Rising demand for natural ingredients in the food industry

The global fruit puree market is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by a strong consumer preference for healthier, more natural food products. As processed foods come under scrutiny for their additives and artificial ingredients, fruit purees have emerged as a clean-label alternative that supports both flavor enhancement and nutritional value. From baby foods and beverages to dairy, bakery, and confectionery applications, the usage of fruit purees is growing across a wide spectrum of industries.

The global fruit puree market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 26.5 billion by 2025, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7 % from 2025 to 2032, ultimately attaining a market value of approximately US$ 40.9 billion by 2032.

This trend reflects a broader movement toward holistic wellness and plant-based nutrition, fueling global demand and creating new opportunities for market players.

Health-conscious consumers powering the growth trajectory

Consumer awareness regarding diet and health is at an all-time high. Increasingly, individuals are scrutinising product labels and opting for items that align with their dietary and lifestyle goals. Fruit purees, often free from added sugars, artificial preservatives, and synthetic colours, are gaining popularity as a wholesome ingredient. This shift is particularly evident in regions like North America and Europe, where clean-label product penetration is growing rapidly. In developing markets such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, rising disposable incomes and urbanization are enabling consumers to experiment with healthier food choices, including fruit-based snacks and beverages.

Innovation in product development and packaging

To maintain a competitive edge, manufacturers are investing heavily in product innovation. Novel flavours, exotic fruit combinations, and organic variants are being introduced to attract a wider consumer base. Mango, banana, apple, and berries remain among the most popular choices, while demand for tropical fruits like guava, papaya, and passion fruit is steadily increasing. Alongside product diversification, innovation in packaging has become critical to ensure freshness, shelf stability, and convenience. Flexible pouches, single-serve packs, and resealable containers are becoming mainstream, supporting both consumer convenience and sustainability goals

Role of fruit puree in functional foods and beverages

As the line between food and medicine blurs, fruit purees are being leveraged as a functional ingredient in health-focused products. Their natural concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes them suitable for functional beverages, nutritional bars, and sports recovery products. In the baby food segment, the use of fruit puree ensures nutritional adequacy while offering gentle flavours that appeal to infants and toddlers. Moreover, foodservice providers and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are integrating fruit purees into smoothies, desserts, and sauces, boosting their versatility and expanding the market potential.

Regional insights: emerging markets gaining momentum

While mature markets continue to show steady demand, emerging economies are experiencing accelerated growth. In Asia-Pacific, the rising middle class and expanding retail infrastructure have significantly improved the availability and accessibility of processed fruit products. Countries like India, China, and Thailand are seeing increased consumption of packaged fruit-based items, driven by changing lifestyles and growing health awareness. Similarly, in Latin America and the Middle East, consumers are warming up to convenience products that align with traditional flavours, creating a strong demand for locally relevant fruit puree variants.

Sustainability and traceability in supply chains

Sustainability is fast becoming a cornerstone of the fruit puree market. From ethical sourcing of raw materials to environmentally friendly packaging, companies are making concerted efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. Initiatives such as sourcing from certified organic farms, reducing food waste through better processing methods, and using recyclable packaging materials are gaining traction. Moreover, traceability has emerged as a key differentiator, especially among discerning consumers who demand transparency regarding the origin and quality of ingredients.

Technological advancements enhancing production capabilities

Recent advancements in food processing technologies are playing a critical role in the evolution of the fruit puree industry. High-pressure processing (HPP), aseptic packaging, and cold chain logistics are enabling manufacturers to retain the natural colour, texture, and nutritional value of purees while extending their shelf life. These innovations not only improve product quality but also help reduce operational costs and food wastage. Additionally, smart factory initiatives and the adoption of IoT-enabled systems are improving process efficiency and scalability for large-scale production.

Challenges in the market landscape

Despite promising growth, the fruit puree market is not without challenges. Seasonal availability of fruits, vulnerability to climatic conditions, and price volatility are ongoing concerns that affect supply chains. Moreover, maintaining consistent quality across batches can be difficult due to the natural variability in fruit content. Regulatory compliance, especially concerning organic and non-GMO certifications, also imposes cost and resource burdens on manufacturers. However, industrystakeholders are actively addressing these issues through strategic collaborations with farmers, contract farming, and investment in quality assurance technologies.

Strategic partnerships and market consolidation

To strengthen market positioning, key players are engaging in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. These strategic moves are enabling companies to diversify product portfolios, access new markets, and benefit from technological synergies. The involvement of multinational food corporations and private equity firms in the fruit puree space signifies growing investor confidence. According to Persistence Market Research, the industry is poised for sustainable expansion through 2025, with strategicinvestments in innovation, infrastructure, and brand building likely to determine long-term success.

Future outlook and opportunities

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the fruit puree market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, underpinned by global health trends, product innovation, and expanding distribution networks. Opportunities abound in niche areas such as organic baby food, fortified beverages, and plant-based dairy alternatives. Digital marketing and e-commerce platforms are playing a pivotal role in educating consumers and driving direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales. Additionally, increased focus on localised production and diversification into untapped regional markets will shape the future landscape of the industry.

Conclusion

The fruit puree market is riding a wave of transformation driven by consumer demand for natural, nutritious, and versatile food ingredients. As health and sustainability become central to consumption choices, fruit puree is emerging as a critical component in the evolution of modern food systems. With proactive innovation, robust supply chains, and consumer-centric strategies, industry players are well-positioned to unlock new avenues of growth and value creation in 2025 and beyond.

Marking Global Recycling Day 2025, Winfried Muehling, Marketing & Communications Director at Pro Carton, celebrates increased recycling rates and consumer trust of fibre-based packaging

On this Global Recycling Day, Pro Carton celebrates the progress made by consumers and the packaging industry in advancing sustainable recycling practices, demonstrated by the results of the Pro Carton European Packaging Perceptions Survey 2025. Across Europe increasing numbers of consumers are taking action, with 62% of Europeans increasing their recycling rates in the last 12 months. Notably, 65% of Italians and 70% of Spaniards report that they have recycled more waste in the past year. This highlights a growing commitment to reducing packaging waste and mitigating the impact of climate change through responsible recycling.

Recycling remains one of the most effective solutions to counter packaging waste and environmental impact, with 67% of European respondents citing it as the most promising method to combat climate change. Cartonboard packages after use are not waste; they are a valuable resource that enables the production of new, high-quality packaging materials. By recognising the value of recycled cartonboard, we can further strengthen the circular economy and reduce dependency on virgin materials.

The recycling rates of different packaging materials vary, but paper and cartonboard lead the way with an impressive recycling rate of 83.2%, making cartonboard a key enabler in the transition to a truly circular packaging economy. With consumer trust in the recyclability of cartonboard at an all-time high of 85%, even surpassing glass, this confidence supports the continued reliance on cartonboard as the preferred packaging choice. Cartonboard fibres can be recycled twenty-five times, enabling the production of new, high-quality packaging materials.

Pro Carton advocates for a well-structured, separate collection of fibre-based packaging material that supports consumer participation and maximises material recovery. With resilient materials, consumer engagement, and established collection infrastructure in place, the fibre-based packaging industry is poised to drive meaningful environmental progress.

As we mark Global Recycling Day, Pro Carton reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable packaging solutions that align with consumer expectations and strengthen the circular economy. By prioritising recyclability and material recovery, we can create a more sustainable future for packaging and beyond.

Explore the latest global flavour trends of 2025, including mega trends and shifts in lifestyle

Innova Market Insights has been a specialist in consumer-packaged goods trends for 30 years. The company now uses an AI-enhanced platform to analyse insights and observations and generate reports like its report on global flavour trends. Innova’s 360 perspective on insights considers many facets of CPG trends, including consumers, categories, packaging, flavours, ingredients, and products. The company takes a top-down and bottom-up approach to identify trends and drivers, including flavour trends. Top-down factors include megatrends and shifts in lifestyle and attitudes. Bottom-up factors incorporate insights from global trend-spotters, as well as category trends. This comprehensive collection of intelligence can be synthesised into reports such as Innova’s Top Trends in Flavours for 2025.

Global flavour trend #1 – Sensory Therapy

Global flavour trends show that today’s world is highly uncertain, and consumers feel the stress. They look for various paths to mental and emotional wellness, including flavour experiences, that can be uplifting or calming. In fact, consumers participating in global consumer flavour trends research say that the most important feature of flavours is that they can enhance mood. Innova describes sensory therapy as leading to euphoric wellness. Flavour trends indicate that manufacturers offer flavour choices to meet consumers’ emotional needs. Flavours can be cheerful and happy, energised, healthy, or relaxed and calm. Familiar flavours and comforting flavours most impact consumer food and beverage choices, with coffee flavour and brown flavours as favourites, especially paired with products that have a creamy or smooth texture.

Global flavour trend #2 – Authentic & Rooted

Authentic & Rooted is Innova’s #2 global flavour trend for 2025. In global consumer trends research, consumers say that they look for authenticity, connection with others, and comfort through real experiences that are rooted in culture. In fact, nearly half of the consumers researched globally say that honoring food traditions with food choices that reflect their heritage is a very to extremely important factor in their diet. Participants in a global consumer trends research report want to see products on supermarket shelves that reflect old and traditional recipes. Furthermore, timeless traditional flavours are nostalgic. A world of flavours is available in all types of products, from ready meals to beverages, snacks, and coffees.

Global flavour trend #3 – Imaginative Taste Adventures

Innova’s #3 global flavour trend for 2025 – Imaginative Taste Adventures – describes consumer pursuit of experiences with flavour adventures and unique flavour combinations. Taste discoveries provide consumers with enjoyment and pleasure in food and beverages. One example of a global food trend is “swicy,” that is, sweet plus spicy. This food and beverage trend in food and beverage generates positive buzz in the form of social media mentions and sentiment trends across social media and online platforms. Taste experiences are highly important to consumers, and consumers looking for taste experiences will seek out creative flavours.

Global flavour trend #4 – Healthier Enjoyment

The #4 global flavour trend, Healthier Enjoyment, stresses the importance of combining health with flavour. By boosting the taste, texture, and healthiness of food and beverage choices, manufacturers make them more enjoyable, as well as satisfying and better for you. In a global consumer trends survey, participants noted the importance of taste and texture – after price – in food and beverage products that are nutritious. Features that improve nutrition include “light” versions that have less sugar, salt, fat, and/or calories, products that are sugar-free, and products with low or no alcohol claims. Consumers have taste expectations for sustainable products too. Consumers report that taste and texture are barriers to choosing sustainable food and beverage products, including plant-based products that they say need better taste and texture.

Global flavour trend #5 – Quality & Enrichment

Consumers globally tell Innova Market Insights that luxurious flavours feel indulgent and enhance a product’s perceived value. While price is important to consumers, the quality of a product relates to its value for money. When consumers were asked about attributes other than price that make a product a good value, premium quality was their top answer. Furthermore, consumers say that they remain brand loyal only if the products are good quality. Flavour is an important conveyor of quality, and indulgent flavours help satisfy consumer cravings.

• Fundamentally nutritious: The emergence of weight-loss medications like Ozempic will redefine consumer perceptions of ‘food as medicine’ from being an added functional ingredient, to necessary to meeting daily essential nutrient needs.
• Rule rebellion:  Embrace consumers as ‘perfectly imperfect’ beings who are hungry for brands that help them ‘break the rules’ in food and drink.
• Chain reaction: As disruptions to the food supply become more frequent, the industry will need to encourage consumers to welcome and trust the new origins, ingredients and flavours that will emerge locally and globally.
• Hybrid harvests: Food and drink companies will need to illustrate how technology and agriculture work together to benefit consumers, farmers and the environment.

Fundamentally nutritious

Alex Beckett, Mintel Food & Drink Director, said: “The emergence of GLP-1 weight-loss medications will inspire consumers to reevaluate the relationship between food and medicine. Starting in 2025, brands must streamline their health claims to the critical nutrients they contain. Simplified claims that highlight protein, fibre, vitamins and mineral content will appeal to people who are using weight-loss drugs, as well as the majority of consumers who define their diets based on their individual needs and how food makes them feel. Expect to see an increase in nutrient-dense product innovations to improve short- and long-term health.

“Increased adoption of personal data collection will happen at the same time as consumers paying more attention to two metrics that are key to how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs work in the body: blood sugar and hormone health. Rising interest in blood sugar could increase the demand for low-glycemic formulas, as well as blood sugar monitoring beyond just diabetics. For hormone health, brands can support men and women as they navigate hormonal changes brought on by ageing.”

Rule rebellion 

Alex Beckett, Mintel Food & Drink Director, said: “As society increasingly accepts imperfections, food and drink brands can target these ‘perfectly imperfect’ consumers with innovation that breaks the invisible rules around food and drink consumption. Brands can lean into how consumers want to, or actually, consume food and drink rather than how they feel they ‘should’. By supporting these rebellious tendencies, brands can help consumers feel more represented by the outside-the-norm food and drink choices available to them.

“In the near future, brands will seek to break down continued social stigmas surrounding lesser-talked-about health issues. For example, currently less-seen on-pack and marketing messaging that directly mentions the role of food and drink in mental health management will become more commonplace. Meanwhile, there is further potential for ‘rule-breaking’ innovation from food and drink brands that are feeling the pressure to be sustainable, despite knowing that consumers won’t necessarily pay more for eco-credentials. Innovative brands can create new norms by developing products with unfamiliar sustainable ingredients that can be marketed on their unique taste.”

