FOOD

Kiwi academics develop new food design technique

Two leading academics have developed a new food design technique to help inspire the next generation of culinary designers and make artistic food presentation more accessible to New Zealand restaurants. The new technique developed in consultation with EPIC Otago Polytechnic R & D centre and The Food Design Institute at Otago Polytechnic allows chefs to produce large quantities of artistically designed food products by hand on a commercial scale with a small team, and at reduced cost. Otago Polytechnic’s Timothy Lynch, who and lectures on sustainability in the food industry, says they wanted to present ingredients in a way that was consistent with multisensory food design concepts. “The process involves working with natural products to design handcrafted foods that look identical to fruit and vegetables but are filled with contrasting flavours.” “Initially we couldn’t find a way to make these products on a small scale, but a collaboration with the EPIC helped us overcome several barriers, and we were able to develop a method of crafting the lifelike products using food-grade silicon moulds, which we made ourselves,” he says. Lynch says a project of this scale and complexity would require international assistance and a large team of scientists and food specialists. This would have made the project cost prohibitive by New Zealand industry standards, he says. “Thanks to the ingenuity of some of our colleagues and the dedication of our staff and students we have managed to find a way to bring these food creations to life,”- says Lynch. Senior lecturer Tony Heptinstall who has catered for Prince Charles and other royal family members says one of the objectives was to increase current industry capital through being part of an innovative collaboration between the food industry and education. “We were conscious that to inspire the students we needed to take on […]

Robot couple Xiaolan and Xiaotao carry food at a restaurant in Jinhua

NZ well positioned to be global player in alternative protein market

Eco conscious millennial consumers are reshaping demand for alternative sources of protein according to the country’s largest manufacturer of vegetarian foods. Mark Roper spokesperson for Life Health Foods – which makes plant based Bean Supreme and recently launched Alternative Meat Co. products, says growing concern for the environment is leading this demographic to seek out other options to integrate into their diet. A nationwide survey commissioned by the company has found that millennials aged 18-34 are the most likely demographic to adopt a mostly meat-free lifestyle in the next decade. “Among this age group, factors such as concern for animal welfare and the environment were some of the most important drivers of purchase choice; whereas if you look at older consumers, health considerations and cost of meat were the primary reasons for choosing vegetarian foods,” he says. Roper says New Zealand is well positioned to take advantage of this emerging trend – which has seen accelerated growth in the global meat substitute market. “Our research is showing that many consumers are not completely replacing meat in their diet – instead, they are integrating more meat-free options throughout the week. This makes development of a plant protein market complementary to our existing agricultural exports,” says Roper. He says the new consumer driven trend is something that farmers should not fear, but rather capitalise on. “As a producer we are looking at this growth as a promising future market. As well as a growth industry locally, there is increasing demand for these products in the more well-established markets of the US and Europe where there are potentially large export opportunities for us,” he says. Roper says at the same time, New Zealand is well positioned as a producer nation to capitalise on millennial’s demand for plant based products. “As a country, we […]

Laser delivers quality and productivity

The challenge of achieving the highest quality codes on ultra-fast packing lines with difficult-to-mark substrates in markets such as beverage, food, personal care, automotive and extrusions is being met with the launch of a new laser marking solution. The Linx CSL60 laser offers a major technological breakthrough, combining a powerful processor and 60W laser tube with Linx’s unique Visicode system to produce crisp, clear codes on difficult-to-mark materials such as glass and PET at high speeds. This enables manufacturers to meet all compliance requirements and provides effective brand protection and enhancement. The laser incorporates a powerful processor that is able to relay messages from the control unit to the marking head very quickly, which ensures that line speeds are unaffected. As a result, up to 70,000 packs per hour can be marked. The new Linx CSL60 provides the widest choice in configurations in the industry and gives laser the flexibility to be tailored to a customer’s precise requirements. The Linx CSL60 offers a larger marking field than any comparable laser. This provides additional versatility for the marking of wide web applications such as flexible packaging and outer case coding, and coding of products across multiple lines. Along with the CSL10 and CSL30 the Linx CSL60 has been designed to be easy to install, uses a touch screen control for quick and easy creation and selection of messages. The three laser systems in the suite all delivery brand protection, qulity and assist in productivity.

