+ 44 (0) 1400 283090
United Kingdom’s most important innovation accolade goes to Bühler’s optical sorting |
 Bühler has received the United Kingdom’s most prestigious innovation award – the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – for its optical sorting technology. In an official ceremony yesterday, in which the award was handed over by John Barber, representative Deputy Lieutenant for London Borough of Newham. Johannes Wick, Bühler Group’s CEO for Grains & Food, said: “This breakthrough technology will make the difference for us in the market for years to come. What is now in reach are applications to grade raw materials for composition and to remove invisible contaminations. This will be a major contribution to provide healthy and safe nutrition around the world.” |
| The Queen’s Award could be described as United Kingdom’s “Innovation Oscar”, which this year acknowledges the leading technology position of Bühler. It is the highest award for British businesses which have excelled in the fields of international trade, sustainable development, or innovation. This is the seventh Queen’s Award Bühler UK has won since 1968. This year’s win is in recognition of Bühler’s development of a unique camera technology used in sorting machines, capable of recognizing the subtlest of color and shading contrasts in materials and foods, thereby significantly increasing detection rates for foreign materials, potential choke hazards, or contaminated foods.
“Bühler are old hands at receiving these awards. After my first visit to the factory I could see why they have been constant winners. They have such a high standard of skills and technology, and are leaders in being good employers, as well as producing such high quality products,” says John Barber, representative of Her Majesty The Queen. He handed the award to Bühler’s Timothy Kelf, Head of Sensor Development. “The fact that we have been so successful in a number of different market segments with this technology shows the strength and depth of our capabilities in cutting-edge technologies,” says Kelf, who received the Queen’s Award together with Senior Research Engineer Ben Deefholts. With their team, both have been instrumental in bringing this innovation to the market. The technology is currently being used by food producers in Europe and the United States. They report an increase in detection rates of foreign materials by 10%, from 85% to 95%. A single Sortex optical sorter can control up to 150,000 single grains or 15,000 peas per second with a capacity of 12 tons per hour, securing highest food standards. What customers say Bühler’s PolarVision uses the industry-leading camera technology for the frozen vegetable market. Its technology can detect even the most challenging foreign material in frozen vegetable production lines. Ardo, one of the world’s largest producers of fresh-frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs, has introduced PolarVision in its European sorting plants. “In our experience, PolarVision technology is one of the best digital-vision technologies when it comes to detecting foreign materials in the industrial frozen vegetables process. It’s a jump forward”, said Steven Van Engelandt, Ardo’s Group Project Engineer. While the technology has so far been applied to detect foreign materials, future developments will also be able to detect mycotoxins and even pathogens. The Bühler camera technology is also being used to detect lower-grade or discolored polymers to ensure the highest grade recyclate can be achieved by plastic recyclers. By detecting such high rates of contamination, it is now possible to produce food-grade plastic packaging from 100% recycled material, cutting the need for virgin plastic production and levels of plastic being sent to landfill. How Bühler earned the seventh Queen’s Award One of the criteria for a Queen’s Award is that the technology should not just be innovative, but has to be scalable, commercially viable, and to have resulted in a material improvement to a commercial process. Since the introduction of the Sortex E optical sorter using BioVision technology, sales of Bühler sorting solutions into the nut sector have doubled. The technology is now being used by the world’s top nut producers globally to detect blemished nuts along with the smallest shell fragments in walnuts, pecans and pistachios. |
New survey reveals over 80% of people don’t know what scampi is
New survey reveals over 80% of people don’t know what scampi is
A recent survey of 500 British shoppers, conducted by reveals that 80% of people are in the dark about what scampi is made of, further reinforcing the fact that many of us aren’t aware of what is in our seafood products.
- Only 18.6% of shoppers know what scampi is made from
- 33.79% thought scampi was made from prawns
- 19% didn’t have any idea what the seafood product is made from
Despite the fact that the delicious coated seafood is purchased by a whopping 5.8 million households across the UK, found that many people don’t actually know how the much-loved seafood product is manufactured or what it’s made from.