Chain reaction

Alex Beckett, Mintel Food & Drink Director, said: “More frequent climate-related production challenges and geopolitical events are increasing consumers’ food bills and awareness of how distant world events can affect their meal plans. In an increasingly volatile world, food and drink brands must clearly communicate how adjustments from local to global sourcing were made to benefit consumers. Cross-industry, multinational collaboration and scalable tech solutions will be required, but they are not without complications. More importantly, consumers will feel the consequences of these challenges personally, and brands must be ready with solutions.

“Looking ahead, more ingredients will be sourced from alternative and potentially more reliable growing regions, such as olive oil from Algeria or Peru. Brands can highlight the benefits of diversified sourcing, such as nuanced flavour variations. Many consumers’ local-centric identities will be transformed by social media, immigration and travel.”

Hybrid harvests

Alex Beckett, Mintel Food & Drink Director, said: “A greater use of technology in food and drink production is inevitable to meet current food supply challenges, yet many consumers are not ready to embrace it. Despite this resistance, brands can tap into consumers being open to technological advances that, for example, enhance convenience. They will need to tell consumers how nature and technology complement – or better yet, enhance – each other.

“Over the next few years, food and drink brands must prioritise how these technological advancements benefit the consumer first through better taste, greater nutrition or consistent supply—and the environment second. It will be imperative that new technology is humanised, particularly AI. For example, German juice brand Eckes-Granini’s marketing video announcing its partnership with Microsoft draws attention to how this technology makes a positive difference in their producers’ lives, not just making production more efficient.”

Download the free report to learn more about Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends.

Two iconic Australian businesses with household brands that have been in the pantries of Australian families for decades are merging, together with the powdered milk business of a third Australian founded business Nature One Dairy to create a market leading Australian food and beverage company with significant scale.

Former Asahi Beverages Group CEO and current SPC Director Robert Iervasi has been appointed the Managing Director of the merged business, which will own and operate three business divisions, namely SPC, The Original Juice Co. and Nature One Dairy.

SPC is an iconic Australian brand and is the largest producer of fruit, tomato, baked beans and spaghetti processing, packaging, and canning in Australia. It holds some of Australia’s most recognisable household food brands such as SPC, Ardmona, Goulburn Valley, ProVital, Pomlife, the Good Meal Co, and Street Eats – feeding Australian families for more than 100 years.

The Original Juice Company is a well-known Australian food processing company specialising in chilled fruit and vegetable juices. Founded in 1988, it has maintained a commitment to sourcing local fruit and producing fresh juice daily for over 30 years. Using a mix of conventional and custom-developed equipment, OJC manufactures high-quality juices, fibres, infused fruits, and fruit waters for both domestic and international markets.

Nature One Dairy is a Singapore registered, Australian-founded dairy company that manufactures and sells premium infant formula, nutritional formula and milk powder products. With an established sales and marketing footprint in Australia, China and other Asia Pacific markets, products are sold under the Nature One Dairy brand. The Nature One Dairy international market presence provides a platform for further inorganic growth for the combined business through product diversification and access to the Asian distribution market.

Together the three businesses create a substantial Australian based and owned global food and beverage companies that will continue to support Australian producers and execute on a global growth strategy.

Nanovel unveils AI-powered fruit harvesting robot, secures USD 900,000 in funding

The Nanovel AI-powered autonomous fruit-harvesting robot is the world’s first-of-its-kind system designed to pick citrus fruit for fresh markets from large trees with dense foliage, representing a breakthrough in fruit-harvesting technology.

Nanovel, an Israeli AgTech startup, has unveiled an AI-powered autonomous fruit-harvesting robot capable of picking tree fruit for the fresh market. The robot offers a solution to growers worldwide dealing with farm labor shortage and rapidly increasing costs. According to a survey conducted by Western Growers organisation, profitability and labour availability were ranked as the top two challenges faced by specialty crop growers.

Nanovel was established in 2018 by the company’s CEO Isaac Mazor, a successful serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in technology innovation, AI, computer vision, and robotics. Mazor was the Founder and CEO of Jordan Valley Semiconductors, which was acquired by Bruker International in 2015 (Nasdaq : BRKR).

The Nanovel AI-powered autonomous fruit-harvesting robot is the world’s first-of-its-kind system designed to pick citrus fruit for fresh market in dense foliage, representing a high level of technological complexity. The system features a multi-arm platform, which will initially be towed by a tractor. Future versions are planned to include an internal driving unit and autonomous navigation capabilities. The robot’s telescopic arms are equipped with edge computing, advanced vision systems, and AI to identify, assess, and selectively pick fruit with precision that meets fresh market quality standards. In the first phase, the robot is planned to harvest oranges, with later expansion to other types of citrus, the most widely cultivated fruit globally. The company’s crop roadmap includes lemons, grapefruits, avocados, mangoes, peaches, and nectarines.

Each arm of the robot uses a patented end-effector with a vacuum gripper to cradle the fruit and then trim the stems using cutters without damaging the fruit. The fruit is then transported via conveyor belts to bins. The robot uses advanced edge computing to deliver real-time, AI-driven data necessary for fruit picking. This is a key component of Nanovel’s technology, allowing the robot to pick fruit in dense foliage. Nanovel robots will prove invaluable to growers in the United States, where orange harvesting occurs year-round, allowing for high capital utilisation.

With this in mind, the California Citrus Research Board (CRB) has signed a non-dilutive funding agreement with Nanovel, which includes the delivery of a robot after a series of field trials in California, totaling USD 900,000. The field trials are set to start in the spring of 2025, and will be conducted in cooperation with leading citrus growers

A key benefit of the Nanovel AI-powered autonomous fruit-harvesting robot is its ability to significantly reduce labor costs and minimize the logistical challenges associated with hiring seasonal workers. Studies show that manual harvesting is the single most labour-intensive task for fruit farmers, accounting for up to 50 % of annual cultural costs in the citrus industry in developed countries. Additionally, the system can operate day and night, optimising productivity and ensuring crops are picked at optimal times, potentially improving fruit quality and market value.

Furthermore, automating the harvesting process helps avoid the dangerous task of laborers picking fruit while on ladders. This alone supports a huge improvement in worker safety and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, the real-time collection of harvest data by the system, delivers invaluable insights that can be used for packing and marketing activities and can also provide important agronomic insights to growers.

“Our mission is to secure the affordability of fresh fruit through autonomous harvesting,” said Isaac Mazor, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nanovel. “Our goal is to deploy Nanovel’s solution into major global citrus markets, particularly in the US and Southern European countries like Spain and Italy. We aim to set a new standard for fresh market harvesting, ensuring high quality and economic viability for growers.”

Data released by the USDA in late July reinforced the scenario of limited world supply for the 2023/24 orange season (or 2024/25 in the Southern Hemisphere). Despite the slight increase in the production estimate compared to the crop before, the total volume may continue at historical low levels. Moreover, the decrease in Brazil, major global producer of both orange and juice, may not be counterbalanced by other suppliers.

The USDA indicates that the 2023/24 world crop is projected at 47.4 million tons, upping 1 % compared to the season before. In Brazil, the output may decrease 1.2 %, to 15.3 million tons – equivalent to 375 million 40.8-kg boxes. However, the decrease indicated by the USDA might be underestimated. In São Paulo and in Triângulo Mineiro, the production is likely to drop 24.4 %, according to Fundecitrus, and there are doubts whether a possible increase in other states would compensate the low volume produced in the citrus belt.

Orange juice

In spite of the slight rise in the global orange production, the orange juice output is projected at 1.5 million tons, 3 % down against the season before. The decrease is related to the lower availability of fruits to process in Brazil, which represents more than 70 % of the global OJ production.

The Brazilian output is calculated at 1.1 million tons, downing 9 %, and national exports are likely to decrease in the same intensity, since almost 100 % of the Brazilian production is sent to the international market.

Tahiti lime

The global production of lemons and limes in 2023/24 is estimated to move up 2 %, reaching 10.1 million tons, boosted by the higher output in the European Union and in Turkey.

It is worth noting that these numbers consider lemons (Sicilian, for instance) and limes (such as the tahiti lime). Among major producing countries, only Mexico produces significant volumes of tahiti lime (which is produced and exported by Brazil). Mexican shipments are likely to reduce 7.5 %, which can keep the focus of this country on supplying the US, opening more room for the Brazilian tahiti lime in the European market – Brazil has been hitting records in exports year after year.

Explore key generational differences within the global food and beverage industry

The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, driven by a complex interplay of factors like technology, sustainability, and individual preferences. But one of the most significant influences on consumer behaviour is generational splits. From financial concerns to health priorities, and the growing importance of sustainability, here Innova Market Insights unveil the key drivers behind each generation’s place in the market. It will also explore how these differences translate into specific product preferences, and overall consumption patterns.

Generational profiles

Generation Z trends research indicates that the generation is characterized by their low household disposable income, lack of work experience, and single status. They are in the exploration stage of their careers, highly invested in physical exercise, and prioritise skin health and energy stamina. While they are socially active and enjoy mingling in various locations, digital platforms are essential for their connection and entertainment.

Millennials have more disposable income due to increased expertise and authority at work and are often living with two people’s paychecks. They prioritise exercise and healthy food choices, focusing on heart health and stamina. Similar to Gen Z, they are concerned about stress and anxiety, and prefer socialising at home. However, they are more experienced with technology than Gen Z.

Generation X are characterised by their high income, with many reaching career plateaus. They are physically active and emphasise bone and joint health for healthy aging. Their satisfaction levels are similar to Millennials, with anxiety being a shared concern. They prefer socialising at home and are experienced with technology.

Boomers have a medium income and are often retired with steady income sources like pensions. They prioritise food and are the most concerned about aging. Memory and agility are key concerns, and they prefer socializing at home. While they are digitally acquainted, they are less reliant on technology than younger generations.

Megatrends and generation trends

Key shifts in consumer behaviour across generations are partly driven by global megatrends, including factors like inflation, health concerns, and sustainability.

While inflation and financial constraints are top of mind for all generations, younger consumers (Gen Z and Millennials) exhibit a more optimistic outlook. Generation Z trends research shows 27 % of Gen Z say that they invest into foods, beverages, and experiences that uplift their mood, while older generations (Gen X and Boomers) are more likely to cut back on expenses and prioritise saving.

Across all generations, there’s a strong emphasis on healthy living, with nutritious diets and physical exercise being key priorities. Eating healthily is the number one eating-related value for all generations, chosen by 43 % of consumers, even over affordability. Gen Z is particularly focused on mental health, with stress and anxiety being major concerns. Millennials prioritise energy and stamina, while Gen X focuses on heart health. Boomers, on the other hand, are most concerned with memory and agility, reflecting their age-related concerns.

Sustainability is a growing concern for all generations, with different generations demonstrating more attentiveness to specific types of environmental consciousness. Younger generations are more likely to choose products with low environmental impact, and support brands that advocate for social causes. However, older generations are more prone to minimise their food waste, avoid overconsumption, and prioritise choosing local, seasonal produce.

Health and wellbeing across generations

Generation Z trends research indicates the generation prioritises mental health, with stress and anxiety being their top concerns. They are also highly invested in physical activity and prioritise energy and stamina. Skin health is another significant concern for this generation, reflecting their focus on appearance and self-esteem.

Millennials share similar concerns with Generation Z regarding stress and anxiety, but also place a strong emphasis on heart health and overall stamina. They are motivated to manage their weight for reasons such as enhancing self-esteem and physical appeal, as well as preventing chronic conditions.

Generation X is more satisfied with their mental health compared to younger generations, but they are more concerned about sleep and insomnia. They are also physically active and prioritise bone and joint health, reflecting their focus on healthy aging.

Boomers are the most satisfied with their mental health, but they are concerned about memory and mental agility. They are also highly focused on healthy aging, prioritising bone and joint health, and are motivated to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Pleasure and enjoyment between generations

Two in five consumers consider freshness as the most important element in enjoying food and beverage products. While this preference is shared across generations, there are some key differences in many other indicators of enjoyment. For instance, seniors prioritise nutrition and realness, while younger generations favour taste discovery and sweetness. Multiple products can be noticed catering to these interests, advertising nutritional, fresh elements, as well as rich, novel flavours.

What’s next in Generation Z trends and beyond?

The distinct generational differences identified through Innova’s consumer trend research can unlock brand opportunities for the future. Gen Z and Millennials are especially concerned with their mental and emotional health. Generation Z trend research shows that the generation tends to invest in food and beverage that uplifts their mood or alleviates boredom. Brands can leverage this through developing products that offer nutrients for mood improvement or exciting sensory experiences to alleviate boredom. Gen Z and Millennials are also keenly aware of their skin health, as it is their top physical concern. Appearance matters to these younger generations, and brands can develop products that tap into these attitudes through promoting skin health related claims on their packaging.

For older generations, their health focus falls on preventing or managing chronic conditions. Functional ingredients in products can help incentivise these consumers in their choices, allowing them to improve their overall health through their diet. Honesty and transparency are also important eating values for seniors, emphasising nutrition and realness as drivers of enjoyment and pleasure in food. Natural and nutritious products will likely continue to be enticing to this demographic.

This article is based on the report, “Generational Differences – Global” by Innova Market Insights.

Tate & Lyle announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of CP Kelco U.S.; CP Kelco China; and CP Kelco ApS together with each of their respective subsidiaries (together ‘CP Kelco’), a leading provider of pectin, speciality gums and other nature-based ingredients, from J.M. Huber Corporation for a total implied consideration of US$1.8 billion (approximately £1.4 billion)¹, on a cash-free, debt-free basis (the ‘Proposed Transaction’).

