Refresco publishes fourth quarter and full year 2018 results of Sunshine Top B.V., the entity owning Refresco Group B.V.

Q4 2018 Highlights

• Total volume was 2,556 million liters (Q4 2017: 1,525 million liters).
• Gross profit margin per liter was 14.3 euro cents (Q4 2017: 14.6 euro cents).
• Adjusted EBITDA amounted to €82 million (Q4 2017: €50 million).

FY 2018 Highlights

• Total volume was 10,888 million liters (FY 2017: 7,104 million liters).
• Gross profit margin per liter was 14.0 euro cents (FY 2017: 14.0 euro cents).
• Adjusted EBITDA amounted to €322 million (FY 2017: €214 million).
• Pro-forma synergies adjusted EBITDA amounted to €374 million.
• One-off acquisition costs and operating cost overruns reflected in net results.
• Net debt excluding shareholder funding amounted to €2,273 million at year-end (September 30, 2018: €2,300 million).

CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs commented:
“2018 was a transformational year for Refresco. In January we completed the acquisition of Cott’s bottling business, creating the world’s largest independent bottler for retailers and branded beverage companies and in March we completed the public to private transaction by PAI and BCI. In the final quarter of 2018, we continued to see strong overall volume growth across the business in line with our expectations and driven by both the Cott acquisition and organic growth. Although we did not achieve the level of profitability we wanted, we made good progress with integration of the two businesses and synergies are on track.

“One-off costs related to the acquisition of Cott’s bottling business and acquisition of Refresco by PAI & BCI, overruns in operating costs and some headwinds on input costs were the key items impacting our net results for the year.

“In 2018 we worked hard on the building blocks for further profitable growth in 2019 and we invested €134 million in our production and warehousing capabilities across the business. In February 2019, I was pleased to announce that we acquired Cott’s concentrate manufacturing business in Columbus, Georgia (US). This creates a global center of excellence in beverage concentrate manufacturing and adds new innovations skills and capabilities to our Group.

“To accelerate the next phase of our growth, we have decided to adjust the management structure of Refresco and create an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will comprise the current Executive Board members and as of 1 April 2019 Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) Coert Michielsen. The Executive Committee will be installed on 1 April 2019.” …

The Annual Report 2018 is available for download under https://bit.ly/2Wtqwnc

Krones, the world’s leading manufacturer of filling and packaging technology, continued to grow in 2018 despite difficult conditions. The company benefited as a full-service provider from its extensive product and service range and broad international footprint.

Krones achieves growth target for 2018 financial year

Revenue increased by 4.4 % year-on-year, from €3,691.4 million to €3,854.0 million. The company thus achieved the revised target of 4 % revenue growth announced in autumn 2018. Revenue grew operationally (i.e., adjusted for currency and acquisition effects) was around 5 %. Krones increased revenue, in some cases significantly, in Europe, China and South America/Mexico. Revenue was down in the Asia/Pacific region, the Middle East/Africa and in North and Central America.

Despite the high prior-year figure, order intake increased by 4.5 % in 2018, from €3,786.8 million to €3,957.3 million. Growth in order intake was above average in Western and Eastern Europe and in China. Krones had orders on hand totalling €1,261.1 million at the end of 2018. This once again exceeded the very high prior-year figure by 1.7 %.

Krones continued to invest in the growth of its workforce in 2018, primarily for the expansion of its global footprint. The company employed 16,545 people worldwide at the end of 2018. This represents an increase of 1,246 employees on the previous year, about 400 of which related to acquisitions.

Profitability affected by one-off expenses, mainly for reorganisation

Krones’ earnings were significantly impacted by higher material and labour costs in 2018. The 5.3 % EBT margin includes approximately €42 million in one-off expenses, mainly for reorganisation.

Had these expenses not been incurred in 2018, the EBT margin would have been 6.4 %. The costs related to establishing the production site in Hungary account for the largest share of this amount. In total, earnings before taxes (EBT) in 2018 were down by 21.1 % or €54.5 million year-on-year to €204.3 million (EBT margin: 5.3 %).

Earnings decreased in both segments. In the core segment, Machines and Lines for Product Filling and Decoration, EBT went down by 15.2 % year-on-year, from €263.3 million to €223.3 million. Expenses for reorganisation reduced segment earnings here by around €25 million. In the Machines and Lines for Beverage Production/Process Technology segment, EBT deteriorated from –€4.5 million in the previous year to –€19.0 million. This mainly related to a total of around €17 million in one-off expenses.

Krones improves free cash flow by €271.4 million

Krones was able to significantly reduce working capital between October and December 2018. This had a positive impact on free cash flow, which improved in 2018 by a substantial €271.4 million compared with the prior year, to €120.7 million (previous year: –€150.7 million). The ratio of average working capital over the past four quarters to revenue developed slightly better than expected, holding stable at 27.3 % in 2018. Net cash went up to €215.1 million at the 2018 reporting date (previous year: €157.4 million). Due to the increase in total assets, the company’s equity ratio decreased slightly to 43.2 % (previous year: 43.8 %). Overall, Krones continues to possess a very robust financial and capital structure.

With the above figures, Krones has confirmed the preliminary figures published on 21 February 2019. No significant changes arose in the course of the auditing process.

Shareholders to receive stable dividend of €1.70 per share

At the Annual General Meeting on 5 June 2019, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Krones will be proposing a dividend of €1.70 per share for the 2018 financial year. The proposed dividend is stable relative to the previous year. The planned payout is 35.7 % of consolidated net income.

Outlook

Based on the prevailing macroeconomic outlook and the current expected development of the markets relevant to Krones, the company expects consolidated revenue growth of 3 % in 2019.

In order to achieve its medium-term corporate targets, Krones will continue in 2019 to work towards a global structure fit for the future challenges. The company does not expect any noticeable fall in material procurement prices in 2019; the same applies to labour costs. Krones’ sales price increases on all bottling and packaging equipment and for process technology with effect from 1 May 2018 are likely to have a slight positive effect on earnings in the 2019 financial year. Overall, Krones expects an EBT margin of around 6 % for 2019.

Above all due to the focus on increases in the sales price level, in the current economic and geopolitical climate, Krones sees the achievement of its targets for 2019 subject to greater uncertainties than in the past. For its third performance target, working capital to revenue, Krones expects a figure of 26 %.

Krones has published the Annual Report 2018 online at https://www.krones.com/en/company/investor-relations/krones-group-annual-report-2018.php

Rolf Stangl, CEO of SIG, said: “In 2018 we successfully continued our growth strategy and achieved core revenue growth of 6.4 % at constant currencies, slightly exceeding our target range of 4 – 6 %. We saw growth across our global footprint and are reaping the rewards of our steady expansion into markets outside Europe, where growth in aseptic carton packaging is being driven by mega-trends including demographics, rising disposable income and urbanisation. The Asia Pacific region in particular delivered a strong performance during the year, with robust growth in the liquid dairy segment and growing demand for premium products.

