Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands in Europe, North America, and Australia, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Frías Nutrición (“Frías”) from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Frías is a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks with a production facility located in Burgos, Spain and employs around 250 people. Frías produces private label plant-based drinks, including almond, rice, hazelnut, and soy drinks, for key Spanish retailers and beyond.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “As part of our proven Buy & Build strategy, we are looking to expand our capabilities in existing and adjacent beverage categories. The acquisition of Frías significantly strengthens our position in the fast-growing plant-based drinks category. It complements our existing footprint in Spain with a production facility solely dedicated to plant-based products.
“In addition, acquiring Frías enables us to further expand our service offering to retailers and branded customers and retailers across Europe, accelerates our product innovation capabilities in the plant-based drinks category, and underscores our ability to capture opportunities in the market.”
Bruno Delgado-Luque, Partner Alantra Private Equity, added: “Since we acquired Frías in 2019, the company has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, confirming its leadership position in the Iberian Peninsula, and expanding its international business. Together with the Frías family, we launched a major investment plan that resulted in the creation of one of the most modern and efficient plant-based drinks factories in Europe. We are confident that Frías has a bright future ahead and will continue its successful growth with the support of Refresco.”
About Refresco Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national and emerging brands with production in Europe, North America and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees.
About Alantra Private Equity Alantra Private Equity is a pioneer in the Iberian private equity market with more than 30 years of experience and investments of c. €2.0bn. It has a unique and proven track record in the food and beverage, healthcare, and industrial technology sectors throughout different economic cycles. Since 1990, Alantra Private Equity has led investments in more than 120 assets (60 platforms and 65 add-ons) and has completed more than 50 exits.
BENEO, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for food, feed and pharma, is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Roques as CEO and new member of its Executive Board of Directors at BENEO GmbH, effective from 1st June 2024.
With an engineering degree in agronomics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Olivier brings more than three decades of experience within the international ingredients industry to this new role. He started his career in the dairy and flavour industries, followed by more than twenty years in leadership roles in the USA and Europe at Agrana Fruit, a world leading manufacturer of fruit preparations. This included positions in sales, food safety and quality and new product development. Prior to his new role at BENEO, Olivier was positioned as CEO of Agrana Fruit Europe.
In addition to being BENEO’s new CEO, Olivier will also be responsible for overseeing all sales and marketing as BENEO’s new Chief Sales Officer, succeeding Dominic Speleers. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as BENEO’s product portfolio of plant-based functional ingredients continues to grow in diversity.
The Cartersville plant expansion is a pivotal step for Döhler North America. Doubling capacity and introducing advanced production lines for Compounds, Liquid Flavours, Extractions, and Syrups, this initiative underlines the company’s commitment to the Americas. With AI developments and automated flavour compounding system, Döhler aims to deliver agility and quality to the flavour industry. The recent groundbreaking ceremony signifies a dedication to transformative growth in the year ahead.
Döhler North America is gearing up for an exciting start to 2024 with the launch of the Cartersville, GA, plant expansion. Following a 2023 filled with significant achievements and partnerships, the company is ready for continued success, underlining its commitment to research, and enhanced production capabilities. The expansion demonstrates Döhler’s dynamic approach to shaping the future of the food and beverage industry and bringing ideas to life.
Last year, Döhler achieved remarkable milestones that strengthened their commitment to make the life of their customers better and easier. Including a strategic US-based global partnership with Ixora Scientific, an innovative hub in New Jersey, and the global acquisition of SVZ made a substantial impact in North America, broadening Döhler’s reach and capabilities.
Now, building on the successes, Döhler embarks on the expansion of its Cartersville plant, a key player in the company’s North American operations. The first phase of the expansion not only addresses immediate growth needs but lays the foundation for future expansions. The Cartersville facility will host advanced production lines and technologic R&D labs, with a specific focus on Compounds, Liquid Flavours, Extractions, and Syrups.
Paul Graham, General Manager Regional Cluster Americas, emphasises the strategic significance of the expansion, stating, “The Cartersville plant has been an integral part of Döhler’s success in North America for over a decade. This expansion reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers, and it positions us for even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Charles Spenceley, Head of Operations Regional Cluster Americas, adds, “We are excited about the potential this expansion brings. It enlarges our capacity for hot fill bottling and increases our flavour production capacity. This significant boost in capability enables us to better serve our customers and solidify our position as industry leaders.”
Looking ahead, Döhler plans to continue its investment across the Americas region adding an automated flavour compounding and sampling system to their taste innovation hub in North Brunswick, NJ, and a bigger version of it to their Cartersville plant. This system, capable of transforming raw materials into flavour samples in just a minute, will be complemented by AI developments from Germany.
To mark the initiation of the Cartersville plant expansion, a ceremony was conducted in January, signifying Döhler’s commitment to fortify its presence in the North American flavour industry.
Plant protein powder is no longer exclusive to vegans and athletes, with significant numbers of mainstream consumers now shopping the category, according to new research commissioned by MycoTechnology, Inc., the mushroom mycelial fermentation specialist.
The survey of 725 plant protein powder users, carried out by Brightfield Group in Q1 2023, found that just 17 % of them identified as vegan. Furthermore, 38 % of the respondents in the survey who declared that they purchase only plant-based protein powders said they mixed them with dairy milk, indicating that they buy such products for reasons other than dietary lifestyle choices.
Meanwhile, fewer than half of the respondents in the survey (46 %) identified as athletes, even though as many as 77 % of them said they exercised at least three times a week. The vast majority (93 %) stated that they exercise to support their mental health.
When asked to describe themselves, 34 % of respondents were identified as ‘early adopter’ consumers. Another 31 % were ‘early majority’ shoppers, indicating a shift for plant protein powder into a more mainstream demographic.
When it comes to product quality, plant-based protein powder consumers are in broad agreement. Nearly all of them (92 %) said they would find a product more appealing if it offered higher quality protein, with 91 % attracted by a protein that is more complete. Beyond nutritional factors, 91 % of respondents said they favour products that promise a better taste.
MycoTechnology’s Marketing Director, Jonas Feliciano, commented: “These findings demonstrate that plant protein is smashing apart outdated stereotypes and is now earning strong support among mainstream consumers. The fact that so many blend their plant protein powder with milk is a strong sign that non-vegans consider plant protein to be a conventional product and a key part of a healthy diet. Most notably, all but a few of the respondents to our survey said that they considered protein quality and flavour to be of the utmost importance. The successful plant proteins of the future will be those which are able to tap into the needs and preferences of these highly discerning consumers.”
