Food and Drink Matters Issue 183

Butlers Trailers & Marquee

CATEX2025 Review

Page 7

New Forest Shortbread

Authentic Artisan Shortbread Company

of the Month

Page 9

April 2025 – issue 183

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CONTENTS

April 2025 – issue 183

7

Inside this issue

Almotech Media Solutions

Almotech provides digital signage and in-store radio systems for the

food and drink, retail and hospitality sectors.

6 HeyLO!

Food & Drink Products & Services Matters

15 Metsä Group

Sustainability Matters

8 Protein 4 U

Plant Based Wall Expo Review

17 Riggs Autopack

Print & Packaging Matters

12 Prego (The Commercial Oven Store)

Catering & Hospitality Matters

19 Hart Door Systems

Warehouse & Logistics Matters

9 14 17

Follow us on X

or follow us on Linked In

Download our iOS app and Android app

Award Winning Shortbread from New Forest National Park

Looking to add an authentic artisan shortbread selection to your store? These

beautiful boxes of shortbread are covered in illustrations by local artists with

notes about each image on cards to tear off and keep, making these local,

hand-made shortbread a great gift or treat.

www.foodanddrinkmatters.co.uk

The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 01562 756960.

EDITOR RECOMMENDS

Titan Enterprises expands reach in North America

For nearly 20 years, Titan Enterprises’

trusted North American distribution

has been expertly handled by its long-term

partner, JLC International. This successful

collaboration has laid a strong foundation for

further growth in the region.

A UK-based manufacturer of small-bore

liquid flowmeters, Titan Enterprises has built

a robust global network of partners and

distributors in Europe, the Americas, Australia,

and East Asia. This strong international

presence enables its flow measuring products

to reach markets that might otherwise be

restricted, easing import access and providing

local support and technical expertise.

“The US and Canadian flow measurement

market presents exciting opportunities,

especially in key industries such as fluid power,

oil and gas, chemicals, and food and beverage,”

says Jeremy Thorne, Operations Manager for

Titan Enterprises. “Market growth projections

highlight the expanding adoption of flow meters

in these sectors, underscoring their critical role

in ensuring accurate flow measurement and

control in industrial processes.”

UPFs reduced from diets

When Basecamp Process Components (BPC

Valves) approached Titan and showed strong

interest in becoming a key distributor for the

USA and Canada, discussions began. With a rich

legacy itself as a leading provider of industrial

valves, BPC not only understand the process

and flow measurement industries, but their longestablished

market also provides a clear synergy

with Titan’s flow meters and flow measuring

instruments.

“In 2023, the flowmeter market was valued at

approximately USD 9.9 billion and is projected

to reach around USD 17.1 billion by 2033,”

states Kate Thomas, Titan’s Company and

Finance Director. “In the 2023/2024 fiscal

year, America contributed 16% of our gross

sales, showcasing a solid base with tremendous

potential for expansion.”

“With the global flow meter market

experiencing significant growth, we are excited

to partner with Titan as we enter 2025,” Scott

Will, Owner of BPC, says. “Customers here in

the USA and Canada will benefit from Titan’s

industry proven products and the added

distribution and support we can offer through

BPC.”

UPFs are. Even so, 50% actively

avoid them. People over 55 are

leading the change, with 35%

cutting down on UPFs. Also,

more women (35%) decreased

their UPF consumption than men

(28%).

Titan’s dependable flowmeter technologies play

a vital role in the development of innovative

products aimed at promoting sustainability,

reducing waste, supporting alternative energy

use, and driving both environmental and

financial savings. The versatile range of Titan

flowmeters offers advanced features such as

chemical resistance, long lifespan, clean bore

design, and precise low-flow measurement.

“North America also opens opportunities for us

with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

customers,” says Neil Hannay, Senior

Development Engineer with Titan Enterprises.

Titan has the experience and engineering skills

to develop and manufacture tailored flowmeter

solutions, from research and test through to

prototypes and full production. “Having BPC

as an additional trusted and knowledgeable

partner alongside JLC in the US will help

to extend and deliver these projects more

efficiently,” continues Neil.

Over the next few years, Titan will be seeking

established international distributors in the

Middle East / UAE and Southern African regions

to develop a more coordinated approach to

these markets.

Customers in the US and Canada can find our

global partners through Titan’s website or via

email: sales@flowmeters.co.uk

https://flowmeters.co.uk/

titan-enterprises-expands-reach-in-north-america

1 in 3 UK adults decreased their

consumption of ultra-processed

foods in past 12 months

Almost a third (31%) of

UK adults have decreased

the amount of ultra-processed

foods (UPFs) in their diet in

the past 12 months, according

to a survey of 2,000 people by

Opinium on behalf of specialist

health and nutrition agency Say

Communications.

Most (79%) surveyed had heard

of UPFs, as defined by the NOVA

food classification, only 27%

said they know exactly what

The top UPFs eliminated are

ready meals (45%) and processed

meats (43%), soft drinks (37%)

and fast-food items (35%).

However, 30% believe not all

UPFs are unhealthy with 40%

young adults (18-34) believing

this compared to 21% of those

over 55.

Stefania Rucci, MD at Say

Communications, said, “The

NOVA UPF classification can

feel like a blunt instrument when

used without education and

guidance. This is the time for

food and nutrition companies to

educate customers about their

food processes with honesty

and transparency, so consumers

can make the best choice for

themselves and their families.”

T +44 (0)20 8971 6400

hello@saycomms.co.uk

www.saycomms.co.uk

4

FDM is sponsored by Riggs Autopack – see them on page 17

INDUSTRIAL FOOD MACHINERY & COMMERCIAL CATERING EQUIPMENT COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Herits: Quality refurbished equipment,

backed by industry experience

Receiving 5-star reviews across the board, customers

have left comments such as:

‘Fantastic support for a small local business – fast

service and nothing was too much trouble.’

‘Purchased a double refrigerated drawer unit. It was

serviced and delivered by the team professionally and

promptly.’

I

n this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are

delighted to feature Herits Ltd as our Industrial

Food Machinery and Commercial Catering

Equipment Company of the Month.

Herits Ltd was founded by brothers James and

Xander Phillips in February 2024. Their journey

began prior to the launch of Herits, in their own

restaurant kitchens, where they experienced first-hand

the shortcomings of traditional food machinery and

catering equipment suppliers. Determined to make a

change, they established Herits to provide higherquality

and more cost-effective service.

Serving clients nationwide, with a repairs workshop,

store and showroom in South Devon in Ipplepen,

Herits operates with one simple goal, to make it

easy for customers to cost-effectively upgrade their

commercial kitchen facilities.

“We specialise in buying, refurbishing, and selling

high-quality pre-used industrial food machinery and

catering equipment. We take pride in sourcing the best

products available at prices that match our customers’

budgets. Beyond sales, we offer a comprehensive

service that includes installation, de-installation,

and responsible disposal of old equipment, allowing

our clients to stay focused on their food service

operations. Every piece of equipment we sell is

carefully repaired, thoroughly safety-checked, and

professionally cleaned before delivery to ensure it

meets the highest standards,” stated James.

Each member of the Herits team has previously

worked in the industry which means they really

do understand commercial kitchens and have the

technical know-how to be able to refurbish pre used

equipment to a reliable quality standard. This service

is also backed by a minimum 3month warranty often

extending to 6-12 months.

‘I recently bought some second-hand catering

equipment from James, and I must say it was

incredible value for the price.’

Herits is also extremely conscious of its environmental

responsibility, and is committed to doing everything it

can to positively increase its sustainable impact on the

planet, including services like full de-installations and

disposal services, as well as recycling, retaining, and

re-using good quality parts for repair when required.

Herits also works on behalf of its clients to reduce

their footprint:

“By sourcing and offering good quality refurbished

cleaner refrigeration technologies and providing

energy efficient appliances, we enable commercial

kitchens to reduce their costs as well as their carbon

output. Whether you’re a bakery, restaurant, hotel,

school, or any commercial/industrial kitchen, we

would love to work with you,” stated James.

Looking ahead, Herits is launching its own

ecommerce site next month with the intention of

enabling other suppliers in the same industry sector to

use that site to sell, making it easier for customers to

only source pre-used items from one site only.

In closing, James added, “Commercial kitchens

have come a long way with today’s smart, high-tech

appliances. With AI, sustainability, and technology

driving progress, kitchens are becoming smarter and

greener. At Herits, we use our industry expertise to

help customers optimise their kitchens with highquality,

pre-used equipment that fits their budget.”

For more information, please see below:

T 01803 501066

https://www.herits.co.uk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/herits-food-machinery

FDM is sponsored by Riggs Autopack – see them on page 17 5

FOOD & DRINK PRODUCTS & SERVICES MATTERS

HeyLO! Launches bold new look and

expands low-carb range

eyLO! – the low-carb bakery – continues to

challenge keto expectations with dramatic

Hrebrand in partnership with dynamic agency

duo, No Biscuits and The Tribe.

