Innovation, sustainability and business in the animal nutrition and grain processing sector marked the first edition of VICTAM LatAm

October 30, 2023 - Held in São Paulo, the event attracted 4327 visitors and gathered Brazilians and international main players in the market during three days of intense technical information exchange in favour of competitiveness and productivity

In the first week of October, São Paulo hosted the largest and most complete business meeting focused on grain and animal nutrition processing industries, including pet food, aqua feed (fish farming), poultry, pigs, ruminants and large animals. 

The first edition of VICTAM LatAm brought together during three days – from October 3^rd to 5^th – the main Brazilian and international players, from industry professionals, technicians, academics, logistics operators, entrepreneurs, as well as producers related to these markets in an event that emphasised technological innovation, sustainability, networking and business.

VICTAM events have a long tradition of being the industry meeting point and the propeller of business and technical development in markets such as the Netherlands, Thailand and Turkey. Now the event reached Latin America, more specifically Brazil, with the goal of fomenting the interaction between local industry and international players.

"We were positively surprised by the quantity and quality of visitation. We received more than 4,300 highly qualified professionals from the animal nutrition and grain processing industries from all over Latin America. We understand that this expressive visitation is a reflection of the quality of the companies from Brazil and other countries that are exhibiting in the show and of the quality of the technology innovations in equipment for the processing, storage and transportation of grains and animal feed shown here", said the Managing Director of VICTAM Corporation, Sebas van den Ende.

The first edition of VICTAM LatAm also received many international visitors from several neighbouring countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Colombia and even Mexico, who came to see equipment never seen in this region.

Innovation & Business

Another factor that marked the VICTAM Latin American edition was the volume of business generated. "The debut of VICTAM Latam in Brazil was a great success. Our expectations were exceeded in terms of qualified audience, business generation and renovation of the booths for the 2025 edition. We received buyers from all over Latin America, who came to check out the machines and equipment, in order to make new purchases” evaluated the Managing Director of Interlink Exhibitions - promoter of VICTAM LatAm 2023 in Brazil -, Cassiano Facchinetti.

According to Facchinetti, next edition of VICTAM LatAm will take place in September 2025, with an increase in the exhibiting area, exhibitors' booths, and participation of new companies. "We can already say that VICTAM LatAm has become the largest and main event for this industry in Latin America!".

VICTAM LatAm gathered in about 10,000 square meters, more than 150 national and international companies, representing about 250 brands, such as AGI, Andritz, Buhler, CPM, Equitec, Evonik, Famsun, Ferraz Máquinas, Kahl, Van Aarsen, Vantec, Wenger, Zheng Chang, among many others. These key players presented their cutting-edge solutions and technologies. Some of the innovations presented by the exhibitors were:

Equipment and technologies for silo monitoring: Grunn, official representative in Brazil of Bin Master, Electro-Sensors (United States), Tandler, Siko, Kipp, Motrona, Meister (Germany), and Zimm (Austria), show novelties in equipment and technologies for monitoring silos. Sales director of Grunn, Letícia Fatichi said that the Brazilian market has a "huge potential for growth, since there is a significant lack of storage capacity". 

"If we consider the data from the National Supply Company in Brazil (CONAB), the country should have 40 percent more silo structures. But there is a challenge to face: incentive in Brazil the awareness regarding the importance of incorporating monitoring equipment safety into the industrial dynamics. Compared to the USA, Brazil registers an average of 4000 percent more facility accidents. It is urgent to implement mandatory safety regulations," said the head of the company's sales department.

Equipment and technologies for research and diagnosis: Developer of differentiated, high-value solutions for life science research and diagnostics, Bruker Corporation brought to the show microorganisms identification technology, such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and for origin traceability  and hygiene control in food and beverage production lines. "Microbiology already has a great entry in sectors such as clinics and large companies, and the participation in events such as VICTAM LatAm opens the possibility of talking about the advantages of this technology", commented the technician in Sales and Application of Bruker do Brasil, Rodrigo Oliveira.

Mixers, dryers, heaters: Companies such as Becker Metalúrgica Industrial and Forberg presented their complete lines of equipment. "We have already participated in editions of VICTAM held in the Netherlands, Thailand and Turkey, and we are now in Brazil because we understand that this is a huge market in which we want to participate. In only two days of the show we were able to make solid contacts with local companies that were interested in our product line", said Forberg's sales director, Vladimir Jozim. 

For Becker's commercial director, Antônio Carlos de Campos, who has visited VICTAM events in other countries, the Latin American version of the show is interesting because it creates perfect conditions to explore international partnerships. "It is important for the local market to have access to the trends, knowledge and technologies exhibited here; it is a great opportunity to step into a higher level of networking and business," he said.

Animal feed additives: companies such as Atias Química and Evnik, dedicated to the production of animal feed additives, presented innovations in favor of the quality of creation.

Vertical cultivation: One example of innovative processing was presented at the show by the Dutch Insect Engineers. The technology consists of an entire structure, equipment, and climatic system for the breeding of black soldier fly on a commercial scale.

Machinery and equipment: Paraná Industrial presented its complete product line during VICTAM LatAm 2023. The company highlighted the Self-Cleaning Mug Lifter, which facilitates and improves product loading, ensuring a reduction in waste retention. Haver & Boecker, on the other hand, focused on equipment for bagging pet food. "During the show we had a very specialized audience, searching for animal nutrition solutions", commented the company's sales engineer, André Domingos.

Information, sustainability and competitiveness

VICTAM LatAm 2023 also offered to the visitors an extensive program of conferences with seminars, workshops and debates. "We provide a complete experience in terms of innovation, technology, knowledge, networking, and business opportunities," said Sebas van den Ende.

VICTAM and Perendale Publishers Ltd. held the Pet Feed and Aquaculture Feed Production Conference. In three days, leading experts in the sector addressed topics such as: the differences in the design of plants for the production of PET and aquatic feed; nutrition, sustainability and Circular Economy; the importance of probiotics in aquaculture; grinding, screening and particle size control in the optimal preparation of feedstock for aquaculture feed and pet food; micro-ingredients; pet food coating; pet food extrusion; food safety; ways to save energy in the feed milling and pelleting process; among others.

In partnership with the global grain community GEAPS, the International Educational Program on Grain Quality, Processes, Storage and Equipment was carried out, in which topics such as technologies aimed at maintaining grain quality in a tropical climate were addressed; the protection of process equipment against dust explosions; combustible dust safety in the grain industry; solutions to problems in silo bridges; ways to maximize the production of bucket elevators; simulation technologies in the handling of dry bulk; among others.

EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) participated in VICTAM LatAm 2023 as the curator responsible for the conference program that dealt with business opportunities in the animal protein chains (dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep), in the poultry and fish chains, animal nutrition, and grains (soybean, corn, and sorghum).

The International Feed Technology Conference (IFTC), organized by the University of Wageningen, brought together a team of professors and PhDs who provided visitors with information on issues related to animal nutrition and feed technology in Western Europe; recent developments in pig and poultry feed; the main challenges for the dairy cattle industry in South America; mycotoxin control and food safety in South America.

The non-profit International Responsible Soy Association (RTRS), which promotes production growth, trade and use of responsible soy, brought its Annual Conference to the event and discussed topics such as: national legislation in Latin America and how they compare to the new European Union regulation on deforestation-free products; how different countries intend to respond to the EUDR requirements; responsible production of responsible soy;  sustainability and regenerative agriculture; among others.

In the Theater at the exhibition floor A unique seminar, organized by Perendale and Victam took place, Feed Milling Maximised. This seminar presented three keynote presentations along with eight quick-fire updates on equipment and technologies used in modern-day feed milling that improve efficiencies while maximising output.

VICTAM LatAm 2025 has already set a date

"We are very pleased with this first edition. We had great adhesion from leading companies in the sector and excellent visitation, a specialized public with decision-making power. Brazilian and Latin American markets have a great potential for business, which goes beyond the country's borders, and the companies from the countries present at the show, such as the United States, China, the Netherlands, Germany, India, are now convinced that it is strategic to participate in Victam LatAm to be part of this market", says the director of VICTAM Corporation, Sebas van den Ende.

The next edition of VICTAM LatAm will take place from September 16^th to 18^th, 2025, at the White Pavilion of Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo. "The volume of renovations exceeded the capacity of the red pavilion, where we are today. The 2025 edition will be 50% larger in square footage," says Facchinetti. 

VICTAM LATAM 2025

When: September 16^th – 18^th

Local: Expo Center Norte - Pavilhão Branco - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

They’ve done it again... after the SMS Diploma, congratulations on the Feed Production Engineer Diploma.

October 30, 2023 - In a shortened time (5 months instead of 10 months), but no less intensively, 6 experts, 5 men and 1 woman, graduated with the diploma in compound feed technology from the renowned Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT). The 2nd edition of the diploma course "SMS goes SFT" was attended by participants from Kenya, Greece, Latvia, and Switzerland. Eric Simon from Switzerland achieved the best performance.

The diploma course "SMS goes SFT" is an exclusive offer for SMS graduates thanks to the cooperation between Swiss Milling School St. Gallen (SMS) and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT). This gives participants the opportunity to obtain the diploma as Feed Production Engineer in addition to their SMS Diploma. Due to the pandemic, the 1st edition of this type of diploma course "SMS goes SFT" was cancelled and participants had the chance to attend the regular diploma course. Now, the 2nd edition had been carried out under normal circumstances from June to October 2023.

During this time, the participants extended their already existing expertise in flour milling with competences in compound feed production by means of self-study and face-to-face classes. Today, they’re among the experts in the field of feed technology and among the 605 graduates worldwide that have received the SFT diploma since 1979.

We are proud to announce that all 6 participants received their certificates on Friday, October 13, 2023. Even the oldest participant in SFT history, Charles Wanjau from Kenya, received the SFT Diploma at the age of 59. "He is the embodiment of lifelong learning and an inspiration to all of us." said Managing Director, Lothar Driller as presented his diploma.

The graduates of the 2nd diploma course "SMS goes SFT" in Feed Milling Technology together with their lecturers

The future leaders

"Please share your knowledge. In doing so, you will encourage your colleagues to grow and develop as well. Inspire them and make sure they get the training they need if they have potential," said Lothar Driller in his speech, appealing to the graduates to actively apply and pass on their new knowledge.

The importance of the compound feed industry is increasing worldwide due to rising meat consumption. To meet this demand, efficient technologies and know-how for sustainable feed production are needed. At the same time, the requirements are also constantly increasing: the demands of customers and end consumers, as well as legal regulations, are presenting feed producers with ever greater challenges. "The diploma program covers a broad field, from process engineering, animal nutrition and feed mill management to new sensor technologies as a basis for the digitalization of the industry. The expertise acquired enables participants to successfully operate feed mills in addition to grain mills.

Eric Simon at the top of the class

Eric Simon works as a versatile miller at Groupe Minoteries SA in Switzerland, a rather calm type, but he impressed from the start with his excellent results.
He achieved a very good performance with the grade 91% (5.55) and was honored at the graduation ceremony with the traditional tin plate.

From left to right: Alex Ammann, Lecturer of the SFT – Eric Simon – Lothar Driller, Managing Director of the SFT

Double workload

The aim of the diploma course as a Feed Production Engineer is to enable the participants to complete the training in parallel with their professional duties and builds on the knowledge of milling technology already acquired at the SMS. The SFT offers supplementary technical training with a focus on feed production that requires minimal absence from the workplace.

The attendance time for this course was 4 weeks; prior to the start of the intensive course, the participants had to work independently on the relevant topics and complete assessments in 9 subject areas. During the intensive course, they took a total of 7 written exams. The oral exams on core topics like Process Technology / Flowsheet Technology as well as Animal Nutrition / Feed Science, in front of an expert committee, were the highlight and conclusion of the diploma course "SMS goes SFT." This demanded commitment and sacrifice from the students. However, it qualifies them for the additional tasks in their company for which they took responsibility before attending the diploma course.

Focus on hands-on

The SFT is a listed association and is recognized by the Association of Swiss Feed Manufactures (VSF) as a training and further education institution. The SFT provides professionals from the feed industry and related industries with practical expertise in the production of animal feed. Upon successful completion of the diploma course, graduates are able to understand relevant modern feed milling process technologies and to apply them efficiently in practice. To provide access to this specific know-how and cutting-edge technology, SFT is partnering with the multinational Swiss plant engineering company Bühler AG. To date, more than 600 men and women from 75 countries have successfully completed the Diploma Course in Feed Technology.

The next diploma course for SMS graduates "SMS goes SFT" is expected to take place in 2026. The regular diploma course in English will already start in January 2024.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

SIMEZA will attend Agritechnica and the IAOM Mideast & Africa Conference and Expo

October 30, 2023 - Simeza is pleased to confirm its participation in the renowned International trade fair for agricultural machinery, Agritechnica, which will take place in Hannover, Germany, from November 12th to 18th. 

You can visit SIMEZA at Hall 6, Stand E37 during Agritechnica. Their presence at this event emphasises their dedication to staying at the forefront of agricultural technology. Agritechnica serves as a meeting point for leading companies and experts in agricultural machinery, showcasing their latest advancements. SIMEZA's participation in the event reflects their commitment to driving innovation within the agricultural sector.