Bethany Gomez, Managing Director at Brightfield Group, added: “Plant-based protein users are a young, affluent group that prefers cleaner eating–no sugar added, all natural, preservative free–and they’re willing to pay for high quality products with that strong health profile. This group is also more likely to be using functional ingredients, like mushrooms and adaptogens, so we know they’re open to new and alternative ways to get the types of sustenance and nutrition they’re looking for. Brands that strive to offer high quality products, using cutting edge ingredients, will find a group of users ready and willing to dig in.”
A trailblazer in the development of next-generation plant proteins, MycoTechnology offers a line of plant proteins including FermentIQ™ PTP – a pea and rice protein blend fermented by mushroom mycelia to deliver superior performance and nutrition. Providing all essential amino acids, it has a PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) of 1.0 for ages 3 and above. Its unique fermentation process also enhances digestibility, enabling 99.9 % of the protein consumed to be easily digested. As a result, FermentIQ™ PTP offers a nutritional value competitive with animal and soy proteins.
MycoTechnology’s proprietary process also deodorises and de-flavours the plant proteins, offering better tasting, more neutral solutions with superior functionality in a range of applications. For those looking to take the taste of their products to the next level, MycoTechnology also offers ClearIQ™ – a natural, clean-label bitter blocker and flavour clarifier.
Elopak has announced plans to build its first U.S. production plant with the latest state-of-the-art technology for better and more efficient production. The plant will produce Pure-Pak® cartons for liquid dairy, juices, plant-based products and liquid eggs. The new production facility will be located in Little Rock, Arkansas and is expected to start production in H1, 2025.
It represents a significant investment for the region of around USD 70 million including the land, the building and the equipment.
Following the investment announcement in June 2023, the company has evaluated different financing opportunities and concluded to own and fully finance the plant on the balance sheet. Hence, the nominal cost of the investment will be recognized in the balance sheet instead of the discounted value of the lease payments, increasing the reported investment by around USD 15 million. This is economically more profitable for Elopak compared to partly leasing, which was assumed in June. Further, around USD 5 million is added to the investment to further optimize the scope of the project and support further long term growth.
Since the announcement in June, we have signed contracts with some of our existing customers in the region, further strengthening the investment case.
The new plant will create more than 100 permanent jobs in the region for engineers, printers, operators, logistics specialists and other support groups.
“This is our first converting plant in the U.S. and a landmark investment for our company. North America is a key building block for our future growth and we are very excited to expand our presence in the region. I would like to thank all parties involved for enabling the next step in our North American growth journey” says Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Elopak.
ofi (olam food ingredients), a global leader in naturally good food and beverage ingredients, is celebrating the official opening of the first phase of its new, state-of-the-art dairy processing plant located in the dairy heartland of New Zealand – the Waikato region in the north island of the country. The facility will produce dairy ingredients like whole milk powder to meet growing demand, targeting key customer applications in dessert, bakery, beverage, and confectionery categories.
Sandeep Jain, Managing Director and CEO, Dairy, at ofi commented: “As we continue to expand our dairy manufacturing capabilities and innovation infrastructure, the new Tokoroa plant will become part of a global network that spans major milk consumption markets, such as South-East Asia, China, the Middle East, and Africa. The new plant also complements a suite of enhancements made to ofi’s dairy production facility and Ingredient Excellence Centre (IEC) in Johor, Malaysia back in September – which combined with our Customer Solutions Center based in Singapore, enables us to co-create bespoke food and beverage solutions for our customers. Our dairy business is well positioned to serve increased demand from our global customer base and co-create innovative applications at scale – driving additional focus on the value-added capabilities within our portfolio.”
The Tokoroa dairy ingredients forms part of ofi’s much wider natural ingredients portfolio which includes cocoa, coffee, nuts and spices, ideal combinations with dairy for customized products such as yogurts, protein bars and ready-to-drink tea, coffee and cocoa beverages. The new facility also complements ofi’s existing global footprint, driving stronger partnerships with its customers and strengthening its co-creation capabilities across the region.
The next stage of investment will see further capability added to the facility to develop high value dairy ingredients, expanding the range of ofi’s offering. It will also enable ofi to look at ways to grow the value of its milk, generating better returns for its farmer partners while delivering on its ambition to produce ingredients in a way that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.
Naval Sabri, Senior Vice President, Dairy, at ofi said: “The enthusiastic response we’ve received from local farmers shows that our partnership approach, and ofi’s global reputation as a leading dairy ingredients provider and innovator, has struck a chord with them.”
Plant protein powder is no longer exclusive to vegans and athletes, with significant numbers of mainstream consumers now shopping the category, according to new research commissioned by MycoTechnology, Inc., the mushroom mycelial fermentation specialist.
The survey of 725 plant protein powder users, carried out by Brightfield Group in Q1 2023, found that just 17 % of them identified as vegan. Furthermore, 38 % of the respondents in the survey who declared that they purchase only plant-based protein powders said they mixed them with dairy milk, indicating that they buy such products for reasons other than dietary lifestyle choices.
Meanwhile, fewer than half of the respondents in the survey (46 %) identified as athletes, even though as many as 77 % of them said they exercised at least three times a week. The vast majority (93 %) stated that they exercise to support their mental health.
When asked to describe themselves, 34 % of respondents were identified as ‘early adopter’ consumers. Another 31 % were ‘early majority’ shoppers, indicating a shift for plant protein powder into a more mainstream demographic.
When it comes to product quality, plant-based protein powder consumers are in broad agreement. Nearly all of them (92 %) said they would find a product more appealing if it offered higher quality protein, with 91 % attracted by a protein that is more complete. Beyond nutritional factors, 91 % of respondents said they favour products that promise a better taste.
MycoTechnology’s Marketing Director, Jonas Feliciano, commented: “These findings demonstrate that plant protein is smashing apart outdated stereotypes and is now earning strong support among mainstream consumers. The fact that so many blend their plant protein powder with milk is a strong sign that non-vegans consider plant protein to be a conventional product and a key part of a healthy diet. Most notably, all but a few of the respondents to our survey said that they considered protein quality and flavour to be of the utmost importance. The successful plant proteins of the future will be those which are able to tap into the needs and preferences of these highly discerning consumers.”
Bethany Gomez, Managing Director at Brightfield Group, added: “Plant-based protein users are a young, affluent group that prefers cleaner eating–no sugar added, all natural, preservative free–and they’re willing to pay for high quality products with that strong health profile. This group is also more likely to be using functional ingredients, like mushrooms and adaptogens, so we know they’re open to new and alternative ways to get the types of sustenance and nutrition they’re looking for. Brands that strive to offer high quality products, using cutting edge ingredients, will find a group of users ready and willing to dig in.”