This week, Leeds-based disruptor brand, HeyLO!,

unveils a major packaging overhaul and launch of new

low-carb products, signaling a fresh chapter in the

brand’s commitment to build on distribution made in

2024 and the unstoppable momentum of the keto and

low carb movement.

After collaborating with renowned agencies, No

Biscuits and The Tribe, HeyLO!’s revamped identity

reflects its energetic, innovative approach while also

boasting new low-carb brownie bars and flatbreads,

ushering in new ways for customers to enjoy healthier,

indulgent baked products without compromising on

their nutritional goals.

No Biscuits Agency, based in London and known for

its impact on brands from Coca-Cola to Wildfarmed,

was instrumental in reworking HeyLO!’s visual

identity. Their unique ‘regen creative’ approach fused

bold, impactful vision with contemporary design,

ensuring HeyLO! stands out on shelf, while reflecting

the low-carb brand’s passionate personality and

purposeful, game-changing mission.

Commenting on the partnership, Flo Heiss, co-founder

of No Biscuits said, “The key challenge was creating a

logo design that

captured the spirit

of HeyLO!: fun,

confident, and

full of vitality

while ensuring it

communicated

the quality and

authenticity that

consumers expect

from this deeply

trusted brand. We

trawled through

years of customer

feedback and

time and time again, HeyLO! was described as ‘lifechanging,’

so we knew we had to bring this energy into

the new look.”

Meanwhile, The Tribe, a female-owned, Manchesterbased

strategic branding agency known for its

work with household names like Quaker and Dr.

Oetker, rolled this out across the full range. The new

packaging will break through an often homogenised

shelf, combining boldness with simplicity to create a

clear, accessible message that resonates with today’s

health-conscious consumer.

New keto-friendly products expands its

range

As part of its evolution, HeyLO! is also introducing

four new and improved low-carb products, totalling

its range at a significant 17 lines. Its new keto-friendly

Brownie Bars, available in Choco, Ginger, and Orange

flavours, offer a high fibre, low sugar, vegan, gluten

free alternative, meaning customers can satisfy their

sweet craving without derailing their low-carb goals.

Additionally, after spotting a wide variety of uses by

its passionate followers, HeyLO! is switching its pizza

bases to flatbreads to emphasise their versatility at

meal time.

The low-carb movement continues to gain

momentum

The low-carb movement shows no sign of slowing

down – the hashtag Keto has amassed over 10.3bn

views on TikTok and over 21m on Instagram – making

innovation like this central to help Brits maintain

a sustainable, healthier way of living. By 2050, it is

predicted that up to 60% of UK

adults could be obese*, with over

4.8 million suffering from diabetes,

equating to 6% of the UK population.

It has been shown that switching

to a low-carb diet can have a

significant impact on weight loss as

well as reversing type 2 diabetes**,

demonstrating the clear need for

innovation and disruption in this

space.

not afraid to challenge the status quo and finally feel

our bold new look and even bigger range reflects the

energy and support we offer our dedicated community

– delicious food that keeps them on track, whilst

making them smile!” said Heidi Normanton, Founder

of HeyLO! “By continuing our mission to create lowcarb

options that genuinely taste and satisfy just like

their high-carb counterparts, we’re proving the choice

doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, and they can have their

life back by making these small switches.”

Supporting UK manufacturing and female

entrepreneurship

The Made in the UK label on the majority of the

range highlights the brand’s commitment to its local

manufacturing in the North West and Yorkshire,

while the intentional Buy Women Built logo reinforces

HeyLO!’s strength as a female-founded company and

one that supports this movement at every step.

The refreshed design and new product lineup will be

available from 7th May, following the 2025 Food &

Drink Expo in Birmingham. With a bold new look,

innovative products and passionate fan base, HeyLO!

is confidently positioned to continue its growth within

the competitive health-food category.

Discover more at: weareheylo.com

“It’s not just a new look but a truer

reflection of us as a brand. We’re

*Gov.UK

**Diabetes.co.uk

6


CATEX celebrates 60th

anniversary

elebrating its 60th year,

CCATEX returned to the RDS,

Simmonscourt Complex on the 18th-

20th February 2025 as Ireland’s

largest foodservice and hospitality

event.

CATEX has been operating since

1965 as the must-attend experience

for anyone involved in foodservice,

catering, or hospitality to gain

insights that will shape the future of

their businesses whilst discovering

the very best sustainable waste

management, cost saving and

energy solutions.

CATEX 2025 was the biggest show

in the event’s history, welcoming

over 280 leading industry suppliers

who showcased their products and

Almotech Media Solutions

Almotech provides digital signage and

in-store radio systems for the food

and drink, retail and hospitality sectors.

We supply and install screens, speakers

and media players, all managed remotely

through our own software. You can update

content across one or multiple sites

without needing to be on location.

We design and schedule all visual and

audio content in-house. This includes

digital menu boards, promotional signage,

timed campaigns, licensed background

music and professional in-store radio

ads. Our system supports dayparting

and seasonal changes to keep messaging

relevant.

innovations across three actionpacked

days.

This year’s show excelled in shining

a spotlight on local producers who

came together under the Local

Enterprise Office Scheme, offering

visitors the opportunity to meet

face-to-face with innovative food

producers including Wildberry

Bakery, Goodness Grains, and

many more.

The much-anticipated IFSA Award

Winners were announced on the

Tuesday, and included products

brought to the market since

December 2023 in the realm of Light

and Heavy Equipment, Technology-

Led Products and Services along with

Sustainable Food and Packaging.

Discussion panel topics titled

Diversify Your Seafood Offering:

Sustainability & Profitability, and

Sustainability & Waste Reduction

in Kitchens, as well as masterclasses

in BIM Fish Skills, Pork, and an

Avonmore Dessert Demo were also

a highlight.

Contact

https://catexexhibition.com

CATEX2025 REVIEW

Bespoke Trailers for the

catering and hospitality

industry

or over 40 years, Butlers Trailers

F& Marquees Ltd has been

offering unrivalled expertise in the

manufacturing and construction of

Trailers, Marquees and Tipis.

As a family-run business, the company

prides itself on a skilled manufacturing

team capable of transforming standard

trailers into bespoke catering units,

van conversions, sales and exhibition

trailers, hospitality and farmers’ market

setups, welfare units, and both luxury

and accessible toilet facilities

For food and beverage use, the

company offers a versatile range of

trailers designed to suit a variety of

offerings – from coffee, fish & chips,

and burgers to sandwiches, crêpes,

pizza, pasta, and confectionery. Each

trailer is manufactured in-house at

its Randalstown, Northern Ireland

premises, and can be fully customised

to meet your exact fit-out requirements.

You can choose to supply your own

equipment or leave it to Butlers

to handle everything for you.

Renowned for its high-quality design

and engineering, Butlers’ products

have stood the test of time. Serving

customers across Northern Ireland,

the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and

Europe, Butlers offers a diverse range

of services – including hire options

for exhibition and hospitality setups,

seated grandstands, mobile staging,

commentary boxes, refrigeration units,

marquees, tipis, and stretch tents.

Its on-site showroom also features

a variety of products, such as trailer

parts and towing accessories, catering

equipment, bike racks, and compact

domestic car trailers.

For a free quote, contact Butlers below:

T 028 9447 3996

info@butlersevents.co.uk

https://butlersevents.co.uk

By delivering targeted content at the

point of sale, our platform helps influence

customer decisions, highlight key products

and support sales. Whether you want to

drive upsells, promote offers or maintain

a consistent customer experience, we

manage the content and technology

for you.

The system runs from a central server with

automatic updates and remote monitoring.

We also provide full support, including

maintenance and on-site callouts if needed.

Almotech works with businesses of all

sizes, from single sites to multi-location

chains. We make digital signage and instore

audio easy to manage, reliable to

run and effective at improving how you

communicate with customer’s in-store.

T +44 (0)28 956 803 50/+353 93 60872

info@almotech.com

https://almotech.com


PLANT BASED WORLD EXPO REVIEW

Connecting the Plant Based World with global businesses

he Plant Based World Expo Europe is the

Tonly 100% plant-based expo for retail and

foodservice and the 2024 show, held at London’s

ExCeL from 13th-14th November, did not

disappoint!

Whether you’re looking to improve your

profitability, find menu items that capture

customers, or implement long-lasting changes that

will transform your business as well as the global

food system, then Plant Based World Expo makes it

all possible.

As well as being the launching platform for

hundreds of new brands and showcasing the

latest industry trends, findings, knowledge and

products, the 2024 show welcomed a large range of

exhibitors all striving to move the plant-based scene

forward.

Previous attendees include Harrods, Tesco,

Sainsbury’s, Papa Johns, and Wholefoods Market.

The expo is also known to have attracted some big

well-known buyers all looking for that one unique,

innovative idea and product.

The 2024 show welcomed The Plant-Based

Excellence Awards – a new comprehensive awards

scheme judging against the credentials of great

tasting, appealing presentations, sustainable

packaging and attractive margins – of which are

expected to champion the excellence coming from

this industry. Covering 17 categories from sweet,

savoury, meat-mimics, ready-meals and everything

in-between some of the 2024 winners were: 2024

Best Product: Let it V Foods – Veikon Bacon, Best

Alcoholic Beverage 2024: Casa Savoia – Savoia

Orancio, Best Cold Beverage 2024: Goodrays

– 30mg CBD Sparkling Drink, and Best Dairy

Alternative Cheese 2024: Jay and Joy – Jeanne

Alternative to Blue Cheese.

