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May 2025 Food fraud under fire: How tech and transparency can protect brands Catch the latest meat and protein trends at IFFA 2025 ADVANCED REFRIGERATION is reshaping the future of food safe products Discover the evolution of F&B packaging As we move into the heart of 2025, one thing remains clear: resilience is at the core of South Africa’s food and beverage industry. In the face of economic pressures, shifting consumer expectations, and regulatory demands, businesses across the sector continue to adapt, innovate, and thrive. This issue celebrates some of those success stories. De Rustica has once again put South African excellence on the map with top global awards for its olive oils. Hasher Family Wines proudly brought home the Winery of the Year title from London, and Woodlands Dairy , along with its First Choice brand, earned four prestigious Qualité Awards— highlighting the consistent quality and innovation coming from our local producers. Of course, success in this industry isn't only measured by awards— it’s underpinned by compliance, safety, and precision. In this edition, we feature critical work by NMISA in protecting consumers from radioactive substances in food, and explore how FACTS SA is helping manufacturers manage allergen control—an increasingly vital aspect of consumer protection. Technology continues to play a transformative role across the value chain. A standout example is beverage density monitoring, where precision is everything. In partnership with VEGA, we explore how their advanced, non-invasive instrumentation is helping beverage producers monitor density with accuracy and efficiency, ensuring consistent product quality and process optimisation. We also take a closer look at the role of refrigeration in food preservation and safety—a critical link in the cold chain with both operational and environmental implications. As always, we aim to bring you stories that inform, inspire, and support your growth in this dynamic industry. If you have any news, trends, tech improvements, or just celebrating that special company anniversary, talk to us. Happy reading,. Simon From the editor f od beverage REPORTER Editor Simon Foulds WhatsApp +447840535794 editor@fbreporter.co.za Advertising Wendy Breakey wendy@fbreporter.co.za 083 653 8116 Design & Layout Jane Prinsloo Contributors Ben Selier Comaine van Zijl Kayla Steyn Published by Food & Beverage Reporter 47 Tugela Terrace Jacaranda Street Linden Ext 2195 www.fbreporter.co.za Endorsed by the SA Association of the Flavour &Fragrance Industry. Endorsed by SAAFoST06 Industry News Kerry launches new digital tool Another global first for De Rustica Olive Oil Shoprite raises the affordability bar Tate & Lyle sponsors Future of Food Exhibition PURA supports SA Fashion Week Hasher Family Wines – Winery of the Year at 2025 London event 10 Beverage Processing Get the perfect density with VEGA 13 Insight Opportunities driving private label growth in SA 15 Event The future of food unlocked with six new revolutionary food systems fbr Contents 17 Food Safety NMISA: safeguarding consumers from radioactive food 20 Refrigeration Advanced refrigeration tech – reshaping SA’s F&B sector? 22 Processing Tech UPS’ can secure food supply chains Sidel’s new versatile and high performing filling solution Industrial turbines are steaming ahead Alfa Laval expands hygienic valve portfolio 29 IFFA Review Technology leap for meat and protein processing GEA launches innovation for its automated line concept Discover sustainability -efficient production and improved resource conservation Automation, sustainability and efficiency in harmony Breakthrough safety bandsawwww.fbreporter.co.za Food & Beverage Reporter | May 2025 | fbr Contents 36 Allergens & Food Fraud Proactive allergen management How technology and transparency can protect brands What’s behind the spike in new fraud practices? 42 Markets A bumper year for Macadamia nuts Can franchising in South Africa keep up with global growth? 46 Award Woodlands and First Choice Shine at 2025 SA Dairy Championships f od beverage REPORTER • Vegan Ingredients • Marinades & Sauces • Herbs & Spices • Food Safety • Processing Technology • PET Packaging Solutions • Bottling & Filling Systems For more info contact editor@fbreporter.co.za Highlight your brand in Food & Beverage Reporter’s June features Editorial and advertising deadline 27 June 2025 47 Packaging REPORTER6 May 2025 | Food & Beverage Reporter www.fbreporter.co.za New digital tool translates flavour trends, consumer preferences, and category relevance for NPD Kerry Group has announced its 2025 North America Taste Charts Smarts, an interactive quiz designed to help food and beverage brands understand evolving consumer preferences and identify the most appealing flavours for their specific category. The quiz is built on Kerry’s proprietary Taste Trends and Taste Charts, two tools that track the evolution of flavour across 13 global regions. Kerry’s Taste Charts map flavour performance into four tiers—Mainstream, Key, Up & Coming, and Emerging—based on consumer testing and proprietary data across categories like sweet, savoury, citrus, dairy, salty snacks, and more. Combined with the 2025 Taste Trends, which reflect broader cultural and functional shifts in consumer flavour expectations, these insights provide a comprehensive view of what’s resonating and what’s next. Taste Charts Smarts turns this data into an interactive, personalised experience. The quiz invites food and beverage innovators to test their flavour instincts and discover how closely they align with real consumer preferences. Participants receive tailored results based on their product category, including: • The three most appealing flavours in their respective super category – such as cold, dairy, hot