“Our broad international presence continues to provide us with promising growth opportunities. These opportunities come with exposure to currency fluctuations, which in 2018 dampened growth in adjusted EBITDA. At constant currencies, adjusted EBITDA increased by 8 %. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 27.5 %, reflecting a positive business mix and ongoing cost efficiency measures. We achieved a significant increase in adjusted free cash flow, while continuing to expand our filler base in growth markets. The cash generative nature of our business underpins our intended mid-term dividend payout ratio of 50 – 60 % of adjusted net income. For 2018, we are proposing a Swiss franc dividend payout in 2019 equivalent to around €100m.”

2018 Annual Report

SIG has published its 2018 Annual Report, which includes the Group’s operating and financial results accompanied by SIG’s audited consolidated and statutory annual financial statements, the Compensation Report outlining the compensation policies of the Group and the Corporate Governance Report. All publications are available for download at https://investor.sig.biz/en-gb/home/.

The Coca-Cola Company reported another quarter of solid operating performance, capping off strong financial results for the year. While reported net revenues declined due to refranchising and currency headwinds, the company delivered organic revenue (non-GAAP) growth within its long-term target for the sixth consecutive quarter, while also gaining value share globally.

“I am pleased with our strong organic revenue and earnings growth in 2018. Our results demonstrate progress in our transformation as a consumer-centric, total beverage company and the power of a more strategically aligned system,” said James Quincey, CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “Coca-Cola has established a strong foundation to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities and drive sustained shareowner value.” …

Download the full earnings release (PDF)

Out of a record 777 food and drink transactions covered by the bevblog.net mergers and acquisitions database for 2018, 28 involved sums over USD 1,000 million. This was below the 33 recorded in 2017, but higher than the numbers for 2015 and 2016.

The USD 104 billion combined value of the top 10 was 36 % higher than the USD 77 billion for the top 10 of 2017, but 39 % lower than the USD 171 billion for the top 10 of 2016 and little more than a quarter of the USD 365 billion for the top 10 of 2015.

The 28 over USD 1 billion totalled USD 141 billion, compared with USD 115 billion for the 33 over USD 1 billion in 2017, USD 190 billion for the 22 over USD 1 billion in 2016 and USD 403 billion for the 27 over USD 1 billion in 2015.

Link to database

Jonathan Davison, Beverage Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, identifies the defining beverage market trends in 2018:

1. Company diversification:

Responding to a game-changing shift in consumer attitudes towards health and wellness, carbonated soft drinks giants looked to protect their volume and value sales through category diversification. Delivering on its promise to become a “total beverage company”, Coca-Cola led this trend through a wave of acquisitions across multiple industry sectors, as well as revamping the marketing of Diet Coke and Zero Sugar.

The company also expanded into other categories such as dairy alternatives, increased its energy and juice drinks portfolios and made its presence felt in Foodservice with the £3.9bn acquisition of Costa Coffee.

2. Combatting packaging waste:

The strength of consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions is driven by industry collaboration and company innovation.

Over 106 brands signed up to the UK’s ‘Plastic Pact’, while PepsiCo joined Nestle, Danone and Origin Materials in the NaturALL Bottle Alliance. When asked about the effect of a tax on plastic products, ^*79 % of global consumers indicated their shopping behaviour would change. In the UK, Government and industry have reflected this sentiment in a number of actions this year.

The Gov’t continues its consultation on a UK wide deposit return scheme (DSR) for drinks containers. Starbucks introduced a ‘latte levy’ of 5p on single-use paper cups, Carlsberg launched its pioneering ‘snap packs’ solution to bond packs of multiple cans together without using plastic rings and a number of resealable and recyclable can innovations have been launched.

3. Cannabis-infused drinks:

Functional beverages continue to play an important role in the beverages market with the perceived health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) driving a surge of interest amongst young consumers in 2018.

This emerging sub-category has caught the attention of the biggest players in the market. Constellation Brands and Molson Coors made significant investments in August and both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are keeping a watching brief on developments.

4. Blossoming plant-based sub-category:

Vegans and vegetarians make up just ^*7% of the world’s population so it is significant that attitudes to plant-based drinks from non-vegetarians shifted markedly in 2018, as the multi-layered benefits of these drinks became more apparent. The growing consumer interest in this sub-category has taken it mainstream, with market volumes set to increase by ^**5% in 2018.

Key developments in 2018 included Coca-Cola’s relaunch of its dairy-free smoothie brand AdeZ and the introduction of a range of plant-based milks under its Innocent brand, together with new launches from Starbucks and PepsiCo.

5. Individualism and self-tailoring:

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘‘TrendSights Overview: Individualism & Expression – Exploring the impact the Individualism & Expression mega-trend has on innovation across the FMCG space, 2018”, reveals that consumers are looking for more bespoke, individual experiences, with 61 % of global consumers expressing an interest in creating their own products.

In the crisps market, Walkers’ ‘Salt ‘n’ Shake’ provides a good example of how well this concept can work and some soft drinks brands are now including similar options for customization. Kolibri Drinks launched of a range of botanical products this year which allow consumers to tailor the flavour and sugar content themselves, by using a syrup-based sweetener stored in the cap. This concept could be widely adopted by ready-to-drink (RTD) formats, providing consumers with more choice by offering customisation with convenience.

^*Source: GlobalData 2018 Q3 global consumer survey
^**Source: GlobalData

All Oranges 77.0 Million Boxes

The 2018-2019 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 77.0 million boxes, unchanged from the November forecast. If realized, this forecast will be 71 percent more than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 32.0 million boxes of the non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 45.0 million boxes of the Valencia oranges. Regression data used are from the 2008-2009 through 2016-2017 seasons. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to those 9 seasons unless noted. The hurricane affected 2017-2018 season is excluded from the regressions.

Non-Valencia Oranges 32.0 Million Boxes

The forecast of non-Valencia production is unchanged at 32.0 million boxes. Current fruit size is below the minimum and projected to be below the minimum at harvest. Current droppage is above average and is projected to be above average until harvest. The Navel forecast, included in the non-Valencia forecast, is unchanged at 800 thousand boxes, and is 3 percent of the non-Valencia total. Final Navel size is below average and droppage is close to the maximum.

Valencia Oranges 45.0 Million Boxes

The forecast of Valencia production is unchanged at 45.0 million boxes. Current fruit size is below the minimum and is projected to be below the minimum at harvest. Current droppage is above average and projected to be above average at harvest.

