Sponsored Post – With the differentiated food service line, VOG Products targets the baking and confectionery industry, wholesalers and distributors to the food segment. The fruit processing company focuses on custom-tailored solutions that can be flexibly adjusted to meet individual customer needs.
As an established partner of the international food and beverage industry, VOG Products processes between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation every year. The company offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products like fruit juices (concentrate and direct juice), fine fruit purées, steamed fruit, purées with chunks and IQF fruit. With an export quota of around 90 %, VOG Products is the supplier to more than 50 countries worldwide. Alongside apples, the company processes other fruit, including pears, peaches, apricots, kiwis and cherries.
“Innovation is one of our main drivers,” said Christoph Tappeiner, the CEO of VOG Products. “Every day, our research and development department works to optimise existing products and develop new, innovative solutions.”
The in-house development department in Laives (South Tyrol/Italy) enables both the implementation of customer-specific solutions and the successful realisation of private-label projects.
One of the special features of the product line and the company’s most recent innovation is applesauce with apple chunks. (Photo: VOG Products)
Double apple power
One of the special features of the product line and the company’s most recent innovation is applesauce with apple chunks. This multi-faceted product is suitable as a high-quality base mixture and as the starting product for further processing in the food and beverage industry. The possible applications range from ready-to-eat apple compote for the restaurant trade to the ideal filling for baked goods and the fruity component of yoghurt products.
The right packaging solution for any need
When it comes to packaging solutions, VOG Products offers the food service sector practical alternatives like the “Bag in Box” (from 5 to 25 kg) or flexible pouch formats alongside the classic cans and cardboard boxes.
Be it compote mixes with fruit chunks, pure fruit purées, steamed fruit, fresh fruit chunks or frozen fruit, VOG Products stands for uncompromising quality. This is guaranteed by numerous certificates and a unique, traceable supply chain. The raw goods come from the members of the cooperative, who are backed by around 6,000 fruit-growing families. This structure ensures constant availability and makes VOG Products a reliable partner for customers worldwide.
About VOG Products The VOG Products producer organisation based in Laives (Italy) is owned by two South Tyrolean producer organisations (VOG and VIP) and 17 fruit cooperatives. The company processes between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes of fruit from integrated and organic cultivation each year into NFC juices, concentrates, purées, steamed and IQF fruit and finished products. With an export quota of 90 per cent, VOG Products exports its semi-finished products to around 50 countries throughout the world.
Prinova Europe will showcase its functional nutrition capabilities in great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts targeting consumer trends at Vitafoods Europe (20th to 22nd May in Barcelona).
New consumer research by the premix and blends specialist has found that 53 % of consumers cite great taste as the primary influence on purchase.1 Prinova’s Vitafoods concepts combine trending flavours with functional nutrition and branded ingredients to demonstrate how manufacturers can develop innovative products that address key market needs. They include:
Citrus Blast – a pre-workout beverage packed with ingredients to unlock performance potential. This has been identified by Prinova’s research as a megatrend2 and of particular interest to sports and active nutrition consumers.3 The citrus-flavoured drink includes
L-citrulline, natural caffeine and B vitamins. It also contains 200 mg of CitraPeak®, the first 100 % soluble form of hesperidin. Currently available in the US, the clinically supported pre-workout ingredient will soon be launched in Europe.
Good Guts Lemon Ginger Tea – a refreshing drink for digestive health support. Prinova research has identified digestive/gut health as a megatrend2 and consumers’ primary health concern.4 The concept includes Aquamin®, a marine mineral complex and prebiotic for which Prinova recently acquired exclusive distribution rights in the DACH region. In human studies, Aquamin® has shown potential for aiding gastrointestinal tract health.
Young at heart – In Prinova’s recent market research, healthy ageing emerged as a key concern, with over half (52 %) of consumers saying it significantly affected their choices of food or nutrition products. Specially formulated to meet this need, this red fruit-based beverage concept contains ingredients such as saberry, vitamins A and C, and magnesium.
James Street, Global Marketing Director at Prinova, said: “We’re looking forward to demonstrating our unrivalled functional nutrition capabilities with our great-tasting, ready-to-mix beverage concepts at Vitafoods Europe. At Prinova, we specialise in developing innovative product concepts that reflect market trends. Our expertise in research and analysis of supplements, health, wellness, sports and lifestyle trends and consumer preferences uncovers untapped potential that drives category and overall market growth. As an industry leader in ready-to-mix powder contract manufacturing, we also offer huge flexibility in formats, including convenient stick packs for precise dosing and easy portability.”
The highly anticipated VITAFOODS Europe 2025 is set to take place from May 20th to 22nd at FIRA, Barcelona, bringing together global leaders in the Nutraceutical and Functional Nutrition industry.
This premier European tradeshow epicentre provides a vital platform for networking, knowledge exchange and reimagining the latest advancements in functional ingredients and integrated health solutions. With over 21,500 expected attendees and more than 1,300 exhibitors from around the world, the event promises to be a dynamic hub of activity and innovation. Visitors will gain exclusive insights from expert panel discussions, connect with visionary industry leaders and explore cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of nutrition.
A booming industry
The nutraceutical and functional nutrition industries are experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness of the link between diet and health. Valued at approximately EUR 549 billion globally in 2024, the market is projected to reach EUR 854 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.6 %.
Nowadays, consumers expect more than just great taste from their food and beverages; they actively seek products that provide tangible health benefits. In fact, 56 % of global consumers search for food and beverage options that promote gut health. This shift is driven by advancements in nutritional science, public health campaigns and the influence of digital and social media. As this trend accelerates, VITAFOODS Europe offers the perfect stage for companies to collaborate and get ahead of the curve as this industry booms!
Döhler at VITAFOODS Europe
Marking their debut at VITAFOODS Europe, Döhler’s exhibit will unveil an impressive showcase of their latest pioneering solutions in the functional ingredients and integrated health solutions sector. With a mission to holistically advance healthier and longevity, their presented product portfolio is designed for better nutrition.
