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Food and Drink Matters Issue 187

Food & Drink Matters is circulated to decision makers involved in the UK's food and drink markets. Each edition updates readers with current trends and developments, as well as new products and services launched into the marketplace. This makes Food & Drink Matters an excellent reference tool.

Food & Drink Matters is circulated to decision makers involved in the UK's food and drink markets. Each edition updates readers with current trends and developments, as well as new products and services launched into the marketplace. This makes Food & Drink Matters an excellent reference tool.

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Freshpeel Produce

Safety Company of the Month

Page 15

Craft Distilling Business

Consultancy of the Month

Page 17

August 2025 – issue 187

We are Transport Refrigeration

specialists

Largest used stock in the UK – 250+ trailers

We have a variety of trailer manufacturers and trailer lengths:

G&A/Montracon/Chereau/Schmitz – 13.6m/10.4m/8.4m

For road trailers or static storage we can offer refrigerated

trailers and insulated box trailers

New Lamberet refrigerated trailers available

Thermo King and Carrier fridge panels also in stock

Andy – 07359 746929

andy@mbstrailers.co.uk

Steve – 07553 632712

steve@refrigeratedtrailerservices.co.uk

www.mbstrailers.co.uk



CONTENTS

August 2025 – issue 187

17

Inside this issue

4 GymDough

Healthy Snack Company of the Month

Bespoke copper stills for world-class distilleries

At the heart of Fortnum & Mason’s 3rd floor in the Piccadilly flagship

store stands Amalthea, a bespoke copper-and-steel vacuum pot still

that takes its name from the mythical goat famed for its horn of plenty.

12 HRS Heat Exchangers

Manufacturing Matters

6 RYSE

lunch! Preview

15 Freshpeel Produce

Food Safety Company of the Month

8 Conglom International Ltd

Food Service Packaging Company of the Month

17 i-Keg

Beer Keg Technology Company of the Month

14 4 7

Follow us on X or follow us on Linked In o

Download our iOS app and Android app

NEW Miko authentic Japanese Matcha

Miko has launched a new premium grade Matcha powder, meeting

demand for elevated flavour experiences & capitalising on the health

and wellness trend while offering a compelling alternative to coffee.

www.foodanddrinkmatters.co.uk

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


HEALTHY SNACK COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Dreamy cookie dough

with even dreamier macros

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we

are pleased to feature GymDough as our

Healthy Snack Company of the Month

Think of your favourite chocolate bar

transformed into high protein cookie

dough! Boasting the highest protein

cookie dough on the market, GymDough

has managed to create a high protein, macro

friendly, edible raw cookie dough that is also

gluten free!

GymDough was founded in June 2024 by

partners Tom and Amy. The idea sparked in a

simple, everyday moment – Tom was searching

the kitchen for something sweet yet high in

protein, while Amy was

baking cookies with their

five year old. On a whim,

she added protein powder

to the cookie dough. Before

the tray even made it to

the oven, Tom had already

tasted the dough straight

from the spoon, and the

concept of protein cookie

dough was born.

A year down the line, and

GymDough has grown

into a high-protein range

that includes four flavours plus two seasonal

flavours such as Peanut Butter Cup, Cherry

Bakewell, Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, and

Original Choc Chip which is Madagascan

vanilla cookie dough, packed with rich 70%

dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips, vanilla

syrup and a pinch of sea salt.

From its manufacturing hub based in South-

West London, GymDough is now shipped

throughout the UK. What started out as an

indulgent dessert, now includes a whopping 50

grams of protein with minimal sugar, carbs and

fat. Tom explained the essence of their cookie

dough and why it has been so well received by

customers.

“Our goal was to bridge the gap between

indulgence and nutrition by crafting something

truly delicious yet functional. GymDough is

incredibly versatile: enjoy

it pre- or post-workout,

as a snack, paired with

ice cream, or even rolled

into cookies or pancakes.

But the best way to enjoy

it? Straight from the tub

or gently warmed in the

microwave.

The name GymDough

is a playful twist on the

word ‘gymbro’ which is

intentionally designed to

be ironic (because we are

far from being gymbros!) Our cookie dough

has been really popular with people who train

regularly and who have been looking for

something crave-worthy but also high in protein

to snack on, as well as with people who are just

looking to up their protein

intake.”

Free from egg and wheat,

each cookie dough pot has

balanced macros including

slow-release carbs that are

low sugar and high in fibre.

GymDough has also just

tweaked the recipe to make

a ‘Lite’ version that contains

only 360 calories a tub,

which gram for gram gives

more protein, less sugar/fat/

carbs, and more fibre than

any protein bar currently on the market!

“We’re especially proud of this innovation

because we achieved it without relying on the

fancy additives or chemicals that big brands

often use. Our tubs are just as generous in

size as our other cookie doughs, but with a

healthier twist. Just as importantly, we’ve made

Gymdough accessible in every sense – not only

in taste and nutrition, but also in the way we

present ourselves. Unlike

many protein snack brands

that can feel intimidating or

overly serious, our branding

is designed to be fun,

friendly, and approachable,”

said Tom.

Contact

M 07934 893276

https://gymdough.co.uk

As the product popularity

grows, GymDough is

quickly scaling up to

meet the demand, and

positioning itself to be on

supermarket shelves in the

very near future.

4

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4


lunch! PREVIEW

What’s on the menu at The National Restaurant,

Pub & Bar Show and lunch! 2025?

Visitor registration is now well underway

for the 2025 edition of The National

Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show (the new name

for Casual Dining) and lunch! Attracting

thousands of senior decision-makers from

across the UK’s foodservice, retail, and

hospitality sectors, the shows will take place

at ExCeL London from 24-25 September. For

those in hospitality, it’s the ultimate destination

to explore the latest in foodservice, drinks,

equipment, and technology. Expect over 500

exhibitors, a Start-Up Zone, 2 Innovation

Challenges; plus, a line-up of expert speakers

across 6 free-to-attend seminar theatres.

The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show will

showcase new innovative foodservice products

and everything from cutting-edge commercial

kitchen equipment and smart tech solutions to

sustainable ingredients, and indulgent desserts.

As well as this, visitors can get a look at new

products both major, and emerging, alcohol

brands alongside inventive no-and-low drinks

that are redefining bar menus across the UK.

Industry leading suppliers already confirmed

include Diageo, UNOX, Lamb Weston, Shift4,

Carlsberg Britvic, Bose, Funkin Cocktails, Tugo,

The Tofoo Company, Moving Mountains,

Destiny Foods, Santa Maria, Budweiser,

Bute Island Foods, The FoodFellas, THIS ,

O’Donnell Moonshine, Yorkshire Tea, Brewdog

and many more.

At its co-located show, lunch!, buyers can

discover a mix of foodto-go

innovation, from

gourmet sandwiches

and artisan coffee to

functional drinks and

better-for-you snacks.

Exhibitors confirmed

across lunch! include

Oatly, itsu Grocery,

Smeg Professional UK,

Simply Lunch, Bridge

Coffee Roasters, Lost

Sheep Coffee, Lindt,

Innocent Drinks,

Candy Kittens,

Tropicana Drinks,

GROUNDED,

Proper Corn,

Eat Real. BOL,

Twinings, and many,

many more.

For new challenger

brands to hit the market, visitors can explore

the show’s Start-Up Zone – it’s where trends

are spotted early, and innovative new suppliers

launch first. Exciting new brands confirmed

here include Picoso Drinks, Frank Food, Miss

Kim, and Blynk + Drinks.

The National Restaurant Pub & Bar Show and

lunch! will take place

on 24-25 September

2025 at ExCeL London.

Registration in advance

is free for trade visitors

(a door fee will apply on

the day) and all visitors

must be approved

before entry. For more

information and to

register, please visit:

www.nrpbs.co.uk or

www.lunchshow.co.uk

and quote priority code

VLU78.

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 5


lunch! PREVIEW

All That Matters

All That Matters is on a mission

to bring food back to what it

was meant to be – real, nourishing,

and in harmony with nature.

After more than a decade in AI and

ad tech, burnout pushed founder

Jitesh into months of monk life,

where he discovered how real,

untamed

ingredients

could fuel not

just the body,

but the mind,

energy, and

even the soil

beneath our

feet.

That wake-up

call sparked

All That

Matters – built

on the belief

that everything in the universe is

interconnected and has a ripple

effect.

While most savoury snacks are

built on cheap, overused fillers

churned out by industrial farming,

we’re doing things differently. Our

secret? Naturally resilient grains

– the future superstars of food –

like amaranth (the ‘grain of the

gods’) and millets (the fibre-rich,

antioxidant-packed powerhouse).

Nutrient-dense, climate-smart,

and grown in harmony with

nature, these crops thrive without

synthetic chemicals and help

restore degraded soil by default.

Months of R&D went into

creating our

first product

– a snack

that delivers

unapologetically

bold flavour,

addictive

crunch, and

clean-label

goodness

without the

usual suspects.

This isn’t a

remix of what’s

already on

shelves – it’s a re-invention, built

from the ground up.

“We’re not here for ‘better-foryou’.

We’re here for real-for-you

– food that fuels, empowers, and

makes sense,” comments Jitesh,

Founder.

Come see us on Stand L892.

M +44 (0)7909 869866

Introducing RYSE –

Elevate your energy:

Europe’s first caffeinated

chocolate bar

ntroducing RYSE, a delicious

Inew way to energise your day.

RYSE is Europe’s first caffeinated

chocolate bar, a bold new

innovation combining premium

chocolate produced in Ireland,

with the power of caffeine and

essential vitamins for sustained

energy and focus.

Created by Irish entrepreneurs

Ian O’Rourke and David Stone,

RYSE is redefining the chocolate

category with a bar that tastes

indulgent but works hard. Each

26g bar delivers 80mg of caffeine

(the same as a double espresso)

and 15% of your recommended

daily intake of vitamins B6 &

B12, which support focus and

metabolism.

Produced in Ireland using

premium chocolate with 30%

cocoa solids and 14% milk

solids, RYSE offers a creamy,

smooth taste with none of the

bitterness typically associated

with caffeinated products.