Over the last six years, Tate & Lyle has been executing a major strategic transformation to become a growth-focused speciality food and beverage solutions business aligned to attractive structural and growing consumer trends for healthier, tastier and more sustainable food and drink. This transformation has included a much sharper focus on customers and key categories, increased investment in innovation and solution selling capabilities, and the significant strengthening of its Sweetening, Mouthfeel and Fortification platforms through new product development and acquisitions. This transformation was completed with the announcement on 23 May 2024 of the proposed sale of Tate & Lyle’s remaining interest in Primary Products Investments LLC (‘Primient’).

The Proposed Transaction significantly accelerates Tate & Lyle’s strategy to be a leading and differentiated speciality food and beverage solutions business, and to become the solutions partner of choice for customers. It is expected to drive stronger revenue growth and significant adjusted EBITDA margin improvement over the next few years. It is also expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share, including cost synergies only, in the second full financial year following completion, and strongly accretive thereafter.

For further information please visit: www.tateandlyle.com

¹Based on GBP: USD foreign exchange rate of £1:$1.2723, as at 5pm BST on 19 June 2024.

Berjé Inc. announced the acquisition of Global Citrus International (GCI) and Acelim del Peru – two Peruvian growers and producers of essential oils and fruit products with extensive operations in Peru and strong collaboration with Citrolim SA de CV, based in Mexico. With this acquisition, GCI and Acelim will become part of the Berjé Inc. family of companies, and will be renamed and operated as Citrolim Peru and Acelim.

GCI and Acelim are respected and preeminent growers, processors, and suppliers of lime-based products, including fresh limes, lime essential oils, lime juice, and lime peel. The renaming as Citrolim Peru will facilitate the integration and alignment of these operations into the world-renowned Berjé family of companies, further expanding the position as international producers within the flavour and fragrance industry.

Pepsi^® steps into a dynamic new era with a new look and exciting culture-first experiences across sports and music

Pepsi^®‘s new look takes flight worldwide, taking over iconic global locations as its first major global redesign in fourteen years was unleashed across over 120 markets. To mark the moment, digital installations – each featuring the re-designed and refreshed Pepsi^® globe logo – rose above landmarks worldwide for a digital showcase of Pepsi^®‘s new visual identity in a blaze of pulsing electric blue and black, carrying the brand into its new era.

In London, a Pepsi digital installation appeared beside The O2 arena in the east of the city, appropriate to the brand’s long and storied support of international music acts. The view from the nearby cable cars saw an inflatable Pepsi can rise from the water, shortly followed by a light show of drones forming a pulsating dynamic composition in the sky.

A hot air assembly, forming a giant Pepsi logo, took over skylines in Warsaw, Poland and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, each comprised of over 70 balloons.

Elsewhere worldwide, Pepsi put on vast shows in AlUla in Saudi Arabia, on the Nile in Egypt and Ain Dubai, each harnessing innovative technology – giving consumers cutting-edge experiences to discover. Meanwhile, the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan saw a giant Pepsi can land mid-game, to the audible delight of the onlooking crowd.

The new logo thoughtfully borrows equity from Pepsi’s past whilst incorporating modern elements to create a look that is unapologetically current and undeniably Pepsi. The updated colour palette introduces electric blue and black to bring a contemporary edge to the classic Pepsi colour scheme, whilst the signature Pepsi pulse evokes the “ripple, pop and fizz” of Pepsi-Cola – moving in time to the beat of the music, the roar of the crowd, the heartbeat of culture. The logo was first unveiled in the US and is now launching in over 120 countries worldwide through various consumer touchpoints – spanning digital, experiential and retail.

The international takeover marks the first step in Pepsi’s new, bold era across design, storytelling, and partnerships. Pepsi will continue to drive culture forward in 2024 by delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, all deeply connected to fan passions and desire to live “Thirsty for More”, the brand’s philosophy, which champions anyone who challenges conventions in pursuit of enjoyment, whilst celebrating people’s thirst for the unexpected and eagerness to discover, experience and do more.

Eric Melis, VP, Global Brand Marketing, Carbonated Soft Drinks at PepsiCo, said: “We wanted to show how Pepsi, through this visual identity change, brings to life its brand platform “Thirsty for More”, which is the attitude and mindset our target audience has of always trying new things and living new experiences. What better way to showcase the brand’s transformation than through these iconic installations. We’ve always been a bold brand that challenges conventions, challenges the status quo and always puts enjoyment first. Our new visual identity is bold, unapologetic, modern, and iconic. Our fans can expect the same great taste they’ve come to love with even more of the immersive and entertaining experiences we’re known for across music, sport and culture.

“People worldwide were asked to draw the Pepsi logo as part of the design process and the majority included the Pepsi name as part of our globe – remarkable given that the name and the globe have been separated for the past fourteen years. When we reviewed our new look, we responded to that deep love of our history and tapped into that nostalgia with a firmly modern twist.”

“We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us with our next stop bringing awe-inspiring entertainment to the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show in June in Wembley and more.”

Pepsi continues to move at the speed of culture, delivering on what people are thirsty for – innovative products and iconic collaborations. In 2024, fans globally can expect to see more from Pepsi’s existing partnerships with ambassadors, including Baby Monster (Asia–Pacific), Uraz Kaygilaroglu (Turkey), G.E.M., Dylan Wang and Leo Wu (China).

As a champion of those who like to step out of their comfort zone and enjoy more of what they really like, Pepsi fans across the globe are urged to keep their eyes peeled for more unforgettable experiences that will land later this year.

Today, the proposed combination of the legacy companies Novozymes and Chr. Hansen is successfully completed, establishing the company Novonesis. Novonesis is a world-leading biosolutions partner for better business, healthier lives, and a healthier planet. The combined company brings together 10,000 people worldwide and an expertise that spans more than 30 different industries. Novonesis is already assisting companies around the world in meeting both business needs and the needs of the planet.

On December 12, 2022, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen entered into an agreement to create a leading global biosolutions partner through a statutory merger of the two companies. All regulatory approvals and registrations are now in place and the proposed combination is successfully completed following the final registration with the Danish Business Authority today.

The combination of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen will create a leading global biosolutions partner with a broad biological toolbox and a diversified portfolio in attractive markets. The combined group will have annual revenue of approximately EUR 3.7 billion¹ with solid profitability and cash generation.

Half of the portfolio will focus on enabling healthier lives and producing better foods. The other half will address reducing chemical use and targeting climate neutral practices.

The combined group will operate a global network of R&D and application centers as well as manufacturing sites and will employ around 10,000 talented and purpose-driven employees who are inspired by the power of biosolutions.

¹Combined financials are based on Chr. Hansen’s unaudited Q4 Interim report 2022/23 and Novozymes’ unaudited interim reports for 9M 2023 and Q4 2022. Novozymes figures have been converted from DKK to EUR using a single FX rate of 7.44 for purposes of translation only.

FDL, with USD 120 million in projected 2023 sales, offers significant innovation capabilities along with strong presence in USD 900 billion European foodservice channel

ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire UK-based FDL, a leading developer and producer of premium flavour and functional ingredient systems.

FDL, with projected 2023 sales of approximately USD 120 million, operates three production facilities and two customer innovation centers, all in the United Kingdom. The company’s approximately 235 colleagues, which include about 40 dedicated innovation specialists, have created more than 10,000 proprietary flavour formulations that enable accelerated speed to market. FDL’s customers span channels, and include a significant presence in the USD 900 billion European foodservice segment.

ADM is continuing to add to its broad portfolio of flavour ingredients and solutions as it builds a global leader in nutrition. Since acquiring WILD Flavors in 2014, ADM has added multiple new offerings to its flavours portfolio through acquisitions, including dairy via yesterday’s announcement of Revela Foods; savory via Eatem Foods; citrus via Florida Chemical Company and Erich Ziegler Citrus; and vanilla via Rodelle. The company has also expanded its flavours capabilities globally with acquisitions like Flavor Infusion South America; organic investments like its Pinghu, China, flavour production facility and the expansion of its Berlin flavour facility; and its growing network of innovation centers spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. ADM intends to complete the transaction by end of January 2024.

Brand new innovations set to make their international debut at the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business from 7 to 9 February. 20 startups and the first Spotlights including many world premieres have now been announced.

Innovation is the lifeblood of FRUIT LOGISTICA whose motto this year is “The heartbeat of the Fresh Produce Business”. From 7 to 9 February 2024, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business returns to Berlin with a brand new lineup of young startup companies, each one ready to enrich the industry with their groundbreaking new ideas.

Under the slogan ’Disrupt Agriculture’, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Startup Day takes place in Hall 5.1 on 9 February 2024. 20 startups will showcase their trailblazing products and solutions. Robots that monitor plant health; labels that automatically change colour with the temperature; AI-based irrigation systems that know how thirsty plants are. Just three examples of how those startups plan to harness new technologies and improve the business.

There are innovations aplenty elsewhere at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024, and these include several world premieres, many of which are already present on its dedicated Spotlight page. This year’s innovations include packaging and labels with a reduced plastic content that can be easily recycled or are even biodegradable. AI-based technologies are being used in agricultural and sorting machines. New fruit varieties not only appeal to consumers’ tastes; they also make work easier for producers, as they are resistant to common plant diseases, for example.

To learn more about the event’s more than 2,600 exhibitors from 90 countries, as well as its extensive programme which offers expert knowledge on five stages, trade visitors can use FRUIT LOGISTICA Online, the exhibitor and event database.

There are new ways to attend FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024. Trade visitors can upgrade their ticket with a Gold Upgrade and enjoy access to a special lounge and post-show refreshments. And a new Friday Ticket grants access to the final day of the show at a reduced rate. The FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 ticket shop is now open.

Building upon the successful partnership established in 2022 (with the aim to produce the first heat exchanger made with fossil-free steel) Alfa Laval will now incorporate SSAB’s unique fossil carbon emission free and recycled steel (SSAB Zero™), into its heat exchangers. This represents an important milestone towards achieving a global carbon neutral supply chain.

Key highlights:

• Tackling global carbon emissions: Steel production accounts for 7 percent of the world’s carbon emissions, making it a critical industry in the fight against climate change. The collaboration between Alfa Laval and SSAB aims to address this challenge, with emissions being predominantly generated from a limited number of locations.
• Reducing carbon footprint: By integrating SSAB’s fossil carbon emission free, recycled steel, produced through renewable-based processes, into Alfa Laval’s heat exchangers, the collaboration takes an important step towards achieving a global carbon neutral supply chain.
• Double impact on global emissions: Initially more than 100 heat exchangers will be delivered this year – and significantly more the coming years. These heat exchangers will be deployed to improve energy efficiency in numerous areas such as HVAC, marine, process and food industries.

“Alfa Laval’s commitment to sustainability is further strengthened through our collaboration with SSAB,” says Thomas Møller, President of the Energy Division at Alfa Laval. “By incorporating their recycled steel in our heat exchangers, we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also driving the entire value chain towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

”SSAB is really accelerating the roll-out of zero-emission steel with our newest product SSAB Zero,” says Thomas Hörnfeldt, Head of Sustainable Business at SSAB. “We are now expanding our partnership with Alfa Laval to include SSAB Zero, and can look forward to visible results already this year. This is great news, and also allows us to help mitigate climate change even faster.”

Doehler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and lifescience & nutrition industry acquires Boon Flavors, located in Bangkok, Thailand, and strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia.

Doehler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions announces the acquisition of Boon Flavors, a renowned premium flavour house located in Bangkok, Thailand. As part of this acquisition, Boon Flavors will be known as Doehler Thailand going forward and be managed by its founder, Piya Boonnamkitsawad.

In 2018, Boon built a state-of-the-art flavour plant in Bangkok. Leveraging its proprietary technologies, the company has developed a great variety of local flavour tonalities that perfectly extends Doehler’s global taste portfolio. Boon will have access to all of Doehler’s cutting-edge taste technologies and, together with Doehler’s application labs in Indonesia and Thailand, global and local customers can expect to benefit from enhanced services and a more extensive product portfolio in the region.

Consumers are looking for exceptional sensory experiences in nutrition; superior taste, a perfect appearance and well-balanced mouthfeel play a significant role for consumers when choosing their products, ultimately guiding their preferences towards a better human nutrition.

Boon’s premium variety of local flavours, now integrated into Doehler’s global taste portfolio, contributes perfectly to this trend providing superior natural flavours to the food, beverage and lifescience & nutrition industry. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Doehler’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers and consumers for excellent and remarkable tasty, healthy and sustainable solutions.

Orange Juice

Global orange juice production for 2022/23 is estimated 9 percent lower to 1.5 million tons (65 degrees brix). Production is down due to reduced fruit available for processing in Brazil, the European Union, Mexico, and the United States. Consumption is mostly flat while exports are estimated down with the reduced available supplies …

Please download the full global market report: www.nass.usda.gov

Klaveness Digital announces its latest partnership with Citrosuco, a global leader in orange juice concentrate production, as the company adopts CargoValue to optimise supply chain operations. Citrosuco is the latest to join a growing community of industrial companies taking the lead in how they manage their seaborne supply chain.

In today’s highly competitive market, Citrosuco recognises the value of incorporating advanced technologies to support its standing in the global citrus industry. The company’s dedication to creating top-quality products and embracing environmentally responsible practices has encouraged its pursuit of innovative solutions for enhancing its supply chain.

With the adoption of CargoValue, Citrosuco can now efficiently plan and manage their entire shipping and inventory schedule in one solution with a single source of information, from planning to production, allowing the company to reduce risks and costs. Citrosuco currently has 5 marine terminals located in: Santos (BR), Wilmington (USA), Gent (Belgium), Toyohashi (Japan) and Newcastle (Australia), as well as 5 dedicated ships and 1 multi-cargo vessel.

