Food & Beverage Asia June/July 2024

JUNE / JULY 2024 

www.foodbeverageasia.com 

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CONTENTS 

MARKET INSIGHTS 

10 Seeds of change: Transforming Singapore’s food systems through 

urban farming 

12 Culinary diversity and excellence at FHA – F&B Asia 2024 

14 Old ties, new journeys: Singapore and New Zealand strengthen 

bilateral relations 

BITING ISSUES 

16 H2:iD Hydrogen Water On The Go offers natural energy boost 

17 dsm-firmenich and Indena debut biotic and botanical 

combination concepts 

18 Ohly announces launch of new NEIVA range of health products 

19 Roquette launches new LYCAGEL Flex softgel capsule shell system 

20 Mintel: Kelp seaweed an emerging ingredient to watch 

21 Study: CuberUp cucumber extract may have positive impact on 

knee pain, mobility and muscle function 

22 Cheribundi expands product offerings with new line of tart cherry 

gummies 

INGREDIENTS 

24 Embracing the evolution: The dynamic landscape of tea in South East Asia 

26 Training innate immunity: A scientific breakthrough in immune support 

for everyday health 

28 Count your macros: New trends for a new era 

30 Beyond the buzz: Comvita brings the bee’s knees of honey production to 

the next level 

ON THE TABLE 

32 THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 returns hungrier than before 

34 Cargill redefines indulgence with cocoa portfolio 

36 Keeping food fresh with Super Tomato’s automated concepts 

38 Beyond digital: Rockwell Automation launches new Customer Experience 

Centre in Singapore 

PROCESSING & PACKAGING 

40 Process reliability in tube production: How PackSys Global optimises 

production using SIKO technology 

9 

12 

28 36

43 Metal detectors in nutraceutical manufacturing 

44 Not just heat exchangers: Complete lines drive HRS business growth 

46 A modern approach to data management for combating costs 

48 A rupture disk that “breathes” 

50 FAMIX relies on MasoSine Certa pumps for blending various viscosities 

of syrup in its beverage systems 

FIRST LOOKS 

52 The Formax Free Movement System from Provisur Technologies: 

Future-proof innovation for food product handling 

53 Automation becomes easier, more cost-effective with L-com's new 

Arduino PLCs and power supplies 

54 XSYS unveils Catena ProServX for real-time equipment monitoring, 

alerting and reporting 

55 Wedholms introduces first CO2 refrigerant milk cooling tank 

56 Robotics for sustainable and future-proof factory planning 

57 Xeikon and Sappi in sweet collaboration 

58 Marmon Industrial Water launches Ecodyne modular cooling towers 

SHOW PREVIEW & REVIEW 

59 The 26th Bakery China set to drive a new wave of innovation in 

Shanghai 

60 CeMAT Southeast Asia concludes with industry-leading insights 

61 ALLPack Indonesia 2024 to showcase industry leaders in packaging, 

printing and manufacturing 

62 Propak Vietnam 2024 unites over 310 exhibitors and 8,000 trade 

visitors from packaging and processing market 

REGULARS 

4 Editor’s Note 

6 News 

63 Events Calendar 

64 Advertisers’ Index 

20 21 

40 62

EDITOR’S NOTE 

A city of opportunities 

On 15 May 2024, Singapore 

welcomed its 4th Prime Minister, 

Lawrence Wong; this change 

of hands not only signals a new 

chapter in the country's history, but 

also sets a new tenor for the nation's focus moving forward. 

In this issue, we see and celebrate recent innovations in Singapore, 

with the recently-concluded FHA Food & Beverage Asia 2024 

highlighting a series of international pavilions showcasing regional 

delights and food products that reflect Asia-Pacific's hunger 

for foreign gastronomical products. In particular, the Italian and 

Taiwanese pavilions are building on their existing market presence 

in the region, using Singapore as a launch pad into APAC. 

pharmacies and unique delivery formats, Comvita's manuka 

honey products are sure to delight APAC consumers. 

On the other hand, Super Tomato, a Singapore-founded and -based 

company, is tapping into automation and robotics to streamline operations 

in food businesses. Recognising the need to meet challenges in labour 

cost and shortages, as well as standards in food hygiene, their solutions 

are not only modular and lightweight, but also hygienically designed. 

From a tiny red dot to the rest of the world, let us at Food & Beverage Asia 

spotlight the best brands and solutions around the world, drawing focus 

to a region brimming with desire for the next best thing in the industry. 

In addition, brands such as New Zealand's Comvita further 

cement APAC's internationality, with the company creating 

products that target regional consumer demands for health 

and wellness products. From collaborations with local 

Agatha Wong 

Assistant Editor 

PABLO SINGAPORE 

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Cayla Ong • cayla@pabloasia.com 

CIRCULATION MANAGER 

Shu Ai Ling • ailing@pabloasia.com 

PABLO PUBLISHING & EXHIBITION PTE LTD (HEAD OFFICE) 

3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK, Singapore 569139 

Tel: (65) 62665512 Email: info@pabloasia.com 

Website: www.foodbeverageasia.com 

Company Registration No.: 200001473N 

Singapore MICA (P) No. 045/12/2023 

Malaysia KDN: PPS1528/07/2013 (022978) 

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LET’S CONNECT! 

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Food & Beverage Asia 

incorporates the Official 

Publications of the 

Singapore Institute of Food 

Science & Technology. 

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4 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY 2024

NEWS 

Schenck Process FPM 

becomes Coperion 

Following its Sep 2023 acquisition by 

Hillenbrand, Schenck Process Food 

and Performance Materials (FPM) has 

transitioned its name and brand to 

Coperion. The full legal change to Coperion 

will be completed by 1 Aug 2024. 

Coperion is an operating company of 

Hillenbrand with 140 years’ experience in 

some of the world’s most critical processing 

industries. Schenck Process FPM has 

contributed an integral part to its divisions, 

which support processing solutions for 

manufacturing in polymers/performance 

materials, food, health and nutrition, 

and aftermarket sales and services. 

Schenck Process FPM expertise, team 

members, manufacturing sites, test and 

innovation centres, and technologies 

remain in place. This includes flagship 

brands such as RBS, Stock, Baker Perkins, 

Kemutec and Mucon. Customers can 

anticipate a smooth transition bolstered by 

more resources and broader technology 

capabilities available through Coperion. 

“The acquisition of Schenck Process FPM 

in 2023 has been an essential step for 

the development of Coperion toward 

a more diversified company and an 

expanded footprint. With the transition 

of the FPM brand name under Coperion, 

we take the next step in our journey,” said 

Ulrich Bartel, president of Coperion. 

“Aligning more closely with Coperion 

reflects a significant opportunity for 

us to combine our strengths and offer 

customers access to a broader portfolio 

of solutions, technologies and services,” 

said Matthew Craig, vice-president and 

general manager, Schenck Process FPM. 

“This wider range of complementary 

technologies and increased scale makes us 

even more capable of delivering value.” 

The evolution to the Coperion name and brand 

begins with a change in the company’s digital 

domain. The company’s website and emails, 

including those from technology brands such 

as Baker Perkins, will change as well. FBA 

Brenntag 

announces the 

acquisition of 

Quimica Delta in 

Mexico 

(Image: Tetra Pak) 

Brenntag has announced the acquisition 

of Quimica Delta, a distributor of 

essential chemicals in central Mexico. 

Founded in 1974, Quimica Delta’s main site 

is located in Teoloyucan, close to Mexico 

City and major customers in Central Mexico. 

Quimica Delta has built up a portfolio 

of industrial chemical products and has 

established long-standing relationships 

with global supply partners in Mexico. 

The company also operates several rail 

terminals and has access to maritime port 

infrastructure at Altamira, strategically 

located as a tollgate for chemicals mainly 

imported from the US. In 2023, the company 

reported annual sales of US$368m. 

Ewout van Jarwaarde, CEO of Brenntag 

Essentials, commented: “Brenntag 

Essentials is focused on developing our 

triple business strategy, combining our 

unique capabilities in the market of a 

cost-efficient network of last mile service 

operations with regional sourcing and 

supply chain services, and interregional 

optimisation. The multimodal last mile 

operational capabilities and the access 

to marine terminal capacity of Quimica 

Delta expand our capability to serve our 

customers and supply partners in Mexico 

cost-efficiently and with the highest services 

levels in the market. Combined, Brenntag 

and Quimica Delta will be well positioned 

in one of the world’s fastest-growing 

markets for chemicals. I look forward 

to welcoming the team to Brenntag.” 

“Joining Brenntag grants us the access to 

a global distribution network, a significant 

step to expand our product catalogue at 

scale of what we can offer our customers 

and supply partners in the Mexican market”, 

added Fernando Bueno, CEO of Quimica 

Delta. “Our dedicated team with extensive 

experience in the sales and distribution 

of chemical products in our industry in 

Mexico and the region will truly benefit from 

joining the world market leader in chemicals 

distribution. And as our values and focus on 

safety complement what Brenntag stands 

for, I look forward to joining our teams.”FBA 


NEWS 

Kerry Group launches digital 

innovation hub for supplements 

Kerry has unveiled its new digital 

innovation hub for supplements. 

A one-stop-shop for customers, the hub 

will feature: interview videos with Kerry’s 

leading scientists and subject matter 

experts; new global research, including 

consumer preferences in supplements and 

across key health platforms; insights into 

consumer taste preferences in supplements 

in categories like gummies and functional 

beverage; clinical study data on Kerry’s 

ingredients; solutions tools, including 

videos, sell sheets, and brochures for each 

of Kerry’s proactive health ingredients 

“With this convenient all-in-one digital 

innovation hub, brands and manufacturers 

can quickly and easily access resources 

such as credible Kerry expert insights, 

proprietary market and research reports, 

to useful tools about Kerry science-backed 

proactive health ingredients,” said Olivier 

De Salmiech, vice-president, nutritional 

supplements, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East 

& Africa. “The hub is part of our goal to make 

it easier and valuable for our customers to 

do business with us as they innovate to 

create nutritious, sustainable food, beverages 

and supplements that support the diverse, 

complex needs of consumers of all ages.” 

Addressing consumer wellness needs 

and easy-to-formulate solutions across 

foods, beverages and supplements, 

the Kerry proactive health portfolio 

covers need states including: 

• Digestive health: Ingredients 

that support the gut microbiome, 

impacting overall wellness; 

• Immune health: Solutions that 

allow consumers to be well and 

stay well, including Wellmune; 

• Cognitive health: Naturally-derived, 

scientifically-backed ingredients to 

aid in stress management, healthy 

sleep, brain function and more 

including Sensoril and Eupoly-3; 

• Women’s and infant health: Supporting all 

stages of life, from hormonal balance and 

fertility to breastfeeding, menopause and 

beyond with Caronositol Fertility, LC40 

Breastcare and Infant, and Luprenol. 

“We have the resources and expertise to 

quickly bring innovation to market by pairing 

science and insights with our global reach,” 

commented Dr Alexandra Boelrijk, global 

senior director, R&D, proactive health at Kerry. 

“We’re committed in our mission to make a 

global impact, by combining our portfolio of 

science-backed wellness ingredients with 

world-class research capabilities to address 

consumers’ most pressing needs in digestive 

health, immune health, cognitive health, 

and women’s and infant health.” FBA 

JJ-LAPP celebrates two decades 

of success in South East Asia 

Brenntag has announced the acquisition 

of Quimica Delta, a distributor of 

essential chemicals in central Mexico. 

Founded in 1974, Quimica Delta’s main 

site is located in Teoloyucan, close to 

Mexico City and major customers in 

Central Mexico. Quimica Delta has built 

up a portfolio of industrial chemical 

products and has established longstanding 

relationships with global supply 

partners in Mexico. The company also 

operates several rail terminals and has 

access to maritime port infrastructure 

at Altamira, strategically located as a 

tollgate for chemicals mainly imported 

from the US. In 2023, the company 

reported annual sales of US$368m. 

Ewout van Jarwaarde, CEO of Brenntag 

Essentials, commented: “Brenntag Essentials 

is focused on developing our triple business 

strategy, combining our unique capabilities 

in the market of a cost-efficient network of 

last mile service operations with regional 

sourcing and supply chain services, and 

interregional optimisation. The multimodal 

last mile operational capabilities and the 

access to marine terminal capacity of 

Quimica Delta expand our capability to 

serve our customers and supply partners in 

Mexico cost-efficiently and with the highest 

services levels in the market. Combined, 

Brenntag and Quimica Delta will be well 

positioned in one of the world’s fastestgrowing 

markets for chemicals. I look 

forward to welcoming the team to Brenntag.” 

“Joining Brenntag grants us the access to 

a global distribution network, a significant 

step to expand our product catalogue at 

scale of what we can offer our customers 

and supply partners in the Mexican market”, 

added Fernando Bueno, CEO of Quimica 

Delta. “Our dedicated team with extensive 

experience in the sales and distribution 

of chemical products in our industry in 

Mexico and the region will truly benefit from 

joining the world market leader in chemicals 

distribution. And as our values and focus on 

safety complement what Brenntag stands 

for, I look forward to joining our teams.”FBA 

FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY 2024 

7

NEWS 

LyondellBasell adds new South East European 

distribution hub for improved customer experience 

LyondellBasell has announced the 

establishment of a new distribution hub 

in Hungary for its polyolefins grades. This 

move is part of the company’s ongoing 

commitment, also illustrated by the opening 

of the UK hub in Nov 2023, to enhance 

the customer experience by placing 

inventories closer to their customers' 

facilities reducing lead times on orders. 

This distribution hub in Hungary 

is an important addition to the 

LyondellBasell global footprint. In 

addition to existing distribution 

platforms, this new hub signifies a 

step forward in providing customers 

with faster access to their products. 

The creation of this new hub in Hungary 

is the result of a collaborative effort with 

logistics company Maersk. The hub will be 

strategically located in Budapest, ensuring 

optimised distribution and swift delivery. 

Erik Mezger, commercial manager polymers, 

commented: "LyondellBasell is committed 

to delivering exceptional service and that's 

why we're excited to announce the opening 

of a new distribution hub in Hungary. This 

expansion will mean shorter lead times 

and even better service for our customers. 

Additionally, it enables us to further leverage 

our global asset footprint network so that 

we can ensure that our customers get the 

products they need, when they need them." 

"We are proud to support LyondellBasell 

with a tailor-made warehousing solution 

which reduces the lead time for their 

deliveries significantly," said Patrick Hore, 

global vertical head of chemicals at Maersk. 

"Providing decentralised warehousing 

solutions instead of distributing out of 

a single large distribution centre across 

a whole continent is part of our offering 

as an integrator of global logistics. 

With our growing network of around 

470 warehouses across all continents 

and our control of logistics assets like 

vessels, terminals, aircraft and truck 

fleets, we are able to offer our customers 

more reliable and resilient cargo flows 

even in disruptive times." FBA 

igus presents 

four-year 

guarantee for 

their products 

igus has offered a guarantee of up to four 

years for all products with a predictable 

service life. Customers therefore benefit 

from long-term investment security and 

reliable service in the event of a guarantee 

claim. The long service life of motion plastics 

conserves resources and thus contributes 

to increasing sustainability in the industry. 

igus has introduced a guarantee of up to four years on a large part of their 

product portfolio (Image: igus) 

The four-year guarantee is applicable on all 

motion plastics products with an igus service 

life calculation, which form the majority 

of the company's countless products. 

In future, customers will benefit from the 

guarantee on energy chains and chainflex 

cables, drylin linear and drive technology, 

dryspin lead screw technology and 

components such as plain bearings or 

bar stock made from the company's own 

iglidur materials. The range of products with 

guarantee is supplemented by the xiros 

ball bearings, igubal spherical bearings, 

gears, slewing ring bearings and the 

3D-printed components created in the 

online configurator, iglidur Designer.. 

"The guarantee gives our customers the 

opportunity to design their individual 

application exactly right and always choose 

the most cost-effective product that is 

sure to work," explained Tobias Vogel, 

CEO of plain bearing technology at igus. 

The three-year guarantee, which 

previously applied to igus energy chains 

and cables, proves that the guarantee is 

well received by customers. Last year, 

igus already extended the guarantee 

on chainflex cables to four years, and 

now the majority of other igus products 

are following suit. The new regulation 

applies for up to four years from delivery 

or for the individually calculated number 

of double strokes or service hours per 

product – whichever comes first. FBA 


NEWS 

Leanpath uses generative 

AI to drive action on food 

waste data 

Leanpath has expanding its integration of generative 

AI into its intelligent food waste prevention platform 

to drive faster, more impactful kitchen efficiency. 

This new generative AI integration analyses a kitchen's food 

waste data and recommends specific actions to engage 

kitchen teams and prevent that waste from reoccurring. 

Leanpath offers a complete food waste solution that has helped 

more than 4,500 commercial kitchens around the world be more 

profitable and sustainable. Leveraged by some of the world's 

leading foodservice organisations, Leanpath focuses on turning 

food waste data into actionable recommendations and results. 

"Leanpath already leverages AI to automate how kitchens measure 

and track their food waste," explained Leanpath’s vice-president 

of product, Brennan Hogan. "Now we are leading the industry in 

integrating generative AI into our complete food waste solution. These 

new tools will help to automate the step of turning food waste data 

into actionable recommendations for busy chefs and managers." 

New Leanpath AI features include: 

• A daily summary of food waste insights to 

save chefs and manager’s time; 

• Actionable recommendations for operational changes 

based on what and why foods are being wasted; 

• Smart, probing questions to ask culinary team members 

to elicit their ideas on how to reduce wasted foods. 

"Leanpath makes it fast and easy to collect food waste data, and 

now we're making it even faster and easier to drive action based 

on that data, which is the key to food waste prevention," said 

Hogan. "Leanpath's intelligent food waste prevention platform 

leverages the best of artificial intelligence with the human 

intelligence provided by Leanpath's team of executive chefs 

to drive lasting operational efficiency for our clients." FBA 

FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY 2024 

9


Seeds of change: Transforming 

Singapore’s food systems 

through urban farming 

As Singapore’s 30 by 30 ambitions for food security draw 

closer, how might urban farming provide sustainable 

solutions for a densely-populated, resource-scarce country 

heavily reliant on imports? By Mathew Howe, founder of Grobrix 

Singapore's reputation as a culinary 

haven belies a significant environmental 

challenge – the carbon footprint and 

resource depletion linked to our reliance on 

imported food. With more than 90% of our 

food sourced from abroad due to limited 

arable land, addressing the environmental 

impact of long-distance food transportation 

is imperative for our sustainability. 

From land use management to packaging, 

each step in the food supply chain exacerbates 

the environmental strain. As Singapore 

grapples with the environmental challenges 

posed by its heavy reliance on imported 

food, alternative solutions such as urban 

farming have emerged. With a mission to 

bring urban farming to the fore and educate 

communities on the essential role of food in 

sustainable living, Grobrix started a lifestyle 

farming-as-a-service (FaaS) solution, 

offering its vertical farm walls and bringing 

farming closer to urban spaces. Its model 

sets up the opportunity for mass adoption 

across the nation and even globally. 

By integrating sustainable agriculture practices 

into our urban landscapes, Grobix addresses 

the pressing issues of carbon emissions and 

resource depletion, and paves the way for a 

more resilient and self-sufficient food system. 

COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTIONS 

FOR FUTURE FOOD SECURITY 

By harnessing vertical space, urban 

farming enables increased food production 

without the need for vast expanses of land. 

This addresss the growing demand for 

fresh produce and optimises land use in 

densely populated urban areas, providing a 

sustainable solution for food cultivation. 

With just 4m of empty wall space (equivalent 

to six units of their low-maintenance 

vertical farming system), a benchmarking 

study by Grobrix shows that it is possible 

to avoid up to 2,500kg of CO2 emissions 

when compared to importing the same 

produce from Australia to Singapore. 

The integration of vertical farm walls 

into urban landscapes transcends mere 

aesthetics; it represents a holistic approach 

to addressing food security, promoting 

wellness, and fostering sustainability within 

Singapore's urban fabric. Unlike conventional 

agricultural methods, urban farming brings 

food production closer to consumers, 

minimising losses during transportation 

and streamlining distribution channels. 

A study by the Singapore Environment 

Council further highlighted that an 

estimated 342 thousand tonnes of food 

are lost during transportation from farm 

to market, underscoring the potential of 

urban farming to mitigate losses and fortify 

local food security. Sustainable practices 

inherent in urban farming contribute 

to reducing the overall environmental 

footprint, aligning with the vision of a more 

resilient and self-sufficient food system. 

Urban farming solutions mark a significant 

stride towards Singapore's goal of meeting 

30% of its nutritional needs by 2030. By 

offering superior quality and diverse food 

options grown closer to home, these solutions 

outshine the nutrient-depleted offerings in 

supermarkets. Furthermore, Grobrix's costeffective 

and scalable solutions, coupled with 

multiple harvests from each seedling, address 

the rising demand for affordable and healthier 

food choices while promoting sustainability. 

