresh with Super Tomato’s automated concepts<br />
38 Beyond digital: Rockwell Automation launches new Customer Experience<br />
Centre in Singapore<br />
PROCESSING & PACKAGING<br />
40 Process reliability in tube production: How PackSys Global optimises<br />
production using SIKO technology<br />
9<br />
12<br />
28 36
43 Metal detectors in nutraceutical manufacturing<br />
44 Not just heat exchangers: Complete lines drive HRS business growth<br />
46 A modern approach to data management for combating costs<br />
48 A rupture disk that “breathes”<br />
50 FAMIX relies on MasoSine Certa pumps for blending various viscosities<br />
of syrup in its beverage systems<br />
FIRST LOOKS<br />
52 The Formax Free Movement System from Provisur Technologies:<br />
Future-proof innovation for food product handling<br />
53 Automation becomes easier, more cost-effective with L-com's new<br />
Arduino PLCs and power supplies<br />
54 XSYS unveils Catena ProServX for real-time equipment monitoring,<br />
alerting and reporting<br />
55 Wedholms introduces first CO2 refrigerant milk cooling tank<br />
56 Robotics for sustainable and future-proof factory planning<br />
57 Xeikon and Sappi in sweet collaboration<br />
58 Marmon Industrial Water launches Ecodyne modular cooling towers<br />
SHOW PREVIEW & REVIEW<br />
59 The 26th Bakery China set to drive a new wave of innovation in<br />
Shanghai<br />
60 CeMAT Southeast <strong>Asia</strong> concludes with industry-leading insights<br />
61 ALLPack Indonesia <strong>2024</strong> to showcase industry leaders in packaging,<br />
printing and manufacturing<br />
62 Propak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong> unites over 310 exhibitors and 8,000 trade<br />
visitors from packaging and processing market<br />
REGULARS<br />
4 Editor’s Note<br />
6 News<br />
63 Events Calendar<br />
64 Advertisers’ Index<br />
20 21<br />
40 62
EDITOR’S NOTE<br />
A city of opportunities<br />
On 15 May <strong>2024</strong>, Singapore<br />
welcomed its 4th Prime Minister,<br />
Lawrence Wong; this change<br />
of hands not only signals a new<br />
chapter in the country's history, but<br />
also sets a new tenor for the nation's focus moving forward.<br />
In this issue, we see and celebrate recent innovations in Singapore,<br />
with the recently-concluded FHA <strong>Food</strong> & <strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
highlighting a series of international pavilions showcasing regional<br />
delights and food products that reflect <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific's hunger<br />
for foreign gastronomical products. In particular, the Italian and<br />
Taiwanese pavilions are building on their existing market presence<br />
in the region, using Singapore as a launch pad into APAC.<br />
pharmacies and unique delivery formats, Comvita's manuka<br />
honey products are sure to delight APAC consumers.<br />
On the other hand, Super Tomato, a Singapore-founded and -based<br />
company, is tapping into automation and robotics to streamline operations<br />
in food businesses. Recognising the need to meet challenges in labour<br />
cost and shortages, as well as standards in food hygiene, their solutions<br />
are not only modular and lightweight, but also hygienically designed.<br />
From a tiny red dot to the rest of the world, let us at <strong>Food</strong> & <strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong><br />
spotlight the best brands and solutions around the world, drawing focus<br />
to a region brimming with desire for the next best thing in the industry.<br />
In addition, brands such as New Zealand's Comvita further<br />
cement APAC's internationality, with the company creating<br />
products that target regional consumer demands for health<br />
and wellness products. From collaborations with local<br />
Agatha Wong<br />
Assistant Editor<br />
PABLO SINGAPORE<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
William Pang • williampang@pabloasia.com<br />
ASSISTANT EDITOR<br />
Agatha Wong • agatha@pabloasia.com<br />
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER<br />
Pang YanJun • yanjun@pabloasia.com<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />
Cayla Ong • cayla@pabloasia.com<br />
CIRCULATION MANAGER<br />
Shu Ai Ling • ailing@pabloasia.com<br />
PABLO PUBLISHING & EXHIBITION PTE LTD (HEAD OFFICE)<br />
3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK, Singapore 569139<br />
Tel: (65) 62665512 Email: info@pabloasia.com<br />
Website: www.foodbeverageasia.com<br />
Company Registration No.: 200001473N<br />
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Malaysia KDN: PPS1528/07/2013 (022978)<br />
REGIONAL OFFICE<br />
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Email: pabloshanghai@163.net<br />
LET’S CONNECT!<br />
Scan here for the<br />
digital edition of <strong>Food</strong> &<br />
<strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong><br />
@foodandbeverageasia<br />
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE<br />
Jamie Tan • jamietan@pabloasia.com<br />
PABLO BEIJING<br />
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Rayla Liu • pabloshanghai@163.net<br />
<strong>Food</strong> & <strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong><br />
incorporates the Official<br />
Publications of the<br />
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4 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
NEWS<br />
Schenck Process FPM<br />
becomes Coperion<br />
Following its Sep 2023 acquisition by<br />
Hillenbrand, Schenck Process <strong>Food</strong><br />
and Performance Materials (FPM) has<br />
transitioned its name and brand to<br />
Coperion. The full legal change to Coperion<br />
will be completed by 1 Aug <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Coperion is an operating company of<br />
Hillenbrand with 140 years’ experience in<br />
some of the world’s most critical processing<br />
industries. Schenck Process FPM has<br />
contributed an integral part to its divisions,<br />
which support processing solutions for<br />
manufacturing in polymers/performance<br />
materials, food, health and nutrition,<br />
and aftermarket sales and services.<br />
Schenck Process FPM expertise, team<br />
members, manufacturing sites, test and<br />
innovation centres, and technologies<br />
remain in place. This includes flagship<br />
brands such as RBS, Stock, Baker Perkins,<br />
Kemutec and Mucon. Customers can<br />
anticipate a smooth transition bolstered by<br />
more resources and broader technology<br />
capabilities available through Coperion.<br />
“The acquisition of Schenck Process FPM<br />
in 2023 has been an essential step for<br />
the development of Coperion toward<br />
a more diversified company and an<br />
expanded footprint. With the transition<br />
of the FPM brand name under Coperion,<br />
we take the next step in our journey,” said<br />
Ulrich Bartel, president of Coperion.<br />
“Aligning more closely with Coperion<br />
reflects a significant opportunity for<br />
us to combine our strengths and offer<br />
customers access to a broader portfolio<br />
of solutions, technologies and services,”<br />
said Matthew Craig, vice-president and<br />
general manager, Schenck Process FPM.<br />
“This wider range of complementary<br />
technologies and increased scale makes us<br />
even more capable of delivering value.”<br />
The evolution to the Coperion name and brand<br />
begins with a change in the company’s digital<br />
domain. The company’s website and emails,<br />
including those from technology brands such<br />
as Baker Perkins, will change as well. FBA<br />
Brenntag<br />
announces the<br />
acquisition of<br />
Quimica Delta in<br />
Mexico<br />
(Image: Tetra Pak)<br />
Brenntag has announced the acquisition<br />
of Quimica Delta, a distributor of<br />
essential chemicals in central Mexico.<br />
Founded in 1974, Quimica Delta’s main site<br />
is located in Teoloyucan, close to Mexico<br />
City and major customers in Central Mexico.<br />
Quimica Delta has built up a portfolio<br />
of industrial chemical products and has<br />
established long-standing relationships<br />
with global supply partners in Mexico.<br />
The company also operates several rail<br />
terminals and has access to maritime port<br />
infrastructure at Altamira, strategically<br />
located as a tollgate for chemicals mainly<br />
imported from the US. In 2023, the company<br />
reported annual sales of US$368m.<br />
Ewout van Jarwaarde, CEO of Brenntag<br />
Essentials, commented: “Brenntag<br />
Essentials is focused on developing our<br />
triple business strategy, combining our<br />
unique capabilities in the market of a<br />
cost-efficient network of last mile service<br />
operations with regional sourcing and<br />
supply chain services, and interregional<br />
optimisation. The multimodal last mile<br />
operational capabilities and the access<br />
to marine terminal capacity of Quimica<br />
Delta expand our capability to serve our<br />
customers and supply partners in Mexico<br />
cost-efficiently and with the highest services<br />
levels in the market. Combined, Brenntag<br />
and Quimica Delta will be well positioned<br />
in one of the world’s fastest-growing<br />
markets for chemicals. I look forward<br />
to welcoming the team to Brenntag.”<br />
“Joining Brenntag grants us the access to<br />
a global distribution network, a significant<br />
step to expand our product catalogue at<br />
scale of what we can offer our customers<br />
and supply partners in the Mexican market”,<br />
added Fernando Bueno, CEO of Quimica<br />
Delta. “Our dedicated team with extensive<br />
experience in the sales and distribution<br />
of chemical products in our industry in<br />
Mexico and the region will truly benefit from<br />
joining the world market leader in chemicals<br />
distribution. And as our values and focus on<br />
safety complement what Brenntag stands<br />
for, I look forward to joining our teams.”FBA<br />
6 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
NEWS<br />
Kerry Group launches digital<br />
innovation hub for supplements<br />
Kerry has unveiled its new digital<br />
innovation hub for supplements.<br />
A one-stop-shop for customers, the hub<br />
will feature: interview videos with Kerry’s<br />
leading scientists and subject matter<br />
experts; new global research, including<br />
consumer preferences in supplements and<br />
across key health platforms; insights into<br />
consumer taste preferences in supplements<br />
in categories like gummies and functional<br />
beverage; clinical study data on Kerry’s<br />
ingredients; solutions tools, including<br />
videos, sell sheets, and brochures for each<br />
of Kerry’s proactive health ingredients<br />
“With this convenient all-in-one digital<br />
innovation hub, brands and manufacturers<br />
can quickly and easily access resources<br />
such as credible Kerry expert insights,<br />
proprietary market and research reports,<br />
to useful tools about Kerry science-backed<br />
proactive health ingredients,” said Olivier<br />
De Salmiech, vice-president, nutritional<br />
supplements, Kerry <strong>Asia</strong> Pacific, Middle East<br />
& Africa. “The hub is part of our goal to make<br />
it easier and valuable for our customers to<br />
do business with us as they innovate to<br />
create nutritious, sustainable food, beverages<br />
and supplements that support the diverse,<br />
complex needs of consumers of all ages.”<br />
Addressing consumer wellness needs<br />
and easy-to-formulate solutions across<br />
foods, beverages and supplements,<br />
the Kerry proactive health portfolio<br />
covers need states including:<br />
• Digestive health: Ingredients<br />
that support the gut microbiome,<br />
impacting overall wellness;<br />
• Immune health: Solutions that<br />
allow consumers to be well and<br />
stay well, including Wellmune;<br />
• Cognitive health: Naturally-derived,<br />
scientifically-backed ingredients to<br />
aid in stress management, healthy<br />
sleep, brain function and more<br />
including Sensoril and Eupoly-3;<br />
• Women’s and infant health: Supporting all<br />
stages of life, from hormonal balance and<br />
fertility to breastfeeding, menopause and<br />
beyond with Caronositol Fertility, LC40<br />
Breastcare and Infant, and Luprenol.<br />
“We have the resources and expertise to<br />
quickly bring innovation to market by pairing<br />
science and insights with our global reach,”<br />
commented Dr Alexandra Boelrijk, global<br />
senior director, R&D, proactive health at Kerry.<br />
“We’re committed in our mission to make a<br />
global impact, by combining our portfolio of<br />
science-backed wellness ingredients with<br />
world-class research capabilities to address<br />
consumers’ most pressing needs in digestive<br />
health, immune health, cognitive health,<br />
and women’s and infant health.” FBA<br />
JJ-LAPP celebrates two decades<br />
of success in South East <strong>Asia</strong><br />
Brenntag has announced the acquisition<br />
of Quimica Delta, a distributor of<br />
essential chemicals in central Mexico.<br />
Founded in 1974, Quimica Delta’s main<br />
site is located in Teoloyucan, close to<br />
Mexico City and major customers in<br />
Central Mexico. Quimica Delta has built<br />
up a portfolio of industrial chemical<br />
products and has established longstanding<br />
relationships with global supply<br />
partners in Mexico. The company also<br />
operates several rail terminals and has<br />
access to maritime port infrastructure<br />
at Altamira, strategically located as a<br />
tollgate for chemicals mainly imported<br />
from the US. In 2023, the company<br />
reported annual sales of US$368m.<br />
Ewout van Jarwaarde, CEO of Brenntag<br />
Essentials, commented: “Brenntag Essentials<br />
is focused on developing our triple business<br />
strategy, combining our unique capabilities<br />
in the market of a cost-efficient network of<br />
last mile service operations with regional<br />
sourcing and supply chain services, and<br />
interregional optimisation. The multimodal<br />
last mile operational capabilities and the<br />
access to marine terminal capacity of<br />
Quimica Delta expand our capability to<br />
serve our customers and supply partners in<br />
Mexico cost-efficiently and with the highest<br />
services levels in the market. Combined,<br />
Brenntag and Quimica Delta will be well<br />
positioned in one of the world’s fastestgrowing<br />
markets for chemicals. I look<br />
forward to welcoming the team to Brenntag.”<br />
“Joining Brenntag grants us the access to<br />
a global distribution network, a significant<br />
step to expand our product catalogue at<br />
scale of what we can offer our customers<br />
and supply partners in the Mexican market”,<br />
added Fernando Bueno, CEO of Quimica<br />
Delta. “Our dedicated team with extensive<br />
experience in the sales and distribution<br />
of chemical products in our industry in<br />
Mexico and the region will truly benefit from<br />
joining the world market leader in chemicals<br />
distribution. And as our values and focus on<br />
safety complement what Brenntag stands<br />
for, I look forward to joining our teams.”FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong><br />
7
NEWS<br />
LyondellBasell adds new South East European<br />
distribution hub for improved customer experience<br />
LyondellBasell has announced the<br />
establishment of a new distribution hub<br />
in Hungary for its polyolefins grades. This<br />
move is part of the company’s ongoing<br />
commitment, also illustrated by the opening<br />
of the UK hub in Nov 2023, to enhance<br />
the customer experience by placing<br />
inventories closer to their customers'<br />
facilities reducing lead times on orders.<br />
This distribution hub in Hungary<br />
is an important addition to the<br />
LyondellBasell global footprint. In<br />
addition to existing distribution<br />
platforms, this new hub signifies a<br />
step forward in providing customers<br />
with faster access to their products.<br />
The creation of this new hub in Hungary<br />
is the result of a collaborative effort with<br />
logistics company Maersk. The hub will be<br />
strategically located in Budapest, ensuring<br />
optimised distribution and swift delivery.<br />
Erik Mezger, commercial manager polymers,<br />
commented: "LyondellBasell is committed<br />
to delivering exceptional service and that's<br />
why we're excited to announce the opening<br />
of a new distribution hub in Hungary. This<br />
expansion will mean shorter lead times<br />
and even better service for our customers.<br />
Additionally, it enables us to further leverage<br />
our global asset footprint network so that<br />
we can ensure that our customers get the<br />
products they need, when they need them."<br />
"We are proud to support LyondellBasell<br />
with a tailor-made warehousing solution<br />
which reduces the lead time for their<br />
deliveries significantly," said Patrick Hore,<br />
global vertical head of chemicals at Maersk.<br />
"Providing decentralised warehousing<br />
solutions instead of distributing out of<br />
a single large distribution centre across<br />
a whole continent is part of our offering<br />
as an integrator of global logistics.<br />
With our growing network of around<br />
470 warehouses across all continents<br />
and our control of logistics assets like<br />
vessels, terminals, aircraft and truck<br />
fleets, we are able to offer our customers<br />
more reliable and resilient cargo flows<br />
even in disruptive times." FBA<br />
igus presents<br />
four-year<br />
guarantee for<br />
their products<br />
igus has offered a guarantee of up to four<br />
years for all products with a predictable<br />
service life. Customers therefore benefit<br />
from long-term investment security and<br />
reliable service in the event of a guarantee<br />
claim. The long service life of motion plastics<br />
conserves resources and thus contributes<br />
to increasing sustainability in the industry.<br />
igus has introduced a guarantee of up to four years on a large part of their<br />
product portfolio (Image: igus)<br />
The four-year guarantee is applicable on all<br />
motion plastics products with an igus service<br />
life calculation, which form the majority<br />
of the company's countless products.<br />
In future, customers will benefit from the<br />
guarantee on energy chains and chainflex<br />
cables, drylin linear and drive technology,<br />
dryspin lead screw technology and<br />
components such as plain bearings or<br />
bar stock made from the company's own<br />
iglidur materials. The range of products with<br />
guarantee is supplemented by the xiros<br />
ball bearings, igubal spherical bearings,<br />
gears, slewing ring bearings and the<br />
3D-printed components created in the<br />
online configurator, iglidur Designer..<br />
"The guarantee gives our customers the<br />
opportunity to design their individual<br />
application exactly right and always choose<br />
the most cost-effective product that is<br />
sure to work," explained Tobias Vogel,<br />
CEO of plain bearing technology at igus.<br />
The three-year guarantee, which<br />
previously applied to igus energy chains<br />
and cables, proves that the guarantee is<br />
well received by customers. Last year,<br />
igus already extended the guarantee<br />
on chainflex cables to four years, and<br />
now the majority of other igus products<br />
are following suit. The new regulation<br />
applies for up to four years from delivery<br />
or for the individually calculated number<br />
of double strokes or service hours per<br />
product – whichever comes first. FBA<br />
8 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
NEWS<br />
Leanpath uses generative<br />
AI to drive action on food<br />
waste data<br />
Leanpath has expanding its integration of generative<br />
AI into its intelligent food waste prevention platform<br />
to drive faster, more impactful kitchen efficiency.<br />
This new generative AI integration analyses a kitchen's food<br />
waste data and recommends specific actions to engage<br />
kitchen teams and prevent that waste from reoccurring.<br />
Leanpath offers a complete food waste solution that has helped<br />
more than 4,500 commercial kitchens around the world be more<br />
profitable and sustainable. Leveraged by some of the world's<br />
leading foodservice organisations, Leanpath focuses on turning<br />
food waste data into actionable recommendations and results.<br />
"Leanpath already leverages AI to automate how kitchens measure<br />
and track their food waste," explained Leanpath’s vice-president<br />
of product, Brennan Hogan. "Now we are leading the industry in<br />
integrating generative AI into our complete food waste solution. These<br />
new tools will help to automate the step of turning food waste data<br />
into actionable recommendations for busy chefs and managers."<br />
New Leanpath AI features include:<br />
• A daily summary of food waste insights to<br />
save chefs and manager’s time;<br />
• Actionable recommendations for operational changes<br />
based on what and why foods are being wasted;<br />
• Smart, probing questions to ask culinary team members<br />
to elicit their ideas on how to reduce wasted foods.<br />
"Leanpath makes it fast and easy to collect food waste data, and<br />
now we're making it even faster and easier to drive action based<br />
on that data, which is the key to food waste prevention," said<br />
Hogan. "Leanpath's intelligent food waste prevention platform<br />
leverages the best of artificial intelligence with the human<br />
intelligence provided by Leanpath's team of executive chefs<br />
to drive lasting operational efficiency for our clients." FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong><br />
9
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
Seeds of change: Transforming<br />
Singapore’s food systems<br />
through urban farming<br />
As Singapore’s 30 by 30 ambitions for food security draw<br />
closer, how might urban farming provide sustainable<br />
solutions for a densely-populated, resource-scarce country<br />
heavily reliant on imports? By Mathew Howe, founder of Grobrix<br />
Singapore's reputation as a culinary<br />
haven belies a significant environmental<br />
challenge – the carbon footprint and<br />
resource depletion linked to our reliance on<br />
imported food. With more than 90% of our<br />
food sourced from abroad due to limited<br />
arable land, addressing the environmental<br />
impact of long-distance food transportation<br />
is imperative for our sustainability.<br />
From land use management to packaging,<br />
each step in the food supply chain exacerbates<br />
the environmental strain. As Singapore<br />
grapples with the environmental challenges<br />
posed by its heavy reliance on imported<br />
food, alternative solutions such as urban<br />
farming have emerged. With a mission to<br />
bring urban farming to the fore and educate<br />
communities on the essential role of food in<br />
sustainable living, Grobrix started a lifestyle<br />
farming-as-a-service (FaaS) solution,<br />
offering its vertical farm walls and bringing<br />
farming closer to urban spaces. Its model<br />
sets up the opportunity for mass adoption<br />
across the nation and even globally.<br />
By integrating sustainable agriculture practices<br />
into our urban landscapes, Grobix addresses<br />
the pressing issues of carbon emissions and<br />
resource depletion, and paves the way for a<br />
more resilient and self-sufficient food system.<br />
COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTIONS<br />
FOR FUTURE FOOD SECURITY<br />
By harnessing vertical space, urban<br />
farming enables increased food production<br />
without the need for vast expanses of land.<br />
This addresss the growing demand for<br />
fresh produce and optimises land use in<br />
densely populated urban areas, providing a<br />
sustainable solution for food cultivation.<br />
With just 4m of empty wall space (equivalent<br />
to six units of their low-maintenance<br />
vertical farming system), a benchmarking<br />
study by Grobrix shows that it is possible<br />
to avoid up to 2,500kg of CO2 emissions<br />
when compared to importing the same<br />
produce from Australia to Singapore.<br />
The integration of vertical farm walls<br />
into urban landscapes transcends mere<br />
aesthetics; it represents a holistic approach<br />
to addressing food security, promoting<br />
wellness, and fostering sustainability within<br />
Singapore's urban fabric. Unlike conventional<br />
agricultural methods, urban farming brings<br />
food production closer to consumers,<br />
minimising losses during transportation<br />
and streamlining distribution channels.<br />
A study by the Singapore Environment<br />
Council further highlighted that an<br />
estimated 342 thousand tonnes of food<br />
are lost during transportation from farm<br />
to market, underscoring the potential of<br />
urban farming to mitigate losses and fortify<br />
local food security. Sustainable practices<br />
inherent in urban farming contribute<br />
to reducing the overall environmental<br />
footprint, aligning with the vision of a more<br />
resilient and self-sufficient food system.<br />
Urban farming solutions mark a significant<br />
stride towards Singapore's goal of meeting<br />
30% of its nutritional needs by 2030. By<br />
offering superior quality and diverse food<br />
options grown closer to home, these solutions<br />
outshine the nutrient-depleted offerings in<br />
supermarkets. Furthermore, Grobrix's costeffective<br />
and scalable solutions, coupled with<br />
multiple harvests from each seedling, address<br />
the rising demand for affordable and healthier<br />
food choices while promoting sustainability.<br />
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND<br />
INSPIRING CHANGE<br />
Urban farming plays an important role<br />
in enhancing the quality and diversity of<br />
food available to consumers, especially as<br />
urban dwellers increasingly seek healthier,<br />
locally-sourced food options. This shift<br />
towards fresher and more nutrient-rich<br />
options is not only a trend but a fundamental<br />
change in consumer behaviour, driven<br />
by a growing awareness of the benefits<br />
associated with freshly harvested food.<br />
As corporations increasingly prioritise<br />
wellness, urban farming solutions<br />
present an opportunity to integrate<br />
employee engagement with sustainability<br />
initiatives. Companies like Sodexo, M<br />
Moser, LinkedIn, Standard Chartered and<br />
KPMG have collaborated with Grobrix to<br />
10 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
this step to enhance our guests’ dining<br />
experience and it underscores our unwavering<br />
commitment to environmental stewardship."<br />