According to Luiz Fernando Ragonha Jr, the Director of Supply Chain Planning at Citrosuco’s Santos Port Terminal, the adoption of CargoValue by Citrosuco reaffirms the company’s prominent position in the global citrus industry. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, Citrosuco demonstrates its unwavering commitment to keeping pace with the latest industry trends and advancements. The implementation of this solution not only enables Citrosuco to streamline its operations and decrease operating costs, but also plays a crucial role in reducing the company’s environmental impact. By identifying opportunities for more sustainable transportation and storage practices, Citrosuco actively contributes to its CO_₂ emission reduction targets, thereby aligning itself with a more environmentally conscious future.

Greater efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in the supply chain

“By incorporating CargoValue into their operations, Citrosuco demonstrates their forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence,” said Aleksander Stensby, CEO at Klaveness Digital AS. “We’re excited to partner with Citrosuco to help them achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in their global supply chain.”

According to data released by Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global alcopop market is anticipated to reach a value of USD 8.1 billion by the end of 2033, increasing at a CAGR of 6 % from 2023 to 2033.

Alcopops are Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages that are available in pre-mixed forms containing different flavoured spirits and can be consumed directly. Lesser content of alcohol in alcopops as compared to conventional alcoholic beverages is a key factor driving their consumption.

Increasing per capita disposable income of people around the world is predicted to have a direct impact on the expenditure capacity of individuals. They are spending at a noticeable rate in different lifestyle products, including beverages and food at restaurants & cafés. Increasing inclination for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that impart refreshing and unique flavours are expected to bolster the demand for alcopops around the world.

High concentration on R&D activities has resulted in fortifications and innovations in numerous spirit varieties, which is predicted to support in generating lucrative opportunities for market players. Rising population of young people and their inclination towards a wide variety of premium beverages is projected to stimulate the demand for alcopops over the coming years.

Key takeaways from market study

• Worldwide demand for alcopops is estimated at USD 4.5 billion in 2023.
• The global alcopop market is predicted to advance at a CAGR of 6 % from 2023 to 2033.
• The global industry is expected to reach USD 8.1 billion by the end of 2033.
• Europe held more than 35 % share of global market revenue in 2022.
• Sales of vodka-based alcopops are anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 4.7 % from 2023 to 2033.

“Rising popularity of alcopops is attributed to the global availability and traction for different flavours. Moreover, increasing popularity of some unique flavours in alcoholic beverages is contributing to the rising share of alcopops in the liquor industry,” says a Fact.MR analyst.

Rising popularity of alcopops among teenagers

In recent years, there is a noteworthy increase in the population of young people. They are inclined to consume premium alcoholic beverages, which are estimated to open up new opportunities for players. Alcopops are sweetened drinks, which are receiving enormous popularity, especially among teenagers worldwide. Youngsters are consuming alcopops due to two main reasons:

• Alcopops do not taste like alcohol but rather have a sugary-sweet and fruity taste. Alcopops are made more palatable to new drinkers due to their ability to conceal the bitter taste of alcohol.
• Alcopops are available in attractive packaging with colourful and bright labels, which make them appear more attractive to young consumers.

Awareness about danger caused due to excessive consumption of alcopops and implementation of stringent regulations

Alcopops are not entirely safer compared to other alcoholic beverages. Excessive consumption of alcopops can have fatal results. Even, habitual drinking of alcopops can result in life-changing consequences.

Over the years, excessive consumption of alcopops has increased concerns among healthcare professionals, parents, and government agencies. The attractive advertisement manners in which it seems to be promoted as an underage drink is one of the key factors to stimulate sales of alcopops. Therefore, an increase in the consumption of alcopops is expected which can adversely impact individuals’ health.

Respective governing bodies around the world have imposed certain regulations against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. These regulations are predicted to restrict growth opportunities in the target industry.

Key industry players

Key suppliers of alcopops operating around the world include Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., Halewood International Limited, Suntory Holdings Limited, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co., United Brands Company, Inc., Bass Brewery, Pabst Brewing Company, and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

Mintel, the experts in what consumers want and why, has announced Global Packaging Trends for 2023, featuring a PESTEL analysis^* that explores the macro-environmental factors impacting the packaging industry in 2023 and beyond.

David Luttenberger, CPPL, Global Packaging Director at Mintel, examined the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors impacting global packaging evaluations, planning, and decision-making: “The decision to use a PESTEL analysis was based on the fact that currently there are so many extraordinary outside influences on package innovation and the packaging supply chain. Pressures from the environmental perspective, the conflict in Ukraine, global inflation, social issues, legal challenges, extended producer responsibility, and other forces mean packaging must navigate new and more challenging routes to market. The PESTEL format enables us to succinctly identify the opportunities and present clear recommendations to retailers, brand owners, and package manufacturers.”

Economic factors impacting packaging

“Economic uncertainty and the associated rising cost of goods have forced consumers to rethink budgets and discretionary spending. Across categories, brands are tapping messaging, technology, and retail strategies to show consumers how packaging can stretch a budget.

“Consumers will look to brands to help them overcome economic-induced stresses with products and packaging that mesh with purchasing abilities and reflect value without compromise. Offering packaging that represents financial value propositions, while not compromising quality, convenience, freshness, safety, and environmental responsibility, will be a differentiator in 2023 and beyond.”

Social factors impacting packaging

“From food shortages and ethical sourcing to responsible water and land use, consumers want to know more about the products they buy and the brands that produce them. In addition to achievements, brands and package manufacturers must be transparent about their weaknesses. Consumers are pursuing transparency through clearer labeling and what those claims mean for the greater good.

“In the future, packaging will paint a picture of a brand’s equity, which increasingly includes social and environmental capital. Consumers want to hear what companies have to say on controversial topics related to diversity, inclusion, and equity.”

Legal factors impacting packaging

“A myriad of laws have been enacted to protect consumers from deceptive or fraudulent business practices. New rules around the use of plastics and pollution-causing materials, as well as protecting human and planetary health, will greatly affect consumers. To get ahead and stay competitive, companies must get a firm grip on current and future legislation around plastics, PFAS, and EPR.”

“Consumers will rally behind legislation that benefits the environment. Their support will spur additional bans which will put significant cost pressures on manufacturers in their quest to meet mandates and find suitable, though more costly, alternatives.”

Packaging perspective of Mintel’s 2023 Global Trends

also discusses the packaging industry implications of the 2023 Global Food and Drink, Beauty and Personal Care, and Household Care Trends, including the future of packaging within these industries.

“The macro factors impacting packaging are universal across all end-use categories, including what my colleagues outline in Mintel’s 2023 Global Food and Drink, Beauty and Personal Care, and Household Care Trends. How the challenges manifest within each category varies, but the data, insights, and expert recommendations are applicable and actionable across all end-use categories, package formats, and regional markets,” continued Luttenberger.

Food and drink packaging trends

“Although costs of living are rising globally, consumers will not be motivated solely by low prices in 2023. They will find value in affordable food and drink that promises clarity, nutrition, and versatility. Package manufacturers must enable clear communication of added-value nutritional content and provide efficient portioning and product preparation. Clean packaging designs that highlight natural ingredients and health benefits will stand out to shoppers. In the future, brands seeking to be trusted partners in the kitchen need to take energy consumption into account and deliver packaging that enables energy-efficient cooking.”

Beauty and personal care packaging trends

“Post-pandemic consumers are seeking experimentation, social responsibility, and value from brands in-store and online. Package manufacturers must deliver physical, emotional, visual, digital, and environmental attributes that mesh with consumers’ changing lifestyles. Packaging remains not only a constant but an integral part of the beauty consumer experience—whether through new eco-responsible structures and materials, 100 % product evacuation dispensing systems, messaging about eco-attributes, or messaging about a brand’s values. Companies must create strategies that embrace next-generation package technologies to connect with consumers at retail, at home, and in any/all channels they prefer.”

Household care packaging trends

“The inward focus on one’s self and the planet has become intertwined with saving money in the household care space. That triad of forces has created new opportunities that will redefine the definitions of responsibility and value. Companies must invest in innovations that optimise such parameters as cube efficiency, weight reduction, materials management, extended shelf-life, and end-of-life or second-life scenarios. The key to delivering the next generation of household care packaging will be simple design, convenient dispensing, and an overt display of environmental and social responsibility.”

^*A PESTEL analysis is a framework used to analyse and monitor the macro-environmental factors that have an impact on an organisation, company, or industry examining the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors impacting global packaging evaluations, planning and decision-making.

Oterra, one of the the world’s leading suppliers of natural colours with one of the widest portfolios in the industry announced the addition of Vera Karmebäck to the team as its first Global Sustainability Lead.

Karmebäck enhances the international profile of the company, having been named a UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer in 2022. Vera, recognised for her strong work in having ‘demonstrated extraordinary progress and commitment towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’, comes from RA International – a remote site service provider.

Sustainability is a key focus area for Oterra in 2023, as the company looks to step out of the shadows of its previous parent company Chr. Hansen, and strongly solidify its own world contributions. For Oterra CEO, Odd Erik Hansen, the company’s mission of ‘making food and beverage easy for a healthy and sustainable world’ resonates with industry aspirations.

“Our employees and customers expect us to be the industry leader when it comes to sustainability – and as a natural colours company that believes nature got it right – it makes perfect sense that we lead the colour industry in finding the best ways to adopt sustainable practices for the future,” said Hansen.

Oterra is a key supplier of natural colours to most of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers.

Public-private partnership to advance citrus research, development of breakthrough solutions for food, beverage and fragrance industries

In a ceremonial presentation, IFF and Florida Polytechnic University laid the foundation for the new Citrus Innovation Center, located on the University’s campus in Lakeland, Florida. The nearly 30,000-square-foot, standalone building will support global citrus research and development, and will include sensory and experience venues, research labs, processing, analytical departments, a fully equipped citrus garden and amenities for hosting customers and partners.

“What an honour to celebrate this beacon for innovation and excellence, that is a perfect blend of science and creativity,” said Nicolas Mirzayantz, president, Nourish Division, IFF. “As we lay the foundation for a global citrus innovation center, we re-affirm IFF’s commitment to invest in R&D capabilities that unlock the development of innovative solutions for our customers, partners and communities we operate in. This facility represents a significant milestone in our cross-divisional citrus strategy. Here, we will accelerate innovation by combining the expertise from our Nourish and Scent divisions with on-campus talent who are just as committed to pushing the boundaries of science and uplifting the citrus industry as a whole.”

Nestled on the university’s campus in the heart of the citrus belt, the new, best-in-class center for excellence is designed, engineered and constructed by Ryan Companies, who upon completion, will maintain the building. The sprawling, glass-fronted building and surrounding grounds are slated for completion in late 2023.

“IFF holds a leading position in R&D investment,” said Christophe de Villeplée, president, Scent Division, IFF. “This cutting-edge facility represents one more way we’re combining creativity and science, working closely with our partners and customers. Citrus extracts are an essential component of our creations, bringing consumers delightful freshness. By building a transformational, holistic citrus development ecosystem in one of the world’s central citrus locations, we will further deepen our knowledge, and facilitate the creation of differentiated citrus products that delight global food, beverage and fragrance customers, while doing more good for people and planet.”

IFF will be the first company located on Florida Poly’s campus. The company anticipates providing hands-on internships and job opportunities for Florida Poly students in areas of research and development, customer experience, supply and operational coordination and entrepreneurship. Additionally, IFF will support the University through funding and collaborating on faculty research, sponsoring senior capstone projects, and supporting academic programs.

“We are proud that IFF recognised the strategic advantage in partnering with our University,” said Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly. “Our students and faculty are making real contributions in growing the tech industry by influencing the designs of pioneering technologies and real-world solutions. We’re excited about the cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for our students through this partnership in fields such as metabolomics, automation, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and biometric data capture and analysis, to name a few.”

The building capitalises on views toward the campus, overlooking the expansive ponds and the campus front entry. Its architectural design draws inspiration from the building’s purpose: the exterior reflects the density and discernment of aromas, scents and taste sensations, showcasing acute moments of knowledge, research and gathering, and the flow of those experiences between spaces.

“The ethereal nature of the design concept was challenging, however Ryan was able to successfully create a dynamic, unique architectural expression that reflects the nature of the work being done within the facility, while complementing the existing architecture on the campus,” said Linaea Floden, regional director of Architecture for Ryan A+E.

This juice industry report is a first edition of many more to follow, monitoring the progress made and to enhance easy access to successful ways of working.

In this document, members of the IFU and Sustainability Working Group have provided examples of how they see any or all of these areas are addressed. It is essentially a collection of the practical inroads which companies and regions are making in moving towards the fulfilment of the aspirations of sustainability of our industry.

