Despite numerous challenges, 2024 was a successful year for the mechanical engineering company Flottweg. As expected, sales of around EUR 285 million were around 4 % below the excellent figure for the previous year. Results continue to be affected by the tense geopolitical situation in Europe and the economic challenges that exist in many target markets worldwide. Nevertheless, the centrifuge manufacturer is looking ahead to 2025 with confidence due to a strong inflow of orders.
“We would like to thank all employees, all of whom worked together to ensure the success of Flottweg during the past year. Despite the difficult conditions, we have achieved a great deal together as a team,” explains Dr. Kersten Christoph Link, the company’s CEO. “The decline in sales is attributable to external factors such as the weakening global economy. However, the increased interest rates also influence our customers’ investment decisions and have impacted business developments in 2024. Nevertheless, order intake in 2024 was good, which is why we are cautiously optimistic about 2025.”
Flottweg currently employs around 1,230 people worldwide, 1,000 of whom work at the company’s Vilsbiburg location. Among these are 60 trainees. With an export ratio of over 80%, Flottweg’s internationalization strategy continues to prove successful.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Process Center – focus on innovation and progress
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Process Center in June 2024 signaled the start of a new major project at Flottweg. The Process Center is an extension of plant 2, which opened in Vilsbiburg in 2021, and represents a valuable new addition to the site. The new technology center, with its laboratory, testing, office, and storage areas, will provide the opportunity to design customized solutions for customers even more specifically on an area of around 2,000 square meters. This will allow the separation technology specialist to meet growing customer requirements and support the development of new innovations and technologies. With around EUR 15 million for the Process Center, Flottweg is making a long-term investment in the future of the company and creating a basis for sustainable and innovative growth in the coming years.
Jörg Lengenfelder – new board member at Flottweg SE
Since November 1, 2024, Jörg Lengenfelder has been supporting the Board of Directors of Flottweg SE. Mr. Lengenfelder joins the team of directors alongside Dr. Kersten Christoph Link as CEO and Klaus Huber as CFO. As chief operating officer (COO) and chief technology officer (CTO), Mr. Lengenfelder is responsible for the technological and operational management of the company. “As the new board member of Flottweg SE, I am delighted to be working with our team to shape the future. Resilience and speed in the supply chain are more crucial today than ever. It is very important to me to develop our company together and ultimately to be successful as a team,” explains Jörg Lengenfelder. With the combined experience and commitment of each and every one of us, we at Flottweg will continue to be leaders in the world of separation technology, in line with our brand promise ‘Engineered For Your Success.'”
DNV, the independent assurance and risk management provider, published a new report highlighting the urgent need for the food and beverage sector to transform its supply chains to meet sustainability demands amid global challenges like climate change, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer expectations.
The report ‘The Future of Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Spotlight on Europe’s Food and Beverage Industry’ reveals that sustainability has become the number one supply chain priority for food and beverage companies, with 75 % ranking it among their top three goals, ahead of cost efficiency (63 %) and regulatory compliance (49 %).
To succeed, companies must adopt a holistic approach that integrates visibility, digital transformation, and compliance with emerging regulations. With food systems accounting for a third of global carbon emissions, the report identifies critical areas where the industry must focus to balance environmental responsibility, cost-efficiency, and compliance with increasingly stringent regulations.
The report’s key findings on critical challenges facing food and beverage supply chains include:
Digital transformation as a catalyst: The adoption of digital tools such as supply chain traceability, connected product passport as well as supply chain risk management platforms is gaining momentum, but the sector lags behind others in integrating key technologies. A focus on verifiable and trusted data, as well as ease of use across all supply chain actors is essential to enable transparency and cost-effective compliance.
Evolving regulatory landscape: New EU directives, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the Packaging Waste Directive, are driving companies to address sustainability comprehensively, from carbon footprints to human rights concerns.
Consumer and retailer influence: Today’s informed consumers demand sustainable and transparent food production practices and are willing to pay a premium for products aligned with their values. Retailers, especially those with private labels, are pushing for deeper collaboration with suppliers to meet these expectations.