Visitors will discover a vast portfolio of B2C applications addressing critical consumer needs – from weight management and energy to mental, digestive and women’s health – all underpinned by Döhler’s deep B2B expertise. These Natural SuperHEROES® include energy-boosting Guarana, gut health solutions containing Prebiotic Topinambur or Probiotic Fruit Granulates and innovative, clean-label solutions for weight management, which can be seen in action in these featured B2C innovations:
GLP-1 Boosting Powder Meal Drinks: Formulated to support satiety and promote better weight management.
Next-Generation Super Powder Supplement Blends: Delivering holistic health benefits through advanced formulations.
Freeze-dried Nutritional Drops: A novel format that is set to inspire the nutraceutical industry.
The company’s Natural SuperHEROES® – a comprehensive portfolio of natural health ingredients – and MultiSense® taste modulation solutions exemplify the ability to merge nutritional efficacy with sensory appeal. Beyond these, Döhler will introduce innovative ingredient systems across categories like micronised colours, botanicals and functional blends, illustrating their role as an end-to-end partner from plant to shelf.
The diverse spectrum of capabilities demonstrates why they’re a leader in the nutraceutical revolution. Backward-integrated sourcing, commitment to Nutritional Excellence and Multi-Sensory Experiences as well as cutting-edge regulatory services all in one platform. Whether it’s their titanium dioxide replacement solutions for cleaner labels, freeze-dried fruit compounds for enhanced bioavailability or tailored granulates for optimised texture, Döhler’s exhibit underscores their position as a technology-driven systems provider with solutions for every challenge.
Symrise sets out to make a strong impact at Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona from May 20–22. At booth 4D55, visitors can explore cutting-edge health solutions sourced from nature and backed by science. A major highlight includes the upcoming completion of the Probi acquisition and its ongoing integration into Symrise.
Symrise will unveil three human health solutions at the trade show. These products address key areas, including joint health & mobility, urinary health, and healthy aging. Also, the upcoming completion of the Probi acquisition will form a special highlight.
Launch of human health solutions to address industry challenges and consumer wishes
Chondractiv™ Move: The 4-in-1 mobility solution supports an active lifestyle, featuring type II collagen peptides, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and rosehip polyphenols. Chondractiv™ Move is suitable for food supplements, functional foods, and beverages, targeting 35+consumers who look for solutions to support their joints and maintain their mobility.
Cranpure™ M: A women health solution to support urinary health at a daily dose of 300mg. Gently processed from the high-PAC Mullica Queen® variety, this cranberry powder contains high levels of proanthocyanidins (PACs) and offers a high in vitro anti-adhesion efficacy at a competitive price.
Acerowell™: The solution can contribute to healthy aging by supporting metabolic health and skin anti-aging from within. Acerowell™ is a unique acerola product with complete polyphenol characterization and standardization. This allows consumers to harness the full benefits of acerola’s vitamin C and polyphenols.
In addition, six forward-thinking product concepts will showcase how Symrise combines health actives with great taste. “We have designed our concepts to help meet evolving consumer demands in trending formats like soft chews or shots. By leveraging proprietary tools like Symvision™ AI, Symrise can decode emerging flavor, taste, and claim trends with precision. In addition, the ConceptScan™ platform can validate these concepts directly with consumers — ensuring they deliver both health benefits and a great sensory experience” says Clémence Boutin, Application Manager Health EMEA, Symrise Food & Beverage.
Probi strengthens Symrise’s health portfolio with clinically proven biotic solutions
The upcoming integration of Probi, a leading provider of biotic solutions, into the Symrise family marks a key milestone in Symrise’s “One Care” journey. Its strong scientific heritage and portfolio of clinically proven biotic solutions promote health and well-being. With that, it perfectly complements and strengthens the Symrise offer. At Vitafoods, Probi will introduce two powerful biotic solutions:
Mental Health by Probi®: Featuring L. plantarum HEAL9 (HEAL9®). Four clinical trials and over 30 publications have explored the HEAL9 strain’s impact on the gut-brain axis, showing significant improvements in cognition, mood, sleep, and stress, contributing to overall mental wellness.
Metabolic Health by Probi®: A major European launch, combining the strength of L. plantarum 299V (LP299V®) and L. paracasei 8700:2™. A total of nine clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of these strains, showing their potential to support metabolic health, reduce risk markers of metabolic syndrome and supporting cardiovascular health.
Döhler, a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, is producing solutions for prebiotic drinks that assist with improving gut health while also being an innovative approach towards closing the fibre gap and supporting overall well-being. As this prebiotic trend continues to rise, Döhler offers natural, clean-label ingredient solutions to fuel this growing shift.
56 % of global consumers actively seek out foods and beverages that support gut health, reflecting a growing trend toward health-conscious food and beverage choices with research showing 70 % of global consumers link gut health to overall wellbeing. Health-conscious consumers are raising their expectations when it comes to beverages, driving innovation in the drinks industry. One popular example of this are functional beverages supporting gut health with 33 % of people reported incorporating prebiotic or fibre supplements into their diets.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, supporting their growth and activity. By nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, prebiotics help support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall well-being. This, in turn, creates a balanced microbiome which supports digestion, strengthens the immune system and even aids in the production of neurotransmitters that enhance mental clarity, amongst many other things, contributing to holistic health and well-being.
So, it’s no surprise that prebiotic beverages are a quickly growing trend, offering numerous health benefits in a single, convenient drink. Döhler supports this innovation through ingredient solutions such as its prebiotic soluble and acid-stable fibre blend, ensuring beverages retain their quality and appeal. Additionally, Döhler offers ready-to-drink concepts like Gut Health Sodas, which also combine functionality with great taste. By further enhancing these products with postbiotics, Döhler has developed unique beverage solutions – ranging from sodas to still drinks – that deliver comprehensive gut health benefits without compromising the essential qualities of a great soft drink.
For example, Döhler’s Gut Health Sodas address this need with the soluble and acid-stable prebiotic fibre blend consisting of topinambur (also known as Jerusalem Artichoke), gum arabic and tapioca starch. These sodas are specifically designed to close the “Fibre Gap,” addressing the reality that most people in North America and Europe consume only 50 % of the daily recommended fibre intake. Perfect for health-conscious consumers, they offer a refreshing way to boost fibre intake while promoting digestive health and overall well-being.