Live from the Buyer Meeting Area and the Pulse

Theatre were plenty of insightful and interactive

seminars and discussions covering topics such as

Plants First Healthcare, and Breeding Improved

Ingredients, as well as culinary demonstrations from

the likes of David & Stephen Glynn creators of The

Happy Pear who showed visitors how to cook a

Cashew & Chestnut Wellington and Festive Spiced

Moose perfect for the Christmas period.

The event’s Gold Sponsors were Brenntag, Exberry,

Bord Bia, New Originals Group, Nova Meat, and

Nadura.

Want to take your business to the next level?

Tickets for this year’s show which is due to be back

at London’s ExCeL from 26th-27th November

2025, are available now.

Contact

https://plantbasedworldeurope.com

A fresh range of plant-based proteins now available in the UK

Protein 4 U Ltd is a subsidiary of

Wiesenhof International, which is part

of the PHW Group. It operates facilities

in Germany dedicated exclusively to the

production of plant-based meat and fish

products. Supplying the European food

service sector and private label markets,

the company also owns the Green Legend

brand in Germany.

For UK retailers, brands and the food

service sector, Protein 4 U Ltd offers

a delicious and varied

range of products based

on plant-based proteins

made without soy, palm

fat or coconut oil. Specifically aimed at

flexitarians, vegans and or those who

take their concerns for the environment

and animal welfare seriously, all products

use ingredients that are natural with no

artificial flavours.

The range is now available

in the UK market for

private label and the food

service sector. The range

features a variety of plantbased

and vegan options, frozen products,

and frozen-to-chilled items.

The selection includes vegan meatballs,

steaks, nuggets, sticks, mini schnitzels,

chili cheese balls, crispy chicken popcorn,

chicken pockets, chicken burgers, and

vegan burger patties. Additionally, it

offers plant-based seafood alternatives

such as salmon fillets, Calamari and

whitefish fillets. Flavoured options are

also available, including sweet & smoky

vegan meat ribs, spicy herb chicken fillets,

and lemon & herb vegan salmon fillets.


T 07778 648391

info@protein4u.uk

https://www.protein4u.uk

8


AUTHENTIC ARTISAN SHORTBREAD COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Award winning shortbread

from New Forest National Park

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are pleased to feature New Forest

Shortbread Ltd as our Authentic Artisan Shortbread Company of the Month

Looking to add an authentic artisan

shortbread selection to your store?

These beautiful boxes of shortbread

are covered in illustrations by local artists

with notes about each image on cards to tear

off and keep, making these local, hand-made

shortbread a great gift or treat.

“Our all-butter New Forest Shortbread is not

mass-produced or impersonal, but crafted

with care and a sense of heritage. We have

enormous pride in what we produce and

we source our ingredients from Harvest

Fine Food, a local wholesaler that buys in

Anchor butter made in Westbury, especially

for us to use. Anchor is made using milk

from local British dairy herds. We sell at

county shows Ellingham, New Forest Show,

Alresford Show sponsoring the dairy classes

which we see as a link to supporting the

local production of butter. We have further

teamed up with our friends the New Forest

Tea Company, Mozzo Coffee and Hampshire

Lavender Fields to create delicious recipes

using their unique locally produced

products,” stated Tracy Thew, Founder

& Owner.

New Forest Shortbread has been delighting

visitors to the New Forest National Park

since 2015. Drawing on years of experience,

Tracy has perfected the fine art of shortbread

baking. What began as a personal passion at

her kitchen table has grown into a thriving

local business, where each lovingly handcrafted

batch is baked and packed into boxes of

award-winning, flavoured shortbread.

Tracy takes pride in her creative, out-ofthe-box

approach to product development,

carefully curating flavours that are anything

but ordinary – unique, inventive, a playful

twist on tradition, and curiously delicious.

These flavours are what gives the shortbread

their distinctiveness with an element of

surprise, including unexpected gems like

Rosemary, Coffee, and Raspberry, as well as

award-winning Earl Grey, and lavender.

“We are about to launch our new Ginger

flavoured New Forest Shortbread,” said Tracy.

“It features a hint of peppery spice, warm

notes of citrus undertones and chewy pieces of

crystallised ginger, it’s absolutely delicious!”

What makes New Forest Shortbread truly

special is its deep-rooted connection to

place. Nestled in the heart of the New Forest

National Park, the shortbread is made on the

grounds of Tracy’s home at Burley Rails Cottage

– a charming former woodman’s cottage built

in 1811. The warmth and care that shape the

company’s success are born from a heartfelt

commitment to homegrown values. Since day

one, Tracy and her all-female team of bakers have

championed conscious, thoughtful practices

– from the food they craft to the wellbeing of

their team, their working environment, and

the close-knit relationships they nurture with

local suppliers, businesses, and friends.

The tagline ‘Like Nana Makes’ tells you

everything you need to know about the

brand and its origins. From their first batch

of all-butter shortbread over 50 years ago,

Tracy and her team of skilled artisans still

continue to create by hand to this day.

If you’re interested in stocking New Forest

Shortbread, Tracy supplies to retail stores,

farm shops and hotels nationally and was

recently featured in New Forest Collection’s

fifth episode of their ‘Forest to Fork’ series.


T 07471 684639

enquiries@newforestshortbread.co.uk

https://www.newforestshortbread.co.uk


THE NORTHERN RESTAURANT & BAR SHOW LUNCH REVIEW

The North served up something

special: NRB25 & lunch! NORTH

he first-ever Northern Restaurant & Bar colocated

with lunch! NORTH took place on the

T11th-12th March 2025 at Manchester Central.

Known as one of the UK’s largest hospitality shows,

providing a platform for the entire industry across

the North of England, Northern Restaurant and Bar

(NRB) brings together leading operators and suppliers,

promoting ideas and inspiration, and represents and

leads the sector in the region.

“NRB is the date in the calendar for Northern hospitality;

an event that brings the industry together like no other,”

Will Beckett, CEO and Co-Founder, Hawksmoor.

This year, NRB welcomed over 12,000 visitors across

the two-day event with an extensive line-up of industry

leaders and chef demos in Manchester. Setting new

attendance records, NRB, and the newly launched

lunch! NORTH, set new attendance records, marking

a 13.4% increase compared to last year.

With over 400 food, drink, tech and equipment

suppliers showcasing the very best innovations across

the sector, NRB25 saw a jam-packed line up of

interviews with some of the industry’s most influential

leaders, sharing insight and discussion on the sector’s

key trends and challenges.

This show is a fantastic place to launch new products

and services to a captive audience, whilst promoting

your brand as market-leading.

NRB attracted hundreds of industry professionals and

brands interested in a variety of services and products

from catering equipment and technology to delivery

services, packaging, food, EPOS, financial services,

recruitment, alcoholic beverages, front of house,

and much more.

Sponsored by Uber Eats, NRB is the leading hospitality

trade show in the North, and this must-attend event

excelled in once again bringing together the best of

Northern hospitality under one roof with a stellar

line up of keynote speakers, exclusive interviews, live

demonstrations, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Some of the highlights from NRB25 came from the

Keynote Theatre where industry leaders including

Kate Nicholls OBE (UKHospitality), Simon Potts (The

Alchemist), and Roy Ellis (Mission Mars) discussed

key hospitality challenges and opportunities.

Over at Chef Live, Tom Barnes (Skof), Ruth Hansom

(Hansom Restaurant & Wine Bar), and Danielle Heron

(OSMA) showcased their culinary expertise, whilst

at the Pub & Bar Theatre was panels on leadership,

brewing innovations, and mixology that featured

William Lees-Jones (JW Lees) and award-winning

mixologist Joe Schofield (SCHOFIELD’S BAR).

The anticipated KUITS NRB Top Fifty Power List

2025 was also revealed at the opening of the show.

Returning for its twelfth edition, the esteemed list

celebrates the top-performing and most influential

hospitality operators across the North who have

achieved exceptional commercial success and critical

acclaim over the past year. The top fifty names are

selected by an expert judging panel following a

rigorous research and selection processes and featured

brands such as Apartment Group, Grantley Hall,

Mother Mercy, Seafood Pub Company, Southern Wind

Group as New Entries, as well as Archies, Daniel

Schofield, Joe Schofield & James Brandwood, and The

Inn Collection Group as Special Achievement Winners.

NEW this year, NRB was co-located with lunch!

NORTH. The new show was designed with a focus

on the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sector in

the North. This successful co-location enabled more

incredible opportunities for visitors and exhibitors

to do business with eachother and maximise their

investment.

Lunch! NORTH is a sister event to NRB25 that took

place at the same venue by the same organisers. Even

though lunch! had been running successfully in London

for 16 years, for the first time, it came together with its

Northern counterpart and featured brands such as Hip

Pop, TRIP DRINKS LTD, Britvic, Tony’s Chocolonely,

Tiffin Sandwiches and The Exploding Bakery.