Scientifically formulated for

sustained energy without spikes

or crashes, RYSE is ideal for

those leading fast-paced lifestyles,

needing a midday boost or

a pre-workout kick without

compromising on flavour.

“I always felt the chocolate

aisle lacked real innovation,”

says founder and managing

director Ian O’Rourke. “There

were different flavours and

formats, but nothing that truly

delivered functional benefits

with great taste. That’s why we

created RYSE, an energy bar in a

chocolate format that consumers

are loving not just for the effect,

but because it tastes so good.”

RYSE will be exhibiting at lunch!

in the ExCeL arena on Stand

L280 from September 24th-25th.

Make sure to swing by, taste a

bar and elevate your energy.

hello@rysechocolate.com

https://rysechocolate.com

Drink your fibre

Fibre UP will be exhibiting at

lunch! 2025 at the ExCeL in

London on the 24-25 September

2025 at Stand L679.

Getting enough fibre has often

been a challenge but Fibre UP

changes that.

Made with natural ingredients

and no added sweeteners, Fibre

UP gives you 50% of your daily

fibre in a 250ml canned drink.

This brand-new range of lightly

sparkling, fruit flavoured soft

drinks, are a perfect way to ensure

you meet your daily fibre goals

whilst beating the bloat, leaving

consumers feeling refreshed,

revived and energised.

Perfectly safe for adults and kids to

enjoy, the current range of flavours

includes Apple & Elderflower,

Raspberry Lemonade, and Mango

& Passionfruit.

As more people become

increasingly mindful of their daily

fibre intake, Fibre UP was founded

in 2023 by Paul McCreery with a

clear mission: to make fibre simple,

accessible, and enjoyable. Fibre is

linked to a wide range of powerful

health benefits – from improved

sleep quality and healthier

digestion to balanced gut health

and lower blood pressure.

Made with real fruit juices, each

flavour is 100% natural and

has been described by

consumers as ‘proper

fruity’, ‘really refreshing’,

and ‘the best fizzy drink

that’s good for my gut I

have ever had!’

hello@fibredrinks.com

https://fibreupdrinks.com

6

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4


White’s Oats

Founded in 1841 by Thomas Henry White,

White’s Oats has been a trusted name in oat

milling for over 180 years. From our origins as

a corn and flour mill in Tandragee, Co. Armagh,

White’s has grown to become the leading oat

miller in Ireland and the principal miller of

organic oats in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Why partner with White’s

Oats?

As dedicated millers, we have

long recognised the nutritional

benefits of oats as an essential

element of a wholesome and

balanced diet. Today, oats

are enjoyed far beyond the

breakfast table – as versatile

ingredients in meals and

snacks throughout the day.

Whether you’re serving busy

commuters, health-conscious

diners, or families on the go,

our range is designed to meet

your needs.

Crafted for quality, taste, and

shelf appeal, our products are

designed to meet the needs of modern retailers,

with trusted accreditations and award-winning

flavour that drives customer loyalty.

Our product range reflects current and emerging

consumer trends:

● Traditional Porridge

● Convenient Ready-to-Serve Pots

● Sachets

The Mayo that beat the rest: Oliehoorn’s 80%

Mayo wows UK taste testers

Say hello to the B Corp certified sauce brand

that’s making chefs (and their diners) fall

in love at first bite. Oliehoorn – the legendary

Dutch sauce maker – has entered the UK

foodservice scene, and their 80% Mayonnaise is

already turning heads.

In a recent blind consumer test in the UK, 95%

of testers chose Oliehoorn’s 80% Mayonnaise

as their favourite,

outshining major

competitors with its

bold, rich flavour and

silky-smooth texture.

It’s no surprise really:

with decades of

know-how behind it,

this mayo is a secret

weapon for chefs

who take quality

seriously.

Oliehoorn has been crafting sauces since 1981

in Hoorn, near Amsterdam, and they’ve become

the number 1 foodservice mayo brand in the

Netherlands, where every second portion of

fries in cafeterias is served with Oliehoorn.

Now, they’re here in the UK to bring that same

flavour expertise to professional kitchens, from

bustling burger joints to upscale casual dining

and QSR.

● Oaty Bars

● Organic, High-Protein & Gluten-Free

Options

Our range of formats offers something for

everyone.

● Ready-to-serve pots, sachets, and oaty

bars for quick, wholesome options.

● Eye-catching branded

products and highquality

own-label

options to suit every

shelf.

● Bulk formats and

customisable solutions

for large-scale food

service operations.

Quality & trust

At White’s, quality is more

than a promise – it’s proven.

We’re proud to be a BRC

AA+ accredited mill, ensuring

the highest standards in food

safety and production. Our

products have earned top

honours, including Great Taste

Awards and Quality Food

Awards, celebrating our commitment to flavour

and excellence.

We’re certified to ISO 45001 and ISO 14001,

reflecting our dedication to staff wellbeing

and environmental responsibility. Plus, our

Organic accreditation guarantees purity and

sustainability from field to shelf.

The range includes:

● 80% Oil Premium Mayo – Creamy, fresh,

with unbeatable taste

● 25% Classic Mayo – A smooth

all-rounder

● Truffle Mayo – Rich, indulgent and

unforgettable

● Garlic & Herb, Curry Mayo, Hamburger

Sauce – Made to surprise and elevate

But there is much

more! Whether

you’re looking

for standout

burger builds,

loaded fries that

sell themselves, or

the perfect base

for custom sauces,

Oliehoorn is built for

chefs.

Made for kitchens. Loved by guests.

4 Trusted by chefs for over 40 years

4 Designed with flavour & performance in

mind

4 Created by real ‘Sauceologists’

4 B Corp certified – responsibly made with

100% green energy & recyclable packaging

“We’re not just launching condiments, we’re

We work in close partnership with a trusted

network of growers, offering full field-to-bowl

traceability across our product lines.

At White’s Oats, innovation drives our success.

We work closely with our partners to develop

tailored solutions that align with consumer

trends and operational needs. Whether you’re

looking to expand your healthy offerings or

streamline your supply chain, White’s Oats is

here to help.

Find us on Stand L745.

Find out more: www.whitesoats.co.uk

Trade Contacts:

Colin Ferguson – colin.ferguson@whitesoats.

com – +44 (0)7551 282147

Colin Kiddell – commercial@whitesoats.com –

+44 (0)7866 522131

sharing a flavour legacy,” says Arjan Dijk, CEO

and second-generation family member. “Chefs

in the Netherlands trust us to elevate their food.

We’re excited to offer the same to chefs in the

UK.”

Ready to taste what 95% of testers preferred?

Get in touch and request a free sample box

to discover why Oliehoorn might just become

your kitchen’s new favourite.

Come see us on Stand L440.

foodserviceuk@oliehoorn.nl

www.oliehoorn.nl/en/foodservice

www.oliehoorn.nl/uk-sampling

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 7


FOOD SERVICE PACKAGING COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Planet-friendly packaging

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters,

we are pleased to feature Conglom

International Ltd as our Food Service

Packaging Company of the Month

Founded in 1987, Conglom Inc is a

Canadian full-service manufacturer

and distributor of consumer and

industrial products, supplying everything from

big-box retailers to dollar stores and small

independents.

Over the years, the

company has evolved

in terms of its offering,

and in 2012 Conglom

International was

established to focus

specifically on food

service packaging

across the UK and

European markets.

Today, Conglom

International supply a

wide range of practical,

planet-friendly

packaging to the foodservice sector from its

central base in Northampton, UK.

“Being in Northampton gives us a central

location that allows us to efficiently service

customers across the UK. Our warehousing

and logistics network is built for speed and

reliability, ensuring consistent supply wherever

it’s needed. To better support our growing

European customer base, we also operate

distribution hubs in Spain and France, allowing

us to offer a fast, flexible and locally tailored

service across the EU market too,” said Karen

Walsh, Sales & Marketing Executive.

As specialists in food service packaging

and food handling

essentials, it has an

extensive product

range including foil

containers and lids,

recyclable hot and

cold cups, kraft food

packaging, PFAS

Free moulded fibre

packaging, and vinyl

and nitrile gloves for

safe food handling.

By prioritising practicality, sustainability, and a

consistent supply, Conglom delivers packaging

that works without

the overcomplications.

Within the food

sector, Conglom

International supports

Cash & Carry

outlets, Quick service

restaurants (QSRs),

Food and beverage

manufacturers,

Independent retail

and food-to-go outlets

with products that

are designed for

fast-moving, high-demand environments where

reliability and presentation matter.

Conglom International has a range of brands

that offer exceptional packaging products for

food and drink. Titan delivers high-performance

foil containers and lids with consistency you can

rely on, Café Express offers recyclable hot and

cold cups and kraft & recyclable plastic food

packaging that balance practicality with strong

presentation, Saniguard provides essential

foodservice PPE, including reliable nitrile and

vinyl gloves designed for hygiene, comfort and

compliance in busy food environments, and

iECO – a sustainability-focused range featuring

PFAS Free and home compostable packaging

for businesses serious about reducing plastic

use.

One of its latest products from the iECO

range is the iECO PFAS Free Moulded Fibre

Sip Lid, designed for cold drinks. It’s a home

compostable, planet-friendly alternative to

plastic or bioplastic lids, and made entirely from

PFAS Free moulded fibre.

“Durable and splash-resistant, the lid fits

securely and pairs perfectly with paper

compostable cold cups,

giving foodservice

operators a complete

eco-friendly solution

that meets both

legislative requirements

and customer

expectations.

“We’ll be showcasing

this product, along

with our full range, at lunch! 2025, taking

place 24-25 September at the ExCeL Centre in

London. We’re extremely proud to be part of

the lunch! Innovation Challenge, where visitors

can vote for the most exciting new product,”

added Karen. “If you’re heading to lunch! come

and say hello. You’ll find us at Stand L974,

ready for a chat and a brew.”

Conglom International also offer the flexibility

to develop own-brand packaging solutions.

