Food and Drink Matters Issue 188

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Industry Company of the Year
Pages 10-11
Parkside Flexible
Packaging Company of the Year
Pages 14-15
September 2025 – issue 188
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CONTENTS
September 2025 – issue 188
5
Inside this issue
4 Machines4Food Ltd
Editor Recommends
Traditional Real Ale
Based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Titanic Brewery takes great pride in
the fact that it offers an incredibly diverse range of beers, designed
to suit all tastes and preferences.
12 Certuss
Sustainable Food Factory Review
6 Lotus Labels
Festive Matters
13 FoodOp
HRC Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Review
9 Sir Woofchester’s
Festive Matters
17 EIT International
Manufacturing Matters
15 6 13
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Redefining packaging innovation
Parkside is an innovative packaging solutions provider specialising in
compostable, recyclable, paper-based & innovative plastic flexible packaging
solutions for the food, personal & household care and tobacco sectors.
www.foodanddrinkmatters.co.uk
The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 01562 756960.

EDITOR RECOMMENDS
From collaboration to innovation: Titan Enterprises
& RWC partner on breakthrough dispense solution
ince designing their
Sfirst beverage flowmeter
in the early 1990s, Titan
Enterprises, a leading UK
manufacturer of liquid flow
measurement solutions, has
had a long-standing supplier
relationship with John
Guest, part of the RWC’s
family of brands.
Starting out in 1949 as
Reliance Manufacturing
Company Pty Ltd (RMC)
with a drive to transform
industry, RWC was later
born from the desire to
challenge convention. A
major landmark for the
company came in 2018
with the acquisition of John
Guest and its globally renowned push-fit brands.
Titan’s NSF-Approved beverage meter, 800-series
turbine flowmeters, and the Atrato ® ultrasonic
flowmeter range all incorporate John Guest
connectors, which are extensively used in the food
and beverage industry for their specialised ‘push-toconnect’
solutions.
In 2023, following years of evolving innovation since
the launch of JG PolarClean by John Guest in 2010,
RWC teamed up with Titan Enterprises to deliver an
exciting solution for the beverage industry. A mutual
customer discussion sparked the R&D collaboration,
as users were already pairing
RWC’s PolarClean pushfit
connectors alongside
Titan’s Beverage meters in
beer dispensing systems.
However, integrating the
two products required
additional modifications
– introducing cost and
complexity to a customer’s
installation. Together, RWC
and Titan set out to change
that.
To simplify installation and
enhance efficiency, RWC and
Titan began a partnership
that led Titan to leverage
its expertise in turbine
technology and design,
while RWC contributed
its innovative tooling capabilities. The aim of the
collaborative project was to provide a streamlined,
state-of-the-art single unit for beer dispensing systems
by fully integrating Titan’s turbine flow technology
within RWC’s pioneering PolarClean connector.
The primary challenge was fitting the turbine into the
PolarClean tube/connector without compromising
either system. Through workshops, prototyping
and design, the teams developed a modified
version of RWC’s straight PolarClean union. SLA
(stereolithography apparatus) 3D-printed models
were used to create prototypes, which were then
tested and calibrated by Titan before customer trials.
Once the final design was validated, RWC developed
the injection moulding tool for the PolarClean
body, while Titan managed the sensor and turbine
technology. After minor modifications, the first units
were shipped to customers for final performance
validation.
The partnership resulted in a fully integrated
innovative solution for the beverage industry: the
JG PolarClean system uses ‘tube-in-tube’ technology
to ensure beer is kept extra cold and conditioned
from the keg to the beer font, even without the need
for a cellar. Featuring a standard 3-wire connector,
this state-of-the-art product simplifies beer dispense
system installations. The JG PolarClean Coaxial
Flow Meter accurately measures liquid flow enabling
system users to monitor demand or supply usage in
coaxial cooling systems.
To discuss an optimised flow measurement
device for your OEM application, please contact
Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or
email: sales@flowmeters.co.uk
4
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

TRADITIONAL BREWERY COMPANY OF THE MONTH
Traditional Real Ale
In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we
are pleased to feature Titanic Brewery Co Ltd
as our Traditional Brewery Company of the
Month
Based in Burslem,
Stoke-on-
Trent, Titanic
Brewery takes great
pride in the fact that
it offers an incredibly
diverse range of beers,
designed to suit all
tastes and preferences.
From light and hoppy
pale ales, to rich and
roasty stouts, and even speciality ales bursting
with unique flavours, its mission has always
been to ensure that there is a Titanic beer for
everyone.
Over its 40 year reign, Titanic Brewery has been
particularly known for its stouts and porters. Its
Plum Porter is a multi-award-winning speciality
flavoured porter that appeals to a broad range
of tastes, including people
who don’t typically enjoy
beer. Meanwhile, its True
Stout is another multiaward-winning
beer that
offers bars the opportunity
to serve a nitro-stout that
is produced locally in small
batches, rather than bigger
macro brands.