By collaborating with stakeholders across<br />
industries, its reach and impact is extended<br />
to even more communities, inspiring action<br />
to embrace sustainable practices.<br />
The Grobrix wall at Little Farms<br />
incorporate the edible vertical gardens in<br />
their offices, showcasing a commitment<br />
to promoting sustainable living.<br />
These ongoing partnerships with Grobrix<br />
have proven to be key enablers of community<br />
engagement, fostering a workplace culture<br />
centred on sustainability education. Employees<br />
harvesting fresh herbs and greens directly<br />
from office walls spark conversations<br />
on sustainability, inspiring initiatives like<br />
cultivation and harvest days that promote<br />
co-worker interaction and positive lifestyle<br />
changes. The introduction of greenery in urban<br />
spaces also contributes to improved employee<br />
well-being, reducing stress levels and boosting<br />
morale. Grobrix's approach has helped<br />
forge deeper connections between urban<br />
communities and the food they consume,<br />
thereby transforming urban spaces into<br />
vibrant hubs of sustainable food production.<br />
Beyond the corporate sphere, urban farming<br />
initiatives have also found homes at hotels,<br />
retail spaces and community centres. Grobrix’s<br />
vertical farm walls offer opportunities for<br />
businesses in the F&B and hospitality sectors,<br />
enabling restaurants and hotels to enhance<br />
their menu offerings with fresh, locallygrown<br />
produce, thereby elevating the taste,<br />
quality, and nutritional value of their dishes.<br />
Little Farms, which features Grobrix’s<br />
vertical farms at its Tanglin Mall and<br />
Serangoon Gardens stores, serves fresh<br />
produce at its F&B concept, Little Farms<br />
Table. Jason Green, director of food and<br />
beverage, Little Farms, commented:<br />
“Partnering with Grobrix allows Little<br />
Farms to uphold our commitment to<br />
delivering the freshest and highestquality<br />
produce to our customers. By<br />
incorporating its fresh harvests into our<br />
menu, we not only enhance our offerings<br />
with a diverse range of vegetables and<br />
herbs like basil, kale, rosemary and oregano<br />
but also contribute to a more resilient and<br />
environmentally conscious food ecosystem.”<br />
At Oasia Resort Sentosa, Grobrix’s first<br />
hospitality partner in Singapore, fresh<br />
herbs harvested from Grobrix’s farm walls<br />
enrich the signature teas and wellness<br />
meals at Oasia Spa. This integration<br />
has transformed the guest experience,<br />
enhancing the sensory journey of its<br />
treatments while symbolising a commitment<br />
to sustainability and holistic well-being.<br />
Similarly, W Singapore, one of Grobrix’s<br />
hospitality partners, shared: “Partnering<br />
with Grobrix is an extension of our farm-totable<br />
commitment — a tangible dedication<br />
to sustainability and culinary excellence.<br />
Its wall farms enable us to diversify our<br />
food sources, ensuring the freshest,<br />
most nutrient-dense and flavourful<br />
produce for our guests by cultivating<br />
our own ingredients on-site. We’ve taken<br />
SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOOD<br />
ECOSYSTEMS: A REALITY NOT A<br />
DREAM<br />
In the strategic pursuit of a sustainable<br />
food future, urban farming solutions wield<br />
significant influence in enhancing the<br />
quality of produce, promoting environmental<br />
sustainability, and fostering resilience in food<br />
security for businesses and communities<br />
alike. By harnessing alternative and<br />
innovative solutions to traditional farming,<br />
we can navigate this transition towards<br />
a more sustainable future collectively.<br />
While the journey of our food from farm<br />
to plate exacts a toll on the environment,<br />
leveraging urban farming solutions offers a<br />
significant opportunity for a better future and<br />
increased self-sufficiency in food production.<br />
Through collaboration and innovation,<br />
businesses and communities can work together<br />
to build a more sustainable and resilient food<br />
system for Singapore and beyond. FBA<br />
Mathew Howe<br />
is the founder<br />
of Grobrix
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
Culinary diversity and excellence<br />
at FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
This year’s edition features a bigger and brighter showcase of food and<br />
beverage products, with several countries making a record-breaking presence.<br />
FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong> concluded with<br />
success, amassing a total of 72,495<br />
attendees from 91 countries and regions.<br />
Over the four-day event, the show presented<br />
the latest products in the industry; it also<br />
created valuable business connections and<br />
fostered numerous potential partnerships.<br />
A highlight of this year’s event was the<br />
stellar line-up of country pavilions from all<br />
around the world, with Germany being this<br />
edition’s country of honour. With over thirty<br />
exhibitors, this also marks the country’s<br />
largest ever presentation at the showground.<br />
Other countries of note at FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong><br />
also include Italy, who returned with the<br />
unveiling of the Italian Taste Lab at its official<br />
pavilion. The opening ceremony featured<br />
addresses by Dante Brandi, Ambassador of<br />
Italy to Singapore and Brunei, and Giorgio<br />
Calveri, Italian trade commissioner for<br />
Singapore and the Philippines. With 58<br />
participating Italian exhibitors, the Italian<br />
pavilion also boasts the largest European<br />
representation at FHA – F&B <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Under the theme of “Navigating the Future<br />
of <strong>Food</strong>”, the opening of the Italian Taste<br />
Lab emphasised the prominence of Italian<br />
trade names and businesses in light of<br />
growing demand for Italian food among<br />
Singaporeans consumers and beyond.<br />
Correspondingly, the taste lab featured a lineup<br />
of 11 Italian chefs, including two Michelinstarred<br />
names, across 21 live cooking<br />
demonstrations and three masterclasses.<br />
Brandi shared: “I’m really pleased to see that<br />
Italy is the largest participating European<br />
country in terms of exhibitors here at FHA<br />
– F&B <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong>. It’s a demonstration of<br />
a faith not only in the Singapore market,<br />
but also in Singapore’s capacity to attract<br />
investors, buyers, and stakeholders in<br />
the food and hospitality sectors across<br />
ASEAN and the <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific region.”<br />
Altogether, these efforts are proof of<br />
Italian cuisine’s enduring popularity in<br />
Singapore – a trend driven by increasing<br />
demand for authentic Italian products in<br />
the region. From pasta and olive oil to wine<br />
and cheese, as well as cured meats and<br />
specialty sauces, the high-quality perception<br />
of Italian products have been further<br />
boasted by Singapore’s recognition of niche<br />
specialities and preference for organic,<br />
artisanal, and region-specific delights.<br />
More than that, the shared culinary and<br />
gastronomical passion between Singapore<br />
and Italy has also encouraged further<br />
trade between the two countries.<br />
Calveri said: “<strong>Food</strong> is important in both<br />
Singapore and Italy as a social language for<br />
families and friends. With that, a trend to<br />
look out for are fusion concepts between<br />
Singapore and Italian cuisine, where we<br />
bring together Singapore’s rich culinary<br />
heritage with the Italian quality that<br />
consumers love – these dual influences,<br />
I think, can yield interesting results.”<br />
To that end, there are also ample<br />
opportunities for Singapore and Italian food<br />
companies to collaborate on unique products.<br />
In addition, the former’s receptiveness to<br />
food innovation also makes the country<br />
ideal for the latest product launches.<br />
As an example, Calveri offered that “[m]any<br />
Italian companies are focusing on natural<br />
wines. Winemakers, for example, are making<br />
light wines such as Lambrusco more herbal<br />
12 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
and less sweet; this, I believe, could be<br />
matched easily with Singaporean food.”<br />
Meanwhile, Brandi added: “The Singapore<br />
market offers a lot of opportunities for<br />
Italian creativity in food, as this is a market<br />
where consumers are ready to experiment<br />
and seeking something new. There is also<br />
an immense respect for a simple dish made<br />
with the best ingredients, in a sustainable<br />
manner – which is why Singapore is a great<br />
starting point for food innovations in <strong>Asia</strong>.”<br />
Another presence at FHA – F&B <strong>2024</strong><br />
was the Taiwan pavilion, which saw<br />
the participation of 98 exhibitors from<br />
Pingtung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Yunlin<br />
County governments, and nine other food<br />
associations. This therefore also marked<br />
the largest presence for Taiwan at FHA –<br />
F&B <strong>Asia</strong>. The products exhibited in the<br />
Taiwan Pavilion covered a wide range of<br />
products including: confectionery, canned<br />
goods, sauces, rice, beverages, as well as<br />
processed seafood and meat products.<br />
The pavilion was officially opened to<br />
the unveiling of the Happy Hour stand<br />
at Taiwan External Trade Development<br />
Council (TAITRA)’s booth. The stand<br />
featured, in two one-hour sessions, free<br />
snacks and drinks such as wheel-shaped<br />
cakes and Taiwanese boba milk tea,<br />
showcasing the country’s specialities.<br />
The opening ceremony of the TAITRA<br />
booth was graced by Representative of<br />
Taipei Representative<br />
Office in Singapore,<br />
Dr Tung Chen Yuan,<br />
Mayor of Tainan City<br />
Government, Huang<br />
Wei Che, Deputy<br />
Magistrate of Yunlin<br />
County Government,<br />
Xie Shu Ya, Director of<br />
Agriculture Department<br />
of Chiayi County<br />
Government, Hsu Chang<br />
Min, and Secretarygeneral<br />
of Industrial<br />
Development & Investment<br />
Promotion Committee of<br />
Pingtung County, Li Kun.<br />
In his speech, Dr Tung emphasised<br />
that the record scale of the Taiwan<br />
pavilion at this year’s FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong><br />
not only reflected Singapore’s key role<br />
in Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, but<br />
also the profound significance of Taiwan’s<br />
food and beverage products in both the<br />
country and South East <strong>Asia</strong> as a whole.<br />
The Taiwan pavilion further extended into<br />
the processing and packaging sector; to<br />
showcase the efforts of the Taiwanese<br />
food industry in energy conservation,<br />
carbon reduction, and sustainability, this<br />
year's Taiwan pavilion set up a "Low<br />
Carbon Packaging Exhibition Area."<br />
Twenty-one businesses presented their<br />
innovations and efforts in low carbon<br />
packaging, demonstrating Taiwan's<br />
determination to achieve net-zero<br />
emissions to the international market.<br />
Lu Hsiu Ling, deputy director of TAITRA,<br />
further pointed out four highlights of this<br />
year's Taiwan pavilion: the largest exhibition<br />
scale in history, the establishment of a<br />
low-carbon packaging zone in response<br />
to sustainable trends, the hosting of the<br />
Happy Hour booth showcasing Taiwan's<br />
traditional flavours, and the enhancement<br />
of marketing effectiveness from B2B to<br />
B2C through supermarket promotion<br />
activities. These measures aim to deepen<br />
international buyers' impressions and<br />
fondness for the Taiwan pavilion and<br />
further expand the market's reach.<br />
Market figures have shown that Singapore<br />
is Taiwan's 11th largest export market<br />
and the 27th largest source of imports<br />
for agricultural and food products. Last<br />
year, Taiwan’s exports to Singapore<br />
amounted to US$121.6m, while imports<br />
from Singapore reached US$199.3m,<br />
indicating a close relationship in agricultural<br />
trade between the two sides. In all, the<br />
extensive presence of these countries at<br />
FHA - F&B <strong>Asia</strong> has further cemented<br />
Singapore's key role in supporting the<br />
region's food and beverage industry. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 13
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
Old ties, new journeys:<br />
Singapore and New Zealand<br />
strengthen bilateral relations<br />
Small but mighty are the food and beverage industries of these two nations,<br />
and with a reaffirmed stance on its trade relations, Singapore and New<br />
Zealand are all set to tackle the most pressing issues affect the sector.<br />
As part of a three-day official visit to<br />
Singapore, New Zealand Prime Minister<br />
Christopher Luxon, along with a diverse<br />
contingent of business delegates<br />
representing key industry sectors, graced<br />
the New Zealand Innovation event.<br />
Titled “See Tomorrow First”, the occasion<br />
forged new connections and revitalised<br />
old ones, with the goal of strengthening<br />
bilateral trade ties between Singapore<br />
and New Zealand in the areas of agrifood,<br />
advanced manufacturing, clean<br />
technology, aviation, and more.<br />
Singapore and New Zealand have a<br />
shared history of fruitful collaborations and<br />
partnerships, with both small countries<br />
being significant hubs in the region for<br />
food technology and sustainable growth.<br />
As consumer demand for sustainable<br />
products, clear labels, and innovative<br />
solutions continues to increase, so<br />
will the need for relevant research<br />
and insight into the future of food.<br />
Likewise, New Zealand’s food and<br />
beverage products have continued to<br />
enjoy brand prestige in Singapore a<br />
trusted source of food quality and safety,<br />
with dairy being one of such products.<br />
Jenny Chew, GM growth at Fonterra,<br />
remarked: “As a key player in New<br />
Zealand’s dairy industry, with a long<br />
and proud heritage of dairy innovation,<br />
Fonterra values the partnership<br />
between New Zealand and Singapore<br />
in food innovation and technology.<br />
Singapore is a net importer of food and<br />
is complimented by New Zealand’s<br />
high quality and sustainable supply.<br />
“Fonterra sees Singapore as a regional leader<br />
in food innovation and trends. We opened<br />
a local application centre (Te Mātāpuna<br />
Lab) in our Singapore office last year,<br />
which focuses on supporting the region's<br />
pipeline of innovation and application<br />
projects for the next three years, with a<br />
particular focus on last mile innovation.”<br />
With a strong focus on food research and<br />
development, Singapore is well-positioned to<br />
as an innovative centre to serve start-ups and<br />
established businesses in the creation of new<br />
ideas. Supported by the country’s 30 by 30<br />
initiative for food security, the cross exchange<br />
of ideas from this bilateral trade relation will<br />
see the flourishing of the food tech sector.<br />
On future areas of potential collaboration,<br />
Mark Piper, chief executive, Plant & <strong>Food</strong><br />
Research noted that the strategic research<br />
areas of the organisation aligned with<br />
“The bilateral science, technology and<br />
innovation arrangement between<br />
Singapore and New Zealand continues<br />
to provide a framework for long-term<br />
science cooperation with an initial focus<br />
on future foods.”<br />
Mark Piper<br />
Chief executive, Plant & <strong>Food</strong> Research<br />
14 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
MARKET INSIGHTS<br />
“If South East <strong>Asia</strong> were a country, it’d be the<br />
third largest in the world by population. It’s an<br />
exciting cluster of markets with a growing<br />
middle class and increasing appetite for<br />
high quality food, including dairy.”<br />
the R&D domains in Singapore’s story,<br />
which are: aquaculture, breeding new<br />
plant varieties with superior traits for CEA,<br />
digital twin modelling, development and<br />
functionality of alternative proteins, and<br />
food safety assessments for novel foods.<br />
“Plant & <strong>Food</strong> Research is working on open<br />
ocean aquaculture, producing alternative<br />
fish feeds, active in computer vision and<br />
machine learning for fish health and the<br />
extraction of plant proteins as food-grade<br />
ingredients. We also have a track record<br />
of successful breeding programmes for<br />
a variety of different crops,” he shared.<br />
“We also have close relationships with the<br />
Singapore food sector; for instance, the head<br />
of food science at the National University<br />
of Singapore, Professor Zhou Weibiao, is<br />
a member of the Plant & <strong>Food</strong> Research<br />
science advisory panel that works closely<br />
with our board and senior management.”<br />
Beyond the cross exchange of ideas and<br />
research, the continued ties between<br />
Singapore and New Zealand also reinforces<br />
the value of generating a strong food<br />
network globally. As supply chains become<br />
more interconnected, and brands and<br />
manufacturers doing more than just the<br />
production, support is needed from all key<br />
players to fortify regional food systems.<br />
“To deliver on that initiative for the food<br />
and beverage industry in the region, we<br />
are very excited to announce the recently<br />
established <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific <strong>Food</strong> Innovation<br />
Network (APacFIN),” said Grant Verry,<br />
CEO of The <strong>Food</strong>Bowl, New Zealand <strong>Food</strong><br />
Innovation Network. “The <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific<br />
<strong>Food</strong> Innovation Network is a regionally<br />
relevant network of excellence for highvalue<br />
food innovation. Operating as an<br />
interoperable network of ‘launching<br />
pads’ that businesses are enabled and<br />
empowered to work with though a collective<br />
of internationally located food innovation<br />
facilities and associated technologies,<br />
expertise and network partners.<br />
Jenny Chew<br />
GM growth at Fonterra<br />
“These ‘launching pads’ enable piloting and<br />
iteration in-market and act as an entry point<br />
into export market innovation ecosystems<br />
for each participating partner. The founding<br />
partner participants are New Zealand’s<br />
‘The FOODBOWL’, Singapore’s ‘<strong>Food</strong>Plant’,<br />
Indonesia’s ‘SEAFAST’ and Australia’s ‘SYFT’,<br />
with a number of additional regionally based<br />
partners expressing interest to participate.”<br />
True to the event’s title of “See Tomorrow<br />
First”, the collaboration between Singapore<br />
and New Zealand will no doubt deliver<br />
exciting advancements to the food industry.<br />
From agri-sustainable food solutions to<br />
groundbreaking plant-based products,<br />
the stage is set for highly-anticipated<br />
developments in years to come. FBA<br />
“Our region has an incredible<br />
gastronomy culture and collaboratively<br />
we have the opportunity to combine<br />
great food production with incredible<br />
food science and technology. The <strong>Asia</strong>-<br />
Pacific region has a unique opportunity<br />
to activate high value growth in the food<br />
& beverage sector.”<br />
Grant Verry<br />
CEO of The <strong>Food</strong>Bowl, New Zealand <strong>Food</strong> Innovation Network<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 15
BITING ISSUES<br />
H2:iD Hydrogen<br />
Water On The<br />
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HYDROGEN WATER VS CAFFEINE<br />
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of health and vitality remains essential.<br />
H2:iD, backed by extensive research and<br />
supported by a growing body of scientific<br />
evidence, supports vitality antioxidant<br />
properties, convenient application, and<br />
commitment to safety and efficacy. FBA<br />
REFERENCES<br />
1<br />
Hydrogen vs. Caffeine for Improved<br />
Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans<br />
2<br />
Effects of molecular hydrogen<br />
supplementation on fatigue and aerobic<br />
capacity in healthy adults: A systematic<br />
review and meta-analysis<br />
16 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
BITING ISSUES<br />
dsm-firmenich and Indena debut biotic and<br />
botanical combination concepts<br />
dsm-firmenich and Indena have<br />
introduced dietary supplement<br />
solutions combining biotics with<br />
botanicals in delivery formats,<br />
offering an enhanced flavour<br />
and taste experience.<br />
The jointly-developed concepts<br />
combine biotics, essential nutrients<br />
and active botanical extracts to target<br />
a range of health areas while elevating<br />
the consumer experience through<br />
delicious, easy-to-use formats such as<br />
gummies and oral dispersible granules.<br />
These new concepts made their debut<br />
at Vitafoods <strong>2024</strong>, marking the next<br />
step in dsm-firmenich and Indena’s<br />
partnership, targeting consumer<br />
health priorities such as “Health<br />
from the Gut”, “brain health” and<br />
“healthy ageing” to create dietary<br />
supplement solutions that contribute<br />
to drive the future of nutraceuticals.<br />
In the “Health from the Gut” space, the<br />
two companies have developed two<br />
different dietary supplement gummy<br />
solutions. The first development<br />
supports the gut-brain axis with<br />
Humiome Post LB (dsm-firmenich’s<br />
postbiotic) and the calming agent<br />
Relissa (an innovative Melissa<br />
officinalis L extract formulated with<br />
Indena Phytosome technology).<br />
The second solution supports<br />
microbiome balance by combining<br />
Humiome Post LB with CUBO (a<br />
combination of Curcumin Phytosome<br />
and Boswellia Phytosome).<br />
Furthermore, dsm-firmenich and<br />
Indena have introduced a range of<br />
solutions for brain health and healthy<br />
ageing, featuring essential nutrients<br />
and botanicals including Virtiva<br />
Plus, a combination of Ginkgo biloba<br />
L extract with phosphatidylserine<br />
showing a clinically-validated<br />
nootropic effect; life’s OMEGA, dsmfirmenich's<br />
algal-sourced omega-3<br />
ingredient; Quali-B12 vitamin B12<br />
ingredient; Quercefit formulated with<br />
Indena Phytosome technology to<br />
optimise biological performance; and<br />
ampli-D, a more bioavailable vitamin<br />
D ingredient shown to increase<br />
levels of the “sunshine vitamin”<br />
in a much shorter timeframe.<br />
"We are thrilled to partner with<br />
Indena to showcase these new<br />
concepts at Vitafoods," said Francois<br />
Scheffler, head of global marketing<br />
and business development at<br />
dsm-firmenich. "By combining our<br />
strengths in science-backed biotics<br />
and essential nutrients with Indena's<br />
expertise in botanical extracts, we<br />
are able to create next-generation<br />
dietary supplement solutions that<br />
meet the increasingly sophisticated<br />
demands of today's health-conscious<br />
consumers, with a focus on scientific<br />
substantiation, maximum efficacy<br />
and enhancing experiences<br />
through flavour and taste."<br />
"This new range represents<br />
another significant step<br />
forward in our continuous<br />
mission to promote health<br />
through nature," added<br />
Daniele Giavini, managing<br />
director at Indena. "Together<br />
with dsm-firmenich, we are<br />
committed to generating<br />
some specific high-quality,<br />
evidence-based solutions<br />
that address certain key<br />
health areas, such as<br />
‘Health from the Gut’,<br />
digestive comfort, cognitive<br />
performance and healthy<br />
ageing. Our partnership will<br />
continue to ideate additional<br />
cutting-edge concepts that<br />
aim to answer market needs<br />
with highly-innovative products that<br />
are scientifically studied, clinically<br />
tested and technologically advanced.”<br />
Both companies are also committed<br />
to driving progress towards the UN’s<br />
Sustainable Development Goals.<br />
All projects within the strategic<br />
partnership aim to put sustainability<br />
first – from raw materials sourcing to<br />
production and marketing – with a<br />
focus on environmental impact, use<br />
of renewable energies and building<br />
a more circular economy. FBA
BITING ISSUES<br />
Ohly announces launch of<br />
new NEIVA range of health products<br />
Heart health and immunity<br />
are key concerns amongst<br />
consumers seeking to improve<br />
their diets and prevent illness.<br />
Ohly, a global supplier of yeast<br />
extracts, yeast-based flavours,<br />
and culinary powders, has been<br />
dedicated to delivering the<br />
highest standards of service and<br />
product quality since 1836.<br />
Using their expertise in yeast and<br />
spray-dried ingredients, Ohly<br />
has developed its new NEIVA<br />
range of health products which<br />
support immune health and overall<br />
wellbeing. These scientifically<br />
validated products provide<br />
formulators with solutions for<br />
functional food, sports nutrition<br />
and dietary supplements.<br />
Andreas Preisler, business<br />
development manager for health<br />
at Ohly, explained: “Given Ohly’s<br />
history of producing consistent,<br />
high-quality products and<br />
their demonstrated capacity<br />
for innovation, it was a natural<br />
progression to explore how Ohly’s<br />
fermentation, extraction and drying<br />
technology could add value in the<br />
health and nutrition sector. NEIVA is<br />
the result of this exploration. Under<br />
the NEIVA brand, Ohly will create<br />
new and exciting health products<br />
that are easy to formulate, starting<br />
with yeast extracts and dried lipids.”<br />
The NEIVA range of powdered<br />
ingredients are produced using<br />
Ohly’s drying technology to create<br />
a free-flowing ingredient with a<br />
narrow particle size distribution for<br />
convenience and versatility, as well<br />
as consistent flavour and texture.<br />
Yeast beta-glucans, NEIVA Glucan<br />
Max and NEIVA MCT Immune, are<br />
the first products in the portfolio to<br />
launch this month, bringing benefits<br />
for immune function, cardiovascular<br />
health and overall wellbeing. FBA<br />
18 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
BITING ISSUES<br />
Roquette launches new LYCAGEL Flex<br />
softgel capsule shell system<br />