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov

After three successful days, BrauBeviale is closing its doors on a record high note. Over 40,000 trade visitors (2016: 37,923) – over 18,000 of them international – travelled to Nuremberg to attend this year’s most important capital goods exhibition for the beverage industry from 13 to 15 November 2018. While there, 1,094 exhibitors – 53 percent of them international – presented their products and solutions related to the entire beverage production process chain, with offerings ranging from raw materials to technologies and components all the way to packaging, as well as accessories and marketing ideas. A varied supporting programme rounded out the three days.

“This BrauBeviale has exceeded our expectations,” beamed Andrea Kalrait, Show Director BrauBeviale, as she heard the numbers. “We’ve been told that several contracts were signed right at the exhibition. It seems the beverage industry couldn’t wait to get back to Nuremberg. We’ve very proud of that.” The exhibition team is also happy about the positive feedback from the exhibitors’ advisory board: “BrauBeviale has become a cool exhibition.” – “The exhibition has succeeded in becoming the place where different mindsets and cultures meet.” – “We were overwhelmed on the very first day; that’s never happened.” – “The quality of the discussions was outstanding.” – “The truly important decision-makers were there.”

Highly-qualified trade visitors from Germany and abroad

Those statements confirm the results of a survey by an independent institute: some 90 percent of visitors are involved in their companies’ investment decisions. The trade visitors came from many different parts of the beverage industry: breweries; malthouses; the areas of mineral springs, soft drinks, juice, and wine; and mechanical engineering and plant construction, as well as the trade and catering. Attendees travelled in from Germany and other countries, primarily Italy, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. Some 98 percent of the surveyed trade visitors were satisfied with what they found at the exhibition. And 95 percent said they would also like to return to BrauBeviale next year.

Save the dates!

• BrauBeviale 2019: 12-14 November 2019
• BrauBeviale 2020: 10-12 November 2020

Judges selected the most promising start-ups – Winners will be announced on 27 November at Hi Europe & Ni

For the third time, trade show organiser UBM is providing a platform for forward-looking industry startups. During Hi Europe & Ni, the Startup Innovation Challenge enables newcomers to present their solutions to a professional audience. If they win, they will receive comprehensive expert coaching and marketing support. This year’s 13 shortlisted companies have now been announced.

The companies will pitch live between 15.45 and 17.30 on Tuesday 27 November 2018, the first day of the show, at the Industry Insights Theatre. The winners of the three categories will receive their awards following the live pitches.

Shortlisted for the category “Most Innovative Healthy Food or Beverage Ingredient”:

• FunGeneX/The Netherlands has developed a technology to produce egg white proteins based on sugar from sugar beet. These products fulfill the need for binding proteins that are neutral in colour, taste and smell for vegan applications, while contributing to reduced global warming and animal suffering.
• GNUBiotics/Switzerland is a biotech startup active in R&D to reproduce the diversity and complexity of unique structures found in mothers’ milk. It is developing a novel platform for selective microbiota modulation via next generation Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) using up to 130 Microbiota Accessible Carbohydrates (MACs) structures.
• Magellan Life Sciences/UK is a synthetic biology company creating novel platforms to produce plant-inspired molecules, such as a natural non-caloric protein sweetener called Brazzein that is inspired by the West African fruit Oubli.
• Renewal Mill/USA is upcycling by-products from food manufacturing into high-quality ingredients and finished products. The pilot project is using okara, the soybean pulp generated during soymilk production to create an organic, non-GMO, low-carb flour.
• Planetarians/USA makes high protein ingredients from upcycled by-products using patent-pending technology. They add value to overlooked ingredients such as defatted seeds by converting them into a high-protein, high-fibre ingredient, allowing manufacturers to fortify foods. The company’s first product is sunflower chips with more protein and fibre, and less fat than typical potato chips.

Shortlisted for “Most Innovative Plant-Based Finished Product”:

• Green Banana Food/The Netherlands produces foodstuffs and ingredients from the native cooking green banana, such as a flour that can be used to create high nutrient, low carb, gluten free & high dietary fibre food solutions such as Gabanna pasta.
• Jet-Eat Printed Food/Israel is currently developing an animal-free meat with the same appearance, texture, flavour and cooking properties of animal meat, from natural, sustainable and healthy ingredients. Based on 3D printing technology, the company creates meat products with 95 % less environmental impact compared to beef, with zero cholesterol and a lower cost.
• Shileo/Germany is an online food start-up that sells konjac rice and pasta meals. These low-cal and low-carb alternatives to normal pasta and rice are suitable for vegans, high in soluble fibre and can help with weight loss.

Shortlisted for “Most Innovative Technology or Service Supporting F&B”:

• Ambrosus/Switzerland is a blockchain-powered Internet of Things network for food and pharmaceutical enterprises, enabling secure and frictionless dialogue between sensors, ledgers and databases to optimise supply-chain visibility and quality assurance.
• Aryballe/France develops and manufactures bio-inspired odour sensors which detect and identify odours in less than 15 seconds, allowing the food industry to quickly assess the olfactive qualities of materials.
• Better Juice/Israel has created a solution for reducing natural sugars in fruit juices. The patent-pending technology harnesses the activity of non-GMO microorganisms to bio-convert sugars to dietary fibres and non-digestible natural molecules.
• Embion/Switzerland produces new prebiotic solutions for human, animal and soil microbiome nutrition from agricultural and food processing side-streams. A novel processing technology targets and extracts natural prebiotic ingredients from biomass with lower production costs, higher yield and processing speed than usual.
• Nucaps/Spain developed a new nanoencapsulation technology for nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses. This encapsulation process, designed for oral delivery and controlled release of bioactives and microorganisms, is based on the use of food proteins such as casein, zein or soya.

Rahul Shinde, Director of Global Open Innovation at Naturex Ingenium, sponsor of the competition, is on the advisory board at the Startup Innovation Challenge. He says: “Through our partnerships we are hoping to provide additional support, guidance, access and resources that can enable these start-ups to succeed. But, ultimately, it’s their product and their vision that will prevail. We really value their time, commitment and desire to bring innovative solutions to the marketplace, and especially innovations focused on plant-based solutions.“

The three winners will get individual advice from one of the judges. In addition, the successful nominees can choose from various special prizes – from a fully equipped stand at Hi Europe or Fi Europe; a marketing campaign within the Ingredients Network; access to the “Conciergerie” innovation platform from Presans; or intensive consultation with Wageningen University & Research. In addition, one startup will be selected by Naturex Ingenium as their special prize winner. This startup will win €10,000 plus a three month business mentorship with the Naturex Ingenium Open Innovation team.