Whether you want to create a new branded

range or rebrand any existing products under

your label, Conglom International can work

with you to deliver a retail-ready solution that

aligns with your vision and strengthens your

offer in the market.

“We’re driven by a clear mission: to provide

outstanding customer service, intelligent

product design and practical, retail-ready

solutions that add real value at every stage. Our

customers stay with us not just because our

8

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4


products are competitively priced, but because

we’re responsive, easy to deal with and focused

on helping their operations run more efficiently.

“We pride ourselves on a fast turnaround.

From order to delivery, we work quickly and

accurately to keep stock moving and customers

fully supplied. Our processes are built for speed,

and our team is built for service. We don’t just

meet expectations; we aim to exceed them every

single day. That’s what keeps our customers

coming back,” stated Karen.

Offering the packaging you need and the service

you deserve, Conglom International has made

some recent changes to its operations in order

to become more environmentally friendly. Karen

explained, “We’ve increased investment in

sustainable product development, improved our

warehousing and logistics, and expanded our

PFAS Free product range. We’re also stepping

up our presence at industry events to connect

directly with customers and showcase what we

do best.”

We also asked Karen what plans the company

has for the future, “We’re really excited to

be moving to new bespoke-built premises in

2026, which will include a larger warehouse,

108,000ft 2 (13,000+ pallet spaces) and more

office space to support our ever-expanding

team. This investment marks the next phase

of our growth and reinforces our long-term

commitment to service, operational efficiency

and supply chain resilience.

“In addition we are expanding our ready-toretail

product ranges to meet growing demand

from independent stores and retail outlets. This

includes Titan air fryer liners, foil oven-to-table

trays, and iECO PFAS Free plates, bowls and

birchwood cutlery, all available in pack sizes

ideal for shop shelves, with eye-catching, shelfready

packaging.

“Alongside product development, we continue

to strengthen our ESG certification, standards

and governance. We maintain our AA BRCGS

certification, ensuring our products meet

strict food safety and storage legislation.

We’re committed to ongoing compliance and

we became ISO 14001:2015 in May 2025,

demonstrating we are serious about our

environmental responsibilities, ensuring we

mitigate the impact our business activities may

have on the planet and on reducing climate

change.

“Alongside our other standards, we’re proud

to hold FSC ® certification (License No: FSC-

C191430) and we continue to expand our

range of FSC ® certified products to include

birch wood cutlery, giving customers a complete

solution, from packaging to utensil, that

supports a circular economy and meets growing

consumer expectations.”

When it comes to straight-talking service

and doing business in a way that works for

everyone, including customers, end users and

the planet, Conglom International has got it

spot on. With a brand-new UK website soon

to be launched, 2025 and beyond looks very

promising.

T 01604 628617

sales@conglomint.com

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 9


FOOD MANUFACTURING LIVE PREVIEW

Food Manufacturing Live

This is the UK’s only specialist

event staged exclusively

for companies manufacturing,

packaging or processing food and

drink products. Here, directors,

managers and engineering

bosses can discover all the latest

innovations, new products and

suppliers that will help drive down

manufacturing costs, improve

productivity and enhance bottom

line profitability. More than 100

global leaders are showcasing the

latest innovations and technologies

for more efficient food and drink

packaging and production.

Food Manufacturing Live is a

one-day only event that is FREE

TO ATTEND and uses a unique

format to provide food industry

executives and engineers with

maximum information in the

minimum of time. You can get

here easily, park at zero cost right

outside the entrance, get in, get

round, get all the answers sought

and get back to work in short

order. Visitors can sample our

own food and drink too, with a

complimentary breakfast roll and

brew on arrival (before 11:00).

To help keep you up to date with

the latest innovations, a series of

free-to-attend Workshops will take

place between 09:30 and 14:30.

Experts from internationally

recognised thought leaders, as well

as senior food and drink industry

executives, will provide useful

insights covering a variety of issues

facing the food and drink sector.

A number of Action Areas are

present at the event. On these

special stands, leading experts from

across the food and drink industry

supplier spectrum will be providing

live demonstrations of their latest

technologies and innovations

specifically developed for food and

drink manufacturing applications.

Many of them will be making their

UK debut at this event.

https://foodmanufacturing.live

JUMO UK to showcase

smart measurement and

control solutions

JUMO UK, a trusted partner

in the food and beverage

industry, will be exhibiting at this

year’s Food Manufacturing Live

event. With decades of expertise

in precision measurement and

automation, JUMO continues to

support meat, poultry, dairy,

and beverage

manufacturers in

meeting today’s

highest standards

of quality, safety,

and efficiency.

At the show,

JUMO will

highlight its

comprehensive

portfolio of

temperature,

pressure, and analytical sensors,

alongside advanced automation

and control systems that help

streamline production and ensure

compliance with strict hygiene

regulations. From optimising

cooking and chilling processes to

guaranteeing product consistency,

JUMO’s solutions deliver accuracy,

reliability, and cost-effective

performance.

As a global systems and solutions

provider, JUMO works closely

with food manufacturers to deliver

tailored process solutions, ensuring

seamless integration into existing

operations. With a strong focus on

sustainability, energy efficiency,

and digitalisation, the company is

committed to

helping producers

achieve smarter

and cleaner

manufacturing.

Visit JUMO UK

at Stand 69 at the

event to discover

how its innovative

technologies can support your

production goals and enhance your

competitive edge.

Can’t wait? Visit our website

at: www.jumo.co.uk or call

01279 635533.

10

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High-quality safety

equipment

At Dalton Safety, we are

committed to providing

high-quality safety equipment

that helps businesses protect

their people, improve

efficiency, and maintain

compliance. As a BSIF

approved supplier, we work

with leading brands to deliver

innovative solutions across

multiple industries. For the

food manufacturing sector,

our expertise lies in supplying

cutting tools that meet the

highest standards of safety,

hygiene, and durability.

Our range includes the Klever

NSF Food Zone Certified

cutters, available in HACCPaligned

colours, infused with

KLEEN antimicrobial which

provides advanced protection

by inhibiting bacterial growth,

offering a hygienic solution for

demanding environments. We

also supply metal detectable

safety knives, ideal for facilities

that require the highest

standards of contamination

control while maintaining

safety and durability.

Visit us at Stand 11 to see

our full Food Zone range in

action and speak to our team

about the best safety cutting

solutions for your facility.

T 0800 987 4000

enquiries@daltonsafety.com

www.daltonsafety.com

Steam generators for

your business

ack in 1957, Hans-Joachim

BSchroder & a team of enthusiastic

and focused engineers set out designing

a reliable, low noise, rapid steam

raising, vertical Steam Generator. On

these solid foundations, CERTUSS

has grown into a worldwide company,

manufacturing CERTUSS Steam

Generators to global clients in food

manufacturing industries like dairies,

breweries, confectionary, meat

processing, bakeries, and more.

Recently exhibiting at Foodex 2025,

CERTUSS showcased its innovative

range of steam technology solutions

designed to support operations,

improve efficiency and reliability, and

cater to a range of food production

projects.

Specialising in coil-type, fast-start

steam generators, their innovative

coil-type design reaches full operating

steam pressure in as fast as 3-5 minutes

from cold start, which is ideal for

manufacturing lines needing frequent

startups or variable steam demand.

What’s more, CERTUSS generators

have an extremely small footprint

compared to traditional boilers,

offering high thermal efficiency: >93%,

and with economisers, up to 98%.

Their process and product quality

enables precise pressure control to 0.01

bar, and is vital for consistent steam

quality, which is a crucial element in

cooking, sterilising, or when coming

into direct food contact. Furthermore,

for applications requiring clean/

culinary steam, CERTUSS can also

integrate food-grade heat exchangers,

stainless steel loops, whilst meeting

FDA/ASME/FDA‐acceptable material

standards.

CERTUSS also offer technical care

that includes consulting on the

modernisation, sustainability, remote &

proactive maintenance of its products,

that comes with a strong spare-parts

guarantee of up to 20 years.

Come see us on Stand 32.

T 0121 327 5362

info@certuss.co.uk

www.certuss.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 11


MANUFACTURING MATTERS

Choosing heat exchangers

for viscous food products

By Antonio Guillermo Jara Ponce, Systems

Sales Manager, HRS Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers are

key components

in many processes

in the food industry, from

heating and cooling to

pasteurisation, sterilisation

and evaporation. They

come in many forms, from

the simplest plate heat

exchangers to corrugated

tube-in-tube and scraped

surface designs. With

so many different food

and drink products in

production across the

globe, choosing the right

heat exchanger for the

right product and the

right process is vital, not

only to ensure effective

processing and optimum

product quality, but also to

maximise operational and

energy efficiency.

Antonio Guillermo Jara

Ponce, Systems Sales

Manager, HRS Heat

Exchangers

This is particularly true when dealing with

viscous foodstuffs (such as honey, mayonnaise,

syrups, purees and nut butters). They require

more energy to pump and move and often

have a higher potential to foul pipework

and heat exchangers, reducing heat transfer

and operational efficiency. However, as their

texture and viscosity are also important quality

characteristics, it is important that processing

equipment, including heat exchangers, does not

change or disrupt them during production.

levels of sheer stress and

temperature. Because of this,

most fluids are classified

as being either Newtonian,

or non-Newtonian.

Newtonian fluids have the

same viscosity irrespective

of changes in temperature

or shear stress – the most

common example of this

is water. Non-Newtonian

fluids (which can then

be sub-divided into five

different categories) have

viscosities which fluctuate

depending on the shear rate

applied.

In practice, this means that

when dealing with non-

Newtonian products (such

as cheese, cream, batter or

custard, and certain fat-free

products), elements of the

processing operation – including pumping,

heating, cooling and passing through pipework

– all have the potential to affect a product’s

viscosity and end quality if not handled

correctly.