Following a 2022 colour additive petition, USA’s FDA is altering its colour additive regulations to ban FD&C Red No. 3 in food and beverages as of January 2027 as well as in ingested drugs as of 2028. FD&C Red No. 3 is a petroleum-based synthetic food dye that provides foods and drinks with a vibrant, cherry-red colour. Although there is no connection between the dye and human illness, research has shown that high concentrations of the food dye has been linked to cancer in rats. And since FDA regulations forbid colour additives that cause cancer in humans or animals, the FDA had to revoke Red No.3’s prior approval.
The recent regulatory change now requires manufacturers to adjust their ingredient sourcing, particularly for colourants, prompting them to seek compliant formulations for distribution in the US. Döhler, a global leader in technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food, beverage and life science & nutrition industries, derives their ingredients from natural raw materials, meaning their colours derived from natural sources comply with the new regulations. Moreover, due to their use of natural raw materials, Döhler’s entire product portfolio – such as natural flavours, health ingredients, plant-based solutions, ingredient systems and end-to-end solutions – is also fully compliant with FDA regulations.
To achieve iconic red shades, Döhler derives its natural colours from a variety of plant-based sources, including red beetroot, black carrot, red radish and purple sweet potato. As a result, these natural colours can be labelled as fruit and vegetable juice, allowing the final products to be marketed with a clean label. With 40 % of consumers in the States choosing products based on a “natural” label and 29 % buying products with a “clean ingredients” label, this is a valuable advantage for attracting customers.
Manufacturers in countries exporting products to the United States are also impacted, adding an international dimension to the industry’s response to the evolving stance on this food additive. This shift is also environmentally beneficial, as it encourages businesses to transition towards safer and more sustainable sourcing.
“Our mission is to develop and cultivate vegetable varieties with the highest possible colour pigmentation. By combining cutting-edge extraction technologies with innovative breeding, we maximise pigment output, reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.” Remarks Döhler’s Dr. Christian Christiansen, Research & Development Colours. “Additionally, exploring new pigment sources like algae and leveraging fermentation processes will redefine the natural colour market over the next decade. Driving forces are a deep understanding of genetics, rising water costs in traditional raw material regions and the need for weather-independent, sustainable supply chains. Ensuring state-of-the-art processing technologies to extract maximum pigment while minimising waste is equally crucial to achieving a sustainable and efficient approach.”
Döhler ensures reliable sourcing through its vertically integrated supply chain, offering customers a secure and consistent flow of ingredients for uninterrupted production. The company’s team in the US plays a key role in safeguarding the transition from synthetic additives to natural alternatives, while providing expert support to navigate regulatory requirements seamlessly. Finally, Döhler delivers optimised value for customers, offering solutions that balance quality and affordability, empowering the food and beverage industry to confidently embrace colours from natural sources.
SIG, headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and a global leader in aseptic packaging and filling solutions, announces the grand opening of its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in India. This EUR 90 million investment, completed in just 20 months in Ahmedabad, marks a major milestone for SIG as it strengthens its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets.
Designed with cutting-edge technology, the plant in the state of Gujarat has an initial annual production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs, meeting the highest environmental standards while creating more than 300 local jobs. The plant will supply SIG’s growing filler base, which serves all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink players in India. The official opening ceremony, held in the presence of Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a Swiss economic delegation, highlights the significance of this achievement for both SIG and the Indian-Swiss partnership.
India, the world’s largest milk market and a major juice-producing country, presents immense growth opportunities for aseptic packaging solutions. With less than 10 % of its milk consumption packaged and a lack of cold chains, aseptic cartons are a safe, sustainable, and convenient solution, as they enable the long-term storage of nutritious food and beverages without the need for preservatives, energy-intensive refrigeration during distribution and storage. SIG’s new plant in India will ensure shorter delivery lead times, greater responsiveness to market demand, and enhanced support for the country’s dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers.
Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has experienced rapid business expansion, achieving robust double-digit revenue growth in 2024. This new plant positions SIG to meet increasing demand efficiently while paving the way for future growth. The SIG Board of Directors has already approved plans to invest an additional EUR 50 million in a local extrusion line, set to be operational by 2027.
Ball Corporation, a leading global provider of sustainable aluminum packaging for beverages, personal care and home products, announced the acquisition of Alucan, a European leader in extruded aluminum aerosol and bottle technology. The acquisition complements Ball’s existing global extruded aluminum aerosol and bottle business with the addition of manufacturing facilities in Llinars del Vallés (Barcelona), Spain, and Lummen, Belgium.
This acquisition aligns with Ball’s business strategy to simplify sustainability for its customers by delivering scalable aluminum packaging solutions. The new plants will enable the company to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging across Europe. Both facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and aim to minimise their environmental footprint, aligning Ball’s dedication to sustainability and operational excellence.
Ball continues to serve new categories and offer reuse, refill bottle innovations to a broader set of customers and occasions. Acquisition of Alucan will add large-diameter aerosol can and impact extruded bottles capabilities to support Ball’s existing reusable bottles customers. This acquisition allows the company to diversify its customer base, cross-sell with food and beverage manufacturers, and expand its bottle offerings to include personal and home care products.
This acquisition allows Ball to enhance its efforts in innovation and reduce its carbon footprint. The company will lightweight and increase the recycled content in Alucan cans, while being in close proximity to its customers will help optimise truck capacity, ultimately reducing CO2 emissions.
Acquisition of Alucan is an important step forward for Ball Corporation as it looks to better serve the growing aerosol and impact-extruded bottle market in Europe.
Döhler, a world-leading producer and provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, has announced a joint venture with FGF Trapani, a renowned specialist in citrus farming and processing. This partnership aims to revolutionise the use of citrus fibres as natural texturisers in food and beverage applications. Thus, customers get access to premium, cost-effective and minimally processed citrus fibre solutions that address market trends for healthier and environmentally friendly ingredients.
Döhler’s extensive experience in natural ingredients and ingredient systems as well as their application in F&B, combined with FGF Trapani’s lifelong heritage and expertise in citrus farming and processing, provides innovative alternatives to traditional hydrocolloids that excel in gelling, thickening and stabilising applications. As key provider in the F&B industry, Döhler now expands its product range with an advanced portfolio of citrus fibres that is developed for high-performing product textures, enhancing both consumer appeal and product differentiation.