All Oranges 77.0 Million Boxes

The 2018-2019 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is lowered to 77.0 million boxes, down 2.00 million boxes from the October forecast. If realized, this forecast will be 71 percent more than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 32.0 million boxes of the non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 45.0 million boxes of the Valencia oranges. Regression data used are from the 2008-2009 through 2016-2017 seasons. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to those 9 seasons unless noted. The hurricane affected 2017-2018 season is excluded from the regressions.

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov

The Coca-Cola Company reported continued momentum in its business for 2018, with strong financial results for the third quarter. While reported net revenues for the quarter declined due to refranchising, the company delivered broad-based organic revenue (non-GAAP) and volume growth across all operating groups, while gaining value share globally.

Strong organic revenue (non-GAAP) growth in the quarter was driven by continued innovation and revenue growth management initiatives within sparkling soft drinks, as evidenced by double-digit volume growth of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar across all groups. In addition to sparkling soft drinks, the company saw strong performance for brands like Fuze Tea and smartwater. Coca-Cola also announced several strategic actions, including a number of acquisitions and investments, and continued to lift, shift and scale brands around the world. The company’s disciplined growth strategies and an ongoing focus on productivity led to double-digit profit growth for the quarter.

“We continue to be encouraged by our performance year-to-date as we accelerate our evolution as an even more consumer-centric, total beverage company,” said James Quincey, President and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. “The recent leadership appointments are intended to help accelerate the transformation of our company.”

Highlights

Quarterly Performance

• Revenues: Net revenues declined 9 % to $8.2 billion, impacted by a 13-point headwind from the refranchising of company-owned bottling operations. Organic revenues (non-GAAP) grew 6 %, driven by concentrate sales growth of 4 %, which benefited from the timing of shipments, and price/mix growth of 2 %.
• Volume: Unit case volume grew 2 %, led by Trademark Coca-Cola.
• Margin: Operating margin, which included items impacting comparability, expanded approximately 600 basis points. Comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) improved 575 basis points, driven by divestitures of lower-margin bottling operations and the company’s ongoing productivity efforts. These drivers were partially offset by an approximate 130 basis point headwind from the adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard and the impact of currency.
• Market share: The company continued to gain value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages.
• Cash flow: Year-to-date cash from operations was $5.5 billion, down 7 %. The decline was largely due to the impact of refranchising North American bottling territories and increased tax payments, partially offset by solid cash generation in the underlying business. Year-to-date free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $4.6 billion, down 2 %.
• Share repurchases: Year-to-date purchases of stock for treasury were $1.6 billion. Year-to-date net share repurchases (non-GAAP) totaled $707 million.

Download the full earnings release (PDF)

With “taste” being such a trending focal point at SIAL Paris 2018 many visitors were keen to discover our passion fruit exotic juice and food preps

Passina’s new branding and natural passion fruit-based food products attracted the attention of crowds of international food stakeholders at SIAL Paris 2018. Almost 160,000 visitors attended the international food trade fair.

“Our clients and partners understood our new concept and approach towards branding in the face of the intense competition the sector faces today. We know that collaboration is key to developing new products”, said Dr Pablo Hafner, Passina Group CEO.

Exploiting the innovation of passion fruit-products

“We have our own R&D department and are also partnering with various research organisations, mainly in the US and Europe. We are now in the research phase and want to launch nutritional supplements based on passion fruit in 2019”, added the CEO.

International experts in the food industry can discover the new applications through recipes prepared by the R&D team for the show:

• Tastings of passion fruit juice, smoothies and dips.
• Concept cards adapted to different sectors: juice & food preps, confectionery and cosmetics.
• Besides adding an exotic and savoury touch to dishes, passion fruit and its ingredients offer a range of health benefits, such as:
• Adding low-calorie, enriching fibres to dietetic snacks (from seeds).
• Reducing sleep disorders and restlessness through herbal teas (from leaves and extracts).
• Anti-inflammatory effects.

Digital presentations displayed at the Passina stand presented the company and its new brand identity. Passina attracted potential collaborators from various sectors and new business partnerships emerged during the busy fair. “We have seen positive outcomes from sales, R&D, and project managers within the food and nutritional supplement sectors”, said Hafner.

This all forms part of the ongoing development of Passi AG, including the sale of the non-passion fruit business to Döhler Group. The sale is currently being evaluated by the antitrust authorities and is conditional on their approval, with the outcome expected to be announced by the first half of November 2018.

One of the major trends in Asia’s beverage and liquid food market is: “quality, not quantity.” As incomes rise, people prefer to consume better products instead of more products. At the same time, demand for production systems and machines remains high. As the leading trade fair for the industry, CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE (CBB) provided a far- reaching overview of the market with the exhibitors’ presentations and its comprehensive supporting program. The CBB showed what is driving the industry today and will drive it tomorrow. In the process, it underscored its position in Asia.

Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO of Messe München, is extremely satisfied with the results of CBB: “We are following up on the successes of the last event: We had a total of 869 exhibitors, an increase of nine percent. The trade fair used eight halls, including two that were used by 256 international exhibitors. That represents a growth rate of six percent. CBB is thus enhancing its importance as the leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry in the Asia-Pacific region.” The chief executives of international market leaders praised the large number of visitors from such Asian countries as Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who visited their stands.

Hong Shen, General Manager at Zhongqing Heli International Exhibition Co., Ltd., organizer of CBB, highlights the event’s added value: “CBB is the only trade fair in Asia that showcases the entire process chain for all areas of the beverage and liquid food industry and presents new generations of machines. This was also acknowledged by the approximately 56,000 participants in the eight fully booked halls.”

Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, believes CBB is crucial for international companies to successfully gain a foothold in the Chinese market. “Closeness to customers is vital for developing and implementing tailored solutions, as well as for providing ideal after-sales service. CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE is the most important trade fair – not only in China, but for Southeast Asia as a whole,” is Clemens’ assessment.

CBB Forum with the key issues of sustainability and digitalization

The beverage industry is undergoing a shake-up in the wake of digitalization. The CBB Forum’s program included a presentation by Professor Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University, Halifax, on how blockchain technologies “can help many companies protect their brand equity.” Use of the technology in the beverage industry is still at the beginning, but he recommends “companies should see that as an opportunity and address the issue early on.” In the view of the VDMA, Chinese consumers in particular are very open to digital solutions.

That also harbors potential for companies from the beverage industry. That is because “customized premium products that can be configured and ordered online have far greater growth potential than in Europe,” says Clemens.

The industry also discussed the issue of sustainability intensively. For example, Professor William Chen, from the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Director of the NTU Food Science & Technology Program at Nanyang Technological University, believes that sustainable beer brewing offers advantages for companies and consumers alike: “Sustainable brewing processes and upcycling of waste and by-products, such as to make biodegradable packaging, deliver enormous benefit for the industry. At the end of the day, that might also be reflected in lower product prices for consumers,” states the scientist.