A trailblazer in the development of next-generation plant proteins, MycoTechnology offers a line of plant proteins including FermentIQ™ PTP – a pea and rice protein blend fermented by mushroom mycelia to deliver superior performance and nutrition. Providing all essential amino acids, it has a PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) of 1.0 for ages 3 and above. Its unique fermentation process also enhances digestibility, enabling 99.9 % of the protein consumed to be easily digested. As a result, FermentIQ™ PTP offers a nutritional value competitive with animal and soy proteins.
MycoTechnology’s proprietary process also deodorises and de-flavours the plant proteins, offering better tasting, more neutral solutions with superior functionality in a range of applications. For those looking to take the taste of their products to the next level, MycoTechnology also offers ClearIQ™ – a natural, clean-label bitter blocker and flavour clarifier.
Elopak has announced that it will build a new plant in the USA to better serve its customers in the Americas and accelerate growth in the region. The new plant will allow Elopak to build on an already strong track record of organic and profitable growth driven by high customer demand in the region.
Elopak will invest around USD 50 million (including lease liability) in the new plant over the period 2023 – 2024. The investment will be financed by utilizing Elopak’s existing Revolving Credit Facility. The plant is expected to commence production in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will create more than 100 new jobs.
Lionel Ettedgui, EVP North America says: “Over the last few years, Elopak has delivered very strong profitable growth in Americas. The time has now come to increase capacity to further strengthen our organization and enable us to provide quality service to our customers in Americas faster and more efficiently.”
Thomas Körmendi, CEO says: “I am truly excited about this investment. This is a response to the strong demand that we are seeing for our innovative and sustainable solutions. It is a landmark investment for our company as Americas is one of the key building blocks of our strategy.”
First plant engineering company in the market to be certified
On 24 March 2023, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH was named an official Solution Partner of SIEMENS AG for automation systems, drives and the SISTAR BRAUMAT expert module. The company, which specialises in tanks and process engineering for the brewing, beverage and liquid food industry, is thus certified for exceptional expertise in automation. From its base in Ludwigsburg it can provide top-quality future-ready automation solutions anywhere in the world in conjunction with systems from SIEMENS.
In addition, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA is celebrating a world first, as Koray Müftiler, Key Account Manager of SIEMENS AG, explains: “I’m very pleased that the certification is now complete and that we can officially announce our Solution Partnership. This makes ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA the first plant engineering company in the market to be certified for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”
The Siemens Solution Partner certificate was presented in Ludwigsburg by a SIEMENS delegation comprising Frank Hauber, Koray Müftiler and Dirk Grafe. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA was represented at the ceremony by Klaus Gehrig, CEO, Wolfram Hänsel, Head of Process Automation Software, and the staff of the automation team. The certificate was presented at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA’s pilot plant, which has operated for years with SIEMENS BRAUMAT. Klaus Gehrig explained his company’s thorough familiarity with BRAUMAT: “Cooperation between our companies in automation began decades ago. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA has therefore become an expert in BRAUMAT and created highly efficient module libraries. This knowledge is unique in the market. So it’s appropriate that we should be the first to be certified by SIEMENS for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”
SIG will construct its first aseptic carton plant in India, the world’s largest milk market, and one of the largest juice producing countries globally. The plant will be in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat. SIG entered the Indian market in 2018 and has seen a rapid expansion of its business. The plant will supply its growing filler base, which now serves all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink players.
The investment will cover state-of-the art production capacity, for the printing and finishing of aseptic carton packs with high environmental standards. Construction will commence in Q1 2023, and commercial production is expected towards the end of 2024. Phase one of construction is expected to create around 300 jobs.
SIG will invest approximately EUR 60 million over the period 2023–2025, to reach production capacity of up to 4 billion packs per annum. Subsequent investments could increase capacity up to 10 billion packs per annum. Land and buildings will be financed through a long-term lease with an NPV of approximately EUR 30 million.
New facility aligns with ESG principles, enables scale-up of start-up’s fruit juice sugar-reducing tech
Sugar-reduction foodTech start-up Better-Juice, Ltd. launches its first full-capacity manufacturing plant setting the wheels in motion for full commercial production of its proprietary sugar-reducing immobilised enzymes. The new facility will enable the company to fulfill current commissions from juice producers globally, as well as respond to anticipated new demands.
The groundbreaking technology developed by the Israeli start-up produces proprietary beads composed of non-GMO microorganisms that naturally convert the juice’s composition of fruit sugars including sucrose, glucose and fructose into better-for-you prebiotic and other non-digestible fibers.
The new site—located in the Nes Ziona science park south of Tel Aviv—is replete with commercial-scale equipment, including an industrial fermenter and industrial immobilisation processor. The specialised equipment is used for growing and harvesting the beaded microorganisms used in producing Better Juice’s immobilised sugar-reducing enzymes. The site also houses pilot labs and the company’s new headquarters.
The new plant has a production capacity to support sugar-reduction of 250 million liters of juice per year. Better Juice has entered into commitments with a number of juice companies to reduce the sugar loads in various fruit juices, including apple, orange, and pineapple juices.
Better Juice’s technology can reduce up to 80 % of the simple sugar content in fruit juices and fruit-based condiments without any degradation of naturally occurring nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It does not dilute the product in a way, maintaining the body and full flavour of the juice and only gently reducing the sweetness. Better Juice’s groundbreaking technology decreases the naturally occurring simple sugar loads in a versatile range of products, including juices, jams, yoghurts, ice creams, sorbets, and more, to the food and beverages manufacturers desired levels.
“This move marks a major leap forward in our commercialisation efforts,” enthuses Gali Yarom, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “We project that the new plant will accommodate our production needs for the next four years. As interest and demand in our technology continue to flourish in the global fruit juice sphere, we will expand our production capabilities outside of Israel as well.” Wired magazine recently rated Better Juice as one on of the 10 most promising start-ups in Israel.
Better Juice’s facility and operations also maintain high alignment to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles. The biodegradable polymer beads are rechanneled to livestock feed after being used in the production phase, minimising waste. The bioreactors, which have a 20-year lifespan, can be controlled remotely, reducing the company’s need for travel and its subsequent carbon footprint. Only a small amount of energy is required to activate the bioreactors. On a social level, the company boasts a 50 % female workforce and assists manufacturers of fruit-based products to comply with the various “sugar tax” regulations in the regions where they operate.
“We had to design and construct specialised systems from scratch to support our unique production processes while taking environmental considerations into account and adhering to the strictest requirements for waste treatment, water recycling, and energy efficiency,” notes Henry Elkoby, Chief Engineer of Better Juice.
“Better Juice was founded with the vision of promoting the overall well-being of people globally,” asserts Eran Blachinsky, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “The realisation that also naturally squeezed fruit juice can harbor high quantities of simple sugar is what sparked the creation of the Better Juice technology,” adds Blachinsky. “It has been an incredible journey seeing our concept evolve into fruition, and onto the global market so that more people around the world can enjoy the full flavour and nutritional benefits of fruit juices.”