“We are primarily a
traditional cask ale
brewery, though we also do
produce a selection of keg
beers as well. Titanic brews
over 3.5 million pints of
beer every year, with our
number one selling beer being our genredefining
Plum Porter. This speciality flavoured
dark beer has helped Titanic to become the
largest brewer of stouts and porters in England.
In addition to brewing, Titanic Brewery also
operates across an estate of venues.
“As well as managing 9 traditional real ale
pubs, we are also proud to operate 8 café bars
under the brand ‘bod’.
These venues are a
true café bar hybrid,
offering Staffordshire
roasted coffee and
freshly cooked
brunches, while also
serving our awardwinning
beers and
made-to-order pizzas.
Open from early in
the morning to late at night, bod café bars are
there for the local communities in which they
exist, offering a space to meet, eat, drink and
relax whenever you need it,” said Keith Bott,
Managing Director of Titanic Brewery.
Over the last 12 months, Titanic Brewery has
continued to go from strength to strength,
supplying beer to more national brands and
supermarkets every
month. 2025 marks its
40th anniversary, with the
first Titanic beer having
been brewed on October
1st 1985. To mark the
occasion, Titanic has this
year, taken a trip down
memory lane, re-brewing
some of the most defining
beers from its history.
Keith explained, “The
Through The Decades
Series has celebrated
the evolution of Titanic
Brewery, with one beer
from every decade of our
existence being selected and brought back for
customers to enjoy all over again. We haven’t
just been looking back though; we’ve also been
excited to launch a brand-new version of our
genre-defining Plum Porter. A multi awardwinning
beer that has been making waves for
nearly 15 years, this year we’ve made small
twist that makes a big impact – Nitrogen.
Plum Porter Nitro is our familiar well-rounded
speciality porter with a sweet, fruity nose.
The small bubbles created by the addition of
nitrogen creates a silky-smooth head and a rich,
unbeatable texture that lends itself perfectly to
the balanced flavour of stone fruit, roasted malt
and classic hops. Plum Porter Nitro is already
available both in kegs and nitrogen-infused
cans, and is set to be a must-try dark beer over
the coming winter months.
venues to open under the Titanic brand soon.
Stouts and Porters are very much coming
back into fashion at the moment, and we take
great pride in the fact that our True Stout and
Plum Porter are among the most popular of
choices for dark beers brewed by independent
breweries.
“In terms of future plans, growth and
expansion are always on the agenda here at
Titanic, and we find ourselves brewing more
beer with every year that passes. Ultimately,
we’ve had one goal over the last 40 years, and
we fully intend to stick to that goal in the 40
years to come – to bring great communities
together with great beer.”
T 01782 823447
titanic@titanicbrewery.co.uk
www.titanicbrewery.co.uk
“This summer, we also celebrated the first year
anniversary of our latest pub, The Beacon in
Lichfield, and we are looking at possible future
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5 5

FESTIVE MATTERS
Elevate your brand
with precision labelling
solutions
At Lotus Labels, we specialise
in delivering premium labels
and cartons tailored to meet the
diverse needs of industries across the
UK. Our solutions are designed to
enhance your brand identity through
packaging that reflects quality,
creativity, and attention to detail.
that add a sophisticated finish –
helping your products stand out on
the shelf.
We are committed to sustainability,
offering a wide range of eco-friendly
materials that align with the values
of today’s environmentally conscious
consumers. This allows your brand
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maintaining visual excellence.
Navigating the complexities of
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Whether you’re launching a
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help. Contact us today.
T 01323 737888
www.lotuslabels.com
www.bossanovachocolate.co.uk
6
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

FESTIVE MATTERS
Peach Hampers launches bespoke Christmas
hamper range for 2025
Yorkshire-based gifting
company Peach Hampers
is bringing a personal touch to
this year’s Christmas season.
said. “It’s been about giving
people the option to share
gifts that look, feel and taste
thoughtful.”
The family-run hamper business
has launched its Christmas
range for 2025, helping
individuals and organisations
show their appreciation in a
way that feels less generic and
more genuine.
Peach Hampers has proudly
partnered with renowned
brands such as Jaguar, EE,
FedEx, the BBC, Furniture
Village, and many more,
delivering exceptional
Christmas hamper gifts for their
staff and clients.
Each hamper in the collection is a celebration
of luxury, brimming with festive delights
from the nation’s most esteemed brands.
Thoughtfully curated, they feature gourmet
selections including Cartwright & Butler,
Savoursmiths, Monty Bojangles, and Noam
Super Premium Beer. Products are chosen
for their superior ingredients, artisanal
craftsmanship, and indulgent flavours.
Each hamper can be tailored with free in-house
branding and personalisation, giving customers
the chance to sidestep that off-the-shelf feel.
The aim, Peach Hampers says, is to make
recipients feel recognised as individuals, not just
another name on a list.