Of course, the fact that this was lunch! NORTH’s

first ever Northern edition of the leading café, coffee

shop & food-to-go trade show was its main highlight,

but some other popular features also included talks

unveiling exclusive industry insights by Simon Stenning

(FutureFoodservice), Marta Pogroszewska (GAIL’s),

and Christian Binney (Burger King UK), as well as

discussions on the Food-To-Go Leaders Panel with

Jon Lake (Chopstix), Dimeji Sadiq (Vegan Shack),

and William Gordon-Harris (Knoops).

Siobhan Thompson, event manager for NRB25

said, “This year, we raised the bar once again with an

incredible lineup of speakers, interactive sessions, and the

introduction of lunch! NORTH. It was a must-attend

event for anyone in the industry who wanted to be

inspired, make connections, and stay ahead of the game.”

Katie Tyler, Event Director for lunch! NORTH, also

commented, “We were so excited to launch lunch!

NORTH and to welcome visitors to the brand-new

event. The café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sector

in the North is booming, and it was great to bring

together the best brands, experts, and ideas to help

these businesses thrive. It was great to see the industry

come together!”

The next Northern Restaurant & Bar co-located with

lunch! NORTH will take place on the 10th-11th

March 2026 at Manchester Central.

https://northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk

https://www.lunchnorth.co.uk

10


Call me bubbles, darling!

ANS UK is a brand-new start-up that is set to

Ctake the canned beverage industry by storm!

Offering a simple, refreshing crisp alpine spring water

drink made with real fruit juice and just the right

amount of bubbles, CANS was a big hit at the recent

Lunch! North 2025 event where it showcased its new

products just 18 months after launch.

Showering shame on all its sugar alternatives, CANS,

if you didn’t know, stands for Crusaders Against

Nefarious Sugars, is now available in the UK. Since

the product was first launched in 2023, CANS has

officially sold over 1.6 million units, saving the

equivalent of 33 tons of sugar or 8 million sugar cubes

that would have been consumed if people drank other

sweet soft drinks instead.

Proving that CANS is heading in the right direction,

the company has continued its growth trajectory now

distributing to Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, and now

its latest expansion, the UK!

Ready and armed to tackle a challenging,

yet hopefully rewarding UK market,

CANS not so secret plan for world

domination, is looking very likely

with current offices set to open in

Brighton and London.

Reflecting on its first year, cofounder

and CEO Dominic Rice

shared, “We are happy with our

growth and reaching new consumers

through expansion.”

“Our brand, product and mission has already

been very well received by consumers in the Czech

market, and I would say that we are where we hoped

we would be after the first year. We have already

launched sales in Slovakia and Germany, and now we

are ready for the UK.”

“We chose this path because we wanted to start on the

domestic market first and learn as much as possible from

this process. The choice of other markets was ultimately

simple: the largest ones. The reason is also simple: we are

here to try to change the situation – to help reduce the

excessive consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners

in society, which is causing major health

problems around the world. The fastest

way to achieve this is to be available

to consumers in the largest markets

as quickly as possible.”

Made using just three simple

ingredients: pure water from the

Alps, natural juice from real fruit,

and effervescent bubbles from

wherever bubbles come from, CANS

was founded by entrepreneurs Jaroslav

Beck, Dominic Rice, and Jan Rambousek.

Soft on the mind, body and the planet, each can is

330ml and includes flavours such as Apple, Cherry,

and Lemon. There is also a CANS sample box

available that offers two units of each flavour.

CANS mission to reduce excessive sugar intake is

gaining momentum, and this is only the beginning. If

you’re ready to join CANS on their journey to shake

things up, enquire below for more information.

hello@cans.co.uk

https://cans.co.uk

illycaffè presents X-CAPS: The new proprietary system

for a never-before-experienced journey of taste and aroma

n the occasion of

OMilan Design Week,

illycaffè unveiled its new

exclusive illy X-CAPS

system in the stunning

setting of its flagship store

on Via Monte Napoleone.

A space-inspired

installation welcomed

visitors with silver spheres

and oversized capsules, taking them on a journey

where design, excellence, and innovation merged

into a unique tasting experience. This immersive

setting allowed participants to fully explore the

X-CAPS system.

The new X-CAPS capsules preserve the freshness

and aroma of the coffee in the best possible way,

ensuring a smooth and even extraction thanks to

their exclusive design. Their symmetrical shape

allows for bidirectional use, ensuring a simple

and intuitive user experience. Made from 85%

recycled aluminum, the capsules are available in the

following varieties: Classico Roast, Intenso, Forte,

Decaffeinato, and Classico Lungo.

Thanks to Hyperinfusion technology, X-CAPS

capsules deliver a full-bodied espresso, a dense and

persistent crema, and an extraordinary aromatic

experience. This technology was specifically

developed to ensure optimal coffee extraction,

enabled by two new X-CAPS machines designed by

architect and designer Luca Trazzi. In the X-CAPS

system, the interaction between machine and capsule

is key: the new integrated Hyperinfusion technology

allows water to meet the coffee at the ideal pressure,

guaranteeing an aromatic extraction and a rich, fullbodied

espresso with a long-lasting crema.

“With the launch of X-CAPS, we are proud to

combine over 90 years of experience in high-quality

coffee with a concrete commitment to innovation.”

commented Cristina Scocchia, CEO of illycaffè.

“X-CAPS represents excellence in taste, thanks

to our new Hyperinfusion technology, and marks

an important evolution in the way we aim to

offer consumers a unique and sustainable coffee

experience – even at home.”

The new range includes two models: the X1, the

iconic coffee machine with sleek curves and a

vintage-inspired design, featuring a steel body,

instant heating, and energy-saving mode, always

ready to brew; and the X3, a minimalist and

functional machine made from 50% recycled or

renewable plastic, available in two colors – white

or black – and two finishes (satin or glossy).

It stands out for its integrated capsule container,

offering simple and practical user experience.

A focus on innovation, technology, and superior

quality has always been at the heart of illycaffè’s

heritage, and with the new X-CAPS system, the

company takes another significant step forward.

The X-CAPS system is now available on the illy

e-shop, in illy’s monobrand stores in Italy and

Europe, at Mediaworld stores, and in a selection

of top-tier bars known as Artisti del Gusto.

Contact

www.illy.com


CATERING & HOSPITALITY MATTERS

Find the perfect oven for your kitchen at

TheCommercialOvenStore.com

At TheCommercialOvenStore.

com, we know that the heart of

any professional kitchen is a reliable,

high-performance oven. That's why we

offer an extensive range of ovens from

the world’s leading brands – including

Blue Seal, Lincat, Unox, Rational, and

Merrychef.

Whether you’re running a bustling

restaurant, a cozy café, or a fast-paced

catering business, you’ll find the ideal

solution with us. Our selection includes

powerful gas and electric ranges, versatile

combi ovens, high-efficiency speed

ovens, and durable convection ovens, all

designed to keep your kitchen operating

at peak performance.

Explore cutting-edge features, energyefficient

designs, and trusted engineering

– all in one place. From compact units for

smaller kitchens to heavy-duty systems

for large-scale operations, we make it

easy to find the right fit for your needs

and budget.

Expert advice, competitive

prices, and trusted brands – all at

TheCommercialOvenStore.com

Get the equipment you can rely on, and

take your kitchen to the next level.

T 0207 965 7502

sales@thecommercialovenstore.com

Nationwide supply & installations:

Flexible Finance & Leasing Available

At The Commercial Oven Store, we take great pride in

being your go-to destination for all your commercial oven

needs. We understand that when it comes to running

a successful business, having the right equipment is

crucial. That’s why we have dedicated ourselves to

providing top-notch products, coupled with expert

advice, to help you make informed decisions and achieve

your goals.

As a supplier of commercial ovens, we have established

strong partnerships with leading manufacturers in the

industry. By working closely with these renowned brands,

we ensure that our customers have access to a wide

range of high-quality ovens that meet the diverse needs

of various businesses. Whether you’re in the food service,

hospitality, or catering industry, we have the perfect oven

to suit your requirements.

For more, please visit thecommercialovenstore.com,

call 0207 965 7502 or email sales@thecommercialovenstore.com

Discount

Code

Welcome5 for

an extra 5%

discount

12


COFFEE MATTERS

Coffee enters a revolutionary new era

with the Bluewater Café Station Debut at

World of Coffee Dubai

As coffee continues to be celebrated in

numerous studies for its health and

wellness benefits, a revolutionary

innovation is set to redefine the coffee

experience across the UAE and wider Middle

East. The ground-breaking Bluewater

Café Station, recognised by The Caterer

Magazine as a 2024 ‘Best Buy’ for specialty

coffee shops in the UK, will be showcased

at the World of Coffee Expo in Dubai from

February 10th-12th on Booth Z5-G6.