beverages, savoury, snack, or sweet snacks • A detailed look at the top-performing flavour in their specific sub-category • The most relevant 2025 Taste Trends to inspire future flavour innovation—designed to spark further ideation For those seeking a deeper dive, the quiz also offers the opportunity to schedule a personalised demo, including a full flavour performance report and expert guidance from Kerry's team. Built on insights from over 75 distinct product categories, the quiz delivers a highly customised experience that reflects the specific flavour dynamics of each segment. With this tailored approach, brands can confidently develop new flavours or refine existing products based on what truly resonates with their target consumers. “Our customers aren’t just looking for a list of what’s trending, they’re looking for confidence in their product development decisions,” said Elizabeth Horvath, VP Marketing, North America. “Taste drives consumer choice. The Taste Charts Smarts quiz encourages food and beverage brands to dig deeper beyond just flavour trends, uncovering taste profiles most appealing by sub-category. Backed by real consumer data, this practical tool turns inspiration into innovation.” Kerry's approach stands apart by grounding its flavour insights in extensive consumer research, ensuring the results are not only market-relevant but strategically actionable. Designed for innovation teams across the food and beverage space, the quiz delivers practical, data-backed guidance for both new product development and flavour reformulation. Whether exploring new territories or optimising existing favourites, the tool brings clarity to every stage of development. For more information about Kerry’s 2025 Taste Charts Smarts, please visit here. fbr Industry News Looking for an ingredient supplier? The 2025 Supplier Directory is a guide to all key to all food and beverage suppliers FIND YOUR SUPPLIER HEREwww.fbreporter.co.za Food & Beverage Reporter | May 2025 | 7 fbr Industry News South African Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOOs) continue to match up to the international industry giants and to score highly in international competitions. SA OLIVE is delighted to report that one of its members, De Rustica , has again been awarded top honours by the premier global industry international competition, EVOOLEUM 2025. Out of approximately 1 000 entries from 26 countries, De Rustica Estate Collection CORATINA was placed second, with an overall score of 96 points, and was again the only Olive Oil outside of Spain and Italy in the Top 10. What makes this award even more extraordinary is that De Rustica won the overall top global Olive Oil in the EVOOLEUM 2023 international competition making this the second time that De Rustica has earned top awards, which exemplifies a remarkable consistency of top quality, rarely achieved in the industry. [De Rustica did not enter its Estate Coratina in 2024]. Significantly, only four estates globally, De Rustica, two Spanish and one Italian, have managed to reach the top 10 ranking more than once in the last three years, which further attests to the quality and consistency of De Rustica. For over a decade De Rustica has been recognised for its high premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil winning no less than 29 Gold awards at the annual SA Olive competition including 10 golds from 10 entries over the last two years as well as multiple international awards. This second award from the industry-standard EVOOLEUM De Rustica tops global Olive Oil awards! international competition puts South Africa’s De Rustica into the world’s top premier league of EVOOs. SA Olive CEO, Wendy Petersen is thrilled, “To have a South Africa Olive Oil again in the global Top 10 ranking says volumes about our industry and its future. What this award signals is that South African EVOO producers are again being recognised internationally for their quality and, critically, their consistency of quality. "De Rustica is indeed a standard bearer and awards like this not only help to reflect the work of SA Olive in promoting our local EVOOs both locally and internationally, but they are also a testament to the high professional standards upheld by our members. South Africa may be a small producer in global terms, but it punches way above its weight in the quality of its Extra Virgin Olive Oils.” Shoprite sets the standard for affordable, nutrient-dense meals As South African consumers continue to face mounting economic pressures, Shoprite has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping everyday basics accessible, offering some of the most competitively priced products in the market, while maintaining quality and nutritional value. Commissioned by Shoprite, independent laboratory tests of burger patties from various major retailers confirmed that Shoprite’s R5 Ox Liver Burger delivers protein content on par with, or even better than, several standard beef options. Despite its R5 price point, the burger contains 13.6g of protein per 100g — comparable to products selling at significantly higher prices— and considerably less fat than most standard beef patties tested. “These results demonstrate that affordability does not need to come at the expense of nutritional value. We’re committed to making nutritious, convenient meals accessible to as many South Africans as possible, every day of week,” says Andrew Gardener, Chief Operating Officer at the Shoprite Group. These are not short-term promotional offers subject to specific terms and conditions. Shoprite subsidises more than 1.8 million R5 products every week, underscoring its consistent and ongoing commitment to affordability and accessibility, without compromising on quality. 