Roquette has launched the new LYCAGEL<br />
Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for<br />
nutraceutical and pharmaceutical softgel<br />
capsules. Built on Roquette’s market-first<br />
LYCAGEL pea starch technology, the new<br />
plasticiser-free excipient gives manufacturers<br />
freedom to select the optimal plasticiser<br />
combination and customise formulations for<br />
a range of production and end-user needs,<br />
while setting new standards in quality, stability<br />
and performance for plant-based softgels.<br />
months of storage at 40°C and 75% relative strength and capsule integrity at day 180,<br />
humidity (RH). With no significant increase as they had directly after the production<br />
in disintegration time or water content after<br />
<strong>Food</strong> and Bev. <strong>Asia</strong>, 132 x 205 mm, Image, CC-en46-AZ446 04/24<br />
months in storage, the capsules did not<br />
process. These results, taken together with<br />
Roquette’s technical and on-site support<br />
display crosslinking, demonstrating their make LYCAGEL Flex an ideal solution for<br />
ability to maintain the same mechanical strong, stable plant-based softgels. FBA<br />
LYCAGEL Flex is a plant-based alternative<br />
to gelatine, with an added flexibility to<br />
handle a wide range of – often complex –<br />
soft capsule formulations. The new premix<br />
features the same hydroxypropyl pea starch<br />
and carrageenan foundation as the original<br />
LYCAGEL VS 720 Premix, with a new<br />
formula that allows producers to select the<br />
right plasticiser or a combination for softgel<br />
formulations. Versatile and easy to use,<br />
LYCAGEL Flex offers many opportunities to<br />
work with capsule fills and process parameters<br />
that meet the demands of the evolving<br />
pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.<br />
LYCAGEL Flex offers a reduced degassing<br />
time of just five minutes, versus the<br />
minimum 60 required for gelatine<br />
formulations, and the potential for easy<br />
equipment cleaning with only hot water.<br />
Upon testing, capsules produced using<br />
LYCAGEL Flex also maintained a clear, shiny<br />
appearance and optimal hardness with<br />
no sticking or seal leakage following six<br />
Shaping the future together<br />
It’s important to look beyond the short term, which is why Krones is<br />
working on “Solutions beyond tomorrow”. Be it beverage and food<br />
production lines, digital services or plastics recycling: Krones’ innovative<br />
solutions combine superior performance with sustainability.<br />
ProPak <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, Bangkok, 12-15 <strong>June</strong><br />
Hall 101, Stand AD06<br />
krones.com
BITING ISSUES<br />
Mintel: Kelp seaweed an emerging<br />
ingredient to watch<br />
Kelp seaweed is one of the next<br />
big sustainable ingredients to<br />
watch out for in Europe, according<br />
to the latest Mintel research.<br />
The new data has revealed that less<br />
than 1% of food, drink and supplement<br />
launches in Europe between 2019<br />
and 2023 included kelp as an<br />
ingredient. Furthermore, kelp is a novel<br />
ingredient* in food and drink launches<br />
in Europe compared to other herbal<br />
ingredients, such as those prepared<br />
from ingredients like herbs, spices,<br />
plant concentrates, and algae.<br />
However, data from Mintel's new<br />
Ingredientscape AI tool also revealed<br />
that kelp's prevalence in new food and<br />
drink product launches across Europe<br />
steadily increased between 2005 and<br />
2023. Accordingly, Mintel is confident<br />
that there will be a growing number<br />
of food and drink launches in Europe<br />
that include kelp over the coming year.<br />
Mintel launched Ingredientscape<br />
AI as a predictive tool to help food<br />
and drink manufacturers instantly<br />
understand the ingredients<br />
landscape to reveal emerging<br />
and winning ingredients<br />
within a category and<br />
country of interest.<br />
Emma Schofield, associate director,<br />
global food science, Mintel said:<br />
“Interest in algae, such as the kelp<br />
seaweed, is growing in Europe due to<br />
its health and sustainability benefits.<br />
“Seaweed has already gained<br />
popularity in western cuisine as chefs<br />
and food manufacturers explore<br />
its unique flavours and nutritional<br />
value. <strong>Food</strong> and drink brands have<br />
the potential to explore greater<br />
options with kelp; for example,<br />
in the snack category, creating<br />
seaweed-infused crispy seaweed<br />
chips or mixing seaweed into already<br />
popular items such as crackers or<br />
popcorn. Manufacturers can make<br />
seaweed more approachable for<br />
consumers and enhance its adoption<br />
by presenting it in familiar formats.<br />
“Incorporating environmentally<br />
friendly seaweed into food and<br />
drink products can also enhance<br />
the nutrition profile of foods, such<br />
as by increasing its fibre content.<br />
“The EU is currently one of the world’s<br />
biggest seaweed importers, receiving<br />
seaweed from countries like China<br />
and South Korea 1 . However, there<br />
is interest in developing the market<br />
for European-produced seaweed.<br />
While the majority of seaweed is<br />
currently farmed in <strong>Asia</strong>, Mintel<br />
thinks that producers should consider<br />
European-grown algae ingredients,<br />
tapping into consumer interest in the<br />
economic, environmental and social<br />
benefits of locally grown food.” FBA<br />
*Defined as either new and<br />
experimental, or focused on very niche<br />
products/specific consumer groups<br />
REFERENCES<br />
1<br />
The European Commission. https://bit.<br />
ly/4deFMMW
BITING ISSUES<br />
Study: CuberUp cucumber extract<br />
may have positive impact on knee pain,<br />
mobility and muscle function<br />
Researchers have found that<br />
supplementation with Euromed’s new<br />
cucumber extract CuberUp may be a natural<br />
approach to maintaining healthy joints. 1<br />
According to the double-blind clinical study,<br />
cucumber extract is linked to the relief of<br />
joint pain as well as better muscle function,<br />
thus significantly improving quality of life<br />
in people with joint discomfort. The results<br />
suggest that CuberUp is a promising<br />
botanical ingredient for applications<br />
targeting healthy agers, athletes and<br />
others affected by joint problems.<br />
Joint discomfort, which can vary in severity<br />
with conditions such as osteoarthritis, is a<br />
common problem that can impact day-to-day<br />
living and overall quality of life, particularly<br />
among adults over 40. A recent eight-week<br />
randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled<br />
trial focused on adults with varying degrees<br />
of joint discomfort of the knee; the 55<br />
participants received a daily supplement<br />
containing 20mg of Euromed’s new natural<br />
cucumber extract (Cucumis sativus L).<br />
Another interesting aspect of the study is that<br />
the researchers measured the development<br />
of pain on a weekly basis, and found that<br />
it was progressively reduced from week<br />
one and was significantly less than placebo<br />
from week 4 (28 days of treatment),<br />
indicating a rapid onset of action. Amino acid<br />
derivatives in cucumber extracts possess<br />
anti-inflammatory properties and may<br />
also improve cartilage nutrition. Moreover,<br />
flavonoids and tannins in the phytochemical<br />
composition of aqueous cucumber extracts<br />
may be responsible for their free radical<br />
scavenging and analgesic effects.<br />
The study was also presented at the<br />
14th Congress of Phytotherapy of the<br />
Spanish Society of Phytotherapy in<br />
Oviedo, Spain, from 17-19 May <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Andrea Zangara, head of scientific<br />
communication and medical affairs, said:<br />
“Joint health is a key piece in the healthy<br />
ageing puzzle, and there is increasing<br />
interest in natural, preventive options<br />
offered by nutraceuticals and functional<br />
foods. Cucumber is already well-known in<br />
traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial<br />
effects on symptoms, inflammation and<br />
cartilage degradation biomarkers observed<br />
in the study, CuberUp supplementation may<br />
be a promising approach to maintaining<br />
joint and connective tissue health, and<br />
preventing knee joint "wear and tear" for<br />
improved mobility comfort. In addition, it<br />
is a high-quality, standardised cucumber<br />
extract obtained via eco-friendly technology<br />
and sustainable farming.” FBA<br />
REFERENCES<br />
1<br />
Pérez-Piñero, S. et al.: Effectiveness of a<br />
Cucumber Extract Supplement on Articular<br />
Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A<br />
Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical<br />
Trial. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 485.<br />
https://doi.org/10.3390/<br />
app13010485<br />
Subjective perception of knee pain improved<br />
significantly in both study groups, but<br />
they were higher in the CuberUp group. In<br />
addition, a reduction in pain and stiffness,<br />
together with improved physical function,<br />
were significantly more pronounced in those<br />
receiving the cucumber extract. The Timed<br />
Up and Go test result – a clinical method<br />
to assess a patient's mobility and risk of<br />
falling – also decreased considerably in the<br />
experimental group. In addition, the<br />
researchers noted an improvement<br />
in muscle function during knee<br />
flexion exercises. Furthermore,<br />
they found that inflammatory<br />
and cartilage degradation<br />
biomarkers decreased<br />
significantly in patients<br />
supplemented<br />
with CuberUp.
BITING ISSUES<br />
Cheribundi expands product offerings<br />
with new line of tart cherry gummies<br />
Cheribundi has announced an all-new<br />
line of Cheribundi tart cherry gummies<br />
to support recovery, aid occasional sleep<br />
difficulties, and improve overall health.<br />
Following a more-than-20-year track<br />
record of success in its tart cherry products,<br />
Cheribundi developed the gummies as the<br />
next evolution in recovery and wellness.<br />
All Cheribundi products utilise the wellstudied<br />
antioxidant power of tart cherries.<br />
Cheribundi tart cherry gummies are made<br />
with natural tart cherry juice fruit extract<br />
and concentrate and are an easy, convenient<br />
option to incorporate the benefits into<br />
the on-the-go lifestyle. Offered in both<br />
60-count Pure (25 cherries per serving)<br />
and Sleep (25 cherries per serving +<br />
melatonin and ashwagandha root) tubs,<br />
both versions are certified non-GMO, gluten<br />
free, vegan, and NSF Certified for Sport.<br />
"Next<strong>Food</strong>s strives to be at the forefront<br />
of innovation, and our flagship brands are<br />
always looking for ways to develop first-tomarket<br />
products," said Dan Sagers, vicepresident<br />
of sports and emerging channels<br />
at Next<strong>Food</strong>s. "For over two decades,<br />
Cheribundi has collaborated with both<br />
leading performance dietitians and hundreds<br />
of professional sports teams to fuel the<br />
world's best athletes for success. The launch<br />
of our tart cherry gummy offering is the latest<br />
step in sports nutrition and performance<br />
recovery. We are thrilled to bring these<br />
new products to the marketplace."<br />
Cheribundi will be unveiling an sampling<br />
of the gummies ahead of their official fall<br />
launch at the Collegiate & Professional<br />
Sports Dietitian Association (CPSDA)<br />
annual conference scheduled to take place<br />
19-22 May <strong>2024</strong> in Kansas City, MO. In<br />
addition to being a premier sponsor at the<br />
event, Cheribundi will also be awarding<br />
two scholarships (undergraduate &<br />
graduate) supporting study towards<br />
becoming a sports dietician at the CPSDA<br />
Awards Banquet on 21 May. FBA<br />
22 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
INGREDIENTS<br />
Embracing the evolution:<br />
The dynamic landscape of<br />
tea in South East <strong>Asia</strong><br />
By John Jose, marketing director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore,<br />
Philippines, and Indonesia<br />
In the vibrant tapestry of South East<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>, tea is not merely a drink — from<br />
Malaysia's bold teh tarik to Vietnam's<br />
delicate lotus tea, each sip carries<br />
the region's rich history. On this<br />
International Tea Day, these aromatic<br />
brews symbolise unity and love for tea<br />
worldwide. With options ranging from<br />
bold black teas to delicate green teas,<br />
there's something to suit every taste.<br />
The demand for unique tea experiences<br />
is as strong as the brew itself, reflecting<br />
the region's love for this beverage.<br />
The beauty of tea lies in its adaptability.<br />
By blending various tea types, we<br />
open the door to a world of new taste<br />
experiences. From a refreshing and<br />
invigorating blend of jasmine green tea<br />
infused with a touch of lemongrass, or<br />
a comforting concoction of black tea<br />
accented by warming spices like ginger<br />
and cardamom. The possibilities are<br />
endless, especially when we introduce<br />
unique regional flavours in South East<br />
<strong>Asia</strong> such as mango and passionfruit.<br />
This creates beverages that are not only<br />
delicious but also uniquely reflective<br />
of this vibrant part of the world.<br />
MORE THAN JUST TEA<br />
Today's consumers are increasingly<br />
drawn to beverages that offer more than<br />
just taste; they want functional benefits<br />
too. This trend has led to the integration<br />
of various functional ingredients such<br />
as vitamins, minerals, and botanical<br />
extracts into teas, addressing specific<br />
health needs. These targeted teas<br />
cater to the evolving demands of<br />
health-conscious consumers.<br />
Tea consumption is also known to have<br />
a myriad of health benefits, and this<br />
has been highlighted by nutritionists<br />
across the globe. For example, recent<br />
studies show that green tea is not only<br />
rich in antioxidants called catechins,<br />
it is also linked to a reduced risk of<br />
heart disease and improved cognitive<br />
function. Furthermore, herbal teas, like<br />
chamomile and peppermint, are known<br />
for their calming properties, promoting<br />
relaxation and aiding digestion.<br />
Zhi Ling, a nutritionist with a master’s<br />
degree in science for community<br />
nutrition, stated: “By serving tea at the<br />
right temperature and with minimum<br />
usage of nutritive sweeteners, every<br />
additional cup of tea consumption<br />
is linked with lower risk of stroke<br />
or death from heart disease. 1<br />
“Another study suggested that<br />
consuming two to three additional<br />
24 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
INGREDIENTS<br />
cups of tea a day may provide the<br />
same beneficial effect too. 2 These<br />
health effects of tea could be due to<br />
flavonoids found in different types<br />
of tea. Flavonoids like theaflavins<br />
in black tea and catechins in green<br />
tea act as antioxidants in our<br />
body to fight off free radicals that<br />
damage our cells and DNA.”<br />
THE FUTURE OF TEA<br />
CONSUMPTION<br />
Unlocking consumer preferences is<br />
pivotal in navigating today's dynamic<br />
market landscape. Market research<br />
can identify trends and preferences<br />
within specific demographics,<br />
shedding light on the evolving<br />
preferences of different consumer<br />
groups. For instance, younger<br />
demographics are showing increased<br />
interest in tea due to heightened<br />
health consciousness and social<br />
media influence. Recognising and<br />
catering to these shifts is essential<br />
for tea brands to tailor their product<br />
development strategies effectively.<br />
According to a Tetra Pak report,<br />
Gen Z and Millennials are poised<br />
to shape the future of the tea<br />
market. Together, they represent<br />
over half of the population in<br />
Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines,<br />
and Indonesia (MSPI). Tetra Pak's<br />
research has revealed that the<br />
consumption habits of Gen Z and<br />
Millennials are heavily influenced by<br />
their lifestyles. Understanding their<br />
unique mindset and consumption<br />
behaviour is key to unlocking the true<br />
growth potential of the tea industry.<br />
THE RISE OF READY-TO-DRINK<br />
TEAS<br />
There has also been an increase in the<br />
RTD (Ready to Drink) teas popularity,<br />
driven by Gen Z and Millennial<br />
consumers. Gen Z and Millennial<br />
consumers are a dominant force for<br />
consumption in South East <strong>Asia</strong>. They<br />
make up over half of the population in<br />
Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines,<br />
and Indonesia. But what exactly do<br />
these generations seek from RTD tea?<br />
Tetra Pak's research sheds light<br />
on how generational preferences<br />
influence their desires. These<br />
consumers prioritise both taste and<br />
health benefits when it comes to<br />
their beverage choices. The airtight<br />
packaging of RTD teas ensures the<br />
preservation of flavour and aroma,<br />
delivering a consistent high-quality<br />
experience and freshness of the<br />
beverage. Additionally, the inclusion<br />
of functional ingredients caters<br />
directly to the health-conscious<br />
preferences of the target audience.<br />
Catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of<br />
these consumers, RTD teas provide<br />
a convenient solution for enjoying<br />
tea's revitalising effects on the go.<br />
Adding essential vitamins, minerals,<br />
and functional ingredients, aligns<br />
with consumers' health-conscious<br />
preferences. This harmonious blend<br />
of convenience, taste, and nutritional<br />
value has positioned RTD teas as<br />
a favoured choice among today's<br />
discerning consumers, reflecting<br />
their dynamic approach to wellness<br />
and on-the-go lifestyles.<br />
Zhi said: “This group of consumers value<br />
mental, physical, and environmental<br />
health. There is an increase in demand<br />
for tea with lower sugar content,<br />
tea with dairy-free options or even<br />
tea infused with flavour-packed<br />
ingredients fruits, ginger, flowers,<br />
that may also carry other potentially<br />
beneficial nutrients or antioxidants.”<br />
As South East <strong>Asia</strong>'s tea culture evolves,<br />
one thing remains constant: the enduring<br />
love for this versatile beverage. With Gen<br />
Z and Millennials leading the charge for<br />
convenience, health, and sustainability,<br />
brands must adapt. It is time to<br />
explore ways to meet these consumer<br />
preferences and engage with industry<br />
experts to shape the future of tea. FBA<br />
REFERENCES<br />
1<br />
https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/<br />
nmaa010<br />
2<br />
https://doi.org/10.1002/<br />
mnfr.201900389<br />
“The tea consumption behaviour<br />
shifts as purchasing power moves<br />
towards Gen Z and Millennials.<br />
They are willing to pay more for<br />
higher quality tea and are willing to<br />
accept new flavour combinations.<br />
Another obvious change is that<br />
as Gen Z and Millennials are more<br />
inclined to choose non-alcoholic<br />
beverages, so sparkling tea or<br />
tea-based mocktails consumption<br />
is also on a rise,” said Zhi.<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 25
INGREDIENTS<br />
Training innate<br />
immunity:<br />
A scientific<br />
breakthrough in<br />
immune support for<br />
everyday health<br />
By Olivier De Salmiech, vice-president, nutritional supplements,<br />
Kerry <strong>Asia</strong> Pacific, Middle East & Africa<br />
In recent years, consumers have shifted<br />
towards managing their health proactively.<br />
They seek ways to strengthen their<br />
immunity so they can live healthy for longer.<br />
In <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific, for example, consumers<br />
have shown more desire to improve<br />
immune health. The 2022 FMCG Gurus:<br />
Consumer Perceptions on Immunity in<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific report found that 66% of<br />
consumers wish to enhance their immune<br />
health for better quality of life. This is a<br />
significant increase from 40% in 2019.<br />
The same report also found that 77% of<br />
consumers now recognise the connection<br />
between immune health and overall health.<br />
These consumer trends signal an<br />
increased interest in foods, beverages<br />
and supplements supporting immune<br />
health. Meanwhile, a novel way of<br />
fortifying our immune system, known<br />
as trained innate immunity, has<br />
also been recently discovered.<br />
In this article, we will delve into the concept<br />
of trained innate immunity to support<br />
immune health in a unique way, and<br />
the implications for the food, beverage<br />
and supplement industries. First, let us<br />
understand our immune system better.<br />
More and more health-conscious consumers<br />
seek science-backed solutions. Trained innate<br />
immunity, clinically proven to offer immune<br />
benefits, presents exciting possibilities for<br />
food, beverage and supplement brands.<br />
INNATE IMMUNITY VS ADAPTIVE<br />
IMMUNITY<br />
The human immune system is like a<br />
two-tiered defence fortress. The first line<br />
of defence is the innate immune system,<br />
which remembers everyday viruses and<br />
bacteria the body is exposed to. When<br />
these pathogens enter the body, the<br />
innate immune system responds swiftly<br />
to fight them off before they can start<br />
active infections. The innate system<br />
does so generally without having to<br />
recognise the specific pathogens.<br />
If the innate system’s response is<br />
insufficient to fend off the pathogens, it<br />
prompts the adaptive immune system to<br />
take over. The adaptive system’s response<br />
is slower but specific. It remembers and<br />
identifies the specific pathogen from<br />
previous encounter and provides targeted<br />
protection against that specific challenge.<br />
26 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
INGREDIENTS<br />
Similarly, by consistently interacting with<br />
the immunity trainer, the innate system<br />
becomes, and stays, trained to combat<br />
threats more effectively in the future.<br />
THE ROLE OF YEAST<br />
BETA-GLUCANS<br />
Research has shown that some functional<br />
and bioactive ingredients may be able to<br />
induce and maintain trained immunity.<br />
Yeast beta-glucans, for example, derived<br />
from baker's yeast, are one of the first<br />
ingredients scientifically proven to be<br />
an effective innate immune trainer.<br />
This is where Wellmune, a beta glucan<br />
postbiotic from baker’s yeast, can<br />
be applied to foods, beverages and<br />
supplements to train innate immunity.<br />
uncover the benefits of training innate immunity<br />
with Wellmune, the findings consistently<br />
showed a decrease in: the number of reported<br />
upper respiratory symptoms, the severity of<br />
said symptoms, and the number of sick days<br />
experienced by participants with colds and flu.<br />
These studies involved individuals facing<br />
high stress levels, older adults, and<br />
children exposed to immune challenges<br />
in germ-heavy childcare centres.<br />
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCING<br />
IMMUNE HEALTH<br />
The 2022 FMCG Gurus: Evolving Trends in<br />
the Immune Health Market report found that<br />
“clinically proven” is the top claim sought by<br />
consumers in food, beverage and supplement<br />
products targeting immune health.<br />
TRAINED INNATE IMMUNITY<br />
A once-held belief was that the innate<br />
immune system did not adapt or enhance<br />
its responses to future immune challenges.<br />
However, scientists have discovered that<br />
innate immune cells do in fact have a kind<br />
of memory that results in protection against<br />
a broad range of unrelated diseases.<br />
Innate immune cells can be naturally<br />
trained by pathogens the body regularly<br />
encounters or via vaccines. The BCG and<br />
the adenoviral ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines,<br />
for example, have been found to be able<br />
to induce trained innate immunity.<br />
Wellmune activates the training receptors<br />
in innate immune cells. These receptors<br />
then send signals that “bookmark” the<br />
genes needed for an immune response.<br />
When “bookmarked”, these genes can<br />
be accessed more quickly for a stronger<br />
response the next time pathogens attack.<br />
At the same time, the receptors also<br />
send signals that give the cells more<br />
energy. This makes the cells better at<br />
defending the body, like how you perform<br />
better when you are not hungry.<br />
Over the years, based on a dozen Kerry clinical<br />
studies involving 2,300 adults and children to<br />
The same study also reported that<br />
78% of consumers are more willing<br />
to buy immune-supporting products<br />
backed by scientific evidence.<br />
In a world where discerning consumers<br />
demand scientific substantiation in food<br />
and beverage health claims, the discoveries<br />
around innate immunity training thus offer<br />
brands golden opportunities to integrate<br />
science-backed ingredients that train<br />
innate immunity into their functional foods,<br />
beverages and supplements. By doing<br />
so, brands can meet the ever-growing<br />
consumer demand for products that offer<br />
genuine immune health benefits. FBA<br />
Trained innate immunity occurs when an<br />
“immune trainer” interacts with the innate<br />
system. The trainer changes how the innate<br />
system handles threats from pathogens in<br />
subsequent encounters. These changes last for<br />
as long as the innate system remains trained.<br />
To grasp this concept better, imagine starting<br />
a fitness regimen. After weeks of training, your<br />
body becomes stronger and better conditioned<br />
to tackle physical challenges. If you continue<br />
exercising, you can maintain this trained state.<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 27
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant<br />
turning point for the global food system and<br />
the economy. In addition to introducing home<br />
offices and personal health management as the<br />
new normal, consumers have to also contend<br />
with a slew of issues even after emerging<br />
from the worst waves of the pandemic.<br />
