Food and Drink Matters Issue 190

McWhinney’s Sausages
Sausages Matters
Page 4
Beatson Clark
Drinks Matters
Page 6
November/December 2025 – issue 190

CONTENTS
Nov/Dec 2025 – issue 190
18
Inside this issue
4-5 McWhinney’s Sausages
Sausages Matters
Electrification in food and beverage processing
Gas-fired heating systems are increasingly being replaced by
electrification technologies that offer higher efficiency, reduced
emissions, and improved process control.
16 Focus Label Machinery Ltd
Print & Packaging Matters
6 Beatson Clark
Drinks Matters
23 Labfacility
Testing Matters
14 KRÖNER-STÄRKE
Packaging & Labelling Matters
23 Titan Enterprises
Testing Matters
20 23 24
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SAUSAGES MATTERS
Crafted for every corner
of foodservice
For hospitality entrepreneurs
Running a café, food truck,
or mobile catering unit?
McWhinney’s has you covered.
Our sausages are designed to
deliver on taste and ease of
service – whether you’re firing
up a grill, prepping for a buffet,
or serving street food. Try our
Flamin’ Hot for bold flavour or
our Cocktail sausages for highvolume
events.
From bustling hotel kitchens to
independent retailers, mobile caterers
to national wholesalers – McWhinney’s
delivers a sausage range that meets the
demands of every foodservice sector. With over
125 years of butchery heritage and a recipe
refined through six generations, our sausages
are trusted for their flavour, consistency, and
versatility.
For hotel & restaurant owners/managers
Serve up quality your guests will remember. Our
Breakfast sausages (70% pork) and Premium 8’s
are ideal for plated breakfasts, brunch menus,
and à la carte offerings. For gluten reducing and
Celiac customers, our Gluten Free range delivers
the same great taste with zero compromise.
For food & drink wholesalers
Offer your clients a range
that performs across sectors.
McWhinney’s sausages are
made with prime cuts of pork
and consistent quality, ensuring
reliability for your foodservice
customers. Our portfolio
includes Flamin’ Hot, Gluten
Free, and Premium 70% pork
sausages – ready for distribution
and backed by a legacy of
excellence.
Awarded best pork sausage
manufacturer in Europe (LuxLife
Food & Drink Awards, 2021),
McWhinney’s is proud to be
the go-to choice for professionals who demand
quality without compromise.
Try McWhinney’s for yourself
We’re offering a FREE SAMPLE BOX* to UKbased
foodservice establishments. Just email us
with your name, business name, address, and
the code Try McWhinney’s TWOH.
T 028 9077 1181
info@mcwhinneys.com
www.mcwhinneys.com
*Samples available to qualifying UK-based
foodservice businesses.
4
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

DRINKS MATTERS
New glass dosing bottle
for superfruit drinks brand
Leading glass packaging
manufacturer Beatson
Clark has designed
and manufactured a bespoke
420ml multi-dose glass bottle
for functional drinks brand
UNROOTED.
UNROOTED were previously
using a standard 500ml bottle
and are the first functional drinks
brand to offer a multi-dose format
in glass, arguably the healthiest
form of packaging.
Beatson Clark have helped them to
further improve their packaging,
carefully developing the new
420ml bottle to hold exactly
seven 60ml servings. This provides
consumers with a convenient
one-week supply of UNROOTED’s
functional shots, including Punchy
Turmeric & Ginger, Mighty Ginger
& Chilli, and Super Greens &
Lemon.
The new flint bottle perfectly
complements the brand’s 60ml
single-shot container which
Beatson Clark began to produce
earlier this year.
A key ingredient of UNROOTED
drinks is the world’s most powerful
superfruit, the baobab, which has
been an important part of the diet
of hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa
for thousands of years.
UNROOTED’s founder, Nathan
Clemes, grew up in South Africa
surrounded by baobab trees and
heard and read many stories about
the power contained in the large,
shelled fruits that would start to
fall in the month of May.
Scientifically proven to support
energy, immunity and good gut
health, the baobab fruit is a
nutrient powerhouse unlike any
other.
Nathan launched UNROOTED in
2020, creating functional healthy
drinks from the baobab fruit which
cannot be farmed and instead must
be picked by hand in the wild.
With its many health benefits, glass
packaging was the obvious choice
for UNROOTED.
“Baobab trees live for thousands
of years, thriving and giving back
to the planet. We think packaging
should do the same,” said Olivia
Sinclair, Head of Marketing at
UNROOTED.
“That’s why all our shots come in
glass bottles, not plastic.
“But there’s more to it: whether
you keep your shots in the fridge
or in the cupboard, they stay fresh
with no preservatives needed.
“Glass is infinitely
recyclable and can be
reused forever without
losing quality – unlike
plastic, which breaks
down with every cycle.
“Glass is inert, meaning
it won’t create harmful
micro plastics – it
doesn’t leach anything
into your drink. What
you sip is exactly what
we packed.
Charlotte Pike, Marketing
Manager at Beatson Clark,
added, “UNROOTED functional
drinks are a great product, and
our sustainable glass packaging
complements the brand’s ethos
perfectly.
“Not many people realise that
glass is the only mainstream
packaging material that doesn’t
require a protective layer inside, as
it is completely inert.”
Beatson Clark will be joining
UNROOTED Drinks at the Glass
Focus Awards in Manchester on
20th November 2025, where they
will be honoured with a Glass
Champion Award.
The award celebrates brands
which choose glass as their
primary packaging, recognising
its unique benefits for health, the
environment and taste.
“UNROOTED are a truly
deserving winner of the Glass
Champion Award,” Charlotte
continued. “They are passionate
advocates for glass, not only for
its sustainability and recyclability,
but also for the way it protects the
quality and integrity of
their drinks.
“Their commitment to
doing things the right way,
for people and the planet,
perfectly reflects what
this award stands for, and
we’re thrilled to celebrate
their achievement.”
Read more about
UNROOTED here:
https://unrooteddrinks.
com
“Glass packaging is
better for you, and
better for the world!”