The survey found that 33.79% thought they were made of prawn,17.59% guessed Pollock, 11.07% believed it to be Monkfish and 19.7% thought it was something else entirely.
Scampi is in fact breaded langoustine, a small crustacean that are members of the lobster family! Their scientific name is Nephrops norvegicus, to get even more technical…
The Yorkshire seafood obsessives believe that scampi is the forgotten ‘jewels’ of the sea, and want to highlight the importance of knowing where your seafood comes from. Whitby Seafoods have been catching scampi in the waters around the British Isles since 1985 and bringing them back to their site in Whitby, the home of scampi!
Laura Whittle, Sales & Marketing Director at Whitby Seafoods commented:
“We were genuinely surprised to find out that people are enjoying scampi but don’t really know what it is…especially as it’s a really such a great British treasure of a dish. We sell over a million portions of scampi a week and we want everyone who eats it to know it’s made with wild-caught British langoustine. We are on a mission to reignite the nation’s love of scampi and let them know just how special it is! Hopefully, knowing this, more people will eat it more often at home and not just save it for a seaside treat.”
have seen a 32% rise in households buying into the brand this year! And whilst they are thrilled that so many new customers are scoffing their delicious seafood they want to ensure they are doing so with the confidence that it is honest and proper grub with no hidden ingredients. Whitby Seafoods Whole Scampi is made from 100% Langoustine.
The seafood brand has recently diversified its product offering to include fishcakes, whitebait, calamari, lemon and pepper fish goujons and a gluten-free range! All of which are made with top-notch ingredients and packed full of flavour. What’s more Whitby Seafoods are a member of the Sustainable Seafood Coalition and work actively with their fishery partners to ensure the industry is as sustainable as can be.
Whitby Seafoods hope that by dispelling some of the myths surrounding seafood and by making it safe and easy to cook more people will be able to enjoy their delicious products.
GMS CEO Neil shortlisted for West Midlands Leadership Awards
GMS CEO Neil shortlisted for West Midlands Leadership Awards
GMS Group of Companies CEO Neil Male has been shortlisted for two categories for this year’s West Midlands Leadership Awards.
Shining the spotlight on the region’s established and emerging leaders, the West Midlands Leadership Awards were created last year to recognise the importance of leadership in helping to drive the region’s businesses and economy forward and to celebrate the best exponents of modern leadership.
CEO Neil has been shortlisted for two categories, Transformational Leader – recognising the delivery of transformational change to a business, and Company Leader (100+ employees) – recognising great leadership in managing company direction and vision.
“I’m excited to be shortlisted for these awards. This is a great acknowledgement of the efforts of everyone at GMS who all contribute to the success of the business. I wish all the shortlisted candidates the best of luck and look forward to meeting them on the 15th November at the Botanical Gardens.”
https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/events/west-midlands-leadership-awards-2019
Smokehouse is first in UK to get international stamp of approval
Smokehouse is first in UK to get international stamp of approval
A Cumbrian smokehouse has become the first in the UK to receive an industry watchdog’s stamp of approval.
Grants Oak Smoked Ltd, which sells smoked salmon across the globe, has received BAP accreditation.
The BAP (Best Aquaculture Practice) scheme promotes food safety, environmental sustainability, social accountability, and animal welfare across the entire seafood industry. Its accreditation covers the entire seafood production chain, from hatcheries and feed mills, to farms and processing facilities.
BAP is run by the non-profit making Global Aquacuture Alliance. It is recognised in the industry for its tough accreditation process and international reputation.
The owner of Grants Oak Smoked, Jonathan Brown, said: “At Grants we only use suppliers with the highest accredited environmental and aquaculture standards.
“As the world’s reliance on farmed fish grows, it is vital everyone in the industry ensures we all follow the best possible practices. BAP is striving to ensure this happens.