Focus on customer benefits and application expertise
Customers all over the world will benefit from this collaboration having direct access to high-quality and minimally processed citrus fibres. In response to the increasing demand for health-promoting ingredients, this collaboration provides natural fibres that support dietary goals, including fibre enrichment and reduced use of artificial additives. This empowers brands to develop products that cater to health-conscious consumers.
The joint venture’s citrus fibres offer versatile applications across various product categories, from beverages and dairy to bakery and sauces. This versatility allows manufacturers to innovate across their portfolios, creating new and exciting products with improved texture, mouthfeel and health promoting claims.
Strategic benefits of vertical integration and sustainability
FGF Trapani’s production facility, strategically located in one of the world’s largest lemon-growing regions, ensures a reliable supply of premium raw materials. By processing citrus fibres directly from fresh lemon peels, the joint venture guarantees access to a pectin-rich product that combines the benefits of both soluble and insoluble fibres. This vertical integration allows for maximum quality control and sustainability throughout the supply chain, supporting the production of highly functional ingredients that meet stringent industry standards.
With a focus on sustainable production practices, the partnership delivers environmentally friendly citrus fibres that align with consumer values. By utilising by-products of citrus processing, this initiative is contributing to a more sustainable food and beverage production.
Meeting consumer demand for healthier and organic ingredients
The joint venture between Döhler and FGF Trapani is timely, as consumers increasingly demand cleaner, minimally processed and organic-quality ingredients. Citrus fibres, derived from natural raw materials, are well-aligned with these market trends, offering a functional and sustainable ingredient that meets the needs of health-conscious consumers.
GNT is working to develop new plant-based, sustainable EXBERRY® colour solutions for food and drink using unique fermentation technologies.
The company has been creating EXBERRY® colours from fruit, vegetables, and plants since its foundation in 1978. It is now expanding into fermentation for the first time to increase innovation and sustainability in its plant-based solutions.
Producing colours through fermentation allows for improved functionality as well as highly efficient and sustainable year-round production. Once the raw materials have been cultivated, they can be scaled up in larger bioreactors for industrial production. This phase involves maintaining optimal conditions to ensure high biomass yield and pigment concentration.
To deliver on its aims, GNT has chosen to collaborate with Plume Biotechnology, a UK-based start-up focused on innovation in fermentation science and bioprocessing for natural colours.
Frederik Hoeck, GNT Group’s Managing Director, said: “As pioneers in plant-based colors, innovation has always been crucial to GNT and we’re fully committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions for our customers. As a family business, we understand the importance of acting responsibly and ensuring we are truly sustainable. This partnership with Plume will help us add new, futureproof options to our plant-based EXBERRY® portfolio.”
Thomas Burns, CEO at Plume Biotechnology, said: “The rapid evolution of fermentation-based technologies is providing unprecedented opportunities within the realms of natural colours. Plume is passionate about translating these cutting-edge technological developments into healthy, exciting, and sustainable products for consumers. In GNT, we have found the perfect strategic partner with a shared commitment to delivering excellent products whilst keeping sustainability at the heart of everything we do.”
The collaboration is designed to help GNT expand the options in its plant-based EXBERRY® portfolio while meeting its sustainability ambitions. In 2022, GNT announced 17 targets to optimise its environmental and social impacts by the end of the decade.
Its Sustainability Report 2023 revealed significant progress on many of those goals, including a 22 % reduction in carbon intensity at the company’s factories since 2020 and a 13 % improvement in water efficiency.
Finn Rieken, Strategy Director at GNT Group, said: “We are committed to leading the food colouring industry on sustainability. As well as promoting responsible agriculture and cutting emissions at our factories, we’re constantly exploring new options for highly sustainable colours that can deliver exceptional performance. We believe fermentation-based colours have huge potential to tick both those boxes. We are confident that working with Plume will allow us to deliver exciting new plant-based, sustainable solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.”
Together they continue to revolutionise the fruit preparation industry
Aran Group, a leading manufacturer of bag-in-box solutions, announces the successful completion of the acquisition of a majority stake in IBA Germany from previous owner Liquid Concept GmbH (LC). This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Aran’s growth journey, providing an exceptional opportunity for developing 1000-liter IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers) and a strong foothold in the large German market. The acquisition also positions Aran to penetrate nearby markets, including Scandinavia. The Aran-IBA operation is led by Managing Director Dan Abraham alongside Sascha Siebel, COO & Chief Engineer and a worldwide expert in BIB and food packaging.
(Photo: Aran)
Lior Mor, CEO of Aran Group, conveyed his excitement about the new acquisition: “This is a tremendous commercial, managerial, and leadership opportunity for all of us at Aran and IBA. With the support of the board and management and Aran staff, we aim to achieve significant milestones in the near future. Welcoming the latest addition to our group, IBA is officially part of the Aran Group as of January 2024, enhancing our presence in Europe. This strategic acquisition joins our existing plants in Spain, the USA, and Israel, further solidifying our global footprint. Congratulations and success to all of us at Aran and IBA on this exciting new chapter.”
“This acquisition will allow the Aran Group to become a significant player in 1000-liter aseptic packaging solutions for transporting sensitive food products”, says Dan Abraham. “It will also serve as a base of activity for the entire group in the German market and neighboring countries.
Revolutionary partnership drives industry advancements
IBA is known for its innovative solutions, based on the creative innovation led by Sascha Siebel. Headquartered in Luhne Germany IBA is a key player in the production and sale of flexible IBCs for transporting high-quality food products. The IBA Tainer aseptic IBC is a patented 1000-liter container designed for transporting liquid food. Featuring a protective cage and a disposable flexible bag. This inventive solution offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional stainless-steel containers and ensures an aseptic environment with excellent barriers to safeguard the product. This eliminates the need for complex washing and sterilisation processes, mitigating the risk of contamination and preserving the integrity of the valuable contents. Beyond its economic advantages, IBA Tainer is a significantly lighter solution, reducing the required energy during the entire value chain.