“The food and beverage industry faces an era of significant transformation as sustainability within the entire supply chain becomes an urgent priority. Global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the growing impact of climate change, have intensified existing challenges while introducing new complexities to the industry’s supply chains,” said Geir Fuglerud, CEO – Supply Chain & Product Assurance at DNV. “This report is a blueprint for companies to address the challenges ahead, leveraging digital innovation to balance cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
While digital transformation is crucial for creating lean and green supply chains, the report’s findings highlight that it must be coupled with robust methodologies for data collection and verification. Technologies like AI offer immense potential to enhance visibility and traceability, but fragmented standards and siloed data systems remain key barriers.
As climate change accelerates and global populations grow, the food and beverage sector must embrace a holistic, technology-driven approach to sustainability. Collaboration across the supply chain, bolstered by strategic partnerships and adherence to rigorous standards, will be essential in shaping a more sustainable and efficient future.
The latest FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report is now available for download
Annual report’s in-depth information and expert analysis help industry representatives understand how fruit and vegetable supply is changing across the globe.
FRUIT LOGISTICA’s latest annual trend report provides the fruit and vegetable sector with free and valuable information about the future of the global fresh produce trade. Entitled ‘Future trends in fresh produce supply’, this year’s report highlights the emerging supply chains, new sources of supply, and market trends that are set to change the business in the next few years.
With this free report, industry representatives can do the following:
Access exclusive insights from industry leaders like Fruitnet, RaboResearch, AgTools, EastFruit, and Sensonomic
Discover new growth opportunities that can drive future expansion of the international fruit and vegetable trade
Explore the emerging supply potential in the southern Mediterranean and how it can reshape global markets
Dive deep into the booming intra-Asia trade and its rapidly evolving dynamics
Spotlight fast-evolving categories with detailed reports on the freshest trends in produce
Unlock sourcing strategies from emerging and high-potential supply countries poised to transform certain trades
The FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report is available to read now as a free download.
According to a recent industry analysis conducted by Future Market Insights, Inc., a leading market research and competitive intelligence provider, global hydration boosters market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated valuation of USD 8.8 billion in 2024 and a forecasted rise to USD 19.5 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 8.3 % over the period. This growth is fueled by changing consumer preferences, a focus on health-conscious products, and innovative marketing strategies, such as influencer partnerships and social media campaigns.
Key industry trends include the increasing popularity of calorie- and sugar-free hydration solutions, particularly flavoured options like apple, citrus, and watermelon, which enhance both taste and health benefits. The market is also benefiting from the demand for convenient, portable product formats, such as powdered solutions, liquid concentrates, and single-serving packets, which cater to busy consumers and athletes.
“Analyse the projected growth of the global hydration boosters market, focusing on the impact of innovative product development, changing consumer preferences, and the increasing demand for sugar-free and calorie-free options on the market’s CAGR of 8.3 % over the 2024-2034 period.”- says Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights.
The sector is evolving with the introduction of multifunctional hydration products that support energy boosts, immune health, and skin wellness, incorporating ingredients like collagen, caffeine, and vitamins. The rising consumer interest in holistic wellness is driving the popularity of these products.
As global temperatures rise and active lifestyles become more common, the need for effective hydration solutions is growing, particularly in regions like the U.S., Germany, and India. In the U.S., for example, the market is expected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2034, driven by trends in fitness and preventive healthcare. Germany is also seeing increased demand for hydration products, particularly among its elderly population.
Competition outlook
The global business landscape of hydration relief products revolves around the rising consumer appetite, the trend of preventive healthcare, and product innovation. Attractive packaging, the infusion of natural healthy ingredients, and the widespread distribution network attract companies to increase their market share.
These strategies are not only helping the companies to increase their revenue but also increasing their consumer base and brand attraction among consumers. Key companies in the global industry are narrowing down their product strategy by including clean-label solutions in their portfolio to attract health-conscious consumers. These companies emphasise sustainability and infuse unique ingredient formulations into their products.
These marketing strategies and product innovations help the key players to increase their sales across the globe. Increasing investment in research and development and widespread online distribution attract manufacturers and brands to increase their sales in the global industry. Companies are coming up with different solutions for different applications to gain consumer attraction.
For instance
In October 2023 BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition company launched the “Bodyarmor Flash I.V.” in powder and bar form in the rapid rehydration category. According to the company, this product with added minerals and vitamins will help the consumers to stay hydrated.