Better Juice was founded in 2018 as one of the first start-ups to be nurtured by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub. “Better Juice brings a new hope for juice manufacturers and consumers, by reversing the perception of natural fruit juices as overly sugary products and turning juices into better-for-you beverages,” says Amir Zaidman, Chief Business Officer of The Kitchen Hub and a Better Juice board member. “The company offers a truly better juice product by reducing the sugars while maintaining their natural profile of vitamins, minerals and fibers.”
Starting in mid-July 2022, GEA and Israeli start-up Better Juice will conduct product tests on behalf of beverage manufacturers looking to lower the sugar content in drinks. To provide the service, the new GEA Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid, which the industrial systems supplier developed based on the Better Juice process, has been installed at the GEA Test Center in Ahaus, Germany. With this innovative solution for the juice industry, GEA is raising the profile of the Ahaus facility as a key hub for piloting aseptic processing and filling of sensitive foods and beverages.
Test Center provides solutions for unique product requirements
“We can now collaborate with our customers at the Test Center to strike the ideal balance between a sweet note and reduced sugar content,” says Gali Yarom, co-founder and joint CEO of Better Juice. To that end, the microbiologists from Better Juice will join forces with GEA’s specialist engineers to support and guide companies in running trials. The GEA Test Center at Ahaus will provide laboratory services dedicated to testing all important analytical parameters.
“It’s often necessary to initially demystify innovative solutions like the Better Juice process. That’s why it’s all the more important to make the case for the technology with manufacturers in person,” says Sascha Wesely who leads the Non-Alcoholic Beverages business at GEA. “The Ahaus trials help us optimize process efficiency right from the outset. By running scalable tests under real-life conditions, we significantly cut the time to market.”
A scalable, enzymatic solution to removing up to 80 percent of sugar from fresh juices
Thanks to a patented enzymatic process, this is the world’s first solution that naturally reduces the sugar content of fruit drinks by up to 80 percent, without affecting its nutritional value or authentic taste. The juice flows continuously through a bioreactor containing GMO-free, immobilized microorganisms which convert simple sugars into prebiotic, non-digestible molecules that benefit the intestinal flora. As a result, the GEA Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid succeeds in removing up to 80 percent of the sugar in natural fruit juices, concentrates as well as fruit-based mixtures, such as purees. At the end of 2021, the partners won their first commercial order from a company in the U.S. where, once integrated into production, the system will create juices with much less sugar.
Leading spore-forming probiotic BC30TM improves protein absorption from plant sources, a new clinical study has shown.
The findings are significant for food and beverage manufacturers because they demonstrate potential to offer an additional benefit in plant-based products containing BC30. There may be opportunities for products targeting seniors – who typically require higher protein intake to maintain muscle mass – as well as vegetarians, vegans, and athletes.
The double-blind randomised study was carried out over a two-week period, with 30 healthy women between the ages of 50 and 70 taking part. Each consumed a daily plant-based beverage containing 20 g of protein, sourced from a combination of pea and rice proteins, either with or without 1 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) of BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086®).
After the final dose, blood samples were analysed for amino acid concentrations. Over the whole course of the measurement period, subjects in the BC30 group showed significantly higher values for total amino acids and total essential amino acids, as well as significantly higher than average levels of certain individual amino acids. The BC30 group also showed also showed higher maximum concentrations of total amino acids, essential amino acids, and several individual amino acids.
Part of Kerry’s ProActive Health Portfolio, BC30 is a patented spore-forming probiotic which can be used in a range of food and beverage products. It is backed by over 25 published papers, including a 2020 study demonstrating that it supports protein absorption from milk protein concentrate.
John Quilter, Kerry VP of Global Portfolio – ProActive Health, said: “Previous research has indicated the potential of BC30 to support protein absorption from plant-based sources, but this is the first human clinical study to do so. We’re now able to say that BC30 supports protein absorption from both dairy and plant sources – it’s another benefit that makes it the leading spore-forming probiotic.”
He added: “One of the reasons this research is so exciting is that it’s in line with so many contemporary food and nutrition trends. With demand for high-protein products firmly in the mainstream, consumers in all groups are interested in foods and beverages that offer efficient protein digestion. At the same time, more and more people are following plant-based diets and looking for sustainable nutrition solutions. Many vegetarians and vegans – along with groups like seniors and athletes – could benefit from more efficient absorption of protein to support outcomes such as muscle-building.”
The study was carried out by researchers at the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory at the School of Health Sciences at Lindenwood University, Missouri, led by Dr Chad Kerksick, Associate Professor of Exercise Science. A research poster was presented on June 17th, 2022, at the annual conference of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). The full study is expected to be published in a scientific journal in late 2022 or early 2023.
About BC30TM BC30TM (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is a patented, FDA GRAS probiotic ingredient found in more than 1,000 leading food and beverage products around the world. It is a shelf-stable, science-backed probiotic strain that has been shown to support digestive health, immune health, and protein absorption. Unlike most other probiotic strains, BC30 is a spore-former, which makes it highly stable and allows it to remain viable throughout most manufacturing processes and the low pH of stomach acid. Well-researched and easy to formulate into functional food, beverages and companion animal products, BC30 is backed by over 25 published papers. Part of Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio, BC30 is natural, and available in vegan, non-GMO Project-verified, organic-compliant and allergen-free versions.
Novelis Inc., a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider and a world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced it will invest USD 2.5 billion to build a new low-carbon recycling and rolling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama, US. The highly advanced facility will have an initial 600 kilotonnes of finished aluminum goods capacity per year.
“This investment marks the start of another transformational growth phase for Novelis,” said Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group and the Novelis Board of Directors. “We continue to invest in each of the markets Novelis serves – from beverage can to automotive, aerospace and specialties – and in all geographies. Novelis has a track record of success in delivering customers the low-carbon, sustainable aluminum solutions they seek, and we will continue that storied history with this investment and others to come.”
More than half of the capacity of the new facility will be used to serve growing demand for aluminum beverage can sheet in North America, which is driven by consumer preference for more sustainable packaging.
“Through this investment, we are making a demonstrative commitment to continue to grow alongside our customers and meet their needs for low-carbon, highly sustainable aluminum solutions,” said Steve Fisher, President and CEO of Novelis Inc. “In addition, we are well-positioned to efficiently expand capacity at this facility in the future – above the 600 kt announced today – to capture ongoing strong demand. Our readiness to invest to serve growing markets is a perfect example of how we are delivering on our company purpose of shaping a sustainable world together.”