To find out more about
Beatson Clark, visit:
www.beatsonclark.co.uk
6
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

BEVERAGES MATTERS
Female-founded tequila brand Pimentae debuts in
132 Tesco Ireland stores
The UK’s boldest tequilacocktail
brand celebrates its first
EU retail launch
Pimentae, the multi-awardwinning,
female-founded
tequila-cocktail brand, has
officially landed in 132 Tesco
Ireland stores, marking its firstever
European retail launch.
From Monday 20th October,
Irish shoppers can find
Pimentae’s premium 125ml
Margarita cans on shelves
nationwide in three popular
flavours: Spicy Margarita, the fiery signature
serve; Grapefruit Margarita, a vibrant, Palomainspired
twist; and Tommy’s Margarita, the
timeless classic.
“We’ve had so many messages from our Irish
community asking how to get their hands on
Pimentae,” says co-founder, Wynter Karo. “After
battling with customs and shipping chaos, we
knew it was time to deliver the margs properly.”
“This is such a special moment for us,” adds
Alice Parmiter. “Tesco Ireland marks our first
EU retail launch, and we couldn’t resist making
a little noise while we were at it.”
Radnor Hills extends its portfolio and launches a
new soft drink
Soft drinks manufacturer
Radnor Hills has recently
debuted an exciting new
carbonated soft drink as it
continues its expansion.
Since launching in 2021, London-based
Pimentae has become one of the UK’s fastestgrowing
tequila cocktail brands, now stocked
in Waitrose, Co-op, Ocado, Selfridges, British
Airways, and major UK airports including
Gatwick, Heathrow, and Manchester.
Pimentae’s Spicy Margarita is currently the
#3 best-selling margarita across national UK
grocery (*Based on CWD UROS, Canned
Margaritas CWD Distribution >1,
Circana Supermarkets, 12 weeks w/e
06/09/2025).
Recognised with three Great Taste Awards and
featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, Pimentae is
on a mission to redefine how
and when tequila is enjoyed by
delivering bar-quality cocktails
in highly convenient formats.
Tesco Ireland continues to
champion innovation in RTD,
acting as an early mover for
challenger brands and premium,
but accessible cocktail formats.
Liliana Caruto, Tesco ROI
Buyer, has been a powerful
advocate for female-founded
brands, paving the way for
businesses like Pimentae to
thrive.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the experienced
team at Orion Brand Partners, led by Liam
Ryan, as our distributor for the Irish market,”
says Karo. “Together, we’re set to unlock
meaningful growth for Pimentae across
Ireland.”
The launch lands as spirit-based RTDs lead
category momentum across Ireland and the
UK, driven by premiumisation and consumer
demand for bar-quality cocktails, ready to pour.
hello@pimentaedrinks.com
www.pimentaedrinks.com
we’re working on a number
of new drinks which will
extend our portfolio and
offer hydration for every
generation.
Radnor Spring offers
four refreshing and fruity
flavours of sparkling spring
water with added B vitamins
– and all low calorie.
Flavours include: Black
Cherry & Blackcurrant,
Mango & Passion Fruit,
Pineapple & Grapefruit and
Strawberry & Raspberry.
Bottles are 100% recyclable
and made from 30%
recycled plastic (RRP: £1 for
500ml Price Marked Packs).
The low-calorie range has
been developed for leisure, retail, vending,
grab-and-go and convenience as well as further
education and for blue and white collar
workers.
It will be available from January 2026, with
listings already secured with two national
distributors in foodservice.
The UK carbonated market size was valued at
£10.2bn in 2024 and 3 in 10 customers drink
a carbonated soft drink daily. Research (Kantar
Profiles/Mintel, October 2024) shows that
16+ and 18+ drink carbonated soft drinks ‘to
hydrate’ and to ‘treat themselves’.
Chris Sanders, Sales & Marketing Director of
Radnor Hills, said, “We love to innovate and
“We have carried out
extensive consumer
research of 3,000 18-35
year olds who have loved
our brands throughout
their education years. We
gained strong feedback
that they are thirsty for
more innovation from us as
they make their next steps
outside of education into
the workforce and in their
leisure time.
“We believe that it’s a
perfect time to create our
own juicy carbonated soft
drink, bottled by us in our zero to landfill site
in Wales, and that Radnor Spring enhances an
already nostalgic Radnor basket of products.”
Radnor Hills has a wide network of distributors
and wholesalers through the UK & Ireland.
For more information or trade samples, please
email: sales@radnorhills.co.uk
8
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Enjoy the unique crisp,
clean taste of our ruby-red
cranberries. We carefully
select and blend our ripest
cranberries to make this
deliciously refreshing drink.
A 250ml glass will give
you all the recommended
daily amount of vitamin C
and there are no artificial
colours, flavours.
www.oceanspray.co.uk

FINE FOOD MATTERS
Radnor Preserves named
Outstanding Regional Star at
Speciality & Fine Food Awards
Radnor Preserves has been named the
Outstanding Regional Star at the 2025
Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards,
which recognise the very best in British fine
food and drink.
Selected from a shortlist of 25 standout
businesses in the UK, the award recognises the
best business to champion the skills, flavours,
and traditions that define their region’s food
heritage, offering a truly authentic taste of their
region.
Founded by Joanna Morgan, Radnor Preserves
began in a candlelit cottage in rural mid Wales,
where Joanna preserved fruit and vegetables
from her garden using an old recipe book
passed down from her grandfather. What
started as a personal venture quickly gained
popularity among family, friends and beyond.
With growing demand, Joanna began selling
at farmers’ markets and Radnor Preserves was
born.
Commenting on the award, Joanna Morgan,
Founder of Radnor Preserves, said, “I am
absolutely delighted and deeply proud to receive
this award. Being recognised as the Outstanding
Regional Star is not just a personal honour,
but it’s a celebration of the journey Radnor
Preserves has taken from a cottage kitchen to
national recognition.