Aran’s partnership with IBA, spanning 10 years, has facilitated mutual growth. The acquisition of IBA by Aran is expected to intensify market penetration in Europe, particularly in Germany, where the bag-in-box market generates 45-50 million euros. It will enable Aran to leverage its global network for exporting IBA products beyond Germany, using both the unique tap and IBA Tainer. The deal also lays the groundwork for expanding into neighboring markets.
Aran and IBA’s combined capabilities and technology are expected to drive substantial growth in the coming years.
Ingredion leads investment round to accelerate start-up’s advanced technology for naturally reducing sugar
FoodTech start-up Better Juice, Ltd., announced its collaboration with Ingredion, Inc., a leading global provider of specialty ingredients to the food and beverage industry. Ingredion Ventures, Ingredion’s venture investment arm, will lead the Series A funding round for Better Juice which will fast-track penetration of its breakthrough sugar reduction solution into the US juice market.
Better Juice’s innovative sugar reduction technology removes simple sugars in juice-based beverages, concentrates and other natural sugar-containing liquids. The Company developed an enzymatic technology, which converts sugars into non-digestible compounds, such as dietary fibers and non-digestible sugars, while maintaining the natural profile of vitamins, minerals and organic acids in the final product.
“This important partnership step is truly exciting,” enthuses Gali Yarom, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “It dovetails perfectly with the Better Juice strategy to penetrate the North American market. Ingredion was impressed by our non-GMO technology, and its uses in a wide variety of applications. This move will open doors to leading food and beverage companies seeking sugar-reduction solutions for their products.”
“The Better Juice technology adds a completely new dimension to our portfolio of sugar reduction solutions for food and beverage brands on a mission to meet increased consumer demand for less sugar,” says Nate Yates, Sugar Reduction Business Leader at Ingredion. “This technology also provides manufacturers with more options to successfully reduce sugar without compromising on great taste or nutrition.”
Clean-label conversion
The environmentally friendly clean-label conversion process applies proprietary beads composed of non-GMO microorganisms which produce enzymes. These enzymes convert the juice’s composition of fruit sugars including sucrose, glucose, and fructose into better-for-you prebiotic fibers and other non-digestible molecules. This enables sugar reduction by 30 to 80 percent.
“This alliance will accelerate our go-to-market journey,” explains Eran Blachinsky, PhD, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “Ingredion’s capital support will allow us to extend the technology to other liquids with natural sources of sugar, such as milk, beer, and wine.”
This achievement follows Better Juice’s well-established partnership with GEA Group, one of the largest suppliers of food processing technology.
Better Juice primed for commercialisation
Better Juice’s solution has successfully advanced to commercial scale in the U.S. In recent years, it demonstrated its full proof of concept in collaboration with juice manufacturers in the U.S. and Asia. These companies are now poised to progress to the next stage of commercialisation. Better Juice is now fully prepped for market entry, with a capacity to process 250 million liters of sugar reduced juice per year.
Since 2022, the groundbreaking GEA Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid is included in GEA’s test center in Ahaus, Germany. Better Juice collaborates with GEA for manufacturing the bioreactor, and together they install the technology in customers’ facilities.
“Better Juice has achieved important milestones in the past two years and has positioned itself as the leading company for reducing simple sugars from natural sources,” notes Amir Zaidman, VP of The Kitchen Hub. “The timing is perfect for serving the rapidly expanding trend of consumers striving to cut down on simple sugars in their diet.”
About Ingredion Ingredion, Inc. (NYSE: INGR), headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2022 annual net sales of nearly $8 billion, the company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs® innovation centers located around the world, and approximately 12,000 employees, Ingredion co-creates with customers to fulfill its mission of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better.
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.”
Bayer announced a partnership with French company M2i Group to supply fruit and vegetable growers around the world with pheromone-based biological crop protection products. Through the agreement, Bayer will become the exclusive distributor of select M2i products targeting lepidoptera pests in crops that include stone and pome fruits, tomatoes, and grapes.
M2i Group is the leader in pheromone production in Europe and has expertise in developing, formulating, and manufacturing complex molecules. Bayer will integrate M2i’s pheromone products, including M2i’s innovative press application technology, into a complementary system of digitally enabled solutions that include pest monitoring tools to advise growers on pest pressures and application timelines, and other synthetic and biological products tailored to grower needs.
“Tailored solutions that meet growers’ demands for safe and effective products with low or no residue are an important part of Bayer’s biological portfolio,” said Jens Hartmann, Regional Head for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). “Bringing together M2i’s pheromone products with digital monitoring applications and Bayer’s existing biological portfolio will enable growers to apply the right product at the right time within a holistic approach that benefits their operations.”
M2i’s expertise in pheromone crop protection has allowed the company to utilise biomimicry to develop innovative methods that fight pests by attracting and trapping them or interrupting mating behaviors. These integrated pest management products ensure that pest populations are maintained at manageable levels.
“M2i Group is excited to work with Bayer and to bring our sustainable crop protection products to more growers around the world,” said Phillippe Guerret, CEO of M2i. “Pheromones present an efficient and economical method of crop protection, as they are selective, non-toxic, and naturally avoid the development of resistance. M2i’s patented technology leverages innovative application devices, and reliable linear release to bring the potential of pheromones to fields across the world.”
Bayer launched Vynyty Citrus®, its latest biological and pheromone-based crop protection product in 2021. Vynyty Citrus® is the first such product on the market that is formulated with pheromones and natural pyrethrum to control pests in citrus fruits. M2i’s products will continue to build on Bayer’s pheromone-based biologicals product line.
Ideal for adaptogen supplement solutions and natural preservatives in food and beverages.
Conagen announced the commercialisation of its 99 % high-purity salidroside made by bioconversion technology, an active ingredient from the herbal plant Rhodiola rosea (golden root). Its strong antioxidant properties as an adaptogen are associated with reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress in cells, and providing relief from depression, fatigue, and stress. Salidroside has also been used to alleviate high altitude sickness.