Visitors and exhibitors were inspired by the CBB Forum and the wealth of information. CBB plays a major role in helping information be shared within the industry and enables an extensive overview of the beverage and liquid food market.

Successful premiere for the Round Table Talks

Apart from sustainability and digitalization, the future of the PET segment was also a hotly debated topic. The newly introduced Round Table Talks gave visitors the chance to learn more about this and other issues in the beer and beverage market. What are key concerns in the industry now and in the future? Industry experts from companies such as AB InBev, Snow, Suntyech Process Engineering, Tsingtao and Voss (Hubei) Water & Beverage provided insights. The other items on the agenda, such as the International Beer Smart Factory & Brewing Technology Forum or the Exhibitor Technology Seminar, were also very popular among visitors.

In line with the guiding principle “Turning the best out of nature into Multi-Sensory & Nutritional Excellence”, Doehler will present pioneering ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions which reflect the core topics of naturalness, plant-based nutrition, Nutritional Excellence and Multi-Sensory Experiences^® to visitors at the SIAL trade show, held from 21 to 25 October.

Unique taste explosions in beverages

Doehler will present inspiring product ideas for beverages based on the best and natural ingredients for unmistakable taste experiences. Smoothies have been innovation drivers in the beverage aisle for many years. But they are no longer only about puréed fruit. The new generation of smoothies offers a lot more than just pure nutrients, with their sensory properties also part of the impressive package! Tropical fruits, such as goldenberry and guava, add a fresh and fruity taste, chia and flax seeds create an extra-crunchy mouthfeel, while turmeric provides a highly natural shiny colour. That makes the “superfood smoothies” a real highlight in the beverage aisle and a unique indulgence for all the senses!

Through years of experience, comprehensive industry expertise and global networking, Doehler develops customised concepts for the different consumer target groups. At SIAL, Doehler presents its extensive portfolio of Adult Soft Drinks which are specifically tailored to the consumer requirements of the 25+ age group. The innovative Brewed Sodas or Kombucha impress thanks to their reduced sweetness and extraordinary flavours.

Healthy nutritional value through the power of nature

Less sugar – same full taste. Foods and beverages with optimised nutritional value that are exactly in line with a modern, healthy lifestyle are what many consumers want. Doehler will present new beverage concepts at SIAL featuring healthy added value and fewer calories and ranging from innovative energy drinks to premium reduced-sugar lemonades and reduced-calorie fruit and vegetable juices. The company will also introduce its new range of MultiSense® Flavours in addition to numerous sweetening solutions that enable the reduction of sugar content by up to 100%. The MultiSense® Flavours range can be used to achieve significant sugar reduction without having to use sweeteners or to significantly improve the taste and mouthfeel of reduced-sugar products. MultiSense® Flavours create a balanced overall impression for soft drinks and dairy-based beverages and are therefore perfect for a broad range of innovative products.

Botanical diversity – Doehler offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality botanical plant extracts and full spectrum powders which provide health-promoting additional benefits, unlock unique taste experiences and are 100% natural. The portfolio includes, among other things, African extracts from baobab, moringa leaves and honeybush. The high-quality extracts impress thanks to a naturally fresh taste, and also provide inspiration for healthy and trendy product positionings. Thanks to state-of-the art processing technology, it is possible to use botanic ingredients in a wide range of applications, from clear, near-water beverages, such as Aqua Plus, up to full-bodied yoghurts or food products, such as cereal bars.

Doehler also offers plant-based proteins, such as pea and rice protein blends, that supply the body with all the essential amino acids it needs, and taste good, too. Thanks to the use of proteins from high-quality raw materials, supported by natural flavour compositions, the end products – from cereal bars to snack drinks – are characterised by outstanding multi-sensory properties.

Plant-Based Nutrition

Be it on health grounds or due to particular beliefs, more and more people are cutting out animal products and choosing a purely plant-based diet. Whereas just a few years ago, plant-based alternatives were the preserve of select specialist shops, they are now a staple found in almost any supermarket.

Based on Doehler’s broad portfolio on plant-based ingredients such as protein, fruit and vegetable ingredients, or dairy-free ingredients from oats, almonds, rice or coconut, the company creates numerous inspiring product concepts that reflect current lifestyles and the spirit of the times. Delicious plant-based desserts with fresh fruit preparations and flavours ranging from apple, pineapple, blueberry or mango that provide a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional yoghurts or creamy plant-based ice cream based on coconut with the subtle taste of turmeric. The new generation of plant-based drinks also create new and exciting taste experiences based on dairy-free ingredients, such as delicious cold brew coffee drinks with plant-based proteins, or fruity rice drinks with exotic tastes.

Hall 5a, Stand H218

International trade show for production, storage and marketing of apples

Bolzano, 15 – 17 November 2018

With its motto “Bolzano loves apples”, Interpoma, the only international trade show dedicated to the apple, from November 15 to 17 will be welcoming guests from all over the world with a program of events and themed initiatives outside the trade show and across the whole city. Bolzano, as the international capital of the apple, will itself be turned into a true “big apple” during this period.

Interpoma 2018, the two-yearly international trade show dedicated entirely to the apple sector, is scheduled for November 15 to 17 this year at the Bolzano trade show center: there will be a special program of evening events, themed exhibitions and tastings of apple-derived products, featuring numerous enterprises from right across the city, including restaurants and hotels, as well as bars, bakeries and confectioners.

Interpoma is a major event capable of attracting 20,000 visitors to Bolzano from over 70 countries around the world and, with 500 enterprises present, makes South Tyrol a unique market place for the apple sector. With its program “Bolzano loves Apples”, Interpoma offers guests a unique sensory experience for their business trip that can be enjoyed all over the city.

Origins: an exhibition between past, present and future

Interpoma 2018 invites visitors on a journey through the history of the apple, with an exhibition that shows the origins of the apple in Kazakhstan, explains new possibilities for refining and processing, and offers a view of the technologies of the future.

Interpoma Taste

For the first time, Interpoma will this year feature an area inside the pavilion where visitors can taste apple-derived products and much more besides. The Laimburg Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry is presenting innovative apple juices, with tastings and judgings of ciders arranged by its Evaluation Lab. VOG PRODUCTS, the producer of natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry, will put the focus on apple juice, with a special section dedicated to “Pink Lady” products; while, in partnership with Red Rooster farm holidays, the Ausserloretzhof and Gasserhof farms and the Knöspele distillery will be presenting their natural products based upon ancient and traditional recipes, such as preserves and liquors.

The apple in the city

The entire city of Bolzano will for three days dedicate itself to the fruit that symbolizes the regions of Trentino and South Tyrol. In partnership with the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs (HGV), the Unione HDS and BZ Heartbeat, 30 hotels and restaurants and 20 bakeries and confectioners in Bolzano are preparing apple-based menus and specialties for the entire duration of the event.