“We believe that every jar tells a story and our
handcrafted preserves capture the essence of
Wales and its culinary traditions.
“It means so much to have our commitment
to heritage, craft, and flavour acknowledged
on such a respected stage. This award shines a
light on the value of small producers who stay
true to their roots, and I’m thrilled to represent
Wales among such inspiring company.”
Radnor Preserves’ range is now impressively
varied and continues to celebrate its Welsh
heritage. A standout product is the new Hand-
Cut Welsh Tapestry Marmalade – a zingy
four-citrus blend of limes, ruby red grapefruit,
oranges and lemons, inspired by traditional
Welsh textiles. It was recently named Gold
Winner in the Marmalade Category at the
Cheese Board Awards 2025 and shortlisted
for Best Marmalade at the Great British Food
Awards, to be announced in October 2025.
Also new to the collection is the
Taste of Wales Gift Set, a limitededition
trio featuring Hand-Cut
Pumlumon Marmalade, Dark Skies
Preserve, and Devilish Relish. The
set is presented in a beautifully
designed tin showcasing the
Cambrian Mountains, with
packaging that has inspired both
locals and visitors to explore the
region’s natural beauty.
Also representing Wales among
the shortlisted companies was
Carmarthen Ham, a sixthgeneration
family business
producing PGI-accredited cured
and air-dried ham. Led by
Matthew Rees, the business continues to uphold
artisanal techniques and exceptional quality.
Congratulating the two companies on their
achievements, Welsh Government Deputy First
Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate
Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies
MS, said, “I’d like to congratulate Radnor
Preserves and Carmarthen Ham on their success
at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards. It is
great to see our producers doing so well, and
being recognised for staying true to their Welsh
heritage through their products.
“Research such as the ‘Value of Welshness’
report shows that there is a strong appetite for
food and drink from Wales, both at home and
further afield. The fact that Radnor Preserves
has been able to win such a prestigious award
underlines the reputation the industry continues
to build for provenance, quality and taste.”
The Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards, held
at Olympia London, spotlighted the very best
in fine food and drink across the UK. Winners
were selected through a combination of public
vote and expert industry judging.
For more information on Radnor Preserves,
visit: www.radnorpreserves.com
10
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS MATTERS
Bretts Transport achieves highest grade for food
safety in unannounced BRCGS audit
Food safety and operational
excellence have earned
Guyhirn-based Bretts Transport
the highest possible grade in
its latest audit by BRC Global
Standards (BRCGS).
The BRC AA+ was earned
during an unannounced audit
in a move requested by Bretts
to ensure best performance at
all times.
It marks the 12th consecutive
year Bretts has maintained
BRCGS accreditation and the
second year it has achieved the
highest mark – cementing the
company’s status as a trusted
leader in food warehousing and
distribution.
The BRCGS audit is globally recognised as one
of the most rigorous food safety and quality
certifications in the industry. It evaluates every
aspect of a business’s operation – from site
and building standards to product traceability,
vehicle hygiene, and operational practices.
Simon Brett, CEO of Bretts and fifth-generation
leader of the family-run company, commented,
“We are delighted once again to have achieved
the highest possible accreditation from the
BRCGS – this time following an unannounced
visit.
“Our business is built on a long-standing
ethos of providing each and every one of our
customers with the highest standards of service
at all times, ensuring complete safety of their
products while they’re in our care.
“This accreditation is a
reflection of the unrivalled
standards of cleanliness and
hygiene across our operation
– from our warehouse to our
transport fleet – and a testament
to the incredible team who
make it possible every day.”
Bretts Transport specialises
in ambient food storage and
distribution across the UK.
With more than 90 years of
experience as a family business,
relationships are built on trust,
consistency, and delivering
peace of mind for customers in
the food and retail sectors.
Simon added, “We believe that
exceptional standards should be
part of the everyday – not just a performance
for audit day. That’s why we’ve embraced
unannounced visits as the new standard going
forward, reinforcing our commitment to
continuous improvement and transparency.”
T 01733 849245
enquiries@brettstransport.co.uk
www.brettstransport.co.uk
JS Davidson secures storage contract for Yoggies:
The biggest sensation to hit healthy snacks market
JS Davidson, a leading name
in temperature-controlled
storage and logistics, has been
awarded a landmark contract to
store Yoggies, the revolutionary
probiotic snack from US
innovator Cibo Vita.
This strategic partnership
supports the recent launch of
Yoggies in over 150 WHSmith
Travel stores across the UK and
Ireland.
As the exclusive cold
storage provider for the launch, JS Davidson
demonstrated the operational flexibility,
responsiveness, and technical expertise
needed to store Yoggies in precisely the right
conditions.
With strict requirements for temperature and
humidity – critical for preserving the product’s
patented probiotic benefits – JS Davidson stood
out in a competitive field of logistics providers.
“As a new product to hit the marketplace, and
indeed a new concept, product integrity was
absolutely vital. JS Davidson was the only cold
store operator who could offer the level of
temperature control and flexibility we needed,”
said a spokesperson for Yoggies.
“Their team worked handin-hand
with us throughout
the process, ensuring our high
standards were met at every
step.”
With storage parameters
requiring a stable temperature
range of 7-18°C and strict
humidity controls, JS
Davidson’s facilities were
equipped to meet the challenge.
Managing Director, John
Davidson, played a hands-on role in shaping
the logistics solution, ensuring
every detail was aligned to
Yoggies’ specific product
needs while at the same time
delivering a solution which
would support the brand’s
high profile entry into the UK
market.
“John Davidson worked
tirelessly with the Yoggies
team to understand and
deliver exactly what was
needed,” added the Yoggies
spokesperson. “Their
commitment gave us the confidence that our
product would launch successfully and with full
integrity.”
Already a sensation in the United States,
Yoggies combines real fruit, dietary fibre,
and billions of probiotics in a delicious
yoghurt-coated snack. With clinically proven
microencapsulation technology, Yoggies deliver
digestive health benefits in every bite – making
them a true innovation in the better-for-you
snacks category.