The IFU Global Sustainability Report 2022 is available under https://bit.ly/3eIAH6b

International, innovative and the highest possible quality—that’s how best to describe drinktec, which was held from September 12 to 16, 2022, at the Munich trade fair center. A total of 1,002 exhibitors from 55 countries and nearly 50,000 visitors from 169 countries came to the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.

drinktec—the world’s leading trade fair

With 65 percent of exhibitors and more than 70 percent of visitors coming from countries outside of Germany, drinktec has impressively bolstered its status as the world’s leading trade fair. Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Messe München CEO: “drinktec shows us that world fairs in Europe are possible again. Most visitors came from abroad, and almost 40 percent of these from outside of Europe, such as Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Japan and India. And it’s quite revealing that the third strongest visitor country after Germany and Italy is the USA.” Volker Kronseder, drinktec Chairman of the Advisory Board, adds: “When you go through the halls, you discover a multitude of new and further developments, you see that people from different countries are at last communicating with one another in person again. The innovation density is also extremely high again this year.”

drinktec—highest possible visitor quality

Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the Process Plant and Equipment Association, German Engineering Federation (VDMA), sums up: “The industry has been waiting for drinktec in particular with bated breath. The atmosphere is simply superb. The exhibitors are impressed by the internationality and high quality of the visitors.” An observation that Florian Schneider, Chief Commercial Officer at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA, seamlessly adds to: “drinktec is back, and with it our customers and interested parties from all over the world. The numbers do appear on the whole to be lower than in the past. But the quality is high. drinktec once again proves that it is the most important international platform.”

drinktec—innovation and incentive generator

drinktec also lived up to this claim with the innovations on display. Overall the exhibitors presented more than 700 new products and solutions in the Innovation Guide and Solution Guide digital offerings. Dr. Johannes T. Grobe, Head of Sales and Service at the KHS Group, explains why drinktec in particular is the place for premieres: “The world’s leading trade show enjoys a high standing in the industry as the most important source of innovation and incentive. It offers us the perfect opportunity to get together with our customers and partners at an international level. We enjoyed numerous chats and discussions on new investments during the show.” Marcus Ley, Vice President Global Accounts at Ecolab, adds: “In our view, drinktec is the leading marketplace where global industry experts and decision makers meet to identify innovations and state-of-the-art technologies to advance their operations. We have once more been able to connect with high quality and top management level visitors to advance our business objectives. Another unforgettable show!“ And Reinhard Streit, Vice President and Managing Director Food & Beverage Europe at CCL Label summarizes: “In a nutshell, drinktec is the best global platform if you are in the beverage business.”

drinktec—the networking platform

For visitors drinktec is also the beverage and liquid food industry’s major networking platform, as Gary Guo, Vice President, Global Supply Chain with the Coca Cola Company, confirms: “It’s so good to be back here in Munich at drinktec after five years. This is one of the premier events in our business calendar and is a must-attend for us. Together with our global bottling partners we use drinktec to explore the latest developments and emerging technologies in areas such as supply chain, manufacturing, digital transformation and sustainability, and look for opportunities to transform our business. The event this year is better than ever.”

For drinktec Director Petra Westphal and her team, the customers’ feedback is more than positive: “The preparations for this year’s event really were something of a rollercoaster ride. The effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have resulted in volatile framework conditions and uncertainties. And suddenly the first trade fair day is there. The world meets here with us in Munich after five years. The joy of getting together again is indescribable. The challenges of the day are intensively discussed and solutions are presented at all of the stands – the industry’s future is being shaped here.”

The next drinktec will be held in fall 2025. The exact date will be announced in plenty of time.

Sponsored Post – Sustainability is firmly embedded in the strategy of VOG Products. The prestigious EcoVadis award, the world’s most reliable provider of sustainability ratings for global supply chains, has confirmed the company’s active effort in the entire production process, rewarding it with a silver medal a few weeks ago.

“We are proud and happy to have received this honour, which is an important signal to our customers and consumers: we offer safe, sustainable and high-quality products,” said Christoph Tappeiner, the CEO of VOG Products. The silver status means that VOG Products is among the top 25 per cent of all companies rated. The EcoVadis rating looks at environmental aspects, as well as employment and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Two years ago, VOG Products passed the «GLOBAL G.A.P. Farm Sustainability Assessment» with the FSA Gold label and since then, has systematically taken next steps. For example, it invested in the continuous development of its own photovoltaic system and now obtains 100 per cent of its power from renewable energy. “We calculated our corporate carbon footprint and verify it every year. By doing so, we can systematically implement measures to increase energy efficiency and further lower our CO₂ emissions,” said CEO Tappeiner.

From the field to processing: saving water at all levels

Water is a special focus of VOG Products: with the “Cooling water optimisation” project, the company saved as much water in 2022 as 15,000 people consume in one year – by using the same water twice as cooling water and as transport water.

Water is not only saved on the company grounds in Laives, but also along the VOG Products supply chain: infact, the Laimburg Research Centre collaborated with the Alto Adige Consultancy Centre to develop “Smart Land”, a system that uses high-quality sensor technology to measure soil moisture in the field and connect it to current weather and temperature data. The data are then transmitted via app in real time to farmers, who use it for the needs-orientated watering of the fruit orchards. With “Smart Land”, water savings of up to 50 per cent can be achieved.

Azelis, a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Ashapura Aromas Private Limited, a leading distributor of ingredients in the flavours & fragrances market in India.

This acquisition provides Azelis with a strong F&F platform in Asia Pacific, creating a global F&F network, following its 2021 acquisitions of Vigon in the US and Quimdis in France, serving the Americas and EMEA regions respectively. Ashapura’s extensive product portfolio strategically complements the group’s lateral value chain in the fast-growing F&F market segment, strengthening the offering and technical expertise Azelis provides to customers.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Mumbai, Ashapura is the leading distributor of F&F ingredients in India, representing more than 225 principals with well-established partnerships and serving over 900 customers globally through the breadth and depth of its portfolio of products. Ashapura’s 100 plus employees will join Azelis, along with founders and owners Ajaykiran and Nayan Gudka, who will remain to lead the business post-integration. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the third quarter, after fulfilment of customary closing conditions.

Premium fruit and vegetable ingredient supplier SVZ announced a strategic investment for its Belgian processing plant in Rijkevorsel. The latest in a series of global growth and sustainability-focused investments, SVZ seeks to expand the facility’s capacity to meet rising consumer demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients – while also boosting its sustainability credentials.

Growing capacity

Demand for naturally healthy, nutritious ingredients is growing as consumers become more aware of the impact what they consume has on their wellbeing. To fulfil this need, SVZ is investing in the capacity and processing technology required to process larger quantities of fruit and vegetable ingredients on-site without compromising on quality. A new pasteuriser in the plant, for example, will allow its Belgium facility to boost its puree production significantly.

This investment follows similar expansions across SVZ’s global processing plants, as the business meets this heightened demand for fruit and vegetable ingredients. In Poland, for example, the Tomaszów facility’s concentrate line has been bolstered, while SVZ’s US-based plant has not only boosted its puree line but is also investing in new automation technology to streamline the production process even further.

Sustainability first

SVZ’s investment in the Rijkevorsel plant also supports the business’ sustainability efforts – and progress towards its 100 % sustainable sourcing goal. The Belgium facility has seen a massive reduction in CO2 emissions over the last two years – and this new effort will aim to build on this by further decreasing heat consumption and exploring new ways of reusing expended energy within the facility. Indeed, the new pasteuriser will reduce emissions by 19 % – a crucial step in SVZ’s journey to low carbon production.

This new investment also contributes to SVZ’s broader mission of boosting the sustainability credentials of all global processing sites. SVZ’s Spain-based plant in Almonte, for example, has been recently fitted with solar panels, and a new cold storage facility has also been constructed to reduce reliance on third party-storage and transportation. Meanwhile, SVZ’s US processing plant has focused recent investment on water treatment, so water can be cleaned and reused.

Growing better, together

“SVZ has its sights set firmly on the future,” says Pieter Spanjers, CEO at SVZ. “This new investment increases our Rijkevorsel plant’s processing capacity and capabilities to ensure future growth. We are working on an agreement that will significantly increase our sourcing capacity, and we need a facility that allows us to efficiently absorb those heightened volumes, as well as serve our customers while keeping the highest standards of quality.

“We’re passionate about creating a healthier, greener planet and we want to do our part in ensuring it for all generations. This investment will enable us to continue our mission effectively and support our customers in creating tomorrow’s food and beverage products.”

In times of instability, crisis and major global events, how do we make sense of trends which are likely to influence the beverage market?

While it is too early to predict the full impact of the conflict in Ukraine, when considering the trends within the beverage industry, it is important to take the macro drivers influencing the global economy into consideration.

Even before the latest current events, the global economy continues to be in a state of flux with recovery moving at varying speeds across regions and nations because of the pandemic.

In a report published in 2021, PwC reported that by the end of 2021, early 2022, they expect the global economy to revert to its pre-pandemic level of output. Noting however, that the recovery will be uneven across sectors, countries, and income levels.

As 2022 gets well underway, and the world pivots from pandemic to recovery, consumer behaviour and purchasing power remain highly dependent on economic realities, and perhaps now more than ever, understanding some of the key factors impacting the economic landscape is crucial for business strategy.

In its report „5 economic factors influencing the global beverage market“ Treatt takes a closer look at:

1. Economic recovery post Covid-19
2. Public debt levels
3. Globalisation
4. Higher value-add activities
5. Generation Z

Please download the full report as pdf-file under: www.treatt.com

The Flavors & Fragrances (F&F) business unit of specialty chemicals company LANXESS is increasing prices worldwide for its entire portfolio of preservatives, benzoates, intermediates, aroma chemicals and multifunctionals with immediate effect. Customers will be contacted individually regarding the specifics of the measure as it applies to their products or regions.

The reasons for the adjustments are, in particular, unprecedented challenges with a significant impact on logistics and production. Fragile supply chains, dramatically increased raw material and energy costs – not least as a result of the war in Ukraine with oil and gas prices at record levels – bring significant consequences for the entire supply chain.

Offerings from F&F are primarily used to provide flavour, fragrance, shelf life and essential performance characteristics in a wide variety of consumer products, such as food and beverages.

By Pablo Gómez, International Quality Assurance Manager for table grapes at IFG

Global fruit production has not only persevered in the face of a worldwide health crisis, but it has also continued to adapt in response to the evolving landscape. A fast-paced industry already familiar with navigating unpredictable conditions and forecasting market demand, the agricultural sector never slowed down, even in the worst times of the pandemic.

However, that’s not to say the journey was without any roadblocks: COVID-19 brought a wave of challenges with everything from labour to logistics. Yet, as consumer interest in fresh produce increased by more than 10 percent in 2020, fruit suppliers, scientists, horticulturists, and growers are overcoming these setbacks to usher in a new period of efficiency and innovation.

Weathering the storm of staffing and safety

Like countless other business sectors, fruit-focused agriculture struggled with staffing at the outset of the pandemic. But while many companies turned to remote work options, the nature of agricultural operations needs employees to remain primarily in the fields.

The produce industry requires a significant amount of hand labour, particularly for table grapes and cherries. Managing thousands of employees who work simultaneous in-person shifts became an immediate area of focus. The main issue was the prevention of outbreaks in both the packhouse facilities and in the fields. Growers had to react quickly, forming small and segregated groups of workers adhering to organized schedules. In addition, the implementation of regular PCR tests enhanced other standard safety protocols that helped protect workers. While the actions were a costly investment, growers kept operations safe and healthy while maintaining productivity.

Nearly two years into the pandemic, though, staffing challenges persist. Due to new procedures and safety limitations, a scarcity of workers and higher costs still impact day-to-day operations worldwide. But while the problems are exacerbated given current conditions, this is nothing new for produce growers, especially in the United States where employment of agricultural workers is essentially at a standstill — it’s expected to increase only 2 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.

Navigating logistical burdens

The economic downturn has increased costs across the entire fruit supply chain, from growing and harvesting to delivering the product to market. As the pandemic continued into and throughout 2021, it became apparent that one of its most pronounced effects on the global fruit industry was on logistical operations.

The early days of lockdown restrictions and a slowdown in the production of goods created a ripple effect, sending refrigerated containers into a backlog of storage at cargo ports and inland depots. By mid-2021, wait times to procure a container stretched anywhere from weeks to months depending on departure port and arrival destination.

The supply chain has faced a global shortage of containers projected to last into 2022, resulting in severe inflation in materials and transport costs. McKinsey & Company reported it now costs up to six times more to ship a container from China to Europe than it did at the start of 2019.

A fresh take on the future of fruit production

Despite these challenges, the pandemic has shown how well prepared the agriculture industry is to adapt its systems in response to both adversity and increased demand.

The trend of healthy living and a desire for nutritious food that emerged over the last two years is a worldwide movement with evident staying power. The United Nations even designated 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. Manifested through behaviors such as at-home cooking and greater consciousness about food brought into the homes, the health and wellness trends have directly impacted the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Fruit scientists, horticulturalists, and growers alike are looking to long-term solutions for meeting this need. For worldwide fruit-breeding company IFG, the answer could lie in a recent focus on breeding as much year-round fruit as possible as part of an overall quality and support strategy. IFG is known for inventing flavour-forward table grapes, including the Cotton Candy™ variety, which hold numerous health benefits in line with current consumer interests. By creating a 52-week table grape supply in partnership with growers worldwide, IFG aims to transform the fruit industry and contribute to a more sustainable production of premium table grapes and cherries.

In a sector where food and safety standards are already incredibly high, another key area that can influence growth and opportunity is leveraging technology to increase the simplicity and efficiency of production. The agritech tools that a reported 56 percent of U.S. farms have now adopted can help strengthen global fruit production with automation that eases the burden of labour shortages, conserves resources and mitigates crop losses.

As technology and scientific strategy rapidly advance, the industry is poised to thrive in a post-pandemic world. These professional improvements will affect every part of the supply chain, from the fields where the fruit is grown and harvested to the carts where consumers add their nature’s bounty. Looking into 2022 and beyond, industry leaders will keep one eye on innovation while maintaining a stable production to ensure the world remains healthy and fed.

About the Author
Pablo Gómez joined IFG in 2018 and currently serves as the company’s International Quality Assurance Manager for Table Grapes. In this role, he works to develop IFG’s international table grape and cherry quality assurance program. Prior to working at IFG, Pablo served as a grape source technologist at Munoz Group, where he became experienced in the particularities of the table grape industry across different countries while also focusing on quality assurance for the U.K. market. Pablo started his career as an agricultural engineer intern at Investigación y Tecnología de Uva de Mesa (ITUM) while finishing his degree in agricultural engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena.

