Navigating current market conditions

Interview by Marijovic Gonzalez

MANY food companies are familiar with the time-tested innovations from equipment manufacturer Heat and Control, with its lines of conveying, food processing, weighing, and inspection systems.  

The FastBack conveyor for instance which was introduced in 1995 remains a leading brand in horizontal motion conveyors. In 2022, the company introduced a 4.0 version which aims to set a new standard in conveying as it features a rotational drive motion that produces a horizontal motion, and addresses the maintenance and hygiene issues that come with conveying.

With growing consumer awareness on healthy snacking, the popularity of air frying to produce low fat snacks has also taken off in recent years. Heat and Control’s AirFry System was designed to reduce oil content in food products.

Meanwhile cost efficiency is a feature of the Masa Maker™, a corn masa making system which can create masa without water usage.

These are just some of the company’s offerings to a food processing sector that seeks to raise profitability amid overlapping crises and shifting consumer behavior.

Ricky Ong, Asia Sales Manager, Heat and Control Pty Ltd 

In an interview with FoodPacfic Manufacturing, Mr Ricky Ong – Asia Sales Manager, Heat and Control Pty Ltd, shared some of his insights and observations in the business that he has been familiar with for years:

Forecast for the food sector in Asia

Many countries around the world are dealing with the combined effects of the pandemic, and global geopolitical conflict which are causing economic instability, and increased inflation. This includes the Asia pacific region, which has seen consumers face price hikes on most essential purchases – including food and beverage products.

To manage the price hikes, consumers are now actively seeking more affordable products and value-for-money options. As product affordability becomes increasingly important for both consumers, and the brands who make these products, Heat and Control is committed to helping food processors navigate the tough market conditions.

In 2022, we experienced a high demand for our products and services, and many food processors were investigating ways to improve their production efficiency and profitability. Our overall forecast for this market is that it (is expected) to show an upward trend - but managing the high cost of energy and increased commodity prices will be more important than ever – so brands can continue to offer their products at affordable prices for their customers.

Exploring prospects in the region

We’ve noticed a high interest in solutions which can produce consistently high-quality food products, increase production rates, offer high efficiency and long running times with easy sanitation. Right across all sectors, including process prepared products and snack food processing, seasoning, and distribution conveyors.

New taste preferences will present opportunities to innovate

The Southeast Asian market is known for its love of flavorsome food, and new food trends in this market will present vast opportunities for food processors. Many of these trends have developed as a result of the pandemic, but others are based on consumer preferences and emerging social initiatives.

We’re seeing demand for ready-to-eat meals, healthy snacks and immunity boosting foods, and improving the taste and texture of processed food.  In addition, there is increasing interest in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes - which drives us to continuously innovate and remain ahead of technology.

Face time with customers a top priority

While the pandemic denied us the opportunity of traveling and meeting face-to-face for a long time, we were extremely excited to resume our tradeshow presence in the Asia Pacific region in 2022. Meeting with our customers to showcase our technology and innovative solutions – and assure them of our strengths and support – is a top priority and something we will continue to do. Our regular presence in this region provides us with the opportunity to meet new prospects and learn from each other, and we love having the chance to discuss any products of interest and answer any questions.

Heat and Control’s proposition

Sustainable processing is a key challenge for the global food processing industry and multiple technologies are already available which can reduce fuel costs, energy waste, air pollution, and water consumption. As interest in these solutions for the Asia Pacific region grows, we are ready to answer any questions that companies may have about adopting or upgrading existing equipment, in order to process more responsibly.