Snack makers prioritise efficiencies

BMI Research predicts a conservative volume outlook for sweet and savoury snacks in South Africa this year toward 2014. This is due to market fragmentation and manufacturing pressures resulting from increased input costs along the entire value chain. In response, manufacturers are working to improve their efficiencies, and offer products that meet the needs of different consumers: smaller, more affordable pack sizes for the lower end of the market, and value-added premium indulgent and healthier

Next-generation business platform

THE Epicor iScala (version 3.0) ERP solution, designed by Epicor, is integrated to the company’s Internet Component Environment (ICE) business architecture. This service-oriented architecture is known for delivering next-generation technologies and applications touted as “best in their class” that extend future-proof value to solutions.

Manufacturers’ epic fail with ERPs

Only 9% of leading companies have fully realised the importance of creating a customer-orientated culture and process workflows

More hygienic conveyors

THE Iso-Flo conveyor from Key Technology boasts a number of upgrades to its design. It carries oil-free electric vibrating motors, an innovative patent-pending vector lock screen clamp, elastomer isolators, scalloped flat bars, plate frame design, and a unique internal ground arm. The Standard Utility Shakers ideal for processing fruits, vegetables, potato strips, and potato chips, have these sanitary features.

Cranberry harvest partner

THE COLOURS of autumn over a bright sea of red bring thousands of people to Wisconsin in the United States, to celebrate the annual cranberry harvest and experience a unique manufacturing process that starts with bog harvesting.

Bosch unveils SVC 4020

THE SVC flexible vertical packaging machine platform is the latest from Bosch Packaging Technology. The first in the series is the SVC 4020, which debuted at PACK EXPO Las Vegas in September. The machine can be used for fresh and frozen food packaged in pillow bags. Future SVC machines will be available with additional pack styles to handle a wide variety of free-flowing dry, wet and frozen food products.

Lightweighting to the extreme

The XTREME machine allows the production of preforms of up to 10% lighter than the lightest injection-moulded preform. Developed by SIPA, this PET preform injection-compression moulding machine can remove more weight from the body and base and enable the development of new designs. The technology used allows a preform with a length-to-wall thickness ratio (L/t) of more than 50, which is said to be unheard of before XTREME was released. The machine has the ability to make a preform with an L/t ra

Printers certified for use with Apple gadgets

THE NEW version of the Apex portable printer series from Datamax O’Neil is Bluetooth compatible with Apple iOS 5.0 and 6.0 iPhones, iPad, and iPod Touch. It is now available as an Apple certified MFi printing solution for B2B applications that utilise Apple iOS devices.

Printer models tout simple usability

The latest DataFlex models offer longer production runs, lower coding errors

Edible coatings for ready-to-eat foods

Demand for fresh ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables is driving growth of edible films

Cocoa flavonols can improve blood flow

A first in the cocoa and chocolate industry, Barry Callebaut receives EU approval for its flavonol health claim FOLLOWING the positive Scientific Opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in July 20121, the EU Commission has approved Barry Callebaut’s health claim submission on cocoa flavanols, under Regulation No 851/2013.

Baking with quinoa

DeutscheBack incorporates 10% quinoa in baking premixes REGARDED as the food of the future in many regions, the quinoa plant has a high nutritive value and is also especially hardy. Cultivated for thousands of years, this grain-like crop is seen as the food that may help fight undernourishment, because it is the only food crop that contains in its protein all the essential amino acids that humans need.