You may also be interested in:

• Simeza Silos will build one of the largest Hopper Bottom Silos (HBS-S) in Europe for a Valls Companys plant
• Farm silos by Simeza

Additionally, they will participate in the IAOM Mideast & Africa Conference and Expo, taking place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 12th to 15th. You can find SIMEZA at Hall 1, Stand E7. The event gathers experts and leaders in the grain mining and processing sector, providing a platform to share knowledge and innovations. SIMEZA's involvement underscores their dedication to advancing their field and collaborating with industry peers. 

Both upcoming exhibitions exemplify SIMEZA's continuous pursuit of excellence, innovation and collaboration within their industry. they look forward to engaging with fellow professionals, sharing insights, and contributing to the progress of their field during these exciting events.

To coordinate a visit or a work meeting, get in touch with comercial@simeza.com

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

CESCO to attend IAOM Mideast & Africa and Agritechnica

October 20, 2023 - CESCO is preparing for two major industry events, where they are eager to connect with peers, showcase their expertise, and stay updated on the latest advancements in their field.

The IAOM Mideast & Africa Conference and Expo in Cairo, Egypt, from November 12th to 15th, will see CESCO's active participation. As a prominent player in the industry, their presence at this event promises valuable insights and networking opportunities. Visitors can find them in Hall 1, Booth E7, where experts and leaders in the grain milling and processing sector will convene to share knowledge and innovations.

You may also be interested in:

• CESCO EPC attends Grain and Milling Expo 2023
• Martino Celeghini, CEO, Cesco, Germany

In addition to their Cairo appearance, CESCO is pleased to confirm their participation in Agritechnica, a renowned international trade fair from agricultural machinery, held in Hanover, Germany from November 12th to 18th. Visitors can meet them at Hall 6, Booth E37 during Agritechnica. Their presence at this event emphasises their dedication to staying at the forefront of agricultural technology. This event serves as a hub for leading companies and experts in agricultural machinery to showcase their latest developments. CESCO's involvement in the event showcases their commitment to driving innovation within the agricultural sector.

Both of these upcoming exhibitions exemplify CESCO's continuous pursuit of excellence, innovation and collaboration within their industry. They look forward to engaging with fellow professionals, sharing insights and contributing to the advancement of their field during these exciting events.

To arrange a visit or a work meeting at their IAOM Mideast & Africa booth, interested parties can contact Bassam.EINaqa@cesco-group.com. To do the same at their Agritechnica booth, they can reach out to Martino.Celeghini@cesco-group.com.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Alltech survey finds agri-food leaders are optimistic about industry's ability to create a more sustainable food system

October 26, 2023 - Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system, according to the Alltech Sustainability Insights report, released today.

Alltech conducted a global, industry-wide survey to gather insights on the issues that matter most to the agri-food value chain and its stakeholders. In collaboration with Opinions, an independent research agency based in Ireland, Alltech collected insights through 26 interviews with industry leaders and via a comprehensive survey completed by more than 2500 members of the agri-food industry. This effort presented an exciting opportunity to quantify attitudes and perceptions about sustainability from stakeholders across the agri-food value chain and identify tangible actions to build a more sustainable future.

You may also be interested in:

• New study confirms positive benefits of Alltech’s Bioplex® in layer production
• Alltech and Emirates Food Industries embark on Planet of Plenty partnership in the Middle East

"Our goal was to listen to the voices of our industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious and genuinely impactful," said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. "Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption, yet it remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system. The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain."

The survey questions were focused on five areas: challenges and opportunities; drivers and priorities; attitudes toward change; support and guidance; and who they believe is going to pay for sustainability. The key findings of the survey include:

• While four out of five respondents agree that 'climate change will make food production much more difficult in the future,' perspectives differ across the regions. A very real series of crises faces the agri-food industry and, for the most part, survey respondents acknowledged the gravity of those challenges and the fragility of our food system. There is a strong level of optimism and positivity however, with 85 percent of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.
• Almost three in four respondents reported feeling that a lot more guidance is needed to support their improvements in environmental sustainability. The need for guidance is expressed most strongly at the latter end of the value chain (eg retailers, food-service operators and manufacturers).
• Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain. Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat: 66 percent agree that until the farmer is incentivised financially, things will never change.
• Many recognise that we will not be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92 percent of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.
• There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93 percent of respondents agreeing that we all must work together to create a better food system for the future.

"Our industry is navigating extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented,"said Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. "Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalising local economies and replenishing the planet's natural resources."

For more information and survey results, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

USDA publishes new standards for organic livestock and poultry production

October 26, 2023 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) final rule. This new rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with more transparency about their purchases.

"USDA is creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system. This organic poultry and livestock standard establishes clear and strong standards that will increase the consistency of animal welfare practices in organic production and in how these practices are enforced," said vilsack. "Competitive markets help deliver greater value to all producers, regardless of size."

This change was driven by strong interest from consumer and the organic industry. USDA encouraged the public to comment and USDA received more than 40,000 written comments, all of which were carefully reviewed to inform drafting of this final rule. USDA also held a listening session on August 2022 to hear public comments on the proposed rule.

OLPS improves uniformity with regard to animal welfare practice requirements for organic livestock and poultry, promoting their well-being and natural behaviours.

The final rule outlines more consistent standards for six key areas, including:

• Outdoor space requirements: OLPS sets minimum outdoor space requirements for organic poultry and requires ready access to the outdoors. Outdoor areas must be at least 75 percent soil and include vegetation to the degree possible.
• Indoor and outdoor living conditions: shelters must have sufficient space for livestock to lie down, stand up, turn around, fully stretch their limbs or wings and express natural behaviours, such as rooting in pigs and scratching in chickens. Bedding areas must be sufficiently large and comfortable to keep livestock hygienic (for the species), dry and free of lesions.
• Poultry stocking densities: The rule set specific requirements for indoor and outdoor stocking densities to align with advisory board recommendations, third-party animal welfare standards and public comments from organic stakeholders. 
• Preventative health care practices: Producers must maintain preventative health care practices that include sufficient nutrition and comprehensive parasite prevention plans. Animals must be treated with allowed medicines to minimise pain, stress and suffering. All necessary treatment must be administered, even if the animal loses its organic status.
• Physical alterations and euthanasia: Physical alterations are permitted only for identification purposes or the safety of the animals, and certain alterations are prohibited altogether. Alterations must be performed at a young age for the species and in a manner than minimises the animal's pain and stress. Humane euthanasia may only be used if treatment is not an option.
• Transport, handling and slaughter: Operations must describe how organic management and animal welfare will be maintained for transport that exceeds eight hours. Animals must be fit for transport. The mode of transport must be seasonally appropriate to protect livestock from cold or heat. Operations must adhere to USDA (FSIS) humane slaughter standards.