“Our goal this year has been to create a range
that does more than tick boxes,” Brendan
Pallant, Managing Director at Peach Hampers,
Customers can feel good about
choosing gifts from Peach
Hampers over other big brands,
as each one is packed using
recyclable and biodegradable
materials. The collection also
includes vegan, gluten-free and
non-alcoholic options, and a
tree is planted for every order.
The 2025 collection features
festive hampers starting from
just £29.99, with creative
designs such as Tilly’s
Christmas Tree Hamper,
inspired by the owners’ four
year old daughter.
Brendan added, “We wanted to provide
gifts that are easy for both individuals and
businesses to order, and that people would
genuinely enjoy receiving.”
More information about the Christmas
2025 collection is available at:
www.peachhampers.co.uk
8
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

INDUSTRY COMPANY OF THE YEAR
From plate to pantry: How
Emilia’s brings Italy home
E
milia’s Crafted Pasta was founded in 2016
by Andrew Macleod, driven by a vision
to bring truly fresh, authentic pasta to the
UK. His mission was to celebrate the traditional
Italian way of making and enjoying pasta, while
challenging its reputation as a mere afterthought
on the plate.
Nearly nine years on, that vision has flourished.
Emilia’s now boasts five bustling London
restaurants and has recently launched a retail
range, allowing customers nationwide to recreate
the much-loved Emilia’s experience at home.
In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we
are pleased to feature Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
as our Industry Company of the Year
We sat down with Becky Gill, the company’s
National Account Manager, who reflected on the
past 12 months and shared insights into Emilia’s
remarkable journey.
“The past 12 months have been an exciting
and transformative time for Emilia’s. We’ve
successfully launched our dried pasta range into
the retail market, offering customers a brand and
product that resonates with the new generation
of pasta lovers. As this was our first year entering
the retail market, we didn’t have a formal sales
forecast in place – our primary goal was to learn,
adapt, and understand how the market would
respond. We’re very pleased with how things
have progressed – both the number of stockists
and the rate of sale are tracking in line with our
expectations, and the response from retailers and
consumers alike has been extremely positive.
“In addition to our
retail expansion, our
restaurant business
has continued to grow
strongly, and a key
milestone this year was
opening our fifth and
largest site in Victoria,
London – a significant
step in strengthening
the Emilia's brand and
broadening our reach.”
Emilia’s Crafted
Pasta was born from
Andrew’s frustration
at the poor quality of
pasta dishes typically
served in the UK.
“I was very disappointed with how pasta
was done. It was never fresh. It was usually
microwaved or frozen with pre-packed sauces,
additives and preservatives. So, I was on a mission
to bring proper Italian pasta to London.”
Emilia’s is crafted using 100% Italian Durum
Wheat Semolina and proudly carries the Pasta Di
Gragnano PGI certification. The seal guarantees
that the product meets the rigorous quality
standards set by the consortium, covering
everything from ingredient sourcing to traditional
production methods.
What’s more, both Emilia’s wheat and water are
sourced exclusively from Italy – the water coming
specially from the Gragnano aquifer, renowned for
its purity and mineral balance, which plays a key
role in the pasta’s final texture and flavour.
“At Emilia’s, we invest significant time and care
into developing simple, nutritious recipe ideas that
we’re proud to share with both customers and
consumers. These recipes truly set us apart from
competitors by offering added value beyond the
product itself – delivering inspiration, ease and
versatility. This initiative
not only enhances the
consumer experience
but also serves as a
valuable tool to increase
basket spend in store.
Designed to be relevant
year-round, our recipes
are tailored to seasonal
themes, making them
a flexible and engaging
asset to both retail
partners and consumers.
“Emilia’s retail pasta
stands out in the
market by offering a
combination of quality,
authenticity and modern
relevance that many competitors simply don’t
deliver. Crafted with the same care and attention
to detail as the pasta served in our restaurants,
Emilia’s retail pasta gives consumers the
opportunity to enjoy an authentic, restaurant-style
experience at home – without compromise.
This frustration gave rise to a guiding ethos
that still defines Emilia today: a commitment to
preparing fresh pasta every morning, crafted with
care and cooked in the spirit of traditions and
techniques handed down through generations.
In January 2025, Emilia’s unveiled its premium
pasta range in retail stores, marking a new chapter
for the brand. The line is designed to bring
authentic, high-quality Italian pasta into people’s
homes – transforming the award-winning Emilia’s
restaurant experience into something customers
can now enjoy in their own kitchens.
“Unlike mass-produced pastas, Emilia’s pasta
is slow-dried using traditional methods, which
helps preserve the natural flavour of wheat and
gives a superior bite and texture when cooked.
We use bronze-die extrusion, creating a rough
surface that holds onto sauces beautifully – a
detail appreciated by true pasta lovers and home
cooks alike. We only use high-quality, responsibly
sourced ingredients, staying true to Italian pastamaking
heritage while ensuring our standards
remain consistently high.