At the heart of this innovation is Bluewater’s

mission to ensure that every cup of coffee not

only tastes extraordinary but also promotes

wellbeing. The Café Station guarantees

that the water used in brewing is free from

contaminants increasingly found in tap water

worldwide, such as toxic chemicals like PFAS,

and microplastics. But the innovation doesn’t

stop at purification – the Bluewater Café

Station empowers baristas with unmatched

brewing consistency, pushing the boundaries

of specialty coffee craftsmanship.

Recent studies have highlighted several

possible health and wellbeing benefits

associated with moderate coffee consumption,

including a lower risk of death from various

causes such as heart disease and stroke, a

reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes,

and helping to maintain healthy liver enzyme

levels.

“The Bluewater Café Station solution

not only purifies water of all known

contaminants but also optimally enhances

it using our exclusive Liquid Rock ® mineral

dosing system,” says Maximillian Lundin,

head of Bluewater’s Coffee Division and a

former top Swedish chef with a passion for

sustainability. “This ensures that every cup

brewed achieves its fullest flavour potential,

creating an unparalleled sensory experience

for coffee lovers.”

The Café Station’s precision water calibration

technology tailors the mineral composition

of water to match the unique profile of each

coffee bean. By fine-tuning water chemistry,

baristas can confidently unlock and amplify

the intricate flavours and aromas of their

specialty beans, ensuring a sublime and

consistent brew every time.

Lundin adds, “Another major benefit of the

Bluewater solution is that it significantly

reduces scaling, which cuts down on the

cleaning and servicing needs of costly brewing

equipment while extending its lifespan – all

benefiting coffee shop profitability.”

Visitors to the Bluewater booth – staffed by

a team from Bluewater and the company’s

UAE and Middle East partner, NIA – can

experience these innovations firsthand and

savour exceptional coffee brews in Zabeel Hall

5, Stand G6 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Maximillian Lundin, Head of

Bluewater’s Coffee Division

In a further advancement for precision coffee

brewing, Bluewater and NIA – the UAE’s

leading distributor of innovative living

appliances and wellbeing solutions – have

announced a ground-breaking collaboration

with Roasttrip, the exclusive UAE distributor

of Kees van der Westen espresso machines.

This partnership will debut the Spiritello

machine, seamlessly integrated with the

Bluewater Café Station, marking a

significant leap in specialty coffee innovation.

Additionally, visitors to the World of Coffee

Expo will have the opportunity to stay

hydrated with purified, chilled Bluewater,

available free of charge from Bluewaterbranded

dispensers strategically placed

throughout the exhibition. Don’t miss

Bluewater’s game-changing outdoor City

Station, equipped with two 55” video screens

broadcasting real-time information and

messages to the public while also serving

purified water on demand.

With its deep-rooted Swedish commitment

to quality and sustainability, the Bluewater

brand’s broad spectrum water purification

and beverage offerings for home, work, and

play are designed to meet the evolving good

hydration needs of both consumers and

businesses alike. From energy-efficient underthe-sink

water purifiers to water-enhancing

mineralizer solutions and public water

dispenser with cutting-edge performance,

the Bluewater product lineup uniquely

encompasses practically every ‘no substitute

for excellence’ hydration need in a sustainable

planet-friendly way.


https://www.bluewatergroup.com

14


SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

Metsä Group celebrates

sustainability successes at the 2025

Sustainability Awards

etsä Group’s tissue paper business, Metsä

Tissue, in partnership with the Cleaning &

MServices Support Association, has celebrated

and recognised the cleaning and hygiene industry’s

commitment to sustainability in its 2025 Sustainability

Awards. Winners were announced an Awards dinner at

The Pelligon in Canary Wharf, on 19th March 2025.

Metsä Tissue’s CEO, Sari Pajari-Sederholm,

welcomed approximately 350 guests from more than

100 different organisations to the 2025 Sustainability

Awards ceremony.

She paid tribute to the quality and the quantity of

the Awards entries, saying that they represented an

ambition, shared with Metsä Tissue, for an industry

that operates responsibly “to help to create a

positive, lasting impact on the environment.”

Mika Paljakka, Metsä Tissue SVP UK & Ireland, said

that he had been, “overwhelmed by the interest the

awards have generated” with 91 nominations for the

Awards received from 46 separate organisations. He

thanked Metsä Tissue’s event partner, the Cleaning

and Support Services Association (CSSA), and the

Awards sponsors, and urged attendees to generously

support the Awards’ charity – The Hygiene Bank.

To announce the winners of the 2025 Sustainability

Awards, Mika handed over to TV Naturalist Steve

Backshall.

The Winners of the 2025 Sustainability

Awards

Positive Climate Impact Award

(presented by John Doyle, Mayflower Washroom

Solutions)

Winner – Landmarc Support Services Ltd with its

‘Clean, Green & Safe’ submission.

Other finalists:

● Altum Technologies Ltd

● Mindful Chef Ltd/Naked Sprout Ltd

Social Value Impact Award

(presented by Ross Osbourn, The Maintenance

Supply Company)

Winner – Egal with its ‘Pads on a Roll’ submission.

Other finalists:

● No Going Back Cleaning and Support Services

● The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

and NWL Procurement Services

Best Sustainability Marketing and

Communication Initiative Award

(presented by Paul Ashton, Cleaning & Services

Support Association)

Winner – Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies Ltd

with its ‘Leveraging PowerBI’ submission.

Other finalists:

● Mitie Ltd

● The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Sustainable Collaboration Award

(presented by Will O’Hagan, PVA Hygiene Ltd)

Winner – Chamberlaine Cleaning Services Ltd with

its ‘Innovative ideas revolutionising the cleaning

industry’ submission.

Other finalists:

● Birkin Group Ltd/Lime Supply Ltd

● Landmarc Support Services Ltd

New Sustainable Innovation Award

(presented by Stephanie Neumann from Bunzl

Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies)

Winner – Altum Technologies Ltd with its ‘Ultrasound

solution for fouling prevention’ submission.

Other finalists:

● BioVate Hygienics Ltd

● Shaanxi ORCA Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

(ORCAUBOAT ® )

And, for the Judges’ Choice Awards

Regional – Simply Washrooms

(presented by Darren Broad from Nationwide

Hygiene Group)

National – BioVate Hygienics Ltd

(presented by Ollie Rastall from Source Supplies)

The winners of the CSSA Innovation Showcase

Award were also recognised at the ceremony.

Metsä Tissue partnered with Planet Mark to ensure

that the 2025 Sustainability Awards had a minimal

carbon footprint. Held on the same day as the

London Cleaning Show to minimise CO 2

from travel,

the Awards featured locally-sourced food, awards

made from renewable raw materials from Metsä

Wood, FSC-certified paper and Net Zero printing.

The Pelligon is a plastic free venue.

Photographs from the 2025 Sustainability Awards

will be available on the website after 20th March

2025 – www.2025sustainabilityawards.com

About the 2025 Sustainability Awards

The Sustainability Awards were founded in

partnership with the Cleaning & Services Support

Association (CSSA) in 2023 with the aim of shining

a spotlight on sustainability across the cleaning and

hygiene industry.

The 2025 Sustainability Awards ceremony was held

at the Pelligon in Canary Wharf in London, on 19

March 2025. Its nominated charity is The Hygiene

Bank – https://thehygienebank.com

For further information on the 2025

Sustainability Awards, please visit the website –

www.2025sustainabilityawards.com – or contact

Denise Nee by telephone on: 0845 601 8266 or by

email at: denise.nee@metsagroup.com.

Metsä Group

www.metsagroup.com/metsatissue


LABELLING MATTERS

Focus Label Machinery Ltd

Focus Label Machinery Limited has been

a leader in label printing machines since

1981. With over 40 years of experience, we

design, manufacture, and install all types of

label printing machines in-house, with training,

servicing, spare parts, and consumables

provided. Our range includes inline label

printing machines, digital inkjet and toner

printing machines, heat transfer printing

machines, silk screen printing machines,

rewinding machines and finishing equipment.

complements the Focus Reflex range of

digital print finishing systems.

For digitally printed web, the Reflex 330

Digital Finishing System provides a fully

comprehensive off-line finishing solution. The

Reflex 330 re-register system is extremely

accurate – even at speeds well over 100

metres per minute and includes the option

for semi-rotary or full rotary converting for

roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet formats.

The AccurioLabel 230 digital toner press

from Konica Minolta is available in the UK,

through Focus Label Machinery – an Accredited

Industrial Print Partner of Konica Minolta.

This cutting-edge technology also perfectly

The versatile d-Flex digital hybrid press

incorporates the latest HiQ 1800dpi

high-speed, full-colour Konica Minolta

inkjet technology (CMYK + W), which has

been cleverly integrated into the existing Reflex

servo press with in-line UV or LED flexo print

heads, die-cutting, slitting and rewinding. High

quality variable images can be overprinted in

perfect register with UV or LED flexo ink, then

converted & rewound – in a single pass with

speeds up to 70 metres per minute.

The latest e-Flex twin servo flexo press with

automated pre-register functions can be

specified with multiple drying options, including

UV, LED, infra-red and chill rollers. The dual

servo system provides single touch set ups,

with minimal waste for conventional printing

and can be combined with a digital module for

variable data, text & images.