In partnership with USDA-accredited certifiers, USDA's National Organic Program will oversee the implementation of an enforce compliance with these new, more consistent standards to support the growth of the organic market.

Implementing OLPS will give organic livestock and poultry farmers, ranchers and businesses - including those interested in transitioning to organic - more opportunities to compete fairly in the market. The rule supports ongoing consumer confidence and trust in the USDA organic seal by better aligning the organic standards with consumers' expectations for animal welfare. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic livestock products, particularly for the organic chicken, egg and meat industry. By increasing consumer trust in the organic label by aligning standard with consumers' animal welfare preferences, USDA is helping to deliver greater value to producers, and creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system.

Today's announcement supports USDA's ongoing National Organic Program mission to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal and maintain strong consumer confidence in the label. USDA-certified organic products are an increasingly important part of American agriculture, and the organic community represents a fast-growing food and farming sector in the United States and the global marketplace.

Earlier this year, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. The final rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers and those transitioning to organic production.

The final rule will be published in the Federal Register. A preview of the rule is available HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

The IPACK-IMA of the future, the vision outlined by Valerio Soli

October 25, 2023 - Continuing in the tradition that regards IPACK-IMA as a pivotal player in understanding the requiremenets of the processing and packaging market, the 2025 show is emerging as a testing ground for significant innovations. It also marks a starting point for a new approach to the concept of a trade fair event on which the Milan-based event will demonstrate, once again, its historic aptitude for innovation. Valerio Soli, chairman of Pack Ima, discussed it.

Valerio Soli

Exciting developments and a long term perspective

"The 2025 show, for which we've already secured substantial attendance subscriptions and confirmations from our primary customers, is designed to act as an accelerator for the driving principles behind the success of 2022. That year, the key themes were digitalisation, sustainability and innovation." Valerio Soli began. "These topics remain highly relevant, and we expect them to continue to evolve and increase in the years to come, finding more in-depth applications within various industries. IPACK-IMA will undoubtedly be well-prepared for this progression and our responses will address the industry's changing requirements and emphasise emerging themes, focusing particularly on the higher performing markets such as grain-based food, beverages and pharmaceuticals. At the same time, we won't overlook the event's origins, reinventing them within a broader context that spans secondary and tertiary packaging to end-of-line solutions, encompassing robotics and factory automation in general too."

An exhibition model that already serves as a benchmark for the industry

It may seem like a cliché, but IPACK-IMA 2025 marks a turning point for the long-standing concept of the all-encompassing fair. This change has come about thanks to thorough discussions with key exhibitors and industry players, which have concentrated their business promotion activities in the trade fair channel.

"We will be seeing a substantial change in the approach to organising and conducting trade fairs." Valerio Soli continued: "IPACK-IMA can count on insight into the market from UCIMA and Fiera Milano, which both offer advanced expertise in understanding the economic forces that drive the packaging industry and trends in events. This synergy enables us to abandon the conventional notion of a general-purpose trade fair, and instead convert it into a sector-specific focal point and an ideal platform for addressing the industry's key concerns. Our customers suggested that the classic three-yearly schedule of our event no longer aligns with the rapid pace of technological advancements and market changes. That is why, from 2025 onwards, we will be departing from the extensive three-year fair model and moving towards a series of interconnected trade fair events, each focussing on specific product sectors. This approach will guide exhibitors through technological advancements in a more consistent and timely manner up until 2028."

A sound institutional network with a strong international orientation

Last but not least, during this phase of close interaction with the market and its key players, we must not forget our ongoing partnership with the 'The Innovation Alliance' project and the three concurrent fairs, namely Print4All, Intralogistica and GreenPlast, which provide a valid overview of the allied industrial machinery supply chains.

"In addition to our capability to meet the requirements of the entire supply chain through strategic institutional partnerships, our strong international orientation is a further strength." Mr Soli ended. "This position is upheld by a network of over 20 agents operating in the primary markets across Europe, North Africa and Asia, whose sales activities are supported by their active participation in leading international events. We have a pasta-focused event scheduled in Algeria, others relating to the pharmaceutical industry in Spain and Germany, and more generally, a whole series of packaging-related events planned for various locations in Asia over the coming months, These initiatives confirm our steadfast commitment to internationalisation, which has always been a key characteristic of our organisation and will be further consolidated in the 2025 show. The path has been charted, the strategy is clear, the team - led by Simone Castelli - is performing well, all of which makes me confident that the next exhibition will further enhance the value of IPACK-IMA."

Watch the full interview HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Advanced Milling Diplomas awarded to UK flour milling students

October 20, 2023 - Six employees from flour mills across the United Kingdom have been awarded UK Flour Millers' highest qualification, the Advanced Milling Diploma, after three years of study.

This year's cohort of Advanced Milling Diploma students is the sixth to pass through the challenging diploma programme, which aims to support the development of high potential flour millers' employees and equip them with advanced theoretical knowledge to add to their practical skills, creating future leaders of the industry.

The Advanced Milling Diploma is the final step in the UK Flour Millers' ladder of training programmes, which starts an entry level online leaning then advances to the three-year correspondence course. It is delivered with partners Campden BRI and the Buhler Milling Academy, Switzerland, who host residential study, alongside a mentored research paper which sees students analyse a key aspect of their employers' business. Students on the course are selected through application form and final interview.

The course is an important development step for people who have substantial experience in flour milling and are ready to take their next step within their organisations and the industry more widely. The successful 2023 candidates, drawn from milling, quality and operational roles in their businesses were:

• Katie Barwise who work at Carr's Flour Mill in Silloth
• Robert Beckett who works at Heygates Flour Mill in Tring
• Dean Boatman who works at Allied Mills in Tilbury
• Richard Gibson who works at E B Bradshaw & Sons in Driffield
• Mark Pimblett who works at ADM Milling in Seaforth
• Andrew Thomson who works at Whitworth Bros in Wellingborough

Chief executive officer of UK Flour Millers, Alistair Gale, is excited to see the contribution the new diploma holders make as they put their new skills into action.

"For these students, securing their diplomas is the result of substantial commitment and hard work, supported by their flour milling employers. Through their studies, they have broadened and deepened their knowledge of the industry, setting it alongside deeper analytical skills. In combination, it sets them up to make a greater contribution both to their employers and the wider milling industry."