The world’s leading trade fair for global fresh fruit trade is being postponed to 5-7 April 2022.

The fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic is worsening the situation in many European countries. At the same time, the industry’s wish to meet in person remains unwaveringly high. In light of these circumstances, Messe Berlin has decided to postpone FRUIT LOGISTICA to a point on time beyond the fourth wave. FRUIT LOGISTICA 2022 will thus be held from Tuesday, 5 April to Thursday, 7 April.

By Dr. Chris Owens, Lead Plant Breeder at IFG

Climate change has been affecting many different regions around the globe for decades, and the shift in weather is impacting fruit production. Areas that are being impacted most severely have historically seen significant effects from climate change. However, there are other areas also being affected, such as the northwestern United States and Western Canada with this year’s unprecedented heat. There have also been severe wildfires in many regions, threatening entire fields of crops.

The regions facing the most issues right now are those that are already battling heat and drought. Some areas in Europe have begun moving wine grape vineyards further north or to a higher elevation, adjusting to the planet’s changing climate. Table grapes themselves are more heat tolerant, and IFG’s breeding program has used the most recent heatwave to screen our varieties for heat tolerance. However, there is still a maximum amount of heat that fruit can tolerate, and as climate change continues to alter the environment, it will affect global agriculture and food production.

Climate change and its impact on the agricultural industry and global food production

Climate change is the shift of average weather conditions over time and has been chiefly caused by human activity. The increase of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere allows for more of the sun’s rays to pass through the atmosphere, increasing the temperature on the planet. The result of these shifts can be severe or extreme weather events, such as more frequent and intense storms, flooding, scorching heat waves, freezing cold snaps, wildfires, and water shortages. Growers are witnessing their entire fields of crops damaged in one swoop.

Climate change has a direct impact on our global food supply. Changes in the weather affect the locations where products can be grown, thereby impacting the capacity for farmers to produce the food necessary to feed the world’s population. Fruits and vegetables are living organisms that respond to warm and cold temperature changes. Anything that will make significant changes to the environment will have considerable impacts on agriculture.

What fruit scientists, horticulturists, and growers are doing differently

From breeding to growing to packing, each area has different courses to cope with climate change. On the breeding side, efforts are being made to develop varieties that can tolerate rain and heat to varying stages of the production cycle. IFG is working on this for our table grape and cherry crops, and other fruit breeders are working on the same for crops such as apples and pears.

Growers are also implementing new irrigation system technology to be more efficient while protecting their crops from the rapidly changing environment. They are utilizing soil humidity sensors, reflective covers to reduce water evaporation, shade nets to protect the crops from excessive sun exposure, and even rain covers to protect the fruit from rainstorms. These efforts may be enough to protect against hot or cold temperatures or drought; however, they will not save crops from being destroyed by extreme weather events such as wildfires, storms, or floods.

Predicting the future of fruit production

Due to climate change and recent developments in fruit-breeding programs, farmers are avoiding planting in higher-risk areas. The industry is seeing increasing growth of planting in regions where certain fruit varieties were not grown in the past. Jalisco in Mexico or Piura in Peru are examples of developing table grape regions. This change in geography is also evident in other crops, such as blueberries and cherries, with the recent introduction of low-chill varieties. Growers will undertake the enormous task of moving their fruit to new areas if the heat or drought is too difficult for production. Conversely, suppose the land cannot provide the necessary chill requirements or secure water supply. In that case, we can expect growers to move to untraditional growing areas, as evident in the regions where IFG’s cherry varieties are currently being grown.

Climate change is at the forefront of many conversations in agriculture, which is why IFG does the work we do: breeding new varieties of fruit that will grow in warmer climates with less water requirements. As the planet changes, there is the possibility that we will see less fruit production. IFG is focused on breeding varieties that ensure consistent cropping in a changing climate.

About Dr. Chris Owens
Dr. Chris Owens has been with IFG since 2016 and is now the Lead Plant Breeder, directing the development of improved varieties of table grapes and sweet cherries. He also directs IFG’s research and development efforts supporting the breeding program, including post-harvest evaluations, plant pathology and genetics. Chris interacts closely with the international technical and commercial teams with the goals to accelerate the adoption and maximize the success of IFG’s new varieties.
Chris holds a BS in horticulture from the University of Maryland, an MS in pomology from Cornell University, and a PhD in plant breeding and genetics from Michigan State University. Prior to IFG, Chris spent more than 20 years in germplasm development, breeding and genetics of both grapevines and cherries. The author of numerous book chapters and scientific articles, he has presented research results at national and international conferences and served on professional societies’ advisory committees.

The World Citrus Organisation (WCO) has released its annual Northern Hemisphere Citrus Forecast for the upcoming season (2021-22). The Forecast, which will be presented during the second edition of the Global Citrus Congress on 16-17 November, is based on data from Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, the United States and shows that citrus production is projected to reach 29.342.000 T, which represents a 1.27 % decrease compared to the previous season.

The WCO Secretariat has released its annual Northern Hemisphere Citrus Forecast for the upcoming season (2021-22). The preliminary Forecast is based on data from industry associations from Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, in addition to the United States (based on USDA reports for Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas). Philippe Binard, Secretary General of WCO stated: “The Forecast shows that the 2021-22 Northern Hemisphere citrus crop is projected to reach 29.342.000 T, which represents a 1.27 % decrease compared to the previous season”.

Orange production is projected to decrease by 3.45% to a total of 15.485.106 T. A slight decrease is also expected for grapefruit (-0.34 %, 946.521 T) and soft citrus (-0.70 %, 8.456.112 T) production. Lemon production, on the other hand, is estimated to increase by 5.64 % and reach 4.454.327 T. In Europe Union, citrus production is forecasted to experience a 9.35 % decrease in Greece, a 7.74 % decrease in Spain, and a 2.62 % decrease in Italy. In the Southern rim of the Mediterranean, production is projected to decrease in Tunisia (-21.97 %), remain stable in Egypt (-0.06 %), and increase in Israel (+26.63 %), Turkey (+21.85 %), and Morocco (+5.53 %). The citrus crop in the United States is expected to decrease by 11.79 % compared to last year.

Mr Binard added: “WCO has also engaged for citrus with the China’s Chamber of Commerce for foodstuffs (CFNA) and Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to collect their estimates. This has overall provided an overview of the Northern Hemisphere covering a grand total of 83.2 Mio T of citrus from the Northern Hemisphere for the next season” This is the result of the forecast in China, for an increase in citrus production by 5.23 %, reaching 53.900.000 T in the upcoming season (volumes not included in NH forecast figures provided in table below).

Natalia Santos-Garcia Bernabe, WCO’s deputy Secretary General stated: “WCO will present its Forecast during the second edition of the Global Citrus Congress, which is organised in cooperation with Fruitnet Media International and the support of CIRAD. The event will stream live on 16-17 November from London, Los Angeles and Melbourne” This is allowing viewers around the globe to pick their most convenient time to take part live or to watch on-demand. Last year’s Congress drew more than 1,300 delegates from 59 countries, bringing together producers, exporters, importers, retailers, and service providers from all over the world. 1075 delegates have already registered to next week’s second edition of the Congress. More information and last minutes’ registration are available on citruscongress.com.

Mintel has today announced three trends set to impact global consumer markets in 2022. From technology that predicts the success of potential romances to brands tackling COVID-19 ‘survivor’s guilt’ and eco-anxiety, this year’s trends include:

• In Control: In times of uncertainty, consumers crave a sense of control over their lives. Brands can deliver the information and options that consumers need to feel like they’re in the driver’s seat.
• Enjoyment Everywhere: Having endured lockdown, consumers are eager to break out of their confines and explore, play and embrace novel experiences, both virtually and in the ‘real’, physical world.
• Ethics Check: While many brands have made their voices heard on controversial topics, consumers want to see measurable progress against their goals.

Dana Macke, Director of Mintel Trends, Americas, comments on how the trends were developed, as well as how they will impact markets, brands, and consumers in 2022 and beyond:

“As experts in what consumers want and why, we’re best suited to accurately predict the future of consumer behavior and what that means for brands. In 2019, we took a bold, new approach to predict the future of global consumer markets and expanded our outlook to 10 years. Mintel’s 2030 Global Consumer Trends – known as the seven Mintel Trend Drivers – were developed as a living, growing prediction model that will adapt to the unforeseen. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, impacting nearly every industry worldwide, our consumer expertise and prediction model meant we were well placed to analyze how it would impact markets. Not only did our 2030 predictions hold true, but the pandemic accelerated many of the shifts we foresaw.

“Looking ahead to 2022, our trend analysis and prediction research are grounded by observations of the seven Trend Drivers over the last 18 months and backed by Mintel’s robust consumer and market data, predictive analytics, action-oriented insights and expert recommendations. We put everything into context to better understand what it means for—and how it could inspire—our clients’ business decisions across industries, categories and demographics, and amid global themes and times of uncertainty.”

In Control

“Feelings of precariousness and financial insecurity both created, and exaggerated, by the pandemic mean that consumers are looking for a sense of control over every aspect of their lives. But misinformation is making it harder to carry out the necessary research to make informed decisions. Consumers need clarity, transparency, flexibility and options to make decisions that suit their individual changing needs and circumstances.

“Brands will need to work harder to deliver reliable information and balance censorship and authenticity. The race for the fastest delivery will evolve to focus on being more flexible, giving consumers more control over when products arrive to fit around their schedules or to match their other specific needs. Consumers’ desire to know potential outcomes will manifest in the development of predictive technologies that can anticipate adverse events. From diseases to likely death dates to relationship outcomes using compatibility profiles, technology will evolve to grant consumers the power to plan with peace of mind.”

Enjoyment Everywhere

“Consumers are seeking sources of joy as the continuing pandemic and other local and global crises have caused them anxiety and stress. Many may be feeling a kind of ‘survivor’s guilt’ and, as a result, brands are recognizing the importance of uplifting people by giving them permission to feel happiness once again.

“While the stress caused by the pandemic may no longer be central to consumer needs for fun and escapism, they will continue to seek enjoyment and playfulness. As brand interactions through campaigns, apps and transactions take on more and more gamified elements in response to consumer interest, expect to also see pushback against it and the instant gratification it offers. This tendency will rise from consumers taking a more mindful approach to pleasure and enjoyment.”

Ethics Check

“Consumer demand for, and expectations of, brands’ ethical commitments are evolving. They have moved beyond simply wanting brands to ‘be ethical’ and are demanding to see measurable, transparent and consistent actions from those they choose to support. Consumers will look beyond a brand’s achievements and strengths; businesses will need to be transparent about their weaknesses, too, where and why they fail and how they plan to address these issues in future.

“All the transparency in the world doesn’t necessarily help consumers to understand the impact of a brand, which is why it’s key to use metrics that accurately reflect the problems brands are trying to solve. If a company isn’t properly measuring what they aim to fix or change, it’s difficult to determine whether progress is being made, let alone communicate that progress in a way that consumers will understand,” concluded Macke.

The World Citrus Organisation (WCO) is finalising preparations towards the second edition of the Global Citrus Congress, which will take place on 16 and 17 November 2021. The virtual event, which managed to gather over 1000 delegates from across the globe in its first edition in 2020, will once again bring together the citrus community to discuss the current trends, challenges, and opportunities for the citrus sector. More than 500 participants from across the globe have already registered to attend the virtual congress.

Following the success of the first Global Citrus Congress in 2020, this year the event will take place online on 16 and 17 November 2021. The opening session of the first day (Tuesday 16 November from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. CET) will provide an in-depth discussion on production and marketing trends for fresh and processed citrus, including a panel discussion with key producing countries over the ongoing Northern Hemisphere 2021 citrus season. During the second day of the congress (Wednesday 17 November), 3 regional modules will zoom into specific issues of the citrus business in Asia (8:00 to 10.00 a.m. CET), Europe (3:00 to 5:00 p.m. CET), and North America (5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CET). Asia’s module will focus on key market developments and branding trends, with speakers including Wayne Prowse (Fresh Intelligence), Neil Barker (BGP International), and Hannes de Waal (Sundays River Citrus Company) among others. The European track of the Congress will in turn discuss post-harvest trends in citrus with key sector representatives from Agrofresh, Apeel, Citrosol, Decco, Jansen, and the Dutch Fresh Produce Centre. During Europe’s session, WCO’s General Delegate Philippe Binard will also discuss citrus consumption trends and promotion strategies with key market leaders from across the chain. Finally, the North America’s section will delve into the US citrus market trends with a focus on easy peelers, lemons, and limes. The strategies and challenges for key producing regions California and Florida will also feature in the programme.

WCO Co-Chair and Director of AILIMPO Jose Antonio Garcia affirmed: “We have been working intensely to improve on the first edition of the Global Citrus Congress by elaborating an attractive agenda with a stronger presence of business-led interactive debates. We want to consolidate the Congress as a must-attend event for the citrus sector, and we hope we held it physically in 2022”. WCO Co-Chair and CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa Justin Chadwick added: “After the success of the first edition in 2021, the Global Citrus Congress is on the right track to become the key annual event for the community to strengthen the position of citrus fruit in an ever-competitive, challenging environment”.

The Global Citrus Congress will take place online. The sessions will be live and free of charge to attend thanks to the support of our sponsors. Registrations are still open at https://www.citruscongress.com/. The opening session will be available both in English and Spanish.