The touchscreen HMI operator controls

provide a fully programmable digital platform,

plus storage of job details for future retrieval

and are said to make the e-Flex, the most

effective, affordable servo-driven flexo/digital

combination press in the marketplace today.

The e-Flex incorporates top-loading print

cylinders and quick-change print cartridges

to reduce downtime and set-up wastage. A

choice of ultra-efficient interstation drying

systems enables much higher press speeds. The

short web-path allows for a compact design,

whilst still maintaining good accessibility for

the operator and plenty of space for optional

equipment. A rail system is available for

overhead press options, including delam/relam,

rotary cold foil transfer, silk screen, turn-bar,

and multi-layer re-register laminating.

T +44 (0)1949 836223

admin@focuslabel.com

www.focuslabel.com

16


PRINT & PACKAGING MATTERS

L éclair Patisserie experiences growth

with a Riggs Autopack depositor

eeds based L éclair Patisserie was born from a

passion of French cooking, especially the sweet

Lside, and the realisation that everyone needs an

eclair in their life. With a small team of pastry chefs

all sharing the same obsession for French patisserie

and perfection, L éclair Patisserie was born!

Their story began in lockdown. They took what was

an old gym in West Leeds and converted it into a huge

all singing, all dancing kitchen perfect for creating

their patisserie. Then came the shop.

They wanted to bring a little bit of Paris to Leeds

so got a real-life Frenchman (Frank the Machine)

who could see their vision. Armed with a drill and a

paintbrush, off he went waving his magic wand of

wonder and created their little shop.

Since the early days of the little bakery shop, they’ve

substantially grown and become a contract supplier

producing 1,000’s of bespoke products each day for

national hotel groups. Their skilled team create a huge

variety of tarts, macarons, gateaux and cheesecakes

to name just a few products each week on a bespoke

basis to meet each client’s specific requests.

As production has grown over the years, they realised

that to keep up with demand they would need to look

at a suitable semi-automatic depositor. Co-founder

Stephen Thompson approached depositor manufacturer

Riggs Autopack to discuss their potential depositing

requirements. The initial remit was to speed up their

production process by accurately depositing their range

of ambient temperature cake batters, directly into trays,

with a nominal single deposit range of 3ml-40ml.

Following the initial enquiry, Riggs Autopack

Technical Sales Engineer Neil Pygott visited their

premises to discuss their requirements in person and

review their range of products and containers. To

meet their specific production needs, Riggs Autopack

recommended their Model 1000 Series 1 Micro

Depositor and supplied L éclair Patisserie with a free

of charge depositor for a 2-week period to conduct

comprehensive product trials.

Stephen Thompson said, “The support and guidance

we received from Neil Pygott and Riggs Autopack was

invaluable and perfect! We haven’t used depositors

before and relied heavily upon their expert guidance.

Within just a couple of days of running the machine in

production, operators reported back how much easier

and quicker the depositor had made their jobs. They

loved it!”

They were astonished with the increased production

speeds, depositing accuracy and product presentation.

Consequently, L éclair Patisserie placed an order with

Riggs Autopack for the Series 1 Micro Depositor.

The depositor has dramatically changed the company

and transformed the cost of production; they are now

producing 5 times the volume when compared to

before the machine. 22 minutes of previous production

time is now only 4 minutes! By purchasing the

depositor, it has also opened new doors and undertake

many larger contracts that they would previously have

not been able to fulfil.

Stephen Thompson added, “I contacted several

companies that sell depositors, however from the first

call to Riggs Autopack I knew these people had the

experience, knowledge and support we would need in

this new field to us.”

“At our first meeting there was no pressure to buy or

‘our machine is better than everyone else’s’ approach;

they let the machine do the talking. Even on the set up

of the trial machine, Neil Pygott and a service engineer

came out to set up the machine and talked the team

through every element.”

“The machine never left our premises. I called Neil and

said send me an invoice, it’s staying! Buy this machine,

it will save labour cost, portion costs, opens up NPD

and the most important for me is ANYONE can use

this machine…..and as a bonus you will get a great

new friend called Neil.”


T +44 (0)1282 440040

info@riggsautopack.co.uk

www.riggsautopack.co.uk


Est. 1997

New

Product

PRX SELF

REPAIR

HIGH SPEED

DOOR

Application

Door for internal high traffic areas which require fast opening and closing operations.

Advantages

s System of automatic reinsertion of the fabric in case of impact by means of special zip style guide insertion.

s Class III wind resistance.

s Choice of curtain colours

s Time and cost savings.

s Easy and very fast installation, with front access to fixings

and wiring.

s Easy regulation and programming.

s Low maintenance

s Choice of activation

– Movement detector

– Pull chord

– Remote fobs

– Induction loops

Maximum Dimensions

Opening width: Max 4m

Opening height: Max 3.5m

Optional features

s Single phase 1,200w Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

s Additional or made-to-measure observation windows.

s White-lacquered frames.

s Flashing safety lights.

s Touchless push buttons (optionally integrated in guide).

s Touchless opening with 1-point laser motion sensor.

s IP65 motor

s Motor with special anti-corrosion protection.

s Extra turbo speed package.

Standard features

s Anodised aluminium lintel with brushes for sliding

movement and high sealing performance, with

cable housing (hidden cables with frontal access).

s Support panel, fixtures and screws in stainless steel.

s PVC fabric with high resistance interlaced nylon,

weight 950g/m 2 , with transparent window 400 x

1,200mm.

s Guide system protected by special PE profile, with

low friction co-efficient and better wear resistance

than standard PE.

s Standard motor: 240V AC, IP54

s Door opening and closing speed: 1.5 m/s standard.

Possibility of speed increase according to door

dimensions (on request).

Give us a call on 0114 288 9464

Email sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

Visit www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

Hart’s Speedor Storms to the rescue

The call to Hart Door Systems was

straightforward – a company was

having problems with two suppliers of

industrial doors and a third party had

recommended Hart Door Systems as the

best option as the alternative deliverer of

the industrial doors which would resolve

the problem.

Carl Crossman, Hart’s Project Manager,

said the call was very much the part

of a typical week at the forefront of

manufacture of industrial/commercial

industrial doors. “Because of our longstanding

reputation as a major supplier

of a wide range of industrial doors and

the range of options we have, Hart is well

placed to problem solve and deliver the

very high standard of industrial doors

necessary.”

because of its robustness and exceptional

wind resistance together with its energysaving

potential as well as controlling

internal temperatures and reducing

escaping noise and odours. It is an

incomparable industrial door product in

high demand because of its robustness

and exceptional wind resistance together

with its energy-saving potential and other

very important features.”

More about Speedor Storm

This rapid roll door is robust, low

maintenance and delivers exceptional

wind resistance in exposed areas. While

its high-speed opening and closing

action improve efficiency, the energysaving

potential of this rapid roll door is

high, controlling internal temperatures,

escaping dirt, odours and noise.

WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS MATTERS

Mr Crossman confirmed an immediate

site visit was carried out and an instant

order for two Speedor Storms was placed.

Both doors have now been installed

and the performance of both will be

monitored with a view to replacing other

doors on the site. “The response was

extremely positive. The Storms are a very

high standard of automatic industrial

door, an essential part of Hart’s family of

Speedor options.”

Special features include; moisturecontrolled

electrics, mechanical

components shielded from dust and

dirt, and a unique guide system offering

exceptional wind resistance up to class 5

as defined by DIN EN 12424.

The high-performance exterior roller

storm door is designed for frequent use in

high traffic situations and constructed to

withstand harsh environments.

Mr Crossman added, “Typically clients

are attracted to the rapid roll Storm

nion Industries, the UK’s

Uleading manufacturer of

bespoke industrial doors, has

assisted Crown Lift Trucks in

addressing multiple operational

challenges with the installation

of its cutting-edge high-speed

Ramdoor.

Crown Lift Trucks, based in

Warrington, faced several issues at its facility, including

the need to segregate two adjoining units with different

temperature requirements while allowing the movement

of high-mast forklift trucks through a large opening.

To tackle these challenges, Union Industries produced

a bespoke solution to accommodate the building

configuration, ensuring the required opening height

could be achieved without compromising functionality.

Additionally, the limited space at high-level, between

structural steel frames, posed a significant obstacle.

Since launching their UK operations in 1960, Crown

Lift Trucks have become one of the world’s leading

manufacturers of forklift and material handling

equipment. Designing and manufacturing up to 85% of its

forklift components, Crown provide their wide customer

base with forklift rentals, servicing and maintenance,

used equipment and a variety of support services.

The installation of the Ramdoor not only addressed

the temperature control and safety concerns

but also enhanced operational efficiency. Union

Contact

www.hartdoors.com

Union Industries helps Crown Lift Trucks

overcome operational challenges with

installation of high-speed Ramdoor

Industries designed the door

to accommodate Crown Lift

Trucks’ requirements while

incorporating a pedestrian

access door to segregate traffic

flow, ensuring a safer working

environment.