Interpoma Delicious Events

Trade shows are places to meet and do business, but they also represent an opportunity to get to know new cultures and taste the culinary delights of the host territory. For the opening night on Thursday, November 15, Interpoma is organizing the Golden Delicious Night at the on-site Forst Season restaurant; a “golden” night for locals, but also a chance for enterprises to dine with their customers or meet each other in an elegant and pleasant environment.

Then, on the evening of Friday, November 16, two parties will be held at the Bolzano exhibition center; one, “Rouge et Noir”, is organized by the Forst Season restaurant, while the other will be staged at the Hotel Four Points by Sheraton.

CHINA BREW CHINA BEVERAGE (CBB) draws on the success of 2016: Just under three weeks before the beginning of the exhibition, the halls of the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC) are almost fully booked. The exhibition space of the international companies is once again increasing. This underlines the importance of the event as an international trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. The extensive supporting program, including the CBB Forum, Round Table Talks and the International Beer Smart Factory & Brewing Technology Forum, will additionally shed light on what is moving the industry today and tomorrow.

CBB, which takes place from October 23 to 26, is the most important meeting point for the beverage and liquid food industry in Asia. Thanks to its wealth of topics and offerings, it provides visitors comprehensive insights into trends and developments. “As a leading technology platform, CBB promotes the exchange of information within the industry. The presentations of the exhibitors on the one hand and our supporting program on the other provide for a complete and forward-looking overview of the beverage and liquid food market”, said Petra Westphal, Project Group Leader Messe München.

Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, also underlines the importance of the event: “The Chinese beverage market is continuing to grow. Over the next five years, a further annual growth of nine percent is expected. Therefore, we expect CBB to provide considerable impetus for the industry.”

More than 860 exhibitors have already registered. Among them are national and international industry leaders such as Alfa Laval, GEA, Husky, KHS, Krones, SACMI, Sidel and Siemens located in the international exhibition halls. And GDXL, HGM, Lehui, Newamstar, Tech-Long and Zhongya in the national exhibition halls.

The CBB supporting program: Key issues of sustainability and digitization

In addition to industry solutions from exhibitors, attendees can look forward to the unique CBB supporting program. This year, the CBB Forum will focus on the topics of sustainability and digitization. First-class speakers will provide insights and outlooks, including Dr. Ning Ding, General Manager of the Food & Beverage Division at Siemens. In his presentation, the expert will show how digital twins support the digital transformation of the food and beverage production. Another presentation on digitization comes from Sylvain Charlebois, Dean of the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University. Charlebois will address crypto currencies and blockchain technologies that offer huge potential for the agricultural and food sector. He will raise the question: “To address lurking food safety and fraud concerns, can blockchain technologies be the answer? ”

Prof. William Chen, Director of the Food Science and Technology Programme at Nanyang Technological University Singapore is going to deal with sustainability. The title of his presentation is: “Fermentation for Upcycling of Brewer’s Spent Grains: Potential for Zero Waste Food Processing and Circular Economy.” Further presentations on digitization and sustainability will be given by Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, and Winston Boyd, Technical Director at Gold Coast Ingredients Inc.

Another highlight of the supporting program are the newly introduced Round Table Talks. Here, industry experts will discuss important topics relating to PET and the developments on the Chinese beer and beverage market today and in the future. Representatives of companies like AB InBev, Snow, Suntyech Process Engineering, Tsingtao and Voss (Hubei) Water & Beverage will talk about dairy trends, innovative product concepts as well as opportunities and challenges regarding packaging and beer trends and many other topics.

For further information about the exhibition, please visit www.cbb.drinktec.com.

Harvesting of the late oranges from the 2018/19 crop, which started in the first fortnight of August, should step up in September. Thus, with higher supply of other varieties, the farmers consulted by Cepea believe pear orange quotes (which have been higher than in 2017 since May/18, despite the crop peak) will not oscillate as much next month.

In light of the low pear orange supply this year, due to the weather, processors started to purchase late oranges (mainly valência) last month – only the fruits in the ideal maturation stage demanded by this segment were purchased. Therefore, the delivery of these varieties is expected to step up in the second fortnight of September, with a higher share of natal oranges.

In general, citrus farmers consider good the quality of the late oranges in irrigated orchards, since they can still grow until the harvesting steps up. However, on the farms with no irrigation, the drought has already affected production – either by staining the peel or by preventing the fruits from growing up.

PEAR – As for pear oranges, whose prices are over 34 BRL per box, on tree (for higher quality fruits), quotes are expected to increase even more until the end of the crop, since many farmers have reported low supply of that variety. In September, however, higher availability of late oranges should constrain significant price rises (since processors will still be selective regarding valência and natal purchases, until they reach the ideal standard for harvesting).

In August, pear orange quotes averaged 29.08 BRL per 40.8-kilo box in the in natura market, a staggering 77 % up compared to the same period of August/17, in nominal terms. The boost came from low supply in São Paulo State in 2018/19, large purchases from processors from SP and the volumes already sold through mid and long-term contracts. Thus, if competition between processors increases, prices in the field may rise even more in the coming months. Pear orange productivity should have the sharpest decrease compared to 2017/18, at 31.2 %.

TAHITI LIME – Tahiti lime quotes also increased in August. According to Cepea collaborators, many farmers interrupted harvesting, aiming to push up prices again – once the variety, still green, may stay longer on trees. Besides, international demand increased in that period too. Thus, between August 1 and 31, tahiti lime quotes averaged 35.75 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, 21.4 % up compared to that between July 2 and 31.

Tahiti lime supply is expected to continue low next month, which may boost prices. In the off-season period (from September to October), many of the fruits still on tree will not have reached the ideal size and color to be harvested. Farmers believe tahiti lime volumes will increase only in November – if it rains during these months and if the volume is enough to favor fruits development on tree.

Citrus utilized production for the 2017-18 season totaled 6.13 million tons, down 20 percent from the 2016-17 season and 66 percent lower than the record high production of 17.8 million tons for the 1997-98 season. Florida accounted for 36 percent of total United States citrus production; California totaled 59 percent, and Texas and Arizona produced the remaining 5 percent.

Florida’s orange production, at 45.0 million boxes, is down 35 percent from the previous season. Grapefruit utilization in Florida, at 3.88 million boxes, is down 50 percent from last season’s utilization. Florida’s total citrus utilization decreased 37 percent from the previous season. Bearing citrus acreage, at 400,900 acres, is 9,800 acres below the 2016-17 season.

