2023 SUCCESS STORIES
We look back at a challenging year and celebrate the unique resilience that underpins the South African food and beverage sector. If you feel that your company is a success story, reach out to us now for coverage in our feature as we celebrate all the good things in our industry!
INGREDIENT TRENDS AND INNOVATION
Future-proofing your business in today’s competitive marketplace means that as an ingredients supplier, you need to offer brands, manufacturers and consumers more choices – whether for alternative proteins, natural sugar replacement, pre-and probiotics, vitamins, minerals, lactose and glucose-free ingredients, pulses and grains – to uplift and inspire new product development.
FLAVOUR AND COLOUR TRENDS
Comfort, escapism, indulgence, and nostalgia are typical drivers when it comes to predicting flavour and colour trends for beverages, snacks, confectionery and baked goods. Don’t forget hot and spicy flavours as these continue to be firm favourites with consumers. But what is your take on 2024’s biggest colour and flavour and processing trends?
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Do you know that facilities management is seen as the number one profit protector in the food and beverage industry? Don’t cut facility costs at the expense of future profits! We bring you the latest information on building oversight and visibility throughout the supply chain and across your different temperature zones!
VEGANUARY
As consumers understand the role of their diet in their physical appearance and health and well-being, we focus on the role that plant-based foods can play in helping consumers attain their health goals, while minimising their impact on the environment.
Share your new products with us.
TRENDS IN PALLETISING AND WAREHOUSING
Automated palletising gains traction in the food and beverage industry, enhancing efficiency and reducing labour costs. AI-powered systems optimise pallet configurations, and flexible robotic solutions adapt to varied product sizes. Warehouse digitisation, IoT integration, and sustainability-focused practices are also trending, streamlining operations and minimising environmental impact.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL EFFIENCY
Balancing high and low-tech approaches, the food and beverage industry optimizes maintenance and operational efficiency. High tech entails predictive maintenance using AI, IoT, and automation. Low tech emphasizes routine checks, employee training, and manual upkeep, ensuring equipment reliability, cost-efficiency, and uninterrupted production.
CLEANING IN PLACE (CIP)
Cleaning in Place (CIP) is pivotal for maintaining hygiene. Automated systems efficiently clean and sanitise equipment, minimising downtime. Advanced CIP designs optimise water and chemical usage, ensuring thorough sanitation and compliance with rigorous industry standards for product safety and quality.
We look at some of the latest and best systems and products in place to support this activity.
PACKING TRENDS FOR 2024
In 2024, sustainable packaging will dominate the industry, with a surge in compostable and recyclable materials. Smart packaging incorporating QR codes for consumer engagement and product information will also gain momentum. Minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging will align with heightened consumer awareness and preferences for sustainable, informative, and visually appealing solutions