More than 2000 people work in the UK flour milling industry at mills across the country, from Edinburgh to Belfast, Selby to the Isle of Wight. Recruitment is open now for the next cohort of flour milling industry employees to study for the Advanced Milling Diploma, with the course set to begin in autumn 2024. Interested applicants can learn more via UK Flour Millers' website and qualified applicants who have the support of their organisations should reach out to UK Flour Millers about training requirements.

"Milling is a specialised industry which requires a dedicated training resource; the diploma is an essential part of our training offer," concluded Alistair Gale. "It's bespoke, matched to the needs of the industry and its customers, equipping students with the knowledge and insight to shape future development. The final project is on a topic of their choice, supported by their employer, with the benefits flowing through to the business in areas including improved operational efficiency and new product development."

According to the data by Ascential and a National Diet and Nutrition Survey, flour is used as an ingredient in about a third of foods found on supermarket shelves. 99.8 percent of UK households buy bread, and it provides significant quantities of essential vitamins and minerals. The importance of the flour milling industry in the UK should not be understated, as flour mills ensure bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants and retailers have the flour they need to make food for the nation. 

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Reliable and food-safe transport of poorly flowing cocoa powder for beverage production

October 20, 2023 - Cocoa powders are used to provide the characteristic taste and colour of chocolate beverages. Finely ground cocoa powders are usually mixed with other ingredients to make the beverage powders. Handling cocoa powder can be tricky due to the nature and the fineness of the powder. Gericke has successfully supplied, installed and commissioned a pneumatic conveying, storage, feeding and mixing system for the production of chocolate drinks.

Cocoa powder should be processed at temperatures below 30ºC and under dry conditions. The reason for this is that it is a hygroscopic product that would absorb moisture and form lumps, which would affect its flavour and make processing difficult. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a closed processing system that protects the product from possible contamination and interaction with the environment. Gericke uses pneumatic conveying systems in which the product is introduced into a pipeline through a special device and transported by means of a gas flow to a receiving hopper.

In a pneumatic lean phase conveying system, the product is introduced into the pipeline by a rotary valve. The conveying gas is usually generated by a roots blower operating at a pressure of less than 1 bar g. This type of pneumatic conveying system is characterised by high air velocities of usually more than 20 m/s and lean product loading of solids dispersed in the gas stream. Conveying hygroscopic powders containing fat (cocoa powder usually has a proportion of 10-20 percent) at high speeds can result in product layers within the pipeline, which can ultimately lead to clogged pipes, which is not hygienic at all.

With the PulseFlow PTA® pneumatic dense phase conveying system supplied by Gericke, the cocoa powder is conveyed as a slow moving plug of product. The system consists of a pressure vessel and is operated with compressed air from an air supply usually greater than 4 bar g. Since the line is filled with a dense volume of solids, called a high loading, the cocoa powder is transported at velocities well below 10m/s, only a small amount of compressed gas is required. The air consumed from the air network is cleaned and typically dried with a freeze dryer, resulting in a very low residual water content corresponding to an atmospheric dew point of approximately - 20ºC. This prevents the product from settling in the pipeline and causing interruption of the flow.

Depending on the supplier of the cocoa powder, the flow behaviour can range from very free flowing to poor flowing. The transport system must therefore be able to convey both types of cocoa powder. The cohesive and poor flowing type exhibits funnel flow in the hoppers, which can result in low performance. To prevent this, the conveying system as been equipped with a special fluidising system that enables uniform discharge.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

AFIA's Huddleston earns a PCQI Lead Instructor Recognition

October 20, 2023 - The Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) named the American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA's) Gary Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs, as one of its top 10 instructors in the country for Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training for animal food. The announcement, made during the FSPCA's annual conference, happening this week in Burr Ridge, III, recognised Huddleston for the number of participants trained and FSPCA Preventive Controls for Animal Food certificates issued between Aug 15,2022 and Aug 15, 2023.

"This award signifies AFIA's deep commitment in ensuring the safety of the animal food supply and Gary's excellent ability to share his knowledge and experience with manufacturers so they can create and manage robust animal food safety plans," said Leah Wilkinson, AFIA's vice president of public policy and education. "This is crucial in today's world where animal food safety is paramount, and regulations impacting feed and pet food manufacturers are constantly evolving. We congratulate Gary for his dedication and a job well done."

The PCQI training program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement animal food safety plans in compliance with the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) regulations. The AFIA hosts PCQI training annually and upon request with members looking to customise their training, focusing on the requirements and considerations of animal food manufacturers.

"I always tell our members that PCQI training is the best way for their employees to learn how they can help their facility comply with the FSMA animal food regulations and prepare for inspections," Said Huddleston. "By having employees properly trained, it ensures the safety of their animal food products and plays a vital role in protecting the health of consumers, while building multiple layers of defence against potential hazards."

The AFIA encourages facility quality and regulatory employees and any other manufacturing employees seeking to understand more about FSMA animal food rules to complete this course.

The AFIA's 2024 PCQI training will be held June 4-5 in Nashville, Tenn, and has been approved for nine credits through the American registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS). 

Registration will open in the spring, HERE.

The Global Miller

This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

New study confirms positive benefits of Alltech's Bioplex® in layer production

October 20, 2023 - Backed by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech is dedicated to providing solutions and products that contribute to the success of the global animal health industry. This commitment continues with the publication of a new study, 'The Effect of Organic Trace Mineral Supplementation in the Form of Proteinates on Performance and Sustainability Parameters in Laying Hens: A Meta-Analysis,' recently published in the journal Animals. Results show that the inclusion of Bioplex® organic trace minerals in layer diets significantly benefits production performance and egg quality traits and contributes to a lower carbon footprint. The findings also suggest that the most bioavailable form of essential minerals is crucial for optimising health and performance in laying hens.

The meta-analysis, led by Dr Laurann Byrne, research project manager at the Alltech European Bioscience Centre, considered the importance of mineral form on production performance, egg quality traits and carbon footprint. It combined data from 32 global studies involving 107 dietary assessments of 30,992 laying hens.

Dr Byrne looked at the impact of supplementing laying hen diets with organic trace minerals in the form of mineral proteinates, specifically Bioplex copper, iron, manganese and zinc. The study demonstrated that using Bioplex led to improvements in hen-day production, feed conversion ratio, egg mass, egg weight and egg loss. Eggshell parameters such as thickness, strength, weight and eggshell percentage also were improved.

A life-cycle assessment model - the Alltech E-CO₂ Poultry EA - was used to evaluate the carbon footprint of egg production. Results showed a reduction in feed and total emission intensifies per kilogram of eggs when using organic trace mineral proteinates. The inclusion of Bioplex® in layer diets resulted in a 1.65 percent reduction of the carbon footprint for every dozen eggs produced (feed emission intensity per dozen eggs).