Novelis’ decision to build a fully integrated, greenfield recycling and rolling plant is backed by strong North American demand for flat-rolled, low-carbon aluminum from can makers and beverage companies. Aluminum beverage cans, bottles and cups are the models of sustainable packaging and the circular economy. With an average “can-to-can” lifecycle of just a couple of months, a can that is recycled today can be back on store shelves in as little as 60 days.
“As the world’s leading supplier of infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage packaging, Ball is committed to creating a circular economy within the aluminum industry and decarbonizing the value chain is fundamental to this work,” said Ron Lewis, Ball Corporation’s chief operating officer, global beverage packaging. “Novelis’ new recycling and rolling plant will not only add much needed domestic production of sustainable aluminum here in North America but will do so while decreasing the carbon footprint of the products we create.”
The facility will be the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the U.S. in 40 years. It is expected to create up to 1,000 high-paying, advanced careers in modern manufacturing. It will also be the most sophisticated and sustainable of its kind. It will aim to be net carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2, be powered primarily by renewable energy, use recycled water and be a zero-waste facility. It will also rely on railroad transportation, which can reduce logistics-related carbon emissions by up to 70 % compared to road transport. The plant will make significant use of advanced automation and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics.
With the addition of a new recycling center for beverage cans, Novelis will soon be able to recycle 90 billion cans globally, up from the 74 billion used beverage cans the company currently recycles. To support this, Novelis has been working to develop circular economies for aluminum through state and federal public policies, as well as through partnerships with customers and other stakeholders on new approaches that encourage and incentivise U.S. consumers to recycle more often.
“Aluminum cans are an important form of packaging that, when recycled, play a vital role in our overall efforts to reduce waste,” said John Murphy, Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. “The announcement of this new, low-carbon recycling and rolling facility by our longtime partners at Novelis will benefit the Coca-Cola system, our customers and consumers, while reducing impact on the environment.”
Site work is under way now and the company expects to begin commissioning in mid-2025.
In addition to the beverage can market, the facility will also serve the automotive market, where aluminum is the fastest growing material as automakers make plans to achieve their sustainability goals.
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) announced that it plans to build a new state-of-the-art USD200 million beverage can plant in Northern Ireland. The plant will be located near Belfast and will service the growing needs of AMP’s beverage customers in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
This initiative is part of a multi-billion dollar investment programme by AMP involving the construction of new, infinitely recyclable, metal packaging capacity in Europe, North America and Brazil. Metal cans are the most recycled drinks package in the world, contributing to a circular economy and the sustainability requirements of AMP customers and consumers.
AMP plans to build the new plant at Global Point near Belfast, close to key local customers, at a cost of some USD200 million. Though details on precise jobs numbers are still being finalised, the investment by AMP will lead to the creation of a large number of full-time jobs for engineers, technicians and other roles.
AMP is currently at the pre-planning application stage and is actively engaged with local stakeholders on the project. Further details of the plant will be announced over the coming months.
AMP, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is 75 % owned by Ardagh Group the international packaging group which traces its origins back to glass manufacturing in Dublin in the 1930’s.
Ball Corporation announced today plans to build a new U.S. aluminum beverage packaging plant in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The multi-line plant is scheduled to begin production in late 2022 and is expected to create nearly 180 manufacturing jobs when fully operational.
“Our new North Las Vegas plant is Ball’s latest investment to serve accelerating demand for our portfolio of infinitely recyclable aluminum containers,” said Kathleen Pitre, president, Ball beverage packaging North & Central America. “The new plant is supported by numerous long-duration contracts for committed volume with our strategic global partners and regional customers and will enable us to serve customer and consumer needs for more sustainable aluminum beverage packaging while furthering our Drive for 10 vision.”
Ball plans to invest nearly $290 million in its North Las Vegas facility over multiple years. The plant will supply a range of innovative can sizes to a variety of beverage customers. Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, aluminum cans, bottles and cups enable a truly circular economy in which materials can be and actually are used again and again. In fact, 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
Ball chose the North Las Vegas location for its new facility due to its proximity to customer can-filling investments, increasing regional demand, the infrastructure in place, the regional labor base and the cooperation of state and local officials.
Tetra Pak announces a project to expand its Châteaubriant plant, in France, dedicated to the design and manufacturing of caps, while ensuring increased production capacity to enable the future transition to tethered caps.
Tetra Pak announced an ambitious investment program dedicated to its factory in Châteaubriant, specialised in the production of caps. Spanning across a three-year period (late 2021-2023), this €100 million project will support the plant’s transition to the production of tethered caps by 2024. Tethered caps help to minimise litter, as the cap will stay attached to the package.
This step – that is in addition to the company’s commitment to invest approximately €100 million per year over the next 5 – 10 years to develop more sustainable packaging solutions – is key to ensuring that Tetra Pak’s customers in Europe will be ready to comply with the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, an integral part of the wider approach announced in the Plastics Strategy and an important element of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
Charles Brand, President of Tetra Pak Europe & Central Asia, comments: “We are particularly proud of this investment project, which demonstrates how we consistently strive to provide customers with sustainable innovations and meet the rapidly changing demands of regulators and society. High-performance food packaging plays a critical role in feeding the world, but it must do so sustainably, so that food availability does not come at the cost of the planet.”
The Châteaubriant plant is a key manufacturing facility for Tetra Pak, serving food and beverage manufacturers globally, with a production capacity of approximately 5 billion caps in 2020. Awarded last year with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Advanced Products certification, the factory is also equipped to produce additional materials integrating attributed recycled polymers. Today, the site covers an area of over 30,000 sqm and features 19 lines dedicated to the manufacture of 6 types of caps.
The investment will be spread over two phases. The first one begins in late 2021, where the company will enlarge the industrial site to accommodate a 30 % increase in manufacturing capacity through the installation of ten additional lines that will be dedicated to the production of tethered caps. Then, between 2022 and 2023, approximately 50 % of the existing lines will be replaced, again to expand the access of F&B players to tethered caps.
SIG announced that it will construct a new plant in Queretaro, Mexico to serve North American markets. The plant will further expand SIG’s global production network and will enable the company to build on its strong track record of growth in North America.
Through its existing sales and service presence, SIG has been able to forge strong relationships with major dairies in Mexico, a large and growing milk market. In the USA, SIG has a well established co-manufacturing customer base and is ideally placed to serve innovative and expanding new categories.
SIG will invest around €40 million in the new plant over the period 2021-2023. The investment will cover state-of-the art production capacity for the printing, cutting and finishing of carton packs. The plant is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023 and will create around 200 jobs. It will have a highly flexible layout with a focus on ergonomics and the environment. Land and buildings will be financed through a long-term lease with an NPV of approximately €20 million.
