Business

SweeGen accelerates global expansion with new food and beverage application centres

New centres enable deep collaboration with global and regional customers on sugar reduction and taste innovations Global food and beverage manufacturers can now easily create and collaborate on exploring sugar reduction solutions with SweeGen in its newly launched Food and Beverage Application Centres located in four global regions — North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The centres will create synergy and local interaction with new and existing customers thereby accelerating new product development reflecting local consumer preferences in taste, flavors and ingredients. “This expansion on application and technical support into local markets is our continuing commitment to provide a unique sugar reduced solution that rapidly reduces product development time for our customers, and delivers a winning product for the region, said Shari Mahon, S.V.P., application technology. “Each facility will feature a full spectrum of development capabilities supporting beverage, dairy, confectionery, snack and bakery foods.” The flagship California centre opened first this year. Mexico and Europe to follow, and Asia-Pacific slated to open by the end of 2020. The opening of the European centre will coincide with an anticipated EFSA approval of the company’s Rebaudioside M stevia sweetener in Europe. Additionally, and planned to open later this year in Europe, the company will produce more than 3,000 metric tons of stevia sweeteners per year at its new manufacturing site. The personalised customer service at the centres is just one of SweeGen’s competitive advantages. SweeGen also provides manufacturers access to reliable high purity world-scale supply of best tasting zero-calorie stevia sweeteners. “The investment we’ve made in our new application centres is an investment we’ve made in our customer relationships and their businesses,” said Luca Giannone, vice president of sales and marketing. “We see stevia as the preferred global ingredient for sugar reduction and that’s possible because SweeGen scales the production of Reb […]

Global food industry M&A deals total $2.72bn in February 2020

Total food industry M&A deals in February 2020 worth $2.72bn were announced globally, according to GlobalData’s deals database. The value marked an increase of 522.2% over the previous month and a rise of 41.1% when compared with the last 12-month average, which stood at $1.93bn. Comparing deals value in different regions of the globe, North America held the top position, with total announced deals in the period worth $1.63bn. At the country level, Canada topped the list in terms of deal value at $1.2bn. In terms of volumes, North America emerged as the top region for food industry M&A deals globally, followed by Europe and then Asia-Pacific. The top country in terms of M&A deals activity in February 2020 was the US with 13 deals, followed by the UK with four and Canada with four. In 2020, as of the end of February 2020, food M&A deals worth $3.16bn were announced globally, marking a decrease of 24.03% year on year. Food industry M&A deals in February 2020: Top deals The top five food industry M&A deals accounted for 99.6% of the overall value during February 2020. The combined value of the top five food M&A deals stood at $2.71bn, against the overall value of $2.72bn recorded for the month. The top five food industry deals of February 2020 tracked by GlobalData were: Mondelez International’s $1.2bn acquisition of Give And Go Prepared Foods The $825.86m acquisition of Glycom by Royal DSM Dairy Farmers of America’s $425m asset transaction with Dean Foods The $227.25m acquisition of Ajinomoto(Thailand) Ltd by AjinomotoInc SATS’s acquisition of Monty’s Bakehouse UK for $34.72m.

Dairy committed to environmental journey

The Our Freshwater 2020 report released today highlights New Zealand’s environmental challenges and where we can all play our part. DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for environment, Dr David Burger, said dairy farmers are committed to protecting New Zealand’s environment and taking action on-farm to support that. “Our dairy sector is on the journey to improve and protect water quality outcomes and our farmers have been working toward this for over a decade. We are continuing to do more every year,” said Dr Burger. “The Freshwater 2020 report does draw some key themes together for urban, farming and forestry, and shows us that all land use has an impact on our freshwater.” However, Dr Burger said the report’s approach compares current water quality with native forest waterway condition, and DairyNZ believes it is therefore somewhat misleading. “We know that all development has an impact on water quality but it is unrealistic to compare to native forest state. An estimated 95 percent of total river length in pastoral catchments exceeded one or more guideline values simply because they are being compared to very high native forest standard,” said Dr Burger. “Interestingly, more than 50 percent of native waterways also failed to meet this criteria. This sets the benchmark very high for catchments with modified land use. “We welcome further work to develop a more robust environmental reporting system, which is important to understand how to best manage this complex issue, but to also provide assurance that all the environmental actions landowners undertake is leading to improved water quality outcomes.” Dr Burger said Our Freshwater 2020 does illustrates how vital the work underway is – particularly the importance of protecting and restoring wetlands, mitigating the impacts of all contaminants and improving ecosystem health. “We […]