Utilized citrus production in California decreased 7 percent from the 2016-17 season. California’s all orange production, at 45.4 million boxes, is 6 percent lower than the previous season. Grapefruit production is down 9 percent from the 2016-17 season and tangerine and mandarin production is down 19 percent. Utilized production of citrus in Texas is up 9 percent from the 2016-17 season. Orange production is up 37 percent from the previous season but grapefruit production was unchanged. Lemon production in Arizona is down 35 percent from last season.

The value of the 2017-18 United States citrus crop decreased 7 percent from last season, to $3.28 billion (packinghouse- door equivalent). Total value of production for 2017-18 is lower for all citrus crops. Orange value of production decreased 9 percent from last season and grapefruit value is down 14 percent. Tangerine and mandarin value of production is 1 percent higher than last season but lemon value of production is down 6 percent. Beginning in 2016-2017, tangelos are included in tangerines and mandarins for Florida.

Overall comparisons discussed above are based on similar fruit types. The revised production and utilization estimates are based on all data available at the end of the marketing season, including information from marketing orders, shipments, and processor records. Allowances are made for recorded local utilization and home use. Estimates for the 2017-18 California Valencia oranges and grapefruit are preliminary, since the marketing season is not complete at publication time. Revisions to the utilized production estimates for all citrus for the 2017-18 season will be published in the April 2019 Crop Production. …

In marketing year 2018/19 FAS Warsaw expects that Polish apple producers will see a record-level harvest. Post forecasts Poland’s apple production to reach 4.0 million metric tons, a 43-percent increase from marketing year 2017/18. Post also expects marketing year 2018/19 fresh-apple exports to increase significantly over the previous year, due to record production and good dessert-fruit quality. …

Please download the full report as pdf-file under: https://bit.ly/2NejBtU

Despite the positive ending stock scenario in July (referring to the 2017/18 crop), CitrusBR (Brazilian Association of Citrus Exporters) estimates a tight carry over for orange juice by June 2019 (2018/19 crop), at around 146.7 thousand tons.

This amount would be enough for two months of exportations, at the most, the second smallest in the CitrusBR series (which started in 1988/89) and 5.6 % lower than the minimum stablished by the Association in May, at 154.7 thousand tons of Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice (FCOJ) Equivalent. The critical volume is due to the smaller crop forecast for the citrus belt, at only 288.29 million boxes, 27.6 % down compared to the 2017/18 season.

New estimates from Citrus BR are based on an average industrial yield at 259 boxes of 40.8 kilos of oranges to produce one ton of FCOJ, higher than that last season, due to the dry period in the citrus belt – approximately 120 days. The lack of rains, according to CitrusBR, should significantly affect the initial volume forecast by Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund), released in May (which still did not consider the scenario from May to July).

As for the 2017/18 crop, CitrusBR reported ending stocks at 343 thousand tons of FCOJ Equivalent on June 30 2018 at the processors from SP. That amount accounts for a significant recovery at 219.6 % compared to the volume at the end of 2016/17.

This positive result is linked to the larger harvest at the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) in 2017/18, which totaled 398.35 million boxes of 40.8 kilos, 62.4 % more than in 2016/17, according to Fundecitrus. Compared to the average in the last 10 years, the output was 25% larger and the largest since 2011/12 (when it totaled 416 million boxes). The positive harvest in 2017/18 ensured comfortable inventories at processors, which, however, cannot be considered a surplus.

IN NATURA MARKET – Despite the weak demand, pear orange quotes remain at high levels in Brazil. As crushing of mid-season fruits steps up at processors from SP, and with the low supply of good quality oranges at orchards, availability is low in the spot. Thus, pear orange quotes averaged 27.85 BRL per 40.8-kilo box (on tree) in the first fortnight of August, 5.9% higher than in the same period of July.

GfK has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the European retail scene in 32 European countries. The study examines purchasing power, the retail share of private consumption, inflation and sales area productivity, and also includes a turnover prognosis for 2018.

Please download the complete study for free under: https://bit.ly/2vT3cEi

Coca-Cola European Partners plc (CCEP) announced its interim results for the six months ended 29 June 2018 and maintains full-year 2018 outlook.

Highlights

• First-half diluted earnings per share were € 0.85 on a reported basis or € 1.00 on a comparable basis, including a negligible impact from currency translation.
• First-half reported revenue totalled € 5.4 billion, flat versus prior year, or up 1.0 percent on a comparable and fxneutral basis. Volume decreased 3.5 percent on a comparable basis, partly reflecting the impact of recent strategic portfolio and pricing decisions.
• First-half reported operating profit was € 605 million; comparable operating profit was € 699 million, up 4.5 percent on a comparable basis, or up 5.0 percent on a comparable and fx-neutral basis.
• Second-quarter diluted earnings per share were € 0.60 on a reported basis or € 0.67 on a comparable basis, including a negligible impact from currency translation.
• CCEP affirms full-year guidance for 2018 for comparable and fx-neutral diluted earnings per share growth of between 6 percent and 7 percent when compared to 2017 comparable results.
• CCEP raises full-year guidance for 2018 free cash flow to a range of € 900 million to € 950 million.
• CCEP declares quarterly dividend of € 0.26 per share.

“We are pleased with our execution and performance in the first half as we continued to make bold portfolio and pricing decisions. We are confident that these are the right strategic initiatives for our business in the long-term, while acknowledging the near-term negative impact on volume,” said Damian Gammell, Chief Executive Officer.

“This strategy is reflected in another quarter of solid growth, including strong revenue per unit case gains as we focus on improving our pack and pricing architecture. Overall, we are encouraged by our first-half performance given business disruption in France owing to customer negotiations; unfavourable weather in Iberia; and new industry taxes, notably in Great Britain.

“Given our solid progress in the first half, we have affirmed our 2018 profit outlook. We are committed to implementing our Beverages For Life strategy; investing in our business; better serving our customers; and improving our in-market execution,”

Mr. Gammell said. “Importantly, we are confident that we have the right strategy and the right team in place to deliver strong cash generation and ultimately generate long-term value for our shareholders.”

Please download the full report under: https://bit.ly/2MheRqO

The 2017/18 Brazilian season of juice shipments finished in June with high volumes. As for FCOJ Equivalent (volume equivalent to concentrate juice), the total exported was the highest since the 2009/10 crop, while for NFC (not-from-concentrate-fresh juice), the amount hit a record.

Since the beginning of the season, exports surpassed the volumes registered in the same months of the year before, scenario boosted by the higher production in the citrus belt (São Paulo and Triângulo Mineiro) in 2017/18 and by the higher international demand, especially from the United States.

Secex says that, from July/17 to June/18, total juice (FCOJ Equivalent) shipments to all destinations amounted 1.2 million tons, for an increase of 28 % compared to the season before. The revenue, in turn, rose 29 %, totaling 2.2 billion USD. NFC exports totaled 1.5 million tons, for an increase of 14 % compared to the season before, generating 515.7 million USD, upping 16 % in the same comparison.

