Companies planning to implement radio frequency identification
(RFID) had better keep a good eye on their software suppliers, as
the market and the technology is changing rapidly.
In a bid to gain a foothold in the growing flexible packaging
market Markem has introduced two machines that transfer date coding
using a thermal process.
British food group RHM last week announced it will launch a
crustless bread under its Hovis brand, targeted at young children
who only like the soft part of a loaf.
While retailers like Wal-Mart are forcing their suppliers to use
radio frequency identification (RFID), many are reluctant to jump
on the technological bandwagon due to the high costs involved
according to a new survey.
UK-based Spooner Industries has built a testing oven at its head
office in Ilkley, Yorkshire as part of the company's strategy to
provide customers with a better service.
To get an idea of how a higher prices for commodities and a
competitive European food market are hurting companies' bottom
lines, one only has to look at the financial results published by
threecompanies this week.
The decrease in merger and acquisition activity in the European
food processors market in 2004 appears to have been a pause as
buyers digest previous purchases before filling up on further deals
this year, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)...
UK-based Stanelco has teamed up with a tray lidding machine
manufacturer as part of the company's bid to crack the food
packaging market with its radio frequency technology.
A new low-carb cocoa, being launched by Spanish firm Natraceutical
this month, will help confectionery makers lift the fibre levels
and lower the glycaemic response of their products, reports
Dominique Patton.
In merging Xsys Print Solutions in Germany with US-based Flint to
create the world's second-largest printing ink maker, CVC Capital
Partners says it will provide its global customers, includingglobal
food processors who package...
Two major US bakeries are today adding white wholegrain bread to
their product ranges, targeting consumers who want the taste they
like while receiving the nutrition they need, reports Lorraine
Heller.
Squeezed by rising meat prices and a falling appetite for its
products UK burger supremo Canterbury Foods said its revenues for
the full year will be "substantially below market
expectations".
BakeMark UK, subsidiary of Dutch ingredients firm CSM, is hoping to
cash in on the rapidly growing UK market for Indian foods,
announcing yesterday the launch of a new Indian snack product.
A new all wholegrain cereal range was launched in the UK last week
by cereal giant Kellogg, targeting the increasing number of
consumers turning towards healthier wholegrain products. Yet a
Mintel analyst says it is unlikely to be...
With its eye on a market where shelf life and food safety is
becoming a major selling point, the National Food Laboratory (NFL)
said yesterday it has received regulatory approval for a rotary
filler that aseptically packages low-acid...
Meat from the lab directly to the table is still in an experimental
stage right now, but a team of scientists have jumped ahead of the
crowd by indicating how it might be done on an industrial scale.
Axon has extended its tamper proof system to the fresh produce
market, saying its seal will help keep prying hands out of packaged
fruits and vegetables.
Catalyst International says its supply chain management software
coupled with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can
help companies increase productivity and decrease costs.
As part of the forthcoming implementation of new EU regulations,
the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a plan to
increase its oversight of imported food and feed arriving at
Heathrow Airport.
The planned floatation of the UK's RHM on the London Stock Exchange
later this month is part of a cluster of current deals underway in
the food sector involving investment firms.
In the wake of poor profits and declining sales, ConAgra will close
some of its 150 manufacturing and food processing plants to improve
efficiency, the company said in its latest earnings report.
Russian packaging supplier Atlantis-Pak has presented a range of
new meat processing equipment to industry employees as it increases
capacity to expand at home and abroad, reports Angela
Drujinina.
While Finland's costly paper mill lockout ended on Friday, some of
the country's larger manufacturers have been busy moving their
operations to lower cost countries.
Danish Crown, Europe's largest meat processor has approved the sale
of another slaughterhouse in its domestic market, as it attempts to
expand internationally and lower costs.
The EU's food and drinks sector is in danger of losing its market
share unless more is done to boost its competitiveness, says a body
representing the industry - which also supports a reduction in
domestic subsidies for its members.
As part of a programme to focus its business on speciality paper
and packaging products, Finland-based packaging group UPM-Kymmene
has agreed to sell its Loparex unit, part of a company division
that makes labels.
UK-based Labcell has launched a meter that can determine the
shelf-life of a food product in under five minutes, according to
the company, reports Ahmed ElAmin.
A new scone formulation, promoted as producing scones with a more
buttery taste, has been launched in order to mark the scone's 500th
anniversary in the UK.
Consultation started in the UK yesterday on a new set of guidelines
for all companies, including food processors, on the requirements
they need to follow on reporting the impact their plants have on
the environment.
With the lockout of 25,000 workers at Finland's pulp and paper
mills set to continue into July, fears arise of similar problems in
Sweden and Germany and a hike in global paper and packing prices.
Alcoa said yesterday it will close a number of plants, including a
smelter in Hamburg, Germany, as part of the company long range
plans to cut costs but increase aluminium production.
Collaboration between a EU funded body and private companies has
resulted in an integrated method for tracking meat products from
slaughterhouse to supermarket using radio frequency
identification(RFID) technology.
A high pressure system using ozone gas would eliminate the use hot
water and chemicals when cleaning equipment at food processing
plants, according to the product's inventor, US-based
eFoodSafety.com.
Intralox's new Spiralox 2700 conveyer belt features smaller surface
openings for conveying small food products, including fajita meat,
popcorn-style shrimp, chicken nuggets, cookies, other smallbaked
goods and small containers.
Toronto based SunOpta said yesterday it had acquired all of
Cleugh's Frozen Foods, a processor of natural and organic frozen
fruits and vegetables, for an undisclosed sum.