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND 

INSPIRING CHANGE 

Urban farming plays an important role 

in enhancing the quality and diversity of 

food available to consumers, especially as 

urban dwellers increasingly seek healthier, 

locally-sourced food options. This shift 

towards fresher and more nutrient-rich 

options is not only a trend but a fundamental 

change in consumer behaviour, driven 

by a growing awareness of the benefits 

associated with freshly harvested food. 

As corporations increasingly prioritise 

wellness, urban farming solutions 

present an opportunity to integrate 

employee engagement with sustainability 

initiatives. Companies like Sodexo, M 

Moser, LinkedIn, Standard Chartered and 

KPMG have collaborated with Grobrix to 



this step to enhance our guests’ dining 

experience and it underscores our unwavering 

commitment to environmental stewardship." 

By collaborating with stakeholders across 

industries, its reach and impact is extended 

to even more communities, inspiring action 

to embrace sustainable practices. 

The Grobrix wall at Little Farms 

incorporate the edible vertical gardens in 

their offices, showcasing a commitment 

to promoting sustainable living. 

These ongoing partnerships with Grobrix 

have proven to be key enablers of community 

engagement, fostering a workplace culture 

centred on sustainability education. Employees 

harvesting fresh herbs and greens directly 

from office walls spark conversations 

on sustainability, inspiring initiatives like 

cultivation and harvest days that promote 

co-worker interaction and positive lifestyle 

changes. The introduction of greenery in urban 

spaces also contributes to improved employee 

well-being, reducing stress levels and boosting 

morale. Grobrix's approach has helped 

forge deeper connections between urban 

communities and the food they consume, 

thereby transforming urban spaces into 

vibrant hubs of sustainable food production. 

Beyond the corporate sphere, urban farming 

initiatives have also found homes at hotels, 

retail spaces and community centres. Grobrix’s 

vertical farm walls offer opportunities for 

businesses in the F&B and hospitality sectors, 

enabling restaurants and hotels to enhance 

their menu offerings with fresh, locallygrown 

produce, thereby elevating the taste, 

quality, and nutritional value of their dishes. 

Little Farms, which features Grobrix’s 

vertical farms at its Tanglin Mall and 

Serangoon Gardens stores, serves fresh 

produce at its F&B concept, Little Farms 

Table. Jason Green, director of food and 

beverage, Little Farms, commented: 

“Partnering with Grobrix allows Little 

Farms to uphold our commitment to 

delivering the freshest and highestquality 

produce to our customers. By 

incorporating its fresh harvests into our 

menu, we not only enhance our offerings 

with a diverse range of vegetables and 

herbs like basil, kale, rosemary and oregano 

but also contribute to a more resilient and 

environmentally conscious food ecosystem.” 

At Oasia Resort Sentosa, Grobrix’s first 

hospitality partner in Singapore, fresh 

herbs harvested from Grobrix’s farm walls 

enrich the signature teas and wellness 

meals at Oasia Spa. This integration 

has transformed the guest experience, 

enhancing the sensory journey of its 

treatments while symbolising a commitment 

to sustainability and holistic well-being. 

Similarly, W Singapore, one of Grobrix’s 

hospitality partners, shared: “Partnering 

with Grobrix is an extension of our farm-totable 

commitment — a tangible dedication 

to sustainability and culinary excellence. 

Its wall farms enable us to diversify our 

food sources, ensuring the freshest, 

most nutrient-dense and flavourful 

produce for our guests by cultivating 

our own ingredients on-site. We’ve taken 

SUSTAINABLE URBAN FOOD 

ECOSYSTEMS: A REALITY NOT A 

DREAM 

In the strategic pursuit of a sustainable 

food future, urban farming solutions wield 

significant influence in enhancing the 

quality of produce, promoting environmental 

sustainability, and fostering resilience in food 

security for businesses and communities 

alike. By harnessing alternative and 

innovative solutions to traditional farming, 

we can navigate this transition towards 

a more sustainable future collectively. 

While the journey of our food from farm 

to plate exacts a toll on the environment, 

leveraging urban farming solutions offers a 

significant opportunity for a better future and 

increased self-sufficiency in food production. 

Through collaboration and innovation, 

businesses and communities can work together 

to build a more sustainable and resilient food 

system for Singapore and beyond. FBA 

Mathew Howe 

is the founder 

of Grobrix


Culinary diversity and excellence 

at FHA – F&B Asia 2024 

This year’s edition features a bigger and brighter showcase of food and 

beverage products, with several countries making a record-breaking presence. 

FHA – F&B Asia 2024 concluded with 

success, amassing a total of 72,495 

attendees from 91 countries and regions. 

Over the four-day event, the show presented 

the latest products in the industry; it also 

created valuable business connections and 

fostered numerous potential partnerships. 

A highlight of this year’s event was the 

stellar line-up of country pavilions from all 

around the world, with Germany being this 

edition’s country of honour. With over thirty 

exhibitors, this also marks the country’s 

largest ever presentation at the showground. 

Other countries of note at FHA – F&B Asia 

also include Italy, who returned with the 

unveiling of the Italian Taste Lab at its official 

pavilion. The opening ceremony featured 

addresses by Dante Brandi, Ambassador of 

Italy to Singapore and Brunei, and Giorgio 

Calveri, Italian trade commissioner for 

Singapore and the Philippines. With 58 

participating Italian exhibitors, the Italian 

pavilion also boasts the largest European 

representation at FHA – F&B 2024. 

Under the theme of “Navigating the Future 

of Food”, the opening of the Italian Taste 

Lab emphasised the prominence of Italian 

trade names and businesses in light of 

growing demand for Italian food among 

Singaporeans consumers and beyond. 

Correspondingly, the taste lab featured a lineup 

of 11 Italian chefs, including two Michelinstarred 

names, across 21 live cooking 

demonstrations and three masterclasses. 

Brandi shared: “I’m really pleased to see that 

Italy is the largest participating European 

country in terms of exhibitors here at FHA 

– F&B Asia 2024. It’s a demonstration of 

a faith not only in the Singapore market, 

but also in Singapore’s capacity to attract 

investors, buyers, and stakeholders in 

the food and hospitality sectors across 

ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.” 

Altogether, these efforts are proof of 

Italian cuisine’s enduring popularity in 

Singapore – a trend driven by increasing 

demand for authentic Italian products in 

the region. From pasta and olive oil to wine 

and cheese, as well as cured meats and 

specialty sauces, the high-quality perception 

of Italian products have been further 

boasted by Singapore’s recognition of niche 

specialities and preference for organic, 

artisanal, and region-specific delights. 

More than that, the shared culinary and 

gastronomical passion between Singapore 

and Italy has also encouraged further 

trade between the two countries. 

Calveri said: “Food is important in both 

Singapore and Italy as a social language for 

families and friends. With that, a trend to 

look out for are fusion concepts between 

Singapore and Italian cuisine, where we 

bring together Singapore’s rich culinary 

heritage with the Italian quality that 

consumers love – these dual influences, 

I think, can yield interesting results.” 

To that end, there are also ample 

opportunities for Singapore and Italian food 

companies to collaborate on unique products. 

In addition, the former’s receptiveness to 

food innovation also makes the country 

ideal for the latest product launches. 

As an example, Calveri offered that “[m]any 

Italian companies are focusing on natural 

wines. Winemakers, for example, are making 

light wines such as Lambrusco more herbal 


and less sweet; this, I believe, could be 

matched easily with Singaporean food.” 

Meanwhile, Brandi added: “The Singapore 

market offers a lot of opportunities for 

Italian creativity in food, as this is a market 

where consumers are ready to experiment 

and seeking something new. There is also 

an immense respect for a simple dish made 

with the best ingredients, in a sustainable 

manner – which is why Singapore is a great 

starting point for food innovations in Asia.” 

Another presence at FHA – F&B 2024 

was the Taiwan pavilion, which saw 

the participation of 98 exhibitors from 

Pingtung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Yunlin 

County governments, and nine other food 

associations. This therefore also marked 

the largest presence for Taiwan at FHA – 

F&B Asia. The products exhibited in the 

Taiwan Pavilion covered a wide range of 

products including: confectionery, canned 

goods, sauces, rice, beverages, as well as 

processed seafood and meat products. 

The pavilion was officially opened to 

the unveiling of the Happy Hour stand 

at Taiwan External Trade Development 

Council (TAITRA)’s booth. The stand 

featured, in two one-hour sessions, free 

snacks and drinks such as wheel-shaped 

cakes and Taiwanese boba milk tea, 

showcasing the country’s specialities. 

The opening ceremony of the TAITRA 

booth was graced by Representative of 

Taipei Representative 

Office in Singapore, 

Dr Tung Chen Yuan, 

Mayor of Tainan City 

Government, Huang 

Wei Che, Deputy 

Magistrate of Yunlin 

County Government, 

Xie Shu Ya, Director of 

Agriculture Department 

of Chiayi County 

Government, Hsu Chang 

Min, and Secretarygeneral 

of Industrial 

Development & Investment 

Promotion Committee of 

Pingtung County, Li Kun. 

In his speech, Dr Tung emphasised 

that the record scale of the Taiwan 

pavilion at this year’s FHA – F&B Asia 

not only reflected Singapore’s key role 

in Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, but 

also the profound significance of Taiwan’s 

food and beverage products in both the 

country and South East Asia as a whole. 

The Taiwan pavilion further extended into 

the processing and packaging sector; to 

showcase the efforts of the Taiwanese 

food industry in energy conservation, 

carbon reduction, and sustainability, this 

year's Taiwan pavilion set up a "Low 

Carbon Packaging Exhibition Area." 

Twenty-one businesses presented their 

innovations and efforts in low carbon 

packaging, demonstrating Taiwan's 

determination to achieve net-zero 

emissions to the international market. 

Lu Hsiu Ling, deputy director of TAITRA, 

further pointed out four highlights of this 

year's Taiwan pavilion: the largest exhibition 

scale in history, the establishment of a 

low-carbon packaging zone in response 

to sustainable trends, the hosting of the 

Happy Hour booth showcasing Taiwan's 

traditional flavours, and the enhancement 

of marketing effectiveness from B2B to 

B2C through supermarket promotion 

activities. These measures aim to deepen 

international buyers' impressions and 

fondness for the Taiwan pavilion and 

further expand the market's reach. 

Market figures have shown that Singapore 

is Taiwan's 11th largest export market 

and the 27th largest source of imports 

for agricultural and food products. Last 

year, Taiwan’s exports to Singapore 

amounted to US$121.6m, while imports 

from Singapore reached US$199.3m, 

indicating a close relationship in agricultural 

trade between the two sides. In all, the 

extensive presence of these countries at 

FHA - F&B Asia has further cemented 

Singapore's key role in supporting the 

region's food and beverage industry. FBA 

FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • JUNE / JULY 2024 13


Old ties, new journeys: 

Singapore and New Zealand 

strengthen bilateral relations 

Small but mighty are the food and beverage industries of these two nations, 

and with a reaffirmed stance on its trade relations, Singapore and New 

Zealand are all set to tackle the most pressing issues affect the sector. 

As part of a three-day official visit to 

Singapore, New Zealand Prime Minister 

Christopher Luxon, along with a diverse 

contingent of business delegates 

representing key industry sectors, graced 

the New Zealand Innovation event. 

Titled “See Tomorrow First”, the occasion 

forged new connections and revitalised 

old ones, with the goal of strengthening 

bilateral trade ties between Singapore 

and New Zealand in the areas of agrifood, 

advanced manufacturing, clean 

technology, aviation, and more. 

Singapore and New Zealand have a 

shared history of fruitful collaborations and 

partnerships, with both small countries 

being significant hubs in the region for 

food technology and sustainable growth. 

As consumer demand for sustainable 

products, clear labels, and innovative 

solutions continues to increase, so 

will the need for relevant research 

and insight into the future of food. 

Likewise, New Zealand’s food and 

beverage products have continued to 

enjoy brand prestige in Singapore a 

trusted source of food quality and safety, 

with dairy being one of such products. 

Jenny Chew, GM growth at Fonterra, 

remarked: “As a key player in New 

Zealand’s dairy industry, with a long 

and proud heritage of dairy innovation, 

Fonterra values the partnership 

between New Zealand and Singapore 

in food innovation and technology. 

Singapore is a net importer of food and 

is complimented by New Zealand’s 

high quality and sustainable supply. 

“Fonterra sees Singapore as a regional leader 

in food innovation and trends. We opened 

a local application centre (Te Mātāpuna 

Lab) in our Singapore office last year, 

which focuses on supporting the region's 

pipeline of innovation and application 

projects for the next three years, with a 

particular focus on last mile innovation.” 

With a strong focus on food research and 

development, Singapore is well-positioned to 

as an innovative centre to serve start-ups and 

established businesses in the creation of new 

ideas. Supported by the country’s 30 by 30 

initiative for food security, the cross exchange 

of ideas from this bilateral trade relation will 

see the flourishing of the food tech sector. 

On future areas of potential collaboration, 

Mark Piper, chief executive, Plant & Food 

Research noted that the strategic research 

areas of the organisation aligned with 

“The bilateral science, technology and 

innovation arrangement between 

Singapore and New Zealand continues 

to provide a framework for long-term 

science cooperation with an initial focus 

on future foods.” 

Mark Piper 

Chief executive, Plant & Food Research 



“If South East Asia were a country, it’d be the 

third largest in the world by population. It’s an 

exciting cluster of markets with a growing 

middle class and increasing appetite for 

high quality food, including dairy.” 

the R&D domains in Singapore’s story, 

which are: aquaculture, breeding new 

plant varieties with superior traits for CEA, 

digital twin modelling, development and 

functionality of alternative proteins, and 

food safety assessments for novel foods. 

“Plant & Food Research is working on open 

ocean aquaculture, producing alternative 

fish feeds, active in computer vision and 

machine learning for fish health and the 

extraction of plant proteins as food-grade 

ingredients. We also have a track record 

of successful breeding programmes for 

a variety of different crops,” he shared. 

“We also have close relationships with the 

Singapore food sector; for instance, the head 

of food science at the National University 

of Singapore, Professor Zhou Weibiao, is 

a member of the Plant & Food Research 

science advisory panel that works closely 

with our board and senior management.” 

Beyond the cross exchange of ideas and 

research, the continued ties between 

Singapore and New Zealand also reinforces 

the value of generating a strong food 

network globally. As supply chains become 

more interconnected, and brands and 

manufacturers doing more than just the 

production, support is needed from all key 

players to fortify regional food systems. 

“To deliver on that initiative for the food 

and beverage industry in the region, we 

are very excited to announce the recently 

established Asia-Pacific Food Innovation 

Network (APacFIN),” said Grant Verry, 

CEO of The FoodBowl, New Zealand Food 

Innovation Network. “The Asia-Pacific 

Food Innovation Network is a regionally 

relevant network of excellence for highvalue 

food innovation. Operating as an 

interoperable network of ‘launching 

pads’ that businesses are enabled and 

empowered to work with though a collective 

of internationally located food innovation 

facilities and associated technologies, 

expertise and network partners. 

Jenny Chew 

GM growth at Fonterra 

“These ‘launching pads’ enable piloting and 

iteration in-market and act as an entry point 

into export market innovation ecosystems 

for each participating partner. The founding 

partner participants are New Zealand’s 

‘The FOODBOWL’, Singapore’s ‘FoodPlant’, 

Indonesia’s ‘SEAFAST’ and Australia’s ‘SYFT’, 

with a number of additional regionally based 

partners expressing interest to participate.” 

True to the event’s title of “See Tomorrow 

First”, the collaboration between Singapore 

and New Zealand will no doubt deliver 

exciting advancements to the food industry. 

From agri-sustainable food solutions to 

groundbreaking plant-based products, 

the stage is set for highly-anticipated 

developments in years to come. FBA 

“Our region has an incredible 

gastronomy culture and collaboratively 

we have the opportunity to combine 

great food production with incredible 

food science and technology. The Asia- 

Pacific region has a unique opportunity 

to activate high value growth in the food 

& beverage sector.” 

Grant Verry 

CEO of The FoodBowl, New Zealand Food Innovation Network 


BITING ISSUES 

H2:iD Hydrogen 

Water On The 

Go offers natural 

energy boost 

In response to the growing demand for 

innovative wellness solutions, H2:iD 

Hydrogen Water On The Go has emerged 

as a transformative product that delivers an 

impact on anti-ageing and wellness practices. 

In a landscape inundated with health 

supplements and wellness products, H2:iD 

has harnessed the properties of molecular 

hydrogen to empower individuals on their 

journey to optimal health and vitality. At its 

core, H2:iD addresses the pervasive issue 

of oxidative stress – a key driver of ageing 

and age-related diseases – by delivering 

a saturated concentration of molecular 

hydrogen, offering antioxidant benefits 

and supporting optimal cellular function. 

The science behind molecular hydrogen 

has been corroborated with over 1,000 

published scientific articles and research 

papers supporting its efficacy, alongside 

more than 170 human trials and in-depth 

studies across 40 disease models to uncover 

its potential benefits. H2:iD delivers 1,200% 

more parts per million (PPM) of hydrogen 

gas compared to conventional alternatives. 

HYDROGEN WATER VS CAFFEINE 

Unlike stimulants such as caffeine, H2:iD 

provides a calm energy boost without the 

risk of hyperactivity. In a comparison study 1 

published in the journal Neurophysiology, the 

effects of single-dose hydrogen-rich water 

and caffeine were scrutinised on estimates by 

the visual analogue scale (VAS) for alertness 

and on the attention network test (ANT). This 

randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial 

involved 23 young, healthy men and women 

who underwent 24 hours of sleep deprivation. 

Additionally, recent research published 

by Frontiers in Nutrition 2 highlighted the 

potential benefits of molecular hydrogen 

in reducing fatigue and enhancing aerobic 

capacity, emphasising the advantages 

of starting the day with hydrogen water. 

These findings collectively shed light on the 

nuanced impact of hydrogen-rich water and 

caffeine on alertness, providing valuable 

insights into their respective benefits. 

“Our aim is to equip individuals with the 

knowledge they need to make informed 

nutrition and health choices, empowering 

them to enhance their well-being and enact 

positive changes,” said Lam Pin Kee, founder 

of H2:iD Hydrogen Water On The Go. 

“Through pioneering products like H2:iD, we 

empower individuals to proactively manage 

their health and mitigate or even reverse agerelated 

diseases. Drawing from my extensive 

experience collaborating with numerous 

patients battling chronic illnesses such as 

diabetes, dialysis, and cancer, I have witnessed 

the profound impact of adopting a healthy 

lifestyle and good nutrition. Together, we can 

forge a path towards a healthier future.” 

CONVENIENT AND USER-FRIENDLY 

At the core of H2:iD's efficacy lies its 

ability to support optimal cellular function, 

promoting resilience and vitality in daily life. 

By addressing the root causes of ageing 

and age-related diseases, H2:iD extends 

beyond superficial anti-ageing effects, 

offering a comprehensive approach to 

wellness. Convenient and user-friendly, H2:iD 

offers hassle-free wellness with easy-touse 

tablets that dissolve in water and are 

consumed twice daily. Whether at home, 

work, or on the go, H2:iD can be seamlessly 

integrated into daily routines, thanks to 

its compact and portable packaging. 

Unlike many conventional supplements 

and medications, which may come with 

a laundry list of potential side effects, 

H2:iD offers a natural and gentle solution 

to wellness. Made with all-natural 

mineral ingredients and free from artificial 

flavours and colouring, H2iD supports 

the body's innate healing mechanisms 

without the risk of adverse reactions. 

While ageing is inevitable, the pursuit 

of health and vitality remains essential. 

H2:iD, backed by extensive research and 

supported by a growing body of scientific 

evidence, supports vitality antioxidant 

properties, convenient application, and 

commitment to safety and efficacy. FBA 

REFERENCES 

1 

Hydrogen vs. Caffeine for Improved 

Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans 

2 

Effects of molecular hydrogen 

supplementation on fatigue and aerobic 

capacity in healthy adults: A systematic 

review and meta-analysis 


BITING ISSUES 

dsm-firmenich and Indena debut biotic and 

botanical combination concepts 

dsm-firmenich and Indena have 

introduced dietary supplement 

solutions combining biotics with 

botanicals in delivery formats, 

offering an enhanced flavour 

and taste experience. 

The jointly-developed concepts 

combine biotics, essential nutrients 

and active botanical extracts to target 

a range of health areas while elevating 

the consumer experience through 

delicious, easy-to-use formats such as 

gummies and oral dispersible granules. 

These new concepts made their debut 

at Vitafoods 2024, marking the next 

step in dsm-firmenich and Indena’s 

partnership, targeting consumer 

health priorities such as “Health 

from the Gut”, “brain health” and 

“healthy ageing” to create dietary 

supplement solutions that contribute 

to drive the future of nutraceuticals. 

In the “Health from the Gut” space, the 

two companies have developed two 

different dietary supplement gummy 

solutions. The first development 

supports the gut-brain axis with 

Humiome Post LB (dsm-firmenich’s 

postbiotic) and the calming agent 

Relissa (an innovative Melissa 

officinalis L extract formulated with 

Indena Phytosome technology). 