“Our packaging also plays a key role in setting
10
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

us apart – designed with an artistic flair that
reflects our brand’s creativity and passion for
Italian culture, it creates strong on-shelf appeal
and resonates with design-conscious consumers.
Importantly, it’s also fully recyclable and made
entirely from paper, aligning with our commitment
to sustainability without compromising on
presentation.
“Backed by the success of our growing restaurant
group, Emilia’s has become known for its
authentic Italian ethos with a modern twist.
Customers value not just the product, but the
brand story, credibility, and experience that
comes with it. And of course, our pasta has been
recognised with Great Taste Awards, reinforcing
our commitment to excellence and helping
consumers shop with confidence,” stated Becky.
While many brands claim to be ‘Italian’ or ‘made
in Italy’, it’s worth noting that many use only a
partial percentage of Italian wheat, often blending
in lower-cost imports. Emilia’s, however, are
committed to authenticity, traceability, and quality
– without compromise!
Emilia’s pasta also enforces strict rules on
production. While most supermarket pastas are
oven-dried, Emilia’s pasta is naturally air-dried for
9 to 18 hours. This gentle process preserves, rather
than burns away, essential nutrients. By combining
tradition with patience, Emilia’s pasta stays as
close as possible to the natural method – resulting
in a pasta of unmistakable quality and superior
taste.
After serving over one million bowls of pasta in its
restaurants, Emilia’s shift into retail is a conscious
decision to take that accumulated knowledge and
apply it to the retail space. We asked Andrew what
this shift meant for the future of the company.
“We want to take all we have learnt from the
restaurants and bring retail products to market
that we’re proud of, that align with the values of
Emilia. We want to re-create Emilia’s experience at
home. In our restaurants, everything is made fresh
daily, with natural ingredients and no additives or
preservatives. So, we wanted to give people that in
their homes. I think that resonates with consumers
because that’s how Italian pasta should be done.
That’s how they do it in Italy.”
Looking ahead, Becky explained what’s still
to come. “A key milestone over the past year
has been partnering with five valued wholesale
partners, significantly broadening our distribution
network.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on strengthening
these relationships and working collaboratively to
expand our stockist base, drive consumer demand
and support sell-through with seasonal recipe
cards and targeted marketing initiatives.”
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta exemplifies the essence
of culinary excellence, blending tradition with
innovation. Since its founding in 2016, the
company has grown into a beacon of quality,
offering fresh, authentic pasta made daily with
care and natural ingredients. Its commitment to
excellence has been recognised with the Best New
Food Product award at the NOPEX Awards,
two Great Taste Awards, and finalist positions in
both The Grocer Product & Packaging Awards.
With a strong presence across London and a
rapidly expanding retail line, Emilia’s continues
to inspire and elevate the pasta experience for
all. Its passion, dedication, and award-winning
innovation make them a standout choice for our
Industry Company of the Year.
In closing, Becky added, “We are truly honoured
to have been selected for this award. Being
named Company of the Month was a significant
achievement in itself, but to go on to win
Company of the Year is an exceptional milestone
for Emilia’s. We are incredibly proud of the
hard work and dedication the entire team has
contributed to making this possible.”
www.emiliaspasta.com
www.instagram.com/emiliaspasta
www.tiktok.com/@emiliascraftedpasta
To order pasta retail products online, please visit:
www.emiliaspasta.com/pastashop
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5 11

SUSTAINABLE FOOD FACTORY REVIEW
Sustainable Food Factory
he Sustainable Food Factory Conference &
TExhibition 2025 is a pivotal event for anyone
involved in the food industry who is committed to
advancing sustainable practices.
The Sustainable Food Factory Conference &
Exhibition 2025, which took place on 11 June at
Derby Arena, is a prominent event on the UK’s food
industry calendar, drawing experts, innovators, and
business leaders who are dedicated to making food
production more sustainable. Located at the vibrant
Derby Arena, the exhibition hosted an impressive
array of exhibitors, workshops, and presentations
that collectively aim to shape the future of food
manufacturing.
As the environmental impact of the food industry
becomes increasingly critical, sustainable practices
have become a priority. This exhibition brought
together companies that are developing pioneering
technologies and services to help food manufacturers
reduce emissions, conserve energy, and reduce waste
Steam generators for
your business
across their operations. For companies involved in
the food sector – from producers and processors to
suppliers and distributors – this event was a chance
to explore the latest advancements in sustainable
technology, network with industry experts, and gather
valuable insights to drive positive change.
This event was a must-attend for food industry
professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve
in sustainable practices. As regulations tighten
and consumer expectations for environmentally
responsible production rise, the importance
of integrating sustainable practices into food
manufacturing cannot be overstated. The exhibition
provided attendees with a comprehensive view of
current trends, technologies, and case studies from
leaders who are already making strides in this area.