Unlike other salidroside products currently on the market, Conagen’s salidroside is non-GMO. Conagen leveraged its industry-leading bioconversion technology to produce clean, sustainable salidroside, identical to the compound naturally found in the Rhodiola rosea plant – the same technology used to produce non-GMO Rebaudioside M, other steviol glycosides, and bitter blockers for sugar reduction solutions which are available from their pipeline partner, Sweegen.
Conagen’s 99 % high-purity salidroside, made by bioconversion, is ideal for non-GMO supplement solutions to formulate products with a sustainable and natural consumer appeal. It is readily soluble in water and is very formulable in food and beverage applications.
“We’re reimagining the way in which rare ingredients are sourced to make them safer and higher-quality for use in health-promoting products,” said Casey Lippmeier, Ph.D., senior vice president of innovation at Conagen. “Our bioconversion technology enables us to deliver non-GMO products. Through this technology, we’re unlocking salidroside’s great potential as a powerful active health ingredient and as a tool for food and beverage producers to adopt a more natural way to preserve food and beverages.”
Food and beverage producers benefit from Conagen’s salidroside as it also possesses antimicrobial properties, making it useful as a natural preservative solution for brands seeking alternatives to artificial preservatives. Salidroside expands Conagen’s portfolio of natural preservatives, such as Taxifolin BC-DHQ® and Rosavel™ rosmarinic acid, currently available from another pipeline partner, Blue California.
Stress reduction is popular among consumers, typically addressed by exercise or indulgence in food and beverages. More consumers are taking a holistic approach to their health, including their mental well-being and sleep. They are exploring adaptogens as one of the additional positive ways to add an edge to their diets and lifestyles.
“Salidroside is one of the rare, natural molecules with proven adaptogenic activities which correlates to stress reduction,” said Lippmeier. “Initially identified in botanical extracts, adaptogens are promising new options in the quest to relieve the stress of our daily lives. This trend opens new opportunities for supplement brands and food and beverage manufacturers to adopt a health-focused profile for their products.”
Conagen accelerated salidroside production by leveraging one of its proprietary molecular platforms, which have also been used to produce the clean antioxidants hydroxytyrosol and p-coumaric acid. Salidroside is a glucoside of tyrosol. Conagen’s antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, hydroxytyrosol and p-coumaric acid are also now available through Blue California.
The inputs of fermentation are tightly controlled, dramatically reducing the chance of contamination with heavy metals, fungal toxins, and other unsafe materials that may be found in traditional medicine preparations. Rhodiola rosea extract is most commonly used in Europe and Asia. Its medicinal use for reducing stress and depression can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty in the classic medicinal scripture Compendium of Materia Medica.
Stora Enso and Tetra Pak are jointly examining a shared beverage carton recycling solution to meet the growing recycling need in Benelux, responding to the demand for circular paper-based packaging solutions. The joint feasibility study includes a plan for a comprehensive beverage carton recycling facility at Stora Enso’s Langerbrugge site in Belgium. Processing of the fibers would take place at the Langerbrugge site, while the polymer and aluminum barrier materials would be recycled by a dedicated partner.
Approximately 75,000 tonnes of beverage cartons are put on the Benelux market annually, a growing volume of which more than 70 % is already collected for recycling. Currently, there is no existing beverage carton recycling infrastructure in Benelux. This collaboration between Stora Enso and Tetra Pak would create a complete recycling system for beverage cartons in Benelux and surrounding regions.
Within the solution, Stora Enso would process collected beverage cartons and recover the fibers. The recycled fibers would serve as source material for producing recycled containerboard within the Langerbrugge site, delivering a fully circular solution. Tetra Pak would secure a recycling solution for polymer and aluminum materials to be processed by a dedicated partner.
The recycling project is linked to Stora Enso’s recently announced feasibility study to potentially convert one of the Langerbrugge site’s paper lines into a high-volume recycled containerboard line. This feasibility study is expected to conclude in the first half of 2023. Upon on a decision to invest, the recycled containerboard line is expected to be in production during 2025. The joint study with Tetra Pak will follow the same timeline.
The proposed recycling line in Langerbrugge will initially process an estimated 50,000 tonnes of recycled cartons per year with the potential to increase.
“With this joint initiative, we underline our commitment to local recycling progress and improving infrastructure in Benelux, a region with high volumes of collected beverage cartons. Stora Enso is a trusted and important partner which has the know-how and experience we need in fiber recycling. Together with them, we have the potential to put in place a circular solution that helps us secure a world where a growing number of carton packages is collected, recycled and we can minimise litter” – Chakib Kara, Managing Director France & Benelux, Tetra Pak.
“At Stora Enso, we constantly pursue opportunities to deepen our commitment to a circular packaging future. Circularity advancement requires smart investments and collaboration with the right partners. By working jointly with Tetra Pak, we can simultaneously create value, enhance circularity, and grow our competitiveness.” – Markku Luoto, VP LPB Aseptic and CUK, Stora Enso.
Beverage cartons contain high-quality fresh fibers that are an excellent source material for producing recycled paper containerboard. The Langerbrugge site offers a strategically important location to enable a local paper-based packaging circularity solution. Further, beverage carton collection for recycling is already advanced in Benelux.
Refresco Group B.V., the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Ernerging (GNE) brands, and retailers in Europe and North America, announced that Adee Packer has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Member ofthe Executive Board.
Bill McFarland, CFO of Refresco North America, will be appointed as CFO for the Group, effective 1 July 2022. Bill joined the Company through the acquisition of Cott Beverages, where he was CFO since 2013, and has over 20 years of experience in the FMCG industry. Prior to his career at Cott, Bill held several finance rotes at Molson Coors, an international beverage company. He has worked and lived in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Andre Voogt, M&A Director Refresco North America, will step into the rote of CFO Refresco North America, also effective 1 July 2022. Andre has been with Refresco for over 15 years, mainly in senior finance rotes. When Refresco set its first steps in North America in 2016, Andre led the local finance organization. From 2018 to2020, Andre was responsible for the integration of Cott Beverages into Refresco, and member of the North America Leadership Team.
Proactive health concerns are at the forefront of purchasing decisions across all generations, according to Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies.
Kerry research shows that consumers in all age groups are interested in food and beverages with functional benefits – with demand for immune support, joint health and digestive health particularly high.1
The insights are contained in the company’s new eBook, ‘Functional Health Benefits for Every Generation’, which highlights growing proactivity around nutrition and the expansion in markets for products targeting specific life stages and other demographic categories, such as gender.