Recovering the economy

New Zealand business needs a new approach from Government to regulation, projects and procurement if the economy is going to start to recover. EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley has called for a new recovery playbook by Government to give businesses the flexibility to recover and thrive, and potentially increase their productivity. “As we prepare for moving out of Alert Level 4 we have an opportunity for changes to be made that can ‘fast start’ existing businesses and potentially expand employment in key sectors. We understand the Government is up for change and our discussions with businesses point to some quick wins, with sectors like manufacturing and construction poised ready to go,” says Mr O’Riley. Key initiatives the EMA are advocating to be implemented as we come out of Alert Level 4 include: – using fast track and streamlined RMA consenting for shovel-ready projects, with consenting led by the project entities. – consent and bylaw changes to enable businesses and projects to operate 24 hours a day with multiple shifts, to speed up progress and to encourage businesses to hire more staff to fill the shifts. – reintroduction of the 90-day trial period to enable businesses to trial staff seeking to enter new industries and roles. – use the acclaimed SCIRT and NCTIR project delivery models, developed for the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquake recoveries. – allow open book procurement by Government enabling lead contractors to be appointed to major projects quickly. – bring forward maintenance activity throughout New Zealand on roads, rail, hospital and schools, the latter while students are at home. – Re-purpose the Provincial Growth Fund to provide small local councils with the funding they need to kick-start those maintenance programmes. – change foreign investment rules and fast track OIO approvals to encourage private sector investment into new projects […]

OnRobot Soft Gripper brings flexible handling

The new OnRobot food-grade Soft Gripper is able to pick a wide array of irregular shapes and delicate items in food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals production, as well as manufacturing or packaging Automation just got easier for food and beverages that need to handle items from eggs to fruit, to bottles or irregular-shaped containers. The flexible OnRobot Soft Gripper uses three interchangeable silicon-molded cups in star and four-finger configurations to pick up almost any small object under 2.2kg with a delicate, precise touch. The electric Soft Gripper is food-grade certified (complies with FDA 21 CFR for non-fatty items and EC 1935/2004) and unlike traditional vacuum grippers, it requires no external air supply, so it can reduce both cost and complexity. “Our new Soft Gripper is challenging existing solutions for picking hard-to-grasp, delicate and odd-sized items,” says CEO of OnRobot, Enrico Krog Iversen. “Unlike proprietary solutions, the Soft Gripper offers seamless integration with most collaborative robots and light industrial robots through our One System Solution.” OnRobot’s award-winning One System Solution is a platform that provides a unified mechanical and electrical interface between leading robot arms and any OnRobot end-of-arm tooling (EoAT). The One System Solution has been newly expanded to include integration with robots from ABB Robotics and Hanwha Precision Machinery. Now, users of those robots can take advantage of the unified mechanical and electrical interface of any OnRobot product, for easier integration and faster ROI. While the Soft Gripper is ideal for food and beverage applications, it also provides flexible, delicate gripping for manufacturing and packaging. Soft Gripper Features: Up to 2.2kg payload based on shape, softness and friction of items to be handled Grip dimensions ranging from 10mm-118mm depending on cup used FDA certification Flexible, interchangeable silicon cups Ideal handling for delicate objects and irregular shapes No need […]

New Lincoln University Council members bring wealth of experience to the table

Co-chair of Silver Fern Farms Limited and Chair of Farmlands Co-operative, Rob Hewett (pictured), and Ecological Economist, Dr Marjan van den Belt, have joined the Lincoln University Council. Mr Hewett brings extensive governance experience in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors to the role, while Dr van den Belt has 25 years combined experience of knowledge brokering and entrepreneurship in research, teaching and consulting across multiple sectors. Silver Fern Farms is New Zealand’s largest meat processor and exporter, exporting to over 60 countries globally. Mr Hewett is also Director, immediate past-Chair, and a shareholder of Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Limited, which is owned by 16,000 farmer shareholders and supplies sheep meat, beef and venison to Silver Fern Farms Limited. He is also the Chair of Farmlands Cooperative Society, New Zealand’s largest diversified rural supplies business with 70,000 farmer shareholders, and a Director of T&G Global Ltd, an Auckland based, globally focused pipfruit and vegetable growing and import-export business. He has governance roles in the energy sector, as a Director for Pioneer Energy Limited, a diversified energy company with generating assets across wind, hydro, biomass, thermal and gas throughout New Zealand. Mr Hewett also has experience in sustainable ventures, owning a 960ha carbon-zero sheep and beef breeding and finishing farm with significant forestry and wind farm interests in Manuka Gorge, South Otago, since 2002. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Commerce from Lincoln University. Dr van den Belt has a life-long passion for ecological sustainability, social and cultural fairness and innovative economic solutions. This is reflected in a unique combination of academic qualifications, inter/trans-disciplinary research, and management and governance experience. A strategic partner with Terra Moana Ltd, she seeks to serve communities of people and organisations who critically engage with a vision for a regenerative society through enterprise, board positions, facilitation, […]