The initial UK and Ireland launch will see
Strawberry and Mixed Berry Yoggies in 57g
resealable packs hit the shelves of WHSmith
Travel stores in major airports,
train stations, and hospitals.
This major contract win
reinforces JS Davidson’s
position as a leading logistics
provider for the fast-moving
healthy food and beverage
sector – and one trusted by
global brands seeking to enter
and grow in the UK market.
T +44 (0)1733 731300
supplychain@jsdavidson.co.uk
https://jsdavidson.co.uk
12
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

PACKAGING & LABELLING MATTERS
KRÖNER-STÄRKE drives innovation in response
to global oat drink boom
he global oat drink sector is entering a new
Tphase of accelerated growth, powered by the
increasing demand for plant-based and lactose-free
alternatives, sustainability awareness, and rapid
innovation across the beverage industry. Leading
food and beverage consultants, FnB predict the
market’s value will surge from USD 3.67 billion in
2025 to USD 10.68 billion by 2034 – highlighting
the category’s powerful global momentum.
As oat milk cements its place as a
mainstream dairy alternative, consumer
expectations for texture, creaminess
and stability are rising. Yet, replicating
the sensory qualities of traditional
milk remains a technical challenge for
producers.
Responding to this demand, KRÖNER-
STÄRKE, a leading international
producer of high-quality food
ingredients, has launched an innovative
pregelatinised oat (wholemeal) flour
– a functional solution that helps
manufacturers deliver smooth and stable oat-based
products without artificial additives.
Through a specialised cooking and drying process,
the starch within the oats is pregelatinised, creating
a cold-swelling flour that hydrates and thickens
instantly in both hot and cold liquids. This
innovation eliminates the need for pre-cooking or
extended mixing times, streamlining production
and ensuring consistency across large-scale
manufacturing runs. The result is a flour that not
only enhances texture and body but also retains the
natural nutritional value of whole oats, including
fibre and beta-glucans.
These processing efficiencies translate directly into
superior product quality for the end consumer.
KRÖNER-STÄRKE's pregelatinised oat flour
delivers a rich and creamy texture – without the
graininess or sedimentation often associated with
conventional oat ingredients. By acting as a natural
stabiliser, it prevents separation and extends shelf
life, ensuring a uniform product from the first pour
to the last.
The ingredient’s ability to maintain suspension
allows producers to eliminate synthetic emulsifiers
and stabilisers, resulting in a transparent, clean-label
formulation that aligns with consumer expectations
for minimally processed, sustainable foods.
This development comes at a critical time for the
global beverage industry, where innovation and
differentiation are key to staying competitive.
KRÖNER-STÄRKE’s new solution offers
manufacturers the flexibility to fine tune texture,
fat content and nutritional profiles – opening up
opportunities for expanded product lines ranging
from premium oat drinks and fortified smoothies to
ready-to-drink meal replacements.
By combining instant hydration,
superior mouthfeel and natural
stability, KRÖNER-STÄRKE’s
pregelatinised oat flour marks an
important advancement in the
formulation of plant-based beverages.
The company continues to work
closely with global partners to develop
clean-label, functional ingredients
that support the growing market
demand for sustainable, high-quality
alternatives.
As the oat drink market matures, such
innovations will play a defining role in shaping
its future – bridging the gap between consumer
expectations and manufacturing performance, while
reaffirming the industry’s commitment to better,
more sustainable food choices worldwide.
If you would like further information on the
company’s products, please contact
Henrik de Vries on +49 (0) 54 51 94 47 0
or visit: www.kroener-staerke.de
DS Smith and Alpine Water innovate protective
fibre-based packaging solution for Hallstein
artisan mineral water
S Smith, an International Paper company, and
Dleading global provider of sustainable fibre-based
packaging solutions, and Alpine Water Produktionsund
Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, announce their
recently innovated packaging solution for the artesian
mineral water brand, Hallstein.
The new transport box has been designed to
protect Hallstein’s glass bottle consignments during
transportation to e-commerce customers, and
comprised of corrugated cardboard, they are intended
to replace the brand’s previous packaging solution,
which was dependent on Polyethylene, a closed cell
foam, also referred to as a PE foam for inlay
and inserts.
Each individual DS Smith
transport box has a capacity
to hold six 750ml glass
mineral water bottles,
and where required, the
packaging capacity can
be flexibly increased and
combined with outer casing
in a variety of sizes to hold
up to nine, twelve, fifteen,
or eighteen additional bottles.
The DS Smith design team applied
their unique and industry-first Circular
Design Metrics (CDM) tools to rate and
compare the circularity of the old and new
packaging design across eight different categories,
ranging from carbon footprint and design for reuse, to
supply chain optimisation, materials utilisation, and
recyclability.
The CDM indicators were used in conjunction with
the DS Smith TCO Pack – Lower Cost – Value Tool,
to understand and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership
(TCO) of the packaging solution, and the costs
associated with owning, using, and maintaining the
product, alongside its full lifecycle benefits.
As a part of their research, the design team discovered
that twice as many Hallstein transport boxes can
be constructed and packed on the
production line within the same
time-period as the previous
packaging solution. In
addition, the new packaging
has been found to be fast
and easy to construct with
pre-glued elements.
The transport box design
is also simple for the endconsumer
to access, and fold
away or, recycle within domestic
schemes, and the external surface
area is ideal for placing brand logo,
artwork, or graphics with the current
casements displaying bold flexographic
printing in the Alpine Water GmbH blue.
Hallstein is a naturally filtered and premium artesian
water that is sourced and bottled directly from the
Austrian Alps. The company transports its products
to e-commerce customers in the USA, Europe,
Switzerland, Singapore, Canada, and the Bahamas.
Many international gourmet restaurants and upmarket
hotels rely exclusively on Hallstein as a key supplier.