“The world is seemingly facing crisis after<br />
crisis, with unprecedented global change<br />
altering established financial, cultural, and<br />
environmental systems in just a few years. That<br />
feeling of uncertainty, complexity and being<br />
overwhelmed is known as a polycrisis, and<br />
consumers will struggle with the unyielding<br />
cycle of change,” said Rachel Tan, food and<br />
drink trend strategist at WGSN, to <strong>Food</strong> &<br />
<strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong>. Tan was one of the speakers<br />
present at the THAIFEX - HOREC Academy.<br />
First coined in the 1970s, the polycrisis was<br />
recently popularised by Columbia University<br />
academic Adam Tooze, and it refers to “a<br />
state where multiple crises intertwine, their<br />
causes and processes inextricably bound<br />
together to create compounded effects”.<br />
Count your macros:<br />
New trends for<br />
a new era<br />
The world is changing – as TikTok dance<br />
challenges and climate change flood our news<br />
feeds, how should the food and beverage<br />
industry prepare itself for the future?<br />
By Agatha Wong<br />
Specific to the food and beverage industry,<br />
the global food system has come under<br />
several threats from various factors – climate<br />
change and environmental challenges<br />
which has affected agricultural growth<br />
and harvest; international conflict such<br />
as the Russia-Ukraine war which has<br />
disrupted supply chains; and the COVID-19<br />
pandemic, whose long-term effects such<br />
as weaker trade and high commodity<br />
prices will be felt for years to come.<br />
These interconnected crises will not only<br />
have an impact on the manufacturing side of<br />
things; consumers too will make changes to<br />
their demands reflecting the new normal. In<br />
a time of greater uncertainty calls for greater<br />
reassurance – whether it be through food safety<br />
or quality. Likewise, affordable but premium<br />
treats could also bring a moment of small<br />
indulgence to consumers with tight wallets.<br />
“Empathy will be a key sentiment driving<br />
product development,” elaborated Tan.<br />
“Producers can meet consumer needs for trust<br />
and stability by designing food to bring people<br />
together and create moments of compassion,<br />
whether it’s facilitating connections around<br />
28 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
INGREDIENTS<br />
underrepresented communities<br />
or catering to niche needs.”<br />
Yet, as the world is constrained by<br />
various challenges and setbacks,<br />
the food and industry has had to<br />
pivot to new and creative ways of<br />
meeting consumer needs. With<br />
the rise of artificial intelligence<br />
and other automated solutions,<br />
manufacturers can tap into both<br />
generative and regenerative AI<br />
as they develop new flavours and<br />
seek out upcoming market trends.<br />
Most recently, Coca-Cola unveiled<br />
a limited-edition flavour in its<br />
Creations lineup called “Y3000”.<br />
Inviting consumers to “imagine what<br />
the future tastes like”, Y3000 was a<br />
collaborative effort between artificial<br />
intelligence and humans, how “fans<br />
envision the future through emotions,<br />
aspirations, colours, flavours, and<br />
more”. The Coca-Cola logo on the<br />
Y3000 can features “fluid dot clusters<br />
that merge to represent the human<br />
connections of our future planet”,<br />
and tasters could scan a QR code<br />
on the can to launch a website that<br />
uses the AI model, Stable Diffusion,<br />
to turn their photos into images<br />
following Y3000’s visual design.<br />
By embracing AI, producers can<br />
thus push the exciting frontier<br />
of product development through<br />
formulating ideas never before seen.<br />
“Creative practices are being<br />
overhauled by AI, allowing new<br />
access to creative expression that<br />
was previously only afforded to<br />
those with technical capabilities,”<br />
supported Tan. “As the lines<br />
between fantasy and reality<br />
blur, consumers will play up the<br />
potential for possibility and start to<br />
demand ever more innovation and<br />
creativity in what they consume.<br />
In F&B this will express itself in<br />
heightened culinary creativity,<br />
including unexpected flavour<br />
pairings and unlikely cuisine fusions<br />
or multiple cultural inputs.”<br />
On a similar tenor, the future of the food<br />
and beverage industry could also be<br />
found in niche products. More than just<br />
tailored solutions, these niche demands<br />
often stem from exclusive communities<br />
centred around specific age and<br />
interest demographics. As Tan shared:<br />
“The rise of interest-based creators<br />
and platforms is driving niche as the<br />
norm for younger consumers, powering<br />
a shift from mass to micro-culture.<br />
From language to merch, you already<br />
see things coded with IYKYK (‘if you<br />
know you know’), whether it's in<br />
micro fashion trends, or in the case<br />
of F&B, cult snacks and co-created or<br />
community-created products. Think<br />
Youtuber Emma Chamberlain’s coffee<br />
brand or Noma Project’s Taste Buds<br />
programme. Consumers will look for<br />
brands that seek not just to sell but<br />
to entertain, with an eye for hyperfocused<br />
community building that<br />
treats them as individuals.”<br />
Crucially, the creation of<br />
niche and hyper-focused<br />
communities could be traced<br />
ultimately to the rise of pop culture<br />
and social media; this, in turn, can<br />
allow food and beverages producers<br />
connect with Gen Z consumers – who<br />
are touted for their tech-savvy nature,<br />
an emphasis on social causes, as well<br />
as putting their individual needs first.<br />
“With the rise of social media<br />
platforms like TikTok, Gen Z<br />
consumers are increasingly<br />
engaged with food culture<br />
both on- and offline. They<br />
see food as a form of selfexpression.<br />
<strong>Food</strong> and drink<br />
brands have an opportunity<br />
to connect with these<br />
consumers who are eager to<br />
support makers that appeal<br />
to their values and cravings.<br />
“From digital strategies and<br />
partnerships with creators to<br />
aesthetic-driven packaging<br />
design, Gen Z expect brands<br />
to be in touch with online<br />
culture and fashion trends. Leverage<br />
digital and real-life communities for<br />
feedback and treat consumers as cocreators<br />
but be careful to stay true to<br />
brand identity – authenticity is a critical<br />
element in how Gen Z evaluate brands.”<br />
Altogether, despite a food system<br />
coming under pressure from global<br />
crises, the food and beverage industry<br />
can look towards artificial intelligence<br />
and niche specialties as a way to deliver<br />
innovative and tantalising products.<br />
With the social media bringing the world<br />
closer than before, food and beverage<br />
manufacturers can consider how the<br />
digital frontier may well carry their<br />
products into the future and beyond.<br />
THAIFEX - HOREC Academy will return<br />
next year from 5-7 Mar 2025. FBA
Beyond the buzz:<br />
Comvita brings<br />
the bee’s knees of<br />
honey production<br />
to the next level<br />
From the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who<br />
used honey as both sweetener and salve, the<br />
appeal of honey continues today as a holistic<br />
natural ingredient supporting nutrition,<br />
wellness, and health. By Agatha Wong<br />
In recent years, manuka honey has propelled into<br />
the forefront of the honey industry with its host<br />
of benefits – alongside its highly viscous quality<br />
is a rich, earthy profile that offers more potent<br />
qualities than regular honey. Real monofloral<br />
manuka honey, however, is produced only<br />
from New Zealand, where nectar bees collect<br />
from the flowers of the native manuka bush.<br />
Certified UMF and Non-GMO Project-verified,<br />
Comvita has delivered independently tested<br />
and certified manuka honey for the past<br />
45 years. The company prides itself on the<br />
traceability of its honey, working together<br />
closely with their bees and beekeepers to<br />
produce a high-quality product against New<br />
Zealand's vast and diverse landscape.<br />
Comvita has been a pioneer in the research<br />
and development of manuka honey,<br />
particularly its properties and potential health<br />
benefits. They have invested in scientific<br />
studies to understand the specific bioactive<br />
compounds present in manuka honey such<br />
as Lepteridine. This research has helped<br />
Comvita establish itself as a trusted provider<br />
of quality manuka honey products.<br />
“At Comvita, we are into the business of<br />
providing old solutions for new problems,”<br />
shared Brett Hewlett, chair of the board<br />
at Comvita.<br />
“As consumers are confronted with various<br />
challenges and food products that do not<br />
always deliver on their promises, be it full<br />
nutrient values or a sustainability story,<br />
Comvita has gone to great lengths to<br />
understand the food we eat, where we get<br />
our food from, and how we consume it.<br />
This relies on our knowledge of food, with<br />
honey as an 'old' solution upon which we<br />
base our science and research to better<br />
understand and maximise its benefits.”
INGREDIENTS<br />
FROM HIVE TO TABLE<br />
Climate changes and its effects – rising<br />
temperatures, excessive rainfall, extended<br />
droughts etc – will not doubt leave a<br />
profound impact on honey bees, with flower<br />
development, nectar and pollen production,<br />
pollination activities, colony loss, and the<br />
introduction of new pests and pathogens<br />
all posing challenges to beekeepers.<br />
Research at Comvita is thus aimed at<br />
understanding the nature of these risks that<br />
bees are exposed to, and in doing so provide<br />
a more sustainable mode of production –<br />
both for the consumer and for the bees.<br />
Hewlett shared: “We are a big investor in<br />
science and research to not only understand<br />
the natural source of our raw materials,<br />
but also the interaction that they have<br />
with our bees. Therefore, we need to<br />
make sure that we consider things like<br />
pesticides and other chemicals which can<br />
find their way into the horticulture and<br />
agricultural space, and how we can protect<br />
our bees from these potential risks.”<br />
Supporting research and understanding the<br />
nature of these risks to bees have allowed<br />
Comvita to operate more sustainably, with the<br />
most evident being the improvement of bee<br />
health and the flourishing of bee numbers.<br />
“We have also invested in genetic research<br />
in bees as they breed and evolve – what<br />
genetic profiles are need to make them more<br />
resilient against environmental pressures,<br />
rearing young queens and introducing them<br />
to our hives, and the profiles of bees who<br />
are most resistant to diseases and threats<br />
in the environment,” added Hewlett.<br />
As part of its Harmony Plan, Comvita has<br />
planted 6,814,000 native trees in New<br />
Zealand, and saved 61.7 million bees<br />
globally since 2023 by relocating bees<br />
humanely instead of exterminating them.<br />
a result of climate change, there is a strong<br />
impetus on producers to provide reassurance<br />
to consumers that their ingredients<br />
sources are responsible and sustainable.<br />
Moreover, misleading labels and food fraud<br />
are also common in the honey industry –<br />
disreputable manufacturers often dilute real<br />
honey with plant syrups such as high-fructose<br />
corn syrup or beet syrup; likewise, they could<br />
also chemically modify the sugars in these<br />
syrups to make them appear as real honey.<br />
It therefore goes without saying that beyond<br />
the issue of sustainability and greenwashing,<br />
honey producers have plenty on their<br />
plate when it comes to establishing trust<br />
with consumers – even more so when it<br />
comes to manuka honey, which is marketed<br />
as a premium product. A misstep could<br />
be akin to kicking the hornet’s nest.<br />
“The erosion of trust worldwide is a big<br />
issue,” said Hewlett. It is about having the<br />
confidence and belief in whatever we are<br />
consuming, and the benefits that we are told<br />
it will deliver. I think consumers are a little<br />
more cynical, perhaps, and a little less trusting<br />
on what they are told – therefore, we need to<br />
provide evidence and proof to demonstrate<br />
that we have developed the knowledge,<br />
understanding, and science that goes into<br />
creating value around our ecosystem.”<br />
Comvita’s beekeeping and sustainability<br />
practices ensure that the quality of their<br />
honey is regarded as one of the finest<br />
available today. Every jar of their Level<br />
Guaranteed UMF-certified manuka<br />
honey undergoes over 34 tests to ensure<br />
quality, purity, and safety. This has been<br />
acknowledged in market tests of manuka<br />
honey by the Hong Kong Consumer Council,<br />
showing that only Comvita’s manuka<br />
honey is free from adulteration, or harmful<br />
substances like herbicides or pesticides.<br />
SCATTERING THE POLLEN OF<br />
GOODNESS<br />
More than simply meeting consumer<br />
demand for quality and sustainable products,<br />
it is also vital for natural ingredient producers<br />
to understand regional markets and how<br />
best to cater the right solutions for various<br />
demographics. Notably, a growing middle<br />
class in APAC has spurred the demand for<br />
wellness products – with manuka honey<br />
being a choice for many consumers.<br />
Comvita has thus emphasised the<br />
importance of continued innovation focused<br />
on preserving natural goodness without<br />
artificial processes, aligning with long-term<br />
success and evolving consumer preferences.<br />
The company is well-positioned to<br />
capitalise on several trends that are<br />
shaping the future of its business in<br />
Singapore, the broader region, and<br />
globally. Premiumisation and lifestyle<br />
transformation are the key strategies for<br />
Comvita's continuous growth globally, with<br />
the company formulating region-specific<br />
products that suit local consumer needs.<br />
“Examples of the range are our Comvita<br />
Night Rejuvenating Manuka Honey<br />
drink, Comvita Collagen Peptide Manuka<br />
Honey drink, Comvita Probiotics Manuka<br />
Honey drink, and Comvita x JKJ Manuka<br />
Ginseng where we partnered with Jung<br />
Kwan Jang, Korea’s leading red ginseng<br />
brand with 120 years of tradition. These<br />
products are all currently available in<br />
Singapore at leading drugstores and<br />
Changi Airport,” revealed Hewlett.<br />
“Comvita's commitment to natural<br />
ingredients, sustainable beekeeping<br />
practices, and environmental stewardship<br />
aligns well with this trend, positioning the<br />
company to cater to the rising demand for<br />
eco-friendly and ethical products.” FBA<br />
MUCH ABUZZ ABOUT<br />
SUSTAINABILITY<br />
The conversation on sustainability is<br />
linked with the issue of trust, particularly<br />
with brands and consumers. In light of<br />
worrying observations over the future of<br />
bee populations and honey production as
ON THE TABLE<br />
THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
returns hungrier than before<br />
This year’s highly anticipated trade show will leave an indelible mark<br />
on both exhibitors and attendees befitting of the region’s dazzling<br />
landscape, writes Agatha Wong.<br />
“Beyond <strong>Food</strong> Experience”, the show<br />
will highlight a commitment to keeping<br />
up with changing industry interests,<br />
movements, and consumer preferences.<br />
The Future <strong>Food</strong> Experience+ (FFE+) will,<br />
for example, feature more than 20 talks<br />
and panel sessions led by over 30 industry<br />
experience. Focusing on various topics, such<br />
as sustainable processing and deep tech<br />
innovations, and the latest trend in the food<br />
and beverage space, FFE+ will also spotlight<br />
exhibitor innovations in alternative protein<br />
sources through the Alternative Protein<br />
Flavour and Taste Contest, allowing visitors<br />
to select the best alternative protein products<br />
based on taste, texture, aroma, and innovation.<br />
The food and beverage manufacturing<br />
industry in <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific continues to be a<br />
dynamic and diverse landscape, with local<br />
and regional businesses pulsating with<br />
innovation, tradition, and market potential.<br />
From the food innovation hubs of Singapore<br />
to the vibrant street food scene in Bangkok,<br />
this multi-faceted sector brims with an<br />
array of tantalising cuisine and flavours<br />
reflective of the region’s culinary tapestry.<br />
As one of the world’s fastest growing<br />
regional economies with an emerging<br />
middle-class hungry for more, the APAC<br />
food and beverage industry serves<br />
not only its population but also the<br />
global appetite for exotic gastronomical<br />
delights. Amidst this vibrant ecosystem,<br />
the industry will continue to thrive,<br />
propelled by technological advancements,<br />
shifting consumer preferences, and<br />
a commitment to sustainability.<br />
“Consumers are no longer looking for<br />
one-dimensional products. They now<br />
prioritise multifaceted attributes such<br />
as convenience, health, ethical sourcing,<br />
and sustainability,” explained Mathias<br />
Kuepper, managing director and vicepresident<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific of Koelnmesse.<br />
“In the next decade, companies that<br />
strategically create innovative products<br />
addressing multiple trends simultaneously<br />
will gain a competitive edge. Thus, companies<br />
that align their product development and<br />
marketing strategies with current trends can<br />
effectively appeal to diverse consumer bases,<br />
capturing and sustaining consumer interest.”<br />
On that vein, thrilling developments will<br />
be on display in full force at the upcoming<br />
edition of THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong>, which<br />
promises to be bigger, brighter, and better<br />
than before. Exemplifying the theme,<br />
“As the top F&B trade fair in the region, and<br />
the largest of its kind, THAIFEX — Anuga <strong>Asia</strong><br />
holds a crucial place in the industry calendar<br />
in APAC. It serves as a dynamic platform<br />
to offer insights into regulatory changes<br />
and support mechanisms, empowering<br />
regional businesses to innovate and expand<br />
across borders more effectively in the<br />
next five to ten years,” said Kuepper.<br />
“Looking ahead, we anticipate the region to<br />
further evolve, presenting a diverse range<br />
of product offerings and spearheading<br />
global developments in response to evolving<br />
consumer demands and sustainability trends.”<br />
DELECTABLE TRENDS<br />
While consumers across the region<br />
become increasingly health-conscious,<br />
sustainability-minded, and digitally engaged,<br />
manufacturers will do best to adapt and<br />
innovate accordingly, creating products that<br />
cater to the region’s dynamic demands.<br />
32 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
ON THE TABLE<br />
Convenience, shared Kuepper, is one of the<br />
trends that THAIFEX – Anuga has observed,<br />
with the event spotlighting ready-to-eat<br />
products that reflect an increasing demand<br />
for accessible and quick meal solutions.<br />
Pre-packaging meals that align with this<br />
trend while integrating nutritious superfood<br />
ingredients are innovations to take note.<br />
Likewise, health and sustainability will<br />
continue as a macrotrend, where a significant<br />
percentage of showcased products featuring<br />
organic, plant-based, or sustainably-produced<br />
offerings. These cater to a consumer<br />
demand for plant-based, protein-rich, and<br />
indulgent products that do not compromise<br />
on health or taste. Additionally, they deliver<br />
solutions for the changing needs and<br />
preferences of consumers such as lactose<br />
intolerance, or animal welfare. Similarly,<br />
developments in alternative proteins have<br />
also propelled ready-to-eat formats and<br />
refreshing and light clear proteins for drinks.<br />
Labelling and detection is also a trend to<br />
watch out for, with clear and informative<br />
labelling being critical to consumers. In<br />
addition to eco-conscious labelling as<br />
a key differentiator for manufacturers,<br />
cross-categorisation is also on the rise,<br />
as products are increasingly designed<br />
to offer multiple holistic attributes.<br />
“As a trade show, THAIFEX — Anuga <strong>Asia</strong><br />
serves as a catalytic platform that sets<br />
the tone for the industry by spotlighting<br />
new innovations, elevating the global<br />
standing of participating businesses,<br />
and facilitating access to new markets<br />
for growth and expansion. The exposure<br />
and opportunities provided by THAIFEX<br />
— Anuga <strong>Asia</strong> are transformative for<br />
businesses that exhibit in trade show.<br />
with brands and food businesses recognising<br />
the growing appetite of Muslim consumers<br />
and consequently valuing the importance of<br />
the halal certification as mark of quality and<br />
ethical standards. As a result, halal-certified<br />
are becoming increasingly mainstream,<br />
with prominent brands penetrating this<br />
unique space. From halal-certified versions<br />
of popular desserts to nutraceuticals, this<br />
trend highlights the food and beverage<br />
industry’s readiness and responsiveness<br />
to the importance of inclusivity and<br />
diversity in the global marketplace.<br />
Kuepper supported this view, stating that<br />
“[o]ver 900 products at THAIFEX — Anuga<br />
<strong>Asia</strong> are halal-certified this year, which is<br />
a significant trend this year. We believe it<br />
reflects consumer preferences not only to<br />
meet religious dietary needs, but also for food<br />
security. Halal-certified foods now cater to<br />
a diverse consumer base that values ethical<br />
production in addition to religious compliance,<br />
and 20% of these halal-certified products<br />
are also categorised as organic, plant-based,<br />
or sustainably produced and packaged.”<br />
A GLOBAL ARENA<br />
Besides serving as a platform for the<br />
latest product launches and innovations,<br />
THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong> will also serve<br />
as a site for forging meaningful business<br />
connections and spotlighting the best<br />
and brightest talents in the industry.<br />
The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge<br />
(TUCC), recognised as one of <strong>Asia</strong>’s most<br />
esteemed culinary competitions and endorsed<br />
by the World Association of Chefs Societies<br />
(WACS), brings together more than 700<br />
professional and aspiring chefs globally to<br />
compete in 23 categories, including <strong>Asia</strong>n<br />
cooking, desserts etc. A panel of over 40<br />
judges supported by the World Association<br />
of Chefs’ Societies (WorldChefs) will also be<br />
present to assess flavour and presentation.<br />
Other contests, like the Alternative Protein<br />
Flavour and Taste Contest, which is a firsttime<br />
event for THAIFEX - Anuga <strong>Asia</strong>, judges<br />
individual products submitted by exhibitors<br />
based on taste, texture, aroma, and innovation.<br />
Kuepper further added that of the over-<br />
3000 exhibitors representing 50 countries<br />
and regions this year at THAIFEX – Anuga<br />
<strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, a total of 63% are comprised<br />
of international exhibitors, occupying<br />
12% more exhibition space than previous<br />
years. And with new country participants<br />
including Bolivia, Czech Republic, Egypt,<br />
Ivory Coast, Macedonia, Mexico, and Yemen,<br />
THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong> will also be hosting<br />
over 56 country/provincial groups, marking<br />
a more than 40% increase from 2023.<br />
Altogether, THAIFEX – Anuga <strong>Asia</strong><br />
<strong>2024</strong> is set to be transformative ground<br />
for industry-wide innovation, fostering<br />
dialogue and driving progress in a future<br />
where food and beverage manufacturers<br />
seek to not only feed appetites but also<br />
delivering meaningful impacts that extend<br />
beyond the shores of the region. FBA<br />
“Beyond the exhibition, special highlights<br />
also set the tone and direction for the<br />
industry players, with special shows,<br />
such as the Future <strong>Food</strong> Market, Halal<br />
Market, Organic Market, as well as<br />
tasteInnovation Show, allowing visitors<br />
to see the most innovative products<br />
across the entire show in one exhibit.”<br />
The halal food industry, in particular, has<br />
gained significant momentum in recent years,<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 33
ON THE TABLE<br />
Cargill redefines indulgence<br />
with bean-to-bar portfolio<br />
By Agatha Wong<br />
expressing that they seek out product labels<br />
claiming to be locally-sourced or adopting<br />
sustainable practices. For these consumers,<br />
their purchasing choices determines the values<br />
that they uphold – especially for sectors<br />
such as cocoa products which are closely<br />
intertwined with issues of sustainability.<br />
In addition to seeking products that would<br />
support their physical and mental health,<br />
Liu added that a recovering economy and<br />
rising urbanisation in <strong>Asia</strong> has also propelled<br />
the demand for premium options, as well<br />
as convenience and affordable indulgence.<br />
These trends have thus played a strong role<br />
in influencing the types of chocolate products<br />
which are currently on demand – with <strong>Asia</strong>n<br />
consumers expressing a desire for less sweet<br />
and darker chocolate variants that hit the same<br />
sweet spot without compromising on taste.<br />
The chocolate industry, with its rich history and<br />
universal appeal, stands as a cornerstone of<br />
global indulgence and culinary craftsmanship.<br />
Today, the chocolate industry encompasses<br />
a diverse landscape of producers, artisans,<br />
and brands, each contributing to the<br />
rich tapestry of flavours, textures, and<br />
experiences that define this beloved treat.<br />
As the industry continues to evolve amidst<br />
changing consumer preferences, sustainability<br />