In April 2024, Evocus company launched the four popular flavours of the products to keep them competitive in the global business landscape.
Leading manufacturers
MOONFREEZE FOODS PRIVATE LIMITED
SEEverse
HydroMate
Liquid I.V.
Espri Life
Venture Pal
Drip Drop Hydration Inc
EVLUTION NUTRITION
Adapted Nutrition
Hydralyte
Equalan Pharma
OFFSPRING BEAUTY CO
Lipoid-Kosmetik
These insights are based on a report on Hydration Boosters Market by Future Market Insights, Inc.
The Cartersville plant expansion is a pivotal step for Döhler North America. Doubling capacity and introducing advanced production lines for Compounds, Liquid Flavours, Extractions, and Syrups, this initiative underlines the company’s commitment to the Americas. With AI developments and automated flavour compounding system, Döhler aims to deliver agility and quality to the flavour industry. The recent groundbreaking ceremony signifies a dedication to transformative growth in the year ahead.
Döhler North America is gearing up for an exciting start to 2024 with the launch of the Cartersville, GA, plant expansion. Following a 2023 filled with significant achievements and partnerships, the company is ready for continued success, underlining its commitment to research, and enhanced production capabilities. The expansion demonstrates Döhler’s dynamic approach to shaping the future of the food and beverage industry and bringing ideas to life.
Last year, Döhler achieved remarkable milestones that strengthened their commitment to make the life of their customers better and easier. Including a strategic US-based global partnership with Ixora Scientific, an innovative hub in New Jersey, and the global acquisition of SVZ made a substantial impact in North America, broadening Döhler’s reach and capabilities.
Now, building on the successes, Döhler embarks on the expansion of its Cartersville plant, a key player in the company’s North American operations. The first phase of the expansion not only addresses immediate growth needs but lays the foundation for future expansions. The Cartersville facility will host advanced production lines and technologic R&D labs, with a specific focus on Compounds, Liquid Flavours, Extractions, and Syrups.
Paul Graham, General Manager Regional Cluster Americas, emphasises the strategic significance of the expansion, stating, “The Cartersville plant has been an integral part of Döhler’s success in North America for over a decade. This expansion reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers, and it positions us for even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Charles Spenceley, Head of Operations Regional Cluster Americas, adds, “We are excited about the potential this expansion brings. It enlarges our capacity for hot fill bottling and increases our flavour production capacity. This significant boost in capability enables us to better serve our customers and solidify our position as industry leaders.”
Looking ahead, Döhler plans to continue its investment across the Americas region adding an automated flavour compounding and sampling system to their taste innovation hub in North Brunswick, NJ, and a bigger version of it to their Cartersville plant. This system, capable of transforming raw materials into flavour samples in just a minute, will be complemented by AI developments from Germany.
To mark the initiation of the Cartersville plant expansion, a ceremony was conducted in January, signifying Döhler’s commitment to fortify its presence in the North American flavour industry.
The global NFC (not from concentrate) juice market is experiencing significant changes in consumer preferences, with a strong shift towards healthier and more natural beverage options. This trend is driving notable advancements in the food and beverage industry as consumers seek out less processed and more wholesome juice choices.
The global NFC juice market value is estimated to rise from USD 2.6 billion in 2023 to USD 3.8 billion by 2033. Over the assessment period, global sales of NFC juices are predicted to increase at a CAGR of 8.2 %. Demand in the market is expected to remain high for organic NFC juices. This is due to rising end-user preference for natural and organic fruits and juices. The target segment is projected to hold a market share of 58.1 % during the forecast period.
The NFC juice market is set to witness a robust growth trajectory during the forecast period. This is due to increasing consumer demand for healthy and sustainable food options. Today, consumers are willing to pay a premium for NFC juices. This is because they perceive them as healthier, and more nutritious than traditional juices made from concentrates or other processed sources.
NFC juices are often seen as a way to support local farmers and reduce carbon footprints, as they require less transportation and storage than imported concentrate products. This is also encouraging their adoption and fueling market demand. In a new development that is sure to shake up the beverage industry, the NFC (Not from Concentrates) juice market is poised to redefine consumer expectations when it comes to fruit juice. This innovative approach to juice production promises a fresh, unadulterated taste experience that rejuvenates the market.
Consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity and transparency in their food and beverage choices, and the NFC Juice market is perfectly poised to meet these demands. NFC juices offer a purer and more wholesome alternative to traditional juices which are often made from concentrate and mixed with additives. Companies are diversifying their product lines to meet changing consumer preferences and cater to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, some companies now offer functional NFC juices fortified with probiotics, protein, or fiber, while others offer lower sugar or low-acid varieties.
Certain NFC juice brands are also prioritising sustainability by sourcing fruits from local, eco-friendly farms and using environmentally responsible packaging. This is anticipated to bode well for the market.
Key takeaways from the NFC Juice Market Report:
The global NFC juice market is expected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2033.
Global demand for NFC juices is likely to soar at 8.2 % CAGR over the forecast period.
Based on product type, the fresh fruit NFC juices segment is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 577.5 million by 2033.
By product claim, the organic segment is expected to hold a market share of 58.1 % during the projection period.
The United States market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.0 % through 2033.
Germany NFC juice industry is projected to thrive at 10.0 % CAGR during the forecast period.
“The global NFC (not from concentrate) juice market is witnessing a refreshing trend towards pure, unadulterated juice options. Consumers now seek transparency, traceability, and a connection to the source of their beverages. This market’s commitment to natural flavours and sustainability aligns perfectly with evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more authentic choices. It’s a positive shift that reflects the growing demand for genuine and eco-conscious products, Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights”
Experiencing BIOFACH and VIVANESS means benefiting from the best of two worlds. This works by creating a meaningful combination of digital opportunities and on-site trade fair activities. The global organic foodstuffs and natural and organic personal care community will hold its next gathering at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 14 to 17 February 2023, when international trade visitors will be inspired by the products and services offered by an expected 2,700 exhibitors from about 100 countries. And though there is no substitute for a first-hand experience with all senses, the digital event platform has provided the ideal complement since the unique Summer Edition was held in 2022. The future of the World’s Leading Fair for Organic Food and the International Trade Fair for Natural and Organic Personal Care is hybrid. Added value: The ability to plan your trade fair visit with the aid of a floor plan and an overview of products and services; arranging appointments in-person and online; matchmaking; and the fact the Congress will be available in digital form beyond the actual event timeframe. All the content and functions of the digital event platform are available on the app in addition to the desktop version.
One in four of the more than 24,000 trade visitors who participated in the unique Summer Edition of BIOFACH and VIVANESS in 2022 also made use of the services offered by the digital event platform, most of them as hybrid participants. They attended in person, but used the platform as a digital add-on before, during and after the event.
How to take advantage of the benefits the platform offers for BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2023, and what highlights there are to look forward to: These questions were put to Dominik Dietz, the BIOFACH and VIVANESS team member responsible for the digital platform.
Briefly, what are the key added values offered by the digital event platform?
With the digital event platform, we offer the organic food and natural and organic personal care community the full package, in other words, an all-in-one service covering all aspects of BIOFACH and VIVANESS – from preparation to on-site use, follow-up and access to congress presentations after the event. That means a wide range of functions from exhibitor and product searches to appointment and agenda scheduling, and many opportunities to interact – digitally, in person and in hybrid form! The right feature is therefore available to suit every requirement at the right time, either during the trade fair or at the preparation stage – all in an intuitive, state- of-the-art platform solution, including the app!
Will there be new developments in 2023 – upgrades or special features?
In collaboration with our partner talque, we are constantly working on both upgrading and creating new features in order to drive forward the fusion of in-person (i.e. on-site) and digital added value. For 2023, exhibitors, visitors and media contacts will be able to enjoy improvements in usability, such as a revised chat design and design improvements in the area of personal participant profiles. As a further “special”, the mobile app will have a BIOFACH/VIVANESS design in 2023.
Not to be missed: What do I need to know and take into account beforehand in order to get the most out of my attendance or visit to the trade fair?
The important thing is to take time to prepare and maintain your profile, both the company profile for exhibitors and your personal participant profile in general. A detailed, perfect “fit” in the product search process is a key factor for success in ensuring people can find you. This can be boosted further by adding additional product profiles. Carefully maintaining your personal matchmaking details is also an important element in finding the right suggestions and best matches when you are looking for contacts. Recommendation: Keep your profile and choice of search and offer criteria up to date at all times so you can continue finding new matches.