The global pandemic has affected the packaging solution industry by leading to a significant price increase and shortage of raw materials and components used in packaging equipment. To compensate for the rising costs and continue to provide the highest quality solutions, Sidel is implementing a commodity-induced price adjustment on its equipment by an average of 5 % effective September 6, 2021. Deficiency of raw materials and components may impact equipment delivery time as well.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Sidel has been striving to keep the same price level for its equipment despite the fact that the price of raw materials has increased significantly since 2020. Moreover, this increase is not expected to recover in the foreseeable future.

Additionally, the pandemic, combined with other external factors, has resulted in a significant shortage of microchips globally. This shortage is an outcome of supply-related disruptions, including forced closure of factories, together with an unanticipated increase in demand for personal electronics such as cell phones and laptops as people were required to work or study remotely. Both supply shortage of microchips and increase in consumption of personal electronics lead to supplier delays which might impact the overall Sidel delivery channels for the near future.

The global pectin market is estimated to reach USD 1.87 billion by 2026 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4 % from 2018 to 2026. Pectin market is projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Increasing health consciousness among consumers and various health benefits of pectin products is expected to drive the global market over the forecast period.

Pectin are plant-derived compounds, a structural heteropoly saccharide that is contained in primary cell walls of the terrestrial plants. It is mainly extracted from citrus fruits, apples, apricots, cherries, oranges, and carrots. Commercially, it is available in the form of white to light brown powder. The industry is characterized by companies characterized by medium level of integration in the value chain. Packaging and shipping play an important role in integrating the value chain. This helps the companies to incorporate their businesses in a cost-effective way.

Suppliers include companies which are involved in the production & distribution of processes raw materials such as apple, citrus, and others. The rising shortage of raw materials and increased import for Brazil and European countries is resulting in high bargaining power to the suppliers. In addition, low threat of backward integration from manufacturers, except some of the major and giant market players is also resulting in high bargaining power of suppliers.

The pectin market witnesses an external threat of substitution from natural gum and Citri-fi. Citri-fi is natural functional fibers, which are derived from citrus fruits. They offer hydrocolloidal properties, which is significant for high water holding capabilities. There are also some synthetic alternatives such as polyurethane, but these are usually not considered suitable for skin contact applications. However, the various advantages of pectin over these products are expected to lower the threat.

Pectin extracted from this raw material are used for high cholesterol high blood pressure, & blood sugar, joint pain, weight loss, prevent colon & prostate cancer, high triglycerides, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetes. In addition, some people also use pectin to prevent poisoning caused by strontium, and other heavy metals.

Despite the shortage in the supply of raw material, some of the major players are also trying to increase their production capacity to meet the demand. For instance, Cargill acquired FMC’s plant to boost their pectin production capacity. The market is highly fragmented and competitive. In addition, it also experiences the presence of small-scale as well as giant players. The key and major companies are investing in R&D activities and frequently involved in merger and acquisition to increase their market share and product portfolio. Some of the companies that have a significant influence in the industry include DuPont Nutrition & Health, FMC Corporation, CPKelco, Herbstreith & Fox, Devson Impex Private Limited, Cargill Incorporated, B&V srl. and Yantai Andre Pectin Co. Ltd.

Growth in food & beverage industries, in emerging economies, is expected to drive the Asia Pacific market. The market is projected to grow rapidly in the Asia Pacific region, owing to the changing lifestyle of consumers in emerging economies including, China and India. The rising health consciousness among consumers and the presence of major players in North America is projected to positively drive the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Firmenich takes action beyond gender focusing on ethnic minorities, LGBTIQ+ & differently-abled workforce

Firmenich, one of the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste companies, became the first company in the world to successfully upgrade its global EDGE Certification for gender equality in the workplace to the next level: “Move” status. Recognizing the Group’s ever more inclusive culture, the leading business certification standard for gender equality awarded Firmenich Move status for its progress in expanding diverse representation at all levels and a strong sense of belonging among its diverse workforce. Firmenich continues to lead in workplace equality, having been the 7th company in the world and the first in its industry to achieve global certification in 2018 at Assess level.

“I am very proud that Firmenich is one of only two companies that have achieved Global EDGE MOVE certification, raising the bar for gender equality under EDGE’s demanding benchmarks for continuous improvement,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. “EDGE recognizes our concrete achievements in embedding equality worldwide, as an employer of choice and a trusted and reliable partner for our customers. I am particularly pleased that we set the standard at the very top of the organization with gender parity on our world-class executive team.”

“The remarkable leap forward Firmenich has made in two years at the global level from the first level to the second level of EDGE Certification, EDGE Move, demonstrates that intentional, prioritized and measured actions undeniably accelerate progress towards gender balance, diversity and inclusion,” said Aniela Unguresan, Co-founder of EDGE Certified Foundation. “Specifically, Firmenich’s global EDGE Move certification illustrates the company’s progress in terms of gender representation and proactive management of pay equity across its main countries of operation.”

“Firmenich continues to set the standard for excellence as the best place to work in our industry. Since our first global EDGE certification in 2018, we have achieved significant milestones, from no gender pay gap worldwide to systematically implementing diverse talent pools,” said Mieke Van de Capelle, Chief Human Resources Officer at Firmenich. “While I am very proud of our achievements, we are focusing on new frontiers with targeted action that goes beyond gender. It’s about embracing the power of inclusion of minority groups, securing effective representation and engagement of people with different abilities, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and sexual orientation.”

Building on its achievements, the Group’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy sets ambitious 2030 people goals, including commitments on human rights, ethnic pay equity, creating 5,000 job opportunities for youth and continuing to raise the representation of differently-abled people in its workforce to 10 %.

Since 2018, Firmenich has raised women’s representation in its global workforce to 41 % and eliminated gender pay gaps. Expanded flexible working opportunities worldwide, effective recruitment and promotion practices, as well as continuous training and mentoring, have enhanced equal representation at all levels including critical pathways to senior management. Half of Firmenich’s Executive Committee is female.

EDGE Certification at the global level entails a global evaluation of Firmenich data and processes, as well as a comprehensive survey of its employees worldwide. Firmenich emerged from the rigorous assessment as an employer that is clearly meeting and exceeding core certification criteria around hiring, pay, retention, development and engagement of its employees.

About EDGE
Certification EDGE is the leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for gender equality. It measures where organizations stand in terms of gender balance across their pipeline, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices to ensure equitable career flows as well as inclusiveness of their culture. Launched at the World Economic Forum in 2011, EDGE has been designed to help companies not only create an optimal workplace for women and men, but also benefit from it. EDGE stands for Economic Dividends for Gender Equality and is distinguished by its rigor and focus on business impact. EDGE assessment methodology was developed by the EDGE Certified Foundation, which continues to act as the guardian of EDGE methodology and certification standards. Its commercial arm, EDGE Strategy, works with companies to prepare them for the EDGE Certification. EDGE Certification’s diverse customer base consists of 200 large organizations in 44 countries across five continents, representing 29 different industries and employing globally more than 2.4 million employees.

Nestlé S.A. announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its regional spring water brands, purified water business and beverage delivery service in the U.S. and Canada to One Rock Capital Partners in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. for USD 4.3 billion. The Company’s international premium brands including Perrier^®, S.Pellegrino^® and Acqua Panna^® are not a part of the deal. The transaction is expected to close following the completion of customary closing conditions.

The sale includes the following brands in the U.S. and Canada, which had sales of around CHF 3.4 billion in 2019: Poland Spring^® Brand 100 % Natural Spring Water, Deer Park^® Brand 100 % Natural Spring Water, Ozarka® Brand 100 % Natural Spring Water, Ice Mountain® Brand 100 % Natural Spring Water, Zephyrhills^® Brand 100 % Natural Spring Water, Arrowhead^® Brand Mountain Spring Water, Pure Life® and Splash. It also comprises the U.S. direct-to-consumer and office beverage delivery service ReadyRefresh^®.

The agreement follows Nestlé’s announcement last year that it would conduct a strategic review of parts of the North American waters division and sharpen the focus of its global water portfolio.

Commenting on the transaction, Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said: “We continue to transform our global waters business to best position it for long-term profitable growth. This sale enables us to create a more focused business around our international premium brands, local natural mineral waters and high-quality healthy hydration products. We will also boost our innovation and business development efforts to capture emerging consumer trends, such as functional water.”

Nestlé reiterated its commitment to make its entire water portfolio carbon neutral by 2025. In 2020, Nestlé announced renewed sustainability commitments which build on existing efforts to enhance water stewardship and tackle plastic waste.

Oranges

Global orange production for 2020/21 is forecast to rise 3.6 million metric tons (tons) from the previous year to 49.4 million as favorable weather leads to larger crops in Brazil and Mexico, offsetting declines in Turkey and the United States. Consequently, consumption, fruit for processing, and fresh exports are also forecast higher. …

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/citrus.pdf

The now, next, and future of the global food and drink industry

The events of 2020 caused a fundamental reset in human behaviour. Recognising this transformation, Mintel’s 2021 Global Food and Drink Trends are inspired by recent shifts in consumer purchases and attitudes across industries. Through collaboration with consumer analysts and insights from Mintel Trends, a global team of food and drink experts have identified new opportunities in line with three of the Mintel Trend Drivers: Wellbeing, Value, and Identity.

In 2021 and beyond, expect food and drink companies to create mental and emotional wellbeing solutions, deliver on new value needs, and use brands to celebrate people’s identities.

Feed The Mind

Innovative food and drink formulations will offer solutions for mental and emotional wellbeing that will create a new foundation for healthy eating.

Quality Redefined

Brands will be challenged to respond to new definitions of trust, quality, and ‘essential’.

United By Food

Food and drink brands can balance a person’s need to feel unique and special with the desire to be part of communities of like-minded individuals.

Please download the free 2021 Global Food and Drink Trends here.

Mintel, the experts in what consumers want and why, has announced seven trends set to impact global consumer markets in 2021, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centered around consumer behavior, market shifts, innovative brands, and opportunities for companies and brands to act on in the next 12 months:

• Health Undefined: An awareness of wellbeing is at the forefront of consumers’ minds, but a playbook doesn’t exist. Brands have a responsibility and opportunity to set new rules.
• Collective Empowerment: Consumers around the world are making their voices heard loud and clear in the push for equity, agency, and rights.
• Priority Shift: Consumers are seeking a return to the essentials, with a focus on flexible possessions and a reframing of what ownership actually means.
• Coming Together: Consumers are coming together in like-minded communities in order to connect with and support each other, driven by the impact of the global pandemic.
• Virtual Lives: Physical separation due to the pandemic, increased need for escapism, and improved technology are driving consumers towards digital experiences.
• Sustainable Spaces: COVID-19 has subtly but significantly shifted consumer awareness of our relationship with the spaces in which we live, accelerating demand for sustainability.
• Digital Dilemmas: While there are many benefits to a more digitally-connected life, concerns about its negative impacts are putting consumers in a predicament.

Please download the FREE 2021 Global Consumer Trends under www.mintel.com.

In terms of sustainability, Symrise ranks among the top ten companies in the world according to the current ranking of renowned non-profit organization CDP (previously known as the Carbon Disclosure Project). CDP makes a yearly assessment of what participating companies do to fight climate change, protect water supplies and conserve forests. For forest conservation, the Holzminden Group is actually doing better than in the previous year and has achieved a spot on the A list in all three categories – the best possible result. This year, more than 9,600 companies took part voluntarily in the assessment.

Only ten companies out of the 9,600 that took part achieved the highest grade in all three categories. Symrise was one of them, making an improvement on last year’s rating. Last year, the Group made it onto the A list for climate and water, but got an A minus for forests. Many factors play a role in the CDP’s decision. The non-profit organization pays attention to whether the company in question is an environmental pioneer and how it deals with environmental risks. It also considers ambitious goals and the completeness of the data disclosed to be important. Based on the results, the CDP divides the participants into categories from A, the highest, to D.

Symrise aims at climate-positive operations by 2030

Symrise has been following ambitious sustainability objectives for years. Conservation of forests has played an important role in this. The company wants to counteract deforestation throughout the entire value chain as well as work for the conservation and reforestation of forests. This is why the Group uses resources from sustainable forestry. To guarantee this, Symrise ensures that its strategic raw materials are fully traceable.

Climate protection is also very important to Symrise. The Group wants climate-positive operations by 2030 and to actively help limit global warming to below 1.5 °C. During the last ten years, the company has already reduced its greenhouse gas emissions in terms of value added by more than half. Symrise is also very conscious of saving water and makes its contribution to keeping the resource available. By 2025, all production sites in regions affected by drought will improve their water efficiency by 15 percent compared to 2018.

Weitere Infos unter: www.cdp.net/en

Purpose built and designed with significantly more capacity, efficiency and data harvesting to drive growth

Treatt, an ingredients manufacturer and solutions provider to the global flavour, fragrance and consumer goods markets, has partnered with Siemens Digital Industries (DI) to build a world class digital manufacturing facility at its £41m new global headquarters.

Treatt’s purpose-built site in Bury St Edmunds replaces the existing complex in the town which has served as the company’s headquarters since 1971.

The new facility will bring together, under one roof, over 200 people in its science led distillation, manufacturing, logistics, technical and office-based functions in a once in a generation relocation upgrade to provide the scalable platform for further growth.

The factory will be controlled by Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 system which will offer Treatt more data, flexibility, scalability, availability, safety, and security in its production process.

Crucially it will automate its entire production process, enabling Treatt to increase efficiency and productivity, consistency, reliability, throughput, and repeatability.

The new factory is built and designed to have significantly more operational capacity in an optimally designed production space.