The second solution supports 

microbiome balance by combining 

Humiome Post LB with CUBO (a 

combination of Curcumin Phytosome 

and Boswellia Phytosome). 

Furthermore, dsm-firmenich and 

Indena have introduced a range of 

solutions for brain health and healthy 

ageing, featuring essential nutrients 

and botanicals including Virtiva 

Plus, a combination of Ginkgo biloba 

L extract with phosphatidylserine 

showing a clinically-validated 

nootropic effect; life’s OMEGA, dsmfirmenich's 

algal-sourced omega-3 

ingredient; Quali-B12 vitamin B12 

ingredient; Quercefit formulated with 

Indena Phytosome technology to 

optimise biological performance; and 

ampli-D, a more bioavailable vitamin 

D ingredient shown to increase 

levels of the “sunshine vitamin” 

in a much shorter timeframe. 

"We are thrilled to partner with 

Indena to showcase these new 

concepts at Vitafoods," said Francois 

Scheffler, head of global marketing 

and business development at 

dsm-firmenich. "By combining our 

strengths in science-backed biotics 

and essential nutrients with Indena's 

expertise in botanical extracts, we 

are able to create next-generation 

dietary supplement solutions that 

meet the increasingly sophisticated 

demands of today's health-conscious 

consumers, with a focus on scientific 

substantiation, maximum efficacy 

and enhancing experiences 

through flavour and taste." 

"This new range represents 

another significant step 

forward in our continuous 

mission to promote health 

through nature," added 

Daniele Giavini, managing 

director at Indena. "Together 

with dsm-firmenich, we are 

committed to generating 

some specific high-quality, 

evidence-based solutions 

that address certain key 

health areas, such as 

‘Health from the Gut’, 

digestive comfort, cognitive 

performance and healthy 

ageing. Our partnership will 

continue to ideate additional 

cutting-edge concepts that 

aim to answer market needs 

with highly-innovative products that 

are scientifically studied, clinically 

tested and technologically advanced.” 

Both companies are also committed 

to driving progress towards the UN’s 

Sustainable Development Goals. 

All projects within the strategic 

partnership aim to put sustainability 

first – from raw materials sourcing to 

production and marketing – with a 

focus on environmental impact, use 

of renewable energies and building 

a more circular economy. FBA

BITING ISSUES 

Ohly announces launch of 

new NEIVA range of health products 

Heart health and immunity 

are key concerns amongst 

consumers seeking to improve 

their diets and prevent illness. 

Ohly, a global supplier of yeast 

extracts, yeast-based flavours, 

and culinary powders, has been 

dedicated to delivering the 

highest standards of service and 

product quality since 1836. 

Using their expertise in yeast and 

spray-dried ingredients, Ohly 

has developed its new NEIVA 

range of health products which 

support immune health and overall 

wellbeing. These scientifically 

validated products provide 

formulators with solutions for 

functional food, sports nutrition 

and dietary supplements. 

Andreas Preisler, business 

development manager for health 

at Ohly, explained: “Given Ohly’s 

history of producing consistent, 

high-quality products and 

their demonstrated capacity 

for innovation, it was a natural 

progression to explore how Ohly’s 

fermentation, extraction and drying 

technology could add value in the 

health and nutrition sector. NEIVA is 

the result of this exploration. Under 

the NEIVA brand, Ohly will create 

new and exciting health products 

that are easy to formulate, starting 

with yeast extracts and dried lipids.” 

The NEIVA range of powdered 

ingredients are produced using 

Ohly’s drying technology to create 

a free-flowing ingredient with a 

narrow particle size distribution for 

convenience and versatility, as well 

as consistent flavour and texture. 

Yeast beta-glucans, NEIVA Glucan 

Max and NEIVA MCT Immune, are 

the first products in the portfolio to 

launch this month, bringing benefits 

for immune function, cardiovascular 

health and overall wellbeing. FBA 


BITING ISSUES 

Roquette launches new LYCAGEL Flex 

softgel capsule shell system 

Roquette has launched the new LYCAGEL 

Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for 

nutraceutical and pharmaceutical softgel 

capsules. Built on Roquette’s market-first 

LYCAGEL pea starch technology, the new 

plasticiser-free excipient gives manufacturers 

freedom to select the optimal plasticiser 

combination and customise formulations for 

a range of production and end-user needs, 

while setting new standards in quality, stability 

and performance for plant-based softgels. 

months of storage at 40°C and 75% relative strength and capsule integrity at day 180, 

humidity (RH). With no significant increase as they had directly after the production 

in disintegration time or water content after 

Food and Bev. Asia, 132 x 205 mm, Image, CC-en46-AZ446 04/24 

months in storage, the capsules did not 

process. These results, taken together with 

Roquette’s technical and on-site support 

display crosslinking, demonstrating their make LYCAGEL Flex an ideal solution for 

ability to maintain the same mechanical strong, stable plant-based softgels. FBA 

LYCAGEL Flex is a plant-based alternative 

to gelatine, with an added flexibility to 

handle a wide range of – often complex – 

soft capsule formulations. The new premix 

features the same hydroxypropyl pea starch 

and carrageenan foundation as the original 

LYCAGEL VS 720 Premix, with a new 

formula that allows producers to select the 

right plasticiser or a combination for softgel 

formulations. Versatile and easy to use, 

LYCAGEL Flex offers many opportunities to 

work with capsule fills and process parameters 

that meet the demands of the evolving 

pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets. 

LYCAGEL Flex offers a reduced degassing 

time of just five minutes, versus the 

minimum 60 required for gelatine 

formulations, and the potential for easy 

equipment cleaning with only hot water. 

Upon testing, capsules produced using 

LYCAGEL Flex also maintained a clear, shiny 

appearance and optimal hardness with 

no sticking or seal leakage following six 

Shaping the future together 

It’s important to look beyond the short term, which is why Krones is 

working on “Solutions beyond tomorrow”. Be it beverage and food 

production lines, digital services or plastics recycling: Krones’ innovative 

solutions combine superior performance with sustainability. 

ProPak Asia 2024, Bangkok, 12-15 June 

Hall 101, Stand AD06 

krones.com

BITING ISSUES 

Mintel: Kelp seaweed an emerging 

ingredient to watch 

Kelp seaweed is one of the next 

big sustainable ingredients to 

watch out for in Europe, according 

to the latest Mintel research. 

The new data has revealed that less 

than 1% of food, drink and supplement 

launches in Europe between 2019 

and 2023 included kelp as an 

ingredient. Furthermore, kelp is a novel 

ingredient* in food and drink launches 

in Europe compared to other herbal 

ingredients, such as those prepared 

from ingredients like herbs, spices, 

plant concentrates, and algae. 

However, data from Mintel's new 

Ingredientscape AI tool also revealed 

that kelp's prevalence in new food and 

drink product launches across Europe 

steadily increased between 2005 and 

2023. Accordingly, Mintel is confident 

that there will be a growing number 

of food and drink launches in Europe 

that include kelp over the coming year. 

Mintel launched Ingredientscape 

AI as a predictive tool to help food 

and drink manufacturers instantly 

understand the ingredients 

landscape to reveal emerging 

and winning ingredients 

within a category and 

country of interest. 

Emma Schofield, associate director, 

global food science, Mintel said: 

“Interest in algae, such as the kelp 

seaweed, is growing in Europe due to 

its health and sustainability benefits. 

“Seaweed has already gained 

popularity in western cuisine as chefs 

and food manufacturers explore 

its unique flavours and nutritional 

value. Food and drink brands have 

the potential to explore greater 

options with kelp; for example, 

in the snack category, creating 

seaweed-infused crispy seaweed 

chips or mixing seaweed into already 

popular items such as crackers or 

popcorn. Manufacturers can make 

seaweed more approachable for 

consumers and enhance its adoption 

by presenting it in familiar formats. 

“Incorporating environmentally 

friendly seaweed into food and 

drink products can also enhance 

the nutrition profile of foods, such 

as by increasing its fibre content. 

“The EU is currently one of the world’s 

biggest seaweed importers, receiving 

seaweed from countries like China 

and South Korea 1 . However, there 

is interest in developing the market 

for European-produced seaweed. 

While the majority of seaweed is 

currently farmed in Asia, Mintel 

thinks that producers should consider 

European-grown algae ingredients, 

tapping into consumer interest in the 

economic, environmental and social 

benefits of locally grown food.” FBA 

*Defined as either new and 

experimental, or focused on very niche 

products/specific consumer groups 

REFERENCES 

1 

The European Commission. https://bit. 

ly/4deFMMW

BITING ISSUES 

Study: CuberUp cucumber extract 

may have positive impact on knee pain, 

mobility and muscle function 

Researchers have found that 

supplementation with Euromed’s new 

cucumber extract CuberUp may be a natural 

approach to maintaining healthy joints. 1 

According to the double-blind clinical study, 

cucumber extract is linked to the relief of 

joint pain as well as better muscle function, 

thus significantly improving quality of life 

in people with joint discomfort. The results 

suggest that CuberUp is a promising 

botanical ingredient for applications 

targeting healthy agers, athletes and 

others affected by joint problems. 

Joint discomfort, which can vary in severity 

with conditions such as osteoarthritis, is a 

common problem that can impact day-to-day 

living and overall quality of life, particularly 

among adults over 40. A recent eight-week 

randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled 

trial focused on adults with varying degrees 

of joint discomfort of the knee; the 55 

participants received a daily supplement 

containing 20mg of Euromed’s new natural 

cucumber extract (Cucumis sativus L). 

Another interesting aspect of the study is that 

the researchers measured the development 

of pain on a weekly basis, and found that 

it was progressively reduced from week 

one and was significantly less than placebo 

from week 4 (28 days of treatment), 

indicating a rapid onset of action. Amino acid 

derivatives in cucumber extracts possess 

anti-inflammatory properties and may 

also improve cartilage nutrition. Moreover, 

flavonoids and tannins in the phytochemical 

composition of aqueous cucumber extracts 

may be responsible for their free radical 

scavenging and analgesic effects. 

The study was also presented at the 

14th Congress of Phytotherapy of the 

Spanish Society of Phytotherapy in 

Oviedo, Spain, from 17-19 May 2024. 

Andrea Zangara, head of scientific 

communication and medical affairs, said: 

“Joint health is a key piece in the healthy 

ageing puzzle, and there is increasing 

interest in natural, preventive options 

offered by nutraceuticals and functional 

foods. Cucumber is already well-known in 

traditional medicine. Based on the beneficial 

effects on symptoms, inflammation and 

cartilage degradation biomarkers observed 

in the study, CuberUp supplementation may 

be a promising approach to maintaining 

joint and connective tissue health, and 

preventing knee joint "wear and tear" for 

improved mobility comfort. In addition, it 

is a high-quality, standardised cucumber 

extract obtained via eco-friendly technology 

and sustainable farming.” FBA 

REFERENCES 

1 

Pérez-Piñero, S. et al.: Effectiveness of a 

Cucumber Extract Supplement on Articular 

Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A 

Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical 

Trial. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 485. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ 

app13010485 

Subjective perception of knee pain improved 

significantly in both study groups, but 

they were higher in the CuberUp group. In 

addition, a reduction in pain and stiffness, 

together with improved physical function, 

were significantly more pronounced in those 

receiving the cucumber extract. The Timed 

Up and Go test result – a clinical method 

to assess a patient's mobility and risk of 

falling – also decreased considerably in the 

experimental group. In addition, the 

researchers noted an improvement 

in muscle function during knee 

flexion exercises. Furthermore, 

they found that inflammatory 

and cartilage degradation 

biomarkers decreased 

significantly in patients 

supplemented 

with CuberUp.

BITING ISSUES 

Cheribundi expands product offerings 

with new line of tart cherry gummies 

Cheribundi has announced an all-new 

line of Cheribundi tart cherry gummies 

to support recovery, aid occasional sleep 

difficulties, and improve overall health. 

Following a more-than-20-year track 

record of success in its tart cherry products, 

Cheribundi developed the gummies as the 

next evolution in recovery and wellness. 

All Cheribundi products utilise the wellstudied 

antioxidant power of tart cherries. 

Cheribundi tart cherry gummies are made 

with natural tart cherry juice fruit extract 

and concentrate and are an easy, convenient 

option to incorporate the benefits into 

the on-the-go lifestyle. Offered in both 

60-count Pure (25 cherries per serving) 

and Sleep (25 cherries per serving + 

melatonin and ashwagandha root) tubs, 

both versions are certified non-GMO, gluten 

free, vegan, and NSF Certified for Sport. 

"NextFoods strives to be at the forefront 

of innovation, and our flagship brands are 

always looking for ways to develop first-tomarket 

products," said Dan Sagers, vicepresident 

of sports and emerging channels 

at NextFoods. "For over two decades, 

Cheribundi has collaborated with both 

leading performance dietitians and hundreds 

of professional sports teams to fuel the 

world's best athletes for success. The launch 

of our tart cherry gummy offering is the latest 

step in sports nutrition and performance 

recovery. We are thrilled to bring these 

new products to the marketplace." 

Cheribundi will be unveiling an sampling 

of the gummies ahead of their official fall 

launch at the Collegiate & Professional 

Sports Dietitian Association (CPSDA) 

annual conference scheduled to take place 

19-22 May 2024 in Kansas City, MO. In 

addition to being a premier sponsor at the 

event, Cheribundi will also be awarding 

two scholarships (undergraduate & 

graduate) supporting study towards 

becoming a sports dietician at the CPSDA 

Awards Banquet on 21 May. FBA 


INGREDIENTS 

Embracing the evolution: 

The dynamic landscape of 

tea in South East Asia 

By John Jose, marketing director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, 

Philippines, and Indonesia 

In the vibrant tapestry of South East 

Asia, tea is not merely a drink — from 

Malaysia's bold teh tarik to Vietnam's 

delicate lotus tea, each sip carries 

the region's rich history. On this 

International Tea Day, these aromatic 

brews symbolise unity and love for tea 

worldwide. With options ranging from 

bold black teas to delicate green teas, 

there's something to suit every taste. 

The demand for unique tea experiences 

is as strong as the brew itself, reflecting 

the region's love for this beverage. 

The beauty of tea lies in its adaptability. 

By blending various tea types, we 

open the door to a world of new taste 

experiences. From a refreshing and 

invigorating blend of jasmine green tea 

infused with a touch of lemongrass, or 

a comforting concoction of black tea 

accented by warming spices like ginger 

and cardamom. The possibilities are 

endless, especially when we introduce 

unique regional flavours in South East 

Asia such as mango and passionfruit. 

This creates beverages that are not only 

delicious but also uniquely reflective 

of this vibrant part of the world. 

MORE THAN JUST TEA 

Today's consumers are increasingly 

drawn to beverages that offer more than 

just taste; they want functional benefits 

too. This trend has led to the integration 

of various functional ingredients such 

as vitamins, minerals, and botanical 

extracts into teas, addressing specific 

health needs. These targeted teas 

cater to the evolving demands of 

health-conscious consumers. 

Tea consumption is also known to have 

a myriad of health benefits, and this 

has been highlighted by nutritionists 

across the globe. For example, recent 

studies show that green tea is not only 

rich in antioxidants called catechins, 

it is also linked to a reduced risk of 

heart disease and improved cognitive 

function. Furthermore, herbal teas, like 

chamomile and peppermint, are known 

for their calming properties, promoting 

relaxation and aiding digestion. 

Zhi Ling, a nutritionist with a master’s 

degree in science for community 

nutrition, stated: “By serving tea at the 

right temperature and with minimum 

usage of nutritive sweeteners, every 

additional cup of tea consumption 

is linked with lower risk of stroke 

or death from heart disease. 1 

“Another study suggested that 

consuming two to three additional 


INGREDIENTS 

cups of tea a day may provide the 

same beneficial effect too. 2 These 

health effects of tea could be due to 

flavonoids found in different types 

of tea. Flavonoids like theaflavins 

in black tea and catechins in green 

tea act as antioxidants in our 

body to fight off free radicals that 

damage our cells and DNA.” 

THE FUTURE OF TEA 

CONSUMPTION 

Unlocking consumer preferences is 

pivotal in navigating today's dynamic 

market landscape. Market research 

can identify trends and preferences 

within specific demographics, 

shedding light on the evolving 

preferences of different consumer 

groups. For instance, younger 

demographics are showing increased 

interest in tea due to heightened 

health consciousness and social 

media influence. Recognising and 

catering to these shifts is essential 

for tea brands to tailor their product 

development strategies effectively. 

According to a Tetra Pak report, 

Gen Z and Millennials are poised 

to shape the future of the tea 

market. Together, they represent 

over half of the population in 

Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, 

and Indonesia (MSPI). Tetra Pak's 

research has revealed that the 

consumption habits of Gen Z and 

Millennials are heavily influenced by 

their lifestyles. Understanding their 

unique mindset and consumption 

behaviour is key to unlocking the true 

growth potential of the tea industry. 

THE RISE OF READY-TO-DRINK 

TEAS 

There has also been an increase in the 

RTD (Ready to Drink) teas popularity, 

driven by Gen Z and Millennial 

consumers. Gen Z and Millennial 

consumers are a dominant force for 

consumption in South East Asia. They 

make up over half of the population in 

Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, 

and Indonesia. But what exactly do 

these generations seek from RTD tea? 

Tetra Pak's research sheds light 

on how generational preferences 

influence their desires. These 

consumers prioritise both taste and 

health benefits when it comes to 

their beverage choices. The airtight 

packaging of RTD teas ensures the 

preservation of flavour and aroma, 

delivering a consistent high-quality 

experience and freshness of the 

beverage. Additionally, the inclusion 

of functional ingredients caters 

directly to the health-conscious 

preferences of the target audience. 

Catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of 

these consumers, RTD teas provide 

a convenient solution for enjoying 

tea's revitalising effects on the go. 

Adding essential vitamins, minerals, 

and functional ingredients, aligns 

with consumers' health-conscious 

preferences. This harmonious blend 

of convenience, taste, and nutritional 

value has positioned RTD teas as 

a favoured choice among today's 

discerning consumers, reflecting 

their dynamic approach to wellness 

and on-the-go lifestyles. 

Zhi said: “This group of consumers value 

mental, physical, and environmental 

health. There is an increase in demand 

for tea with lower sugar content, 

tea with dairy-free options or even 

tea infused with flavour-packed 

ingredients fruits, ginger, flowers, 

that may also carry other potentially 

beneficial nutrients or antioxidants.” 

As South East Asia's tea culture evolves, 

one thing remains constant: the enduring 

love for this versatile beverage. With Gen 

Z and Millennials leading the charge for 

convenience, health, and sustainability, 

brands must adapt. It is time to 

explore ways to meet these consumer 

preferences and engage with industry 

experts to shape the future of tea. FBA 

REFERENCES 

1 

https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/ 

nmaa010 

2 

https://doi.org/10.1002/ 

mnfr.201900389 

“The tea consumption behaviour 

shifts as purchasing power moves 

towards Gen Z and Millennials. 

They are willing to pay more for 

higher quality tea and are willing to 

accept new flavour combinations. 

Another obvious change is that 

as Gen Z and Millennials are more 

inclined to choose non-alcoholic 

beverages, so sparkling tea or 

tea-based mocktails consumption 

is also on a rise,” said Zhi. 


INGREDIENTS 

Training innate 

immunity: 

A scientific 

breakthrough in 

immune support for 

everyday health 

By Olivier De Salmiech, vice-president, nutritional supplements, 

Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa 

In recent years, consumers have shifted 

towards managing their health proactively. 

They seek ways to strengthen their 

immunity so they can live healthy for longer. 

In Asia-Pacific, for example, consumers 

have shown more desire to improve 

immune health. The 2022 FMCG Gurus: 

Consumer Perceptions on Immunity in 

Asia-Pacific report found that 66% of 

consumers wish to enhance their immune 

health for better quality of life. This is a 

significant increase from 40% in 2019. 

The same report also found that 77% of 

consumers now recognise the connection 

between immune health and overall health. 

These consumer trends signal an 

increased interest in foods, beverages 

and supplements supporting immune 

health. Meanwhile, a novel way of 

fortifying our immune system, known 

as trained innate immunity, has 

also been recently discovered. 

In this article, we will delve into the concept 

of trained innate immunity to support 

immune health in a unique way, and 

the implications for the food, beverage 

and supplement industries. First, let us 

understand our immune system better. 

More and more health-conscious consumers 

seek science-backed solutions. Trained innate 

immunity, clinically proven to offer immune 

benefits, presents exciting possibilities for 

food, beverage and supplement brands. 

INNATE IMMUNITY VS ADAPTIVE 

IMMUNITY 

The human immune system is like a 

two-tiered defence fortress. The first line 

of defence is the innate immune system, 

which remembers everyday viruses and 

bacteria the body is exposed to. When 

these pathogens enter the body, the 

innate immune system responds swiftly 

to fight them off before they can start 

active infections. The innate system 

does so generally without having to 

recognise the specific pathogens. 