With new management and expanded production area, the plant manufacturer is implementing a step in the long-term development strategy of the site
New management: Bartłomiej Berger, Piotr Cieplinski, Marek Winkler (from left to right) (Photo: Ruland)
The Tychy (Poland) site of plant manufacturer Ruland is starting the new year with a new management team. The new management consists of Piotr Cieplinski, Marek Winkler and Bartłomiej Berger, all three long-time employees of the company. Founded in 1993 by Eugen Blaski, the site serves a great many beverage producers and breweries in Europe, but also supplies plant technology worldwide to all producers who process liquid products. Together with the company founder, the new management has initiated several modernisations in recent years as part of a long-term development strategy. A new ERP system, intensive staff training and, above all, the new production hall provide modern structures and workflows for plant engineering and construction.
Growing demand together with an increased need for manufacturing space for large plant modules made the new production hall necessary. In addition, it enables efficient processing of plant production up to loading. Two modern overhead cranes, eight permanent welding cabins with aeration and ventilation systems as well as dust extraction systems, a closed welding etching system with waste neutralisation facilitate the assembly of the individual plant modules.
At the same time as the new production areas, new office and social rooms were created for the continuously growing staff. Ruland Tychy currently employs 111 people, mainly engineers, plant designers, automation specialists, technicians and fitters.
Eugen Blaski hands over the management of the company with a good feeling: “We have initiated a number of modernisations that have put Ruland Tychy in a good position. Our three new managing directors know the technical requirements in plant construction very well. They know what potential Ruland and the team have and how best to use it.” Eugen Blaski will remain with Ruland Tychy in an advisory role.
About Ruland Engineering & Consulting Ruland Engineering & Consulting GmbH plans and implements process plants worldwide. The owner-managed company offers its customers plant engineering of the highest quality. It supplies individual, innovative and practice-oriented solutions in the fields of tank farms, mixing and dosing systems, thermal plants as well as vacuum degassing plants, filtration plants, fermenters and CIP plants. Complete automation with its own control cabinet construction has been a speciality for many years. Ruland assembles its plants itself and also carries out commissioning, piping assembly and documentation. Services such as maintenance and spart parts management round off the plant construction spectrum.
Crown Holdings, Inc. announced that its Brazilian subsidiary CROWN Embalagens S.A., plans to build its sixth beverage can plant in Brazil. The new two-line facility will produce two-piece aluminum cans in multiple sizes and have annual capacity of 2.4 billion cans when fully operational. The first line is expected to begin production in the second quarter of 2022, followed by the second line in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The new plant will be located in Minas Gerais State, southeast Brazil to meet the growing demand in the region for beer and soft drink cans. Crown has been operating in Brazil since 1942 and has a strong presence with two-piece aluminum beverage can plants in Cabreúva (São Paulo State), Estância (Sergipe State), Ponta Grossa (Paraná State), Rio Verde (Goiás State), Teresina (Piaui State) and a beverage end plant in Manaus (Amazonas State). The new plant will expand Crown’s annual production capacity in Brazil to 13.3 billion cans.
“Brazil is an important growth market for us and our partner, Évora S.A. This expansion will help meet the country’s increased demand for beverage cans and demonstrates Crown’s continuing commitment to grow with our customers,” commented Djalma Novaes, President of Crown’s Americas Division. “The aluminum beverage can is perfect for the Brazilian market; it is recyclable and sustainable, is shipped easily and most efficiently preserves the quality of the beverage product for the ultimate consumer.”
Completition of wind power transition advances Company’s global operations to 27.5 % renewable electricity, aligns with Twentyby30 and RE100 commitments
Crown Holdings, Inc. is now operating all 14 of its beverage can plants in the U.S. and Canada on renewable energy. It is the first metal packaging manufacturer to achieve this milestone, which is the result of a 15-year wind power Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Longroad Energy. With the VPPA in effect and all of Crown’s manufacturing facilities in the U.K. already completing a similar transition, 27.5 % of the Company’s global operations are now using renewable electricity.
This accelerated usage of alternative power sources serves as a major step in Crown’s plan to employ 60 % renewable electricity by 2030, 90 % by 2040 and 100 % by 2050—targets established in Crown’s Twentyby30 initiative, a comprehensive sustainability program that addresses climate issues among other areas of urgent global concern. The action also supports Crown’s Twentyby30 goal to decrease Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within its global operations, targeting a 50 % combined reduction in absolute Scope 1 (fuel) and Scope 2 (electricity) emissions. The transition reflects Crown’s commitment to the RE100, which is led by The Climate Group and CDP and focuses on accelerating the transition to zero carbon grids at global scale.
Relying on a Texas-based wind farm, the VPPA generates more than 440,000 MWhs of electricity, helping prevent over 310,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year—the equivalent to taking at least 67,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year. The renewable power offsets 100 % of the energy usage within Crown’s U.S. and Canadian beverage plants, which account for over 20 % of the Company’s global Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
Consortium invests €10 million to realize sustainable ambitions of PeelPioneers
Dutch scale-up PeelPioneers is building Europe’s largest peel processing factory in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. Supermarkets, restaurants and hotels that offer freshly-squeezed orange juice to their customers now have an effective, sustainable way to dispose of their growing pile of peels. Supported by a strong consortium of investors, the new plant triples the company’s processing capacity to 120,000 thousand kilos of peels per day. PeelPioneers plans to expand into Europe with five new peel processing plants in the next five years.
The new factory builds on the strong trend in many European countries of consumers that increasingly appreciate freshly squeezed orange juice. In addition to scaling up production, the plant in Den Bosch will enable PeelPioneers to extract even more value from peels. In the factory’s laboratory, PeelPioneers’ scientists are developing new citrus peel products, such as dietary fibers that offer strength and structure to meat substitutes bakery products, and sauces and ensure the right mouth sensation. With this, PeelPioneers wants to contribute to the protein transition.
Proprietary pioneering technology
PeelPioneers’ proprietary pioneering technology provides a one hundred percent circular solution for these peels that in most countries end up getting destroyed in an incinerator. The company extracts orange oil and other much-wanted raw materials that food manufacturers use in products such as beer, lemonade, muffins and chocolate. The raw materials that PeelPioneers derives from orange peels are also sold to manufacturers of non-food products such as detergents and cosmetics.
Sytze van Stempvoort, co-founder of PeelPioneers: “With the growing demand for freshly squeezed juice, the number of peels is also growing. We make food from food. In this process, the entire incoming stream is retained in the food chain. With the new factory in Den Bosch, we will soon be able to save even more peels from the incinerator. We are scaling up to one hundred and twenty thousand kilos of peels a day: an Olympic swimming pool full”.
Strong investment consortium
PeelPioneers is actively supported by a strong investment consortium consisting of Rabobank, the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs (Top Sector Energy Grant), het Nationale Groenfonds, Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund, and initial investor DOEN Participaties.