Mood buoyant at co-located Foodtech Packtech and MHL Expo

A record attendance of more than 4000 (mainly) food manufacturers descended upon the biennial Foodtech Packtech and MHL Expo trade show last week in Auckland, with organisers claiming it a huge success. More than 240 exhibitors were on display across 4 halls of the ASB showgrounds in Auckland – the largest contingent of exhibitors in more than a decade with the show collocating with their recently acquired Materials Handling and Logistics Expo. More than 80 of the 240 exhibitors were displaying materials handling related product – so it really fulfilled the brief for trade attendees – helping complete the “Pasture (or seabed) to plate” story for Food Manufacturers visiting the show. “Exhibitors have been completing post-show surveys saying the quality of visitor was spot on,” says Brent Spillane MD of the show. “We’ve had feedback that the sector was very buoyant with many outlaying large CapEx to buy plant, packaging, machinery, equipment and technology for their factories,” says Spillane. The event attracted a strong contingent of international visitors too – with large groups of Chinese and Australian delegates. “We’re excited about the growing internationalisation of the event with ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders around creating an international food week and conference attached to the show in years to come. When you get this many industry professionals attending the show – there’s a natural progression to create ancillary conferences.” The event hosted three full days of seminars hosted by the NZ Institute of Food Science and Technology, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and other relevant sector bodies. “We had a very high calibre of speakers covering issues ranging from Risk Management in Exports through to a new $15m MBIE funded Food Research fund – across the three days.” Rebooking for FTPT and the MHL Expo have already been strong […]

Rexmoi controls temperature and humidity

Rexmoi® has now become a multipurpose tool with the ability to control temperature and humidity with applications such as drying various products, cooking at low temperatures, and controlled cooling of products. The units are sealed enclosed chambers which allows control of the atmosphere within, using smart controls and refrigeration technology. Air flow around the product is an important factor of how well the system works. There are different trolleys and trays and variable air flow to optimise this. Filters are used to control product particles in the chamber. An air sanitising system can be added. The Rexmoi® technology is not limited to our current units. It can be used to control the atmosphere in an existing environment, designed to suit your requirements. The existing units can be used for trials to obtain the information necessary to design a unit or environment to suit your product or situation. The Rexmoi® technology is not limited to food products. We have supplied a unit that heats and cures a material product at various temperatures for a certain length of time. The reason for choosing the Rexmoi® method is it a safer method of heating volatile products as there is no exposed electric elements or gas fire. This technology is available from Drying Solutions Ltd who are appearing at FoodTech PackTech on Stand 2100.

Thermaflo and Trepko tackle the New Zealand market with new agency agreement

Every single day thousands of milk, juice, and water bottles are filled along very sophisticated assembly lines in and around New Zealand. With that, there are very strict regulations in place that help ensure the products that end up on your supermarket shelf are safe for human consumption. Thermaflo have always employed best practice engineering principals as part of their design policies. This insures that they meet all of their client’s expectations as well as adhering to any local regulations relating to food safety. With the above in mind Thermaflo have been associating themselves with other world leading equipment suppliers. For many years they have been building relationships with companies not only in New Zealand but into other countries such as Italy, the UK and Denmark. These companies include Filmatic from South Africa who are a leading manufacturer of bottle, tub and jar filling lines and Trepko from Denmark, who specialise in high speed horizontal form fill seal, and other tub filling applications as well as butter wrapping and end of line packaging plant. It has been fortunate that Trepko and Filmatic have formed a joint venture and now together they are supplying complete filling and packaging lines, thus Thermaflo’s clients benefit from two world leading suppliers being represented here in New Zealand. With a large client base within the Australasian market it made sense for Thermaflo to partner with another company that had experience in these markets, but who were also looking to increase their market share. Recently, Thermaflo and Trepko signed a new agency agreement that has allowed Thermaflo to expand their product offering, while also assisting Trepko in their efforts to increase their client base in the New Zealand, Australian and Southeast Asian markets. With over 65 years of manufacturing experience Trepko are placed at the forefront […]

Materials Handling & Logistic Show to run alongside Foodtech Packtech

With less than 8 weeks to go the countdown has begun for this year’s largest combined trade only industry event – the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo (MHL) running alongside Foodtech Packtech (FTPT). Event organisers, XPO Exhibitions have already confirmed in excess of 200 exhibiting companies across both shows and are expecting thousands of industry attendees across the three days. This is a unique industry opportunity to view latest products and cutting edge technologies across food & beverage manufacturing, food and industrial packaging as well as materials handling and logistics solutions. This year’s Materials Handling and Logistics Show already has 50 exhibiting companies – a number that’s well up on the previous event in 2013. We’ve had a great deal of interest from forklift providers right through to 3PL providers. “MHL is under new management and back alongside FTPT where it all began more than 10 years ago. Food specific materials handling and logistics solutions have always been popular exhibitor features within FTPT so the formal alignment of MHL is simply helping the combined show grow. The materials handling and logistics side of things completes our ‘New Zealand pasture (or sea) to plate’ capability story which is so important to realise our export market potential.” Says Tony Waite Events Director of XPO. “Now we’ve got MHL onboard we’ll also be cross referencing our database of close to 300,000 industry professionals registered for other successful trade shows we run – to send out relevant invites to a wide variety of industry interested in materials handling and logistics solutions. “Examples will include general engineering and manufacturing, homewares importers, retail and even the construction industry – anyone storing, moving or distributing good in New Zealand or internationally.” The organisers are quick to point out that Foodtech Packtech itself has grown a great deal […]