"With correct formulation, more cost-effective feeds can be produced, resulting in a greater return on investment and a lower carbon footprint," Dr Byrne said. "As the results show, there is a proven track record of improvement in performance and sustainability with organic trace minerals."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

New Millers for Nutrition Coalition announces commitment to reach one billion people with fortified staple foods

October 20, 2023 - Millers from Africa and Asia have joined another stakeholders to announce a commitment to reach one billion people with adequately fortified rice, edible oil and flour by 2026. To do this, Millers for Nutrition, a new industry-led coalition, will make adequate fortification of staple foods easier and more rewarding for millers, the businesses responsible for processing dietary staples like flour, cooking oil and rice.

The launch of Millers for Nutrition at the Micronutrient Forum's 6th Global Nutrition for Resilience Conference comes as the world faces a worsening food and nutrition crisis. Healthy diets, nutrition education, optimal breastfeeding and food fortification are all important components of a comprehensive response to the devastating impacts of malnutrition. By adding essential vitamins and minerals to the widely consumed foods they produce, millers can play an important role in reducing malnutrition and improving public health. Millers for Nutrition has been established to encourage, enable and celebrate this vital work.

Millers who join Millers for Nutrition and commit to improving the nutritional quality of their food will receive free technical support to make it easier to fortify their products. This includes access to tailored technical training and business advice, product testing support and online tools and resources, which will also help millers to reduce their compliance risk and enhance production efficiency. As fortification quality improves, members will benefit as they gain greater recognition for product quality and industry leadership, for example, through inclusion in a specially designed index that rates brands on fortification performance, and associated visibility at events and in local media.

Millers for Nutrition is being implemented in eight countries across Africa and Asia: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania and across three staple food vehicles: rice, edible oil and flour (wheat and maize). In each country, the focus of Millers for Nutrition activities will be based on government-led priorities and legislation and will align closely with the existing nutrition and food fortification strategies of governments and NGO partners.

Millers for Nutrition is a cross-sector partnership, with millers at the centre and industry partners from across the food fortification value chain, including founding partners from across the food fortification value chain, including founding partners BASF, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie/SternVitamin, Piramal, BioAnalyt and Sanku contributing technical expertise and support to millers. Regional and local technical partners such as Hexagon Nutrition in India are now joining the coalition to support millers in specific geographies or staples. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing strategic input and investment to support the creation of the coalition. International nonprofit TechnoServe, which has significant experience supporting industry-led fortification capacity building efforts, will coordinate program activities.

Millers for Nutrition will provide millers - whether they are just beginning to fortify their products or are already experienced champions for fortification - with the support they need to achieve and sustain fortification excellence. Miller members will be entitled to benefits according to their membership level. As fortification performance improves, miller 'graduate' to a new membership level and rewards and recognition increase.

The coalition will also serve as a platform for accelerating and scaling industry-led innovation in food fortification. For example, Millers for Nutrition is helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of premix and product testing, and to develop better solutions for small mills.

"Every day, millers overcome difficult operational and business challenges to deliver healthy, quality food products to consumers," said Paloma Fernandes, CEO of the Cereal Millers Association of Kenya, which is supporting the new coalition. "Millers for Nutrition is a game-changing initiative that will make this vital work easier, and in so doing will bring better nutrition to millions of people in Kenya."

"Our company is committed to the nutrition, health and wellness of every Indian citizen. Fortification is a powerful tool in fulfilling that commitment," said Sanjeev Asthana, CEO of Patanjali Foods, a Millers for Nutrition member in India. "We are excited to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with likeminded millers and stakeholders from around the globe to launch this coalition and deliver better nutrition to our communities."

"Fortified foods make a powerful difference in the health and diets of people every day - and they simply wouldn't be possible without the leadership of millers. We are delighted to support Millers for Nutrition alongside our industry partners to ensure millers receive the recognition they deserve and to support them in increasing access to nourishing foods for those who need it most", commented Rodger Voorhies, President, Global Growth and Opportunity at the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation.

"Millers for Nutrition members stand apart because they represent a commitment to fortification excellence and product quality that improves the lives of the people they serve. By sharing practical tools and best in class expertise and training from industry leaders, Millers for Nutrition will enable miller to step up and adopt food fortification best practices. And, by building brand awareness for our members, we will turn good fortification into a business advantage," said Dominic Schofield, global director for food-systems transformation at TechnoServe.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

UK farmers invited to earn additional income from carbon farming in upcoming harvest year

October 20, 2023 - UK farmers are being invited to enter Agreena’s soil carbon programme for harvest year 2024. AgreenaCarbon, Europe’s largest soil carbon platform, helps farmers finance their transition to regenerative practices and is now opening its fourth year.

More than one million hectares have been registered with the programme and AgreenaCarbon has already paid farmers more than EU6 million, with UK farmers earning EU36 per carbon certificate from their regenerative farming practices.

“Through regenerative practices — such as no-till, min-till, and the growing of cover crops — farmers can play a key role in the delivery of climate mitigation services and have an extremely powerful seat at the climate change table. Farmers need to be financially rewarded for providing these vital services and AgreenaCarbon does just that,” said Niels Vittrup, Commercial Director at leading agtech company Agreena.

Farmers in the programme agree to undertake a range of measures, such as optimal use of cover crops and reduced soil disturbance. Agreena’s internationally accredited and third-party validated programme quantifies the farm’s greenhouse gas reductions and carbon removals and issues the verified CO₂e certificates. Farmers can keep the certificates, trade them on the voluntary carbon market (VCM), or let Agreena sell them on their behalf. An early payout option is also available for farmers, with funding provided by Agreena before certificates are issued.

“Farmers in the UK are facing unprecedented challenges, including economic and political uncertainty, changing weather patterns, and the reduction and eventual disappearance of the Basic Payment Scheme. AgreenaCarbon provides a vital additional income for farmers, ensuring their businesses are both profitable and environmentally sustainable,” said Agreena’s UK Market Lead, Thomas Gent. “We now have hundreds of AgreenaCarbon farmers in the UK who have earned EU36 per carbon certificate from the 2022 harvest, and many more are about to benefit from the 2023 harvest.”

Agreena’s carbon certificates follow an IPCC-aligned rigorous scientific methodology and the world’s leading certification standards for ensuring carbon is removed. The company’s leading remote sensing MRV technologyallows it to continuously monitor, verify and report on-farm practices and outcomes.