If the innate system’s response is 

insufficient to fend off the pathogens, it 

prompts the adaptive immune system to 

take over. The adaptive system’s response 

is slower but specific. It remembers and 

identifies the specific pathogen from 

previous encounter and provides targeted 

protection against that specific challenge. 


INGREDIENTS 

Similarly, by consistently interacting with 

the immunity trainer, the innate system 

becomes, and stays, trained to combat 

threats more effectively in the future. 

THE ROLE OF YEAST 

BETA-GLUCANS 

Research has shown that some functional 

and bioactive ingredients may be able to 

induce and maintain trained immunity. 

Yeast beta-glucans, for example, derived 

from baker's yeast, are one of the first 

ingredients scientifically proven to be 

an effective innate immune trainer. 

This is where Wellmune, a beta glucan 

postbiotic from baker’s yeast, can 

be applied to foods, beverages and 

supplements to train innate immunity. 

uncover the benefits of training innate immunity 

with Wellmune, the findings consistently 

showed a decrease in: the number of reported 

upper respiratory symptoms, the severity of 

said symptoms, and the number of sick days 

experienced by participants with colds and flu. 

These studies involved individuals facing 

high stress levels, older adults, and 

children exposed to immune challenges 

in germ-heavy childcare centres. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCING 

IMMUNE HEALTH 

The 2022 FMCG Gurus: Evolving Trends in 

the Immune Health Market report found that 

“clinically proven” is the top claim sought by 

consumers in food, beverage and supplement 

products targeting immune health. 

TRAINED INNATE IMMUNITY 

A once-held belief was that the innate 

immune system did not adapt or enhance 

its responses to future immune challenges. 

However, scientists have discovered that 

innate immune cells do in fact have a kind 

of memory that results in protection against 

a broad range of unrelated diseases. 

Innate immune cells can be naturally 

trained by pathogens the body regularly 

encounters or via vaccines. The BCG and 

the adenoviral ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines, 

for example, have been found to be able 

to induce trained innate immunity. 

Wellmune activates the training receptors 

in innate immune cells. These receptors 

then send signals that “bookmark” the 

genes needed for an immune response. 

When “bookmarked”, these genes can 

be accessed more quickly for a stronger 

response the next time pathogens attack. 

At the same time, the receptors also 

send signals that give the cells more 

energy. This makes the cells better at 

defending the body, like how you perform 

better when you are not hungry. 

Over the years, based on a dozen Kerry clinical 

studies involving 2,300 adults and children to 

The same study also reported that 

78% of consumers are more willing 

to buy immune-supporting products 

backed by scientific evidence. 

In a world where discerning consumers 

demand scientific substantiation in food 

and beverage health claims, the discoveries 

around innate immunity training thus offer 

brands golden opportunities to integrate 

science-backed ingredients that train 

innate immunity into their functional foods, 

beverages and supplements. By doing 

so, brands can meet the ever-growing 

consumer demand for products that offer 

genuine immune health benefits. FBA 

Trained innate immunity occurs when an 

“immune trainer” interacts with the innate 

system. The trainer changes how the innate 

system handles threats from pathogens in 

subsequent encounters. These changes last for 

as long as the innate system remains trained. 

To grasp this concept better, imagine starting 

a fitness regimen. After weeks of training, your 

body becomes stronger and better conditioned 

to tackle physical challenges. If you continue 

exercising, you can maintain this trained state. 


The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant 

turning point for the global food system and 

the economy. In addition to introducing home 

offices and personal health management as the 

new normal, consumers have to also contend 

with a slew of issues even after emerging 

from the worst waves of the pandemic. 

“The world is seemingly facing crisis after 

crisis, with unprecedented global change 

altering established financial, cultural, and 

environmental systems in just a few years. That 

feeling of uncertainty, complexity and being 

overwhelmed is known as a polycrisis, and 

consumers will struggle with the unyielding 

cycle of change,” said Rachel Tan, food and 

drink trend strategist at WGSN, to Food & 

Beverage Asia. Tan was one of the speakers 

present at the THAIFEX - HOREC Academy. 

First coined in the 1970s, the polycrisis was 

recently popularised by Columbia University 

academic Adam Tooze, and it refers to “a 

state where multiple crises intertwine, their 

causes and processes inextricably bound 

together to create compounded effects”. 

Count your macros: 

New trends for 

a new era 

The world is changing – as TikTok dance 

challenges and climate change flood our news 

feeds, how should the food and beverage 

industry prepare itself for the future? 

By Agatha Wong 

Specific to the food and beverage industry, 

the global food system has come under 

several threats from various factors – climate 

change and environmental challenges 

which has affected agricultural growth 

and harvest; international conflict such 

as the Russia-Ukraine war which has 

disrupted supply chains; and the COVID-19 

pandemic, whose long-term effects such 

as weaker trade and high commodity 

prices will be felt for years to come. 

These interconnected crises will not only 

have an impact on the manufacturing side of 

things; consumers too will make changes to 

their demands reflecting the new normal. In 

a time of greater uncertainty calls for greater 

reassurance – whether it be through food safety 

or quality. Likewise, affordable but premium 

treats could also bring a moment of small 

indulgence to consumers with tight wallets. 

“Empathy will be a key sentiment driving 

product development,” elaborated Tan. 

“Producers can meet consumer needs for trust 

and stability by designing food to bring people 

together and create moments of compassion, 

whether it’s facilitating connections around 


INGREDIENTS 

underrepresented communities 

or catering to niche needs.” 

Yet, as the world is constrained by 

various challenges and setbacks, 

the food and industry has had to 

pivot to new and creative ways of 

meeting consumer needs. With 

the rise of artificial intelligence 

and other automated solutions, 

manufacturers can tap into both 

generative and regenerative AI 

as they develop new flavours and 

seek out upcoming market trends. 

Most recently, Coca-Cola unveiled 

a limited-edition flavour in its 

Creations lineup called “Y3000”. 

Inviting consumers to “imagine what 

the future tastes like”, Y3000 was a 

collaborative effort between artificial 

intelligence and humans, how “fans 

envision the future through emotions, 

aspirations, colours, flavours, and 

more”. The Coca-Cola logo on the 

Y3000 can features “fluid dot clusters 

that merge to represent the human 

connections of our future planet”, 

and tasters could scan a QR code 

on the can to launch a website that 

uses the AI model, Stable Diffusion, 

to turn their photos into images 

following Y3000’s visual design. 

By embracing AI, producers can 

thus push the exciting frontier 

of product development through 

formulating ideas never before seen. 

“Creative practices are being 

overhauled by AI, allowing new 

access to creative expression that 

was previously only afforded to 

those with technical capabilities,” 

supported Tan. “As the lines 

between fantasy and reality 

blur, consumers will play up the 

potential for possibility and start to 

demand ever more innovation and 

creativity in what they consume. 

In F&B this will express itself in 

heightened culinary creativity, 

including unexpected flavour 

pairings and unlikely cuisine fusions 

or multiple cultural inputs.” 

On a similar tenor, the future of the food 

and beverage industry could also be 

found in niche products. More than just 

tailored solutions, these niche demands 

often stem from exclusive communities 

centred around specific age and 

interest demographics. As Tan shared: 

“The rise of interest-based creators 

and platforms is driving niche as the 

norm for younger consumers, powering 

a shift from mass to micro-culture. 

From language to merch, you already 

see things coded with IYKYK (‘if you 

know you know’), whether it's in 

micro fashion trends, or in the case 

of F&B, cult snacks and co-created or 

community-created products. Think 

Youtuber Emma Chamberlain’s coffee 

brand or Noma Project’s Taste Buds 

programme. Consumers will look for 

brands that seek not just to sell but 

to entertain, with an eye for hyperfocused 

community building that 

treats them as individuals.” 

Crucially, the creation of 

niche and hyper-focused 

communities could be traced 

ultimately to the rise of pop culture 

and social media; this, in turn, can 

allow food and beverages producers 

connect with Gen Z consumers – who 

are touted for their tech-savvy nature, 

an emphasis on social causes, as well 

as putting their individual needs first. 

“With the rise of social media 

platforms like TikTok, Gen Z 

consumers are increasingly 

engaged with food culture 

both on- and offline. They 

see food as a form of selfexpression. 

Food and drink 

brands have an opportunity 

to connect with these 

consumers who are eager to 

support makers that appeal 

to their values and cravings. 

“From digital strategies and 

partnerships with creators to 

aesthetic-driven packaging 

design, Gen Z expect brands 

to be in touch with online 

culture and fashion trends. Leverage 

digital and real-life communities for 

feedback and treat consumers as cocreators 

but be careful to stay true to 

brand identity – authenticity is a critical 

element in how Gen Z evaluate brands.” 

Altogether, despite a food system 

coming under pressure from global 

crises, the food and beverage industry 

can look towards artificial intelligence 

and niche specialties as a way to deliver 

innovative and tantalising products. 

With the social media bringing the world 

closer than before, food and beverage 

manufacturers can consider how the 

digital frontier may well carry their 

products into the future and beyond. 

THAIFEX - HOREC Academy will return 

next year from 5-7 Mar 2025. FBA

Beyond the buzz: 

Comvita brings 

the bee’s knees of 

honey production 

to the next level 

From the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who 

used honey as both sweetener and salve, the 

appeal of honey continues today as a holistic 

natural ingredient supporting nutrition, 

wellness, and health. By Agatha Wong 

In recent years, manuka honey has propelled into 

the forefront of the honey industry with its host 

of benefits – alongside its highly viscous quality 

is a rich, earthy profile that offers more potent 

qualities than regular honey. Real monofloral 

manuka honey, however, is produced only 

from New Zealand, where nectar bees collect 

from the flowers of the native manuka bush. 

Certified UMF and Non-GMO Project-verified, 

Comvita has delivered independently tested 

and certified manuka honey for the past 

45 years. The company prides itself on the 

traceability of its honey, working together 

closely with their bees and beekeepers to 

produce a high-quality product against New 

Zealand's vast and diverse landscape. 

Comvita has been a pioneer in the research 

and development of manuka honey, 

particularly its properties and potential health 

benefits. They have invested in scientific 

studies to understand the specific bioactive 

compounds present in manuka honey such 

as Lepteridine. This research has helped 

Comvita establish itself as a trusted provider 

of quality manuka honey products. 

“At Comvita, we are into the business of 

providing old solutions for new problems,” 

shared Brett Hewlett, chair of the board 

at Comvita. 

“As consumers are confronted with various 

challenges and food products that do not 

always deliver on their promises, be it full 

nutrient values or a sustainability story, 

Comvita has gone to great lengths to 

understand the food we eat, where we get 

our food from, and how we consume it. 

This relies on our knowledge of food, with 

honey as an 'old' solution upon which we 

base our science and research to better 

understand and maximise its benefits.”

INGREDIENTS 

FROM HIVE TO TABLE 

Climate changes and its effects – rising 

temperatures, excessive rainfall, extended 

droughts etc – will not doubt leave a 

profound impact on honey bees, with flower 

development, nectar and pollen production, 

pollination activities, colony loss, and the 

introduction of new pests and pathogens 

all posing challenges to beekeepers. 

Research at Comvita is thus aimed at 

understanding the nature of these risks that 

bees are exposed to, and in doing so provide 

a more sustainable mode of production – 

both for the consumer and for the bees. 

Hewlett shared: “We are a big investor in 

science and research to not only understand 

the natural source of our raw materials, 

but also the interaction that they have 

with our bees. Therefore, we need to 

make sure that we consider things like 

pesticides and other chemicals which can 

find their way into the horticulture and 

agricultural space, and how we can protect 

our bees from these potential risks.” 

Supporting research and understanding the 

nature of these risks to bees have allowed 

Comvita to operate more sustainably, with the 

most evident being the improvement of bee 

health and the flourishing of bee numbers. 

“We have also invested in genetic research 

in bees as they breed and evolve – what 

genetic profiles are need to make them more 

resilient against environmental pressures, 

rearing young queens and introducing them 

to our hives, and the profiles of bees who 

are most resistant to diseases and threats 

in the environment,” added Hewlett. 

As part of its Harmony Plan, Comvita has 

planted 6,814,000 native trees in New 

Zealand, and saved 61.7 million bees 

globally since 2023 by relocating bees 

humanely instead of exterminating them. 

a result of climate change, there is a strong 

impetus on producers to provide reassurance 

to consumers that their ingredients 

sources are responsible and sustainable. 

Moreover, misleading labels and food fraud 

are also common in the honey industry – 

disreputable manufacturers often dilute real 

honey with plant syrups such as high-fructose 

corn syrup or beet syrup; likewise, they could 

also chemically modify the sugars in these 

syrups to make them appear as real honey. 

It therefore goes without saying that beyond 

the issue of sustainability and greenwashing, 

honey producers have plenty on their 

plate when it comes to establishing trust 

with consumers – even more so when it 

comes to manuka honey, which is marketed 

as a premium product. A misstep could 

be akin to kicking the hornet’s nest. 

“The erosion of trust worldwide is a big 

issue,” said Hewlett. It is about having the 

confidence and belief in whatever we are 

consuming, and the benefits that we are told 

it will deliver. I think consumers are a little 

more cynical, perhaps, and a little less trusting 

on what they are told – therefore, we need to 

provide evidence and proof to demonstrate 

that we have developed the knowledge, 

understanding, and science that goes into 

creating value around our ecosystem.” 

Comvita’s beekeeping and sustainability 

practices ensure that the quality of their 

honey is regarded as one of the finest 

available today. Every jar of their Level 

Guaranteed UMF-certified manuka 

honey undergoes over 34 tests to ensure 

quality, purity, and safety. This has been 

acknowledged in market tests of manuka 

honey by the Hong Kong Consumer Council, 

showing that only Comvita’s manuka 

honey is free from adulteration, or harmful 

substances like herbicides or pesticides. 

SCATTERING THE POLLEN OF 

GOODNESS 

More than simply meeting consumer 

demand for quality and sustainable products, 

it is also vital for natural ingredient producers 

to understand regional markets and how 

best to cater the right solutions for various 

demographics. Notably, a growing middle 

class in APAC has spurred the demand for 

wellness products – with manuka honey 

being a choice for many consumers. 

Comvita has thus emphasised the 

importance of continued innovation focused 

on preserving natural goodness without 

artificial processes, aligning with long-term 

success and evolving consumer preferences. 

The company is well-positioned to 

capitalise on several trends that are 

shaping the future of its business in 

Singapore, the broader region, and 

globally. Premiumisation and lifestyle 

transformation are the key strategies for 

Comvita's continuous growth globally, with 

the company formulating region-specific 

products that suit local consumer needs. 

“Examples of the range are our Comvita 

Night Rejuvenating Manuka Honey 

drink, Comvita Collagen Peptide Manuka 

Honey drink, Comvita Probiotics Manuka 

Honey drink, and Comvita x JKJ Manuka 

Ginseng where we partnered with Jung 

Kwan Jang, Korea’s leading red ginseng 

brand with 120 years of tradition. These 

products are all currently available in 

Singapore at leading drugstores and 

Changi Airport,” revealed Hewlett. 

“Comvita's commitment to natural 

ingredients, sustainable beekeeping 

practices, and environmental stewardship 

aligns well with this trend, positioning the 

company to cater to the rising demand for 

eco-friendly and ethical products.” FBA 

MUCH ABUZZ ABOUT 

SUSTAINABILITY 

The conversation on sustainability is 

linked with the issue of trust, particularly 

with brands and consumers. In light of 

worrying observations over the future of 

bee populations and honey production as

ON THE TABLE 

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 

returns hungrier than before 

This year’s highly anticipated trade show will leave an indelible mark 

on both exhibitors and attendees befitting of the region’s dazzling 

landscape, writes Agatha Wong. 

“Beyond Food Experience”, the show 

will highlight a commitment to keeping 

up with changing industry interests, 

movements, and consumer preferences. 

The Future Food Experience+ (FFE+) will, 

for example, feature more than 20 talks 

and panel sessions led by over 30 industry 

experience. Focusing on various topics, such 

as sustainable processing and deep tech 

innovations, and the latest trend in the food 

and beverage space, FFE+ will also spotlight 

exhibitor innovations in alternative protein 

sources through the Alternative Protein 

Flavour and Taste Contest, allowing visitors 

to select the best alternative protein products 

based on taste, texture, aroma, and innovation. 

The food and beverage manufacturing 

industry in Asia-Pacific continues to be a 

dynamic and diverse landscape, with local 

and regional businesses pulsating with 

innovation, tradition, and market potential. 

From the food innovation hubs of Singapore 

to the vibrant street food scene in Bangkok, 

this multi-faceted sector brims with an 

array of tantalising cuisine and flavours 

reflective of the region’s culinary tapestry. 

As one of the world’s fastest growing 

regional economies with an emerging 

middle-class hungry for more, the APAC 

food and beverage industry serves 

not only its population but also the 

global appetite for exotic gastronomical 

delights. Amidst this vibrant ecosystem, 

the industry will continue to thrive, 

propelled by technological advancements, 

shifting consumer preferences, and 

a commitment to sustainability. 

“Consumers are no longer looking for 

one-dimensional products. They now 

prioritise multifaceted attributes such 

as convenience, health, ethical sourcing, 

and sustainability,” explained Mathias 

Kuepper, managing director and vicepresident 

Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse. 

“In the next decade, companies that 

strategically create innovative products 

addressing multiple trends simultaneously 

will gain a competitive edge. Thus, companies 

that align their product development and 

marketing strategies with current trends can 

effectively appeal to diverse consumer bases, 

capturing and sustaining consumer interest.” 

On that vein, thrilling developments will 

be on display in full force at the upcoming 

edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, which 

promises to be bigger, brighter, and better 

than before. Exemplifying the theme, 

“As the top F&B trade fair in the region, and 

the largest of its kind, THAIFEX — Anuga Asia 

holds a crucial place in the industry calendar 

in APAC. It serves as a dynamic platform 

to offer insights into regulatory changes 

and support mechanisms, empowering 

regional businesses to innovate and expand 

across borders more effectively in the 

next five to ten years,” said Kuepper. 

“Looking ahead, we anticipate the region to 

further evolve, presenting a diverse range 

of product offerings and spearheading 

global developments in response to evolving 

consumer demands and sustainability trends.” 

DELECTABLE TRENDS 

While consumers across the region 

become increasingly health-conscious, 

sustainability-minded, and digitally engaged, 

manufacturers will do best to adapt and 

innovate accordingly, creating products that 

cater to the region’s dynamic demands. 


ON THE TABLE 

Convenience, shared Kuepper, is one of the 

trends that THAIFEX – Anuga has observed, 

with the event spotlighting ready-to-eat 

products that reflect an increasing demand 

for accessible and quick meal solutions. 

Pre-packaging meals that align with this 

trend while integrating nutritious superfood 

ingredients are innovations to take note. 

Likewise, health and sustainability will 

continue as a macrotrend, where a significant 

percentage of showcased products featuring 

organic, plant-based, or sustainably-produced 

offerings. These cater to a consumer 

demand for plant-based, protein-rich, and 

indulgent products that do not compromise 

on health or taste. Additionally, they deliver 

solutions for the changing needs and 

preferences of consumers such as lactose 

intolerance, or animal welfare. Similarly, 

developments in alternative proteins have 

also propelled ready-to-eat formats and 

refreshing and light clear proteins for drinks. 

Labelling and detection is also a trend to 

watch out for, with clear and informative 

labelling being critical to consumers. In 

addition to eco-conscious labelling as 

a key differentiator for manufacturers, 

cross-categorisation is also on the rise, 

as products are increasingly designed 

to offer multiple holistic attributes. 

“As a trade show, THAIFEX — Anuga Asia 

serves as a catalytic platform that sets 

the tone for the industry by spotlighting 

new innovations, elevating the global 

standing of participating businesses, 

and facilitating access to new markets 

for growth and expansion. The exposure 

and opportunities provided by THAIFEX 

— Anuga Asia are transformative for 

businesses that exhibit in trade show. 

with brands and food businesses recognising 

the growing appetite of Muslim consumers 

and consequently valuing the importance of 

the halal certification as mark of quality and 

ethical standards. As a result, halal-certified 

are becoming increasingly mainstream, 

with prominent brands penetrating this 

unique space. From halal-certified versions 

of popular desserts to nutraceuticals, this 

trend highlights the food and beverage 

industry’s readiness and responsiveness 

to the importance of inclusivity and 

diversity in the global marketplace. 

Kuepper supported this view, stating that 

“[o]ver 900 products at THAIFEX — Anuga 

Asia are halal-certified this year, which is 

a significant trend this year. We believe it 

reflects consumer preferences not only to 

meet religious dietary needs, but also for food 

security. Halal-certified foods now cater to 

a diverse consumer base that values ethical 

production in addition to religious compliance, 

and 20% of these halal-certified products 

are also categorised as organic, plant-based, 

or sustainably produced and packaged.” 

A GLOBAL ARENA 

Besides serving as a platform for the 

latest product launches and innovations, 

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2024 will also serve 

as a site for forging meaningful business 

connections and spotlighting the best 

and brightest talents in the industry. 