The HRS RHD Series has been

developed such as nut butters

Corrugated tube heat exchangers: design &

selection

Choosing the correct type of heat exchanger,

together with careful system design, helps

avoid such problems. Corrugated tube

heat exchangers, such as those designed

and produced by HRS, ensure that delicate

products such as cream can be processed

efficiently without damage. This is because the

corrugated tube design helps minimise fouling,

increasing thermal efficiency during operation,

and extending operational periods between

cleanings. In addition, corrugated tube heat

exchangers have a lower pumping requirement

than smooth tubular heat exchangers due to

their compact nature, which results in a lower

pressure drop. This helps to increase operational

life while reducing maintenance costs compared

with other types of heat exchanger.

What is meant by viscosity?

When considering different sorts of viscous

food and drink materials, it is useful to clarify

what we mean by viscosity. It is normally

defined as a measure of a substance’s resistance

to motion under an applied force, based on the

amount of force required to remove one layer

in relation to another (shear stress) and the

change in speed of the layers relative to each

other (the shear rate). It is measured in units

called centipoise (cP) with one cP being equal

to 1 mPa sec-1 (millipascal per second). For

example, depending on temperature, milk may

have a typical viscosity between one and 20 cP,

while molasses may be 5,000-10,000, ketchup

(which thins when sheared) 10,000-18,000 cP,

and peanut butter as much as 250,000 cP.

However, the viscosity of different products

can change as they are subjected to different

The speed of the scrapers in the HRS Unicus Series can be optimised for the

product being processed

12

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Viscous foodstuffs may require more energy to pump and move, and have a higher fouling potential

Products with low or

medium viscosities, such as

milk, thin sauces, soups and

creams, fruit and vegetable

juices and purees, can usually

be efficiently processed in

multi-tube corrugated heat

exchangers, like the HRS MI

Series. These feature multiple

tubes that carry the product

within a large vessel which

contains the service fluid.

Where products contain

pieces or particulates, such

as fruit and vegetable dices,

then a double-tube heat

exchanger, like the HRS

DTA Series, is recommended.

In a double-tube heat

exchanger, one large tube

carries the product, so there

is less chance of blockage

and fouling by the particles

contained in the food

product.

For products such as thick

sauces, honey and syrups, an

annular-space heat exchanger

like the HRS AS Series is preferable. These

consist of three or four concentric tubes, with

the product flowing through the annular space

between the tubes and the service fluid flowing

through the inner and outer tubes to ensure

even heating and cooling. This arrangement

increases both heat transfer and energy

efficiency and minimises potential fouling.

The HRS AS Series is ideal

for products such as thick

sauces, honey and syrups

Scraped surface heat

exchangers for the toughest

challenges

For the most viscous

products, the use of

corrugated tubes will not be

sufficient to prevent fouling

or maintain movement

through the exchanger. In

these cases, scraped surface

heat exchangers (SSHEs)

are ideal, particularly for

evaporation. At HRS we

produce two types of SSHE:

the rotating HRS R Series,

which includes a unique

spiral scraper bar system

and baffle placement; and

the HRS Unicus Series,

which uses a reciprocating

movement to mix the fluid

whilst cleaning the heat

exchange surface.

For extremely viscous

products and demanding

applications, such as nut

butters, a heavy-duty version

of the R Series, the HRS

RHD Series has been developed. This comprises

all the features and benefits of the standard

R Series but with increased motor size and

scraping rods, together with extra mounting

supports for the scrapers and motor.

The separate hydraulic action of the Unicus

Series means that the speed of the scrapers

(which are

available in a

number of different

designs) is highly

controllable and

can be optimised

for the product

being processed.

Materials which

are susceptible

to shear stress or

pressure damage

can therefore be

handled gently

to prevent such

damage while

still providing

high levels of heat

transfer.

Between our range Corrugated tubes help

of corrugated tube minimise fouling and

heat exchangers, increase thermal efficiency

and the three

models of SSHE, HRS has a heat transfer

solution for any viscous food product, including

condensed milk, tomato paste, purees, juice

concentrates, honey, butter, margarine, nut

butters, chocolate, sauces, minced meats, and

many more.

For more information, please contact your local

representative or our food systems specialists

today.

info@uk.hrs-he.com

www.hrs-heatexchangers.com

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 13


DRINKS MATTERS

NEW Miko authentic Japanese Matcha

earthy, bittersweet flavour profile, providing a

versatile addition to the hot and cold beverage

menu.

Offering a more enduring surge of energy

than coffee, thanks to the harmonious blend

of caffeine and L-theanine, Matcha fosters

alertness, enhances concentration, invigorates

metabolism, and supports the heart’s vitality

hence its popularity with health aware

consumers.

In addition to the classic Matcha Latte, try

adding this magical brew to smoothies, iced

teas, frappes, milkshakes, cocktails, adding

SHOTT fruit concentrates for a pop of added

flavour with Insta appeal.

According to Louis Dobson for Miko,

“Although once considered a niche item only

available in upmarket health shops, Matcha

has become one of the fastest growing options

on the beverage menu and a lifestyle choice

due in part to its popularity with social media

influencers.

“With appeal across all generations and

demographics, Matcha has very quickly become

a menu essential as it pairs well with both sweet

and savoury taste profiles and works with all

dairy and plant milks.

Miko has launched a new premium

grade Matcha powder, meeting

demand for elevated flavour

experiences and capitalising on the health and

wellness trend while offering a compelling

alternative to coffee.

Miko’s authentic Matcha Japanese green tea

is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, with an

“We are seeing operators spinning the classic

‘hot Matcha’ to a cold drink variation, often

adding a pop of extra flavour with syrups, or

going all out with whipped cream and sauces.

“Matcha works incredibly well with SHOTT

strawberry or raspberry fruit concentrate and

coconut milk, creating a pretty, eye catching

drink. Or try adding oat milk and salted

caramel to introduce a more savoury twist.”

Miko Matcha is now available in 200g pouches,

complementing the company’s extensive range

of speciality coffees, artisan teas, SHOTT syrups

and beverage making equipment for baristas,

bar operators, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

More info: https://mikocoffee.co.uk

14

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Freshpeel’s Listeria defence: Professional

standards for safer onion supply

With food safety under scrutiny, Freshpeel Produce sets the

standard in Listeria risk mitigation across the raw onion sector

In this issue of Food & Drink

Matters, we are pleased to

feature Freshpeel Produce as

our Food Safety Company of

the Month

Introduction

As one of the UK’s largest onion peeling

and processing operations, Freshpeel

Produce recognises the unique

microbiological risks associated with raw

agricultural products. Chief among these is

Listeria monocytogenes, a resilient pathogen

that can survive in chilled environments and

persist on surfaces if not tightly controlled.

For Freshpeel, tackling this challenge is not

simply a compliance issue – it is central to our

operational philosophy and our promise to

customers.

Procurement

Controlling Listeria risk begins long before the

production line. Freshpeel works closely with

a network of trusted growers to source raw

onions with the lowest possible microbial load.

Our procurement

standards prioritise

on-farm hygiene and

handling practices,

ensuring incoming

product meets

stringent safety

expectations before

it even reaches our

facility.

FOOD SAFETY COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Process

Within our operation,

we maintain multiple

control points to limit Listeria risk throughout

production. Our dedicated hygiene team

conducts thorough post-cleaning routines,

followed by microbiological swabbing of

surfaces and equipment to validate sanitation

effectiveness. Ultraviolet light technology is used

to target microbes on product contact areas,

adding another layer of in-line protection.

Our washing and rinsing processes are carefully

calibrated to reduce microbial load before

onions are peeled, diced or sliced. We also

operate a rigorous microbiological sampling

programme, with regular Listeria testing of

finished products. These results are openly

shared with key customers, and through

collaboration and data trending, we work

jointly to improve outcomes and spot early

warning signs.

Temperature control

is another critical

part of our strategy.

Once prepared, onions

are rapidly chilled to

2-5°C to suppress any

potential bacterial

growth. From packing

to delivery, the cold

chain is maintained

without exception.

Our trusted hauliers

operate within strict

temperature parameters

to preserve both

product quality and

safety.

Other Controls

Supporting all of this is a strong culture of food

safety. All hygiene and

production staff receive

regular training focused

on contamination control,

cleaning standards, and

microbiological risk

awareness. Continuous

improvement is driven

not just by equipment

and testing, but by people

who understand their

responsibility in protecting

public health.

Conclusion

With increasing regulatory and customer

pressure on microbiological

safety, Freshpeel Produce

continues to lead the way

in Listeria risk management

across the onion processing

sector – supporting food

manufacturers with safer,

more reliable supply.

T 01945 429209

M 07776 424521

thomas.lonsdale@freshpeel.co.uk

https://freshpeelproduce.com

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 15



DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT & CONSULTANCY OF THE MONTH

Bespoke copper stills for

world-class distilleries

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we

are pleased to feature The Craft Distilling

Business Ltd as our Distillation Equipment &

Consultancy of the Month

The Craft Distilling

Business Ltd is

widely recognised for

designing, building, and

installing bespoke copper

stills, trusted by microdistillers

across the industry.

Its state-of-the-art stills,

ranging from 50 to 5,000

litres, encompass a wide

variety of models such

as Fruit Brandy Hybrid

Stills, Pot Stills, Mini Stills,

and Vacuum Stills. With a

commitment to both quality

and innovation, The Craft

Distilling Business has

empowered aspiring distillers

to craft exceptional spirits

with precision, efficiency, and confidence since

2017.

As well as offering

distillation equipment,

the company also

offers a range of

consultancy services

to spirit and essential

oil producers.

From Operational

Training, to Recipe

Development,

Licensing Support,

and Health & Safety

Documentation, the company’s complete endto-end

solutions approach has been widely

praised across the industry.

“We take great pride

in helping our clients

establish Distilleries

in small public spaces,

such as hospitality

venues, including

hotels, pubs, cruise

ships, and department

stores. Roughly 50%

of our clients are new

to distilling, so need a

lot of hand-holding.

Our job is to help

these clients through

every step of what

would otherwise be a very

complicated journey.

“Our full-service approach

provides a comprehensive

package that caters to

both beginners and master

distillers,” added Co-Founder,

Matthew Servini.