It explores the needs of three groups in particular:
Millennial parents: Millennials, who are now parents to around half of children in the US, are particularly likely to carry out extensive research ahead of purchases.
Young actives: Focus areas for Generation Z consumers and younger millennials include athletic performance, education and work. They have a holistic approach to wellness and are interested in benefits such as improved sleep.
Older adults: As consumers enter their 40s and 50s their focus shifts, with greater emphasis on physical and cognitive health.
The research also found that demographic factors affect demand for benefits in particular applications. For example, for consumers in the older millennial category and upwards, tea and coffee are popular platforms for immune support.2
John Quilter, Kerry’s VP of ProActive Health, said: “Across all age ranges, consumers are now looking for functional benefits from their favorite food and beverages. However, it’s also true that different groups often have different needs, so an understanding of the importance of demographic factors like age and activity level can help manufacturers create on-trend products. For example, manufacturers should use functional ingredients that are supported by research as well as appealing to children’s tastes to win over millennial parents.”
The eBook also highlights the range of value that Kerry offers its customers through collaborative go-to-market support. This includes proprietary market insights, access to a team of more than 1000 scientists, nutritionists, product formulation experts and marketers around the world. It features case studies where partners have formulated with ingredients from the ProActive Health portfolio to create innovative functional products.
1Kerry Global Consumer Survey, Digestive, Immune and Joint Health, 2021 2Kerry Global Consumer Survey, Digestive, Immune and Joint Health, 2021
Firmenich, one of the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste companies, and Finlays, a leading supplier of tea, coffee and botanical solutions, have entered an agreement giving Firmenich full sales rights to Finlays’ European tea and coffee extracts portfolio in Europe, effective immediately.
As a part of this new agreement, Firmenich will focus on commercializing two core parts of Finlays’ extracts business in Europe: its world-leading Cold Brew Coffee portfolio and its Tea Extract portfolio. The Cold Brew Coffee portfolio serves a rapidly growing segment within the European region, and is crafted using a proprietary process which delivers a distinctly smooth, rich flavor experience. Finlays’ Tea Extract portfolio includes The Wellbeing Collection, a range of premium, all-natural tea extracts which are rich in bioactive compounds associated with various health benefits. These extracts are sustainably sourced from Finlays’ own tea farms, with on-site extraction facilities that enable tea leaves to be harvested and extracted on the same day, thereby preserving their fresh flavor and natural bioactive composition.
Under the new agreement, Firmenich is responsible for the full sales process, from commercial relationship to brief management, supported by the Finlays team. The partnership focuses exclusively on Finlays’ ranges of tea and coffee extracts, and covers European markets only.
SIG has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 % of Scholle IPN, a privately held company, for an enterprise value of EUR 1.361 billion and an equity value of EUR 1.05 billion. The transaction will be funded through 33.75 million SIG shares issued from existing authorised capital and EUR 370 million cash; the existing debt of Scholle IPN will be refinanced at closing. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the third quarter of 2022 subject to customary closing conditions.
This acquisition diversifies SIG’s exposure to growing and resilient end-markets. SIG’s portfolio of market-leading sustainable food and beverage carton solutions will be expanded into bag-in-box and spouted pouches for retail, institutional and industrial customers. SIG and Scholle IPN have many similarities and are highly complementary businesses in terms of systems and product offering. The combination will unlock significant growth opportunities and value.
Founded in 1945, Scholle IPN is a leading innovator in sustainable packaging with a systems offering. It is the inventor of and global leader in bag-in-box (2 l –1,500 l capacity) and the number two in spouted pouches (50 ml – 500 ml capacity). The acquisition will therefore expand SIG’s portfolio into both larger and smaller formats. Scholle IPN is headquartered in the USA and has approximately 2,100 employees globally. Revenue in the twelve months to 31 December 2021 was EUR 474 million with adjusted EBITDA of EUR 90 million (adjusted EBITDA margin c.19 %)2. The USA accounts for around 55 % of revenue and the acquisition will significantly increase SIG’s presence in this large and attractive market. It will also enable the expansion of the Scholle IPN portfolio into the emerging markets of Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East Africa, where SIG has a well-established presence.
With this acquisition, SIG will be able to offer the most sustainable packaging solutions across a wide range of categories and product sizes. Growth in bag-in-box is being driven by the shift from rigid to flexible packaging which significantly reduces the amount of material needed to package the product. Scholle IPN has a longstanding focus on sustainability and on the light-weighting of both packaging and fitments. It is a pioneer in the development of mono-materials which are designed for recycling. Joining together the R&D capabilities of the two companies will deliver more value to customers by advancing the development of material and aseptic technology to reduce carbon emissions and food waste.
Around 70 % of Scholle IPN revenues are in food and beverages which will underpin the resilience already demonstrated by SIG’s business. The acquisition will enable SIG to build on its core strength in aseptic technology and to expand its use in both pouches and bag-in-box. It will also drive SIG’s expansion into new categories such as wine and water. Like SIG, Scholle IPN has developed long-standing customer relationships and the acquisition brings multiple cross-selling opportunities, as well as potential for an enhanced service offering for the combined customer base. In addition, run-rate cost synergies of EUR 17 million will be generated in areas such as procurement and manufacturing efficiencies.
1At current USD/EUR exchange rate 2Unaudited. At 2021 average USD/EUR exchange rate
Symrise AG announced that it has signed a purchase agreement for the acquisition of Giraffe Foods Inc., a Canada based producer of customized sauces, dips, dressings, syrups and beverage concentrates for B2B customers, in the home meal replacement, food service and retail markets. With this transaction, Symrise will take a major step forward in the value chain, providing a wider variety of advanced taste solutions to a larger customer base in North America. This move will drive accelerated growth in the region for Symrise’s Flavor & Nutrition segment. In their fiscal year ended June 2021, Giraffe Foods saw an increase in sales above 25 %, generating revenues of approximately CAD $80 million. The closing of the transaction is expected before the end of 2021. The purchase amount has not been disclosed.