8 May 2025 | Food & Beverage Reporter www.fbreporter.co.za Tate & Lyle partners with UK Science Museum on Future of Food Exhibition Tate & Lyle PLC has announced its sponsorship of Future of Food, a major new exhibition opening at the iconic Science Museum in London, UK. As the Principal Sponsor of the exhibition, Tate & Lyle is helping to support a forum for young and older minds to explore how science and technology can help society find more sustainable ways to grow, produce and eat food. The exhibition will invite visitors to delve into the complex and interconnected stories behind the everyday foods we all consume. From complete meals in powder form to community cookery schools, Future of Food will explore how our consumption – from what we eat to how we shop and cook – can lead to more sustainable food production. Through over 100 thought-provoking objects – some which will be exhibited for the first time, hands-on interactive exhibits and compelling digital experiences, the exhibition will highlight some of the scientists, food producers and communities exploring innovative solutions to the challenges facing our global food systems. The exhibition will also share real life stories behind food sustainability, from indigenous seed swapping ceremonies in the Amazon, to growing meat from cells at home in Japan, and using local radio to help control pests in Kenya. Nick Hampton, Chief Executive, Tate & Lyle PLC, said, “We are very proud to be sponsoring the new Future of Food exhibition. The world is facing a huge challenge to feed a rapidly growing population with healthier, more nutritious food and drink in a way that also protects our planet’s natural resources. Science and technology hold the answer, and it’s great that this exhibition shines a light on the challenges and opportunities ahead.” fbr Industry News In a city where creativity spills from sidewalks onto runways, Johannesburg’s street culture isn't just a vibe, it’s a way of life. Where Mzansi moves, style expression inevitably follows. Stepping deeper into this energy is the PURA Beverage Company, a proudly South African, globally celebrated brand responsible for redefining refreshment. More than just a soda, PURA champions a lifestyle, one that celebrates individuality, and living a little better, in your own way. Recently PURA made its mark at SA Fashion Week, where it wasn’t just served, it was seen. From the hands of front-row designers to backstage creatives and street runners led by style icon Tokyo Black and the Shelf Life Run Crew, PURA became more than a drink - it became an essential part of the Jozi look. "For us, fashion isn’t just what you wear — it’s how you move, how you fuel, how you show up. Street culture is about being unapologetically you. And nowhere does that louder or prouder than Jozi. PURA hits the same notes — clean, bold, and true to self. It slides into your look like it’s always been there. No sugar rush, no gimmicks. Just real refreshment for better lives," said Tokyo Black, Street Culture Curator and Fashion Insider. As the city buzzed with fashion drops, street link-ups and cultural mashups, PURA moved through it all — mirroring Jozi’s individuality, grit, and global taste. Crafted with natural ingredients and no hidden nasties, PURA was the clean, conscious choice that kept stylists, models, and creators refreshed and energised. Its subtle fizz and vibrant flavours like Seville Orange and Pomegranate delivered the perfect reset — never overly sweet, always high-vibe. In a world where every detail — from sneakers to skincare — matters, PURA’s minimalist, fashion-forward can, fit seamlessly into the style scene, whether snapped alongside a Balenciaga bag or included in a flat-lay haul. Rooted in South Africa but resonating with global wellness culture, PURA was the natural companion to a Fashion Week that celebrated both heritage and innovation. PURA Soda embraces Jozi’s street culture at SA Fashion Weekfbr Industry News Hasher Family wines named "WINERY OF THE YEAR" at 2025 London Wine Competition Hasher Family Wines has been awarded "Winery of the Year" at the prestigious 2025 London Wine Competition, with the acclaimed Ernest Pinot Noir wine leading the way to this extraordinary recognition. Now in its eighth year, the London Wine Competition has established itself as one of the world's most respected wine competitions. What makes this achievement particularly special is that wines aren't judged solely on taste – they're evaluated holistically based on quality, value, and packaging, reflecting the real-world factors that wine lovers consider when choosing their next bottle. This year's competition brought together wine experts from across the globe, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and influential buyers and importers. In London's demanding tasting rooms, hundreds of wines from over 50 countries were blind- tasted and meticulously assessed. Francesco Fronzo, a prominent UK sommelier and wine buyer, noted "Pale ruby colour, medium plus intensity on the nose, great complexity on the palate. Mainly just ripe red fruits, cherry, raspberry, floral, roses, oak very well integrated. Nice label, impactful fonts easy to read, elegant, classic font styles." "The London Wine Competition was created to reflect how real buying decisions are made," explained Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, the competition organiser. "A winning wine here is not just excellent in quality, but market-ready and that's what makes this medal so powerful.” Hasher Family Wines has always believed that great wine is about bringing people together and is dedicated to producing wines of integrity and distinction. “This recognition from the London Wine Competition is a meaningful moment for us," says Celine Haspeslagh, co-owner of Hasher Family Wines. “It inspires us to keep sharing our passion with wine lovers across the world." Next >