European rollout
PeelPioneers is also exploring an European rollout, to take away the ever-growing pile of peels from supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants in target countries where the stream of orange peels is growing, while offering them a one hundred percent circular solution.
Bas van Wieringen, co-founder of PeelPioneers: “PeelPioneers is the largest producer of raw materials from citrus peels in Northwest Europe. In this way, we are responding to the growing need of our North-West European customers for a local supply chain. Thanks to the local
production of high-quality food ingredients, they are no longer dependent on seasonal oranges or transport from outside Europe. In this way, we contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions”.
Following long years of contract-bottling, the smoothie and juice producer innocent has decided to build the very first bottling plant of its own. Krones won the order for four complete PET bottling lines and the corresponding IT landscape. The paramount consideration for “the blender”, as innocent has christened its greenfield project, was sustainability: the aim is to build an entirely CO2-neutral factory. “But we’re also keen to reduce water consumption to a minimum, since we want to treat and re-use as much of it as possible,” explains Sam Woollett, Engineering and Facilities Lead. Each of the four identical PET lines handles up to 32,000 containers an hour. The new plant has been tasked with filling about 400 million bottles of chilled drinks a year. In all, innocent has invested approximately 250 million US-dollars in this project.
Four complete PET bottling lines from Krones
The Contipure AseptBloc DA blow-moulder/filler block consists of a Contiform 3 Pro stretch blow-moulding machine and a Modulfill Asept aseptic filler. For the Contipure D preform sterilisation module, innocent naturally enough opted for a particularly sustainable version. This ensures a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), thanks to lower consumption of hydrogen peroxide, steam and energy, plus shorter preparation times. All containers after being filled are fitted with a tamper-evident seal and – depending on the format involved – dressed in a wrap-around or pressure-sensitive label. What’s more, the modularised Topmodul labeller is block-synchronised directly with the Variopac Pro FS packer.
Syskron is digitalising all the factory’s processes
As the group’s digitalisation specialist, the Krones subsidiary Syskron has developed a turnkey MES concept for innocent that through appropriate interfaces also integrates the ERP system, the process control and warehouse management systems in the new plant. This concept includes various solutions from the SitePilot IT family brand, not least the Planning production planning system, the Line Management order and administration system, plus Line Diagnostics for production data acquisition and analysis. From the category of Share2Act services, innocent will in future be using Connect: this enables all information, such as shift schedules, to be made available to all staff in digital form.
Chief Blender Andy Joynson explained that innocent is “aiming to build the earth’s favourite little healthy drinks factory, the blender. It’s location in the Port of Rotterdam is no accident: We will minimise the distance between the place where the fruits arrive from overseas and the actual production facility. This enables us to reduce the company’s CO2 footprint by about ten per cent. We are delighted that we will be able to bottle our healthy drinks in our own plant, but more pleased that we will ensure that the production operation and the buildings comply with our sustainable standards.”
KHS plans to build a new plant and service center in Kunshan, China. VIP guests from the local government and KHS Group attended the groundbreaking ceremony. The Kunshan plant project is a clear statement of the company’s commitment to China and its Chinese customers.
As one of the leading global manufacturers of filling and packaging systems, KHS has been serving the Chinese beverage industry since 1904. In 2008, KHS entered the China market with its first representative office in Beijing. Following the opening of its headquarters in Shanghai in 2014, KHS now intends to build a new plant and service center in Kunshan, enabling the company to respond more quickly to the local market.
Kunshan’s deputy city mayor, party secretary and head of Zhangpu attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the KHS Kunshan plant on October 17, 2019. The executive management board of KHS GmbH and CFO Mr. Martin Resch, Managing Director Mr. Thomas Karell from KHS Corpoplast GmbH as well as William Wu, KHS China CEO, were present and gave speeches during this milestone event.
Strategic partnership for a lasting win-win situation
With a total investment of around €10m, the new around 10.000 m² large factory will make engineering, production, logistics and service more efficient. KHS will be an important partner for the city of Kunshan and offer greatly enhanced support in the further development of the regional industry. Furthermore, the broad-scale plant will also help KHS expand its business within Asia as a whole. A continuous win-win situation can be expected for both sides involved.
“Kunshan is an attractive city for the beverage industry with skilled workers, well-developed infrastructure and widespread logistics networks for this kind of project,” said Mr. Martin Resch with great thanks to the deputy city mayor of Kunshan, Li Hui. “We are now able to produce a larger product portfolio including single blow molders, fillers, and labelers as well as in various block versions, increasing the expertise in handling entire line projects,” claimed Mr. Resch. “With our product range, KHS maintains its position as one of the global market leaders and a pioneer of filling and packaging technology. This also says a great deal about the innovative strength of the team in China.”
Innovative German technology, efficient local manufacturing
Mr. Thomas Karell with the representative of the management board of KHS China expressed great delight at launching the new factory at the ceremony: “All of the KHS Group’s knowledge and capabilities will be on show at our new location in Kunshan. Thanks to the use of innovative technologies, the production system being established will set new standards for productivity and sustainability.”
“Our goal is to improve the production efficiency of our customers throughout the entire life cycle of their engineering, providing state-of-the-art technology and services,” stated Mr. Karell. “The new plant in Kunshan establishes an important local basis to meet this goal, focused on our Chinese customers.”
Sustainable economic benefits, greater social influence
Based on more than 150 years of experience and a constant focus on core expertise, KHS is able to help customers achieve long-term social and ecological responsibility goals. Willian Wu is full of expectations for the future of the Kunshan plant and KHS China: “We will combine economic success with socially and ecologically responsible behavior. Along with top technical performance, maximum sustainability is particularly close to our hearts.” He also indicated that KHS China is respected not only for its highly efficient products and systems, but also for its round-the-clock, local and on-site service which extends far beyond the commissioning of systems.
“KHS China now assumes technological and environmental leadership with solid and innovative German technology for optimum products and solutions,” emphasized Mr. William Wu. Looking to the future, KHS China will constantly strive to realize superior quality and ensure sustainable development in the Chinese market.
As of October 1, Thomas Hartkämper is responsible for operations at Kautex Maschinenbau. The experienced change management and organization development expert is set to play a significant role in structuring the company’s change process. Kautex is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of extrusion blow molding machines for plastics processing.
For many years now, Mr. Hartkämper has held managerial positions in mechanical and plant engineering companies that operate on the global stage. The 50-year-old champions sustainable business dealings, ensuring that they are aligned consistently with customer requirements. He knows the plastics industry inside out thanks to his many years of experience, particularly in manufacturing machines and tools for plastic packaging.