Through this acquisition, Symrise strengthens its market position with a fast-growing customer base in North America and will benefit from Giraffe Foods’ high degree of customer intimacy. Additionally, moving further down the value chain will facilitate access to and further develop new capabilities, including advanced food science and culinary expertise, proprietary recipes as well as new and sustainable packaging formats.
Giraffe Foods Inc. is a leading player in the formulation and manufacturing of custom taste solutions in a wide array of packaging. Based on its advanced R&D and culinary capabilities, customers rely on Giraffe to formulate and produce unique sauces, dressings, syrups, beverage concentrates and more. In addition, customers also value Giraffe for their wide options of packaging and broad range of processing capabilities housed in state-of-the-art facilities. The food service, value added protein and home meal replacement sectors have historically seen strong growth in both North America and Europe.
Symrise will acquire 100 % of Giraffe Foods Inc. from private investment firm Graham Partners and the founding Powell family. Symrise will finance the transaction through a dedicated bank facility. As part of the transaction, Symrise will acquire the existing two production facilities and one warehousing site and integrate the approximately 250 employees of Giraffe Foods.
Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage solutions and ingredients, announced the appointment of William Magee as President, North America, Food & Beverage Solutions, and as a member of Tate & Lyle’s Executive Committee, with effect from 1 October 2021.
William Magee joined Tate & Lyle in April 2018 as Commercial Vice President, North America, Food & Beverage Solutions, before being promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America, Food & Beverage Solutions later that year. In these positions, he has been instrumental in leading the Company’s growth transformation in the region over the last three years. Prior to joining Tate & Lyle, Bill held senior leadership roles with Rohm & Haas, H.B Fuller and Michelman.
Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies, has announced the opening of its new taste facility in Latin America, which will serve mainly Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Andean region.
Located in Irapuato, Mexico, the new state-of-the-art facility will significantly increase Kerry’s capacity in the region and further support customers in delivering local and sustainable taste solutions.
This new site expands Kerry’s offerings across a number of food and beverage categories, including refreshing and alcoholic beverages, snacks, meat, dairy and bakery. It will also play an important role in enabling Kerry’s ambition to bring sustainable nutrition solutions to more than two billion people by 2030 around the globe. Aligned with the company’s commitments under its Beyond the Horizon strategy, the facility incorporates world leading processes and technologies that will support the company’s environmental goals. These capabilities, combined with expertise across sustainable innovation, marketing insights, research, development and applications, and sensory science, will enable Kerry to co-create with customers, exciting products that will be consumed across the region.
“COVID-19 has impacted consumer behaviour and taste preferences across Latin America, and companies need to be in a position to understand and respond to these evolving dynamics. This new taste facility allows us to deliver on consumer demands across the region and we look forward to working with customers to bring innovative taste solutions to satisfy consumer needs and create a world of sustainable nutrition,” said Marcelo Marques, President and CEO of Kerry Latin America. Commenting on the announcement, Edson Cortes, Taste Lead for Kerry Latin America, added: “Mexico boasts 35% of the taste market in the Latin America region and presents solid opportunities for growth and innovation. With sustainability at the core of our Taste portfolio, this site will also enable us to deliver tailored solutions for customers in the regions. This important investment positions Kerry as the leader in the flavours market in Latin America as we seek to consolidate our position in the market and deliver great taste solutions with our customers.”
About Kerry Kerry, one of the world’s leading taste and nutrition companies, provides sustainable nutrition solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day over one billion people around the world enjoy food and beverages containing Kerry’s taste and nutrition solutions. The company has offices in 31 countries, 149 manufacturing facilities and employs 26,000 people globally, including over 1,000 food scientists. We aim to be our customers’ most valued partner by delivering food and beverage products that meet their consumers’ individual taste, nutrition and wellness preferences, while enhancing their lives and contributing to a more sustainable world.
Pursuing its Buy & Build strategy, EOL Packaging Experts (EOL) has made a second add‐on acquisition by investing in BMS Maschinenfabrik GmbH (BMS) in Pfatter, Regensburg District. EOL, composed of A+F Automation + Fördertechnik GmbH (A+F) in Kirchlengern and Standard‐Knapp, Inc. (S‐K) in Portland, Connecticut, has thus gained an important partner in German‐speaking countries. This step will further strengthen the group’s positioning in Europe and boost its growth sustainably.
EOL Packaging Experts, an international group that provides end‐of‐line packaging machines and systems, has invested in BMS. This investment fits perfectly into the EOL group’s strategic planning and aim to be a market leader in end‐of‐line packaging solutions for the food and beverages industry. Together with A+F as a leading provider of integrated and innovative systems solutions for secondary and tertiary packaging, as well as S‐K as a leading manufacturer of end‐of‐line packaging machines in the US market, BMS will in future complement the group as a provider of systems for innovative sorting installations, state of the art end‐of‐line solutions, and flexible repacking solutions. Within EOL’s global sales and service structure, A+F, S‐K, and BMS will equally benefit and complement each other in the market area and the product portfolio as well as in production and machine technology, digitization, service, and project management.
$15 million investment to strengthen Donaldson’s material science capabilities
Donaldson Company, Inc., a leading worldwide manufacturer of innovative filtration products and solutions, broke ground on a $15 million Material Research Center at its corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota.
As customers’ equipment and technology advance, Donaldson’s engineering, technology and operations staffs continually develop original solutions that anticipate and exceed these evolving requirements. The company currently holds more than 1,800 active U.S. and international patents, has over 100 technical laboratories and employs hundreds of engineers, scientists and technicians.
Research and development investments like the Material Research Center help Donaldson attract the technical talent necessary for Donaldson’s success in innovation and commercialization of materials and technologies.
With the addition of the Material Research Center, Donaldson will add six researchers and engineers to the company’s headquarters population of 1,100 employees. The architect for the planned 17,000-square-foot building is TKDA and the construction company is Gardner Builders. The Center is scheduled to open in November 2019.
Sponsored Post – With the differentiated food service line, VOG Products targets the baking and confectionery industry, wholesalers and distributors to the food segment. The fruit processing company focuses on custom-tailored solutions that can be flexibly adjusted to meet individual customer needs.
