Business

Entries Welcome for Food Safety Awards

New Zealand Food Safety is encouraging keen foodies to get their entries in for a number of key 2019 food safety awards. The Significant Contribution to Food Safety, Food Safety Culture and the Primary Sector Products awards celebrate the achievements of those who are demonstrating innovation and excellence in food safety in New Zealand. To enter – visit www.mpi.govt.nz/scholarships-and-awards/ for more details. “We’re focussed on making sure we have safe and suitable food, and that New Zealand food is the most trusted in markets around the world,” said Head of New Zealand Food Safety Bryan Wilson. “Rules are an important part of that, but ultimately food safety is about the people who produce the food we enjoy. Through these awards we can recognise and reward excellence in the primary industries and food sectors.” The Significant Contribution to Food Safety Award recognises an individual, a team, or an organisation who has made a significant improvement to food safety in New Zealand. This could include developing or improving a food safety process or operation. It could be in one sector or across a few. Nominations close on 23 May 2019. The award will be presented during the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology’s (NZIFST) ‘Good Food 4’ Conference in Christchurch on 3 July 2019. “This is the third year that this Award is open and we thank the NZIFST team for their support and allowing us to present the award at their Conference Awards Dinner,” Mr Wilson said. The Food Safety Culture and Primary Sector Products awards are part of the 2019 New Zealand Food Awards. The awards are owned and organised by Massey University. Entries for the NZ Food Awards close on 31 May 2019. Winners will be announced at the Awards’ Gala Dinner on 23 October 2019 in […]

Dairy committed to playing its part in lowering emissions

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle has reconfirmed the dairy sector’s commitment to play its part to reduce its biological emissions, and supports the intent of the direction of the Zero Carbon Bill. “Our farmers are committed to sustainable farming practices, and need long-term certainty to make business decisions based on reduction targets. We are pleased the Government has listened to the science regarding the short-lived nature of methane, recognising it has a different impact on the environment,” says Dr Mackle. “DairyNZ supports a science-based approach, where each gas is reduced based on its warming impact. We have not yet seen the Government’s analysis behind the 2050 target range. The 2050 target, of reducing methane by 24 to 47 per cent, is based on global scenarios that are not grounded in the New Zealand context. “This range for methane, combined with reducing nitrous oxide to net zero, goes beyond expert scientific advice for what is necessary for New Zealand agriculture to limit global warming to no more than at 1.5° C. “It is very important to get the range right. If we get this wrong it will have significant impacts on not just the dairy sector, but the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of New Zealand. “While we can support much of what is in the Zero Carbon legislation, we will be pushing for the range to be reviewed and aligned with the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, of 10-22 per cent reduction in methane. When combined with our commitment on nitrous oxide to net zero, this is an equitable, yet ambitious and challenging target, that is grounded in robust science. “We know our farmers will be concerned by the 47 per cent and what that might mean for their livelihoods. It is not set in stone, […]

New organisations boosting Kiwi ag-innovators

Entrants in the Fieldays Innovation Awards will be boosted by a team of knowledgeable, passionate and well-connected organisations with three new sponsors being added to the already impressive group. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Gait International and James & Wells join Vodafone NZ, Callaghan Innovations and Massey University to form the strong team of sponsors fostering New Zealand agricultural innovations in the Fieldays Innovation Awards. The awards provide an ideal platform for innovators to conduct market research, gather information, receive advice, make connections and launch their ideas nationally and internationally. Fieldays Innovations event manager Gail Hendricks speaks of the benefits of having such fantastic sponsors on board, “We are really lucky to have a group of amazing sponsors supporting the Fieldays Innovation Awards for 2019. The support, advice and connections that each of our partners have for entrants will do wonders in advancing their ideas, propelling them onto the national and world stage with such reputable knowledge behind them. “AWS has supported many successful New Zealand start-ups and enterprises in their technology journeys, and with AgTech being such a common theme amongst innovation entries, we see them being a hugely beneficial part of the Fieldays Innovation Awards’ team of sponsors, says Hendricks. Founded by Kiwi entrepreneur Daniel Given, Gait International is a design for manufacture and value engineering company with specialist supply chain management solutions that helps global companies to deliver world class engineered products. Daniel Given, Gait International CEO speaks of the new partnership with Fieldays, “We were very keen to get involved in Fieldays Innovation, as it has been key to enabling Kiwi Agri-business innovators. Building successful businesses is hard, we are excited to be able to share some of our experiences and provide mentor ship to the agri-businesses of the future.” James & Wells is the number one […]