To the United States alone, the export increase was 81 % from July/17 to June/18, totaling 315.5 thousand tons of FCOJ. The revenue amounted 561.7 million USD, moving up 76 %. Both volume and revenue to the USA were a record in the 2017/18 season.

To the European Union, sales totaled 720.5 thousand tons of FCOJ, 17 % up compared to the previous season. The revenue, in turn, was 1.3 billion USD, for an increase of 18 % in the same comparison.

MARKET IN BRAZIL – The citrus market registered slow pace of trades in mid-July. Players surveyed by Cepea say that low temperatures and the lack of quality of fruits available in the in natura market hindered negotiations.

However, with the heated demand from processing companies, the supply of early varieties is reduced in São Paulo State, which increases demand for pear orange. From July 2 to 13, pear orange quotes averaged 26.30 BRL per 40.8-kilo, on tree, 3.1 % up compared to the first fortnight of June (1 – 15).

As for tahiti lime, demand decreased, mainly due to high prices and cold weather in São Paulo. Thus, in the first fortnight of July (2 to 13), quotes averaged 28.73 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, for a decrease of 21 % in the same comparison.

Cherry export amounts to over 20,000 tons in January – May period, rising 165 percent year-on-year

Turkey’s cherry exports may hit a record high this year by reaching some 85,000 tons with a value of $200 million, vice chairman of the Uludag Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association (UYMSIB), said Wednesday.

Please read the full text under: www.aa.com.tr/en

On Wednesday, May 9, Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund) released new estimates for the 2018/19 season, reducing production in the citrus belt (São Paulo State and Triângulo Mineiro) by 27.6 % compared to that in the previous crop. According to the report, harvesting in that region should total only 288.29 million orange boxes (40.8-kilo) in 18/19, 11 % down compared to the historical average of the sector.

Lower estimates from Fundecitrus have confirmed Cepea forecasts for a smaller output in 2018/19, due to the damages and losses observed in the main flowering event (from August to October last year), mainly for pear oranges. That scenario was linked to the dry weather and high temperatures during the settlement of the flowers that would become the oranges from the new season. Still, the first estimates indicated losses around 20 %, which could result in a higher production than that forecast.

Ending stocks for orange juice should be 22 % larger on June 30, 2018 (at 254.2 thousand tons), according to CitrusBR (Brazilian Association of Citrus Exporters), but that is still the fourth lowest volume in the last 20 years. Thus, the citrus belt would have to harvest, once again, high amounts, in order to ensure comfortable inventories at processors. The demand for orange juice has been firm, mainly from the United States, making the global supply and demand scenario even more difficult.

However, in the short-term, growers’ revenue may not increase significantly, since most of them have already closed anticipated trades with processors – trades have been closed since November last year. Thus, only a few growers still have fruits available for trading.

Currently, only one of the large-sized processors has been purchasing fruits in the spot market. Before the new estimates were released, quotes for all varieties were at 15 BRL per 40.8-kilo, harvested and delivered at the processor. However, prices may increase as the crop nears and more processors enter the market.

In the mid-term, on the other hand, forecasts for the next season (2019/20) are more positive, considering juice inventories may be empty by June 2019. Besides, with the smaller output in Florida, international demand for the commodity should continue firm during the season. There are concerns with the weather in the coming months as well, which may lower the volume forecast even more.

BRAZILIAN MARKET – Orange sales increased in the in natura market in early May. According to growers, the beginning of the month, when workers’ wages are paid, may have favored demand. However, the average price for that variety in the first fortnight of the month was 19 % lower than in the first fortnight of April. That scenario is linked to higher supply in São Paulo, as well as the slow crushing pace at processors, which led orange sales exclusively to the in natura market (these fruits would be allocated to processors for crushing). Between May 2 and 15, pear orange quotes averaged 25.81 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, 19 % down compared to that in the first fortnight of April (2 – 13).

Tahiti lime quotes, however, continued at high levels in that period, both in the domestic market and for exportation. According to growers, the fruits still on tree have a good quality, but have not reached the ideal size to be harvested yet – due to the lack of rains in São Paulo. Thus, tahiti lime quotes averaged 49.17 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, between May 2 and 15, a staggering 174.2 % up compared to the price average in the first fortnight of April.

The leading international supplier trade fair of the food and beverage industry is continuing to write its success story. After already registering a growth in exhibition space and a two-digit increase in the number of exhibitors (+13 percent) in the run-up to the event, Anuga FoodTec 2018 was also able to achieve a significant rise in the number of visitors: More than 50,000 experts from the food industry informed themselves about the innovations and further developments of the supplier industry from 20 to 23 March. Hence, the number of visitors increased by just under 11 percent in comparison to the previous event. Anuga FoodTec also further increased its level of internationality too. Visitors from 152 countries (+15 countries in comparison to the previous event) impressively underpin its position as the leading international supplier fair for the food and beverage industry.The specialised programme organised by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) which included numerous conferences, guided tours and lectures, perfectly enhanced Anuga FoodTec 2018. The organiser of Anuga FoodTec is Koelnmesse. The professional and industry sponsor of Anuga FoodTec is the DLG.

Strong concept: Food technology at the highest level

ONE FOR ALL. ALL IN ONE. Once again this year the visitors of Anuga FoodTec experienced the entire production cycle and in the course of which were able to experience live both individual solutions as well as holistic, cross-process concepts across all production stages and food industries. In all five exhibition segments – Food Packaging, Safety & Analytics, Food Processing, Food Ingredients as well as Services & Solutions – the companies presented a cross-industry and cross-production range of exhibition offers. The key topic resource efficiency was one of the omnipresent top themes. From Lotus effect packing that reduces the loss of foodstuffs, to saving raw materials such as water or energy in the production process for example, through to production lines with modular parts for individual products: Anuga FoodTec was once again the innovation hub of the supplier industry. The large variety of offers and impressive exhibitor presences attracted the top decision-makers to Cologne. The exhibitors were impressed by the high quality and professionalism as well as by the internationality of the trade visitors and reported about very good discussions with top-ranking decision-makers. All of the leading food producers worldwide came to Anuga FoodTec.

Well-informed: The event and congress programme

The product show at Anuga FoodTec was perfectly enhanced by a comprehensive event and congress programme, which was organised by the DLG. All of the guided tours were fully booked. The Speakers Corner and the forums also met with high interest among the visitors. Furthermore, the opening conference on the first day of the trade fair, which focused on the leading theme resource efficiency – the opportunities and risks for the food and beverage industry – celebrated a successful premiere.

The next Anuga FoodTec will take place from 23 to 26 March 2021 in Cologne.