DS Smith is committed to leading an industry-wide
transition to a circular economy while delivering
sustainable circular solutions for its customers across
thirty-four countries worldwide. The business has a
target led Now and Next sustainability strategy in
support of its purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a
Changing World’.
www.dssmith.com
www.internationalpaper.com
www.hallsteinwater.com
14
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PRINT & PACKAGING MATTERS
Focus Label Machinery: Driving sustainable
innovation in hybrid label printing
As the label printing industry evolves,
sustainability and flexibility have become
top priorities for converters worldwide. Focus
Label Machinery Ltd, a UK-based leader with
over 40 years of expertise, is at the forefront
of this transformation – delivering hybrid
solutions that combine cutting-edge technology
with eco-conscious practices.
Hybrid printing for maximum versatility
Focus Label Machinery’s hybrid platforms, such
as the DFlex Digital Hybrid Press, integrate
high-speed inkjet technology with traditional
flexographic units. This configuration allows
converters to produce short runs, variable
data, and complex designs while incorporating
inline finishing – all in a single pass. By merging
digital and flexo, printers can reduce waste,
minimise setup times, and achieve exceptional
print quality across diverse substrates.
Sustainable curing: UV/LED and water-based
options
One of the
most significant
advancements in
Focus’s presses is
the adoption of UV/
LED curing systems.
Unlike conventional
mercury lamps,
LED curing consumes
less energy, generates
minimal heat, and
offers instant on/
off functionality –
reducing power usage
and extending lamp
life. This not only
lowers operational
costs but also supports
sustainability goals by cutting carbon emissions.
For converters seeking an even greener
approach, Focus now offers a DFlex Water-
Based Digital Hybrid system. These inks
eliminate harmful solvents, reduce VOC
emissions, and comply with stringent
environmental regulations. Combined with
energy-efficient drying technology, water-based
solutions deliver vibrant colours while meeting
the growing demand for eco-friendly labels and
packaging.
Meeting market
demands responsibly
Brand owners
increasingly require
shorter runs,
faster turnaround,
and sustainable
production methods.
Focus’s hybrid
presses address these
needs by enabling
quick job changes,
reducing material
waste, and supporting
environmentally
responsible practices.
A complete partnership
Beyond hardware, Focus provides end-to-end
support – from installation and training to
servicing and consumables – ensuring customers
maximise their investment. With British
engineering at its core and a commitment to
innovation, Focus Label Machinery empowers
converters to stay competitive while embracing
sustainability.
The future is hybrid and green
As the industry shifts toward eco-conscious
solutions, Focus Label Machinery leads the
way with hybrid presses that combine digital
flexibility, flexo durability, and sustainable
curing technologies. Whether through UV/
LED efficiency or Water-Based inks, Focus is
redefining what’s possible in label printing.
T +44 (0)1949 836223
jamest@focuslabel.com
www.focuslabel.com
16
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

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MANUFACTURING MATTERS
Electrification in food & beverage
processing: A sustainable shift in
thermal management
The food and beverage industry is
undergoing a significant transformation
driven by the need for greater efficiency,
regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
Central to this shift is the way manufacturers
generate and manage heat for critical processes
such as drying, sterilisation, and cooking. Gasfired
heating systems, which have long been
the industry standard, are increasingly being
replaced by electrification technologies that
offer higher efficiency, reduced emissions, and
improved process control.
The role of electrification in decarbonisation
Process heating accounts for more than
75% of fossil fuel consumption in industrial
applications, making it a primary target for
decarbonisation. Traditionally, combustionbased
heating has been fundamental to food
production, with gas burners widely used in
frying, drying, and steam generation. While
these systems have been reliable, they are
inherently inefficient, require high maintenance,
and contribute significantly to carbon
emissions.
Global climate initiatives such as the
European Union’s Fit for 55 program and
increasing carbon taxation policies are
accelerating the transition away from gas
combustion. As sustainability becomes a
strategic priority, food manufacturers are
now embracing electrification to comply
with environmental regulations while
reducing their reliance on volatile fossil fuel
markets. Rising energy costs, particularly for
natural gas, further strengthen the business case
for transitioning to electric-powered solutions
in food and beverage production.
Advanced electrification technologies in food &
beverage processing
The shift from gas-fired to electric heating is
particularly transformative in applications
where precise thermal control is essential, such
as dairy processing, bakery operations, and
beverage production. Modern electric heating
technologies now provide a direct replacement
for gas-fired equipment, offering cleaner, more
efficient, and highly scalable solutions.
Watlow’s modular electric duct heaters, for
example, can reach power outputs that can
accommodate larger air drying applications,
making them a viable solution for large-scale
industrial food production. For consistent heat
transfer in drying and baking applications,
the cost-effective OPTIMAX ® high-efficiency
heat exchanger offers a way to reduce capital
and operational expenditures while optimising
performance. Medium voltage systems, such
as the POWERSAFE ® system, eliminate the
need for step-down transformers, reducing
wiring complexity and enhancing efficiency
in large-scale process heating. For liquid and
steam heating applications, flanged immersion
heaters provide an effective solution for dairy
sterilisation, sugar refining, and general water
heating processes. Electric steam generators also
play a crucial role in food safety by delivering
precise, rapid heat response and tightly
controlled cooling cycles for sterilisation and
pasteurisation, eliminating the inefficiencies
associated with traditional gas-fired steam
boilers.
These advancements allow food manufacturers
to scale electrified heating solutions while
ensuring energy efficiency, regulatory
compliance, and cost-effectiveness. The
availability of flexible, modular electric heating
systems makes it possible for businesses to
gradually transition away from fossil fuel
dependency without disrupting production.
Regulatory
drivers, economic
benefits, and
operational
efficiencies
The transition to electrification is being driven
not only by technological innovation but also
by regulatory mandates and evolving market
dynamics. Policies such as Fit for 55 and
national carbon reduction commitments are
compelling food manufacturers to reconsider
their heating infrastructure. The food and
beverage sector, historically reliant on fossil
fuels, is under increasing pressure to reduce
emissions and adopt more energy-efficient
alternatives.