HRS brings packaged solutions for pasteurisation and sterilisation

Pasteurisation and sterilisation are now so well established that it is impossible to contemplate the production of many food and drink products without using these important techniques. Both pasteurisation and sterilisation involve the use of heat, usually in a way which does not affect the fundamental characteristics of the product (in other words, it doesn’t cook it). However, while sterilisation seeks to completely eliminate any micro-organisms which may be present in the product (and so typically uses higher temperatures or longer treatment periods, and is therefore more likely to have an effect on the product’s characteristics), pasteurisation reduces the microbial load by a significant factor (for example by5-logs), which in normal circumstances reduces them to a level at which they do not pose a hazard. While simple plate heat exchangers may still be suitable for the pasteurisation of simple fluids such as milk and fruit juices, more textured and viscous products, such as cooking sauces, creams and curds, require different solutions in order to maintain their quality and texture. In order to meet this diverse range of requirements, HRS Heat Exchangers has created its Thermblock packaged pasteuriser/steriliser for food products for aseptic filling, as well as any other filling or packing method. Depending on specification and the intended use, Thermblock uses the most appropriate HRS tubular heat exchanger to deliver effective and efficient thermal treatment. All HRS Thermblock systems allow for full adjustment of the heating-holding-cooling cycle of the product, so that it can be tailored to your product/s and method/s of working. They can also be used as HTST (High Temperature, Short Time) units, subjecting the product to high temperatures for a short time to minimise potential side-effects, such as organoleptic changes or nutritional losses). There are three models of HRS Thermblock: HRS Thermblock DTA Series This features a double tube […]

Shot by James Griffin of Edgeline Photography | www.edgeline.co.nz

High recognition of strong contribution to the dairy sector

DairyNZ congratulates passionate environmentalist, Taranaki dairy farmer Trish Rankin, on becoming the 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. “This is a very well-deserved recognition of Mrs Rankin’s commitment to dairying, her passion for environmental work on farm and the multiple roles she plays in the sector and community,” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says. “We are very lucky to have Mrs Rankin involved in a number of key initiatives with us that are making a difference.” Mrs Rankin is a DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leader (DEL) – a group of farmers who work to achieve better outcomes for the environment and farming. They make things happen in many areas such as water quality and assist other farmers to improve their environmental performance. They are active in their communities at grass-roots level in different ways, such as on boards and local committees. Mrs Rankin is the chair of the Taranaki DEL group. Among a wide range of roles, Mrs Rankin is a contractor to DairyNZ as a Dairy Women’s Network module developer, a NAIT technical user advisor, and is involved in the Dairy Industry Awards. In 2018 she was elected onto the National Executive for the NZ Dairy Awards and last year was selected as a DairyNZ Climate Change Ambassador as part of the Dairy Action for Climate Change. DairyNZ Climate Change Ambassadors are a group of 15 farmers throughout the country who work with farmers to build their understanding of climate change, and they also provide a farmer voice. “Mrs Rankin is always involved in things that are going to benefit the dairy sector, the environment and the community,” Dr Mackle says. “She is also keenly interested in contributing to the public perception of dairying.” As well as being a part-time teacher, Mrs Rankin and her husband Glen sharemilk […]

Skills needed to remain competitive

-Doug Green, Publisher Every now and again we step outside the square and have a good, long look at what we are doing. So it should be with manufacturing. Specifically, to enhance the awareness of just what it is the modern New Zealand manufacturer does. Part of that, of course, is to recognise the contribution manufacturing brings to the New Zealand economy. The design, original concept processes that add so much to what is eventually made and finds its way on overseas markets. Manufacturers are modernising their technologies, equipment, systems and infrastructure consistently and applying that sophistication to their materials and production in an effort to create jobs and reduce energy costs. The jobs themselves are changing too. New, modern ways of manufacturing require highly-skilled workers. The current Government, to this end, needs to sought out what kind of ITOs will be in place to skill the workforce to play a key role in competitiveness on local and world markets. Developing talent is a real challenge and the changing nature of manufacturing is making it harder for talent to keep up. Government needs to invest more in manufacturers, their suppliers and interested stakeholders to create workforce development programs that train and equip workers with the right skills to remain competitive.

Creating an even stronger future for the New Zealand dairy sector

DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums are being held throughout the country in April and May, showcasing what a bright future the dairy sector has, the opportunities available and how New Zealand dairy can take control of the changes on the horizon. “We strive to be the best dairy producers in the world and we should be proud of what we have achieved so far. We are also always striving to be better and remain the top choice for our international consumers,” DairyNZ Chief Executive Tim Mackle says. “The forums will show how we can stay ahead and the science that is being worked on to ensure we meet environmental and animal welfare goals. New Zealand farmers are committed to looking after their cows, people, land and water, and the forums will help them farm with confidence. “We also want to provide inspiration for the next generation to get involved in what is an exciting sector with a bright future,” Dr Mackle says. The theme of the forums is Future perspectives – local and global impact. Inspirational speakers will explain the developments occurring in New Zealand and overseas, how they may impact local farmers and how farmers can prepare with confidence. Dr Mackle says if farmers know what’s coming, they can adapt to take advantage of new opportunities and respond to challenges. Each year the DairyNZ Farmers’ Forums alternate between a national event and regional events. Agriculture Minister Hon Damien O’Connor will speak at two of the six forums – Timaru (by video-conference) and Westport. Regional Economic Development Minister Hon Shane Jones will speak at the Whangarei forum. Keynote speakers will vary at each local event. They include Massey University Professor of Farm and AgriBusiness Management Prof Nicola Shadbolt, NZ Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Mike Petersen and NZX Limited Head of Analytics Julia […]