For nearly a decade, the

company has delivered

hundreds of successful

projects, specialising in the

design, commissioning,

and ongoing maintenance

of micro-distilleries. One

notable client includes the

Amalthea Gin Distillery at

Fortnum & Mason.

At the heart of Fortnum & Mason's reimagined

third floor in their

Piccadilly flagship

store stands Amalthea,

a bespoke copper-andsteel

vacuum pot still

that takes its name

from the mythical goat

famed for its horn of

plenty. This custom

still was designed and

installed by The Craft

Distilling Business,

expertly tailored to

Fortnum’s vision of combining craftsmanship

with customer experience.

The distillery produces two signature gins, both

distilled on site: Amalthea Dry Gin – a classic

London Dry gin that boasts rich juniper and

coriander flavours, with subtle hints of citrus,

rose and liquorice – and Amalthea Pink Gin, an

exceptional expression infused with warming

juniper, cardamom and coriander, as well as

notes of rhubarb, rose, hibiscus and Fortnum’s

very own Earl Grey tea.

The distillery is housed within the ‘Made in

Piccadilly’ Food & Drink Studio, an immersive

and sustainable experiential hub where visitors

can watch distillation take place live at the

still, engage with distillers and learn about

botanicals through sensory stations, personalise

their bottles and refill them in future visits,

and participate in tastings, food-theatre,

masterclasses, and discussions. This initiative

blends heritage with innovation, elevating

Fortnum & Mason’s retail space into a creative,

sustainable, and sensory experience.

Other successful projects include Blackness Bay

Distillers in Blackness-on-Sea, Scotland; Bone

Idyll in London; Altitude Gin in Chamonix,

France; White Hare Distillery in Usk; The

Bristol & Bath Distillery; and many more.

HMRC has modernised the licensing process

in the past six months, making it significantly

more straightforward and more accessible for

aspiring distillers to establish a craft distillery in

the UK. If you're interested, get in touch below.

Looking ahead, The Craft Distilling Business

is actively seeking new agents and distributors

across Western Europe to expand awareness of

its services and strengthen its brand presence.

M 07717 207331

matt@thecraftdistillingbusiness.com

https://thecraftdistillingbusiness.com

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 17


drinktec PREVIEW

Driving the future of the beverage

and liquid food industry

can be discussed.

drinktec 2025 will soon open its doors. From

September 15 to 19, 2025, the world of the

beverage and liquid food industry will meet

again in Munich. Around 1,100 exhibitors

will present cutting-edge solutions and future

technologies in eleven halls at the Munich

Exhibition Center.

They will once again be dialogue partners for

all national and international decision-makers

when it comes to investment decisions and the

strategic orientation of brands. This exchange

will be based on a complete overview of all

raw materials, process technologies, filling and

packaging technology, logistics, and IT directly

at drinktec, where all projects with the experts

Cleanova heralds new era in

food and beverage filtration

New CEO shares plans for growth and

partnerships ahead of drinktec 2025 exhibition

Beverage and liquid food manufacturers

will get the opportunity to meet the new

name in filtration systems at drinktec 2025.

Cleanova has recently acquired beverage

filtration specialists Allied and US-based

Micronics, and is keen to demonstrate its

credentials to the food and beverage industry.

Product Director, Christopher Nixon,

explains, “Cleanova understands the unique

challenges faced by food and beverage

manufacturers, from ensuring product

purity to maintaining operational efficiency.

We’re on a mission to replace the traditional

transactional relationship that results in

a ‘sell and forget’ attitude to filtration.

We adopt a more collaborative approach

that assesses the customer’s processes and

addresses the challenges they are facing by

finding the best, tailored filtration solution

for their application. We also understand that

operational parameters can change over time,

so we continue to provide advice and support

to help food and drink manufacturers optimise

and maintain filtration performance as their

business grows.”

With a comprehensive range of products

covering the entire value chain of beverage and

liquid food production, visitors to drinktec will

gain inspiration for the future orientation of

their product portfolios and learn about the

latest trends in the industry. With around 70%

of exhibitors coming from outside Germany,

drinktec once again demonstrates its highly

international character – a clear indication of

the global significance of this platform within

the industry. The largest groups of exhibitors

(after Germany) come from Italy, the USA,

and China, countries that have been bringing

together the widest range of offerings for the

industry at several drinktec editions.

The new ‘Liquidrome’ format provides

additional impetus. Under this branding, the

trade fair team in Hall C4 is presenting a wideranging

supporting programme: exhibitor talks,

presentations on research projects, and practical

insights form the backdrop for strategic

decisions in visitors’ own market and brand

scenarios. In this environment, numerous startups

will also be showcasing new solutions and

answering critical questions from the audience

during start-up pitches.

All offerings in Liquidrome focus on the key

Cleanova’s customer-first, supportive

approach offers confidence, consistency,

and peace of mind to production teams

throughout the food and beverage

industry. The company’s services can

be accessed through Cleanova Suite,

a family of unique service solutions

that combine Cleanova’s considerable

industry experience with technical

proficiency.

The company’s product portfolio

encompasses filters for high-efficiency

particulate and microbial removal,

oil-free compressed air filtration, depth and

pleated filters for liquids and gases, and

sanitary and hygienic design options. This

comprehensive portfolio enables Cleanova

to act as a single-source supplier, giving food

and beverage customers access to a range of

filtration solutions that can deliver the quality,

purity and safety standards that are crucial for

compliance in such a highly regulated sector.

Growth through partnership

Following an intensive year of growth through

topics of ‘Circularity & Resource Management’,

‘Data2Value’, and ‘Lifestyle & Health’. “Here

on our large Wave Stage, we have a diverse

programme that includes macro trends, AI

solutions for practical use, and numerous ideas

for resource-efficient production,” emphasises

Markus Kosak, Executive Director of the

drinktec Cluster. With several offerings on

innovation strategies and insights from the

start-up scene, the Deep Dive Lounge in the

Liquidrome complements the programme and

offers ample space for networking.

“We also see strong potential in the functional

beverages sector – for example, beverages

with health benefits – which is why we have

integrated a health bar into the Liquidrome.

There, selected partners offer tastings of

innovative beverages. This allows them to

provide the industry with ideas on how to

potentially tap into the segment of beverages

with added benefits,” says Markus Kosak. The

entire offering at Liquidrome is free of charge

for visitors.

Contact

https://drinktec.com/en-US/home

acquisition, Cleanova has secured its position

as a leading clean-tech manufacturer of

consumable, mission-critical, and engineered

filtration systems. It is currently looking

for new channel partners who share its

collaborative, customer-centric vision to join

them on their journey.

Filtration customers and prospective channel

partners can connect with Cleanova on Stand

C-5666 at drinktec 2025.

www.cleanova.com

18

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Cutting-edge Beer Tech

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters

we have featured i-Keg as our Beer Keg

Technology Company of the Month

BEER KEG TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE MONTH

and we have already been able to show

them they were only getting 80% yield

out of their kegs before we fitted the

system. Now they’re up to 98% yield

which is a massive difference.”

The company is also in the final stages

of developing the i-Spear. A retrofit part,

this new product will turn any keg into

a smart keg which will provide tracking,

flow and temperature data for the owner.

Tracking metrics like location, journey,

temperature as well as how much beer

has been dispensed at which location.

i-Keg offers a range of the beer kegs

and casks, made out of a highdensity

polyethylene material.

Its products are equivalent to steel

versions; being cleaned, filled, delivered

and dispensed in the same way as steel

counterparts. What sets i-Keg apart is

the development of its game changing

tracking and cellar management

technology.

The company’s flagship product,

the i-Keg, is a simple yet powerful

combination of two modern

technologies, combining a modular

reusable lightweight plastic keg with a

smart NB-IoT & WiFi enabled, battery

powered transponder. Working together

this delivers a tracking and tracing

asset management solution designed

specifically for the brewing and

on-trade sectors.

The company’s

AWS cloud-based

system will track

the i-Keg through

each stage of

its life cycle. The

company also works with venue

and cellar managers to provide onsite

real-time beer flow & temperature

data. The FlowBridge is an on-premise

device that monitors up to 6 beer lines

providing flow, beer temperature, cellar

temperature and pour of each tap giving

clients full visibility on their sales and

operational efficiency.

Crucially the FlowBridge

tracks how much beer

has sold and at what

temperature in hourly

increments. An industry

first that allows venue

managers to accurately

adapt their sales, staffing

and supply strategy based

on hard data.

Greg explained that

this innovative tech is

already making a

difference.

“We’re dealing with

quite a large hotel

group of 260 hotels in

the UK. There’s roughly

2,500 taps in this group

Alongside their i-Spear, the company

is also developing an app which is

both consumer and supplier based.

For the consumer the app will allow

them to filter the venues in any given

location by preference for beer, food

and entertainment. For suppliers this

crucial data can highlight product

demand and improve their offering in

a given area. i-Keg is a trusted industry

choice. Its innovative solutions are

designed to streamline operations,

improve traceability and reduce costs

with industry leading technology and a

commitment to quality.

For more on iKeg, see below:

T 08009 750298

M 07970 202071

sales@i-keg.com

www.i-keg.co.uk

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 19


THE HOSPITALITY B2B PORTFOLIO PREVIEW

The Hospitality B2B Portfolio

The ‘Hospitality B2B Portfolio’ is not just a

name; it signifies a mission. This term denotes

a foremost combined event that amalgamates

seven specialist trade shows under a single

umbrella. The acronym ‘B2B’ means ‘Businessto-Business’,

highlighting that this event is

tailored for businesses and professionals across

various sectors.

The portfolio encompasses the following

seven trade shows: Hotel & Resort Innovation

Expo, Street Food Business Expo, Hospitality

Tech Expo, Cafe Business Expo, Restaurant &

Takeaway Innovation Expo, Trade Drinks Expo,

and Responsible Packaging Expo.

This blend of trade shows fosters invaluable

synergies. Attendees and exhibitors from related

industries, but with distinct expertise, converge

at this juncture. This facilitates interdisciplinary

Café 2025: Why the

right team, loyal guests

& smart tools make all

the difference

oday’s cafés are more than just

Tgood coffee. They’re community

hubs, trendsetters – and small

businesses navigating big challenges:

rising costs, staff shortages, and

constantly shifting customer

expectations. That’s why success

depends on strong networks, loyal

regulars, and smart tools that make

daily operations easier.