Solar innovation a relief for drought-stricken farmers

A solar water pump system is helping get much needed water to stock on remote hill country farms and has captured international interest from water-stressed countries. Central Hawke’s Bay electrical and pumping business Isaacs Pumping & Electrical has been developing the technology over the last two years with support from Callaghan Innovation. Isaacs Electrical directors Gavin Streeter and Shane Heaton were continually being asked by farmers what options were available to reliably get water to stock without electricity, especially in remote hill country properties. “Solar was the ideal alternative but we needed to ensure we had a motor and pump that farmers could rely on to keep stock troughs full. “We didn’t need to look too far and we selected a pump with a proven track record and has been servicing farms for over 50 years,” Mr Streeter said. The Callaghan Innovation funding helped developed the controller or the “brain”, which is a circuit board that optimises the use of solar power and monitors water pressure, run times and faults logs. “The system is fully automatic, it operates like a standard pumping system and we have just design some clever features to maximise the pumping time and protect the motor,” he said. The development of the epump has been a mix of international and Hawke’s Bay suppliers providing equipment and componentry. An Italian company developed the industrial continuous rated motor, Hawke’s Bay engineering firm McLaren Stainless designed and manufactured the outer protective shell and another local firm, some of the Intellectually Protected circuitry. The epump can pump up to 120 metres of head and up to 20 litres per minute in daylight hours and can withstand the harshest environments. It can fill stock troughs on hillsides up to 120 metres on hill country and unlike other options it can draw both […]

Company Profile: Nelson Honey

Around 85% of their products are destined for export, with China, Australia, South East Asia and the USA being some of their primary markets Nelson Honey is a family owned producer and exporter of high quality honey based goods, based out of Motupiko, 50km south of Nelson. Their focus is on producing high grade active manuka honey, although the larger section of the business revolves around high value bee venom and honey based cosmetic products. First opening in 1973, the company has ties to the industry and region stretching back much further – the business was formed by Philip Cropp, a third generation beekeeper whose grandfather started beekeeping in the Nelson region over 100 years ago. Nelson Honey employ around 60 people, many of which work to care for and maintain the 4000 beehives the firm has spread throughout the top of the South Island. Around 85% of their products are destined for export, with China, Australia, South East Asia and the USA being some of their primary markets. They also established a UK-based office to further expand their export markets, marketing their honey products throughout Europe, which has been most successful in creating interest and demand for their cosmetic ranges so far. One particular success for Nelson Honey has been their Royal Nectar brand, which is venom and honey based cosmetic range, with demand currently out stripping production. “As a pioneer of this market Nelson Honey has managed to cement a solid position for the brand worldwide in a relatively short space of time” said Rob Hawkes, the Chief Executive of Nelson Honey. Whilst the Royal Nectar range has a dedicated market following, Nelson Honey plan to continually expand and adapt the variety of products they offer as demand in certain markets changes. “All markets are continually evolving and […]

Industry partnerships behind move for new agribusiness

The agribusiness education partnership is crucial for the future of the industry. Success in creating a large-scale public-private partnership with the New Zealand primary industries is likely to see a new agribusiness secondary school subject created. The brainchild of St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton, agribusiness in secondary schools is being lauded as an obvious gap that once filled could have massive economic and employment benefits for New Zealand. The new secondary school agribusiness programme was launched in November by the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy. The programme has been made possible thanks to a public-private partnership. Led by St Paul’s Collegiate School, Dairy NZ and Beef + Lamb. St Paul’s has had 48 students trial a pilot curriculum this year with another 85 signed up for next year. In addition there are now seven other schools formally involved in the project and will offering the new subject in 2016. These are: Southland Boys (Southland); Southland Girls (Southland); John McGlashan College (Otago); Christchurch Boys (Christchurch); Feilding High School (Manawatu); Lindisfarne College (Hawkes Bay) and Mt Albert Grammar School (Auckland). Following the pilot, and the Ministry of Education approval, it is hoped to offer Year 12 and 13 students at participating schools an NCEA qualification in agribusiness. The agriculture industry employs an estimated 11.4% of New Zealand’s workforce while the number of university graduates in agriculture related fields has been dropping in recent years. The curriculum development has been possible through a $2 million dollar partnership investment with principal support from DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Other business partners include: BNZ, LIC, Zoetis, AGMARDT, NZ National Fieldays Society,Greenlea Premier Meats, Waikato Milking Systems, Waitomo Petroleum and Campbell Tyson. Strategy and Investment Leader for People and Business at DairyNZ, Mark Paine, says the agribusiness education partnership is crucial […]

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