concerns, and technological advancements,<br />
chocolate has evolved from a “guilty pleasure”<br />
indulgence into "healthy" indulgence, with dark<br />
chocolate and added nutritional ingredients<br />
lauded for delivering more health benefits.<br />
Likewise, consumers are opting for chocolate<br />
bars and products offering low sweetness<br />
or calorie-dense ingredients that keep<br />
them satiated for a longer period of time.<br />
In this vein, it could be said that the<br />
chocolate sector is tightly woven with<br />
overarching market trends in the food and<br />
beverage industry, of which Cargill has<br />
observed in its TrendTracker <strong>2024</strong> report.<br />
“As previously shared, the three key consumer<br />
trends that Cargill has identified are: Healthy<br />
For Me, Conscious Consumption, and<br />
Experience It,” began Liu Xiaoling, indulgence<br />
lead for Cargill food solutions, <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific.<br />
“Moving on, we do not see any big or radical<br />
shifts from these observations. However,<br />
we do anticipate a further development<br />
of certain trends such as Healthy For Me,<br />
where 30% of consumers in APAC say<br />
they are choosing natural products to avoid<br />
additives and preservatives as much as<br />
possible, compared to 21% in 2021.”<br />
These observations and trends are placed<br />
against the backdrop of a post-pandemic<br />
industry, which has catalysed profound<br />
shifts in consumer behaviour. One noted<br />
difference that Liu shared was how consumers<br />
are now paying much more attention to<br />
sustainability, with almost 70% of them<br />
THE PRICE IS RIGHT<br />
Inflationary pressures have continued to<br />
stress upon the necessity of affordable food<br />
choices for consumers. At the same time,<br />
consumers are unwilling to compromise on<br />
the quality and gastronomical satisfaction;<br />
this desire has consequently spurred a<br />
growing demand for food options that offer<br />
both value and flavour. In the confectionery<br />
sector, this demand has translated into the<br />
rise of affordable but indulgent snacks.<br />
Manufacturers are therefore hard-pressed<br />
to balance various considerations – cost,<br />
health, taste, visuals, and sustainability,<br />
etc – as they develop innovation solutions<br />
and products for the ever-discerning<br />
consumer. In the face of such multi-faceted<br />
challenges, food manufacturers require<br />
a strategic hand in ensuring consumer<br />
satisfaction, and profitability on their part.<br />
In that vein, companies such as Cargill<br />
can support manufacturers with their<br />
market insights and innovative portfolio<br />
of solutions for product development:<br />
34 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
ON THE TABLE<br />
“Gaining the relevant insights will<br />
be important as manufacturers<br />
require the right market knowledge<br />
to understand different product<br />
segments. At the same time, Cargill<br />
has also invested a lot in innovation<br />
beyond the production line.<br />
"Innovation begins from the<br />
cocoa bean in the form of sustainable<br />
production, and it continues down<br />
to the specialised oils and fats that<br />
enhance the texture and taste,<br />
ultimately delivering a unique product<br />
to consumers. For that reason, we at<br />
Cargill refer to this as a “bean-to-bar”<br />
concept, where we provide innovative<br />
solutions at every step,” Liu added.<br />
At FHA – F&B <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, Cargill<br />
presented trends-inspired gourmet<br />
chocolate solutions with complex<br />
caramel flavours, including: the<br />
Pâtissier by Aalst Chocolate Artisan<br />
Sol, which are easy-to-use chocolate<br />
caramel buttons with strong creamy<br />
and nutty profile; the Pâtissier by Aalst<br />
Chocolate Artisan Milk Carmelo, a<br />
smooth milk chocolate that reveals a<br />
strong creamy and caramel first note<br />
with a hint of nuttiness profile; and the<br />
Veliche Euphoria Caramel, which are<br />
chocolate caramel buttons offering rich<br />
and intense caramel with cookie notes<br />
and a hint of saltiness and balanced<br />
caramelised sugar on the finish.<br />
For enhancing the visual appeal<br />
of chocolate products, Cargill<br />
also featured its Pâtissier by Aalst<br />
Chocolate Prismatic Coating and<br />
Filling, which are flavoured pastes<br />
that carry a strong, milky and creamy<br />
profile alongside its distinctive flavours<br />
and colours; alongside the portfolio<br />
of Smet & Leman decorations that<br />
deliver visual flair and customisation<br />
to each chef's creations through colour,<br />
shapes and personalised designs.<br />
BACK TO THE SOURCE<br />
In addition to common challenges<br />
facing the food and beverage industry,<br />
the chocolate and cocoa industry<br />
continues to grapple with traceability<br />
and food fraud, which undermine<br />
consumer confidence and threaten<br />
the integrity of the supply chain. With<br />
a vast and interconnected supply<br />
chain spanning multiple countries,<br />
tracing the origins of cocoa beans<br />
and ensuring transparency through<br />
the production process remains a<br />
formidable task, with sustainability and<br />
fair trade forming the key pillars of this<br />
initiative. Achieving comprehensive<br />
traceability and combatting food<br />
fraud thus calls for the concerted<br />
efforts of all stakeholders.<br />
“Sustainability is very much at the<br />
heart of what we do at Cargill, and<br />
we deliver this through our Cargill<br />
Cocoa Promise programme that<br />
ensures farmers and communities<br />
achieve better incomes and living<br />
standards which growing cocoa<br />
sustainably. We also put a lot of effort<br />
into ethical sourcing, and we require<br />
this not only for ourselves, but for<br />
our suppliers as well,” said Liu.<br />
“As climate change continues to<br />
impact the stable supply of cocoa<br />
ingredients, we have also invested<br />
in research. Our R&D team is<br />
committed to help customers achieve<br />
the same colour and taste profile,<br />
but in a more sustainable way."<br />
As Cargill navigates the complex<br />
challenges of the cocoa industry,<br />
deliver taste, sustainability and<br />
affordability to its customers,<br />
the company will play a key role<br />
in carving out opportunities for<br />
product differentiation and creativity,<br />
meetings the needs of consumers<br />
and manufacturers. Through<br />
research and its commitment to<br />
ethical sourcing and sustainable<br />
production, Cargill is poised to<br />
deliver indulgent products that<br />
delight consumers and safeguard<br />
the livelihood of farmers.<br />
Liu concluded: “This is a very<br />
exciting time for the cocoa and<br />
chocolate industry. Cargill is,<br />
through its research and product<br />
development, highly committed to<br />
and invested in this sector. We will<br />
continue to deliver our bean-tobar<br />
concept with transformative<br />
insights that help our customers<br />
succeed, and put a smile on the<br />
faces of consumers.” FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 35
ON THE TABLE<br />
Keeping food fresh with Super<br />
Tomato’s automated concepts<br />
By Agatha Wong<br />
in the entire system), and mechanical<br />
mechanisms to achieve the desired output.<br />
“Our team coordinates closely to ensure<br />
that the designed solutions make sense.<br />
For example, when a mechanical design<br />
engineer brainstorms an idea, they will<br />
often involve our tech lead, who is a<br />
mechatronic engineer with knowledge of<br />
the software, electrical components, and<br />
sensors required to achieve the objective.<br />
One of the projects that Super Tomato<br />
worked on involved a vision camera and<br />
AI to detect whether the meat is cooked,<br />
guiding the food handler on the correct time<br />
to flip the meat. These days, developing a<br />
solution requires the use of a wide range of<br />
technologies to make it smarter, shared Toh<br />
In the ever-evolving world of the food services<br />
industry, the integration of automated<br />
solutions and robotics have proven pivotal<br />
as a transformative force, reshaping the way<br />
food businesses operate. From ensuring<br />
cost efficiencies throughs streamlining order<br />
processes to collecting data for predictive<br />
maintenance, businesses can now focus<br />
on extending culinary possibilities and<br />
building customer-centric experiences.<br />
Super Tomato, a Singapore-founded and<br />
-based company, realised precisely how AI<br />
and robotics can improve food operations<br />
in the country. In an industry fraught of<br />
overworked staff, high turnover rates, and<br />
inconsistent product quality, the team – led by<br />
Niles Toh, digital entrepreneur and business<br />
growth architect – sought to deliver efficient<br />
business operations and quality through<br />
the implementation of digital solutions.<br />
Modular, accurate, and hygienic, the<br />
Super Tomato One is one such solution<br />
from the company that offers clean and<br />
consistent output. It is capable of<br />
producing 200 meals per hour at a<br />
99.9% order accuracy, delivering an<br />
upwards of 87% in productivity.<br />
“When we build an automation solution<br />
for our clients, our team's comprehensive<br />
skill set covering mechanical, electrical,<br />
software, and robotics allows us to think of<br />
the best possible solution and it involves<br />
AI, IoT etc,” said Toh, founder and CEO<br />
of Super Tomato. “It is critical to have a<br />
team of engineers who are well-versed<br />
in both mechanical mechanisms and<br />
robotics so that we can always find a<br />
suitable solution for the problem at hand.<br />
“In the case of the automation food<br />
dispensing machine, we initially considered<br />
using a robotics arm to scoop the<br />
ingredients. However, after considering<br />
the output required during peak hours and<br />
the number of ingredients involved, we<br />
abandoned the robotics direction and went<br />
towards using IoT (with over 100 sensors<br />
THE CHALLENGES OF B2C LINES<br />
Where it comes to designing a moving<br />
assembly line for B2B food businesses<br />
and B2C food services, there are a few<br />
key factors that one should take note. Toh<br />
raised two major differences that make<br />
the latter much more difficult to design.<br />
“Firstly, space constraint is a significant<br />
issue in a B2C setting, which are often<br />
at stores where the space to install<br />
large machines is limited. This makes<br />
it challenging to maintain the machine,<br />
as it is usually accessible from only<br />
one or two sides. Moreover, many<br />
design mechanisms no longer work<br />
when reduced significantly, and several<br />
components need to be customised<br />
as suppliers do not offer such sizes.<br />
“Secondly, while B2B food manufacturing<br />
has very little variety, with a production<br />
line focusing only one type of ingredient<br />
for its entire service life with the same<br />
packing. On the other hand, the B2C space<br />
involves fulfilling varying orders from<br />
36 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
ON THE TABLE<br />
different customers and handling daily<br />
operations such as changing bowl designs<br />
due to insufficient stock from suppliers.”<br />
These differences have thus influenced<br />
each machine’s designs. For instance,<br />
as all machines are placed against the<br />
wall, electrical components need to be<br />
placed at the back of the machine. The<br />
system is also modular and lightweight<br />
with wheels, enabling engineers to pull<br />
out individual machines for servicing.<br />
In case of any fault, Super Tomato can<br />
replace or fix any module easily.<br />
Toh added: “Our modular units are<br />
equipped with temperature control, and<br />
in case of any issues with the condenser<br />
or compressor, we can conduct a quick<br />
one-to-one swap and get the machine<br />
up and running again in no time.<br />
Our system is designed in a modular<br />
format, ensuring ease of movement<br />
within stores, taking into account the<br />
height and width of the walkways.”<br />
THE BOWL BUILDER<br />
Recently, SuperTomato was commissioned<br />
to construct its Bowl Builder machines for<br />
a fresh casual chain concept in Singapore.<br />
The system was customised with accuracy<br />
in mind, dispensing fresh food bowls with<br />
fewer errors to reduce cost. and maximise<br />
safety and hygiene in kitchen operations.<br />
“We designed our machine to be placed in<br />
the front of house, where customers can see<br />
how their food is portioned. Therefore, we<br />
put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of<br />
the machine,” explained Toh. “For example,<br />
we created a see-through door so that<br />
customers can see the fresh ingredients<br />
and watch how they are portioned into<br />
their bowl in a clean environment. Above<br />
each module is a screen powered by<br />
Raspberry Pi that lights up in green when<br />
ingredients are dispensed into the bowl<br />
and red when they are running low. This<br />
creates a more interactive experience for<br />
customers waiting for their orders.”<br />
safety and hygiene during food preparation;<br />
likewise, its eye-catching design also draws<br />
the attention of those in the vicinity.<br />
“Using the machine to prepare food has<br />
resulted in lower food costs and higher<br />
customer satisfaction. Each portion is<br />
accurately measured and dispensed,<br />
reducing customer complaints and<br />
enabling precise food costing, preventing<br />
over- or under-portioning and creating<br />
consistency across all outlets,” said Toh.<br />
“Customers have higher confidence<br />
in the machine's hygiene due to the<br />
public's increased consciousness about<br />
cleanliness, especially after the pandemic.<br />
Prioritising hygiene is done through a<br />
temperature-controlled environment for all<br />
ingredients, minimal human handling, no<br />
cross-contamination, and UV sterilisation<br />
to maintain machine cleanliness.”<br />
A MUST-HAVE<br />
As other external pressures such as<br />
inflation, rising labour costs, and supply<br />
chain issues continue to pose a challenge<br />
to the food and beverage services industry,<br />
automated systems offer a much-needed<br />
relief to shifting consumer preferences and<br />
other industry regulatory requirements.<br />
More than simply modernising legacy<br />
equipment, food businesses can also<br />
secure a more reliable and cost-efficient<br />
mode of operation, delivering a peace of<br />
mind to both owners and consumers.<br />
“What used to be a ‘nice to have’ has<br />
now become a ‘must-have’ in order<br />
to survive in the competitive business<br />
environment. And this need will continue<br />
to grow as the world progresses therefore<br />
i see a great future for this industry<br />
both locally and globally,” said Toh.<br />
Singapore, as a logistics hub in <strong>Asia</strong>, is thus<br />
well-positioned to take on this transformation.<br />
Toh offered that the island nation has<br />
access to a wide range of components<br />
required for building advanced systems<br />
from around the world, at an affordable<br />
logistics cost and shorter lead time.<br />
Moreover, he added, Singapore's vast<br />
pool of local and global talent has also<br />
made it conducive for the country to<br />
build technologically advanced solutions,<br />
in addition to its bilingual workforce.<br />
“As a small and developed country,<br />
Singapore has a limited population and<br />
a need to focus on higher-value tasks.<br />
Therefore, there is a high demand for<br />
automation in almost every industry.<br />
Despite being a small local market, there<br />
are many multinational corporations<br />
headquartered in Singapore, it enables us<br />
the opportunity to work closely with them.<br />
“And with strong government support on<br />
the emphasis of automation, Singapore can<br />
serve as a good test bed to demonstrate<br />
the technology before exporting it<br />
internationally,” he concluded. FBA<br />
With the machine at the storefront,<br />
customers can see how the machine<br />
prepares their food. This, according to<br />
Toh, demonstrates the levels of food<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 37
ON THE TABLE<br />
Beyond digital: Rockwell<br />
Automation launches new<br />
Customer Experience Centre<br />
in Singapore<br />
Digital platforms and tools have helped food businesses through<br />
the trying times of the pandemic – but the journey is far from over.<br />
At Rockwell Automation’s new Customer Experience Centre in<br />
Singapore, Agatha Wong finds out how manufacturers can further<br />
streamline and optimise their operations.<br />
course, automation, which is the core of what<br />
we do. With this new CEC, we also expose<br />
regional customers to digital twins, and how<br />
AI can advance their manufacturing process.”<br />
Rockwell Automation has unveiled its<br />
new Customer Experience Centre (CEC)<br />
in Singapore. With smart manufacturing<br />
solutions and digital transformation<br />
at its core, the CEC showcases the<br />
latest advancements in AI, robotics,<br />
and virtual reality. Its strategic location<br />
will also allow the company to help<br />
the region’s growing manufacturing,<br />
mining and heavy industry sectors in<br />
their digital transformation journeys.<br />
Tucked within Rockwell’s <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific<br />
headquarters and alongside its largest<br />
manufacturing facility in the region, the<br />
CEC will allow visitors to experience the<br />
company’s manufacturing technologies and<br />
learn new insights into future solutions.<br />
From inception to completion, customers<br />
can receive a comprehensive experience.<br />
The centre’s strategic location in Singapore<br />
also means that visitors and customers<br />
throughout the region can tap into the<br />
solutions that Rockwell has to offer.<br />
“Beyond Singapore, we also wish to serve our<br />
South East <strong>Asia</strong> and <strong>Asia</strong> Pacific customers,”<br />
said Marcelo Tarkieltaub, regional director<br />
for South East <strong>Asia</strong> at Rockwell Automation.<br />
“Given this is a very important location<br />
for us, the CEC features some of the key<br />
topics which we are very invested in, such<br />
as sustainability, cyber security, and also of<br />
Mariya Prempeh, country manager<br />
for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei at<br />
Rockwell Automation, added: “I think it's<br />
very important for us to have this facility<br />
in Singapore. We have a lot of customers<br />
in South East <strong>Asia</strong> who choose to have<br />
Singapore as their headquarters, even<br />
if they don't have manufacturing facility<br />
process. Hence, a lot of decision making,<br />
R&D, and research is happening here.<br />
“This is why it's important for them to<br />
have this centre – to not only discover<br />
what is possible, but also what they<br />
can do better compared to what they're<br />
doing now or in the years to come.”<br />
TRANSFORMING APAC’S<br />
MANUFACTURING SCENE<br />
The <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific region is ripe for digital<br />
transformation. With a swiftly growing<br />
economy, companies are casting their eyes<br />
towards cost-efficient solutions that allow<br />
them to meet evolving consumer demands.<br />
Prempeh shared: “There are some industries<br />
that drive consumer behaviour, while others<br />
38 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
ON THE TABLE<br />
are driven by consumer behaviour – and I<br />
think in the case of the food and beverage<br />
industry, companies had no choice but to<br />
change when consumers began shifting their<br />
behaviours and habits. In order to survive,<br />
they needed to adapt and be more flexible.”<br />
On that note, food and beverage companies<br />
have made good progress with regard<br />
to digitalisation, with COVID-19 being<br />
identified as a common disruptor that<br />
motivated many to adopt new solutions in<br />
light of rising costs and labour shortages.<br />
And while the journey towards full<br />
digitalisation is a multi-faceted one,<br />
from as simple as implementing robot<br />
arms to tapping into data for predictive<br />
maintenance, manufacturers in APAC<br />
are keen on learning more.<br />
Tarkieltaub shared: “A lot of customers in<br />
South East <strong>Asia</strong> are trying to understand<br />
what digitalisation means for them, and we<br />
have customers in different parts of that<br />
journey. However, every single customer<br />
that we have seen want to understand<br />
what can be done, as well as the impacts<br />
that can be generated for them.<br />
and end-to-end products, solutions, and<br />
other services to support their needs.<br />
demonstrating key solutions that can help<br />
each company with their specific challenges.<br />
“Thus, it's not simply about technology;<br />
it’s about the outcomes they can reap, as<br />
well as cybersecurity, etc. And these topics<br />
are the ones we want the customers to<br />
understand that here – at this centre –<br />
regardless of where they are in their journey,<br />
we can help them in that process.”<br />
When companies are digital enabled<br />
and ready, continued Tarkieltaub. they<br />
become more resilient, agile, competitive,<br />
and much more sustainable. Closer<br />
inspection also reveals that companies<br />
who embrace digital change also tend to<br />
be more profitable, as their manufacturing<br />
processes are smarter and more flexible,<br />
thereby meet changing and adapting to<br />
customer demands and new ideas.<br />
“Ultimately, the companies who are not<br />
going through that journey tend to fail.”<br />
REACHING DIGITAL MATURITY<br />
The CEC thus supports manufacturers on<br />
their journeys through the digital age by<br />
providing a portfolio of consulting services,<br />
Under Rockwell Automation’s Smart<br />
Manufacturing Portfolio, a customer’s plant<br />
maturity can be reached in five phases:<br />
1. Pre-digital plant<br />
2. Digital silos<br />
3. Connected plant<br />
4. Predictive plant<br />
5. Adaptive plant<br />
In addition, the company also offers<br />
sustainability and industrial automation<br />
consulting services – the former of<br />
which conducts sustainability health<br />
checks and creates a sustainability and<br />
decarbonisation roadmap for the customer;<br />
while the latter ranges from cybersecurity<br />
assessments to OT network feasibility<br />
studies, and detailed design assessments.<br />
In a nutshell, the company aims to<br />
develop each customer’s desired<br />
outcomes based on their visions for<br />
the future, current problems, and<br />
potential solutions, with the centre<br />
“Digital transformation is not as complicated as<br />
many think it is; and reaching full transformation<br />
does not have to be something outrageously<br />
expensive or costly. It could, in fact, be quite<br />
sizable depending on what each company<br />
needs. Based on the needs of each customer,<br />
we want to help them understand what is it<br />
that they require and devise a plan to help<br />
them go through with their digital journeys.”<br />
Rockwell Automation thus sees itself<br />
playing the role of a facilitator, added<br />
Tarkieltaub, where they provide the relevant<br />
guidance to customers as they identify<br />
their own challenges and problems.<br />
“Nobody knows their facilities and<br />
operations better than they do, but here,<br />
we help them ask the right questions that<br />
allows them to reach the conclusions on<br />
the problems they need to solve. Digital<br />
transformation is not about adopting<br />
technology. It's about solving problems that<br />
can help you to be more competitive, more<br />
profitable, and more sustainable.” FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 39
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
Process reliability in tube<br />
production: How PackSys<br />
Global optimises production<br />
using SIKO technology<br />
PackSys Global relies on monitored changeovers with digital position<br />
indicators from SIKO in tube welding machines.<br />
The FlexSeamer tube welding<br />
machine from Packsys Global<br />
offers speed and reliability<br />
Tubes – large, small, long, thick, flat, and<br />
miniature – are produced in countless sizes<br />
and formats for oral care, cosmetics, and the<br />
pharmaceutical industry. PackSys Global,<br />
based in Rüti, Switzerland, focuses on<br />
efficient processes, high output, and ease<br />
of use for its customers. This is achieved<br />
through increased digitisation, automation,<br />
and streamlining of process steps.<br />
An important aspect that influences<br />
process reliability is the proper changeover<br />
of machines, specifically the adaptation<br />
of settings to accommodate various tube<br />
formats. PackSys has integrated a monitored<br />
changeover solution from SIKO, a German<br />
specialist for sensors and positioning<br />
systems, in order to increase the ease of use<br />
of its tube welding machines and ensure<br />
the safe adjustment of the various units.<br />
PackSys Global, which belongs to<br />
the Brückner Group, produces plastic<br />
tubes. PackSys Global also supplies hot<br />
stamping machines for applying decorative<br />
metallised coatings, roll cutting and<br />
folding machines for plastic closures, as<br />
well as packaging machines for cans,<br />
tubes, and closures to transport them<br />
from the manufacturer to the filler.<br />
MONITORED CHANGEOVER IN NEW<br />
TUBE WELDING MACHINE<br />
Many of the company’s machines require<br />
regular changeovers. The most common<br />
method of accomplishing this is the use<br />
of mechanical position indicators that are<br />
manually set to a position value stored<br />
in the documentation. This has a high<br />
potential for error, as values may be read<br />
and set incorrectly. Especially in the case<br />
of frequent adjustments for different tube<br />
variants at several positions, the integration<br />
of digital position indicators for monitored<br />
changeovers is worthwhile as an alternative.<br />
The switch to digital position indicators was<br />
40 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
tested during the development of a new<br />
tube welding machine, the FlexSeamer.<br />
tube into which the pharmaceutical product,<br />
cosmetic, or toothpaste will later be filled.<br />