The exhibition was structured to
provide both practical insights
and opportunities for direct
engagement with suppliers,
consultants, and technology
experts. Attendees enjoyed
presentations on cutting-edge
solutions for sustainable food
production, including renewable
energy integration, waste
reduction strategies, watersaving
technologies, and energyefficient
climate control. For
those involved in manufacturing
processes, production management, and supply chain
logistics, this event offered actionable insights on how
to reduce carbon footprints and achieve sustainability
goals without compromising efficiency.
This event was also valuable for policy-makers,
educators, and environmental consultants who are
working to align industry practices with sustainability
goals. The programme was developed to appeal to
a wide range of professional interests, ensuring that
everyone left with knowledge that could be applied to
their specific role and organisation.
The Sustainable Food Factory Conference &
Exhibition attracted a diverse mix of attendees
from across the food industry. Food manufacturers,
processing companies, technology providers, supply
chain specialists, and sustainability consultants were
all represented at the event. Executives, engineers,
production managers, and R&D specialists were
among the attendees who came to discover new ways
to integrate sustainability into their business models.
This was an excellent opportunity for manufacturers
and suppliers to meet face-to-face, discuss needs, and
explore potential partnerships.
Sustainable Food Factory returns next year to Derby
Arena on 16 June 2026. This is our pick of the
best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in
alphabetical order: Certuss. Further details can be
found on this page.
https://sustainablefoodfactory.live
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.
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 Food
Manufacturing Live, 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
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.
Contact
T 0121 327 5362
info@certuss.co.uk
www.certuss.co.uk
12
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

HRC HOTEL, RESTAURANT & CATERING REVIEW
HRC celebrates another successful edition as the
show marks 90 years
and take the chance to catch up with current
suppliers, potential new suppliers, and colleagues
across the industry.”
Alex North, Executive Chef at The Lowry,
commented, “The event was absolutely fantastic. A
great, wide variety of food and beverage suppliers
to sample and chat to. The highlight for me was
the seminars from industry-leading figures sharing
their expertise in improving sustainability and
reducing carbon emissions across the catering and
hospitality sectors.”
produce and products. Seeing so much emphasis
on Scotland made me very proud. Great work.”
RC once again proved itself as the must-
event for hospitality professionals,
Hattend
bringing together thousands of operators, chefs, &
industry leaders at Excel London on 17-19 March.
As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week,
the show provided an unparalleled platform for
discovering cutting-edge products and services
across key sectors, including Hospitality Tech,
Professional Kitchen, Furniture, Interiors &
Tableware, and Foodservice.
Paul Taylor, Executive Chef at Hilton Birmingham
Metropole, shared, “HRC is a perfect opportunity
for me to meet multiple suppliers for both
equipment and food & drink, look at new
products and developments in the marketplace,
FoodOp: A digital co-pilot for professional kitchens
FoodOp is transforming how professional
kitchens operate. Founded in 2020, the
company has grown to support more than 400
kitchens across five countries, helping chefs cut
costs, save time, and lead on sustainability.
At its core, FoodOp is a digital co-pilot for
chefs. The platform connects menu planning,
Curated by Chef Publishing, Chef HQ once
again delivered an unmissable programme of live
demonstrations and expert-led sessions. Visitors
enjoyed showcases of quality Scottish cuisine,
Norwegian seafood, and an appearance from
Young National Chef of the Year 2025, Jonny
Smith of Row on 5.
The stage also welcomed some of the industry’s
most respected names, including Simon Attridge
of Claridge’s, Tom Booton of The Grill by Tom
Booton at The Dorchester, and Alain Roux of the
three Michelin-starred The Waterside Inn.
Scottish chef Tom Kitchin, who took part in the
Scottish showcase day, reflected on his experience,
commenting, “It was brilliant taking part in Food,
Drink & Hospitality Week in London. I really
enjoyed walking around the show and seeing
passionate people showcasing some outstanding
procurement, sustainability reporting, and guest
communication into one seamless system. With
FoodOp, chefs can plan and publish menus,
cost recipes in real time, track allergens and
nutrition, and even generate instant carbon
reports – all while reducing the need for manual
spreadsheets and repetitive admin.
The impact is measurable. Kitchens using
FoodOp have reduced food waste by up
to 40%, saved 2-6% on annual food costs,
and improved their sustainability reporting
in line with growing regulations and client
expectations.
FoodOp’s modular approach makes it easy
to start small and scale. Whether through
automated food waste tracking, menu planning
with AI, or digital guest displays, the platform
integrates smoothly with existing supplier, POS,
and finance systems.
Already trusted by operators such as Thomas
Franks and Meyers (WSH), FoodOp is setting a
Designed by Harp Design and hosted in
partnership with Future Menus by Unilever Food
Solutions, the Vision Stage brought together
leading industry figures to discuss hospitality’s
most pressing topics. Sessions explored
innovations in kitchen design, tackling food
waste, and building resilient teams. Unilever Food
Solutions also took the opportunity to exclusively
unveil the findings of the Future Menus Report
Vol. 3, offering valuable insights into the evolving
landscape of foodservice.