Beyond regulatory compliance, electrification
presents clear economic and operational
benefits. Electric heating systems operate
with much greater efficiency than gas-fired
alternatives, reducing energy waste and
lowering operating costs over time. Unlike
combustion-based systems, electric heating
eliminates harmful emissions such as nitrogen
oxides, sulphur oxides, and carbon dioxide,
reducing the need for ventilation systems and
lowering maintenance expenses. These systems
also provide instantaneous thermal control,
improving process consistency and product
quality, particularly in temperature-sensitive
applications such as dairy drying and frying.
The integration of electric heating with existing
grid infrastructure allows for further energy
optimisation, particularly when paired with
renewable energy sources. Although the initial
capital expenditure for electrification can be
higher than that of gas-fired systems, longterm
cost savings in energy consumption,
maintenance, and regulatory compliance make
it a sound financial investment. Additionally,
many governments offer incentives and
tax breaks for businesses transitioning to
sustainable energy solutions, further offsetting
upfront costs.
Industry 4.0 and smart process control in
electrification
The next phase of electrification in food and
beverage processing extends beyond heating
technologies themselves to the integration
of smart control systems, real-time
data monitoring, and predictive energy
management. As industrial automation
and digital transformation continue to
evolve, food manufacturers are leveraging
advanced control technologies to maximise
the efficiency and reliability of their thermal
systems.
IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven analytics
are playing a crucial role in real-time process
monitoring, allowing manufacturers to track
temperature fluctuations, energy consumption,
and overall system performance with precision.
Predictive load management further enhances
efficiency by balancing electrical loads to
minimise peak demand charges, ensuring
cost-effective energy distribution. Digital
compliance tracking is also becoming a
standard requirement in food processing,
particularly for industries that must adhere to
strict safety regulations such as the Pasteurised
Milk Ordinance (PMO). Smart controllers
and digitised automation systems simplify
compliance reporting while ensuring full
traceability of production processes.
Watlow’s Integrated Thermal Loop concept is
an example of how digitalisation is enhancing
the performance of industrial heating systems.
By ensuring that heat sources, controllers, and
power management units work together as a
single system, food manufacturers can achieve
real-time temperature accuracy, reduce energy
waste, and prevent costly unplanned downtime.
The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in
thermal management is not only improving
energy efficiency but also redefining how
18
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

manufacturers optimise their production lines.
Real-world applications of electrification in
food processing
As food and beverage manufacturers transition
toward electrification, successful applications
are emerging that showcase the synergy
between advanced thermal solutions and
intelligent process control. By leveraging both
electric heating and smart control systems,
manufacturers can optimise efficiency, improve
product quality, and enhance sustainability.
Spray drying
One compelling example of this integration is in
spray drying, a widely used process for creating
powdered food and beverage products such
as dairy powders, coffee, and infant formula.
Traditional spray drying relies on gas-fired air
heating systems, which are both inefficient and
emission-heavy.
By adopting Watlow’s OPTIMAX ® High-
Efficiency Heat Exchanger alongside of its
Edge Process Management Control , food
manufacturers can electrify the air heating
process while maintaining precision control
over temperature and energy distribution. The
combination of these technologies provides:
● Consistent thermal performance to ensure
uniform product quality.
● Precise, real-time process adjustments to
reduce energy waste and avoid overheating.
● Improved safety and regulatory compliance
through integrated monitoring and data
logging.
Sterilisation
Another key area where electrification enhances
both heat application and control is in dairy
sterilisation and pasteurisation. Traditionally,
these processes have relied on fossil fuel-fired
steam boilers, which are slow to respond
to load changes and require significant
maintenance.
With Watlow’s Flanged Immersion Heaters and
Edge Process Management, dairy producers can
transition to an electric steam generation system
that provides:
● Rapid, controlled heat delivery, ensuring
precise sterilisation temperatures.
● Reduced energy waste and operating costs by
eliminating combustion inefficiencies.
● Automated compliance tracking, simplifying
regulatory reporting and food safety
documentation.
Both spray drying and sterilisation demonstrate
how the electrification of heat generation is
most effective when combined with intelligent
process control. By leveraging an integrated
thermal loop, manufacturers can achieve
decarbonisation, operational efficiency, and
product consistency, all while reducing reliance
on fossil fuels.
Overcoming challenges in the transition to
electrification
Despite its advantages, the transition to
electrified process heating presents several
challenges that food manufacturers must
address. One of the primary concerns is
the higher initial capital cost compared to
traditional gas-fired systems. However, longterm
operational savings, lower maintenance
costs, and government incentives significantly
offset these expenses. Grid infrastructure
constraints can also pose a challenge,
particularly in facilities with high thermal
demand. Medium-voltage electric heating
solutions offer a practical solution by reducing
electrical demand on existing power grids while
maintaining the efficiency and reliability needed
for large-scale production.
Scalability is another key consideration, as
manufacturers may be hesitant to commit
to full electrification in a single phase. The
modular nature of electric heating solutions
allows businesses to implement electrification
gradually, minimising disruption while adapting
to evolving regulatory and market conditions.
Conclusion: The future of electrification in food
and beverage processing
The electrification of food and beverage
processing is no longer a distant prospect but an
inevitable transition. With increasing regulatory
pressure, economic incentives, and technological
advancements, manufacturers that invest in
electrification today will gain a competitive
advantage in the future. Companies that
integrate smart energy management, predictive
thermal control, and modular electrification
solutions will not only reduce costs and
emissions but also enhance productivity and
product quality.
By adopting advanced electric heating
technologies, implementing digital process
management, and leveraging Industry 4.0
capabilities, food and beverage manufacturers
can position themselves at the forefront of
a more sustainable and efficient industry. As
energy policies continue to evolve, those who
lead the transition to electrification will shape
the next generation of food production.
www.watlow.com
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24 19

TESTING MATTERS
Experience scalable reliability with Gellert
freeze dryers for regulated food production!