The integrity of Agreena’s approach to carbon farming was a significant factor in encouraging Nottinghamshire farmer, John Miller, to join the programme: 

“One of the main reasons I joined the Agreena soil carbon programme in 2021 was that it was the only company that I thought was credible and whose carbon certificates would actually provide me with an additional revenue at the end of harvest,” said Miller. “This is key as the voluntary carbon market continues to grow and evolve and I have complete confidence that Agreena will maintain its leadership position in this marketplace,” added Miller.

For more information, Visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

USDA highlights progress in partnering with farmers to increase innovative domestic fertiliser production and expand double cropping

October 18, 2023 - US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted progress made in partnering with farmers and American businesses to increase innovative domestic fertiliser production and in making it easier for US farmers to grow food through the practice of double cropping. USDA also announced US$52.6 million in awards under the Fertiliser Production Expansion Program, which will fund 17 new projects to boost domestic fertiliser manufacturing, support innovative fertiliser technologies and help lower costs for farmers.

As part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, Secretary Vilsack announced these during a visit to Perrault Farms in Kankakee, Illinois, where the double cropping practice is being utilised. Support for double cropping and domestic fertiliser production expansion are part of a broader set of commitments made in September 2022 by President Biden and Secretary Vilsack, at a nearby Kankakee Farm, to help producers boost production and address global food security. The Fertiliser Production Expansion Program (FPEP) is funded by USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation and is part of a government-wide effort to spur domestic competition and combat an increase in fertiliser costs caused by the war in Ukraine.

"With President Biden's leadership, USDA is creating a resilient, sustainable and competitive agricultural economy, which allows farmers to continue doing what they do best by growing food for the rest of the world," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. "through a farmer-focused commitment, we will continue to build on our efforts to lower costs, bring made-in-America jobs to rural communities and strengthen the agricultural supply chan and market opportunities to the benefit of producers."

Fertiliser Production Expansion Program

In 2022, USDA made US$500 million available under the Fertiliser Production Expansion Program, to increase innovative domestic fertiliser production, creating jibs in rural communities and providing more options to US farmers. Due to strong demand for funding in June of 2023, USDA increased the funding available for FPEP to up to US$900 million.

The Department received requests for US$3 billion in applications from more than 350 businesses for the first two rounds of the program. Including today's announcement, since the program was announced roughly 18 months ago USDA has awarded 33 projects for a total of over US$121 million invested. USDA expects to announce additional project selections in the coming months and is inviting public comments on four projects through November 15, 2023.

Example of projects funded as part of today's announcement include:

• In Crookston, Minnesota, Northstar Lime LLC is being offered a US$4.4 million grant to expand their operation to include the manufacturing and processing of fertiliser and nutrient alternatives. The goal is to quickly provide and organic, alternative fertiliser product that will meet 50 percent of the total nitrogen needs for local row crop farmers in years 2023 and 2024.
• In Boardman, Oregon, True Organic Products Inc is being offered a US$5 million grant to expand its organic fertiliser production plant to manufacture an incremental 15,000 tonnes of pelleted organic fertiliser from local waste byproducts to better serve farmers.
• In Casco, Wisconsin, Dairy Dreams is being offered a US$2.5 million grant to construct a nutrient concentration system and a pelleting system on a dairy farm to convert manure to domestically manufactured fertiliser, improving access to organic liquids and pellets. The technology will also convert one-third of manure inputs into clean, dischargeable water and is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the hauling and disposal of manure.

Double Cropping

In 2022, USDA announced the expansion of insurance coverage for double cropping for 2023 to support food production and lower costs for American families. Double cropping allows farmers to plant a second crop on the same land in the same year, helping to boost production without relying on farmers to substitute crops or cultivate new land. As part of this commitment, USDA expanded double crop insurance opportunities in nearly 1500 counties where double cropping is viable. With the expansion in 2023:

• USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) processed 4166 new requests for coverage in the states where insurance for double cropping was expanded or made easier. This includes 1611 new requests for coverage for second crop grain sorghum in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, and 2555 requests for coverage for second crop soybeans in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
• In states where double cropping coverage was expanded or made easier, nearly one million additional acres were insured, representing a more than 43 percent increase in insurance coverage for second crop acres compared to the 2014-2022 average.
• In states where double cropping coverage was expanded or made easier, there was a significant increase in winter wheat plantings. For example, Illinois saw a nearly 40 percent increase, Ohio saw a more than 30 percent increase, and Michigan saw a 21.5 percent increase.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Terphane presents innovative PET film solutions for fruits and vegetables at IFPA 2023

October 18, 2023 - Attentive to the market's trends of natural, healthy, fresh and convenient products, Terphane, the leader in PET (polyester) films in Latin America with operations in USA and Brazil, developed specific solutions to fulfil the needs of the fruits and vegetables segments. The solutions - Seaplane®, Resealphane and Ecophane®, will be presented at IFPA 2023 - The Global Produce & Floral Show, scheduled Oct 19-21, in Anaheim, CA, USA, organised by IFPA (International Fresh Produce Association).

According to Raymond Joyner, North America Sales Manager, Trephine's expertise resulted in innovative solutions to these markets. "We are focused on sealable, resealable and sustainable films that improve the consumers experience at the POS and during consumption. These solutions also increase the shelf life of the products. The consumer can see the product and knows the packaging is easy to use and sustainable; it is mono-material, recyclable and, in some cases, produced with post-consumer recycled content (PCR)."

The first line developed by Trephine to meet these requirements that will be presented at IFPA 2023 are the sealable polyester films of the Sealaphane® family. Besides improving the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, the packaging guarantees the integrity of the products during transport and storage, avoiding waste. Logistics also benefit from packaging which requires less space. The advantages are even greater when considering self-service and online sales.

The latest innovation within the Seaplane® heat sealable line is the introduction of Resealphane, a high-performance resealable film, which is easy to process and can be implemented into existing packaging lines without new investments. This new film can open/reclose multiple times, is tamper evident, guarantees the complete opening of the packaging and is sustainable.

"We are excited to present Resealphane technology, which allows all packaging converters and brand owners the opportunity to migrate from a conventional lidding packaging structure, such as lock seal or easy open, to a high-performance resealable solution without the need for additional investments. This innovation unlocks opportunities for fresh fruits and vegetables that would benefit from a resealable lidding solution," states Raymond.

Adding to its sustainable solutions, Trephine will present Ecophane® at IFPA 2023. The sustainable Ecophane® line is offered in two versions: PCR polyester (post-consumer recycled content) and biodegradable (BIO). The PCR film can have up to 35 percent recyclable content and the BIO film degrades in landfill conditions. Both films are approved for food contact by the FDA (USA).

Visit Terphane at GPFS2023, in Anaheim, at booth 2505.