HRC returns next year to London’s ExCeL from
30 March-1 April 2026. This is our pick of the
best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in
alphabetical order: FoodOp. More details can be
found on this page.
Contact
www.hrc.co.uk
new standard for efficiency and sustainability in
food service.
For more info, see: www.foodop.dk/en
Or contact: Jonathan Blauenfeldt Nielsen
T +45 29103446
jbn@foodop.dk
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5 13

PACKAGING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Redefining packaging innovation
In this issue of Food
& Drink Matters, we
are pleased to feature
Parkside Flexible
as our Packaging
Company of the Year
Parkside is an innovative packaging
solutions provider specialising in
compostable, recyclable, paper-based and
innovative plastic flexible packaging solutions
for the food, personal & household care and
tobacco sectors.
With more than 70 years of proven success,
the company has established itself as a leading
global supplier, operating manufacturing sites
across the UK and Asia. We spoke with Paula
Birch (pictured left), Managing Director of
Parkside Flexibles (UK & Asia) Ltd, who shared
insights into how the past 12 months have
unfolded for the business.
“It has been a period of change, but one that
has made us more resilient. We have a new
board of directors after restructuring our
leadership team to focus on new business, and
we have redefined our innovation strategy.
“We want to develop our new business pipeline
while also developing our existing customer
portfolio. We’re continuing to improve our sales
lines, focusing on cost control, margin stability,
and operational efficiency to ensure that we can
continue to build on this success.”
In recent developments, Parkside Flexible has
delivered a headline-making project with its
friends at organic vegetable grower Riverford.
This project saw them deliver a paper-based
flow wrap for packaging heavy root vegetables.
The end product is fully recyclable in kerbside
recycling schemes and is also compatible with
14
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

Riverford’s vertical form, fill, and seal lines,
improving operational efficiency. This lighter
version of its previous product, was wellreceived
and has earned nominations for two
trade awards.
“We’re also continuing to innovate our gamechanging
Recoflex range, which now consists
of a number of fully recyclable materials that
include paper and monopolymer options.
We’re proud of our core technical capabilities
that continue to lead the way in the packaging
sector. For example, our market-leading laser
scoring at our Normanton base enables us to
create game-changing opening and re-close
mechanisms for lidding films and pouches.
“From recycled content to recyclable,
compostable, or lightweight solutions, we can
deliver whatever our customers need, supported
by global production capabilities and NPD
excellence. Our NPD labs make all of this
possible – it’s where we combine the latest
technology with expert technicians to develop
new solutions that meet our customers’ needs,”
added Paula.
If you are a disruptive startup or an established
global player, take advantage of Parkside’s
laser scoring capability – ParkScribe , and
get exclusive access to their range of highperformance
compostable materials that offer
an extensive assortment of flexible laminate
specifications to support your sustainability
efforts without compromising on performance.
For businesses looking to grow sales and
future-proof their packaging, Parkside Flexible
has excelled in NPD in recent years, and its
innovation pipeline has never been stronger
than it is today. If you’re looking to align with
both consumer trends and legislation across
multiple sectors, Parkside Flexible has UK
operations that are geared towards providing
PPWR and EPR compliance, as well as an Asian
site that offers a tobacco industry specialism
with NPD support and local market knowledge
to the diverse APAC region.
In closing, Paula said, “Food & Drink Matters
is a respected industry title, and it means a lot
to our team to see their hard work recognised
by industry experts. We’re really excited about
what the future holds for Parkside, and we’re
well-placed to grow in the future. Brands are
looking for innovative packaging solutions that
can help them stay compliant and meet their
sustainability goals. We’re the ideal packaging
partner with the technology, expertise, and wide
portfolio to help achieve this.”
T 01924 898074
info@parksideflex.com
www.parksideflex.com
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5 15

PACKAGING MATTERS
DS Smith and Famifarm Oy optimise unpacking
process with innovative recyclable and fibre-based
packaging solution
DS Smith, an International Paper
company, and leading global
provider of fibre-based and sustainable
packaging solutions, and the Finnish fresh
herb and salad producer, Famifarm Oy,
have collaborated to create a recyclable
fibre-based packaging solution to speed up
and optimise processes on the packaging
and unpacking lines.
The Famifarm products are transported
from the company’s greenhouses to stores
and grocery outlets across Finland, and
the DS Smith packaging innovation for
the brand’s transport boxes features a
hatch mechanism to allow for the products
to be opened speedily and with limited effort.
The packaging is ergonomic and shown to be
effective in speeding up the unpacking process
for Famifarm customers by up to around
four times, compared to previous packaging
solutions. In addition, the transport boxes are
easy to fold after use.
Jussi Loimusalo, CEO of Famifarm Oy,
commented, “Our customers, such as the retail
chains, have really liked the new functional
transport box, which saves a lot of time for
their employees. We value our packaging
partner’s transparency, commitment to
sustainability, and reliability, and DS Smith has
demonstrated an in-depth understanding of our
operations which actively contributed to our
joint product development. We are not looking
for quick wins, but a long-term co-operation.”