Gellert freeze dryers are
the perfect solution for
manufacturers looking for
a reliable and scalable option for
regulated food production. With a
notable shift towards the freeze-dried
product market, manufacturers and
consumers alike are recognising the
benefits of this process. By reducing,
or removing, the need for cold chain
handling, manufacturers can reduce
transportation and storage costs, and
as freeze-dried material is much lighter
than frozen or refrigerated product,
this further lowers costs. Additionally,
freeze dried products not only take
less energy and cost to store, but they
also maintain the biological benefits
and flavours of the raw product while
extending shelf life.
Gellert freeze dryers offer a controlled
and repeatable manner for in-situ freeze
drying directly on the shelves, ensuring
the product maintains its shape,
structure, and nutritional value. Gellert
has developed a range of freeze dryers
with ease of scale-up, user requirements,
and operation in mind, making them
versatile and popular in the industry.
Some of the beneficial features of Gellert
equipment include AutoDry, an intuitive
feature that allows users to input their
desired temperature differential between
the product, sample, and shelves,
ensuring the sample can be dried using
the AutoDry feedback mechanism,
optimising drying circles.
The chamber, condenser, shelves, and
shelf stack can all be constructed from
316L stainless steel for product contact,
and a hybrid cooling system is also
available on larger equipment, to utilise
defrost water by re-heating via the
freeze dryer compressors, saving energy
and costs.
The most common applications that
Gellert’s freeze dryers are used for
include:
● Smart foods, eg. supplements and
nutraceuticals
● Food and beverages
● Dairy products
● Fruits and vegetables
● Pet food and pet treats
All Gellert systems are manufactured
in Europe and strictly adhere to
compliance regulations such as F-gas.
Biopharma Group is the exclusive
distributor of Gellert freeze dryers
across the UK, Ireland, and France. Both
Biopharma Group and Gellert are well
respected companies, combining years
of lyo industry experience.
This winning combination allows the
Biopharma Group team to help you
select the best freeze dryer to meet your
specific need and Gellert has accrued a
high level of practical experience and
in-house expertise, developing an array
of different models and configurations
to satisfy a broad range of food
production purposes.
Contact Biopharma Group’s product
specialists to discuss your requirements
or request more information.
www.biopharma.co.uk
20
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

Handheld temperature sensors & probes
Our handheld sensors
are engineered to
deliver accurate and
dependable readings
across a broad range of
applications. Whether you
need to measure surface
temperatures, monitor
liquids, gauge air/gas
temperature, or check
environmental conditions,
these probes are built to
meet the challenge. With
different variants available,
users can choose the
right sensor type – from
thermocouples (Type K,
T, J) to RTDs (Pt100)
– ensuring the ideal match for their specific
application.
Because no two environments are the same,
we offer variety: straight-probe types, balltip
immersion probes for liquids and semisolids,
moving-air probes for gas and airflow
measurement – all available through our
standard range or custom build options to suit
your exact needs.
Labfacility are the UK’s
leading manufacturer of
Temperature Sensors,
Thermocouple Connectors
and associated Temperature
Instrumentation and
Titan Enterprises’ Beverage Flow Meters: Turbine
vs Ultrasonic – Which is right for you?
When it comes to beverage
dispensing and flow measurement,
Titan Enterprises offers two distinct
solutions: the well-established Beverage
Turbine Meter and the newly released
Ultrasonic Beverage Meter. Each has
unique strengths and trade-offs, making
the choice application-dependent.
Here we define the differences between
the technologies used within each
Beverage flow meter:
Measurement technology
● Turbine Meter – Operates on a
mechanical principle using a Pelton
wheel turbine and sapphire bearings.
This design provides consistent
repeatability and has 1.5% Full
Scale Accuracy but introduces
moving parts into the system.
● Ultrasonic Meter – Uses the ‘time of flight’
principle to measure flow, with no moving
parts. This eliminates mechanical wear
and contamination risk, while offering a
completely clean, straight bore, and accuracy
better than 2% of reading.
Materials & design
● Turbine Meter – Constructed from PVDF
with sapphire bearings and Viton seals, it is
robust and resistant to a wide temperature
stockists of Thermocouple Cables.
The Company is ISO 9001 accredited and has
two UK sites – West Sussex and South Yorkshire
and export to over 85 countries.
We are specialists in the design and manufacture
of custom-built temperature sensors at our
18,000 square foot Yorkshire plant located in
Dinnington. Shipments are made to world-wide
range. This device is NSF-approved under
the NSF standard 169 as ‘Special Purpose
Food Equipment and Devices’.
● Ultrasonic Meter – Built from food approved
ABS/PC polymer with Viton seals, offering
a lightweight design with a straight 6mm
bore. The absence of internal obstructions
makes it easy to clean using sponge balls.
All parts are to FDA/EU food approved
standards and NSF-approval will be
sought for this product when it reaches full
commercialisation.
TESTING MATTERS
destinations daily; technical and application
advice is always freely available.
Quality and Service are key elements in the
continued growth of Labfacility; technical
support for both sensing and instrumentation
is always freely available from our experienced
technical sales teams.
We’re excited to make purchasing Labfacility
temperature sensors even easier for you!
Through our partnerships with Digikey and
Farnell, you now have multiple convenient
options to access our high-quality temperature
measurement products. Both Digikey and
Farnell stock an extensive selection of our
products, including thermocouples, RTDs, and
Connectors, ensuring you can quickly find the
specific product you need for your application.
With their reliable service and global
distribution networks, you can trust that your
order will arrive promptly and with the highest
level of care.
For all sales enquiries, please contact us as
follows:
T +44 (0)1243 871280
sales@labfacility.com
www.labfacility.com
Comparison verdict
For beverage systems where costefficiency,
high repeatability, and wide
temperature tolerance are priorities,
Titan’s Beverage Turbine Meter
remains a solid choice. However, in
applications demanding hygiene, easy
cleaning, low-flow measurement,
and long-term reliability with no
moving parts, Titan’s new Ultrasonic
Beverage Meter justifies its premium
price.