One such tool is the SumUp Terminal

– ideal for cafés of all sizes, from

brick-and-mortar shops to market

stalls and pop-ups. It combines card

dialogue, bolstering networking and the transfer

of knowledge.

Held at the esteemed ExCeL London exhibition

centre, the event is an annual occasion,

scheduled either in October or November. It acts

as a nexus for specialists from the entire breadth

of the hospitality sector.

From its outset, the Hospitality B2B Portfolio

has cemented its position as an essential

platform for the industry. The enterprise, Fortem

Food and Drink Ltd, oversees the organisation

and management of the exhibition, bringing

to bear vast experience in the food and drink

domain.

Central themes of the trade show encompass

innovative strategies for hotels and resorts,

emergent technology trends within the

hospitality realm, up-to-date street-food

paradigms, shifts in coffee and gastronomy, the

reader, order system, receipt printer,

and digital product catalog in one

compact, mobile device. Thanks

to its built-in AI-powered camera,

even handwritten menus can be

transformed into a digital product list

in seconds – no extra hardware or

training required.

In the fast-paced world behind the

counter, the SumUp Terminal helps

streamline service. Payments via

card, smartphone, or smartwatch

are completed in seconds, with no

long-term contracts or hidden fees.

The result? More time for what really

matters: genuine hospitality, creative

ideas, and meaningful customer

relationships.

Being a café in 2025 means being more

– more flexible, more connected, more

forward-thinking. And with the right

tool in hand, turning daily business

into lasting success is just a tap away.

Come see us on Stand HT310.

www.sumup.com/en-gb

Bespoke food packaging

Bartec Packaging Ltd

will be exhibiting

at Responsible

Packaging Expo 2025

on 30th September –

1st October 2025 at

London Excel at Stand

RP172.

Bartec is a specialist

manufacturer of

bespoke packaging

and a paper converter,

providing personalised

packaging solutions to a range of

sectors including Confectionery,

Dairy, Bakery, Commercial, Non-

Food, and Retail.

Bartec has always maintained

an unwavering commitment to

maintaining the highest standards

in product safety, quality, and

operational excellence. This

commitment was recognised in

May this year, when the company

achieved an AA grade in its recent

BRCGS (Brand Reputation through

Compliance Global Standard)

audit for the 22nd consecutive year.

In such a demanding market, this

achievement cements a consistent,

safe, and reliable commitment to

its customers, ensuring only the

highest-quality food packaging

newest evolutions in the drinks sector, and ecoconscious

packaging solutions.

Particular focus is laid on the freshest products,

services, and technologies showcased for

attendees. Exhibitors from domains like hotel

and hospitality, foodservice technology, streetfood

ventures, cafe management, and the drinks

industry offer an exhaustive glance at the

prevailing trends and innovations.

The event’s attendees consist of entrepreneurs,

sector authorities, and decision-makers from

the said industries, ever vigilant for novel

opportunities, collaborations, and insights.

The Hospitality B2B Portfolio will take place

on 2 days from Tuesday 30th September to

Wednesday 1st October 2025 in London.

www.hospitalityb2b.co.uk

from a company that upholds the

highest of standards.

A big growth line in dairy

packaging for 2025 has been

Ovtene Recyclable film – currently

only available cut to bespoke sizes

in the UK from Bartec. Ovtene

is 60% calcium carbonate and

fully recyclable with plastics. It

is proven to keep food fresher

for longer extending shelf life

while maintaining flavours and

appearance. Suitable for cheese,

meats, butter and other fresh

produce. It also comes available in

plain or printed designs (subject to

MOQ).

T 01606 354 664

sales@bartecpackaging.co.uk

https://bartecpackaging.co.uk

20

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4




Crown showcases new WJ 50 Series Compact Pallet

Truck alongside latest products & technologies

rown, one of the

Cworld’s largest

material handling

companies, will be

exhibiting at the

IMHX trade show in

Birmingham, UK, from

9th to 11th September

2025. The company

will be showcasing its

integrated material

handling solutions in

Hall 5, Stand D12 at

the NEC, Birmingham.

Visitors will have

the opportunity to

experience the new

WJ 50 Series firsthand,

along with a diverse

product lineup that

includes forklifts,

warehouse design, V-Force Energy Solutions, and fleet

management technologies.

Innovation, quality, and reliability are deeply

embedded in the DNA of the family-owned company

and remain central to the development of new

products. At this year’s IMHX, visitors can experience

the durability and ergonomic design of Crown’s

products firsthand.

Crown’s extensive product display will include the

new WJ 50 Series, a compact pallet truck powered

by V-Force 48-volt lithium-ion technology, delivering

impressive energy efficiency that helps reduce total

United Petfood palletiser integration doubles capacity

his case study explains the United

TPetfood palletiser integration

at the Hoogeveen facility. United

Petfood Nederland ALU B.V.

faced rising demand for premium

pet food. Therefore, they chose

a second production line with a

Qimarox Highrunner palletiser.

Westover handled integration. By

reusing proven modules, the solution

remained compact and cost-efficient.

Moreover, there was no interruption

of the existing line.

United Petfood Nederland ALU B.V.

produces high-quality cat and dog

food. In 2007, they installed a Qimarox palletiser

in a crossrunner layout. This design allowed future

expansion. Over time, demand grew steadily.

Consequently, planning for a second line became

urgent. United Petfood re-evaluated all suppliers.

They needed a palletiser that matched or exceeded

existing throughput. They also required adaptability

for new product formats.

Although uniformity was desirable, United Petfood

compared multiple vendors. Key factors included

throughput to avoid bottlenecks. They also needed

a minimal footprint in an active facility. Since

Qimarox now supplied components, a reliable

integrator was crucial. Westover was recommended

based on past collaborations. Therefore, the

Qimarox Highrunner palletiser paired with Westover

was chosen. This combo offered modular design

and proven performance. It also fit the patented

crossrunner palletising concept.

The Highrunner palletiser uses a layer forming

Thanks to its compact design and

exceptional manoeuvrability, the

new WJ 50 Series by Crown sets new

standards for use in confined

spaces

operating cost. Weighing

as little as 159.5 kilograms

including the battery

for the 1.2t model and

162.5 kilograms for

the 1.5t model, this

lightweight electric

pallet truck is capable

of easily handling loads

up to 1,500 kilograms.

With its compact

design and outstanding

manoeuvrability, the

WJ 50 Series sets new

standards for operation

in tight spaces. Crown’s

unique and comprehensive

3-2-1 warranty package

underscores the durability

and quality that come

standard with the WJ 50

Series. Customer feedback for this Archies Award

finalist has been positive noting the truck’s easy

handling and comfort features.

Crown will also be exhibiting the SP 1500 Series

high-level order picker and Archies Award shortlisted

finalist. This lift truck is defined by its outstanding

performance and visibility, along with enhanced

comfort and safety for operators. The ergonomic

operator area, including the industry-exclusive mid

window of the SP 1500, provides excellent all-around

visibility and features a variety of customisable

controls that streamline order picking and enhance

safety.

module and a layer depositing unit. It also includes

a pallet lift and the Sheetrunner module. The

Sheetrunner inserts stability sheets between layers.

In addition, the crossrunner palletising system

handles both empty and full pallets on one conveyor.

Pre-programmed stacking patterns are available.

However, new patterns can be created easily.

Standard Qimarox modules controlled investment

costs. Meanwhile, spare-part inventories stayed lean.

Westover managed mechanical installation, control

integration, and commissioning.

Planning required careful coordination. The original

line had to remain operational. Westover led logistics

and platform setup. They scheduled installation

windows during live production. Mechanically, the

Highrunner palletiser tied into existing conveyors.

These fed the layer forming and depositing

modules, pallet lift, and Sheetrunner. Control

logic handled product size variations and stacking

patterns. Rigorous tests validated throughput and

load stability. Therefore, iterative tuning ensured

consistent results. As a result, the original line ran

HANDLING & STORAGE MATTERS

Crown’s innovative Xpress Lower technology is

also available for the SP 1500 Series, enabling the

stockpicker to lower its mast up to 2.5 times faster

than competing forklifts. This can result in shorter

throughput times and a significantly higher handling

capacity. The regenerative lowering system returns

power to the battery while an optional 48-volt

battery further enhances performance.

The SP 1500 Series utilises Gena, Crown’s nextgeneration

operating system, simplifying integration

with the InfoLink operator and fleet management

system to collect operational data that helps inform

decisions regarding safety, productivity and asset

utilisation.

Contact

www.crown.com

The SP 1500 Series order picking

truck in use in the warehouse

uninterrupted. The new palletiser went

online seamlessly.

Products arrive via the inbound conveyor

at the layer forming unit. Orientation

adjustments occur automatically

when needed. Next, the layer forming

mechanism assembles items into

the desired pattern. Then, the layer

depositing unit secures edges and places

layers on pallets via the lift. If extra

support is required, the Sheetrunner

inserts a stability sheet. Meanwhile,

the crossrunner system continuously

moves empty pallets in and full pallets

out. Thus, stretch-wrapping or staging

follows immediately. This continuous flow allows

rapid changeovers. Moreover, it maximises flexibility

without downtime.

Thanks to this ‘United Petfood palletiser integration’,

throughput in Hoogeveen doubled. Installation

occurred without halting the existing line. Now, the

new line runs continuously. It offers quick product

changeovers. The compact crossrunner layout saved

floor space. Using standard modules kept investment

in check. Spare-part management remained simple.