The transport boxes display a prominent
brand messaging that is printed on the exterior
surface of the fibre-based packaging, and the
Famifarm Oy CEO, Loimusalo, also believes
that attention to the aesthetic detail of the
product is as essential as the brand’s design
ethos, “Our newly innovated corrugated
cardboard boxes are of prime quality
and look great. The brand must be
prominently displayed.”
The idea for the new packaging was
contributed to and developed by Jyrki
Petrelius, Cluster Design Creative
Specialist at DS Smith, alongside Veli-
Matti Karvonen, Automation Expert and
Development Manager at DS Smith in
Finland.
“This packaging solution was designed
for an automated packaging line and
is intended to enhance the business of our
customers’ customers, ie. retail stores and
outlets. At the same time, the solution is
versatile and suitable for large and small retail
and grocery environments. The packaging
protects fresh products as before, but now
speeds up unpacking. The new unpacking
method makes the process easier,” said Jyrki
Petrelius.
www.dssmith.com
www.internationalpaper.com
www.jarvikyla.fi
Fortress launches label inspection at PPMA 2025
At PPMA 2025, inspection equipment
specialist Fortress Technology debuts a fully
automated top and bottom label inspection
solution, ensuring complete compliance with
retailer food safety and labelling requirements.
In 2024, labelling errors accounted for almost
a quarter of all UK food recalls. Addressing
this, Vyper Vision from Fortress Technology
gives food processors a high-speed, easy-tointegrate
vision inspection system. Inspecting
label application and placement, use by dates,
allergens, ingredients, batch numbers and
barcodes, it examines every label on every pack
at 200ppm.
Adding to its expertise in metal detection, X-ray,
checkweighing, combination systems and digital
reporting, Fortress Technology will show how
Vyper Vision is optimising quality control on
a single end of line inspection machine. By
preventing label-related defects reaching the
point of sale due to
wrong data input,
poor quality printing
or illegible allergen
details and barcodes,
Vyper Vision can
safeguard consumers
and prevent the
issuing of costly food
safety alerts and
recalls.
Vyper Vision will be
demonstrated on a
Raptor Combination
metal detector and
checkweigher within
the same footprint.
Providing top and
bottom inspection,
the system uses
advanced optical
character recognition
(OCR) to detect and
reject faulty labels,
printing errors and
poor quality print in
real time.
“The accuracy of
OCR technology
means that Vyper Vision is especially good
at reading label data on concave packaging,
unusually shaped or chilled products where
condensation can distort text and codes on
labels,” claims
Fortress Commercial
Manager, Jodie Curry.
OCR also adjusts
to variable lighting
conditions and
variations in font
sizes and label
distortions, as
well as adjusting
automatically to
different packaging
types, adds Jodie.
The camera is IP65-
rated and is within a
waterproof enclosure.
Ideal for all industrial
food manufacturing
environments, out of
tolerance packs are
instantly rejected into
a lockable bin. Every
reason for rejection
is automatically
captured as an image
by the Vyper Vision
system and is sent
as a digital file to a
processors central
network where it can be stored electronically.
Designed to be easily integrated into any
Fortress inspection system, Vyper Vision can be
seamlessly connected to a customer’s centralised
data and reporting system utilising various
communication adaptors such as OPC UA.
Vyper Vision is also compatible with Contact
4.0, Fortress Technology’s turnkey system for
monitoring, data collection and reporting.
Vyper Vision can also be programmed to
inspect special promotional labels, 2D and 1D
barcodes, as well as special cooking and storage
instructions.
www.fortresstechnology.com
16
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

HALLOWEEN MATTERS
Swizzels urges retailers to stock up on bestselling
Halloween range as demand continues to grow
As the UK’s No.1 supplier of variety
bags*, Swizzels’ Halloween portfolio
continues to go from strength to strength,
with Scrumptious Sweets 134g, Luscious
Lollies 132g, and Curious Chews 135g (all
£1.25 MRSP PMP) remaining a must-stock
for the Halloween season.
Packed with fan favourites such as Love
Hearts, Refreshers, Drumstick Chews,
Fruity Pops, Fizzers and more, each sweet
is individually wrapped, making the
range ideal for trick-or-treaters, family
sharing, and seasonal displays. With bright,
eye-catching packaging and strong shelf
visibility, these packs provide retailers
with a reliable way to maximise impulse
purchases and drive profits throughout the
Halloween period.
Tub (MRSP £5) remains a Halloween
essential for retailers, offering a wide
selection of individually wrapped treats that
appeal to the whole family.
Clare Newton, trade and shopper
marketing manager at Swizzels, said,
“Halloween has become one of the biggest
seasonal events and this year it falls on a
Friday, meaning retailers should stock up in
preparation for bigger celebrations across
the weekend and expect heightened demand
for sharing formats for parties and events.