Mark Higham, General Manager, Process Automation, Siemens DI, said, “It is important for us to work very closely with Treatt to ensure we deliver the best solutions for their new headquarters.”

Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 distributed control system is a flexible and scalable platform which addresses the wide-ranging needs of the process industries. It has an open system architecture covering the entire production process ensuring the efficient interaction of all automation components in the factory.

Higham added, “Considering that Treatt is bringing all its functions of distillation, manufacturing and logistics operations under one roof then SIMATIC PCS 7 was a perfect fit.”

Some of the features of SIMATIC PCS 7 are its consistent approach to data management, the application of global standards, powerful and compact hardware and proven software libraries. These common features minimise the engineering overheads, reduce costs, shorten time to market and increase the flexibility of the plant.

Daemmon Reeve, Group CEO of Treatt said “As a science led innovator of ingredients designed to enable our customers to differentiate in the marketplace, we are excited to work with Siemens to drive a wide range of benefits into our world class manufacturing business.”

“Treatt sources a wide range of natural raw materials from supply partners around the world. As expected, nature provides variation in flavour profile from season to season and our job is to ensure consistency in the wide-ranging extracts we create for customers through complex distillation and extraction processes, so their beverages have the critical consistency in flavour profile.”

Treatt has a bespoke and dedicated analysis system which is now aligned and fully integrated with the Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 system to capture the results and data for future use as the company drives into further areas of digitalisation for the business.

In addition, Siemens has won a three-year service contract to support the new production facility.

Bruce Sinclair, Engineering & Site Services Manager, Treatt commented “The three-year service support contract is necessary as our operations team will be reliant on the new control systems for increased and efficient productivity. It is essential for us that maintenance of the new systems remain at a high standard set by the suppliers of the technology for longevity and competence.”

Siemens has already begun providing support with upskilling Treatt’s employees to use the new systems and their instrumentation engineer has completed a two-week training course at a Siemens site.

“Moving to the new site will be beneficial for our operation and our customers will see very clearly how our science led, customer partnership model is transforming Treatt into a crucial partner for those customers wanting true authenticity in natural extracts to enable them to win, that is what motivates us” says Reeve.

Higham, added, “I am delighted that our projects team are partnering with Treatt to deliver this advanced control system which will provide the backbone for their production processes and support their digitalisation journey.

“With digitalisation, we help manufacturers become more agile, and provide tools for reducing operations costs whilst increasing efficiency and reducing time to market.  In addition, our fully integrated safety and security concepts ascertain a safe production environment for employees and the facilities where they are deployed.”

Siemens has teamed up with a fully certified Process Instrumentation Approved Partner for the deployment of the full range of its instrumentation portfolio across all lines of production at the plant.

Jon Tayler, Director at Process Instrument Sales Ltd, commented: “Our strategy for Treatt was to provide a technically correct and commercially effective solution for the instrumentation requirements of the demanding process systems, whilst ensuring efficiencies, safe working practices and environmental criteria.

“Our long-standing relationship with Treatt, as their approved partner, meant that we are able to be an essential element of the Total Integrated Solution that Siemens promotes for seamless process control and monitoring, which is what the engineering team at Treatt have set out to achieve.”

As well as its UK operation Treatt has a manufacturing site in the USA and a sales office in China, with a network of agents throughout the world.

As Head of Global IT, the IT specialist Robert Kubotsch is taking on overall responsibility for information technology at Kautex Maschinenbau. With this appointment, the global leader in extrusion blow molding machines has filled another key position to steer and support its process of change. Robert Kubotsch will harmonize the existing IT systems and optimize them for cooperation between the global Kautex team, customers and partners. Isolated solutions which have been used to date will be replaced with a uniform IT structure at all locations, and the availability of IT services and infrastructure at crucial points will be improved.

Robert Kubotsch previously worked for an international plant and machinery manufacturer. In this role he was responsible for the maintenance and further development of IT at various locations. His experience of various projects across different sectors has given him a keen understanding of the business processes involved in running a machinery manufacturing enterprise, and its ever-expanding IT requirements.

Kautex Maschinenbau has been involved in a process of strategic realignment and restructuring for over two years. The company is bringing about harmonized processes and standards in line with the BeOne motto, as well as placing even greater emphasis on customer focus in all business areas. The production solutions are becoming more intelligent, modular, and flexible, and the aim is primarily to generate added value for customers.

These changes are accompanied by increasing digitalization in communication, production, and service. Data management, communication systems and comprehensive remote services place high demands in terms of the efficiency, standardization and global availability of IT. Kautex announced enhanced investment in this area some time ago. Robert Kubotsch and his team will now put the philosophy into action.

The World Citrus Organisation (WCO) Secretariat, together with its partner Fruitnet Media International, is finalising preparations for the first edition of the Global Citrus Congress, which will take place on 5 November 2020. The Global Citrus Congress will bring together the citrus community to discuss the current trends, challenges and opportunities for the citrus sector. More than 300 participants from across the globe have already registered to attend the virtual congress.

The programme of the first edition of the Global Citrus Congress 2020 will highlight the key areas of interest for the sector. This will include production and marketing trends, facilitating cooperation between suppliers and retailers to add value to the citrus category, new technologies and supply chain innovation helping citrus producers and marketers to respond to consumer demands towards increased sustainability, and harnessing the nutritional power of citrus to develop more effective marketing campaigns. Confirmed speakers include top representatives from the global citrus community, including Ms Naomi Pendleton from AM FRESH Group, Mr Jose Luis Molina from Hispatec, Mr John Chamberlain from Limoneira and Stephan Wesit from Rewe.

WCO Co-Chair and Director of AILIMPO Jose Antonio Garcia affirmed, “There is no doubt that this first edition of the Global Citrus Congress will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges of the future and consolidate the role of the World Citrus Organisation as a meeting point for the great citrus fruit family. Cooperation, communication and constructive debate are the key to tomorrow’s  success as these are the objectives of the Global Citrus Congress”. WCO Co-Chair and CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa Justin Chadwick added “As the World Citrus Organisation goes from strength to strength in terms of membership, this Congress will share important global citrus information and the views of leading actors in the sector. It is an event not to be missed”.

The Global Citrus Congress will be available live in both English and Spanish, and is free to join online and open to anyone with a smartphone or laptop and a high-speed internet connection. Registrations are still open at www.citruscongress.com.

Company to establish new operating units and global beverage category leads, supported by new platform services organization

Workforce to be aligned to focus on growth; reductions expected through voluntary and involuntary separation program

The Coca-Cola Company announced strategic steps to reorganize and better enable the Coca-Cola system to pursue its Beverages for Life strategy, with a portfolio of drinks that are positioned to capture growth in a fast-changing marketplace.

The company is building a networked global organization, combining the power of scale with the deep knowledge required to win locally. The company will create new operating units focused on regional and local execution that will work closely with five marketing category leadership teams that span the globe to rapidly scale ideas.

This structure will be supported by the company’s newly created Platform Services organization, which will provide global services and enhanced expertise across a range of critical capabilities.

“We have been on a multi-year journey to transform our organization,” said Chairman and CEO James Quincey. “The changes in our operating model will shift our marketing to drive more growth and put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritizing a portfolio of strong brands and a disciplined innovation framework. As we implement these changes, we’re continuing to evolve our organization, which will include significant changes in the structure of our workforce.”

Operating units

The company’s nine new operating units will help streamline the organization by replacing current business units and groups. The operating units will be highly interconnected, with more consistency in structure and a focus on eliminating duplication of resources and scaling new products more quickly.

The company’s current model includes 17 business units that sit under four geographical segments, plus Global Ventures and Bottling Investments. Moving forward, the operational side of the business will consist of nine operating units that will sit under four geographical segments, along with Global Ventures and Bottling Investments.

The company’s operating leaders will report to President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Smith.

Global category leads

Innovation, marketing efficiency and effectiveness are top priorities for the company. The Coca-Cola Company is conducting a portfolio rationalization process that will lead to a tailored collection of global, regional and local brands with the potential for greater growth. To drive these initiatives and support the operating units, the company is reinforcing and deepening its leadership in five global categories with the strongest consumer opportunities:

• Coca-Cola
• Sparkling Flavors
• Hydration, Sports, Coffee and Tea
• Nutrition, Juice, Milk and Plant
• Emerging Categories

The leaders of these categories will work across the networked organization to build the company’s brand portfolio and win in the marketplace. Global category leads will report to Chief Marketing Officer Manolo Arroyo.

Platform Services

The company announced the creation of Platform Services, an organization that will work in service of operating units, categories and functions to create efficiencies and deliver capabilities at scale across the globe. This will include data management, consumer analytics, digital commerce and social/digital hubs.

Platform Services is designed to improve and scale functional expertise and provide consistent service, including for governance and transactional work. This will eliminate duplication of efforts across the company and is built to work in partnership with bottlers.

Platform Services will be led by Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Integrated Services Officer Barry Simpson.

Aligning the company’s workforce to new priorities

The company’s structural changes will result in the reallocation of some people and resources, which will include voluntary and involuntary reductions in employees. The company is working on this next stage of design and will share more information in the future.

In order to minimize the impact from these structural changes, the company today announced a voluntary separation program that will give employees the option of taking a separation package, if eligible.

The program will provide enhanced benefits and will first be offered to approximately 4,000 employees in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico who have a most-recent hire date on or before Sept. 1, 2017. A similar program will be offered in many countries internationally. The voluntary program is expected to reduce the number of involuntary separations.

The company’s overall global severance programs are expected to incur expenses ranging from approximately $350 million to $550 million.

With an aging population globally, consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that help them to live their lives to the fullest while maintaining high levels of health and wellness regardless of their age.

While 7 out of 10 global consumers in an Innova Consumer Survey said that they had made changes over the past year to improve their health, these changes were not just for physical health, with consumers balancing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Changes to improve physical wellbeing continued to lead, with 53 % of respondents saying that they had made a change. However, numbers were also significant for consumers saying that they had taken steps to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing (44 % of respondents) and for consumers saying that they had sought more spiritual time (32 % of respondents).

As a result, nutrition that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing is thriving and can target the needs and preferences of different generations with more specific holistic approaches to help identify opportunities and optimize innovation.

Being aged 60+ continues to be redefined, as this age group strives to remain healthier and more active while potentially working until later in their lives than previous generations out of choice or necessity. Future seniors, however, will come from Generation X and Millennials, raised in a different era to the Silent Generation and Boomers who make up the over 60s of today.

Innova’s 2019 research study indicates that 76 % of consumers aged between 26 and 55 years agreed that healthy aging started with what they ate and drank, while 56 % said that they had increased their consumption of functional foods/drinks over the previous year.

Healthy aging claims are starting to appear more regularly on food products and beverages as younger generations prefer functional food & beverages to classic supplement formats. Global research by Innova Market Insights indicates that while 29.7 % of over 55s cited tablets and 26 % cited capsules as their preferred form of intake for supplements in 2019, among those aged 26 to 35 years, nearly 30 % preferred supplements in the form of food products and 27.7 % as beverages, falling slightly to 22.1 % and 25 %, respectively, for those aged 36 to 45.

This presents opportunities to redefine supplements and how they are used, while we are also seeing blurring boundaries between supplements and food/drinks.

It is clear that products with active health claims are increasingly featuring in the marketplace to cater to a variety of needs. Food and beverage launches with active health claims tracked by Innova Market Insights are seeing a growth of +11 % (Global, 2018 vs. 2019). There is a particular focus on healthy aging or aging well, both for seniors and for younger demographics who already engaging with preventative care.

Joint health, energy/alertness, immune health, and bone health are some of the fastest-growing active health claims for global food and beverage launches in recent years as links between particular nutrients and health benefits are increasingly made.

Brain health is another area of growing interest, particularly in terms of aging well, while targeting physical appearance via nutrition and diet is also seeing rapidly rising levels of interest.

On 7th September 2020 at 13:30 BST, Myrthe de Beukelaar, Market Analyst at Innova Market Insights, will present Health & Happiness: a Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging webinar as part of Vitafoods Virtual Expo event. Join Myrthe to learn more about how consumers are increasingly looking for solutions to live their life to the fullest. Register here.

Orange Juice

Global orange juice production for 2019/20 is estimated to slip 23 percent to 1.6 million tons (65 degrees brix) as production in Brazil and Mexico tumbles as a result of fewer oranges expected to be available for processing. Consumption is projected to be flat (though not down) and global trade is estimated lower with the expected drop in exports from Brazil and Mexico. …

Please download the full report: https://apps.fas.usda.gov

The global packaging producer, Ecolean has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal Recognition 2020 for its sustainability work. The certificate is awarded by the independent and trusted provider of sustainability ratings, EcoVadis. In the overall rankings, Ecolean is placed in the top 5 percent of a total of 60,000 companies assessed from 155 countries.

Ecolean’s high score is based on the company’s strategic work with clear objectives within significant areas of sustainability such as environment, including renewable energy and climate impact and social aspects – as well as via monitoring and transparent reporting of sustainability data of its lightweight packages and filling machines. For Ecolean, this is the first year the company participates in the ratings by EcoVadis.

EcoVadis is an independent provider of business sustainability ratings, which evaluates companies’ sustainability work in global supply chains annually. The assessment focuses on four key areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. EcoVadis uses international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative and the UN Global Compact.

About Ecolean
Ecolean develops and manufactures innovative packaging systems for the dairy and liquid food industry. Ecolean’s modern lightweight packaging is consumer convenience and environmental concern in one. Ecolean is a global company with its headquarters in Sweden. Established in 1996, the company has commercial activities in over 30 countries, with China, Pakistan and Russia being its largest markets. Ecolean has 450 employees.