The leading trade show for the global fresh produce business renews its support for data-driven supply chains, artificial intelligence, robotic automation, smart agri, and other advanced systems that unlock new commercial opportunities.
New technologies that can transform the business are waiting to be discovered from 8 to 10 February 2023 at FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin. “Fruit and veg suppliers across the world are under enormous pressure to cut costs and reduce their environmental impact,” says Kai Mangelberger, director of FRUIT LOGISTICA. “Digital technologies on display at Fruit Logistica offer them a chance to make their production and their supply chains more efficient and more sustainable.”
In Hall 3.1, innovative companies will present a range of digital solutions in the Smart Agri area, which made its debut at last year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA. These include AI-enabled robotic harvesters (IAV), precision spray drones (ABZ Innovation), advanced watering concepts (Irriot and Topraq), and autonomous field vehicles (Ant Robotics).
And on 10 February, under the theme Disrupt Agriculture, FRUIT LOGISTICA’s fourth Start-up Day turns Hall 2.1 into a networking hub for groundbreaking innovations. 20 of the most innovative tech start-ups from around the world will show their products, projects and ideas in the Start-up Area. Hall 2.1 is also home to the Start-up Stage, where start-ups and smart agri companies will present their forward-looking business ideas, technologies, and visions for the future on the third day of the show.
Among the technologies on display will be AI-powered platforms that can help predict shelf-life (Freshsens), warn of food safety risks (iComplai), and promote collaboration across supply chains (Obortech). In addition, companies such as 7Sense Agritech, Bluetentacles and Smart Watering Solutions will present intelligent irrigation technologies, each with the potential to reduce water and energy consumption dramatically.
More information about the FRUIT LOGISTICA Smart Agri area, Start-up Day and Start-up Stage as well as profiles of all start-ups and exhibitors, can be found at FRUIT LOGISTICA Online as well as on the website of FRUIT LOGISTICA.
Sidel has created 1SKIN™, a unique label-less recycled PET bottle. Combining distinctive shelf-appeal with the highest eco credentials, it has been designed to help Sidel’s customers achieve their sustainability goals and drive sales of high-end products.
The one-litre bottle is destined for the booming market in sensitive juices, teas and flavoured drinks. The new 1SKIN concept represents a breakthrough both in sustainability and in its streamlined design.
Made with readily available 100 % recycled PET (r-PET), 1SKIN has been designed by Sidel for easy recycling. The label-free bottle with its tethered cap can immediately enter the recycling stream with no need to separate additional raw materials such as ink, glue, labels or sleeves. Customers choosing 1SKIN will stay ahead of the main worldwide regulations and market trends for sustainable packaging.
Launched at the international beverages trade fair, drinktec in Germany in September, the bottle has attracted interest from customers from all over the world seeking to make their packaging more sustainable. Many of the major brands are embracing higher sustainability standards, driven by consumer influence as well as growing legislation to encourage recycling.
Appealing looks and drinking experience
(Photo: Sidel)
1SKIN is made to stand out on shelves in one of the fastest growing and most competitive beverage segments. The bottle is designed to deliver an appealing drinking experience, with an ergonomic grip for comfortable pouring. It has a wide neck and a cap lock feature to keep the open bottle top away from the consumer’s face. On the bottle’s label-free surface there are multiple options to use differing fonts and textures, with the transparency enabling great opportunities for natural light and shadow play. The ultra-precise graphic elements are created using Sidel’s most advanced mould technologies combined with its blow moulding expertise. QR or bar codes can be printed on the bottle closure to provide information to consumers or enable individual unit sales.
The bottle design guarantees safety and protects the integrity of products with a long shelf life. Sidel’s patented Starlite™ Sensitive base technology combines a premium glass-like design with optimised weight and performance on high-speed lines.
Cutting edge start-ups, technology companies and universities join hands with Tetra Pak to tackle challenges and unlock new opportunities for the Food & Beverage industry.