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 

(TUCC), recognised as one of Asia’s most 

esteemed culinary competitions and endorsed 

by the World Association of Chefs Societies 

(WACS), brings together more than 700 

professional and aspiring chefs globally to 

compete in 23 categories, including Asian 

cooking, desserts etc. A panel of over 40 

judges supported by the World Association 

of Chefs’ Societies (WorldChefs) will also be 

present to assess flavour and presentation. 

Other contests, like the Alternative Protein 

Flavour and Taste Contest, which is a firsttime 

event for THAIFEX - Anuga Asia, judges 

individual products submitted by exhibitors 

based on taste, texture, aroma, and innovation. 

Kuepper further added that of the over- 

3000 exhibitors representing 50 countries 

and regions this year at THAIFEX – Anuga 

Asia 2024, a total of 63% are comprised 

of international exhibitors, occupying 

12% more exhibition space than previous 

years. And with new country participants 

including Bolivia, Czech Republic, Egypt, 

Ivory Coast, Macedonia, Mexico, and Yemen, 

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia will also be hosting 

over 56 country/provincial groups, marking 

a more than 40% increase from 2023. 

Altogether, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 

2024 is set to be transformative ground 

for industry-wide innovation, fostering 

dialogue and driving progress in a future 

where food and beverage manufacturers 

seek to not only feed appetites but also 

delivering meaningful impacts that extend 

beyond the shores of the region. FBA 

“Beyond the exhibition, special highlights 

also set the tone and direction for the 

industry players, with special shows, 

such as the Future Food Market, Halal 

Market, Organic Market, as well as 

tasteInnovation Show, allowing visitors 

to see the most innovative products 

across the entire show in one exhibit.” 

The halal food industry, in particular, has 

gained significant momentum in recent years, 


ON THE TABLE 

Cargill redefines indulgence 

with bean-to-bar portfolio 


expressing that they seek out product labels 

claiming to be locally-sourced or adopting 

sustainable practices. For these consumers, 

their purchasing choices determines the values 

that they uphold – especially for sectors 

such as cocoa products which are closely 

intertwined with issues of sustainability. 

In addition to seeking products that would 

support their physical and mental health, 

Liu added that a recovering economy and 

rising urbanisation in Asia has also propelled 

the demand for premium options, as well 

as convenience and affordable indulgence. 

These trends have thus played a strong role 

in influencing the types of chocolate products 

which are currently on demand – with Asian 

consumers expressing a desire for less sweet 

and darker chocolate variants that hit the same 

sweet spot without compromising on taste. 

The chocolate industry, with its rich history and 

universal appeal, stands as a cornerstone of 

global indulgence and culinary craftsmanship. 

Today, the chocolate industry encompasses 

a diverse landscape of producers, artisans, 

and brands, each contributing to the 

rich tapestry of flavours, textures, and 

experiences that define this beloved treat. 

As the industry continues to evolve amidst 

changing consumer preferences, sustainability 

concerns, and technological advancements, 

chocolate has evolved from a “guilty pleasure” 

indulgence into "healthy" indulgence, with dark 

chocolate and added nutritional ingredients 

lauded for delivering more health benefits. 

Likewise, consumers are opting for chocolate 

bars and products offering low sweetness 

or calorie-dense ingredients that keep 

them satiated for a longer period of time. 

In this vein, it could be said that the 

chocolate sector is tightly woven with 

overarching market trends in the food and 

beverage industry, of which Cargill has 

observed in its TrendTracker 2024 report. 

“As previously shared, the three key consumer 

trends that Cargill has identified are: Healthy 

For Me, Conscious Consumption, and 

Experience It,” began Liu Xiaoling, indulgence 

lead for Cargill food solutions, Asia-Pacific. 

“Moving on, we do not see any big or radical 

shifts from these observations. However, 

we do anticipate a further development 

of certain trends such as Healthy For Me, 

where 30% of consumers in APAC say 

they are choosing natural products to avoid 

additives and preservatives as much as 

possible, compared to 21% in 2021.” 

These observations and trends are placed 

against the backdrop of a post-pandemic 

industry, which has catalysed profound 

shifts in consumer behaviour. One noted 

difference that Liu shared was how consumers 

are now paying much more attention to 

sustainability, with almost 70% of them 

THE PRICE IS RIGHT 

Inflationary pressures have continued to 

stress upon the necessity of affordable food 

choices for consumers. At the same time, 

consumers are unwilling to compromise on 

the quality and gastronomical satisfaction; 

this desire has consequently spurred a 

growing demand for food options that offer 

both value and flavour. In the confectionery 

sector, this demand has translated into the 

rise of affordable but indulgent snacks. 

Manufacturers are therefore hard-pressed 

to balance various considerations – cost, 

health, taste, visuals, and sustainability, 

etc – as they develop innovation solutions 

and products for the ever-discerning 

consumer. In the face of such multi-faceted 

challenges, food manufacturers require 

a strategic hand in ensuring consumer 

satisfaction, and profitability on their part. 

In that vein, companies such as Cargill 

can support manufacturers with their 

market insights and innovative portfolio 

of solutions for product development: 


ON THE TABLE 

“Gaining the relevant insights will 

be important as manufacturers 

require the right market knowledge 

to understand different product 

segments. At the same time, Cargill 

has also invested a lot in innovation 

beyond the production line. 

"Innovation begins from the 

cocoa bean in the form of sustainable 

production, and it continues down 

to the specialised oils and fats that 

enhance the texture and taste, 

ultimately delivering a unique product 

to consumers. For that reason, we at 

Cargill refer to this as a “bean-to-bar” 

concept, where we provide innovative 

solutions at every step,” Liu added. 

At FHA – F&B Asia 2024, Cargill 

presented trends-inspired gourmet 

chocolate solutions with complex 

caramel flavours, including: the 

Pâtissier by Aalst Chocolate Artisan 

Sol, which are easy-to-use chocolate 

caramel buttons with strong creamy 

and nutty profile; the Pâtissier by Aalst 

Chocolate Artisan Milk Carmelo, a 

smooth milk chocolate that reveals a 

strong creamy and caramel first note 

with a hint of nuttiness profile; and the 

Veliche Euphoria Caramel, which are 

chocolate caramel buttons offering rich 

and intense caramel with cookie notes 

and a hint of saltiness and balanced 

caramelised sugar on the finish. 

For enhancing the visual appeal 

of chocolate products, Cargill 

also featured its Pâtissier by Aalst 

Chocolate Prismatic Coating and 

Filling, which are flavoured pastes 

that carry a strong, milky and creamy 

profile alongside its distinctive flavours 

and colours; alongside the portfolio 

of Smet & Leman decorations that 

deliver visual flair and customisation 

to each chef's creations through colour, 

shapes and personalised designs. 

BACK TO THE SOURCE 

In addition to common challenges 

facing the food and beverage industry, 

the chocolate and cocoa industry 

continues to grapple with traceability 

and food fraud, which undermine 

consumer confidence and threaten 

the integrity of the supply chain. With 

a vast and interconnected supply 

chain spanning multiple countries, 

tracing the origins of cocoa beans 

and ensuring transparency through 

the production process remains a 

formidable task, with sustainability and 

fair trade forming the key pillars of this 

initiative. Achieving comprehensive 

traceability and combatting food 

fraud thus calls for the concerted 

efforts of all stakeholders. 

“Sustainability is very much at the 

heart of what we do at Cargill, and 

we deliver this through our Cargill 

Cocoa Promise programme that 

ensures farmers and communities 

achieve better incomes and living 

standards which growing cocoa 

sustainably. We also put a lot of effort 

into ethical sourcing, and we require 

this not only for ourselves, but for 

our suppliers as well,” said Liu. 

“As climate change continues to 

impact the stable supply of cocoa 

ingredients, we have also invested 

in research. Our R&D team is 

committed to help customers achieve 

the same colour and taste profile, 

but in a more sustainable way." 

As Cargill navigates the complex 

challenges of the cocoa industry, 

deliver taste, sustainability and 

affordability to its customers, 

the company will play a key role 

in carving out opportunities for 

product differentiation and creativity, 

meetings the needs of consumers 

and manufacturers. Through 

research and its commitment to 

ethical sourcing and sustainable 

production, Cargill is poised to 

deliver indulgent products that 

delight consumers and safeguard 

the livelihood of farmers. 

Liu concluded: “This is a very 

exciting time for the cocoa and 

chocolate industry. Cargill is, 

through its research and product 

development, highly committed to 

and invested in this sector. We will 

continue to deliver our bean-tobar 

concept with transformative 

insights that help our customers 

succeed, and put a smile on the 

faces of consumers.” FBA 


ON THE TABLE 

Keeping food fresh with Super 

Tomato’s automated concepts 


in the entire system), and mechanical 

mechanisms to achieve the desired output. 

“Our team coordinates closely to ensure 

that the designed solutions make sense. 

For example, when a mechanical design 

engineer brainstorms an idea, they will 

often involve our tech lead, who is a 

mechatronic engineer with knowledge of 

the software, electrical components, and 

sensors required to achieve the objective. 

One of the projects that Super Tomato 

worked on involved a vision camera and 

AI to detect whether the meat is cooked, 

guiding the food handler on the correct time 

to flip the meat. These days, developing a 

solution requires the use of a wide range of 

technologies to make it smarter, shared Toh 

In the ever-evolving world of the food services 

industry, the integration of automated 

solutions and robotics have proven pivotal 

as a transformative force, reshaping the way 

food businesses operate. From ensuring 

cost efficiencies throughs streamlining order 

processes to collecting data for predictive 

maintenance, businesses can now focus 

on extending culinary possibilities and 

building customer-centric experiences. 

Super Tomato, a Singapore-founded and 

-based company, realised precisely how AI 

and robotics can improve food operations 

in the country. In an industry fraught of 

overworked staff, high turnover rates, and 

inconsistent product quality, the team – led by 

Niles Toh, digital entrepreneur and business 

growth architect – sought to deliver efficient 

business operations and quality through 

the implementation of digital solutions. 

Modular, accurate, and hygienic, the 

Super Tomato One is one such solution 

from the company that offers clean and 

consistent output. It is capable of 

producing 200 meals per hour at a 

99.9% order accuracy, delivering an 

upwards of 87% in productivity. 

“When we build an automation solution 

for our clients, our team's comprehensive 

skill set covering mechanical, electrical, 

software, and robotics allows us to think of 

the best possible solution and it involves 

AI, IoT etc,” said Toh, founder and CEO 

of Super Tomato. “It is critical to have a 

team of engineers who are well-versed 

in both mechanical mechanisms and 

robotics so that we can always find a 

suitable solution for the problem at hand. 

“In the case of the automation food 

dispensing machine, we initially considered 

using a robotics arm to scoop the 

ingredients. However, after considering 

the output required during peak hours and 

the number of ingredients involved, we 

abandoned the robotics direction and went 

towards using IoT (with over 100 sensors 

THE CHALLENGES OF B2C LINES 

Where it comes to designing a moving 

assembly line for B2B food businesses 

and B2C food services, there are a few 

key factors that one should take note. Toh 

raised two major differences that make 

the latter much more difficult to design. 

“Firstly, space constraint is a significant 

issue in a B2C setting, which are often 

at stores where the space to install 

large machines is limited. This makes 

it challenging to maintain the machine, 

as it is usually accessible from only 

one or two sides. Moreover, many 

design mechanisms no longer work 

when reduced significantly, and several 

components need to be customised 

as suppliers do not offer such sizes. 

“Secondly, while B2B food manufacturing 

has very little variety, with a production 

line focusing only one type of ingredient 

for its entire service life with the same 

packing. On the other hand, the B2C space 

involves fulfilling varying orders from 


ON THE TABLE 

different customers and handling daily 

operations such as changing bowl designs 

due to insufficient stock from suppliers.” 

These differences have thus influenced 

each machine’s designs. For instance, 

as all machines are placed against the 

wall, electrical components need to be 

placed at the back of the machine. The 

system is also modular and lightweight 

with wheels, enabling engineers to pull 

out individual machines for servicing. 

In case of any fault, Super Tomato can 

replace or fix any module easily. 

Toh added: “Our modular units are 

equipped with temperature control, and 

in case of any issues with the condenser 

or compressor, we can conduct a quick 

one-to-one swap and get the machine 

up and running again in no time. 

Our system is designed in a modular 

format, ensuring ease of movement 

within stores, taking into account the 

height and width of the walkways.” 

THE BOWL BUILDER 

Recently, SuperTomato was commissioned 

to construct its Bowl Builder machines for 

a fresh casual chain concept in Singapore. 

The system was customised with accuracy 

in mind, dispensing fresh food bowls with 

fewer errors to reduce cost. and maximise 

safety and hygiene in kitchen operations. 

“We designed our machine to be placed in 

the front of house, where customers can see 

how their food is portioned. Therefore, we 

put a lot of thought into the aesthetics of 

the machine,” explained Toh. “For example, 

we created a see-through door so that 

customers can see the fresh ingredients 

and watch how they are portioned into 

their bowl in a clean environment. Above 

each module is a screen powered by 

Raspberry Pi that lights up in green when 

ingredients are dispensed into the bowl 

and red when they are running low. This 

creates a more interactive experience for 

customers waiting for their orders.” 

safety and hygiene during food preparation; 

likewise, its eye-catching design also draws 

the attention of those in the vicinity. 

“Using the machine to prepare food has 

resulted in lower food costs and higher 

customer satisfaction. Each portion is 

accurately measured and dispensed, 

reducing customer complaints and 

enabling precise food costing, preventing 

over- or under-portioning and creating 

consistency across all outlets,” said Toh. 

“Customers have higher confidence 

in the machine's hygiene due to the 

public's increased consciousness about 

cleanliness, especially after the pandemic. 

Prioritising hygiene is done through a 

temperature-controlled environment for all 

ingredients, minimal human handling, no 

cross-contamination, and UV sterilisation 

to maintain machine cleanliness.” 

A MUST-HAVE 

As other external pressures such as 

inflation, rising labour costs, and supply 

chain issues continue to pose a challenge 

to the food and beverage services industry, 

automated systems offer a much-needed 

relief to shifting consumer preferences and 

other industry regulatory requirements. 

More than simply modernising legacy 

equipment, food businesses can also 

secure a more reliable and cost-efficient 

mode of operation, delivering a peace of 

mind to both owners and consumers. 

“What used to be a ‘nice to have’ has 

now become a ‘must-have’ in order 

to survive in the competitive business 

environment. And this need will continue 

to grow as the world progresses therefore 

i see a great future for this industry 

both locally and globally,” said Toh. 

Singapore, as a logistics hub in Asia, is thus 

well-positioned to take on this transformation. 

Toh offered that the island nation has 

access to a wide range of components 

required for building advanced systems 

from around the world, at an affordable 

logistics cost and shorter lead time. 

Moreover, he added, Singapore's vast 

pool of local and global talent has also 

made it conducive for the country to 

build technologically advanced solutions, 

in addition to its bilingual workforce. 

“As a small and developed country, 

Singapore has a limited population and 

a need to focus on higher-value tasks. 

Therefore, there is a high demand for 

automation in almost every industry. 

Despite being a small local market, there 

are many multinational corporations 

headquartered in Singapore, it enables us 

the opportunity to work closely with them. 

“And with strong government support on 

the emphasis of automation, Singapore can 

serve as a good test bed to demonstrate 

the technology before exporting it 

internationally,” he concluded. FBA 

With the machine at the storefront, 

customers can see how the machine 

prepares their food. This, according to 

Toh, demonstrates the levels of food 


ON THE TABLE 

Beyond digital: Rockwell 

Automation launches new 

Customer Experience Centre 

in Singapore 

Digital platforms and tools have helped food businesses through 

the trying times of the pandemic – but the journey is far from over. 

At Rockwell Automation’s new Customer Experience Centre in 

Singapore, Agatha Wong finds out how manufacturers can further 

streamline and optimise their operations. 

course, automation, which is the core of what 

we do. With this new CEC, we also expose 

regional customers to digital twins, and how 

AI can advance their manufacturing process.” 

Rockwell Automation has unveiled its 

new Customer Experience Centre (CEC) 

in Singapore. With smart manufacturing 

solutions and digital transformation 

at its core, the CEC showcases the 

latest advancements in AI, robotics, 

and virtual reality. Its strategic location 

will also allow the company to help 

the region’s growing manufacturing, 

mining and heavy industry sectors in 

their digital transformation journeys. 

Tucked within Rockwell’s Asia-Pacific 

headquarters and alongside its largest 

manufacturing facility in the region, the 

CEC will allow visitors to experience the 

company’s manufacturing technologies and 

learn new insights into future solutions. 

From inception to completion, customers 

can receive a comprehensive experience. 

The centre’s strategic location in Singapore 

also means that visitors and customers 

throughout the region can tap into the 

solutions that Rockwell has to offer. 

“Beyond Singapore, we also wish to serve our 

South East Asia and Asia Pacific customers,” 

said Marcelo Tarkieltaub, regional director 

for South East Asia at Rockwell Automation. 

“Given this is a very important location 

for us, the CEC features some of the key 

topics which we are very invested in, such 

as sustainability, cyber security, and also of 

Mariya Prempeh, country manager 

for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei at 

Rockwell Automation, added: “I think it's 

very important for us to have this facility 

in Singapore. We have a lot of customers 

in South East Asia who choose to have 

Singapore as their headquarters, even 

if they don't have manufacturing facility 

process. Hence, a lot of decision making, 

R&D, and research is happening here. 

“This is why it's important for them to 

have this centre – to not only discover 

what is possible, but also what they 

can do better compared to what they're 

doing now or in the years to come.” 

TRANSFORMING APAC’S 

MANUFACTURING SCENE 

The Asia-Pacific region is ripe for digital 

transformation. With a swiftly growing 

economy, companies are casting their eyes 

towards cost-efficient solutions that allow 

them to meet evolving consumer demands. 

Prempeh shared: “There are some industries 

that drive consumer behaviour, while others 


ON THE TABLE 

are driven by consumer behaviour – and I 

think in the case of the food and beverage 

industry, companies had no choice but to 

change when consumers began shifting their 

behaviours and habits. In order to survive, 

they needed to adapt and be more flexible.” 

On that note, food and beverage companies 

have made good progress with regard 

to digitalisation, with COVID-19 being 

identified as a common disruptor that 

motivated many to adopt new solutions in 

light of rising costs and labour shortages. 

And while the journey towards full 

digitalisation is a multi-faceted one, 

from as simple as implementing robot 

arms to tapping into data for predictive 

maintenance, manufacturers in APAC 

are keen on learning more. 

Tarkieltaub shared: “A lot of customers in 

South East Asia are trying to understand 

what digitalisation means for them, and we 

have customers in different parts of that 

journey. However, every single customer 

that we have seen want to understand 

what can be done, as well as the impacts 

that can be generated for them. 

and end-to-end products, solutions, and 

other services to support their needs. 

demonstrating key solutions that can help 

each company with their specific challenges. 

“Thus, it's not simply about technology; 

it’s about the outcomes they can reap, as 

well as cybersecurity, etc. And these topics 

are the ones we want the customers to 

understand that here – at this centre – 

regardless of where they are in their journey, 

we can help them in that process.” 

When companies are digital enabled 

and ready, continued Tarkieltaub. they 

become more resilient, agile, competitive, 

and much more sustainable. Closer 

inspection also reveals that companies 

who embrace digital change also tend to 

be more profitable, as their manufacturing 

processes are smarter and more flexible, 

thereby meet changing and adapting to 

customer demands and new ideas. 

“Ultimately, the companies who are not 

going through that journey tend to fail.” 

REACHING DIGITAL MATURITY 

The CEC thus supports manufacturers on 

their journeys through the digital age by 

providing a portfolio of consulting services, 

Under Rockwell Automation’s Smart 

Manufacturing Portfolio, a customer’s plant 

maturity can be reached in five phases: 

1. Pre-digital plant 

2. Digital silos 

3. Connected plant 

4. Predictive plant 

5. Adaptive plant 

In addition, the company also offers 

sustainability and industrial automation 

consulting services – the former of 

which conducts sustainability health 

checks and creates a sustainability and 

decarbonisation roadmap for the customer; 

while the latter ranges from cybersecurity 

assessments to OT network feasibility 

studies, and detailed design assessments. 

In a nutshell, the company aims to 

develop each customer’s desired 

outcomes based on their visions for 

the future, current problems, and 

potential solutions, with the centre 

“Digital transformation is not as complicated as 

many think it is; and reaching full transformation 

does not have to be something outrageously 

expensive or costly. It could, in fact, be quite 

sizable depending on what each company 

needs. Based on the needs of each customer, 

we want to help them understand what is it 

that they require and devise a plan to help 

them go through with their digital journeys.” 

Rockwell Automation thus sees itself 

playing the role of a facilitator, added 

Tarkieltaub, where they provide the relevant 

guidance to customers as they identify 

their own challenges and problems. 