The choice for the digital AP05 position<br />
indicator with IO-Link interface from SIKO<br />
was made for several reasons: it stood out<br />
due to its compactness, universal applicability<br />
regardless of the axis orientation (vertically or<br />
horizontally), and intuitive readability thanks<br />
to two LED lights. The displays are used at<br />
approximately ten positions throughout the<br />
system, for example, to check settings like the<br />
thickness or length of the plastic laminates or<br />
a varying print image. Another SIKO position<br />
indicator, the AP10S, is used to monitor<br />
the positioning during linear movements.<br />
FROM LAMINATE TO TUBE<br />
The FlexSeamer is used to unwind a flat<br />
belt material, a plastic laminate, from a<br />
large roll of material. Depending on the<br />
product requirements, the plastics processed<br />
are usually material blends that must<br />
have good barrier properties in order to<br />
minimise the amount of oxygen reaching<br />
the product inside and limit the diffusion<br />
of aromatic substances out of the tube.<br />
The plastic sheet is folded lengthwise,<br />
formed into a tube, and then provided with<br />
a longitudinal weld seam, transforming<br />
the flat material into an endless tube. The<br />
plastic tube is cut into individual sections by<br />
a rotary blade. This is the actual body of the<br />
In a subsequent machine, known as<br />
the “header and capper”, a so-called<br />
shoulder with threaded and capped<br />
ends is placed on one of the two sides.<br />
The other side is left open so that the<br />
contents can be inserted through this<br />
opening during filling process and a final<br />
transverse weld seam can be applied.<br />
FLEXSEAMER: HIGH SPEED AND<br />
RELIABLE OPERATION<br />
What sets the new welding machine apart<br />
is that it features a high speed of 250<br />
tubes per minute; long heating and cooling<br />
sections designed for modern laminate<br />
types; and intuitive, fast, and reliable<br />
operation thanks to the digital capture of<br />
most settings. While mechanical position<br />
indicators only display the actual value<br />
of a position, digital position indicators<br />
also show the target value of a setting.<br />
For example, the dimensions for a particular<br />
type of tube are stored as a recipe in the<br />
machine control system and are then<br />
transferred to the respective indicators via<br />
IO-Link. An operator must then adjust the<br />
setting to match the actual and target values.<br />
This is the only way to continue with the<br />
production process. Reliable indicators here<br />
include the two LED lights, which illuminate<br />
Emanuel Heusser,<br />
group leader<br />
automation<br />
engineering in R&D<br />
at PackSys Global<br />
Aitor Henao, head<br />
of marketing and<br />
communications at<br />
PackSys Global<br />
green only when the values match. As long as<br />
a red light remains illuminated on the system,<br />
the process must be stopped and readjusted.<br />
For Aitor Henao, head of marketing and<br />
communications at PackSys Global, the<br />
advantages of such a solution are obvious:<br />
“Formats can be quickly and easily adjusted.<br />
Any product can be reproduced at any time<br />
with exactly the same settings because<br />
the dimensions are stored as a recipe for<br />
each variant. This means a consistently<br />
high level of quality because the processes<br />
are stable and reliable at all times.”<br />
Emanuel Heusser, group manager automation<br />
engineering in R&D, emphasised another<br />
aspect that is relevant to quality:<br />
“It is often only when products are<br />
subjected to random destructive testing,<br />
which requires a great deal of effort, that<br />
the effects of an incorrect setting become<br />
apparent. However, if the digital position<br />
indicators ensure that the same settings<br />
are used throughout the production<br />
process, there is no need for downstream<br />
quality control. This is a significant added<br />
value of monitored changeovers.<br />
Markings indicated SIKO’s monitored changeovers, which make the FlexSeamer easy to<br />
operate and reliable<br />
SKILLED LABOUR NOW A RARITY<br />
Digitised solutions are providing<br />
increasing support even in times of skilled<br />
labour shortages, shared Henao.<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 41
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
“Years ago, there was one skilled worker, who<br />
had been with the company for 20 or 30 years,<br />
that knew exactly where to make adjustments<br />
based on experience, and had ‘magic<br />
fingers’ when a setting no longer worked<br />
perfectly. However, today we have a very<br />
flexible labour market where skilled workers<br />
are rare. Intuitive operation that enables<br />
process-safe settings without in-depth<br />
knowledge of the machine helps companies<br />
address the shortage of skilled labour.”<br />
There are many factors to consider when<br />
deciding on a monitored changeover. Positions<br />
requiring frequent adjustments are ideal for<br />
such an investment in digital monitoring.<br />
Another argument can be the costly downtime<br />
associated with format changeovers.<br />
Reducing setup times can be critical. For rare<br />
adjustments or situations where incorrect<br />
settings are immediately noticeable, PackSys<br />
Global continues to use mechanical position<br />
indicators from SIKO. These indicators allow<br />
for easily controlled position values. Another<br />
option from SIKO’s range of solutions are<br />
compact, fully automatic positioning drives.<br />
These allow size adjustment at the touch of<br />
a button. Furthermore, they are also easy to<br />
use in hard-to-reach areas of a machine.<br />
EXAMPLE SETTINGS FOR PRINT<br />
MARK SENSORS<br />
The added value of the monitored<br />
changeover can be illustrated using an<br />
example setting – the print mark sensor.<br />
To cut the tube section, the cut<br />
must be made in the correct<br />
position relative to the print image.<br />
This is done by applying printed<br />
marks to the laminate, which are<br />
detected by sensors. The mark<br />
is located in a different place on<br />
the circumference of the tube<br />
depending on the print image.<br />
Therefore, the position of the sensor<br />
on the circumference must always<br />
be slightly different in order to<br />
detect this print mark. The position of the<br />
print mark sensor can now be recorded in<br />
degrees and stored in the recipe thanks to<br />
the AP10S position indicator. This means<br />
that the operator does not have to go into<br />
the machine to position the sensor relative to<br />
the print mark. Instead, the target positioning<br />
values are stored for each print image.<br />
INTEGRATION OF THE SIKO<br />
POSITION INDICATORS<br />
For Heusser, the universal applicability<br />
of the AP05 on both vertical and<br />
horizontal axes was a major plus.<br />
“The display is angled at 45 degrees and can<br />
be configured via the software in regard to<br />
how it should be positioned. This also makes<br />
it easier for us to stock different products<br />
for vertical and horizontal axes. The actual<br />
integration proved to be straightforward,<br />
both regarding the mechanical design<br />
and the electronic integration.”<br />
The AP05 (left) and AP10S (right) position<br />
indicators ensure reliable machine settings<br />
for the production of a wide range of tube<br />
variants<br />
Heusser’s assessment of the cooperation<br />
with SIKO is also positive: “There has always<br />
been a great deal of goodwill. SIKO aims to<br />
make wishes and suggestions a reality. For<br />
example, the AP05 was specially designed<br />
with IO-Link for our FlexSeamer project.”<br />
Looking ahead, Henao sees a clear trend<br />
towards digitisation and automation<br />
of systems, especially in the area of<br />
changeovers: “These small details, such as<br />
the LED display, make all the difference.<br />
They improve the quality of our machines<br />
and services, helping customer companies<br />
to focus on their business.” FBA<br />
All images courtesy of PackSys Global<br />
The modern FlexSeamer tube welding<br />
machine with positioning systems from<br />
SIKO for optimised changeovers
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
Metal detectors<br />
in nutraceutical<br />
manufacturing<br />
By Heat and Control<br />
• Dietary supplements: Concentrated<br />
sources of nutrients or other bioactive<br />
compounds that are intended to<br />
supplement the diet, usually available<br />
in various forms, including capsules,<br />
tablets, powders, and liquids.<br />
• Health and wellness products: Products<br />
that may include nutraceutical ingredients<br />
known for their health-enhancing<br />
properties, such as herbal extracts,<br />
superfoods, and functional beverages,<br />
with examples including energy bars,<br />
herbal teas and protein shakes.<br />
CEIA is at the<br />
forefront of<br />
technological<br />
advancements in<br />
metal detection.<br />
In the dynamic landscape of the <strong>Asia</strong>n<br />
food industry, the integration of traditional<br />
ingredients into nutraceuticals and<br />
functional foods is driving innovation<br />
and reshaping consumer preferences.<br />
Nutraceuticals, prized for their holistic<br />
benefits, cater to both physical health and<br />
mental and spiritual well-being. Staples like<br />
ginseng, turmeric, and goji berries exemplify<br />
this trend, symbolising a cultural appreciation<br />
for comprehensive wellness solutions.<br />
An expanding market for nutraceuticals<br />
and functional foods leads to additional<br />
challenges for metal detection which<br />
can be solved through the use of multispectrum<br />
technology. Nutraceuticals are<br />
increasingly becoming a part of the food<br />
industry as consumers seek products that<br />
offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.<br />
They are driving collaborations between<br />
the food industry and pharmaceutical<br />
companies which facilitate the development<br />
of innovative products that combine<br />
the expertise of both sectors.<br />
Metal detectors play a crucial role in<br />
food and nutraceutical manufacturing<br />
by safeguarding product integrity and<br />
consumer health<br />
The progressive integration of<br />
nutraceuticals into the food industry<br />
is observed in several ways:<br />
• Functional foods: <strong>Food</strong> products that<br />
have been fortified or enriched with<br />
additional bioactive compounds or<br />
ingredients to provide specific health<br />
benefits, such as vitamins, minerals,<br />
antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics,<br />
omega-3 fatty acids, and plant extracts.<br />
Nutraceuticals also often require specific<br />
packaging to preserve their potency and<br />
stability. The food industry has responded<br />
by incorporating specialised packaging<br />
technologies, such as barrier packaging,<br />
airtight containers, and UV-protective<br />
packaging, to maintain the quality and<br />
efficacy of nutraceutical products. These<br />
packaging solutions ensure that the bioactive<br />
compounds in the products remain intact<br />
and protected from external factors that<br />
can degrade their effectiveness.<br />
METAL DETECTORS<br />
IN FOOD AND<br />
NUTRACEUTICAL<br />
PRODUCTION<br />
Overall, metal detectors<br />
play a crucial role in<br />
food and nutraceutical<br />
manufacturing by<br />
safeguarding product<br />
integrity and consumer<br />
health. They prevent<br />
potential hazards associated<br />
with metal contaminants,<br />
ensuring that the final products<br />
meet the required quality standards<br />
and regulatory guidelines.<br />
The use of metal detectors in nutraceutical<br />
manufacturing serves as a critical quality<br />
control measure to identify and remove any<br />
metallic contaminants that may be present<br />
in the products. These contaminants can<br />
originate from various sources, such as<br />
raw materials, processing equipment, or<br />
packaging materials. Metal contaminants<br />
can pose serious risks to consumer<br />
health if ingested, and their presence<br />
must be eliminated or minimised. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 43
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
Not just heat exchangers:<br />
Complete lines drive HRS<br />
business growth<br />
Turnkey systems with complete capabilities have become increasingly<br />
popular since the pandemic. Matt Hale, international sales and<br />
marketing director of HRS Heat Exchangers, shares more on how the<br />
company has helped manufacturers with these specialised solutions.<br />
HRS is a supplier of heat exchangers for a<br />
wide range of applications, including food,<br />
pharmaceutical, environmental, energy and<br />
wastewater. In particular, we specialise in<br />
the efficient heat transfer of challenging<br />
materials – such as those with high<br />
viscosity or high fouling potential – using<br />
our range of corrugated tube and scraped<br />
surface heat exchangers. However, our<br />
clients are increasingly looking for turnkey<br />
solutions for their thermal processing<br />
challenges. In response to this, HRS has<br />
a team dedicated to the development<br />
of complete systems, which account for<br />
more than half our total sales by value.<br />
Since the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen<br />
significant sales growth around the world,<br />
with turnover increasing more than 60%<br />
in 2022 compared to the previous year. In<br />
terms of volume, component orders remain<br />
our core business; however, the number<br />
of full systems we are commissioned to<br />
produce is increasing every year and now<br />
accounts for the majority of turnover.<br />
Most of the demand for complete systems<br />
comes from the food and drink industry,<br />
but we are also<br />
seeing a strong<br />
interest in systems<br />
for wastewater<br />
treatment, as<br />
well as specialist<br />
applications such as anaerobic<br />
digestion and zero liquid discharge.<br />
TYPES OF SYSTEMS<br />
With more than 40 years’ experience in<br />
the food sector, HRS can offer clients<br />
a range of modular or turnkey system<br />
solutions, such as our Asepticblock<br />
pasteurisers and sterilisers which combine<br />
heat treatment, aseptic filling and cleanin-place<br />
capabilities in a single system,<br />
and which can be skid-mounted for easy<br />
installation. Other systems for the food and<br />
drink sector include deaeration systems,<br />
our I Series of ice crushers and melters,<br />
direct steam injection sterilisers (DSI Series)<br />
and dedicated CIP and SIP systems. We<br />
also provide trial systems for conducting<br />
HRS has seen<br />
increased<br />
demand for<br />
complete line<br />
solutions,<br />
particularly in<br />
the food sector<br />
44 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
product and processing trials before<br />
committing to a final production solution.<br />
For the energy and environmental sectors,<br />
we produce a number of concentration<br />
and evaporation systems (as well as<br />
solutions for zero liquid discharge), and<br />
specific systems for anaerobic digestion<br />
and wastewater treatment including<br />
digestate concentration systems (DCS),<br />
digestate pasteurisation systems (DPS) and<br />
biogas dehumidification systems (BDS).<br />
HRS Asepticblock pasteurisers and sterilisers<br />
combine heat treatment, aseptic filling and<br />
clean-in-place capabilities in a single system<br />
Many systems can be skid-mounted for<br />
easy installation<br />
Although systems represent an increasing<br />
share of our business, component heat<br />
exchangers and other products (such as<br />
our BP Series of hydraulic piston pumps)<br />
underpin our whole business, as well<br />
as providing the foundation for many of<br />
our solutions. We continue to invest in<br />
product development and innovation.<br />
SPECIALISED SYSTEM DESIGN<br />
While other heat exchanger manufacturers<br />
provide only standard heat exchanger<br />
designs, HRS assess each client’s needs and<br />
develops their designs accordingly. While this<br />
can increase the development and production<br />
period, it also means that our customers<br />
get the right system first time around.<br />
HRS engineering manager, Alejandro<br />
Lopez, explained: “The average length<br />
of a typical system project from order to<br />
commissioning is between 20 and 26 weeks.<br />
We design and build each system to the<br />
client’s exact specification and we also see<br />
each system through the commissioning<br />
phase. This can mean travelling anywhere<br />
in the world from our manufacturing base<br />
in Spain, although we are increasingly<br />
seeing clients opt for remote commissioning,<br />
which we are happy to facilitate.<br />
“Our most popular systems are for<br />
pasteurising juices, similar to those in the<br />
HRS produces a number of systems for<br />
environmental and waste treatment<br />
industries, including its digestate<br />
pasteurisation system<br />
fruit growing area near our manufacturing<br />
base in Murcia, Spain. Energy recovery,<br />
which can reduce energy consumption<br />
by 70-80% in juice processing, is<br />
increasingly popular and we are designing<br />
more systems which incorporate this.<br />
“In the last few years, we’ve completed<br />
a number of other systems. For example,<br />
those which contain tanks, aseptic<br />
filling stations, clean-in-place systems,<br />
preparation areas and more. We are<br />
actively looking to grow our systems<br />
department and have recruited additional<br />
engineering staff to accommodate this.”<br />
A FOOD SYSTEM CASE STUDY<br />
HRS supplied a complete sterilisation and<br />
aseptic filling solution for a leading specialist<br />
in fruit product processing and logistics<br />
located in Murcia, Spain. With the capacity to<br />
process up to 300,000 litres of fruit juice per<br />
day, the main products include concentrated<br />
juices such as lemon, orange and mandarin,<br />
grape and peach, and some mixed fruit juices.<br />
The first part of the system sterilises the<br />
product in an HRS Thermblock steriliser<br />
The HRS BDS is designed to improve the<br />
performance of gas engines<br />
featuring a multi-tube heat exchanger.<br />
The product is pre-heated in a buffer tank<br />
to 48°C, then passes through a deaerator<br />
to mitigate oxidisation which would<br />
spoil the product. It is then heated to<br />
pasteurisation temperature (around 92°C)<br />
for one minute to kill any bacteria, before<br />
being cooled to 31°C to preserve quality.<br />
The sterilised product is then placed into<br />
sterilised bags within drums using an HRS<br />
aseptic filler. The two-headed design ensures<br />
continuous operation, with the product placed<br />
into 200-litre bags inside a drum at a rate of<br />
12,000 litres per hour (60 drums per hour).<br />
Once full, the drums are then then transported<br />
to final customers across Europe and the US.<br />
The client’s plant manager commented:<br />
“The HRS aseptic plant was designed and<br />
optimised to exactly meet our needs and<br />
we are very satisfied with it. It’s simple to<br />
use and manage, does exactly what it was<br />
designed to do and is extremely reliable. We<br />
have had no problems with it since it was<br />
installed. The engineering involved is excellent<br />
and I would definitely recommend both the<br />
system and HRS as a company.” FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 45
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
A modern approach to data<br />
management for combating costs<br />
At the heart of every<br />
efficient production line<br />
is a data management<br />
system that drives<br />
optimal performance.<br />
Katie Hope, global<br />
account manager of<br />
Mettler-Toledo Product<br />
Inspection, shares more.<br />
Data plays a crucial role in shaping the world,<br />
fostering societal growth, learning and<br />
development. In food manufacturing, data is<br />
the driving force behind optimal processes<br />
and results. This holds particularly true for<br />
product inspection, where the impact of<br />
data ripples through various operational<br />
and commercial facets. One company<br />
that exemplifies this connection between<br />
data and efficiency is Heinrichsthaler,<br />
a German cheese manufacturer.<br />
Picture this: Heinrichsthaler churns out<br />
a staggering 200 tons of dairy products<br />
daily across 12 production lines. At critical<br />
checkpoints, five combination checkweigher/<br />
metal detection systems diligently inspect<br />
the output, scrutinising a whopping 7,000<br />
products per hour. The real magic, however,<br />
happens in the meticulous optimisation of<br />
these product inspection facilities, leading<br />
to a remarkable reduction in product<br />
giveaway from 3% to an impressive 0.9%.<br />
What lies at the core of this success? The<br />
answer lies in the goldmine of production line<br />
data collected by the combination product<br />
inspection system's data management<br />
software. This real-time treasure trove not<br />
only identifies errors and inefficiencies but<br />
also corrects them on the fly. According to<br />
Mr Gründinger, the production director at<br />
46 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
Heinrichsthaler, "Real-time<br />
proactive data preparation<br />
helps us to avoid costly<br />
overfilling. Our investment in<br />
the inspection management<br />
equipment has already paid for<br />
itself within three months."<br />
The data management<br />
software does not just stop<br />
at real-time corrections; it<br />
provides a holistic view of<br />
the inspection equipment's<br />
status, adding a layer of<br />
transparency to the production<br />
process. This transparency<br />
enables timely implementation<br />
of production flow control<br />
measures, enhancing the<br />
production line's overall availability. Trend<br />
analysis becomes a valuable tool in detecting<br />
anomalies, such as weight discrepancies,<br />
while metal detection systems undergoing<br />
rigorous testing every 90 minutes, supporting<br />
compliance with defined specifications.<br />
Test results are continuously documented<br />
in the data management software, allowing<br />
Heinrichsthaler to check that inspection<br />
systems are working according to defined<br />
specifications. The data management software<br />
also enables the company to quickly and<br />
easily prepare reports for submission to<br />
auditors, such as the weights and measures<br />
authorities and the IFS certification office.<br />
PUTTING DATA FIRST<br />
With a data management system in place, food<br />
manufacturers can take major steps towards<br />
combating operational costs and becoming<br />
more efficient by making the management of<br />
product inspection data central to the way<br />
they organise manufacturing. Essentially,<br />
this means putting data first.<br />
Indeed, data management really is the<br />
gateway to the digitalised future of food<br />
manufacturing, leading to true supply<br />
chain transparency. There are stages that<br />
manufacturers can work through to reach<br />
this aspirational level, however, and this<br />
often begins with the realisation that the<br />
business needs to move from labour-intensive<br />
manual record-keeping, to automated<br />
collection and storage of records.<br />
While this is a big culture change for some<br />
manufacturing plants, it is a key part of<br />
the process. Real-time data, automatically<br />
collected, gives manufacturers true, actionable<br />
information, providing insights on which<br />
to base manufacturing decisions that<br />
improve efficiency and boost productivity.<br />
A critical component of data management<br />
is the ability to share collected data easily,<br />
and this is where connectivity comes in.<br />
Today, food manufacturers can invest in<br />
product inspection devices that have builtin<br />
machine-to-machine communication<br />
protocols, enabling secure transmission of<br />
data on an individual machine or device<br />
level, up through production line and site<br />
systems to enterprise and cloud-based<br />
systems. Such connectivity unlocks a wealth<br />
of benefits and further possibilities, both<br />
within the manufacturing environment,<br />
where potential production issues can be<br />
averted through preventive action, and within<br />
a manufacturer’s supply chain network.<br />
MOVING TOWARDS DIGITALISATION<br />
Modernisation is also happening along the<br />
food supply chain, and the increasing drive<br />
towards digitalisation by food manufacturers<br />
is founded in sophisticated data management.<br />
In the not-too-distant future, the entire food<br />
supply chain will need to embrace digitalised<br />
food safety processes to comply with evolving<br />
regulatory requirements. The industry is<br />
heading towards food safety digital maturity<br />
– a point at which systems and processes<br />
can capture and record<br />
performance and production<br />
line data automatically, both<br />
for real-time production line<br />
improvements, and to make<br />
this information seamlessly<br />
available to necessary<br />
supply chain partners.<br />
As technology becomes more<br />
sophisticated, companies<br />
will need to think beyond<br />
data management software<br />
to also factor in essential<br />
building blocks for the<br />
digitalised supply chain, such<br />
as cloud storage, Blockchain<br />
and systems integration.<br />
The relationship between investing in<br />
such digital infrastructure and the drive<br />
towards combating costs might seem<br />
slightly more distant than some of the<br />
other aspects of data management that we<br />
have already discussed. However, the real<br />
impact lies in the fundamental operational<br />
efficiency, productivity, and reputational<br />
integrity of the entire food manufacturing<br />
business, which clearly makes it both<br />
a cost saver and a revenue driver.<br />
The benefits to digital maturity can be<br />
profound, for example if a product recall<br />
needs to be actioned, it can be targeted to<br />
the exact products affected, instead of larger<br />
batches that might include perfectly good<br />
products. <strong>Food</strong> manufacturers will enjoy<br />
closer and far more positive relationships<br />
with their supply chain partners too, which<br />
could be a huge cost saving compared to<br />
taking no steps at all towards digitalisation<br />
and supply chain transparency.<br />
In essence, just as information and data<br />