The critical role of IIoT in the future of food processing

Michael Cahill, Rockwell MES Technical Consultant As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. New Zealand food companies, that often produce high value-add product that is exported around the globe, value their brand and reputation. Things are changing. Customer expectations for food safety and quality are unprecedented. Expectations from regulatory authorities are increasing to meet ever growing market regulation. Demand for high safe products is driving growth at an unprecedented rate. The reality is the number of food recalls has been steadily increasing over the last decade, according to FSANZ’s 2009-2018 reporting. The lack of visibility in the early stages of production is leading to an increased amount of inedible product and is posing serious food safety compliance risks. With headline after headline, product traceability from paddock to plate is becoming more and more important. Any deviation in quality in the product line will involve significant wastage and financial burden on the organisation. A sustainable approach to maintain the highest standard of production quality is sought to meet these customer, regulator and growth challenges. Connecting the dots The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has emerged as a solution to this problem. IIoT platforms and advanced analytics now enable users to fuse multiple data sources to provide contextually relevant historical and real-time data. Add in AI and machine learning and food manufacturing is more predictive and intelligent than ever before, giving workers uncanny insight into how to solve issues and predict problems before they happen. The problem isn’t a lack of data but a lack of connectivity from food companies. IIoT has provided the tools to better verify quality, establish batch genealogy and capture meaningful processing data from beginning to end. It’s now the job of manufacturing plants and farms to […]

What do your motors really do?

In 1969, the first home security system was born, consisting of four peepholes and a camera that could be moved to look through any of them, broadcasting the images to a monitor. Nowadays, we can now stream and view a feed of our home security cameras on our mobiles, giving homeowners greater piece of mind. Here, Markus Brettschneider, of ABB’s food and beverage program, explains how food plant managers can add a similar level of connectivity to retrofit most motors with smart sensors to bring their plants to the digital age. Industry as a whole is utilising technologies and solutions enabled through the industrial internet of things (IIoT). Gartner predicts that 25 billion devices will be connected to the internet of things by 2020, with some agencies predicting even double this amount. This presents plant managers with a conundrum. Most food manufacturing and processing plants currently have motors powering essential equipment such as mixers, conveyors and packaging machines. These motors are just motors and do not play in the same league as the other intelligent devices in their factories. With years of service often left in the motors, it’s difficult for plant managers to justify replacing motors that work effectively for the sake of an upgrade with any smart features. However, there are alternatives to a complete overhaul in order to connect motors to the IIoT. Instead of investing in new, more intelligent or smart equipment, plant managers should invest in sensors that provide similar functionality to connected devices. For example, ABB offers smart sensors, which can be fitted to almost any standard low voltage induction motor. The pocket-sized sensor, dubbed ABB Ability Smart Sensor, is directly attached in a couple minutes to the motor’s frame, without wiring. By using sensors that feed performance data to the cloud through a […]

Synlait embarks on business transformation for growth and diversification

Synlait has chosen Infor CloudSuite Food & Beverage to support its supply chain and manufacturing operations and growth as part of a five-year business transformation plan. The goal is to modernise and streamline operations for the integrated dairy business, one with over 150,000 metric tonnes of annual sales volumes across domestic and international markets including Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Australasia. An existing Infor customer, Synlait is looking to improve employee engagement and increase operational efficacy and efficiency by aligning to best dairy industry practices. This will be facilitated and enabled by Infor’s food and beverage dairy industry specialised CloudSuite software-as-a-service (SaaS) enterprise solution. “The foundation of our business is all about partnering with other businesses and people who share our passion and commitment to excellence, integrity, and quality,” said Chris France, director of strategy and business transformation, Synlait. “Infor is a strategic partner for our business transformation plan with its ability to help us leverage dairy industry expertise, data insights and real-world knowledge via its innovative Infor CloudSuite F&B solution.” “Infor understands the unique challenges of the food and beverage industry in the Australia and New Zealand markets, and is committed to continue delivering finely-tuned industry-specific solutions in the cloud to help our customers maximise efficiencies and accelerate growth,” said Helen Masters, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Infor Asia Pacific and Japan.

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