The ultrasonic beverage meter is
more accurate over the flow range,
so ideal for monitoring systems with
variable flow. It was also designed to
allow cleaning with sponge balls in a
beer dispense hose and pipe system.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether
you value economy and temperature versatility
(Turbine) or hygienic design and precision at
low flows (Ultrasonic).
For the full technical data of each beverage
meter, visit www.flowmeters.co.uk – for more
information on Titan Enterprises and its flow
meter solutions for the food and beverage
industry, contact Titan Enterprises via email at:
sales@flowmeters.co.uk
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24 23

MANUFACTURING MATTERS
How to achieve traceability
as a food manufacturer
Few manufacturing sectors are as dependent on good traceability
practices as the food and beverage industry. This article explores
the importance of traceability and essential features for food
manufacturers.
T
Why is traceability important?
raceability involves tracking
every item and action in
the supply chain to ensure
a verifiable trail. This sets an
essential foundation for functions
ranging from inventory and supply
chain management to regulatory
compliance.
In the case of compliance, traceability
is a crucial prerequisite for operating
in certain highly regulated markets,
such as food and agriculture. In these
markets, manufacturers need to adhere
to stringent requirements in order to
conduct business, with traceability
often taking the top spot on the list.
process should also be fully trained on
QA, product safety, and traceability
practices. Being well-versed in
traceability requirements ensures
that critical procedures do not go
overlooked.
Transparent communication
No matter the tracking systems
and technologies in place to meet
regulations, company policy on
transparency and open communication
can play a big role in displaying an
image of trustworthiness to vendors
and consumers. Promote clear, open
communication with suppliers and
consumers to build trust and improve
traceability.
As products may pass through the
hands of dozens of people and
intermediaries on their journey from
raw materials to finished goods,
things sometimes inevitably go wrong.
Traceability enables companies to
pinpoint where things went wrong
if they discover quality issues, and
organise targeted product callbacks for
the affected items.
Food traceability best practices
Let’s take a look at five food
traceability best practices that will
help ensure your food manufacturing
company stays compliant.
Rigorous employee training
While operating a work centre might
be relatively simple, all employees
active in the food manufacturing
Human-readable information
Meeting traceability requirements
inevitably complicates the
manufacturing process due to added
steps in the workflow. Identifying and
taking appropriate action on faulty
items needs to be swift and accurate.
Ensure traceability information is
easily understandable to streamline
processes and quickly address issues.
Prepare for callbacks and RMAs
When a faulty batch is identified
that has already left your facility or
problems arise with a product, it is
the responsibility of the producer to
handle the situation. And it pays off to
be prepared. Have plans in place for
product recalls or other disruptions to
minimise damage to reputation and
operations.
Use dedicated food traceability
software
Manual tracking methods are
inadequate for modern traceability
needs. Dedicated traceability software
or ERP solutions with integrated
traceability functions are much more
efficient and cost-effective.
Essential traceability functionality for
food manufacturers
In addition to material planning,
inventory management, and
cost tracking features, a food
manufacturing ERP system should
have robust tools for traceability.
● Lot and batch tracking – Tracking
raw materials and products by
unique identifiers such as lot or
batch numbers is foundational
for traceability and inventory
management. Tracking by these
unique identification numbers
allows logging information on
all processes, movements, and
operations an item or batch has
passed.
● Shop floor control and internal
reporting – To ensure traceability,
it is essential to record who
performed an operation and when,
allowing issues to be traced back to
their causes. Manufacturing ERP
software logs these events, enabling
you to discover and eliminate
discrepancies.
● Labelling and barcodes – Although
manufacturing companies are
increasingly turning to fully digital
tracking systems, inventory items
still need physical identifiers.
Labelling and barcode systems help
link physical products to digital
records, improving inventory
organisation, traceability, and
efficiency.
● Expiry tracking and FEFO –
Product expiration has a great
impact on food supply chains and
profitability. Tracking expiry dates
ensures the timely processing of
goods and identifies responsible
parties if items go to waste. FEFO
or First-Expired-First-Out inventory
method ensures that the items that
expire first are consumed first.
● Quality inspections and control –
Regardless of the efficiency of the
adopted inventory management or
tracking system, employee training
rates, or the level of organisation
of the shop floor, mistakes still
happen. Routine quality inspections
are therefore the surest way to
guarantee product quality. These
should be logged and integrated
into the traceability system to
ensure consistent product safety.
MRPeasy is a flexible and affordable
manufacturing ERP system that
boasts full end-to-end traceability,
including lot and expiry date tracking,
automated reporting, a barcode
system, version and quality control,
and returns management functionality.
www.mrpeasy.com
24
FDM is sponsored by MRPeasy – see them on page 24

Beverages
Steam Generators
CLASSIFIEDS
Batching
Food Hygiene
We help to make sure
food is safe to eat.
That's our passion.
Safe food hygiene solutions for your
food company.
www.christeyns.com
Food Packaging
Personalised bespoke
packaging solutions for a
range of speciality food
sectors: Confectionery, Dairy,
Bakery, Delicatessen & Fish
Get in touch 01606 354664
sales@bartecpackaging.co.uk
www.bartecpackaging.co.uk
Craft Distilling
PROVIDERS OF MICRO DISTILLERY
EQUIPMENT & TURNKEY SOLUTIONS
FOR CRAFT SPIRIT PRODUCTION
The Craft Distilling Business offers bespoke
support that can be tailored to any level of
experience in distilling
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
o Distillery equipment design & build
o License application
o Recipe development
o Team training
o Health & safety certification
o Botanical & packaging sourcing
o Maintenance
https://thecraftdistillingbusiness.com/
+44 (0)7717 207331
Doors & Shutters
Est. 1997
INDUSTRIAL
DOOR REPAIRS
AND NEW DOOR
INSTALLATIONS
Call 0114 288 9464
sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk
www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk
Machines for Food
Water Treatment
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 MRPeasy – see them on page 24 25