FoodTech Qld wrapped up in Brisbane this week, after three days of exhibitors, speakers and forums. More than 130 exhibitors showcased the latest manufacturing, technology and product development for the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Food processing and packaging specialist Highgate Group's GM Alister Joyce told Food & Drink Business that the biggest difference he has seen in recent years is the embrace of technology. He said: "Five years ago businesses were reticent to spend money, saying their processes had been working for years so why change them. That has changed markedly."
Automation and pneumatics specialist SMC was front and centre with its eight step process for customers to save energy and dollars from their bottom line. It was also a chance for SMC ANZ Group MD Wayne Driver to lead a celebration of the company's 60th birthday and introduce new ANZ sales and marketing director Tim Keech. A baptism by fire having been in the role for less than a week.
SealedAir showcased the new Cryovac brand’s food tray, the HydroLoQ. Sustainability, retail and market director Alan Adams told F&DB it offered the ideal “sustainable elimination”. The base of the tray is a design that draws liquid away from the contents (like raw chicken) and holds it in the bottom pockets by surface tension. "It removes the need for absorption pads, which inevitably end up in landfill," Adams said.
Food Futurist Tony Hunter gave some eye-opening insights at his seminar on the future of food. Megatrends of wellness, connected consumers, sustainability, ethical decision making and individualisation will be driven by five main technology forces: genomics; microbiome; alternative proteins; cellular agriculture; and synthetic biology. Hunter enthusiastically pointed out that these things are no longer in the realm of science fiction, but already happening.
Mike Tristram, CEO of Tristram Foods, provided an animated presentation about Trisco's very own pivot from confectionery to aged service products, providing insights into the trials, tribulations and occasional successes that come with R&D and innovation.
Tim McLean from TXM Lean Solutions and Jonathan Legault from Corematic Engineering looked at the challenges facing the food manufacturers to day with practical insights into tackling the current challenges of a rapidly changing market environment.
Brett Wiskar from Wiley – resplendent in the Wiley team's signature orange Converse hightops – joined Legault to look at food factories of the future. Phil Peace from SMC Corporation spoke on the need for a digitisation plan and the Open IIoT group. Recently formed by global groups SMC Corporation, NORD Drivesystems, Balluff, Beckhoff Automation, Universal Robots and ZI-Argus, the group aims to help manufacturers get ahead of the curve as soon as possible.
During the expo the Australian Institute of Packaging ran their Introduction to Sustainable Packaging Training course. Attendees included Primo, Australian Country Choice, Integria HealthCare, Komatsu, Cormicks, Platypus Graphics, Manbulloo, Tip Top, Yates, FNQ Growers and more.
The expo ended with a power panel on sustainability and minimising waste with Professor Pienaar; Jayne Paramor, Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation; Yann Pastor, Deloitte; Nerida Kelton from the Australian Institute of Packaging; and Alan Adams, Sealed Air.