Ahead of the United Nations World Food Safety Day Tetra Pak announced its new set of research collaborations and programmes to further accelerate efforts to address challenges facing food systems worldwide. The initiative is part of the company’s drive to nurture an innovation ecosystem to open new opportunities in the areas of food availability, safety and sustainability.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation UN FAO, the world is in a very different place compared to six years ago, when it committed to the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The current reality is that we have not been progressing fast enough towards ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all people. As an example, over 2 billion people did not have access to enough safe and nutritious food in 2020.
Laurence Mott, Executive VP Development and Technology at Tetra Pak says: “Tetra Pak has been an early advocate of forming and strengthening links between academia and the food industry. We have several long-standing relationships with universities and research institutions. We’ve also been working with game changing start-ups and tech companies to accelerate innovation. Now more than ever this is vital. The challenges of the global food industry are broad and varied. The only way we can meet these challenges is to pool our expertise. Only together will we secure a better future in the areas of sustainability, food safety and food availability. I’m very happy to see the progress so far and will take this opportunity to thank all our partners”.
In an attempt to address challenges around food and sustainability, Tetra Pak is teaming up with entities across countries such as France, US, Sweden and Italy, among others, to explore different innovations across the food system. These includes a range of development programmes – from exploring new food categories, such as plant based food, to using enzymes that reduce food waste to advancing the insect protein movement.
Rodrigo Godoi, VP Processing Portfolio Management at Tetra Pak, says: “To drive innovation, we need to question status quo and keep pushing our boundaries, working together with external partners who bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. At Tetra Pak, we are continuously exploring new concepts, new food ingredients and new production methods that sit outside of our ‘core’ competencies. As an example, we have conducted over 300 screenings that resulted in more than 10 pilot projects to be researched. We encourage start-ups to come to us with their ideas as well as to join cross-industry teams to explore opportunities. We recognise the value in coming together with experts across an ecosystem in food, science and engineering to help identify new solutions and address challenges intensified by the changes in the food supply chain.
Dr Karim Engelmark Cassimjee, CEO at EnginZyme, said “The food industry faces many sustainability challenges, especially the ability to achieve efficient and sustainable production at the same time. The cell-free biomanufacturing that we have pioneered at EnginZyme can meet this need with its broad applicability, low cost of production, short development timelines and predictable scalability. Our collaboration with Tetra Pak is an incredibly exciting opportunity – in particular how we are exploring solutions to unlock the potential of by-products like acid whey”.
Some of the programmes announced include, France’s Paris&Co innovation platforms, Smart Food Paris and Urban Lab, technology start-ups EnginZyme, NuCaps and Tebrito and leading research universities in Italy and Sweden including University of Modena, Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) and Lund University.
Symrise AG has opened its state-of-the-art development, application, and sensory laboratories in Dubai. The company has invested about 1 million Euro into the facilities to decode, design, and deliver winning taste solutions for leading food and beverages brands that consumers love. To meet the demands of its partners and to accommodate its growing team, the company recently moved to the iconic Gold Tower Building in the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), Dubai’s dedicated hub for global trade, business and specialist industries in JLT. Symrise AG has been operation in the Middle East for many decades leading to the first opening of its first sub-regional offices in Dubai in 2005. Since then, the company has seen double-digit growth year on year with its partners across the Middle East region.
The new sub-regional centre spreads across 10,500 sq ft and occupies the entire lower penthouse level/36th floor of the Gold Tower. The contemporary workspace has been designed in line with the company’s four pillars of sustainability in mind; footprint, innovation, sourcing and care. It is working towards achieving carbon neutral status, to support the Symrise AG global objective of halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and reaching climate positive operations from 2030 onwards.
The facilities are designed to take customers on a journey, and support the development of consumer-led winning concepts and taste solutions for high-growth categories, beverages, culinary, dairy, snacks, and confectionery.
The premises will allow the company to support diverse working styles and is split into a variety of working and meeting areas, for Symrise Middle East’s expanding cross-functional teams to interact and collaborate in a bright, modern, and dynamic working environment. The dedicated application and sensory laboratories will help the teams – from marketing, sensory and consumer insights to regulatory, technical, and commercial to continue achieving in the field of flavour and nutrition evaluation.
The sensory booths, where panellists taste, evaluate, and describe flavours in application, features state of the art equipment and programs that help design solutions meeting customers’ expectations.