propel society forward, data management<br />
has the potential to revolutionise the<br />
efficiency of day-to-day operations<br />
for food manufacturers. It extends its<br />
influence to the highest levels of company<br />
and brand strategy, making a significant<br />
impact on business performance. The<br />
result is a reduction in costs, a drive for<br />
growth and the ultimate future-proofing<br />
of production lines in the most modern<br />
and effective way possible. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 47
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
A rupture disk that “breathes”<br />
To increase equipment safety and reliability, a new rupture disk<br />
technology activates at a set burst pressure, but can “breathe” to relieve<br />
minor pressure fluctuations.<br />
By Del Williams, technical writer<br />
In industry settings, one-time-use rupture<br />
disks have long provided pressure relief<br />
on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment,<br />
serving as an effective passive safety<br />
mechanism to protect against potentially<br />
damaging overpressure or vacuum<br />
conditions. Each disk is typically designed<br />
to burst, rapidly changing from a leaktight<br />
seal to a full diameter flow opening<br />
when a predetermined over or under<br />
pressure event occurs. At that point, the<br />
rupture disk needs to be replaced.<br />
Rupture disks are a proven solution,<br />
particularly for the protection of certified<br />
pressure vessels whose protection<br />
is driven by the European Pressure<br />
Equipment Directive (PED) threshold<br />
of 0.5 bar and above and American<br />
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)<br />
threshold of 15 psi and above.<br />
Demand for this type of sealed, fluidcontaining<br />
safety equipment is increasing<br />
for aseptic products in the health care, liquid<br />
food, and cosmetics industries and other<br />
applications where service pressures and<br />
even atmospheric pressure are much lower.<br />
Rupture disks are a critical component to<br />
seal fluid within the container under normal<br />
operating conditions, and they protect<br />
against overpressure caused by such events<br />
as external fire or an unexpected chemical<br />
reaction. Even noncombustible fluids can<br />
lead to overpressure conditions as they<br />
reach and exceed their boiling point.<br />
With atmospheric storage equipment that<br />
is sealed, a particular challenge is that<br />
significant internal pressure fluctuations can<br />
also occur because of ambient temperature<br />
swings, particularly for vessels located<br />
outdoors or otherwise exposed to daily<br />
temperature excursions. Consider that at<br />
common equipment application temperatures<br />
(–40°F to +175°F/–40°C to +80°C), the shift<br />
in pressure in a sealed container can range<br />
from -3 to +3 psi, or -200 to +200 millibar.<br />
“Although many fluids are stable under<br />
atmospheric pressure, when placed in a<br />
closed container even normal fluctuations in<br />
ambient temperature or equipment operation<br />
can generate overpressure (as temperature<br />
rises) or vacuum (as temperature falls),”<br />
said Geof Brazier, managing director of<br />
BS&B Safety Systems' custom engineered<br />
products division. “Over time, this can<br />
compromise simple metallic and nonmetallic<br />
container integrity due to flex<br />
and fatigue, leading to potential quality<br />
and maintenance issues and ultimately<br />
uncontrolled rupture of the container.”<br />
In response, a new “breathable” rupture<br />
disk technology has been developed that<br />
provides overpressure and vacuum relief by<br />
allowing air to pass through a membrane<br />
that relieves minor variations in pressure.<br />
“Rupture disks are traditionally installed<br />
for their excellent leak-tight performance<br />
under normal plant operating conditions.<br />
48 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
However, to improve reliability and longevity,<br />
the new requirement is for a rupture disk<br />
that will allow air flow in and out of a sealed<br />
container when a small pressure differential<br />
arises due to temperature change without<br />
the disk bursting,” explained Brazier.<br />
ENGINEERING A NOVEL SOLUTION<br />
To meet the development challenge, BS&B’s<br />
engineering team focused on the properties<br />
of sintered PTFE film, which is produced in<br />
sizes, quantities and thicknesses suited to the<br />
construction of low-pressure rupture disks.<br />
The PTFE film can produce rupture disks in<br />
sizes from under 1” burst diameter to over<br />
6” burst diameter (DN25 to DN150) using<br />
plastic film down to 0.1mm in thickness. The<br />
film is processed to achieve a specific level of<br />
porosity that allows air to pass through at a<br />
pressure differential of a few inches of water<br />
column/millibar but prevents passage for<br />
fluids like water until much higher differential<br />
pressures of around 0.5 bar are reached.<br />
Constructing a rupture disk from only<br />
breathable PTFE film solves the low-pressure<br />
fluctuation challenge due to temperature.<br />
However, adding a second level of safety<br />
by having such a rupture disk burst due to<br />
a greater over or under pressure condition<br />
is a further challenge since the mechanical<br />
properties of the film are too strong to<br />
meet the low burst pressure requirements<br />
of atmospherically stored equipment,<br />
typically below 7.5 psi, or 0.5 bar.<br />
According to Brazier, variations in ambient<br />
temperature can also lead to unacceptably<br />
large tolerances in burst pressure from a<br />
plastic film acting alone as the pressure<br />
relief member. A simple, flat PTFE<br />
membrane does not make a good rupture<br />
disk due to wide burst pressure spread,<br />
sensitivity to temperature, and potential<br />
fatigue. However, the fact that the porous<br />
material could allow air flow in either<br />
direction – without allowing liquid through<br />
– remained a desirable characteristic.<br />
The BS&B engineering team resolved the<br />
second level of safety issue by combining the<br />
structural and thermal stability of a traditional<br />
metal domed rupture disk with the PTFE<br />
film. Under normal operating conditions, the<br />
metal support arch holds the PTFE dome,<br />
and air is free to pass in either direction.<br />
In the event of an overpressure event, the<br />
metal support arch collapses and the dome<br />
is cut by a blade on the downstream side to<br />
relieve the pressure. Brazier noted that this<br />
is possible with burst pressure capability as<br />
low as 2” water column, or five millibar.<br />
“By combining the proven reliability<br />
and accuracy of metallic rupture disk<br />
components with the calibrated air/gas<br />
transmission performance of the PTFE film,<br />
a dual function rupture disk device can<br />
be constructed. Normally, this permits air<br />
flow to maintain atmospheric pressure due<br />
to daily temperature changes. For safety,<br />
the disk activates at a predetermined set<br />
pressure in one or two directions [positive<br />
pressure or vacuum relief],” said Brazier.<br />
The dual function, pressure equalisation and<br />
relief device can be used on low-pressure<br />
vessels that are often below the design<br />
limits of PED and ASME Standards.<br />
To accommodate the size and weight<br />
limitations of many light duty atmospheric<br />
storage containers, the rupture disk is<br />
designed in an integral assembly that<br />
includes the rupture disk as well as housing.<br />
The integrated assembly is certified to<br />
perform at the desired set pressure and<br />
allows for easier installation and quick<br />
removal if the rupture disk is activated. The<br />
device is designed for installation between<br />
sanitary/aseptic fittings or traditional<br />
pipe flanges, or a custom installation<br />
configuration can be accommodated.<br />
While process industry operators and<br />
OEMs have long relied on rupture disks in<br />
their hydraulic and pneumatic equipment,<br />
low-pressure environments susceptible to<br />
ambient temperature changes have been a<br />
challenge. Fortunately, with the availability<br />
of rupture disks that can “breathe” to provide<br />
pressure relief while still bursting open<br />
when a true overpressure condition arises,<br />
users can significantly enhance equipment<br />
safety, reliability, and product quality, while<br />
reducing maintenance expense. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 49
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
FAMIX relies on MasoSine<br />
Certa pumps for blending<br />
various viscosities of syrup<br />
in its beverage systems<br />
MasoSine Certa process pumps, from Watson-Marlow Fluid<br />
Technology Solutions (WMFTS), have been integrated into<br />
FAMIX’s TurboDigi Mixer and TurboDigi S Mixer beverage<br />
systems for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.<br />
Since 2000, FAMIX has integrated<br />
MasoSine pumps from Watson-<br />
Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions<br />
into its TurboDigi Mixer and TurboDigi<br />
S Mixer beverage systems, which<br />
are used for carbonated and noncarbonated<br />
drinks. Metering, mixing<br />
and carbonation are carried out<br />
in one operation by TurboDigi<br />
Mixer and TurboDigi S Mixer.<br />
Product changes, cleaning, and<br />
sterilisation can be carried out<br />
quickly with minimum waste.<br />
FAMIX is a German-based<br />
manufacturer of beverage machines<br />
and its customers include globally<br />
recognised soft drinks manufacturers.<br />
Small and medium-sized beverage<br />
production companies and beverage<br />
machine manufacturers are also<br />
users of FAMIX machines.<br />
Now, FAMIX-Maschinenbau has<br />
opted for MasoSine Certa 100,<br />
200, 250, 300 process pumps in<br />
its beverage systems around the<br />
world for the sinusoidal pump’s<br />
ability to handle different viscosities<br />
of syrup and drinks ingredients.<br />
Various models of MasoSine<br />
Certa pumps are used for the<br />
Close up of the<br />
FAMIX TurboDigi S<br />
Mixer, where the<br />
MasoSine Certa<br />
pumps are located<br />
blending of syrup or other beverage<br />
ingredients with various viscosities.<br />
One MasoSine pump is used in<br />
the TurboDigi Mixer and three or<br />
four MasoSine Certa pumps are<br />
used in the TurboDigi S Mixer.<br />
FAMIX uses Certa pumps for its<br />
ability to handle viscous fruit juice, for<br />
example, without any impact on pump<br />
speed. The gentle handling with littleto-no<br />
pulsation of the Sine pumps is<br />
a suitable choice for the metering of<br />
syrup with excellent CIP-capabilities.<br />
FAMIX relies on MasoSine Certa<br />
process pumps in its beverage<br />
systems for these capabilities:<br />
• Simple design with only one rotor<br />
• Nearly no pulsation<br />
• Low influence of viscosity<br />
in pump speed<br />
• Gentle product handling<br />
• Good cleaning facilities for<br />
hot and Clean-in-Place (CIP)<br />
processes, minimising downtime<br />
• Low cost of ownership for customers<br />
because of longer lifetime and less<br />
spare part and maintenance cost<br />
50 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
PROCESSING AND PACKAGING<br />
Three MasoSine Certa pumps are located at the bottom of this FAMIX TurboDigi S Mixer<br />
Herbert Falterbaum, managing<br />
director of FAMIX, said: “The low<br />
influence of viscosity in pump speed<br />
is one of the reasons we use the<br />
Certa pump. Metering the syrup is a<br />
crucial step in the process as syrup<br />
is not only the most expensive raw<br />
material in producing mixed drinks,<br />
it is also crucial to maintain endproduct<br />
quality and consistency.<br />
“We chose MasoSine over the<br />
competition mainly because of the<br />
use of one impeller only. We also<br />
chose this pump because soft drink<br />
manufacturers want systems that<br />
can be adapted to mix formulas of<br />
different viscosities and systems that<br />
can quickly and efficiently switch<br />
between formulas. Especially the<br />
high demand for low and sugar free<br />
products makes it necessary to pump<br />
syrups with viscosity like water as<br />
well as high sugar syrups with 100<br />
- 200 cP. Various viscosities can<br />
be handled with the one pump.”<br />
As customer demands change,<br />
Certa’s versatility helps to ensure<br />
FAMIX meets challenges created<br />
by new trends in the market.<br />
Herbert Falterbaum, Managing<br />
Director of FAMIX, added: “The<br />
number of ingredients is increasing<br />
and the dosing ranges for the<br />
pumps must be wider than ever.”<br />
The small footprint of MasoSine<br />
pumps is also important for the<br />
space-saving construction of<br />
FAMIX’s systems, as is hygiene.<br />
Certa offers maximum hygiene<br />
for applications like this in the<br />
food and beverage sector. All<br />
contact parts on the pump are<br />
FDA and EC1935/2004 compliant.<br />
Providing EHEDG Type EL Class<br />
1 Aseptic certification, Certa can<br />
be used in aseptic processes<br />
and is bacteria tight without<br />
requiring additional steam ports.<br />
Certa also offers significant energy<br />
consumption savings compared to<br />
other less-efficient pump types.<br />
Florian Walter, product manager<br />
at MasoSine Certa, said: “In the<br />
drinks industry, Sine pumps are<br />
used when viscous media needs<br />
to be transferred gently, with<br />
low pulsation and low shear.<br />
Whether it is transferring yeast<br />
in breweries, handling frozen fruit<br />
juice concentrate or metering<br />
syrups, MasoSine Certa pumps<br />
have many benefits for the food<br />
and beverage sector.” FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 51
FIRST LOOKS<br />
The new Formax Free Movement System<br />
(FMS) utilises free-floating movers that ride<br />
along an electromagnetic surface to enable<br />
smooth and seamless product handling<br />
The Formax Free<br />
Movement System<br />
from Provisur<br />
Technologies:<br />
Future-proof<br />
innovation for food<br />
product handling<br />
Provisur Technologies’ new Formax<br />
Free Movement System (FMS) is a<br />
flexible, compact, and hygienic handling<br />
system for sliced products.<br />
The FMS utilises free-floating movers that ride<br />
along an electromagnetic surface to enable<br />
smooth and seamless product handling.<br />
The movers on the FMS tabletop can be<br />
programmed with any type of motion profile,<br />
including rotation and synchronised travel<br />
in any direction. It enables excellent portion<br />
handling control and is ideal for complex<br />
product applications that require a<br />
high level of flexibility. It handles<br />
high-volume slicing lines, adult<br />
snack pack lines, sandwich<br />
lines, twin stacks, multiple<br />
packs, and more.<br />
Electromagnetic tiles<br />
are at the core of the<br />
machine’s technology,<br />
along with the transport<br />
units known as “movers”.<br />
The movers hover over<br />
flat surfaces without<br />
any physical contact and<br />
require no guiding elements<br />
such as rails or conveyor belts.<br />
They glide the portions smoothly<br />
from slicer to packager. Patented loading<br />
and offloading technology transfer portions<br />
from mover to downstream equipment and<br />
are designed for high-speed operation.<br />
The electromagnetic technology of the FMS<br />
eliminates the need for extra components<br />
such turning stations, buffers, inliners,<br />
or overlappers. As the movers can move<br />
anywhere on the work surface, the pickup<br />
of sliced products for transportation is<br />
simplified. Once the product moves from the<br />
slicer to the mover, the system establishes a<br />
buffer to accommodate the loading pauses<br />
necessary for reloading new products<br />
into the slicer. During these pauses, the<br />
buffer unloads to maintain a continuous<br />
product flow to the packaging machine.<br />
The system can easily be adapted to process<br />
new applications: the ability to enter new<br />
software programs to accommodate new<br />
applications delivers future-proof operations<br />
that allow food producers to react swiftly to<br />
market changes. Existing machines already<br />
in use can also be retrofitted with the FMS.<br />
The FMS is a sustainable solution<br />
that reduces footprint, with space<br />
savings of up to 50% compared to<br />
traditional product handling systems.<br />
The FMS’ simple design contains fewer<br />
moving parts to clean and maintain,<br />
thereby increasing system availability by<br />
minimising downtime. For producers facing<br />
growing staff shortages, the streamlined<br />
processes of the FMS also reduce the need<br />
for production and maintenance staff.<br />
The hygienic overall design further eliminates<br />
the possibility of contamination as there<br />
is no human contact with the product; the<br />
sliced product is automatically transferred<br />
directly to the movers. Furthermore, while<br />
multiple transfers in other systems can<br />
disrupt sliced portions and hurt product<br />
presentation, the smooth mover motion and<br />
gentle product transfer of the FMS protect<br />
the quality of the final product. FBA<br />
52 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
FIRST LOOKS<br />
L-com launches new Arduinobased<br />
PLCs and power supplies<br />
L-com has introduced a new line of opensource<br />
Arduino PLCs and power supplies.<br />
The Arduino programmable logic<br />
controllers (PLCs) can be programmed<br />
using free open-source Arduino software.<br />
Most PLCs from traditional automation<br />
companies require proprietary software<br />
licensing for programming. However,<br />
open-source programming is disrupting<br />
the industry by bringing low-cost<br />
solutions to automation controls.<br />
The Arduino PLCs feature options of 19,<br />
21, 38, 42 or 58 analogue and digital<br />
inputs and outputs (I/O). They accept I/O or<br />
sensors and power as inputs and deliver<br />
outputs to actuators and human machine<br />
interfaces (HMIs) based on computer<br />
programs (modified C++ language).<br />
The Arduino PLCs feature easy network<br />
connection via three communication<br />
protocols: Ethernet, the standard<br />
protocol for LANs; multi-point RS-485,<br />
which excels at communication over<br />
long distances and in electrically noisy<br />
environments; and point-to-point RS-232,<br />
a standard for use over shorter distances.<br />
In addition, L-com offers three new<br />
power supplies that convert power<br />
from AC to DC to run PLCs and other<br />
devices for use in industrial automation.<br />
The three options consist of a 30-watt<br />
power supply with a 12 VDC output,<br />
120 watts with 24 VDC, or 220 watts<br />
with 24 VDC. They have universal<br />
power inputs of 100 to 240 VAC for the<br />
30-watt and 120-watt models, and 200<br />
to 240 VAC for the 240-watt model.<br />
The power supplies have overvoltage and<br />
overcurrent protection and an LED indicator.<br />
For ease of installation, each model can<br />
be mounted on a standard DIN rail.<br />
"L-com's new Arduino PLCs and power<br />
supplies are cost-effective, as you can<br />
program them with open-source software,"<br />
said product line manager Tim Houghton.<br />
"They're also user-friendly, can accommodate<br />
future expansion with up to 58 ins and outs,<br />
and are versatile enough for many uses, from<br />
plant automation to traffic systems."FBA<br />
TOMRA <strong>Food</strong> designs and manufactures sensorbased<br />
sorting machines and integrated post-harvest<br />
solutions transforming global food production to<br />
maximize food safety and minimize food loss, by<br />
making sure Every Resource Counts.<br />
TOMRA 5B<br />
For more information visit<br />
www.tomra.com/food<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 53
FIRST LOOKS<br />
XSYS unveils Catena ProServX<br />
for real-time equipment monitoring,<br />
alerting and reporting<br />
XSYS has introduced the Catena<br />
ProServX, a cloud-based, real-time<br />
equipment monitoring tool for proactive<br />
maintenance and superior quality control.<br />
By measuring equipment performance,<br />
energy consumption, and consumable<br />
usage, ProServX empowers customers with<br />
insights into their operations. With this data,<br />
decision-makers can make informed, datadriven<br />
choices to optimise OEE and ensure<br />
the high-quality standards, while minimising<br />
waste for sustainable plate making.<br />
“Catena ProServX, the latest innovation<br />
from XSYS, represents a significant<br />
leap forward in digitalising equipment<br />
management and KPI reporting. It is a<br />
connected, cloud-based solution that<br />
delivers immediate data about asset<br />
performance and consumable usage<br />
according to industry 4.0 principles,”<br />
said Bert Eeckhout, product manager<br />
of XSYS Global. “This new software<br />
development, provides a unique access to<br />
plate processing data which until today<br />
was not available. Now, with the launch<br />
of ProServX customers can access and<br />
use this data to optimise their operations,<br />
and make fact-based decisions.”<br />
ProServX provides in-depth production<br />
reports at regular intervals detailing<br />
the number of plates produced during<br />
the specified period, along with the<br />
materials consumed. Alerts are sent out<br />
if any abnormal activity is registered,<br />
such as excessive solvent usage or a<br />
malfunctioning lamp, enabling customers<br />
to engage in proactive error management<br />
and predictive maintenance actions.<br />
Another prominent feature of ProServX<br />
is its ability to generate individual reports<br />
for each job with detailed insights into<br />
every aspect, from laser exposure to plate<br />
finishing. With this level of traceability,<br />
platemakers can ensure 100% quality<br />
control, promptly identify and resolve<br />
issues, and optimise resource allocation<br />
for enhanced efficiency and productivity.<br />
The data provided by ProServX<br />
accelerates remote service capabilities<br />
to new heights and reduces<br />
unnecessary travel for technicians.<br />
“Catena ProServX represents a<br />
holistic approach to remote equipment<br />
management by offering advanced<br />
statistics, comprehensive reporting,<br />
and unparalleled support. It is not just<br />
a software solution but a real catalyst<br />
for improving production performance,<br />
and achieving sustainable business<br />
success in today’s dynamic landscape,”<br />
concluded Bert Eeckhout. FBA<br />
54 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
FIRST LOOKS<br />
Wedholms introduces first CO2<br />
refrigerant milk cooling tank<br />
“At Wedholms, we have<br />
chosen to work with CO2<br />
as refrigerant. Ammonia is<br />
toxic as well as corrosive;<br />
hydrocarbons, such as<br />
propane, are flammable.<br />
CO2 have none of<br />
these disadvantages.<br />
In addition, it is readily<br />
available in large<br />
quantities and at low<br />
cost,” said Gavelin.<br />
CO2 is a highly effective<br />
refrigerant. Its properties<br />
as a both vapour and a<br />
fluid ensure high energy<br />
efficiency, reducing operating<br />
costs. This also enables the<br />
use of small components and<br />
small diameter lines, minimising<br />
the footprint of components and<br />
reducing the cost of parts and repairs.<br />
The DFC 953 range of milk cooling tanks<br />
from Wedholms is compatible with the<br />
revised F-gas Regulation that will become<br />
EU law in January next year<br />
Wedholms has introduced the first milk<br />
cooling tank in the European market to<br />
use CO2 as a refrigerant in standard<br />
cooling systems of the direct expansion<br />
cooling type. The tank is compatible with<br />
the revised F-gas Regulation that will be<br />
mandatory in the EU from Jan 2025.<br />
With a capacity ranging from 3,200<br />
to 30,000 litres, the DFC 953 range of<br />
milk cooling tanks is available for robotic<br />
milking with one to eight robots.<br />
“Refrigerants that are environmentally<br />
friendly are being introduced across<br />
the board and milk cooling tanks is no<br />
exception. Refrigeration is an essential<br />
process in the farming and dairy industries<br />
and we need to use processes that work<br />
in harmony with the natural environment<br />
that we depend on,” said Stefan Gavelin,<br />
managing director of Wedholms.<br />
Early refrigeration systems in the 1800s used<br />
natural refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia or<br />
hydrocarbons. However, freon was introduced<br />
in the 1930s, providing effective refrigeration<br />
at low pressure while also improving safety.<br />
Freon was phased out by the ratification of<br />
the Montreal protocol in the 1980s, due to its<br />
high ozone depletion potential. Since then,<br />
there has been a shift of focus back towards<br />
natural refrigerants again. CO2 has a GWP<br />
of 1 and an ozone depletion potential of 0,<br />
making its environmental impact neutral.<br />
The high energy content of compressed<br />
CO2 produces heat as a by-product<br />
of the process. This is recovered by the<br />
DFC 953 system and used to provide<br />
hot water for auxiliary systems.<br />
The compressor of the DFC 953 range<br />
of milk cooling tanks operates with<br />
frequency control, running exactly at<br />
the speed required by the process. A<br />
small batch with 20 litres of milk is<br />
refrigerated to the right temperature as<br />
effectively as larger ones of 200 litres,<br />
avoiding formation of ice in the tank.<br />
The DFC 953 range of milk cooling tanks is<br />
compatible with all robot milking machines.<br />
A variety of adapter kits is available.<br />
The control system provides a wide range<br />
of options for efficient agitation and<br />
temperature control as well as advanced<br />
alarm functions. A home consumption<br />
button also allows users to obtain<br />
milk for their own needs.<br />
Thorough cleaning is further by a<br />
spray head, designed to eliminate<br />
calcium deposits and bacteria growth<br />
across the entire inside of the tank<br />
with a powerful water jet. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 55
FIRST LOOKS<br />
Robotics for sustainable and<br />
future-proof factory planning<br />
Glatt Ingenieurtechnik has<br />
presented the GFC 16 (Glatt Fluid<br />
Bed Coater) process module and<br />
the Pharma OSD Future Factory,<br />
a digitally integrated containment<br />
pharmaceutical process plant.<br />
The solutions were first showcased<br />