“Nobody knows their facilities and 

operations better than they do, but here, 

we help them ask the right questions that 

allows them to reach the conclusions on 

the problems they need to solve. Digital 

transformation is not about adopting 

technology. It's about solving problems that 

can help you to be more competitive, more 

profitable, and more sustainable.” FBA 


PROCESSING AND PACKAGING 

Process reliability in tube 

production: How PackSys 

Global optimises production 

using SIKO technology 

PackSys Global relies on monitored changeovers with digital position 

indicators from SIKO in tube welding machines. 

The FlexSeamer tube welding 

machine from Packsys Global 

offers speed and reliability 

Tubes – large, small, long, thick, flat, and 

miniature – are produced in countless sizes 

and formats for oral care, cosmetics, and the 

pharmaceutical industry. PackSys Global, 

based in Rüti, Switzerland, focuses on 

efficient processes, high output, and ease 

of use for its customers. This is achieved 

through increased digitisation, automation, 

and streamlining of process steps. 

An important aspect that influences 

process reliability is the proper changeover 

of machines, specifically the adaptation 

of settings to accommodate various tube 

formats. PackSys has integrated a monitored 

changeover solution from SIKO, a German 

specialist for sensors and positioning 

systems, in order to increase the ease of use 

of its tube welding machines and ensure 

the safe adjustment of the various units. 

PackSys Global, which belongs to 

the Brückner Group, produces plastic 

tubes. PackSys Global also supplies hot 

stamping machines for applying decorative 

metallised coatings, roll cutting and 

folding machines for plastic closures, as 

well as packaging machines for cans, 

tubes, and closures to transport them 

from the manufacturer to the filler. 

MONITORED CHANGEOVER IN NEW 

TUBE WELDING MACHINE 

Many of the company’s machines require 

regular changeovers. The most common 

method of accomplishing this is the use 

of mechanical position indicators that are 

manually set to a position value stored 

in the documentation. This has a high 

potential for error, as values may be read 

and set incorrectly. Especially in the case 

of frequent adjustments for different tube 

variants at several positions, the integration 

of digital position indicators for monitored 

changeovers is worthwhile as an alternative. 

The switch to digital position indicators was 



tested during the development of a new 

tube welding machine, the FlexSeamer. 

tube into which the pharmaceutical product, 

cosmetic, or toothpaste will later be filled. 

The choice for the digital AP05 position 

indicator with IO-Link interface from SIKO 

was made for several reasons: it stood out 

due to its compactness, universal applicability 

regardless of the axis orientation (vertically or 

horizontally), and intuitive readability thanks 

to two LED lights. The displays are used at 

approximately ten positions throughout the 

system, for example, to check settings like the 

thickness or length of the plastic laminates or 

a varying print image. Another SIKO position 

indicator, the AP10S, is used to monitor 

the positioning during linear movements. 

FROM LAMINATE TO TUBE 

The FlexSeamer is used to unwind a flat 

belt material, a plastic laminate, from a 

large roll of material. Depending on the 

product requirements, the plastics processed 

are usually material blends that must 

have good barrier properties in order to 

minimise the amount of oxygen reaching 

the product inside and limit the diffusion 

of aromatic substances out of the tube. 

The plastic sheet is folded lengthwise, 

formed into a tube, and then provided with 

a longitudinal weld seam, transforming 

the flat material into an endless tube. The 

plastic tube is cut into individual sections by 

a rotary blade. This is the actual body of the 

In a subsequent machine, known as 

the “header and capper”, a so-called 

shoulder with threaded and capped 

ends is placed on one of the two sides. 

The other side is left open so that the 

contents can be inserted through this 

opening during filling process and a final 

transverse weld seam can be applied. 

FLEXSEAMER: HIGH SPEED AND 

RELIABLE OPERATION 

What sets the new welding machine apart 

is that it features a high speed of 250 

tubes per minute; long heating and cooling 

sections designed for modern laminate 

types; and intuitive, fast, and reliable 

operation thanks to the digital capture of 

most settings. While mechanical position 

indicators only display the actual value 

of a position, digital position indicators 

also show the target value of a setting. 

For example, the dimensions for a particular 

type of tube are stored as a recipe in the 

machine control system and are then 

transferred to the respective indicators via 

IO-Link. An operator must then adjust the 

setting to match the actual and target values. 

This is the only way to continue with the 

production process. Reliable indicators here 

include the two LED lights, which illuminate 

Emanuel Heusser, 

group leader 

automation 

engineering in R&D 

at PackSys Global 

Aitor Henao, head 

of marketing and 

communications at 

PackSys Global 

green only when the values match. As long as 

a red light remains illuminated on the system, 

the process must be stopped and readjusted. 

For Aitor Henao, head of marketing and 

communications at PackSys Global, the 

advantages of such a solution are obvious: 

“Formats can be quickly and easily adjusted. 

Any product can be reproduced at any time 

with exactly the same settings because 

the dimensions are stored as a recipe for 

each variant. This means a consistently 

high level of quality because the processes 

are stable and reliable at all times.” 

Emanuel Heusser, group manager automation 

engineering in R&D, emphasised another 

aspect that is relevant to quality: 

“It is often only when products are 

subjected to random destructive testing, 

which requires a great deal of effort, that 

the effects of an incorrect setting become 

apparent. However, if the digital position 

indicators ensure that the same settings 

are used throughout the production 

process, there is no need for downstream 

quality control. This is a significant added 

value of monitored changeovers. 

Markings indicated SIKO’s monitored changeovers, which make the FlexSeamer easy to 

operate and reliable 

SKILLED LABOUR NOW A RARITY 

Digitised solutions are providing 

increasing support even in times of skilled 

labour shortages, shared Henao. 



“Years ago, there was one skilled worker, who 

had been with the company for 20 or 30 years, 

that knew exactly where to make adjustments 

based on experience, and had ‘magic 

fingers’ when a setting no longer worked 

perfectly. However, today we have a very 

flexible labour market where skilled workers 

are rare. Intuitive operation that enables 

process-safe settings without in-depth 

knowledge of the machine helps companies 

address the shortage of skilled labour.” 

There are many factors to consider when 

deciding on a monitored changeover. Positions 

requiring frequent adjustments are ideal for 

such an investment in digital monitoring. 

Another argument can be the costly downtime 

associated with format changeovers. 

Reducing setup times can be critical. For rare 

adjustments or situations where incorrect 

settings are immediately noticeable, PackSys 

Global continues to use mechanical position 

indicators from SIKO. These indicators allow 

for easily controlled position values. Another 

option from SIKO’s range of solutions are 

compact, fully automatic positioning drives. 

These allow size adjustment at the touch of 

a button. Furthermore, they are also easy to 

use in hard-to-reach areas of a machine. 

EXAMPLE SETTINGS FOR PRINT 

MARK SENSORS 

The added value of the monitored 

changeover can be illustrated using an 

example setting – the print mark sensor. 

To cut the tube section, the cut 

must be made in the correct 

position relative to the print image. 

This is done by applying printed 

marks to the laminate, which are 

detected by sensors. The mark 

is located in a different place on 

the circumference of the tube 

depending on the print image. 

Therefore, the position of the sensor 

on the circumference must always 

be slightly different in order to 

detect this print mark. The position of the 

print mark sensor can now be recorded in 

degrees and stored in the recipe thanks to 

the AP10S position indicator. This means 

that the operator does not have to go into 

the machine to position the sensor relative to 

the print mark. Instead, the target positioning 

values are stored for each print image. 

INTEGRATION OF THE SIKO 

POSITION INDICATORS 

For Heusser, the universal applicability 

of the AP05 on both vertical and 

horizontal axes was a major plus. 

“The display is angled at 45 degrees and can 

be configured via the software in regard to 

how it should be positioned. This also makes 

it easier for us to stock different products 

for vertical and horizontal axes. The actual 

integration proved to be straightforward, 

both regarding the mechanical design 

and the electronic integration.” 

The AP05 (left) and AP10S (right) position 

indicators ensure reliable machine settings 

for the production of a wide range of tube 

variants 

Heusser’s assessment of the cooperation 

with SIKO is also positive: “There has always 

been a great deal of goodwill. SIKO aims to 

make wishes and suggestions a reality. For 

example, the AP05 was specially designed 

with IO-Link for our FlexSeamer project.” 

Looking ahead, Henao sees a clear trend 

towards digitisation and automation 

of systems, especially in the area of 

changeovers: “These small details, such as 

the LED display, make all the difference. 

They improve the quality of our machines 

and services, helping customer companies 

to focus on their business.” FBA 

All images courtesy of PackSys Global 

The modern FlexSeamer tube welding 

machine with positioning systems from 

SIKO for optimised changeovers


Metal detectors 

in nutraceutical 

manufacturing 

By Heat and Control 

• Dietary supplements: Concentrated 

sources of nutrients or other bioactive 

compounds that are intended to 

supplement the diet, usually available 

in various forms, including capsules, 

tablets, powders, and liquids. 

• Health and wellness products: Products 

that may include nutraceutical ingredients 

known for their health-enhancing 

properties, such as herbal extracts, 

superfoods, and functional beverages, 

with examples including energy bars, 

herbal teas and protein shakes. 

CEIA is at the 

forefront of 

technological 

advancements in 

metal detection. 

In the dynamic landscape of the Asian 

food industry, the integration of traditional 

ingredients into nutraceuticals and 

functional foods is driving innovation 

and reshaping consumer preferences. 

Nutraceuticals, prized for their holistic 

benefits, cater to both physical health and 

mental and spiritual well-being. Staples like 

ginseng, turmeric, and goji berries exemplify 

this trend, symbolising a cultural appreciation 

for comprehensive wellness solutions. 

An expanding market for nutraceuticals 

and functional foods leads to additional 

challenges for metal detection which 

can be solved through the use of multispectrum 

technology. Nutraceuticals are 

increasingly becoming a part of the food 

industry as consumers seek products that 

offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. 

They are driving collaborations between 

the food industry and pharmaceutical 

companies which facilitate the development 

of innovative products that combine 

the expertise of both sectors. 

Metal detectors play a crucial role in 

food and nutraceutical manufacturing 

by safeguarding product integrity and 

consumer health 

The progressive integration of 

nutraceuticals into the food industry 

is observed in several ways: 

• Functional foods: Food products that 

have been fortified or enriched with 

additional bioactive compounds or 

ingredients to provide specific health 

benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, 

antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, 

omega-3 fatty acids, and plant extracts. 

Nutraceuticals also often require specific 

packaging to preserve their potency and 

stability. The food industry has responded 

by incorporating specialised packaging 

technologies, such as barrier packaging, 

airtight containers, and UV-protective 

packaging, to maintain the quality and 

efficacy of nutraceutical products. These 

packaging solutions ensure that the bioactive 

compounds in the products remain intact 

and protected from external factors that 

can degrade their effectiveness. 

METAL DETECTORS 

IN FOOD AND 

NUTRACEUTICAL 

PRODUCTION 

Overall, metal detectors 

play a crucial role in 

food and nutraceutical 

manufacturing by 

safeguarding product 

integrity and consumer 

health. They prevent 

potential hazards associated 

with metal contaminants, 

ensuring that the final products 

meet the required quality standards 

and regulatory guidelines. 

The use of metal detectors in nutraceutical 

manufacturing serves as a critical quality 

control measure to identify and remove any 

metallic contaminants that may be present 

in the products. These contaminants can 

originate from various sources, such as 

raw materials, processing equipment, or 

packaging materials. Metal contaminants 

can pose serious risks to consumer 

health if ingested, and their presence 

must be eliminated or minimised. FBA 



Not just heat exchangers: 

Complete lines drive HRS 

business growth 

Turnkey systems with complete capabilities have become increasingly 

popular since the pandemic. Matt Hale, international sales and 

marketing director of HRS Heat Exchangers, shares more on how the 

company has helped manufacturers with these specialised solutions. 

HRS is a supplier of heat exchangers for a 

wide range of applications, including food, 

pharmaceutical, environmental, energy and 

wastewater. In particular, we specialise in 

the efficient heat transfer of challenging 

materials – such as those with high 

viscosity or high fouling potential – using 

our range of corrugated tube and scraped 

surface heat exchangers. However, our 

clients are increasingly looking for turnkey 

solutions for their thermal processing 

challenges. In response to this, HRS has 

a team dedicated to the development 

of complete systems, which account for 

more than half our total sales by value. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen 

significant sales growth around the world, 

with turnover increasing more than 60% 

in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 

terms of volume, component orders remain 

our core business; however, the number 

of full systems we are commissioned to 

produce is increasing every year and now 

accounts for the majority of turnover. 

Most of the demand for complete systems 

comes from the food and drink industry, 

but we are also 

seeing a strong 

interest in systems 

for wastewater 

treatment, as 

well as specialist 

applications such as anaerobic 

digestion and zero liquid discharge. 

TYPES OF SYSTEMS 

With more than 40 years’ experience in 

the food sector, HRS can offer clients 

a range of modular or turnkey system 

solutions, such as our Asepticblock 

pasteurisers and sterilisers which combine 

heat treatment, aseptic filling and cleanin-place 

capabilities in a single system, 

and which can be skid-mounted for easy 

installation. Other systems for the food and 

drink sector include deaeration systems, 

our I Series of ice crushers and melters, 

direct steam injection sterilisers (DSI Series) 

and dedicated CIP and SIP systems. We 

also provide trial systems for conducting 

HRS has seen 

increased 

demand for 

complete line 

solutions, 

particularly in 

the food sector 



product and processing trials before 

committing to a final production solution. 

For the energy and environmental sectors, 

we produce a number of concentration 

and evaporation systems (as well as 

solutions for zero liquid discharge), and 

specific systems for anaerobic digestion 

and wastewater treatment including 

digestate concentration systems (DCS), 

digestate pasteurisation systems (DPS) and 

biogas dehumidification systems (BDS). 

HRS Asepticblock pasteurisers and sterilisers 

combine heat treatment, aseptic filling and 

clean-in-place capabilities in a single system 

Many systems can be skid-mounted for 

easy installation 

Although systems represent an increasing 

share of our business, component heat 

exchangers and other products (such as 

our BP Series of hydraulic piston pumps) 

underpin our whole business, as well 

as providing the foundation for many of 

our solutions. We continue to invest in 

product development and innovation. 

SPECIALISED SYSTEM DESIGN 

While other heat exchanger manufacturers 

provide only standard heat exchanger 

designs, HRS assess each client’s needs and 

develops their designs accordingly. While this 

can increase the development and production 

period, it also means that our customers 

get the right system first time around. 

HRS engineering manager, Alejandro 

Lopez, explained: “The average length 

of a typical system project from order to 

commissioning is between 20 and 26 weeks. 

We design and build each system to the 

client’s exact specification and we also see 

each system through the commissioning 

phase. This can mean travelling anywhere 

in the world from our manufacturing base 

in Spain, although we are increasingly 

seeing clients opt for remote commissioning, 

which we are happy to facilitate. 

“Our most popular systems are for 

pasteurising juices, similar to those in the 

HRS produces a number of systems for 

environmental and waste treatment 

industries, including its digestate 

pasteurisation system 

fruit growing area near our manufacturing 

base in Murcia, Spain. Energy recovery, 

which can reduce energy consumption 

by 70-80% in juice processing, is 

increasingly popular and we are designing 

more systems which incorporate this. 

“In the last few years, we’ve completed 

a number of other systems. For example, 

those which contain tanks, aseptic 

filling stations, clean-in-place systems, 

preparation areas and more. We are 

actively looking to grow our systems 

department and have recruited additional 

engineering staff to accommodate this.” 

A FOOD SYSTEM CASE STUDY 

HRS supplied a complete sterilisation and 

aseptic filling solution for a leading specialist 

in fruit product processing and logistics 

located in Murcia, Spain. With the capacity to 

process up to 300,000 litres of fruit juice per 

day, the main products include concentrated 

juices such as lemon, orange and mandarin, 

grape and peach, and some mixed fruit juices. 

The first part of the system sterilises the 

product in an HRS Thermblock steriliser 

The HRS BDS is designed to improve the 

performance of gas engines 

featuring a multi-tube heat exchanger. 

The product is pre-heated in a buffer tank 

to 48°C, then passes through a deaerator 

to mitigate oxidisation which would 

spoil the product. It is then heated to 

pasteurisation temperature (around 92°C) 

for one minute to kill any bacteria, before 

being cooled to 31°C to preserve quality. 

The sterilised product is then placed into 

sterilised bags within drums using an HRS 

aseptic filler. The two-headed design ensures 

continuous operation, with the product placed 

into 200-litre bags inside a drum at a rate of 

12,000 litres per hour (60 drums per hour). 

Once full, the drums are then then transported 

to final customers across Europe and the US. 

The client’s plant manager commented: 

“The HRS aseptic plant was designed and 

optimised to exactly meet our needs and 

we are very satisfied with it. It’s simple to 

use and manage, does exactly what it was 

designed to do and is extremely reliable. We 

have had no problems with it since it was 

installed. The engineering involved is excellent 

and I would definitely recommend both the 

system and HRS as a company.” FBA 



A modern approach to data 

management for combating costs 

At the heart of every 

efficient production line 

is a data management 

system that drives 

optimal performance. 

Katie Hope, global 

account manager of 

Mettler-Toledo Product 

Inspection, shares more. 

Data plays a crucial role in shaping the world, 

fostering societal growth, learning and 

development. In food manufacturing, data is 

the driving force behind optimal processes 

and results. This holds particularly true for 

product inspection, where the impact of 

data ripples through various operational 

and commercial facets. One company 

that exemplifies this connection between 

data and efficiency is Heinrichsthaler, 

a German cheese manufacturer. 

Picture this: Heinrichsthaler churns out 

a staggering 200 tons of dairy products 

daily across 12 production lines. At critical 

checkpoints, five combination checkweigher/ 

metal detection systems diligently inspect 

the output, scrutinising a whopping 7,000 

products per hour. The real magic, however, 

happens in the meticulous optimisation of 

these product inspection facilities, leading 

to a remarkable reduction in product 

giveaway from 3% to an impressive 0.9%. 

What lies at the core of this success? The 

answer lies in the goldmine of production line 

data collected by the combination product 

inspection system's data management 

software. This real-time treasure trove not 

only identifies errors and inefficiencies but 

also corrects them on the fly. According to 

Mr Gründinger, the production director at 



Heinrichsthaler, "Real-time 

proactive data preparation 

helps us to avoid costly 

overfilling. Our investment in 

the inspection management 

equipment has already paid for 

itself within three months." 

The data management 

software does not just stop 

at real-time corrections; it 

provides a holistic view of 

the inspection equipment's 

status, adding a layer of 

transparency to the production 

process. This transparency 

enables timely implementation 

of production flow control 

measures, enhancing the 

production line's overall availability. Trend 

analysis becomes a valuable tool in detecting 

anomalies, such as weight discrepancies, 

while metal detection systems undergoing 

rigorous testing every 90 minutes, supporting 

compliance with defined specifications. 

Test results are continuously documented 

in the data management software, allowing 

Heinrichsthaler to check that inspection 

systems are working according to defined 

specifications. The data management software 

also enables the company to quickly and 

easily prepare reports for submission to 

auditors, such as the weights and measures 

authorities and the IFS certification office. 

PUTTING DATA FIRST 

With a data management system in place, food 

manufacturers can take major steps towards 

combating operational costs and becoming 

more efficient by making the management of 

product inspection data central to the way 

they organise manufacturing. Essentially, 

this means putting data first. 

Indeed, data management really is the 

gateway to the digitalised future of food 

manufacturing, leading to true supply 

chain transparency. There are stages that 

manufacturers can work through to reach 

this aspirational level, however, and this 

often begins with the realisation that the 

business needs to move from labour-intensive 

manual record-keeping, to automated 

collection and storage of records. 

While this is a big culture change for some 

manufacturing plants, it is a key part of 

the process. Real-time data, automatically 

collected, gives manufacturers true, actionable 

information, providing insights on which 

to base manufacturing decisions that 

improve efficiency and boost productivity. 

A critical component of data management 

is the ability to share collected data easily, 

and this is where connectivity comes in. 

Today, food manufacturers can invest in 

product inspection devices that have builtin 

machine-to-machine communication 

protocols, enabling secure transmission of 

data on an individual machine or device 

level, up through production line and site 

systems to enterprise and cloud-based 

systems. Such connectivity unlocks a wealth 

of benefits and further possibilities, both 

within the manufacturing environment, 

where potential production issues can be 

averted through preventive action, and within 

a manufacturer’s supply chain network. 

MOVING TOWARDS DIGITALISATION 

Modernisation is also happening along the 

food supply chain, and the increasing drive 

towards digitalisation by food manufacturers 

is founded in sophisticated data management. 

In the not-too-distant future, the entire food 

supply chain will need to embrace digitalised 

food safety processes to comply with evolving 

regulatory requirements. The industry is 

heading towards food safety digital maturity 

– a point at which systems and processes 

can capture and record 

performance and production 

line data automatically, both 

for real-time production line 

improvements, and to make 

this information seamlessly 

available to necessary 

supply chain partners. 

As technology becomes more 

sophisticated, companies 

will need to think beyond 

data management software 

to also factor in essential 

building blocks for the 

digitalised supply chain, such 

as cloud storage, Blockchain 

and systems integration. 