Commenting on the move, Dirk Bennwitz, President Flavour Europe, Africa & Middle East, said: “We feel very excited to embark on the next phase of our business growth through our new sub regional center. This will help us further consolidate our strong foothold in the Middle East & Africa sub region. Our investment in the new hub, our human resources, and the ultramodern creation, development and application facilities will allow us to identify and decipher game-changing industry trends and deliver innovation to our customers across strategic categories and the future of food segments: functional beverages and plant protein.”
Long-term market foresights will secure tomorrow’s successful brands
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences has taken another step in advancing innovation in the food industry through a new partnership between its Food & Beverage platform and the Institute for the Future (IFTF), the world’s leading futures organization. The collaboration seeks to drive far-sighted food and beverage innovation that anticipates shifts in market needs.
Today, food manufacturers are already relying on DuPont’s trend-tracking capabilities to inspire and enable new product development. By partnering with the IFTF, DuPont aims to sharpen the ability to co-create innovation with customers and build on long-term forecasts that look at ten years and beyond.
Foresights for stronger brands
Birgitte Borch, global marketing leader, Food & Beverage, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences explains how the well-researched foresight of IFTF will support stronger food brands.
“Short-term product development strategies are common in the food industry, where consumer demands constantly change. It’s not unusual that new food and beverage launches are a knee-jerk reaction to a trend that appears out of the blue,” Borch said.
“Along with IFTF, we will be looking into trend development beyond consumer behaviors and developing strategic foresight with scenarios that impact the food industry in the short term and long term, to help them get ahead of the markets. This will help our customers navigate in uncertain times and understand the impact on the value chain with a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities. Our work with IFTF will allow us to be prepared with the right solutions, ingredient technology and application concepts, and enable our customers to be more proactive in their product development strategies.“
Disruptive megatrends in food
IFTF has an impressive reputation for mapping market drivers and signals, and providing long-term perspectives on change. All forecasts are based on a systematic review of social, technological, economic, environmental and political factors.
IFTF’s research anticipates four disruptive megatrends over the next decade in the food industry.
“Through our partnership with IFTF, we can better understand how these trends will evolve in the future,” Borch said. “This is key to building and maintaining success in fast-moving markets and will increasingly be part of the conversations we have with food manufacturers.”
About Institute for the Future Institute for the Future is the world’s leading futures organization. For over 50 years, businesses, governments, and social impact organizations have depended upon IFTF global forecasts, custom research, and foresight training to navigate complex change and develop world-ready strategies. IFTF methodologies and toolsets yield coherent views of transformative possibilities across all sectors that together support a more sustainable future. Institute for the Future is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Palo Alto, California.
Experts will discuss both current and future opportunities for the food industry
Fi Europe & Ni is not only the most important trade show for food and beverage ingredients, it’s also the largest industry platform for information and education. These two events offer the chance to network with the best minds in the industry, explore new market potentials and catch up with the most current industry innovations: The Future of Nutrition Summit will offer the opportunity to network, engage in debate and be inspired by pioneers from within and beyond the F&B industry on 2 December. During the exhibition on 3 and 4 December, the Fi Conference agenda provides a top-class programme exploring cutting-edge innovations and the most current industry solutions.
More than 300 thought leaders and experts from industry, market research and academia will share their knowledge and discuss current topics at the Fi Conferences.
The Future of Nutrition Summit will take place at the Novotel Roissy, the day before the show opens, and is aimed at decision makers from R&D, marketing, brand management, retail and public healthcare. The main focus will be on developments that will shape the industry during the next five years and beyond. After “Open Innovation: Reshaping the Food Systems of Tomorrow,” the afternoon will offer attendees the choice between a stream on sustainable food systems and one providing insights into new food technologies. The speakers will include
Albert Meige, CEO of the open innovation platform Presans: “Get Ready to Sail The Winds of Disruption”
Prof. Dr Alexandre Mathys, Sustainable Food Processing, ETH Zurich: “In Search of a Circular Economy: Novel Protein Sources to Tackle Food System Challenges”
Udi Lazimy, Global Sourcing and Sustainability Director, JUST: “Food Innovation Begins with Breakfast”
The Fi Conference takes place during the first two days of the show and is dedicated to tackling current challenges and identifying immediate opportunities for the F&B industry. In the Discovery Theatre on the exhibition floor, keynote presentations, lectures and discussions on clean label, plant-based ingredients, healthy and functional ingredients, as well as reduction and reformulation, are on the agenda. At the same time, four master classes will concentrate on dairy, beverages, bread & bakery, and confectionery & snacks. Speakers include
Dr. Emilia Nordlund, Research Leader VTT: Hybrid Ingredients with High Functionality for Plant-based Foods
Eran Blachinsky, CEO, Better Juice: Better Juice: Naturally Reducing Sugar from 100 % Fruit Juices
Christian Kalk, Founder of Life Science-Based Innovations: Is it Safe? Regulatory Clearance of Innovative Foods and Ingredients”
Global bioscience company Chr. Hansen to expand and strengthen its research & development facilities north of Copenhagen to meet the increasing demand for natural and sustainable products.