“Our variety bags are an absolute staple at
this time of year. They’re packed with treats
to suit every taste, perfect for sharing, and
ideal for trick-or-treating thanks to their
individually wrapped format.
Thanks to its all-year-round appeal, the
sweet maker’s variety bags range retains
its sales potential well beyond Halloween,
making it a smart investment for retailers
looking to manage seasonal stock
efficiently.
“Alongside our themed products and
sharing tubs, Swizzels’ Halloween portfolio
has something for everyone, helping
retailers maximise seasonal sales and
providing fun, affordable treats for the
occasion.”
Swizzels’ Halloween-themed range is also
set to perform well this year, featuring popular
packs such as Monster Treats (440g, MRSP £4),
Mummy Mix (340g, MRSP £3) and the Trick
or Treat Lolly Mix (330g, MRSP £3).
For shoppers seeking bigger, great-value
formats, the Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites
https://swizzels.com
*Source: Circana, Confectionery category,
Value Sales 52wks to 12/05/2024, Total Market
Make this Halloween one to remember as
Cointreau serves up glamorous Halloween
cocktails for the ultimate Ghouls Night In
As the leaves turn and the nights grow
longer, Cointreau’s selection of autumnal
and Halloween-inspired serves bring an
elevated seasonal twist to any cocktail hour.
Whether you’re hosting a chic haunted
soiree or curling up for a cosy night in, these
cocktails bring a bold seasonal twist to your
glass, blending Cointreau’s iconic citrus kick
with hauntingly beautiful presentation and
irresistible flavour.
Cointreau is highlighting three standout
cocktails that capture the spirit of the season:
● Blood Orange & Beet Margarita – A vibrant
take on the classic margarita, combining
earthy beetroot with zesty blood orange for a
cocktail that’s both spooky & sophisticated.
A true showstopper for any Halloween table.
● Pumpkin Spice Margarita – Seasonal
pumpkin spice flavours meet Cointreau’s
citrusy richness, creating a festive and
warming cocktail ideal for Halloween
entertaining.
● Gingerbread Margarita – Warming spices
blended with smooth Cointreau offer a
comforting, autumnal twist on a classic
margarita, perfect for crisp evenings.
Guaranteed to cast a spell on taste buds,
each cocktail can be easily recreated at
home, with full recipes, step-by-step tips,
and creative garnish ideas available on the
Cointreau website.
There are also
additional tips on
presentation and
seasonal pairings
to help further
elevate autumn
and Halloween
entertaining into a
bewitching affair.
Cointreau Blood
Orange & Beet
Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
30ml Blood Orange Juice
30ml Cointreau L'Unique
30ml Fresh Lime Juice
60ml Tequila
Method:
Add all ingredients into Shaker and shake
until well chilled, strain over ice into glass, and
garnish with a slice of dehydrated orange.
Pumpkin Spice Margarita (PSM) Recipe
Ingredients:
30 ml Cointreau L'Unique
22ml Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spices
2 Tbsp Pumpkin Puree
60ml Tequila
Method:
Add all ingredients into Shaker and shake
until well chilled, strain over ice into glass, and
garnish with a cinnamon stick.
The Gingerbread Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
50ml Blanco Tequila
30ml Cointreau L'Unique
20ml Fresh Lime Juice
60ml Ginger Beer
Method:
Add Cointreau, tequila and lime to shaker with
ice, shake and strain into rocks glass over a
large rock, finish with ginger beer, then garnish
with lime wheel and aromatic bitters.
www.cointreau.com/uk/en
18
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5

Beverages
Ingredients
CLASSIFIEDS
Batching
Food Hygiene
We help to make sure
food is safe to eat.
That's our passion.
Food Packaging
Plastics
Ingredients
Doors & Shutters
Est. 1997
INDUSTRIAL
DOOR REPAIRS
AND NEW DOOR
INSTALLATIONS
Personalised bespoke
packaging solutions for a
range of speciality food
sectors: Confectionery, Dairy,
Bakery, Delicatessen & Fish
Get in touch 01606 354664
sales@bartecpackaging.co.uk
www.bartecpackaging.co.uk
Machines for Food
Water Treatment
Call 0114 288 9464
sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk
www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk
Uniball Tumbler
Mixer
Ideal for flapjack
mixes and fragile
products
Capacity 225 litres,
316 stainless steel
drum, variable speed
The machines
have been sold
to clients using a
range of different
products as coating
vegetables in oil, mixing medical powders,
Bakery recipes, flapjack mix, mixing different
nut types, marinating meat with sauces,
mixing coffee beans, food ingredients, coating
olives in flavours, flavours on nuts, pasta &
mayo. Sold worldwide to USA, New Zealand,
Hong Kong, Iceland and Europe.
01761 410345 | 01761 410332
sales@machines4food.co.uk
www.machines4food.co.uk
FDM is sponsored by Titanic Brewery Co Ltd – see them on page 5 19