The relationship between investing in 

such digital infrastructure and the drive 

towards combating costs might seem 

slightly more distant than some of the 

other aspects of data management that we 

have already discussed. However, the real 

impact lies in the fundamental operational 

efficiency, productivity, and reputational 

integrity of the entire food manufacturing 

business, which clearly makes it both 

a cost saver and a revenue driver. 

The benefits to digital maturity can be 

profound, for example if a product recall 

needs to be actioned, it can be targeted to 

the exact products affected, instead of larger 

batches that might include perfectly good 

products. Food manufacturers will enjoy 

closer and far more positive relationships 

with their supply chain partners too, which 

could be a huge cost saving compared to 

taking no steps at all towards digitalisation 

and supply chain transparency. 

In essence, just as information and data 

propel society forward, data management 

has the potential to revolutionise the 

efficiency of day-to-day operations 

for food manufacturers. It extends its 

influence to the highest levels of company 

and brand strategy, making a significant 

impact on business performance. The 

result is a reduction in costs, a drive for 

growth and the ultimate future-proofing 

of production lines in the most modern 

and effective way possible. FBA 



A rupture disk that “breathes” 

To increase equipment safety and reliability, a new rupture disk 

technology activates at a set burst pressure, but can “breathe” to relieve 

minor pressure fluctuations. 

By Del Williams, technical writer 

In industry settings, one-time-use rupture 

disks have long provided pressure relief 

on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, 

serving as an effective passive safety 

mechanism to protect against potentially 

damaging overpressure or vacuum 

conditions. Each disk is typically designed 

to burst, rapidly changing from a leaktight 

seal to a full diameter flow opening 

when a predetermined over or under 

pressure event occurs. At that point, the 

rupture disk needs to be replaced. 

Rupture disks are a proven solution, 

particularly for the protection of certified 

pressure vessels whose protection 

is driven by the European Pressure 

Equipment Directive (PED) threshold 

of 0.5 bar and above and American 

Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 

threshold of 15 psi and above. 

Demand for this type of sealed, fluidcontaining 

safety equipment is increasing 

for aseptic products in the health care, liquid 

food, and cosmetics industries and other 

applications where service pressures and 

even atmospheric pressure are much lower. 

Rupture disks are a critical component to 

seal fluid within the container under normal 

operating conditions, and they protect 

against overpressure caused by such events 

as external fire or an unexpected chemical 

reaction. Even noncombustible fluids can 

lead to overpressure conditions as they 

reach and exceed their boiling point. 

With atmospheric storage equipment that 

is sealed, a particular challenge is that 

significant internal pressure fluctuations can 

also occur because of ambient temperature 

swings, particularly for vessels located 

outdoors or otherwise exposed to daily 

temperature excursions. Consider that at 

common equipment application temperatures 

(–40°F to +175°F/–40°C to +80°C), the shift 

in pressure in a sealed container can range 

from -3 to +3 psi, or -200 to +200 millibar. 

“Although many fluids are stable under 

atmospheric pressure, when placed in a 

closed container even normal fluctuations in 

ambient temperature or equipment operation 

can generate overpressure (as temperature 

rises) or vacuum (as temperature falls),” 

said Geof Brazier, managing director of 

BS&B Safety Systems' custom engineered 

products division. “Over time, this can 

compromise simple metallic and nonmetallic 

container integrity due to flex 

and fatigue, leading to potential quality 

and maintenance issues and ultimately 

uncontrolled rupture of the container.” 

In response, a new “breathable” rupture 

disk technology has been developed that 

provides overpressure and vacuum relief by 

allowing air to pass through a membrane 

that relieves minor variations in pressure. 

“Rupture disks are traditionally installed 

for their excellent leak-tight performance 

under normal plant operating conditions. 



However, to improve reliability and longevity, 

the new requirement is for a rupture disk 

that will allow air flow in and out of a sealed 

container when a small pressure differential 

arises due to temperature change without 

the disk bursting,” explained Brazier. 

ENGINEERING A NOVEL SOLUTION 

To meet the development challenge, BS&B’s 

engineering team focused on the properties 

of sintered PTFE film, which is produced in 

sizes, quantities and thicknesses suited to the 

construction of low-pressure rupture disks. 

The PTFE film can produce rupture disks in 

sizes from under 1” burst diameter to over 

6” burst diameter (DN25 to DN150) using 

plastic film down to 0.1mm in thickness. The 

film is processed to achieve a specific level of 

porosity that allows air to pass through at a 

pressure differential of a few inches of water 

column/millibar but prevents passage for 

fluids like water until much higher differential 

pressures of around 0.5 bar are reached. 

Constructing a rupture disk from only 

breathable PTFE film solves the low-pressure 

fluctuation challenge due to temperature. 

However, adding a second level of safety 

by having such a rupture disk burst due to 

a greater over or under pressure condition 

is a further challenge since the mechanical 

properties of the film are too strong to 

meet the low burst pressure requirements 

of atmospherically stored equipment, 

typically below 7.5 psi, or 0.5 bar. 

According to Brazier, variations in ambient 

temperature can also lead to unacceptably 

large tolerances in burst pressure from a 

plastic film acting alone as the pressure 

relief member. A simple, flat PTFE 

membrane does not make a good rupture 

disk due to wide burst pressure spread, 

sensitivity to temperature, and potential 

fatigue. However, the fact that the porous 

material could allow air flow in either 

direction – without allowing liquid through 

– remained a desirable characteristic. 

The BS&B engineering team resolved the 

second level of safety issue by combining the 

structural and thermal stability of a traditional 

metal domed rupture disk with the PTFE 

film. Under normal operating conditions, the 

metal support arch holds the PTFE dome, 

and air is free to pass in either direction. 

In the event of an overpressure event, the 

metal support arch collapses and the dome 

is cut by a blade on the downstream side to 

relieve the pressure. Brazier noted that this 

is possible with burst pressure capability as 

low as 2” water column, or five millibar. 

“By combining the proven reliability 

and accuracy of metallic rupture disk 

components with the calibrated air/gas 

transmission performance of the PTFE film, 

a dual function rupture disk device can 

be constructed. Normally, this permits air 

flow to maintain atmospheric pressure due 

to daily temperature changes. For safety, 

the disk activates at a predetermined set 

pressure in one or two directions [positive 

pressure or vacuum relief],” said Brazier. 

The dual function, pressure equalisation and 

relief device can be used on low-pressure 

vessels that are often below the design 

limits of PED and ASME Standards. 

To accommodate the size and weight 

limitations of many light duty atmospheric 

storage containers, the rupture disk is 

designed in an integral assembly that 

includes the rupture disk as well as housing. 

The integrated assembly is certified to 

perform at the desired set pressure and 

allows for easier installation and quick 

removal if the rupture disk is activated. The 

device is designed for installation between 

sanitary/aseptic fittings or traditional 

pipe flanges, or a custom installation 

configuration can be accommodated. 

While process industry operators and 

OEMs have long relied on rupture disks in 

their hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, 

low-pressure environments susceptible to 

ambient temperature changes have been a 

challenge. Fortunately, with the availability 

of rupture disks that can “breathe” to provide 

pressure relief while still bursting open 

when a true overpressure condition arises, 

users can significantly enhance equipment 

safety, reliability, and product quality, while 

reducing maintenance expense. FBA 



FAMIX relies on MasoSine 

Certa pumps for blending 

various viscosities of syrup 

in its beverage systems 

MasoSine Certa process pumps, from Watson-Marlow Fluid 

Technology Solutions (WMFTS), have been integrated into 

FAMIX’s TurboDigi Mixer and TurboDigi S Mixer beverage 

systems for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. 

Since 2000, FAMIX has integrated 

MasoSine pumps from Watson- 

Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions 

into its TurboDigi Mixer and TurboDigi 

S Mixer beverage systems, which 

are used for carbonated and noncarbonated 

drinks. Metering, mixing 

and carbonation are carried out 

in one operation by TurboDigi 

Mixer and TurboDigi S Mixer. 

Product changes, cleaning, and 

sterilisation can be carried out 

quickly with minimum waste. 

FAMIX is a German-based 

manufacturer of beverage machines 

and its customers include globally 

recognised soft drinks manufacturers. 

Small and medium-sized beverage 

production companies and beverage 

machine manufacturers are also 

users of FAMIX machines. 

Now, FAMIX-Maschinenbau has 

opted for MasoSine Certa 100, 

200, 250, 300 process pumps in 

its beverage systems around the 

world for the sinusoidal pump’s 

ability to handle different viscosities 

of syrup and drinks ingredients. 

Various models of MasoSine 

Certa pumps are used for the 

Close up of the 

FAMIX TurboDigi S 

Mixer, where the 

MasoSine Certa 

pumps are located 

blending of syrup or other beverage 

ingredients with various viscosities. 

One MasoSine pump is used in 

the TurboDigi Mixer and three or 

four MasoSine Certa pumps are 

used in the TurboDigi S Mixer. 

FAMIX uses Certa pumps for its 

ability to handle viscous fruit juice, for 

example, without any impact on pump 

speed. The gentle handling with littleto-no 

pulsation of the Sine pumps is 

a suitable choice for the metering of 

syrup with excellent CIP-capabilities. 

FAMIX relies on MasoSine Certa 

process pumps in its beverage 

systems for these capabilities: 

• Simple design with only one rotor 

• Nearly no pulsation 

• Low influence of viscosity 

in pump speed 

• Gentle product handling 

• Good cleaning facilities for 

hot and Clean-in-Place (CIP) 

processes, minimising downtime 

• Low cost of ownership for customers 

because of longer lifetime and less 

spare part and maintenance cost 



Three MasoSine Certa pumps are located at the bottom of this FAMIX TurboDigi S Mixer 

Herbert Falterbaum, managing 

director of FAMIX, said: “The low 

influence of viscosity in pump speed 

is one of the reasons we use the 

Certa pump. Metering the syrup is a 

crucial step in the process as syrup 

is not only the most expensive raw 

material in producing mixed drinks, 

it is also crucial to maintain endproduct 

quality and consistency. 

“We chose MasoSine over the 

competition mainly because of the 

use of one impeller only. We also 

chose this pump because soft drink 

manufacturers want systems that 

can be adapted to mix formulas of 

different viscosities and systems that 

can quickly and efficiently switch 

between formulas. Especially the 

high demand for low and sugar free 

products makes it necessary to pump 

syrups with viscosity like water as 

well as high sugar syrups with 100 

- 200 cP. Various viscosities can 

be handled with the one pump.” 

As customer demands change, 

Certa’s versatility helps to ensure 

FAMIX meets challenges created 

by new trends in the market. 

Herbert Falterbaum, Managing 

Director of FAMIX, added: “The 

number of ingredients is increasing 

and the dosing ranges for the 

pumps must be wider than ever.” 

The small footprint of MasoSine 

pumps is also important for the 

space-saving construction of 

FAMIX’s systems, as is hygiene. 

Certa offers maximum hygiene 

for applications like this in the 

food and beverage sector. All 

contact parts on the pump are 

FDA and EC1935/2004 compliant. 

Providing EHEDG Type EL Class 

1 Aseptic certification, Certa can 

be used in aseptic processes 

and is bacteria tight without 

requiring additional steam ports. 

Certa also offers significant energy 

consumption savings compared to 

other less-efficient pump types. 

Florian Walter, product manager 

at MasoSine Certa, said: “In the 

drinks industry, Sine pumps are 

used when viscous media needs 

to be transferred gently, with 

low pulsation and low shear. 

Whether it is transferring yeast 

in breweries, handling frozen fruit 

juice concentrate or metering 

syrups, MasoSine Certa pumps 

have many benefits for the food 

and beverage sector.” FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

The new Formax Free Movement System 

(FMS) utilises free-floating movers that ride 

along an electromagnetic surface to enable 

smooth and seamless product handling 

The Formax Free 

Movement System 

from Provisur 

Technologies: 

Future-proof 

innovation for food 

product handling 

Provisur Technologies’ new Formax 

Free Movement System (FMS) is a 

flexible, compact, and hygienic handling 

system for sliced products. 

The FMS utilises free-floating movers that ride 

along an electromagnetic surface to enable 

smooth and seamless product handling. 

The movers on the FMS tabletop can be 

programmed with any type of motion profile, 

including rotation and synchronised travel 

in any direction. It enables excellent portion 

handling control and is ideal for complex 

product applications that require a 

high level of flexibility. It handles 

high-volume slicing lines, adult 

snack pack lines, sandwich 

lines, twin stacks, multiple 

packs, and more. 

Electromagnetic tiles 

are at the core of the 

machine’s technology, 

along with the transport 

units known as “movers”. 

The movers hover over 

flat surfaces without 

any physical contact and 

require no guiding elements 

such as rails or conveyor belts. 

They glide the portions smoothly 

from slicer to packager. Patented loading 

and offloading technology transfer portions 

from mover to downstream equipment and 

are designed for high-speed operation. 

The electromagnetic technology of the FMS 

eliminates the need for extra components 

such turning stations, buffers, inliners, 

or overlappers. As the movers can move 

anywhere on the work surface, the pickup 

of sliced products for transportation is 

simplified. Once the product moves from the 

slicer to the mover, the system establishes a 

buffer to accommodate the loading pauses 

necessary for reloading new products 

into the slicer. During these pauses, the 

buffer unloads to maintain a continuous 

product flow to the packaging machine. 

The system can easily be adapted to process 

new applications: the ability to enter new 

software programs to accommodate new 

applications delivers future-proof operations 

that allow food producers to react swiftly to 

market changes. Existing machines already 

in use can also be retrofitted with the FMS. 

The FMS is a sustainable solution 

that reduces footprint, with space 

savings of up to 50% compared to 

traditional product handling systems. 

The FMS’ simple design contains fewer 

moving parts to clean and maintain, 

thereby increasing system availability by 

minimising downtime. For producers facing 

growing staff shortages, the streamlined 

processes of the FMS also reduce the need 

for production and maintenance staff. 

The hygienic overall design further eliminates 

the possibility of contamination as there 

is no human contact with the product; the 

sliced product is automatically transferred 

directly to the movers. Furthermore, while 

multiple transfers in other systems can 

disrupt sliced portions and hurt product 

presentation, the smooth mover motion and 

gentle product transfer of the FMS protect 

the quality of the final product. FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

L-com launches new Arduinobased 

PLCs and power supplies 

L-com has introduced a new line of opensource 

Arduino PLCs and power supplies. 

The Arduino programmable logic 

controllers (PLCs) can be programmed 

using free open-source Arduino software. 

Most PLCs from traditional automation 

companies require proprietary software 

licensing for programming. However, 

open-source programming is disrupting 

the industry by bringing low-cost 

solutions to automation controls. 

The Arduino PLCs feature options of 19, 

21, 38, 42 or 58 analogue and digital 

inputs and outputs (I/O). They accept I/O or 

sensors and power as inputs and deliver 

outputs to actuators and human machine 

interfaces (HMIs) based on computer 

programs (modified C++ language). 

The Arduino PLCs feature easy network 

connection via three communication 

protocols: Ethernet, the standard 

protocol for LANs; multi-point RS-485, 

which excels at communication over 

long distances and in electrically noisy 

environments; and point-to-point RS-232, 

a standard for use over shorter distances. 

In addition, L-com offers three new 

power supplies that convert power 

from AC to DC to run PLCs and other 

devices for use in industrial automation. 

The three options consist of a 30-watt 

power supply with a 12 VDC output, 

120 watts with 24 VDC, or 220 watts 

with 24 VDC. They have universal 

power inputs of 100 to 240 VAC for the 

30-watt and 120-watt models, and 200 

to 240 VAC for the 240-watt model. 

The power supplies have overvoltage and 

overcurrent protection and an LED indicator. 

For ease of installation, each model can 

be mounted on a standard DIN rail. 

"L-com's new Arduino PLCs and power 

supplies are cost-effective, as you can 

program them with open-source software," 

said product line manager Tim Houghton. 

"They're also user-friendly, can accommodate 

future expansion with up to 58 ins and outs, 

and are versatile enough for many uses, from 

plant automation to traffic systems."FBA 

TOMRA Food designs and manufactures sensorbased 

sorting machines and integrated post-harvest 

solutions transforming global food production to 

maximize food safety and minimize food loss, by 

making sure Every Resource Counts. 

TOMRA 5B 

For more information visit 

www.tomra.com/food 


FIRST LOOKS 

XSYS unveils Catena ProServX 

for real-time equipment monitoring, 

alerting and reporting 

XSYS has introduced the Catena 

ProServX, a cloud-based, real-time 

equipment monitoring tool for proactive 

maintenance and superior quality control. 

By measuring equipment performance, 

energy consumption, and consumable 

usage, ProServX empowers customers with 

insights into their operations. With this data, 

decision-makers can make informed, datadriven 

choices to optimise OEE and ensure 

the high-quality standards, while minimising 

waste for sustainable plate making. 

“Catena ProServX, the latest innovation 

from XSYS, represents a significant 

leap forward in digitalising equipment 

management and KPI reporting. It is a 

connected, cloud-based solution that 

delivers immediate data about asset 

performance and consumable usage 

according to industry 4.0 principles,” 

said Bert Eeckhout, product manager 

of XSYS Global. “This new software 

development, provides a unique access to 

plate processing data which until today 

was not available. Now, with the launch 

of ProServX customers can access and 

use this data to optimise their operations, 

and make fact-based decisions.” 

ProServX provides in-depth production 

reports at regular intervals detailing 

the number of plates produced during 

the specified period, along with the 

materials consumed. Alerts are sent out 

if any abnormal activity is registered, 

such as excessive solvent usage or a 

malfunctioning lamp, enabling customers 

to engage in proactive error management 

and predictive maintenance actions. 

Another prominent feature of ProServX 

is its ability to generate individual reports 

for each job with detailed insights into 

every aspect, from laser exposure to plate 

finishing. With this level of traceability, 

platemakers can ensure 100% quality 

control, promptly identify and resolve 

issues, and optimise resource allocation 

for enhanced efficiency and productivity. 

The data provided by ProServX 

accelerates remote service capabilities 

to new heights and reduces 

unnecessary travel for technicians. 

“Catena ProServX represents a 

holistic approach to remote equipment 

management by offering advanced 

statistics, comprehensive reporting, 

and unparalleled support. It is not just 

a software solution but a real catalyst 

for improving production performance, 

and achieving sustainable business 

success in today’s dynamic landscape,” 

concluded Bert Eeckhout. FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

Wedholms introduces first CO2 

refrigerant milk cooling tank 

“At Wedholms, we have 

chosen to work with CO2 

as refrigerant. Ammonia is 

toxic as well as corrosive; 

hydrocarbons, such as 

propane, are flammable. 

CO2 have none of 

these disadvantages. 

In addition, it is readily 

available in large 

quantities and at low 

cost,” said Gavelin. 

CO2 is a highly effective 

refrigerant. Its properties 

as a both vapour and a 

fluid ensure high energy 

efficiency, reducing operating 

costs. This also enables the 

use of small components and 

small diameter lines, minimising 

the footprint of components and 

reducing the cost of parts and repairs. 

The DFC 953 range of milk cooling tanks 

from Wedholms is compatible with the 

revised F-gas Regulation that will become 

EU law in January next year 

Wedholms has introduced the first milk 

cooling tank in the European market to 

use CO2 as a refrigerant in standard 

cooling systems of the direct expansion 

cooling type. The tank is compatible with 

the revised F-gas Regulation that will be 

mandatory in the EU from Jan 2025. 

With a capacity ranging from 3,200 

to 30,000 litres, the DFC 953 range of 

milk cooling tanks is available for robotic 

milking with one to eight robots. 

“Refrigerants that are environmentally 

friendly are being introduced across 

the board and milk cooling tanks is no 

exception. Refrigeration is an essential 

process in the farming and dairy industries 

and we need to use processes that work 

in harmony with the natural environment 

that we depend on,” said Stefan Gavelin, 

managing director of Wedholms. 

Early refrigeration systems in the 1800s used 

natural refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia or 

hydrocarbons. However, freon was introduced 

in the 1930s, providing effective refrigeration 

at low pressure while also improving safety. 

Freon was phased out by the ratification of 

the Montreal protocol in the 1980s, due to its 

high ozone depletion potential. Since then, 

there has been a shift of focus back towards 

natural refrigerants again. CO2 has a GWP 

of 1 and an ozone depletion potential of 0, 

making its environmental impact neutral. 

The high energy content of compressed 

CO2 produces heat as a by-product 

of the process. This is recovered by the 

DFC 953 system and used to provide 

hot water for auxiliary systems. 

The compressor of the DFC 953 range 

of milk cooling tanks operates with 

frequency control, running exactly at 

the speed required by the process. A 

small batch with 20 litres of milk is 

refrigerated to the right temperature as 

effectively as larger ones of 200 litres, 

avoiding formation of ice in the tank. 

The DFC 953 range of milk cooling tanks is 

compatible with all robot milking machines. 

A variety of adapter kits is available. 