Rapid switching between preset or custom stacking

patterns supports varied packaging. The modular

setup allows easy future expansions. Consequently,

efficiency and reliability increased. The return on

investment came sooner than expected. Strong

collaboration between United Petfood, Qimarox,

and Westover was key. They addressed challenges

promptly. This success now leads to talks about

further projects.

www.qimarox.com

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 23


LUXURY FREE-FROM CONFECTIONERY COMPANY OF THE MONTH

From Kitchen to Cannes

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we

are pleased to feature Ben Ellis Pastry Chef

& Chocolatier as our Luxury Free-From

Confectionery Company of the Month

Founded in February 2019 by husbandand-wife

team Ben and Vicky, the

business was born out of resilience,

creativity, and a determination to keep moving

forward despite life’s challenges. When Vicky’s

health declined dramatically after the birth

of their second child, requiring round-theclock

care, Ben made the decision to step

away from his successful career as a highly

sought-after London pastry chef to become

her full-time carer. Already an accomplished

managing director of her own business, Vicky

was determined to keep working, and together

they devised a way to combine their skills and

passions from home.

“It’s incredibly hard work,” Ben admits, “but

we wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

For them, the journey has been more than

business – it’s been about redefining chocolate,

creating opportunities, and changing people’s

lives around the world.

Based in Leeming Bar, Northallerton, Ben

produces all of their handcrafted chocolate

from their home kitchen as well as luxury

cakes, pastries, sculptures, free-from chocolates,

and corporate gifts to customers catering to

large corporate clients to individuals, private

companies, and big events. With Ben as the

Executive Pastry Chef & Master Chocolatier,

and Vicky as the Managing Director, the

business brings joy to so many people.

“Our chocolates are creating joy for individuals

all over the world with their free-from

characteristics including gluten, soy, egg, dairy,

artificial ingredients, ultra-processed ingredients,

oil, and sweeteners, and with no added sugar

or cream, it’s the ultimate indulgence without

the guilt!

“Our chocolate is crafted to be safe for even

the most restrictive diets, made with fresh water

infusions with herbs or hand squeezed fresh

fruit juice. This creates a truly health-conscious

luxury chocolate, rich in nutrition and health

benefits. Many customers with diabetes or

severe allergies have shared that, for the first

time, they can enjoy chocolate without adverse

effects,” said Vicky.

Using only the finest Belgian chocolate in its

purist form, means that consumers are also

eating a lower calorie chocolate that stays on

the pallet for much longer, leaving individuals

more satisfied, and eating less chocolate.

Every inch of this business has been

meticulously and carefully thought about to

ensure the finest products and a service that is

delivered with the upmost integrity placing a

large emphasis on health and longevity.

“We will never add anything extra to thin

the chocolate out, or switch to any artificial

flavours to make the manufacturing process

cheaper,” added Vicky.

Ben and Vicky are eager to collaborate with

hotels, restaurants, and wellness retreats seeking

bespoke chocolates. Using techniques such as

molecular gastronomy, they can craft chocolates

in any colour or flavour, making them ideal as

pillow treats, unique menu accompaniments, or

memorable gifts for special occasions.

Ben and Vicky will be expanding the range at

the end of the year to add 4 more naturally

vegan boxes to their already existing range

of 5 ‘Indulgence Collection’ selection boxes

which contain a mix of milk, white, and dark

chocolates.

In closing, we asked Vicky what has been one of

the most stand-out moments since the business

began, “We were hired by a luxury branding

and events company in London, on behalf of

Magnum, to hand craft 110 perfect custom

sculptures for Celebrities attending Cannes Film

Festival 2025. It was a world first and we were

flown to Cannes for three days to oversee the

delivery and to repair any damage that may

have occurred in transit. We got the job due

to our lasting reputation for excellence in all

things business. We had a time limit of just three

weeks to get it done before the festival started,

and it took on average just over three hours to

create each sculpture.”

Contact

M 07904 323009

BenEllisPC.C@gmail.com

https://benellischocolatier.co.uk

24

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Hames Chocolates

unveils spooktacular

2025 Halloween range

ames Chocolates, the Lincolnshire-

private label chocolate specialist,

Hbased

is pleased to announce the launch of its

2025 Halloween range. Designed to offer

retailers standout seasonal products that

combine quality, fun and commercial appeal,

this year’s range features a selection of

eye-catching and delicious chocolate treats

perfect for gifting, retail, and hospitality.

From playful shapes to indulgent truffles and

hot chocolate stirrers, the range is ideal for

high street retailers, garden centres, tourist

attractions, leisure operators, and specialist

chocolate shops looking to enhance their

Halloween offering.

Hames Chocolates’ 2025 Halloween range

includes:

● NEW Milk Chocolate Lollipops – Milk

chocolate tombstone and skull face

lollipops with detailed white and dark

chocolate decoration (RRP: £2 each).

● Milk Chocolate Shapes – A 150g bag of

solid milk chocolate pumpkins, ghosts,

bats and skulls, finished with a swing tag

and vibrant orange twist tie bow.

● Milk Chocolate Neapolitans – Smooth

milk chocolate Neapolitans individually

wrapped in full-colour ghost or pumpkin

designs.

● Spooky Truffles – White lemon chocolate

truffles decorated with dark chocolate

eyes, presented as a stick of six – perfect

for sharing or gifting.

● Halloween Milk Chocolate Lolly – A 32g

milk chocolate lolly featuring fun graphic

designs of a witch on a broomstick,

skeleton, spider web and ghost, finished

with a swing tag and orange twist tie

bow.

● Halloween Hot Chocolate Stirrers –

Creamy milk chocolate stirrers topped

with spooky white chocolate shapes,

completed with an orange twist tie bow

and swing tag (38g).

Carol Oldbury, Director at Hames

Chocolates, commented, “Our Halloween

collection brings together great taste, fun

designs and strong merchandising appeal. As

ever, we’re focused on supporting our retail

partners with seasonal products that deliver

quality, drive sales and bring a little extra joy

to customers.”

Every product in the range is made using

premium, sustainably sourced cocoa and

packaged with care for the environment,

ensuring customers can enjoy chocolates that

taste as good as they look.

Retailers can view the full range at:

www.HamesChocolates.co.uk

British chocolate brand Ombar

launches NEW Dairy-Free ‘Blonde’

caramelised white chocolate bar in

Tesco Extra Stores

ward-winning British chocolate brand Ombar is

Aproud to introduce Ombar Blonde – a luxurious

dairy-free bar with a caramel and vanilla taste and

a melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture that rivals

traditional white chocolate but with a healthier twist.

Launching in the Free From aisle of Tesco Extra

stores nationwide on April 21 2025, Ombar Blonde

is crafted with Fair Trade, organic ingredients

– including cocoa butter, desiccated coconut,

Madagascan vanilla, chicory root, and caramelised

sugar – offering a delicious new way to enjoy a dairyfree

white chocolate experience without compromise.

Ombar Blonde benefits at a glance

● Plant-based & organic – One of the only

caramelised white chocolate bars that’s vegan,

organic, gluten-free and dairy-free

● Lower sugar – Around 50% less sugar when

compared to traditional white chocolate and

sweetened with natural and organic ingredients,

including chicory root fibre (a prebiotic that

supports good gut health)

● Free from – No palm oil, emulsifiers, additives,

artificial sweeteners or ultra-processed ingredients

● Ethical choice – Made in the UK with Fair Trade

cocoa butter and ethically sourced ingredients

● For everyone – A sophisticated dairy-free treat

experience for vegans, flexitarians, lactoseintolerant,

and health-conscious chocolate lovers

“Ombar Blonde is our modern twist on traditional

rich, creamy white chocolate. It started as a playful,

limited-edition tribute to nostalgic flavours like

Caramac and quickly gained a cult following with

our loyal Ombar fans. We knew we had to make it a

permanent addition, and now we are so excited it’s

available for people to buy at Tesco Extra stores,”

says Richard Turner, co-founder of Ombar.

“Over 1 in 10 people in the UK are estimated

to be lactose intolerant, according to the British

Nutrition Foundation, with many more actively

avoiding dairy due to allergies, ethical reasons,

or digestive discomfort. That’s millions of people

seeking alternatives to traditional milk-based

chocolate – making Ombar Blonde not just a treat,

but a delicious solution for those who struggle to

eat dairy-based chocolate,” says nutritionist, Naomi

Newman-Beinart.

Ombar Blonde is available from April 21st in the

Free From aisle of Tesco Extra stores nationwide.

RRP: £2.75 for 70g.

https://shop.ombar.com

CHOCOLATE MATTERS

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 25


CONFECTIONERY COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Bean-to-‘Dun’bar Chocolate

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we

are pleased to feature Chocolate Tree as our

Confectionery Company of the Month

Chocolate Tree has been crafting awardwinning

organic chocolate since its

debut at music festivals in the summer

of 2005. Founded by husband-and-wife team,

Alastair and Friederike Gower, the company

has expanded

internationally, and

today, their ethically

made chocolate is

enjoyed around

the world, supplied

to independent

wholesalers and

retailers.

What began as a

shared love of chocolate soon grew into a

mission: to create bars that taste extraordinary

while honouring both people and the planet.

Nestled at Knowes Farm in the picturesque East

Lothian countryside near Dunbar, Chocolate

Tree crafts its chocolate from bean to bar with

care and creativity. Each Friday, the factory

opens its doors, inviting visitors to step inside

a real-life Scottish Willy Wonka world – where

the aroma of roasted

cacao fills the air,

guided tours reveal

the craft behind the

curtain, and fresh

chocolate can be

savoured at its source.

“We’re proud to be

bean-to-bar craft

chocolate makers,”

stated Alastair. “This means we start with

organic, heirloom cacao beans sourced directly

from South and Central America, and transform

them into award-winning chocolate right here

in Scotland. Our range includes chocolate bars,

hot chocolate, artisanal bonbons, chocolatecovered

treats, and couverture for chefs and

bakers. Some of Scotland’s finest restaurants use

our chocolate, which is a real honour.”

Bringing the ‘foods of the God’s, down to earth’,

Chocolate Tree is best described as a small

but growing movement that values flavour,

sustainability, and ethics over mass production,

and is proud to create chocolate from scratch,

using only fully traceable and speciality cacao

beans.

Alastair explained, “Our chocolate making

process is really interesting, involving complex

flavours, but also ensures a positive impact on

farming communities.