Chr. Hansen has entered into a cooperation agreement with PensionDanmark on a significant expansion of its main office campus and research & development facilities in Hoersholm north of Copenhagen, while Catella Corporate Finance A/S has been financial advisor. The project includes the establishment of a modern innovation campus with laboratories for an additional 250 scientists.
The aim is to create future-proof facilities for research & development sustaining Chr. Hansen’s strong position as preferred supplier of natural ingredients and microbial solutions to the global food, health and agricultural industries.
In addition to the labs, a major new application center will be established where Chr. Hansen, together with customers from all over the world, can test and tailor-make new and innovative products in a realistic production environment.
“This is truly an exciting project for Chr. Hansen, who has been growing steadily over the past years” says CFO Soeren Westh Lonning. “With this investment we will ensure room for growth and innovation gearing ourselves for the future, which looks promising for a company that offers natural and sustainable solutions to some of world’s most important challenges such as reducing food waste, feeding a growing world population and reducing the use of chemicals.
A modern, flexible workplace with state-of-the-art labs in inspiring surroundings will help attract the talents we need to stay at the forefront and proceed on the sustainability journey. Moreover, it will contribute to strengthening our long-term position as a leading bioscience company,” he notes.
Financially strong partner with focus on social responsibility
Given the magnitude and strategic importance of the expansion to Chr. Hansen, it is critical to have a strong partner for the execution of the construction project. PensionDanmark, one of the 50 largest pension funds in Europe with currently EUR 31.5bn under management and serving 734,000 members, was found to be the best match.
“At Chr. Hansen we direct our efforts to what we do best, which is developing, producing and selling natural ingredients and microbial solutions. We have a constructive dialogue with PensionDanmark and feel confident about leaving the construction project to them,” states Lonning.
“We are proud that Chr. Hansen, who has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable company, has chosen us as their partner on this project. Over the past decades PensionDanmark has gathered solid experience as professional construction investor and co-developer on many large sustainable construction projects. This experience has given us the knowledge and competencies to execute special building projects together with our clients that meet their every demand,” says CEO Torben Möger Pedersen, PensionDanmark.
“We are a financially strong partner and we have a mutual interest in always keeping agreements on quality, on time and on budget. At the same time, it is important for us to demonstrate social responsibility and put demands on sub-contractors when it comes to ethics and sustainability in all processes, materials and working conditions. In this way we share the same values as Chr. Hansen,” Torben Möger Pedersen stresses.
(Photo: Chr. Hansen)
In the middle of nature
The first ground will be broken next year, and the new buildings are expected to be finished late 2022.
The project focuses on making Chr. Hansen’s campus a modern and future-proof center for innovation, knowledge sharing and customer support, and an inspiring and efficient workplace for the employees, with better opportunity for cross functional teamwork. This is true for the many specialists that work there on a daily basis, as well as all the colleagues from other sites all over the world who visit Hoersholm.
In the architecture and layout of the new campus, it has been a priority to fully exploit the access to daylight and the surrounding green area in close interaction with nature, well in line with the fact that nature is the source of the company’s products.
Chr. Hansen moved to the location in Hoersholm in 1988 after more than 90 years at a downtown Copenhagen address. The company was established in 1874 and has more than 3,700 employees in over 30 countries. Every day more than one billion people consume a product that contains a natural Chr. Hansen ingredient.
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