at ACHEMA from 10-14 Jun <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
The GFC 16 process module expands<br />
the performance spectrum of pilot<br />
systems at the Glatt Technology<br />
Centre in Weimar. It has been designed<br />
for demanding continuous coating<br />
applications in the non-pharmaceutical<br />
sector. The developers paid particular<br />
attention to the fluid mechanical<br />
behaviour of the system along with<br />
the gentle infeed and discharge of raw<br />
materials, and coated products. The<br />
module offers all the usual injection<br />
options and is suitable for use across<br />
a wide range of particle sizes.<br />
The new fluidised bed coater module<br />
carries out continuous coating and<br />
layering processes in the fluidised<br />
bed. Its design achieves a particularly<br />
homogeneous distribution of<br />
the coating material, resulting in<br />
denser, more uniform coatings<br />
than with comparable systems.<br />
Furthermore, sensory properties<br />
can be positively influenced, and<br />
higher-quality particles produced,<br />
all of which are better protected<br />
against environmental factors.<br />
One application example is<br />
the coating of fertilisers with<br />
biopolymers to specifically control<br />
the release of ingredients. The<br />
new, continuously operating<br />
fluidised bed apparatus is therefore<br />
a possible process variant for<br />
specific customer projects.<br />
Glatt addresses the topic of<br />
robotics in pharmaceutical<br />
production with the Pharma<br />
OSD Future Factory. In the fastmoving<br />
world of pharmaceutical<br />
and biotechnological production,<br />
automation and robotics are essential.<br />
Using the example of a digitally<br />
integrated containment<br />
pharmaceutical process plant, Glatt<br />
integrates hardware and software<br />
functions into advanced automation<br />
systems, ranging from MES and DCS/<br />
SCADA to robot and AGV systems.<br />
The use of robots in pharmaceutical<br />
production has been enhanced,<br />
especially for solid moulds, by the<br />
process stations being arranged in<br />
such a way that the robot system can<br />
serve various stations and eliminate<br />
the need for complex vertical and<br />
horizontal handling techniques.<br />
In addition to automation, the focus is<br />
on the digitalisation and networking<br />
of processes and systems. Glatt offers<br />
system integration through to the<br />
fully installed and functional process<br />
plant at the customer's premises,<br />
and all from a single source. FBA<br />
56 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
FIRST LOOKS<br />
Xeikon<br />
and Sappi<br />
in sweet<br />
collaboration<br />
Building on its long-term partnership<br />
with Sappi, Xeikon has developed<br />
food-safe, paper-based candy<br />
packs which are fully recyclable<br />
in the paper waste stream.<br />
With high image quality, bright<br />
colours and silky surface, packets of<br />
Maoam Chew Fruit Mix showcase<br />
Xeikon’s TITON dry toner technology<br />
printed on heat-sealable Sappi<br />
Seal Silk 67g/m² functional paper.<br />
Notably, this flexible packaging<br />
solution is food-safe without<br />
the need for any additional<br />
barriers in the structure, such<br />
as a varnish or other layers.<br />
“Xeikon continues to meet<br />
brand owners’ demands for<br />
environmentally friendly and foodsafe<br />
packaging with value-adding<br />
solutions created through close<br />
collaborations with other industry<br />
leaders,” said Frank Jacobs, Xeikon’s<br />
market intel and senior product<br />
manager. “Our latest sustainable<br />
flexible packaging solution is<br />
enabled by Sappi’s long-standing<br />
expertise in recyclable paper<br />
materials and the unique capabilities<br />
of Xeikon TITON dry toner.”<br />
Sappi Seal Silk is a functional<br />
single-coated paper with superior<br />
heat sealability and moisture<br />
barrier. Fully recyclable, it has<br />
been designed for both primary<br />
and secondary flexible packaging<br />
applications in the food and<br />
non-food sectors. Offering clear<br />
printing results and openability,<br />
the paper is suitable for direct food<br />
contact, which complements the<br />
properties of Xeikon’s food-safe,<br />
odourless and migration-proof<br />
TITON toners. The new candy packs<br />
leverage the capabilities of these<br />
two technologies, presenting a<br />
package with great shelf appeal<br />
that is also highly resistant to the<br />
strains of the packaging journey.<br />
Sibylle Hajostek, market manager<br />
packaging solutions at Sappi,<br />
commented: “The ongoing<br />
collaboration with Xeikon offers<br />
clear benefits for printers, as we<br />
can provide them with a welltested<br />
route to producing recyclable<br />
flexible packaging with Sappi<br />
Seal Silk as the basis. Together<br />
we’re delivering sustainable<br />
innovation that the market needs<br />
in order to respond to end users’<br />
demands for more eco-conscious<br />
packaging and to comply with new<br />
legislation for a circular economy.”<br />
Xeikon’s TX500 digital press will<br />
be running live during drupa <strong>2024</strong><br />
from 28 May to 7 Jun in Düsseldorf,<br />
to demonstrate how these candy<br />
packs are printed in four colours,<br />
at a resolution of 1200 dpi and<br />
speed of 30m/min (98ft/min).<br />
This 508mm (20 inches) wide<br />
printing machine is the first to<br />
use TITON dry toner technology.<br />
Resistant to heat, chemicals<br />
and mechanical abrasions, the<br />
toners enable printers to produce<br />
sustainable, paper-based food<br />
packaging without the need for a<br />
varnish or other protective layers.<br />
Jacobs concluded: “Sustainability<br />
is the biggest driver in packaging<br />
production today, but that doesn’t<br />
mean that we should compromise<br />
on quality. Visitors to drupa should<br />
head to the Xeikon booth (Hall 11/<br />
A01) to investigate our highquality,<br />
paper-based packaging<br />
for themselves and discuss new<br />
market opportunities for their<br />
business with our experts.” FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 57
FIRST LOOKS<br />
Marmon Industrial<br />
Water launches Ecodyne<br />
modular cooling towers<br />
Marmon Industrial Water has<br />
unveiled Ecodyne Modular<br />
Cooling Towers, a solution for new<br />
and retrofit builds. The factory<br />
assembled modules allow plants<br />
to seamlessly replace one cell<br />
at a time while those adjacent<br />
remain fully operational, reducing<br />
downtime and shortening field<br />
installation time by up to 75%.<br />
“Historically, cooling tower<br />
replacement has required stickby-stick<br />
construction on site.” said<br />
John Jakic, director of aftermarket<br />
sales at Marmon Industrial Water.<br />
“This method is costly, not only in<br />
materials and labour, but also due<br />
to the amount of downtime required<br />
to complete the upgrades. Our<br />
modular towers condense months<br />
of work into days, saving customers<br />
significant time in lost production.<br />
These cost savings can be crucial<br />
for plants seeking modernisation or<br />
repair while maintaining operation.”<br />
In contrast to existing offerings,<br />
Ecodyne Modular Cooling Towers<br />
are factory built to match the<br />
profile of original cells, which<br />
may enable customers to reuse<br />
mechanical components and<br />
further maximise cost savings.<br />
Prefabricated modules arrive fully<br />
assembled and can accommodate<br />
two installation methods:<br />
1. Traditional basin floor: Columns<br />
are anchored to the basin<br />
floor, beneath the waterline.<br />
The first set of modules<br />
stabilise the base. Additional<br />
modules are built upward.<br />
2. Above-waterline: Instead<br />
of individual columns,<br />
a steel truss attached<br />
to the curb of the basin<br />
is used to create a<br />
structural foundation<br />
without entering the<br />
water. Additional modules<br />
are built upward.<br />
Jakic added: “Our company was<br />
founded on the principle of<br />
actively listening to customers,<br />
learning about their challenges<br />
and delivering innovative,<br />
value-added products. We<br />
are committed to living up<br />
to this promise by providing<br />
a turnkey solution that<br />
modernises facilities without<br />
sacrificing our customers’<br />
production capacity.” FBA<br />
58 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
SHOW PREVIEW<br />
The 26th Bakery China<br />
set to drive a new wave of<br />
innovation in Shanghai<br />
The 26th Bakery China, co-organised<br />
by the China Association of Bakery<br />
and Confectionery Industry (CABCI)<br />
and Bakery China Exhibitions, is<br />
set to take place from 21-24 May<br />
at the National Exhibition and<br />
Convention Centre in Shanghai.<br />
This year, the exhibition will utilise<br />
12 exhibition halls of NECC, covering<br />
a total area of 320,000 sq m. Over<br />
2,200 renowned brands from<br />
nearly 30 countries and regions<br />
will showcase their latest products,<br />
together with more than a hundred<br />
conferences, forums, thematic<br />
events and competitions with<br />
insights from hundreds of business<br />
leaders and bakery masters.<br />
It is expected that the exhibition<br />
will receive an estimated 400,000<br />
visits, representing over 130<br />
countries and regions.<br />
With international exhibitors<br />
consisting of over 20% of the<br />
total, the international exhibition<br />
area is set to expand by more than<br />
50%, including national pavilions<br />
from renowned countries such as<br />
Italy, Japan, and more, adding to<br />
the diverse range of offerings.<br />
In addition, more than 7,000<br />
international visitors have preregistered,<br />
tripling the previous<br />
attendance figures. International<br />
trade match-making will be<br />
available at the Int'l Hall 2.1,<br />
providing enhanced services for<br />
global industry professionals.<br />
With over 20 categories, the<br />
exhibition will showcase overall<br />
(Image: Bakery China)<br />
industry landscape and development<br />
opportunities based on the<br />
ingredients, equipment, and packaging<br />
solutions zones. This year, the<br />
exhibition will introduce new zones<br />
including pre-made bakery, OEM<br />
and private brands, dairy products,<br />
healthy bakery, and bakery plus. The<br />
dairy products zone will feature the<br />
participation of nearly a hundred<br />
leading dairy product brands such<br />
as Lactalis, Nestle, and Arla.<br />
Three new zones will be unveiled<br />
to support the development of new<br />
quality productive forces within<br />
the industry. These zones include<br />
the "Bakery China Innovation,<br />
Bakery China Power" for innovative<br />
products and technologies, the<br />
case demonstration for sustainable<br />
industrial development, and the<br />
industrial big data trends.<br />
For visitor convenience, iBakeryChina<br />
is an advanced digital online<br />
platform seamlessly integrating<br />
business inquiries and offers,<br />
industry innovation, knowledge<br />
exchange, trends and insights,<br />
and exhibition services. With<br />
over 4,000 registered suppliers<br />
and connections to more than<br />
500,000 buyers, iBakeryChina<br />
offers tens of thousands of SKUs.<br />
Bakery China <strong>2024</strong> will also<br />
introduce the indoor navigation<br />
system @iBakeryChina,<br />
elevating user experience.<br />
Additionally, the exhibition will<br />
host engaging events, such as the<br />
6th Pre-Made Bakery Festival,<br />
uniting over 300 supply chain<br />
brands and showcasing more<br />
than 1000 new products and<br />
technologies, to highlight the<br />
latest market trends and insights.<br />
Bakery China will keep evolving<br />
as an ecosystem, enabling the<br />
global baking community to share<br />
innovative ideas and forge valuable<br />
commercial connections. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 59
CeMAT Southeast <strong>Asia</strong><br />
concludes with<br />
industry-leading insights<br />
CeMAT play a crucial role in driving industry<br />
growth and fostering collaborations,”<br />
said Tim Bostridge of Hannover Fairs.<br />
Key exhibitors, including Dematic, a global<br />
supplier of integrated supply chain and<br />
warehouse automation technologies,<br />
software, and services, showcased their most<br />
recent technologies. Dematic's participation<br />
further emphasised CeMAT South East<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>'s position as one of the leading<br />
material handling events in the region.<br />
CeMAT South East <strong>Asia</strong>, a global trade event<br />
for intralogistics, robotics, warehousing,<br />
supply chain management, and materials<br />
handling, has wrapped. The event served<br />
as the epicentre for the latest industry<br />
innovations and as an exchange of ideas<br />
and insights on shaping the warehouse of<br />
the future, and drew over 6,500 attendees.<br />
CeMAT is a comprehensive hub of leading<br />
technology and service providers in the<br />
intralogistics industry, with events in China,<br />
Indonesia, Italy, Australia, and now, for<br />
the first time, in Singapore. CeMAT is the<br />
premier trade fair for intralogistics, materials<br />
handling, and supply chain management,<br />
providing unmatched opportunities<br />
for industry players worldwide.<br />
Singapore’s focus on innovation and<br />
technology adoption was a major driving<br />
factor of the intralogistics market.<br />
According to new research by Next<br />
Move Strategy Consulting, the Singapore<br />
Intralogistics market was expected to<br />
reach US$115.9bn by 2030, with a<br />
CARG of 14.9% from 2023 to 2030.<br />
With the nation’s push towards becoming a<br />
smart nation, there has been growing demand<br />
for advanced intralogistics technologies such<br />
as automated handling systems, robotics,<br />
and warehouse management handling. The<br />
widespread application of intralogistics,<br />
including airport, warehousing, automotive,<br />
hospitality, and logistics, supports businesses<br />
adopting the technologies for their operations.<br />
The event featured 30 exhibitors and keynote<br />
speakers who convened to exchange insights<br />
and engage in discourse, addressing various<br />
aspects of intralogistics, materials handling,<br />
and supply chain management. Attendees<br />
seized the opportunity to network with<br />
industry leaders and key influencers, as well<br />
as renowned companies such as Cognex,<br />
Schaefer, Hyster/Yale, Witron, and Geek+.<br />
CeMAT Southeast <strong>Asia</strong> also proudly hosted<br />
the LogiSYM <strong>Asia</strong> Pacific conference,<br />
offering pragmatic, real-world insights<br />
that transcend logistics and supply chain<br />
sectors through their global events and<br />
the LogiSYM magazine. The partnership<br />
between CeMAT and LogiSYM further<br />
strengthened both events. Notable speakers<br />
included Peter Tirschwell, Stephanie<br />
Krishnan, Wolfgang Lehmacher, Jaya<br />
Moorthi Pillay, Milind, and Tom O'Donnell.<br />
Attendees were treated to a comprehensive<br />
showcase of technologies and services<br />
from top-tier providers in intralogistics,<br />
robotics and automation, warehousing,<br />
supply chain management, and materials<br />
handling. The event highlighted innovation<br />
and best practices across various sectors,<br />
including e-commerce, manufacturing,<br />
the food industry, and resources.<br />
“CeMAT South East <strong>Asia</strong> was an incredible<br />
showcase of the advancements and<br />
innovations that are reshaping the<br />
intralogistics and supply chain landscape.<br />
It was inspiring to witness industry leaders<br />
and exhibitors from all over the world<br />
coming together to exchange insights<br />
and ideas. As the intralogistics market in<br />
Singapore continue to evolve, events like<br />
LogiSYM <strong>Asia</strong> Pacific, coupled with<br />
CeMAT, was the largest gathering<br />
of senior supply chain and logistics<br />
professionals in the <strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific region.<br />
Also at the show were numerous case<br />
studies, presentations, panels, networking<br />
sessions, and closed-door round table<br />
sessions where stakeholders could gather,<br />
collaborate, and exchange ideas. FBA<br />
60 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • APRIL / MAY <strong>2024</strong>
SHOW PREVIEW<br />
ALLPack Indonesia <strong>2024</strong><br />
to highlight industry trends<br />
The rapid growth of food and beverage<br />
industry has spurred packaging and<br />
printing product innovations. With that,<br />
ALLPack Indonesia has returned for<br />
a <strong>2024</strong> edition, which will be held in<br />
conjunction with AllPrint Indonesia Expo<br />
<strong>2024</strong> at the Jakarta International Expo in<br />
Kemayoran, Jakarta, from 9-12 Oct <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
The 23nd ALLPack Indonesia will showcase<br />
processing and packaging technology for<br />
food, beverages, biscuits, confectionary,<br />
pharmaceutical products/drugs, traditional<br />
herbal drinks, cosmetics, personal<br />
care, beauty, agriculture, electronics,<br />
coolers and other related industries.<br />
Krista Exhibitions CEO Daud D Salim<br />
highlighted in a press conference on 15 May<br />
<strong>2024</strong> at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore that<br />
"[t]his year's ALLPack Indonesia and AllPrint<br />
Indonesia <strong>2024</strong> forecast a 30% increase in<br />
the number of participants compared to the<br />
previous year and over 1,000 companies<br />
local and international exhibitors and<br />
is expected to have more in <strong>2024</strong>."<br />
He added that the packaging, printing<br />
industry plays a vital role in ensuring the<br />
growth of the region’s foods and beverages<br />
industry. With that in mind, Krista Exhibitions<br />
will welcome professionals in the related<br />
industries to meet, build discussions<br />
and forge partnerships in packaging.<br />
“We would like to see a competitive<br />
packaging industry via sustainable material<br />
development and technological innovations.”<br />
Hari Noegroho, promotion and partnership<br />
director of the Indonesian Packaging<br />
Federation shared: “The global packaging<br />
market will continue to rise particularly<br />
in emerging economies driven by<br />
increasing online purchases and evolving<br />
consumer preference which will drive<br />
more specific packaging. Packaging will<br />
also play a greater role in ensuring food<br />
ALLPack Indonesia <strong>2024</strong> recently held a press conference in Singapore highlighting the<br />
show’s aims (Image: Krista Exhibitions)<br />
safety, addressing health concerns and<br />
combating counterfeit and fraudulent<br />
products through new technologies.<br />
“Likewise, consumers also desire more<br />
convenience when it comes to products<br />
– including the packaging they come<br />
in. This includes single-serve options,<br />
resealable packs and microwavable formats.<br />
Through to <strong>2024</strong>, these demands will<br />
continue to drive growth, with portability<br />
and reduced packaging to address the<br />
sustainability being top priorities.<br />
“Packaging demands are changing<br />
to be smarter, better, safer, faster,<br />
cheaper, greener to fulfil the changes<br />
in consumer demands. IPF is optimistic<br />
that the Indonesian packaging industry<br />
will continue to experience steady<br />
growth through the year by 3-4%.”<br />
Adhi Lukman, chairman of Indonesian<br />
<strong>Food</strong> and <strong>Beverage</strong>s Industry Association<br />
(GAPMMI), said: “In line with the potential<br />
demand for processed food to meet the<br />
needs of the community, the food and<br />
beverage sector continues to grow positively<br />
and investment is also increasing. Therefore,<br />
support for innovation and technology is<br />
needed in the food sector. Hence, events like<br />
ALLPack are important for the food industry<br />
to see how technology is evolving and interact<br />
with experts in order to encourage its growth.”<br />
ALLPack Indonesia and AllPrint Indonesia<br />
<strong>2024</strong> is support by Indonesian ministers,<br />
associations and agencies of the relevant<br />
industries. They include the Indonesian<br />
Industry Ministry, the Indonesian<br />
Trade Ministry, and many more.<br />
The upcoming exhibition also invites<br />
key business players engaged in the<br />
packaging and printing industries, as<br />
well as collaboration with relevant<br />
associations and institutes in the region.<br />
ALLPack Indonesia’s business matching<br />
programme will provide one-to-one business<br />
matching services to industry professionals<br />
who will be invited to the show. Hosted<br />
buyers can connect with the right people<br />
in the packaging and printing industries,<br />
fostering valuable relationships and<br />
meaningful business partnerships. FBA<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • APRIL / MAY <strong>2024</strong> 61
SHOW REVIEW<br />
Propak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong><br />
unites over 310 exhibitors and<br />
8,000 trade visitors from packaging<br />
and processing market<br />
From 3-5 Apr, ProPak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong> gathered over 310 enterprises and<br />
attracting more than 8,000 visitors in a gross space of 11,000 sq m.<br />
The opening ceremony of ProPak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong><br />
ProPak Vietnam served as a platform for business to<br />
spotlight the latest machinery and technologies<br />
Returning for its 17th edition, ProPak<br />
Vietnam <strong>2024</strong> brought together<br />
over 310 suppliers of technology<br />
and raw materials serving the<br />
processing and packaging industries,<br />
covering a range of sectors including<br />
drink technology, pharmaceutical<br />
technology, print technology, cold<br />
chain, as well as other related<br />
services. The exhibitors hailed<br />
from more than 30 countries and<br />
regions, and attracted international<br />
pavilion groups from China,<br />
Germany, Italy, Korea and Taiwan.<br />
ProPak Vietnam marked a significant<br />
turning point for ProPak Vietnam's<br />
partnership with various industry<br />
associations and federations, including<br />
World Packaging Organisation (WPO),<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>n Packaging Federation (APF),<br />
Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry<br />
Association (AIPIA), Vietnam Beer –<br />
Alcohol – <strong>Beverage</strong> Association (VBA),<br />
the Vietnam Plastics Association<br />
(VPA), Vietnam <strong>Food</strong> Science and<br />
Technology Association (VAFoST), etc.<br />
ProPak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong> also focused<br />
on a series of conferences and<br />
seminars on topics such as smart<br />
packaging, sustainable development<br />
in the packaging industry, extended<br />
producer responsibility (EPR) policies,<br />
the application of nanotechnology<br />
in food processing and preservation,<br />
and other seminars supporting<br />
drink technology industry.<br />
Highlights of this year's expo included<br />
the introduction of a new technology<br />
showroom named DrinkTech. Besides<br />
exhibition activities, DrinkTech was<br />
a place to help businesses connect<br />
and absorb the latest knowledge<br />
via international conferences about<br />
new trends in drink technologies.<br />
ProPak Vietnam <strong>2024</strong> has affirmed its<br />
position as packaging and processing<br />
trade show and demonstrated<br />
Vietnam's growing prominence<br />
as a key market in the region. As<br />
the country continues to attract<br />
foreign investment and strengthen<br />
its economic relationship globally,<br />
ProPak Vietnam enables businesses<br />
to capitalise on Vietnam's burgeoning<br />
packaging and processing potential.<br />
The 18th edition of ProPak to<br />
be held from 18-20 Mar 2025<br />
at the Saigon Exhibition and<br />
Convention Centre (SECC). FBA<br />
All images courtesy of ProPak<br />
Vietnam <strong>2024</strong><br />
ProPak<br />
Vietnam <strong>2024</strong><br />
gathered<br />
more than 310<br />
exhibitors and<br />
8,000 trade<br />
visitors across<br />
three days<br />
62 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
<strong>2024</strong> EVENTS CALENDAR<br />
JUNE<br />
4 – 7<br />
FOOMA Japan<br />
Tokyo, Japan<br />
12 – 15<br />
ProPak <strong>Asia</strong><br />
Bangkok, Thailand<br />
19 – 21<br />
Hi & Fi <strong>Asia</strong> China<br />
Shanghai, China<br />
19 – 21<br />
Japan Int‘l <strong>Food</strong> Expo<br />
Tokyo, Japan<br />
26 – 29<br />
FOOD TAIPEI<br />
Taipei, Taiwan<br />
JULY<br />
10 – 12<br />
Cold Chain Exhibition<br />
Bangkok, Thailand<br />
17 – 19<br />
Malaysia International <strong>Food</strong> & <strong>Beverage</strong><br />
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
AUGUST<br />
1 – 2<br />
<strong>Asia</strong> Palm Oil Conference<br />
Suratthani, Thailand<br />
7 – 10<br />
International Printing, Paper, Packaging<br />
Machinery Exhibition<br />
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
4 – 6<br />
Fi <strong>Asia</strong> Indonesia<br />
Jakarta, Indonesia<br />
4 – 6<br />
ProPak Indonesia<br />
Jakarta, Indonesia<br />
4 – 6<br />
<strong>Asia</strong> Fruit Logistica<br />
Hong Kong, China<br />
18 – 20<br />
Vitafoods <strong>Asia</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
Bangkok, Thailand<br />
OCTOBER<br />
9 – 11<br />
Fi Vietnam<br />
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<br />
19 – 23<br />
SIAL Paris<br />
Paris, France<br />
24 – 27<br />
Kaohsiung <strong>Food</strong> Show<br />
Kaohshiung, Taiwan<br />
NOVEMBER<br />
11 – 12<br />
<strong>Asia</strong>-Pacific Sustainable <strong>Food</strong> Summit<br />
Singapore<br />
20 – 23<br />
Plaspak Indonesia<br />
Jakarta, Indonesia<br />
DECEMBER<br />
4 – 6<br />
Labelexpo South China<br />
Shenzhen, China<br />
FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong> 63
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX<br />
COMPANY<br />
PAGE<br />
Beijing Zhongqing Heli International Exhibition Co.,<br />
Ltd. (CBB)<br />
23<br />
<strong>Food</strong> & <strong>Beverage</strong> <strong>Asia</strong> 5<br />
ABOUT US<br />
Heat & Control<br />
OBC<br />
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64 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY <strong>2024</strong>
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