“We're proud to be members of 1% for the

Planet, donating 1% of our annual turnover

to environmental non-profits in the UK. On

top of that, we’ve won multiple awards from

both the International Chocolate Awards and

the Academy of Chocolate Awards. We like to

think of ourselves as pioneers of the UK craft

chocolate movement – doing things differently

and raising the bar for chocolate lovers

everywhere.”

Chocolate Tree’s latest product launch was a

particularly exciting innovation: Cacao Fruit

Chocolate, which uses the natural sweetness of

cacao fruit instead of sugar. This bar is the very

first of its kind commercially available in the

UK, and has received glowing reviews so far.

“We’re also growing our range of couvertures

for chefs and bakers. It’s

wonderful to see more

professionals choosing

real bean-to-bar chocolate

instead of conventional

brands that score poorly on

ethical and environmental

measures. We’re proud to

be part of that shift towards

more sustainable chocolate

in the professional kitchen,”

added Alastair.

In closing, Alastair added,

“The chocolate industry has

long been built on keeping

cacao farmers in poverty while delivering

enormous profits to big brands. We feel a

responsibility to disrupt that system by creating

more transparency, equality, and fairness in the

supply chain. Our mission is to give consumers

chocolate that not only tastes extraordinary but

also has a clear purpose and positive impact.

Modern chocolate lovers deserve better – and

we’re determined to deliver it.”

www.choctree.co.uk

26

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4


Superpowering professional baristas

wedish water purification and beverage

company Bluewater made a commanding

Simpression at this year’s London Coffee

Festival, becoming a standout presence among

industry leaders, roasters, and baristas at the

Truman Brewery.

Bluewater unveiled its new Café Station 1 which

harnesses the company’s next-gen reverse osmosis

system and patented Liquid Rock technology.

Designed to deliver precise and consistent

mineralisation, the Café Station system gives

baristas unparalleled control over their brews

offering a new level of control and consistency

that resonated strongly with professionals across

the specialty coffee sector.

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS

“Our Café Station is revolutionising the

speciality coffee industry,” said David Noble,

Chief Communications Officer at Bluewater.

“Since its launch late last year it has not just won

widespread acclaim but sales are rocketing in all

launch markets including the UK, USA, Sweden

and South Africa. We will be launching across the

EU later this year.”

In April this year, Café Station 1 launched at

the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025, marking the

company’s bold return to the US market post

pandemic. Its award-winning product was widely

received and applauded for its features that allow

baristas to precisely adjust the mineral profile of

water to enhance each coffee’s flavour, leveraging

the SuperiorOsmosis tech that removes nearly

all impurities – including microplastics and heavy

metals – while remaining energy-efficient and

low-maintenance.

However, the innovation doesn’t stop at

purification – Café Station 1 also empowers

baristas and home brewers with unmatched

brewing consistency, pushing the boundaries of

specialty coffee craftsmanship.

“Our products are state of the art and innovation

leaders. Bluewater have won numerous awards for

our leading-edge products and how they deliver

purer, cleaner drinking water for home, work and

play. We remove 99.7% of all contaminants that

can be found in tap water today, ranging from

toxic chemicals like PFAS to microplastics, viruses,

bacteria and poisonous metals like lead,” added

David.

For the first time you can connect liquid minerals

to your machine for perfect flavour extraction.

Global brands like Redbull, Coachella, Stanford,

UCLA Bruins, Hyatt, and

Apple, are all drinking

Bluewater, now enhanced

with its science-backed

Liquid Rock Formula.

Liquid Rock is a

scientifically crafted blend

of Swedish minerals.

Used in the Café Station

1 , the formula enhances the taste of coffee

by maintaining the ideal 2:1 ratio of calcium

to magnesium. Sourced from the world’s finest

dolomite deep within Sweden’s ancient, untouched

mountains, this pure and natural mineral

mix delivers water exactly as nature intended

– ensuring every cup of coffee is balanced,

flavourful, and satisfying. And, what’s even better?

Bluewater’s mineral blend doesn’t scale, which

means you no longer need worry about your

machine breaking down or needing expensive

repairs.

To complete the experience, the Bluewater

Liquid Rock system includes an app that allows

users to take complete control of the minerals

in their water, with the ability to customise

mineral content and taste in real time. The app

superpowers baristas to control the flavour

extraction easily, allowing them to choose a light,

fruity profile of coffee or

something bold and sweet.

No matter where you are

in the world, the water

quality stays the same, and

you always have complete

control. With just one

simple swipe on the screen

on your smartphone, you

can tweak mineral content of your brew water to

tailor it to each coffee. The app features a Light,

Medium, Bold, Original, and Zero setting that

perfectly matches the acidity and flavour notes to

each coffee.

Just swipe and GO!

www.bluewatergroup.com/en-gb

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 27


APPOINTMENTS MATTERS

Silversea strengthens its culinary leadership with

the appointment of Gianluca Sparacino as Global

Head of Food and Beverage

Silversea, the leading experiential

luxury and expedition travel

brand, has announced the

appointment of Gianluca

Sparacino as its new Global

Head of Food and Beverage,

effective 18 August 2025. A

dynamic hospitality leader

and culinary strategist,

Sparacino brings deep

experience across the finest

epicurean destinations and

luxury hospitality brands, along

with strategic leadership to Silversea’s

innovative culinary and beverage programme.

Reporting to Michael McCarthy, Vice President

of Operations for Silversea, Sparacino will

work closely with shoreside and shipboard

teams on culinary evolution and innovation,

service excellence, and expanding Silversea’s

award-winning gastronomic programmes.

Born in Rome, and a former graduate of hotel

management school Les Roches in Switzerland,

Sparacino’s hospitality career has based him in

some of the world’s most renowned culinary

destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong,

WRAP appoints Catherine

David as CEO

lobal environmental action

GNGO WRAP has appointed

Catherine David as CEO to lead the

organisation in its work around the

world. Catherine, WRAP’s current

Director for Behaviour Change &

Business Programmes, began the

new role on 1st June.

Catherine David said, “I am

absolutely delighted to

be taking on the role

of CEO of WRAP.

At WRAP, we are

on a mission to

embed circular

living in every

board room

and every

home, and it is a

huge privilege to

take on the job of

leading the wonderful

team as CEO. I look

forward to working with

WRAP’s partners and stakeholders

across the world to take action, at a

crucial time for our planet and for

all of us who call it home.”

Catherine David joined WRAP in

October 2021 following senior

roles at The Fairtrade Foundation

and Co-op. A senior leader in the

sustainability sector, Catherine

is an expert in sustainability and

in ethical trade – particularly

developing sustainable value chains

and improving food and materials

systems.

Catherine’s work has developed and

led complex, high value

corporate partnerships

and coalitions

to achieve

sustainability

outcomes that

deliver positive

change for

both people

and planet. She

currently directs

WRAP’s business

collaboration

work across multiple

voluntary agreements

including The UK Plastics

Pact, The Food and Drink Pact and

The Textiles Pact as well as the

organisation’s citizen behaviour

change programmes Recycle Now

and Love Food Hate Waste.

Contact

www.wrap.ngo

Dubai, Geneva, and Miami during

his more than three decades of

global hospitality experience. A

driving force behind awardwinning

dining concepts –

including collaborating with

more than a dozen Michelin-

Starred restaurants – and

high-performing teams,

Sparacino has redefined

luxury hospitality through

innovation, mentorship, and a

guest-first philosophy. He joins

Silversea from Four Seasons Resorts,

where he most recently served as Vice

President of Food and Beverage, Americas and

previously served in the same role overseeing

EMEA.

“Gianluca’s proven track record of delivering

epicurean excellence, paired with his deep

passion for hospitality will be instrumental

in advancing our commitment to creating

memorable dining experiences that connect our

guests deeper with each destination we visit,”

said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “His

leadership will continue to elevate our culinary

programme to new heights, ensuring our guests

The Stafford Collection

welcomes Michael

Caines MBE

The Stafford Collection, a luxury

group of hotels and restaurants

renowned for its exceptional

service, and quality culinary

experiences, is embarking on an

exciting new chapter. As part of

its continued quest for excellence,

the Stafford Collection is

delighted to announce

the arrival of

renowned

Michelin-starred

chef, Michael

Caines MBE.

Michael, one

of the UK’s

most celebrated

chefs, has been

appointed as

Culinary Strategist

for The Stafford

London, a distinguished

hotel in the heart of London.

A true icon of British gastronomy,

Michael’s appointment as Culinary

Strategist signals an exciting

new chapter for The Stafford

London. Home to The Game

experience a truly remarkable experience every

time they sail with us.”

Silversea continues to lead with its culinary

offerings, including through its SALT (Sea and

Land Taste) programme, providing immersive

dining experiences curated by top chefs,

regionally inspired menus, and a focus on

authenticity and connection to the destination.

Beyond SALT, Silversea offers a variety of

dining options, from fine French cuisine and

flavorful Asian options to relaxed Italian meals

and international offerings to cater to each

guests’ unique taste.

“Culinary excellence is a core pillar of the

Silversea experience, and our guests expect

continued innovation for our culinary

offerings,” said Michael McCarthy, vice

president, operations, Silversea. “Gianluca’s

expertise aligns with our mission to redefine

experiential luxury travel, through meaningful,

destination-inspired dining. We’re excited

for what guests will experience under his

leadership.”

www.silversea.com/life-onboard/luxury-cruisefine-dining.html

Bird restaurant and the renowned

American Bar, the hotel has long

been a destination for discerning

travellers and gourmands alike.

With a wealth of experience and a

reputation for innovation, Michael

will shape the hotel’s culinary

vision, working closely

with its talented team

to enhance and

elevate dining

experiences

throughout the

hotel. Tucked

away in historic

St. James’s and

prestigious

Mayfair, The

Stafford London

is celebrated for

its timeless elegance,

exceptional service, and

rich heritage – the perfect

combination to complement

Michael’s own acclaimed style and

experience.

www.staffordcollection.com

www.thestaffordlondon.com

28

FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4


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FDM is sponsored by GymDough – see them on page 4 29


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