Commission grants clearance for T&G application to acquire Freshmax

The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Turners & Growers Fresh Limited to acquire 100% of the shares in Freshmax NZ Limited. In reaching its decision, the Commission considered the potential impact of the proposed acquisition on competition in the markets for the wholesale supply of fresh produce, cool-chain distribution services and contract ripening services in New Zealand. Chair Anna Rawlings said the Commission was satisfied that the acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any New Zealand market. “We consider that the presence of competing suppliers in the relevant markets, along with the countervailing power of some customers and growers, is likely to constrain the ability of T&G to raise prices or reduce service quality,” Ms Rawlings said. “In addition, we considered whether the acquisition could affect competition by enabling T&G to coordinate with its competitors. We are satisfied that the fluctuating nature of supply and demand for fresh produce and the ability of customers to buy direct from growers would make coordination between the merged entity and other wholesalers unlikely.” A public version of the written reasons for the decision will be available on the Commission’s case register in the near future. Background This decision relates to a clearance application from T&G that we registered on 11 February 2020, the subject transaction which T&G announced to the NZX on 17 December 2019. T&G and Freshmax are both involved in the supply of fruit and vegetables (fresh produce) to retailers and other parties in New Zealand. T&G grows, imports and wholesales fresh produce in New Zealand and exports locally grown fresh produce. T&G also operates a produce distribution network and undertakes contract ripening for customers. T&G is a wholly owned subsidiary of T&G Global Limited. Freshmax imports and wholesales fresh produce in New Zealand. Freshmax provides […]

COVID-19: Farming focused on playing its part

A week into the COVID-19 lockdown, DairyNZ says dairy farmers are settling into life in lockdown but the sector’s focus remains on ensuring support for farms. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said the Government support for farming as an essential service has been positive to date and is helping ensure all farms can be kept ticking. “DairyNZ is working closely with dairy farmers and agri-partners to ensure all farming families, staff and support services are safe, and that farmers have access to the equipment, services and people they need,” said Dr Mackle. “We all share concerns about the health and economic effects COVID-19 will have on our families, communities and New Zealand, and farmers are working hard to minimise risks to keep their businesses running smoothly. “Farmers by nature are resourceful and dedicated, and are fortunate right now to be making a positive difference at a time of great need, by contributing to our communities and the economy. “As a sector, our immediate priority is ensuring the safety of our 46,000-strong workforce and their support services, so we can continue as an essential service and the responsibilities that come with that.” Dr Mackle said a number of issues are high on DairyNZ’s radar right now. “We are working to ensure dairy farmers have access to the people they need – particularly staff and our migrant workers. We have worked closely with the Government to see certainty provided around immigration and employment. We are pleased to see the visa extension recently announced,” said Dr Mackle. “A second priority area is employment – there is opportunity for New Zealanders to find careers in dairying and help fill staff shortages. We are working with the Government on a programme which may provide options for people to go dairying. “We are also looking […]

Butchers now allowed to process pork

Changes have been made to allow butchers to process pork, only for supply to supermarkets or other processors or retailers that are open, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced. “We carefully weighed the risk of allowing butchers to open their shops for retail customers, but the risk of spreading COVID-19 is too great so that will not be allowed”, Minister O’Connor said. “The aim in Alert Level 4 is to minimise retail outlets being open in order to minimise risk to public health. This decision maintains that aim while also ensuring there are no unintended adverse impacts on animals. “Butchers are an essential part of the supply chain in New Zealand for pork. At present, there is not enough capacity to hold surplus pigs on farms or pig carcasses in processing facilities, which could create an animal welfare issue. We need them to operating to ensure that pigs can continue to be processed and are not backing up on farms leading to animal welfare issues. ”The pork industry is domestically focused with limited export to the Pacific Islands so there aren’t as many avenues to offload product into other markets. “The pork industry raised this issue with Government and Cabinet agreed that there were strong enough grounds for a change to be made to address specific concerns in relation to animal welfare. Mr O’Connor says butchers who choose to operate will need to follow health guidelines for distancing in the workplace to ensure staff safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Overseer appoints Chief Scientist

Overseer has appointed Dr Jacquie Harper (pictured) as its first Chief Scientist as it invests in improving OverseerFM software for farmers and growers. Overseer Chief Executive Dr Caroline Read said the appointment of a Chief Scientist reflects Overseer’s commitment to transparent and scientifically robust development of the tool. “We want to work across the science sector to ensure credibility of the science behind OverseerFM and to support ongoing capture of new science innovation into the software. “It is important that we strike the right balance between ensuring scientific rigour and incorporating new innovation to support New Zealand farmers to achieve the environmental outcomes asked of them.” Dr Harper is leading Overseer’s science strategy and will be focused on embedding a robust, evidence-based science framework that integrates agricultural and environment science and innovation into OverseerFM’s model development pipeline. She will also strengthen engagement with science and industry so Overseer can ensure it remains the best modelling tool for New Zealand’s primary sector. Dr Harper brings extensive expertise in science strategy, evaluation and translation to the role. She has led science and science evaluation across a range of disciplines, including biomedicine, chemistry and engineering and is a current member of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. “The science in this area is rapidly evolving and we need to ensure the continuous improvement of the OverseerFM tool is supported by a transparent and scientifically rigorous process for translating science into practice,” says Dr Harper. “Proactive two-way science and industry engagement is vital to ensure the agricultural and environmental sectors can have confidence in OverseerFM. “The Overseer science strategy will concentrate on engagement, science uptake and evaluation to deliver this balance. “In this first phase, the engagement will focus on working with the sector on the co-development of our science. We will also be […]

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