For more information, visit HERE.

 

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

New flour treatment toolbox for millers worldwide

October 17, 2023 - MC Mühlenchemie develops new standard toolbox with eight innovative solutions for flour treatment and pasta-making. 100 years of expertise go into the MC Anniversary Collection.

Enzymes are at the heart of modern flour treatment. They help millers compensate for commodity fluctuations and ensure constant flour quality. Through intensive research & development work MC Mühlenchemie has improved and expanded its solutions for standard flour treatment. The new product collection encompasses enzymes, all-in solutions, and colour improvers and is a response to the increasingly complex challenges faced by millers.

The new improver toolbox contains eight products, six for baking and two for pasta applications. The six baking products comprise five enzymes with specific activities that can be combined as desired and an all-in solution that unites a wide range of enzyme activities. The collection also contains an enzyme compound and colour compound for pasta-making. All these products provide mills with efficient flour improvement based on the latest enzyme technology.

100 years of knowledge underpin the latest generation of enzyme solutions

The eight new products feature broader applications, improved functionality and economy. The modular toolbox approach makes it possible to respond to widely varying harvest conditions and application-specific requirements like baguettes or sandwich bread. It is universal and designed to meet the needs of the global mining industry. A hundred years of expertise and deep current market knowledge come together in this new development. To celebrate the centenary of MC Mühlenchemie, all the new products bear the label '100' to symbolise a century of knowledge, innovation and industry leadership.

The MC100 Anniversary Collection

Alphamalt A 100: With expanded properties, this new fungal alpha-amylase offers a wider range of applications than other alpha-amylases. MC has gone beyond singular enzyme activity to cover the entire processing sequence with Alphamalt A 100, from precise adjustment of the falling number in the rheology to the improved dough properties and the baking characteristics and an appealing golden-brown colour of the baked goods.

Alphamalt HC 100: Hemicellulases (xylanases) are essential for working dough. Alphamalt HC 100 improves elasticity and extensibility of the dough in equal measure and gives more power to the fermentation and baking phase. Alphamalt HC 100 can be combined with other hemicellulases.

Alphamalt EFX 100: This new lipase from MC's EFX technology covers the entire flour lipid spectrum, to modify lipolytic activity for optimum flour quality. The use of Alphamalt EFX 100 results in an elastic dough that can be worked very well. It gives the dough additional stability, especially during rising. The unique oven kick enabled by this lipase conserves the gas bubbles formed during baking all the way through to crust formation. This results in additional volume of the final product, which customers perceive as 'flour with extra power.'

Alphamalt PLP 100: MC’s first phospholipase supports dough processing, machine workability, and fermentation tolerance. It also improves volume and crumb fineness, and can substitute for emulsifiers. Alphamalt PLP 100 can supplement Alphamalt EFX 100.

Alphamalt Gloxy 100: Its excellent properties for boosting stability make this new glucose-oxidase a dependable solution for dealing with weak flours.  Alphamalt Gloxy 100 shows its strengths particularly well in long rising times. In the first working phase, it promotes robust and dry dough consistency, ensures stability in long and changing rising times, and prevents collapse during transfer. It makes collapsing dough issues a thing of the past.

Powerzym 100: This new combination product unites the knowledge and synergies of all MC enzymes for wheat flour treatment, making it an all-in-one solution for even simpler and more economical flour standardization. Instead of mixing many different enzymes, Powerzym 100 provides users with all the enzyme activities a standard treatment should deliver, in a single product – including ascorbic acid. Powerzym 100 is the ideal solution for millers looking for comprehensive improvement in their basic treatment. Designed to do it all, Powerzym 100 works in all yeast-risen baked goods and gives dough and baking stability, higher yield by volume, and a nice split.

Pastazym Pro 100 aims to improve the firmness and cooking stability of pasta. In particular, the latest addition to the Pastazym product line increases the bite firmness of cooked pasta while reducing starch loss during cooking, making it easier to handle cooked pasta. It also assures consistent quality of the pasta in different cooking methods and times.

MCcolour 100 is an innovative development for improving pasta colour. It offers pasta manufacturers a way to improve the way their products look, with a unique yellow glow that makes pasta stand out visually. A special advantage of MCcolour 100 is that the colour intensity is retained in cooking and there is no colour loss to the cooking water. It can be declared as “free from” since it is a natural colouring. Whether for dried, fresh, or other pasta, MCcolour 100 can be integrated problem-free into production processes.

For producers who care about colour as well as texture, a combination of MCcolour 100 and Pastazym Pro 100 is a good solution.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

McArthur Agriculture expands management team and appoints new regional sales representative

October 17, 2023 - Following the recent acquisitions of DMI Mechanical Engineers and BDC Systems Ltd, McArthur Agriculture is expanding its management team with the appointment of Stephen Scott as sales and marketing manager and Pete Robertson as finance director. Harry Henderson replaces Scott as regional sales representative for the north of England and Scotland.

"As the company enters its next stage of growth and development it is important to ensure that we have the right people overseeing how we all successfully move forward and maintain our market-leading position within the post-harvest equipment sector," said John McArthur, managing director, McArthur Agriculture.

In his previous role as a part of the McArthur Agriculture sales team Scott, who now heads up sales and marketing, has gained a deep understanding of the post-harvest requirements of both farmers and commercial grain operators. Before joining McArthur Agriculture his previous agricultural experience included holding the position of sales and technical manager for a company specialising in post-harvest storage systems.

"I have learnt what good customer service looks like and the value it delivers," said Scott. "The McArthur Agriculture team has many years of experience around all things grain handling and has unrivalled grain handling expertise. We are able to quickly understand a customer's individual requirements and then design and work with our partners to successfully install post-harvest solutions that not only meet customers' expectations but exceed them."

Scott added: "As we move forward our sales and marketing strategy will focus on driving continued growth in our market share and highlight the huge value of our team's depth of experience and expertise across the post-harvest sector."

Pete Robertson joins McArthur Agriculture to strengthen the management team as an experienced finance director. With previous expertise in the food industry, he has worked closely with farmers and has extensive knowledge of the agricultural sector as a whole.

Moving into a new role which became vacant as Scott took up his management role, Harry Henderson has been appointed as McArthur Agriculture's regional sales representative for the north of England and Scotland.

Henderson has been with the company for some time and, as an engineering technician working across McArthur Agriculture's entire range of post-harvest equipment, has gained invaluable experience in understanding the specific harvest challenges faced by farmers north of the border and throughout the rest of the UK.

"These key additions to our team will ensure our continued growth in both existing and new markets and importantly, support the launch of exciting and innovative new post-harvest products planned for 2024," concluded John McArthur.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.