The premiere event for the food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology sectors is on track to be bigger and better than ever this year, says Sales Manager Vanessa White. “Many exhibitors booked in right after Foodtech Packtech 2012, and we’ve had extensive planning discussions with many of the nation’s most important industry bodies since the past show about how we might improve this year’s format. We have literally hundreds of leading industry suppliers from all over New Zealand and many from overseas participating this year.”
The NZ Food Innovation Network will again be participating at Foodtech Packtech, showcasing a framework of world leading Research & Development, pilot and test plant facilities on hand to assist in growing New Zealand’s food manufacturing commercialisation pipeline. They will once again be hosting seminar programmes as well as discussing case studies from each of the network regions.
Food manufacturing and related sectors in New Zealand are going from strength to strength, and that’s reflected in visitor numbers as well. “Since 2008, when New Zealand Food manufacturers were hit hard by the global financial crisis, visitor numbers to Foodtech Packtech have grown year on year, and we expect that trend to continue for 2014. Everyone attending Foodtech Packtech 2014 will benefit from what is shaping up to be a great business event,” says White.
One of the exhibitors looking forward to showing how it can help your businesses is EQM, a leader in stainless steel equipment and technology, including gearboxes, motors, conveyors and rotary tables. Anthony Bloxham says, “When it comes to style you can’t beat stainless, but more importantly it raises the bar in performance and it provides peace of mind when it comes to hygiene. It’s important to ensure that when design of new plants or redevelopments are being discussed, so should the type of equipment, its placement and how to improve efficiency when it comes to maintenance. The starting point for an equipment maintenance plan is well before the equipment is actually installed and working. In many instances we’re asked to supply a particular drive or component item and then this is matched up to a piece of equipment supplied by another provider. To avoid any issues, it is essential that the equipment supplier and the project manager make sure equipment supplied is suitable because, in some instances, the equipment may not be designed to work together in the first place. Every time we are asked to get involved at the planning and design stage, the outcomes are so much better. We can eliminate unnecessary future maintenance, select the optimum equipment and recommend the best components and keep costs down both upfront and in the long run.”
Innovative packaging and technology
Food safety, nutritional content and shelf stability are all key factors of vital importance to much of the food industry. FB*PROPAK is introducing its AVE ESL technology at Foodtech Packtech. “Extended Shelf Life (ESL) is relatively new technology meeting current needs by delivering packaged beverages with superior freshness, exotic flavours and higher nutrition,” says spokesperson Paul Baggio. “With a lot of talk in the beverage industry about non-heat pasteurisation, FB*PROPAK is pleased to announce that there is another effective method available that is more economic, more efficient, more beneficial and more compact than other alternatives on the market. With the increase in desire to process and consume beverages and food with all the nutritional components still intact, we have some improved and realistic solutions relevant to products such as fruit juices, protein drinks, isotonic drinks, milk, bottled water and RTDs. FB*PROPAK is offering proven, non-invasive alternatives to heat-based pasteurisation, preserving the organoleptic integrity of the raw materials and the finished product. This is certainly one of the significant growth areas of innovation in the beverage industry.”
Other technology on show includes that from exhibitors with New Zealand-developed and produced equipment, including Drying Solutions Ltd. Robert Barnes says the company’s REXMOI equipment offer a wide range of options for any food business across a range of food products. “We have New Zealand-patented solutions for plant, bee, seafood products and more. Our dryer solutions are new technology that provides excellent energy efficiency across a range of temperatures. Features of the portable unit include an enclosed chamber with food grade stainless steel trays. We know that many food producers and manufacturers appreciate having many options so we offer trials and hire. We also build to specification, with special attention paid to accurate electronic control (temperature and humidity), and linkage to PCs for monitoring and data logging.”
More than just an exhibition, Foodtech Packtech is a must attend industry event. It runs over three days, features free development and business seminars, with the Plastics NZ Awards and the Pride in Print Awards as well as the internationally-renowned NZ Food Awards (www.foodawards.co.nz) running alongside the show.
Other features include The Australian Institute of Packaging running a half-day training course on Labelling & Matching the Label with the Package, the New Zealand Food Innovation Network will be on hand to showcase its industry services, and there will also be a session from Food, Packaging & Environment Consultant Gordon Robertson.
Foodtech Packtech will be held September 23-25 at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland.
Visitor Registration – www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/register
Exhibitor Enquiries – Vanessa White – Vanessa@xpo.co.nz – 021 641 004