The Ramdoor features a dual

height opening facility, allowing

for optimal heat retention while accommodating

different forklift sizes. Furthermore, the engineered

seals and infills achieve a seamless finish, enhancing

both functionality and aesthetics.

It has also been designed to achieve a Class 5 wind

resistance rating, making it able to withstand strong

winds and to remain operational even during severe

weather conditions.

Achieving this rating is supported by a number of the

Ramdoor’s features, including its thick Ramhide door

curtain material, which is high frequency welded to

give the strongest fabric joins available.

In addition, it features heavy-duty wind-brace and

wind-bar systems for added strength, plus extra-deep

side-guides, which all contribute to the Ramdoor’s

ability to cope with high wind loads and pressures.

Like other doors in the Union range, it also benefits

from a ‘Crash Out’ facility, in case of vehicle

or personnel impact to the bottom beam, thus

ensuring minimal downtime and repair costs.

Alan Hirst, Sales Director at Union Industries, said,

“We are delighted to have assisted Crown Lift Trucks

in overcoming their operational challenges with our

high-speed Ramdoor. This project highlights our

ability to provide innovative solutions tailored to

our customers’ specific needs.”

Mark Eccleston, Branch Manager, at Crown Lift Trucks,

said, “Union Industries’ Ramdoor has revolutionised

our operational efficiency and safety standards. Their

dedication to understanding our unique requirements

and delivering a bespoke solution underscores their

commitment to customer satisfaction. The Ramdoor

not only enhances temperature control and traffic

segregation but also contributes to our sustainability

goals. We are grateful for their expertise and

partnership in achieving our objectives.”

T +44 (0)113 244 8393

enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk

www.unionindustries.co.uk


CLEANING MATTERS

Kärcher UK announces Manchester as location for

ground-breaking new Kärcher centre

Kärcher UK, a

leading provider

of cleaning solutions, is

thrilled to unveil it has

selected Manchester for

its newest and largest

Kärcher centre, which

will open in October

2024. Building on the

established Manchesterbased

Kärcher Hire

business, the 18,122

square foot, two-acre

site, will house a new Kärcher centre, as well as

Kärcher Hire’s new headquarters.

Kärcher Hire rents an extensive range of the

latest Kärcher equipment and has grown to

become one of the largest cleaning equipment

hire companies in the UK. Building on its

reputation for providing customers with best in

class, fast and reliable service throughout the

UK, they have outgrown their current base in

Droylsden, Manchester. Kärcher Hire is set to

supercharge its operations, continuing to expand

their client base across the UK.

The Kärcher centre will be run by centre

Manager Simon Barlow and will include a superb

showroom that businesses and consumers alike

are welcome to visit to discuss their cleaning

headaches. A major focus will be servicing

professional businesses

needs across the

North West, including

Greater Manchester,

Merseyside and

Cheshire.

With a distinctly

Mancunian feel, the

centre is set to offer

unparalleled services

to local businesses. The

centre will provide full

sales, lease, hire, maintenance, service and repair

solutions, training facilities, showrooms with

a variety of different floor types, and meeting

rooms for businesses needing to discuss their

cleaning needs.

The Kärcher team is

also happy to visit

business premises to

complete site surveys,

conduct product

demonstrations and

provide training – all

designed to support

companies in finding

the right solutions

to increase their

operating efficiency.

With an unrivalled

range of products available for purchase, lease

and hire, the Kärcher team will provide the best

solution offering the best fit for any business,

commercially, practically and financially.

The announcement of the new Kärcher centre

comes as the cleaning solutions provider

continues to evolve and grow its offering, in the

face of a business landscape in which cleaning

and hygiene is more important than ever before.

Matthew Gellie, Head of Rental at Kärcher UK,

commented, “Kärcher Hire has been working

out of four depots across the UK for the last

eight years, so we are thrilled to retain the

dedicated staff from our Droylsden depot and

to announce our headquarters in Chadderton.

This expansion will undoubtedly supercharge our

growth, doubling the size of our workshop and

office space – giving us

the ability to scale our

operations.”

The new site will be

located at: Unit 4,

Oldham Broadway

Business Park,

Chadderton OL9 9XA.

For more information,

please visit:

www.kaercher.com/uk

20


AUTOMATION MATTERS

The rise of robotics and automated

dispensing within the food and beverage

industry and how Quantex plays a part

he use of artificial intelligence (AI) and

robotics is becoming more common, especially

Twithin the food and beverage industry which

is undergoing a technological revolution. With this

in mind, we’ve seen a rise in inquiries about how

our Quantex pumps can seamlessly integrate with

robotics and automatic dispensing machinery as

manufacturers look for a way to drive innovation,

streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate

the customer experience. From mass-produced readymeals,

beverage makers, drink dispensing, and fastfood

chains to fine dining establishments, businesses

are increasingly turning to robotics and automated

dispensing.

Why robotics and automated dispensing in

the food and beverage industry?

Robotics aren’t a new concept, the first true industrial

robot was created using the Meccano model

construction system in the 1930s, however, in the early

2000s, humans started to digitally program industrial

robots with artificial intelligence, which paved the way

for the use of robotics in industry and manufacture.

These days, robotics and automated dispensing are

starting to be seamlessly integrated into many forms

of manufacture, specifically within the production of

food and beverage for a variety of reasons, including:

● Increased efficiency: Robots can work

tirelessly, 24/7, with minimal breaks or downtime

and can significantly boost productivity.

● Improved consistency: Robotic systems deliver

precise and consistent results, ensuring that every

dish or drink made will meet the predetermined

quality standards.

● Enhanced safety: Automation reduces the risk

of accidents and injuries associated with repetitive

tasks and handling hot surfaces.

● Cost reduction: While initial investment costs

may be higher, long-term savings can be made

through reduced labour expenses and minimised

error or product waste.

● Customer satisfaction: Using robotics and

automated dispensing means faster service

times, consistent quality, and innovative food

presentations which can lead to higher customer

satisfaction and loyalty.

● Targeting KPIs and tracking: By using a

system that promotes the same response repeatedly,

it makes it easier for organisations to predict

what the output would be as there’s minimal risk

of variation – this means KPIs and trends can be

accurately tracked and monitored.

How robotics and automated dispensing is

transforming food and beverage dispensing

Certain industries lend themselves easily to the rise

of robotics and automated dispensing – the food and

beverage industry being one of them. There is a whole

range of potential applications including:

1) Automated dispensing machines: These

machines are often found in convenience stores,

petrol stations, and fast-food restaurants. They

utilise robotics and automated dispensing by

supplying a precise dispensing system to deliver a

variety of food and beverage items quickly, without

the need for human input.

2) Robotic cooks: Advanced robotic systems (such

as the Moley, B-Air Kitchen) can prepare

complex dishes, from curry, stir fry, pasta and even

risotto, with remarkable precision and speed. It’s

the ‘world’s first robotic chef and intelligent RFIDenhanced

IoT kitchen system.’

3) Food delivery robots: Autonomous robots

are being deployed to deliver food directly to

customers, as operated in Milton Keynes by

Starship Technologies. They have streamlined

the delivery process and reduced labour costs.

4) Entertainment: Some restaurants and bars have

started to ‘employ’ automated robotic bartenders,

mainly as an aesthetic and to provide an additional

layer of entertainment for their patrons. These

bartenders can mix pre-set qualities of drink, mix

and serve accurately.

5) Agriculture: Robots can plant, identify, and

sort seeds. They can also assess crops and their

habitats for disease, pests, or yield, and in some

cases, provide a remedy to a potential problem e.g.

spraying plants with pesticides should greenflies be

discovered.

6) Food and drink packaging: When it comes

to speed, efficiency and accuracy, robotics and

automation dispensing machines are perfect – they

can open, fill or dose, pack, seal, and label packages

within seconds and at the ease of a button.

7) Food sanitation, preparation and

processing: Especially within the food and

beverage industry, sanitation of the product

and equipment takes top priority to ensure the

cleanliness and quality of the product. Robots and

automated dispensing machines are being used as

they can endure harsher environments than humans

(such as staying within cold rooms where bacteria

and infection can’t survive for prolonged periods).

By guaranteeing efficient and accurate dosing,

robotics and automated dispensing ensure any food

and beverage served is consistently at the correct

measurement.

The role of Quantex Pumps in automated

dispensing

Quantex pumps are already a critical component for

many automated dispensing machines, including the

Linstream/Cobell Juice Machine, Freshblends

self-serve frozen beverages platform and can

easily handle concentrates for post-mix soft and

alcoholic drink dispensing machines.

Pumps without an integrated Quantex pump,

however, often come with multiple pain points due to

the upkeep required of the robotics and automated

dispensing machines themselves as discussed in our

blog ‘Top 10 Business Benefits of Refillable

Drinks and Bulk-refill.’

Managing thick viscous products in the food

and beverage industry

Quantex pumps are particularly recognised for their

ability to handle highly viscous solutions (including

melted chocolate, condiments (i.e. ketchup

and mayonnaise) and yoghurt) In fact, the

Quantex QX25-HP pump can pull an impressive -7

psig vacuum and revolutionises the positioning of the

disposable pump in relation to the liquid packs (the

pump can often be positioned above, below, to the

side) keeping the same level of viscous suction power.