Better Juice, Ltd., the first foodTech startup to develop innovative technology to reduce all types of sugars in orange juice, and Citrosuco S.A, Brazil, one of the largest orange juice producers worldwide, are teaming up! The new collaboration aims to set up a pilot plant to reduce sugars in orange juice. Citrosuco is providing some of the funding plus technical and operational expertise.
Fruit juices contain vitamins, minerals, and many other beneficial nutrients, but this natural drink comes with three types of sugars. Better Juice’s game-changing enzymatic technology naturally transforms all types of fruit sugars into prebiotic and other non-digestible fibers and sugars.
“Our device use non-GMO microorganisms to convert the sugars, and provides orange juice manufactures a ready opportunity to meet the trends and claims for reduced sugars, all while keeping the juicy flavor of the beverage,” says Eran Blachinsky, PhD, Founder and CEO of Better Juice. “The global orange juices market is valued at dozens of billion US$ with outstanding potential to create better-for-you orange juice beverages.”
“We have been seeking an orange juice sugar reduction technology for some time,” says Alex Marie Schuermans, Product Development and Applications General Manager of Citrosuco. “Better Juice’s solution holds a lot of promise and we are confident that by combining their technology with our know-how, we can accelerate production of the first sugar-reduced orange juice.”
“This collaboration with Citrosuco is a vote of confidence in Better Juice’s leading technology and its capabilities for reducing sugar in orange juice,” notes Blachinsky. “We’re excited to work with this strategic partner and help create juices with low sugar — the latest frontier in sugar reduction.”
“Our proprietary technology can be tuned to reduce between 30 % to 80 % of all the sugars in orange juice,” explains Blachinsky. “Making it easy conform to the minimum 25% reduction required by the FDA, as well as the 30 % reduction required by the EFSA for allowable claims of ‘reduced sugar’ in food and beverage products.”
The startup won the “Most Innovative Technology” award at the 2018 Startup Innovation Challenge at Health ingredients Europe in Frankfurt for its sugar reduction technology, which it developed in conjunction with The Hebrew University in Rehovot, Israel, and The Kitchen Hub incubator, Ashdod, Israel.
Facility expansion is part of a $100M Investment to enhance the delivery of essential health innovations to consumers
DuPont announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art probiotics fermentation unit at its Rochester, New York (USA), facility. Construction of the unit was completed in March as part of an overall $100MM investment to expand probiotics capacity. The facility is now producing high-quality probiotics for the dietary supplement and food and beverage industries, which have the potential to provide health benefits to consumers of all ages.
The state-of-the-art facility incorporates several new production innovations, including:
The world’s largest fermenter for probiotics production and its downstream processing.
A built-in, fully automated system of sensors and monitors that helps maintain optimal growing conditions, removing the need to take traditional manual samples.
Pressurized air technology to mix fermenting solutions, replacing traditional pumps and mixing blades that can damage bacteria.
New bacteria freezing technology for safe storage of the probiotics that significantly increases efficiency.
DuPont develops and produces a wide range of clinically-documented probiotic strains for products sold globally. In the United States alone, more than 16 million U.S. households are purchasing probiotics, which deliver a variety of functional health benefits – from digestive and immune health to promising advancements in weight management and even cognitive health. Specifically, HOWARU® Shape – which is part of the DuPont™ Danisco® portfolio – most recently won “Ingredient of the Year for Weight Management” at the NutraIngredients Asia Awards.
The value of the sports nutrition market is set to grow by around 8 % per year to reach over US$17bn globally in 2021, according to Innova Market Insights’ forecasts. The mainstreaming of the market has led to a surge in interest in plant-based alternatives with the traditional dominance of whey and other dairy proteins now being challenged. In fact, over 40 % growth has been reported in new sports nutrition launches with a plant-based claim (Global, 2014-2018).
Vegan-friendly positionings were used for 6 % of global food and beverage launches recorded by Innova Market Insights in 2018, however, this rises to 14 % for sports nutrition. RTD sports drinks have an even higher level of prevalence for these positionings at 18 %.
Some of the fastest-growing plant-based proteins include soy protein isolate, pea protein, and rice protein. Moving beyond the protein arena there is also increasing use of other plant-based ingredients in sports nutrition NPD. This is led by nuts and seeds, many of which already carry an inherently healthy and nutritious image. In Europe, for example, sports nutrition launches with nuts and seeds had a CAGR of 23 % over the 2014 to 2018 period, with 2018 activity led by almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
More specialist vegan sports nutrition ranges are starting to appear, while more mainstream companies and brands are greening up their portfolios to attract those increasingly wanting to add more plant-based options to their diets.
As demand for sports nutrition products continues to soar globally, the market has become increasingly mainstream. The concept of active nutrition is developing more widely as interest spreads beyond the traditional core base of bodybuilders, endurance athletes and high- level sportsmen. The focus is increasingly shifting towards everyday health and fitness as a lifestyle choice.
Innova Market Insights data also indicates that global launch activity in sports nutrition has risen particularly strongly over the past three years, reflecting this broadening out of appeal.
Sports nutrition has always had a strong focus on protein content and this has probably grown even stronger as interest has spread into the mainstream food and beverage market. “One of the most interesting developments in protein use in recent years,” according to Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova Market Insights, “has been the move to alternative protein sources, with the traditional dominance of whey and other dairy proteins now being challenged by plant-based products.”
In general, the sports nutrition sector continues to develop and diversify, particularly in terms of target market, with an increasingly wide range of consumers now in its sights, including those interested in different sports, exercise regimes and levels of activity. Growing consumer interest in health, sustainability, and ethics have made plant- derived ingredients and products more popular in sports nutrition in line with the food and drinks market as a whole.
Tetra Pak has launched Tetra Pak® Plant Secure, a game-changing plant management service that delivers profitability improvements for customers.
The new service starts with a detailed audit of all the equipment and systems across the customer’s value chain. This analysis, combined with Tetra Pak’s deep knowledge of the industry and benchmark data on food manufacturing, enables its specialists to identify opportunities and implement improvements across the customer’s entire operation. All Tetra Pak Plant Secure contracts come with targets around operational expenditure reduction and capital expenditure optimisation.
Dennis Jönsson, President and CEO of Tetra Pak Group said: “Our investment in Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and data velocity has enabled us to better-support our customers in the digital era. Tetra Pak Plant Secure is a great example of how we use new technology to broaden our perspective and deliver bottom-line benefits for our customers.”
Pilot projects have been carried out in the Americas and in Europe, delivering results that are above customer expectations. For example, an Americas-based dairy producer reduced operational costs by more than 10 % in the first year of implementation, and the project continues to deliver further savings.
Tetra Pak Plant Secure is being rolled out to all food and beverage companies around the world.