The control system provides a wide range 

of options for efficient agitation and 

temperature control as well as advanced 

alarm functions. A home consumption 

button also allows users to obtain 

milk for their own needs. 

Thorough cleaning is further by a 

spray head, designed to eliminate 

calcium deposits and bacteria growth 

across the entire inside of the tank 

with a powerful water jet. FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

Robotics for sustainable and 

future-proof factory planning 

Glatt Ingenieurtechnik has 

presented the GFC 16 (Glatt Fluid 

Bed Coater) process module and 

the Pharma OSD Future Factory, 

a digitally integrated containment 

pharmaceutical process plant. 

The solutions were first showcased 

at ACHEMA from 10-14 Jun 2024. 

The GFC 16 process module expands 

the performance spectrum of pilot 

systems at the Glatt Technology 

Centre in Weimar. It has been designed 

for demanding continuous coating 

applications in the non-pharmaceutical 

sector. The developers paid particular 

attention to the fluid mechanical 

behaviour of the system along with 

the gentle infeed and discharge of raw 

materials, and coated products. The 

module offers all the usual injection 

options and is suitable for use across 

a wide range of particle sizes. 

The new fluidised bed coater module 

carries out continuous coating and 

layering processes in the fluidised 

bed. Its design achieves a particularly 

homogeneous distribution of 

the coating material, resulting in 

denser, more uniform coatings 

than with comparable systems. 

Furthermore, sensory properties 

can be positively influenced, and 

higher-quality particles produced, 

all of which are better protected 

against environmental factors. 

One application example is 

the coating of fertilisers with 

biopolymers to specifically control 

the release of ingredients. The 

new, continuously operating 

fluidised bed apparatus is therefore 

a possible process variant for 

specific customer projects. 

Glatt addresses the topic of 

robotics in pharmaceutical 

production with the Pharma 

OSD Future Factory. In the fastmoving 

world of pharmaceutical 

and biotechnological production, 

automation and robotics are essential. 

Using the example of a digitally 

integrated containment 

pharmaceutical process plant, Glatt 

integrates hardware and software 

functions into advanced automation 

systems, ranging from MES and DCS/ 

SCADA to robot and AGV systems. 

The use of robots in pharmaceutical 

production has been enhanced, 

especially for solid moulds, by the 

process stations being arranged in 

such a way that the robot system can 

serve various stations and eliminate 

the need for complex vertical and 

horizontal handling techniques. 

In addition to automation, the focus is 

on the digitalisation and networking 

of processes and systems. Glatt offers 

system integration through to the 

fully installed and functional process 

plant at the customer's premises, 

and all from a single source. FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

Xeikon 

and Sappi 

in sweet 

collaboration 

Building on its long-term partnership 

with Sappi, Xeikon has developed 

food-safe, paper-based candy 

packs which are fully recyclable 

in the paper waste stream. 

With high image quality, bright 

colours and silky surface, packets of 

Maoam Chew Fruit Mix showcase 

Xeikon’s TITON dry toner technology 

printed on heat-sealable Sappi 

Seal Silk 67g/m² functional paper. 

Notably, this flexible packaging 

solution is food-safe without 

the need for any additional 

barriers in the structure, such 

as a varnish or other layers. 

“Xeikon continues to meet 

brand owners’ demands for 

environmentally friendly and foodsafe 

packaging with value-adding 

solutions created through close 

collaborations with other industry 

leaders,” said Frank Jacobs, Xeikon’s 

market intel and senior product 

manager. “Our latest sustainable 

flexible packaging solution is 

enabled by Sappi’s long-standing 

expertise in recyclable paper 

materials and the unique capabilities 

of Xeikon TITON dry toner.” 

Sappi Seal Silk is a functional 

single-coated paper with superior 

heat sealability and moisture 

barrier. Fully recyclable, it has 

been designed for both primary 

and secondary flexible packaging 

applications in the food and 

non-food sectors. Offering clear 

printing results and openability, 

the paper is suitable for direct food 

contact, which complements the 

properties of Xeikon’s food-safe, 

odourless and migration-proof 

TITON toners. The new candy packs 

leverage the capabilities of these 

two technologies, presenting a 

package with great shelf appeal 

that is also highly resistant to the 

strains of the packaging journey. 

Sibylle Hajostek, market manager 

packaging solutions at Sappi, 

commented: “The ongoing 

collaboration with Xeikon offers 

clear benefits for printers, as we 

can provide them with a welltested 

route to producing recyclable 

flexible packaging with Sappi 

Seal Silk as the basis. Together 

we’re delivering sustainable 

innovation that the market needs 

in order to respond to end users’ 

demands for more eco-conscious 

packaging and to comply with new 

legislation for a circular economy.” 

Xeikon’s TX500 digital press will 

be running live during drupa 2024 

from 28 May to 7 Jun in Düsseldorf, 

to demonstrate how these candy 

packs are printed in four colours, 

at a resolution of 1200 dpi and 

speed of 30m/min (98ft/min). 

This 508mm (20 inches) wide 

printing machine is the first to 

use TITON dry toner technology. 

Resistant to heat, chemicals 

and mechanical abrasions, the 

toners enable printers to produce 

sustainable, paper-based food 

packaging without the need for a 

varnish or other protective layers. 

Jacobs concluded: “Sustainability 

is the biggest driver in packaging 

production today, but that doesn’t 

mean that we should compromise 

on quality. Visitors to drupa should 

head to the Xeikon booth (Hall 11/ 

A01) to investigate our highquality, 

paper-based packaging 

for themselves and discuss new 

market opportunities for their 

business with our experts.” FBA 


FIRST LOOKS 

Marmon Industrial 

Water launches Ecodyne 

modular cooling towers 

Marmon Industrial Water has 

unveiled Ecodyne Modular 

Cooling Towers, a solution for new 

and retrofit builds. The factory 

assembled modules allow plants 

to seamlessly replace one cell 

at a time while those adjacent 

remain fully operational, reducing 

downtime and shortening field 

installation time by up to 75%. 

“Historically, cooling tower 

replacement has required stickby-stick 

construction on site.” said 

John Jakic, director of aftermarket 

sales at Marmon Industrial Water. 

“This method is costly, not only in 

materials and labour, but also due 

to the amount of downtime required 

to complete the upgrades. Our 

modular towers condense months 

of work into days, saving customers 

significant time in lost production. 

These cost savings can be crucial 

for plants seeking modernisation or 

repair while maintaining operation.” 

In contrast to existing offerings, 

Ecodyne Modular Cooling Towers 

are factory built to match the 

profile of original cells, which 

may enable customers to reuse 

mechanical components and 

further maximise cost savings. 

Prefabricated modules arrive fully 

assembled and can accommodate 

two installation methods: 

1. Traditional basin floor: Columns 

are anchored to the basin 

floor, beneath the waterline. 

The first set of modules 

stabilise the base. Additional 

modules are built upward. 

2. Above-waterline: Instead 

of individual columns, 

a steel truss attached 

to the curb of the basin 

is used to create a 

structural foundation 

without entering the 

water. Additional modules 

are built upward. 

Jakic added: “Our company was 

founded on the principle of 

actively listening to customers, 

learning about their challenges 

and delivering innovative, 

value-added products. We 

are committed to living up 

to this promise by providing 

a turnkey solution that 

modernises facilities without 

sacrificing our customers’ 

production capacity.” FBA 


SHOW PREVIEW 

The 26th Bakery China 

set to drive a new wave of 

innovation in Shanghai 

The 26th Bakery China, co-organised 

by the China Association of Bakery 

and Confectionery Industry (CABCI) 

and Bakery China Exhibitions, is 

set to take place from 21-24 May 

at the National Exhibition and 

Convention Centre in Shanghai. 

This year, the exhibition will utilise 

12 exhibition halls of NECC, covering 

a total area of 320,000 sq m. Over 

2,200 renowned brands from 

nearly 30 countries and regions 

will showcase their latest products, 

together with more than a hundred 

conferences, forums, thematic 

events and competitions with 

insights from hundreds of business 

leaders and bakery masters. 

It is expected that the exhibition 

will receive an estimated 400,000 

visits, representing over 130 

countries and regions. 

With international exhibitors 

consisting of over 20% of the 

total, the international exhibition 

area is set to expand by more than 

50%, including national pavilions 

from renowned countries such as 

Italy, Japan, and more, adding to 

the diverse range of offerings. 

In addition, more than 7,000 

international visitors have preregistered, 

tripling the previous 

attendance figures. International 

trade match-making will be 

available at the Int'l Hall 2.1, 

providing enhanced services for 

global industry professionals. 

With over 20 categories, the 

exhibition will showcase overall 

(Image: Bakery China) 

industry landscape and development 

opportunities based on the 

ingredients, equipment, and packaging 

solutions zones. This year, the 

exhibition will introduce new zones 

including pre-made bakery, OEM 

and private brands, dairy products, 

healthy bakery, and bakery plus. The 

dairy products zone will feature the 

participation of nearly a hundred 

leading dairy product brands such 

as Lactalis, Nestle, and Arla. 

Three new zones will be unveiled 

to support the development of new 

quality productive forces within 

the industry. These zones include 

the "Bakery China Innovation, 

Bakery China Power" for innovative 

products and technologies, the 

case demonstration for sustainable 

industrial development, and the 

industrial big data trends. 

For visitor convenience, iBakeryChina 

is an advanced digital online 

platform seamlessly integrating 

business inquiries and offers, 

industry innovation, knowledge 

exchange, trends and insights, 

and exhibition services. With 

over 4,000 registered suppliers 

and connections to more than 

500,000 buyers, iBakeryChina 

offers tens of thousands of SKUs. 

Bakery China 2024 will also 

introduce the indoor navigation 

system @iBakeryChina, 

elevating user experience. 

Additionally, the exhibition will 

host engaging events, such as the 

6th Pre-Made Bakery Festival, 

uniting over 300 supply chain 

brands and showcasing more 

than 1000 new products and 

technologies, to highlight the 

latest market trends and insights. 

Bakery China will keep evolving 

as an ecosystem, enabling the 

global baking community to share 

innovative ideas and forge valuable 

commercial connections. FBA 


CeMAT Southeast Asia 

concludes with 

industry-leading insights 

CeMAT play a crucial role in driving industry 

growth and fostering collaborations,” 

said Tim Bostridge of Hannover Fairs. 

Key exhibitors, including Dematic, a global 

supplier of integrated supply chain and 

warehouse automation technologies, 

software, and services, showcased their most 

recent technologies. Dematic's participation 

further emphasised CeMAT South East 

Asia's position as one of the leading 

material handling events in the region. 

CeMAT South East Asia, a global trade event 

for intralogistics, robotics, warehousing, 

supply chain management, and materials 

handling, has wrapped. The event served 

as the epicentre for the latest industry 

innovations and as an exchange of ideas 

and insights on shaping the warehouse of 

the future, and drew over 6,500 attendees. 

CeMAT is a comprehensive hub of leading 

technology and service providers in the 

intralogistics industry, with events in China, 

Indonesia, Italy, Australia, and now, for 

the first time, in Singapore. CeMAT is the 

premier trade fair for intralogistics, materials 

handling, and supply chain management, 

providing unmatched opportunities 

for industry players worldwide. 

Singapore’s focus on innovation and 

technology adoption was a major driving 

factor of the intralogistics market. 

According to new research by Next 

Move Strategy Consulting, the Singapore 

Intralogistics market was expected to 

reach US$115.9bn by 2030, with a 

CARG of 14.9% from 2023 to 2030. 

With the nation’s push towards becoming a 

smart nation, there has been growing demand 

for advanced intralogistics technologies such 

as automated handling systems, robotics, 

and warehouse management handling. The 

widespread application of intralogistics, 

including airport, warehousing, automotive, 

hospitality, and logistics, supports businesses 

adopting the technologies for their operations. 

The event featured 30 exhibitors and keynote 

speakers who convened to exchange insights 

and engage in discourse, addressing various 

aspects of intralogistics, materials handling, 

and supply chain management. Attendees 

seized the opportunity to network with 

industry leaders and key influencers, as well 

as renowned companies such as Cognex, 

Schaefer, Hyster/Yale, Witron, and Geek+. 

CeMAT Southeast Asia also proudly hosted 

the LogiSYM Asia Pacific conference, 

offering pragmatic, real-world insights 

that transcend logistics and supply chain 

sectors through their global events and 

the LogiSYM magazine. The partnership 

between CeMAT and LogiSYM further 

strengthened both events. Notable speakers 

included Peter Tirschwell, Stephanie 

Krishnan, Wolfgang Lehmacher, Jaya 

Moorthi Pillay, Milind, and Tom O'Donnell. 

Attendees were treated to a comprehensive 

showcase of technologies and services 

from top-tier providers in intralogistics, 

robotics and automation, warehousing, 

supply chain management, and materials 

handling. The event highlighted innovation 

and best practices across various sectors, 

including e-commerce, manufacturing, 

the food industry, and resources. 

“CeMAT South East Asia was an incredible 

showcase of the advancements and 

innovations that are reshaping the 

intralogistics and supply chain landscape. 

It was inspiring to witness industry leaders 

and exhibitors from all over the world 

coming together to exchange insights 

and ideas. As the intralogistics market in 

Singapore continue to evolve, events like 

LogiSYM Asia Pacific, coupled with 

CeMAT, was the largest gathering 

of senior supply chain and logistics 

professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Also at the show were numerous case 

studies, presentations, panels, networking 

sessions, and closed-door round table 

sessions where stakeholders could gather, 

collaborate, and exchange ideas. FBA 

60 FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • APRIL / MAY 2024

SHOW PREVIEW 

ALLPack Indonesia 2024 

to highlight industry trends 

The rapid growth of food and beverage 

industry has spurred packaging and 

printing product innovations. With that, 

ALLPack Indonesia has returned for 

a 2024 edition, which will be held in 

conjunction with AllPrint Indonesia Expo 

2024 at the Jakarta International Expo in 

Kemayoran, Jakarta, from 9-12 Oct 2024. 

The 23nd ALLPack Indonesia will showcase 

processing and packaging technology for 

food, beverages, biscuits, confectionary, 

pharmaceutical products/drugs, traditional 

herbal drinks, cosmetics, personal 

care, beauty, agriculture, electronics, 

coolers and other related industries. 

Krista Exhibitions CEO Daud D Salim 

highlighted in a press conference on 15 May 

2024 at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore that 

"[t]his year's ALLPack Indonesia and AllPrint 

Indonesia 2024 forecast a 30% increase in 

the number of participants compared to the 

previous year and over 1,000 companies 

local and international exhibitors and 

is expected to have more in 2024." 

He added that the packaging, printing 

industry plays a vital role in ensuring the 

growth of the region’s foods and beverages 

industry. With that in mind, Krista Exhibitions 

will welcome professionals in the related 

industries to meet, build discussions 

and forge partnerships in packaging. 

“We would like to see a competitive 

packaging industry via sustainable material 

development and technological innovations.” 

Hari Noegroho, promotion and partnership 

director of the Indonesian Packaging 

Federation shared: “The global packaging 

market will continue to rise particularly 

in emerging economies driven by 

increasing online purchases and evolving 

consumer preference which will drive 

more specific packaging. Packaging will 

also play a greater role in ensuring food 

ALLPack Indonesia 2024 recently held a press conference in Singapore highlighting the 

show’s aims (Image: Krista Exhibitions) 

safety, addressing health concerns and 

combating counterfeit and fraudulent 

products through new technologies. 

“Likewise, consumers also desire more 

convenience when it comes to products 

– including the packaging they come 

in. This includes single-serve options, 

resealable packs and microwavable formats. 

Through to 2024, these demands will 

continue to drive growth, with portability 

and reduced packaging to address the 

sustainability being top priorities. 

“Packaging demands are changing 

to be smarter, better, safer, faster, 

cheaper, greener to fulfil the changes 

in consumer demands. IPF is optimistic 

that the Indonesian packaging industry 

will continue to experience steady 

growth through the year by 3-4%.” 

Adhi Lukman, chairman of Indonesian 

Food and Beverages Industry Association 

(GAPMMI), said: “In line with the potential 

demand for processed food to meet the 

needs of the community, the food and 

beverage sector continues to grow positively 

and investment is also increasing. Therefore, 

support for innovation and technology is 

needed in the food sector. Hence, events like 

ALLPack are important for the food industry 

to see how technology is evolving and interact 

with experts in order to encourage its growth.” 

ALLPack Indonesia and AllPrint Indonesia 

2024 is support by Indonesian ministers, 

associations and agencies of the relevant 

industries. They include the Indonesian 

Industry Ministry, the Indonesian 

Trade Ministry, and many more. 

The upcoming exhibition also invites 

key business players engaged in the 

packaging and printing industries, as 

well as collaboration with relevant 

associations and institutes in the region. 

ALLPack Indonesia’s business matching 

programme will provide one-to-one business 

matching services to industry professionals 

who will be invited to the show. Hosted 

buyers can connect with the right people 

in the packaging and printing industries, 

fostering valuable relationships and 

meaningful business partnerships. FBA 

FOOD & BEVERAGE ASIA • APRIL / MAY 2024 61

SHOW REVIEW 

Propak Vietnam 2024 

unites over 310 exhibitors and 

8,000 trade visitors from packaging 

and processing market 

From 3-5 Apr, ProPak Vietnam 2024 gathered over 310 enterprises and 

attracting more than 8,000 visitors in a gross space of 11,000 sq m. 

The opening ceremony of ProPak Vietnam 2024 

ProPak Vietnam served as a platform for business to 

spotlight the latest machinery and technologies 

Returning for its 17th edition, ProPak 

Vietnam 2024 brought together 

over 310 suppliers of technology 

and raw materials serving the 

processing and packaging industries, 

covering a range of sectors including 

drink technology, pharmaceutical 

technology, print technology, cold 

chain, as well as other related 

services. The exhibitors hailed 

from more than 30 countries and 

regions, and attracted international 

pavilion groups from China, 

Germany, Italy, Korea and Taiwan. 

ProPak Vietnam marked a significant 

turning point for ProPak Vietnam's 

partnership with various industry 

associations and federations, including 

World Packaging Organisation (WPO), 

Asian Packaging Federation (APF), 

Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry 

Association (AIPIA), Vietnam Beer – 

Alcohol – Beverage Association (VBA), 

the Vietnam Plastics Association 

(VPA), Vietnam Food Science and 

Technology Association (VAFoST), etc. 

ProPak Vietnam 2024 also focused 

on a series of conferences and 

seminars on topics such as smart 

packaging, sustainable development 

in the packaging industry, extended 

producer responsibility (EPR) policies, 

the application of nanotechnology 

in food processing and preservation, 

and other seminars supporting 

drink technology industry. 

Highlights of this year's expo included 

the introduction of a new technology 

showroom named DrinkTech. Besides 

exhibition activities, DrinkTech was 

a place to help businesses connect 

and absorb the latest knowledge 

via international conferences about 

new trends in drink technologies. 

ProPak Vietnam 2024 has affirmed its 

position as packaging and processing 

trade show and demonstrated 

Vietnam's growing prominence 

as a key market in the region. As 

the country continues to attract 

foreign investment and strengthen 

its economic relationship globally, 

ProPak Vietnam enables businesses 

to capitalise on Vietnam's burgeoning 

packaging and processing potential. 

The 18th edition of ProPak to 

be held from 18-20 Mar 2025 

at the Saigon Exhibition and 

Convention Centre (SECC). FBA 

All images courtesy of ProPak 

Vietnam 2024 

ProPak 

Vietnam 2024 

gathered 

more than 310 

exhibitors and 

8,000 trade 

visitors across 

three days 


2024 EVENTS CALENDAR 

JUNE 

4 – 7 

FOOMA Japan 

Tokyo, Japan 

12 – 15 

ProPak Asia 

Bangkok, Thailand 

19 – 21 

Hi & Fi Asia China 

Shanghai, China 

19 – 21 

Japan Int‘l Food Expo 

Tokyo, Japan 

26 – 29 

FOOD TAIPEI 

Taipei, Taiwan 

JULY 

10 – 12 

Cold Chain Exhibition 


17 – 19 

Malaysia International Food & Beverage 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

AUGUST 

1 – 2 

Asia Palm Oil Conference 

Suratthani, Thailand 

7 – 10 

International Printing, Paper, Packaging 

Machinery Exhibition 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

SEPTEMBER 

4 – 6 

Fi Asia Indonesia 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

4 – 6 

ProPak Indonesia 


4 – 6 

Asia Fruit Logistica 

Hong Kong, China 

18 – 20 

Vitafoods Asia 2024 


OCTOBER 

9 – 11 

Fi Vietnam 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

19 – 23 

SIAL Paris 

Paris, France 

24 – 27 

Kaohsiung Food Show 

Kaohshiung, Taiwan 

NOVEMBER 

11 – 12 

Asia-Pacific Sustainable Food Summit 

Singapore 

20 – 23 

Plaspak Indonesia 


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Food & Beverage Asia 5 

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info@heatandcontrol.com I heatandcontrol.com

Food & Beverage Asia June/July 2024

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