The video shows Quantex dispensing

extremely viscous Nivea cream: https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uMeXor0pls

Here is a Quantex Bag In Box Eco High-

Speed Pump dispensing viscous Ketchup and

Mayonnaise: https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=QThfw5a_vhI

The future of the foodservice

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to

see even more innovative applications of robotics and

automated dispensing within the food and beverage

industry. From fully automated kitchens to personalised

dining experiences and consumer-controlled dosing, the

possibilities are endless. By embracing automation and

leveraging advanced technologies like Quantex pumps,

businesses can stay ahead of the curve and deliver

exceptional food, drinks and service.

If you’d like to discuss how a Quantex pump

could work for you, please visit:

https://www.psgdover.com, email:

quantex-info@psgdover.com or call:

+49 (2065) 89205-0.

22


DISTILLING MATTERS

Did you know Euroby has been

supplying equipment to a broad

range of food and drink applications

for over 15 Years?

Euroby is the exclusive UK supplier of

Polat separation equipment for the

Food and Beverage markets.

The foodstuffs industry offers many

applications for mechanical separation and

the Polat centrifuges that Euroby offer are in

manufactured accordance with international

quality standards and expectations of the UK

market.

Euroby centrifuges are established at the

heart of many process lines worldwide. They

are used in dairy processes and are efficient

and economical for the separation of milk,

cream, whey, yoghurt, quark, fresh cheese

together with bacterial removal and butter

making.

Euroby centrifuges work well in wine and

beer clarification achieving products with

consistent taste.

Our centrifuges are specially designed for

each application and are economical and

efficient.

We also supply centrifuges which also provide

separation solutions for both plant and

animal proteins with 2 and 3 phase solutions

operating in meat and fish applications.

Euroby centrifuges are also used to process

food product waste streams, recovering

product, reducing environmental impact and

generate savings in overall effluent costs.

We offer:

● High-performance separation

● High-value products

● Reduced waste management costs

● Low energy consumption and carbon

footprints

● Low maintenance costs

● Low capital cost.

Interested? Email Lee Blake at Euroby on:

lblake@euroby.com, call: 01903 694400 or

visit: www.euroby.com


FREEZE DRYING MATTERS

Reliable & scalable: Gellert

freeze dryers are perfect for

regulated food production

I

n today’s global environments where disruption

to supply chain might have a significant impact

on perishable goods, there has been a noticeable

shift by manufacturers and consumers alike, toward

the freeze-dried product market. The primary

reason being, from a manufacturer perspective,

freeze drying can help remove the need for cold

chain transportation, therefore lowering cumulative

costs to transport products. Freeze-dried material

is also much lighter than a frozen or refrigerated

alternative, which again facilitates a reduction in

manufacturer transportation cost.

In addition, freeze drying can expand the reach of

the product to potential consumers or end-users

in more remote locations where storing product in

fridges/freezers during transportation, may not have

been possible.

From a consumer perspective, dried products are

being preferred to cold chain

alternatives because it takes less

energy and cost to store before use

which leads to overall a lower cost

per product, accompanied by an

extended shelf life.

As the name suggests, to initiate the

process of freeze drying a product

must first be frozen and dried by

removing the majority of the water

that exists within the product

naturally. This can be done either at

production source using a dedicated

freezer during the initial processing,

or in-situ of the freeze dryer in a more controlled

and repeatable manner, through close contact with

the shelves.

While external freezing can reduce the time required

to cool product, and theoretically reducing the

total freeze drying cycle time, the controlled nature

of in-situ freeze drying directly on the shelves can

have benefits of its own. For example, ensuring

product samples maintain their shape, structure and

nutritional value, because controlled and repeatable

freezing and then drying on the shelves, through an

optimised recipe helps samples to maintain their

biological integrity and structure. It is an efficient

way of preserving products without significantly

denaturing proteins, meaning that the freezedried

product is nutritionally as good as the raw

alternative, when reconstituted

and inherently safer to handle

that in its raw form.

For this reason, Biopharma Group

offers to the UK, and Europe the

Gellert series of food production

freeze dryers, developed for

the regulated food, dairy, and

nutraceuticals production

industries. The versatility of

Gellert freeze dryers, made them very popular in

the industry due to the development of a range with

ease of scale-up, user requirements and operation in

mind. For example, the most delicate foods or ones

possessing higher brix values/sugar or salt content,

may demand processing at lower temperatures

to minimise the risk of altering their structure,

appearance, or taste and Gellert have designed a

Low Temperature model that will accommodate this

requirement from the industry.

Other beneficial features that have be designed for

inclusion with Gellert equipment include:

● AutoDry which is an intuitive feature that allows

users the opportunity to input their desired

temperature differential between the product/

sample itself, and the shelves. This ensures the

sample can be

dried using

the AutoDry

feedback

mechanism,

helping to

optimise

drying cycles,

and enable

a smooth

drying

process to

occur.

● The chamber,

●

●

condenser, shelves, and shelf stack can all also be

constructed from 316L stainless steel, should this

be desired from a product contact, perspective.

A hybrid cooling system can also be integrated on

the larger equipment to utilise defrost water by

re-heating via the freeze dryer compressors, and

then re-using to assist in the defrost of ice built

up within the condenser – an effective energy and

cost saving approach.

SCADA is also possible, from a secured software

perspective of the freeze dryers, which can

become an important element at the pilot and

production scale.

Gellert is a world respected, specialist manufacturer

of freeze drying equipment, with over 40 years in the

industry. Over this period, Gellert has accrued a high

level of practical experience and in-house expertise,

developing an array of different models and

configurations to satisfy a broad range of industrial

purposes.

Common applications that utilise Gellert freeze

dryers are used for include:

● Smart Foods such as supplements and

nutraceuticals

● Food and Beverages including coffee beans, meat,

fish and even honey to mention a few

● Dairy Products such as infant formula, yoghurt

drinks, dried milks, lactoferrin and cheese

● Fruits and Vegetables e.g. strawberries, wine

grapes, even olive oils

● Pet Food and Pet Treats

As the exclusive distributor of Gellert freeze

dryers across the UK, Ireland and France, contact

Biopharma Group’s product specialists to discuss

your requirements or request more information.

T +44 (0)1962 841092

bps@biopharma.co.uk

https://biopharma.co.uk

24


CLASSIFIEDS

Beverages

Printing

Tools

Food Hygiene

We help to make sure

food is safe to eat.

That's our passion.

Ingredients

Contract Drying

Safe food hygiene solutions for your

food company.

www.christeyns.com

Catering Consultancy

Measurement Solutions

Foodservice Consultants

Ingredients

Doors & Shutters

Halal Foods

MACKLE APPLE

CIDER VINEGAR

Bulk supplies for Food

Manufacturers

BRITISH MADE APPLE CIDER

VINEGAR USING BRITISH APPLES

No sulphur or additives used

with acidity levels to suit your

requirements

Brewed in our own BRC approved

factory

PACKED IN 25 AND 1000 LITRE

CONTAINERS or Full Road Tankers

Buy Direct from manufacturer

Deliver anywhere in the UK

Tel 02887 784345 or email

anthony.conroy@mackleapple.com

Est. 1997

INDUSTRIAL

DOOR REPAIRS

AND NEW DOOR

INSTALLATIONS

Call 0114 288 9464

sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

26


Packaging

Ingredients

Water Filters

Cannabis Tea

Discover our range of cannabis products grown

on certified organic farms

Plastics

Batching

Balance the Body,

Calm the Mind

Purchase online or find a stockist near you

www.bodyandmindbotanicals.com

Food Packaging Packaging Machinery Packaging

Personalised bespoke

packaging solutions for a

range of speciality food

sectors: Confectionery, Dairy,

Bakery, Delicatessen & Fish

Get in touch 01606 354664

sales@bartecpackaging.co.uk

www.bartecpackaging.co.uk

Machines for Food

Water Treatment

UK MANUFACTURED PACKAGING MACHINERY EXCELLENCE

Turnkey Solutions | Filling, Capping Labelling

Automation | Bespoke, Special Purpose Design

Pharmaceutical | Food & Beverage | Chemical

Aromatherapy | Medical | Diagnostics

Industrial | Ecig | Adhesives

To discover more, please visit

www.capcoder.com • Tel 01865 891466

Uniball Tumbler

Mixer

Ideal for flapjack

mixes and fragile

products

Capacity 225 litres,

316 stainless steel

drum, variable speed

The machines

have been sold

to clients using a

range of different

products as coating

vegetables in oil, mixing medical powders,

Bakery recipes, flapjack mix, mixing different

nut types, marinating meat with sauces,

mixing coffee beans, food ingredients, coating

olives in flavours, flavours on nuts, pasta &

mayo. Sold worldwide to USA, New Zealand,

Hong Kong, Iceland and Europe.

01761 410345 | 01761 410332

sales@machines4food.co.uk

www.machines4food.co.uk


Food and Drink Matters Issue 183

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