“To qualify for the accreditation, BAP examined every aspect of our business, from our premises, the fish we use and the environmental, food safety and working procedures we follow.
“To get the accreditation confirms, once again, Grants is an industry leader. Not only do our products win numerous awards for their taste and quality, this accreditation proves they are produced to the highest possible standard.
“So far 2019 has been a great year for the business. Our Traditional Rope Hung smoked salmon won its third gold medal in the international Monde Federation food awards. Our Grants Traditional brand joined the rope hung in getting three stars in the Great Taste awards, and we will shortly be making an announcement regarding another spectacular success.
“Getting BAP accreditation is another major confirmation of our family firm’s reputation for quality. It is also pays testament to our operation in Maryport, and the great work the 100 plus staff we employ there do on a daily basis.”
Oakland International Appoints General Manager Corby
Oakland International Appoints General Manager Corby
Responsible family business and specialist UK and Ireland multi temperature supply chain operator, Oakland International, has appointed Mark Cartlidge as General Manager at Corby.
The creation of this new role is due to Oakland’s business expansion following significant investment and extension of Corby’s chilled and freezer locations. Mark’s seventeen years logistics experience, previously working from the shop floor through to holding the role of senior operations manager for Morrisons, sees him take on responsibility for all aspects of Corby’s health and safety, training, legal compliance and the negotiation of new business contracts, focusing on improving accuracy and their use of the Snap Fulfilment warehouse management system to support Corby’s existing client base and potential new customers.
Commenting, Mark said: “My immediate push is to improve communication throughout Corby and ensure that this filters through to our customers and partners by being proactive and delivering information and data so that everyone can do their job. Long term, to drive new contracts and run Corby efficiently, whilst creating a chain of progression to enable colleagues from all levels to progress and improve.”
A leading expert working with brands and insurers to reduce food losses in the supply chain due to load contamination, Oakland International is a double BRC AA accredited business and a specialist at providing contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support for ambient, chilled and frozen food, and supports retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and has a partner in Spain.
Oakland International Business Unit Director Corby, Lee Whiting, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark to our growing Corby team. His drive and experience will be a major asset to our business operations going forward.”
A major F1 and MOTO GP fan, attending Silverstone every year, Mark has been married to wife Freya for 10 years after meeting at college, and they have a ten-year old daughter Izabella and four-year old beagle called Bellatrix named after the evil witch character in Harry Potter.
Commenting on his appointment Mark added: “I view Oakland International as a growing family business with a great attitude towards its employees and how it conducts business, honest and determined to succeed, not shying away from challenge but facing it head on.
“They have the people, experience and expertise to overcome any challenge and to thrive from the experience. I am truly excited to join Oakland International.”
Happy 10th birthday ADBA!
Happy 10th birthday ADBA! Celebrating a decade of supporting the anaerobic digestion industry
- The UK anaerobic digestion (AD) trade association was registered at Company House on 10th September 2009
- The UK AD industry has grown 350% since then, with nearly 650 plants currently in operation
- The sector now has the capacity to power over 1.2m homes and employs over 3,500 people
- AD could reduce UK GHG emissions by 5% and meet 30% of domestic energy demand
The UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary supporting the anaerobic digestion industry. The organisation, then known as the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, was set up by Lord Redesdale and ten founding members to remove barriers to the expansion of the AD industry and develop industry best practice and standards. The name was changed in 2014 to reflect a broadening remit to include emerging technologies and products from the bioeconomy.
Within weeks of its launch, ADBA, already led by its current Chief Executive Charlotte Morton, hosted its first National Conference and a few months later the first AD-specific trade show in the UK, which then welcomed 65 exhibitors. Since then, in addition to supporting members with trade events and market reports to stimulate business and knowledge sharing, operational guidance publications to promote good practice, Awards to celebrate the industry’s pioneers, ADBA has been steadfast in lobbying government, working closely with members and stakeholders to secure policy incentives and investment for the industry. ADBA’s latest achievements include a strong presence for AD within the Government Resources and Waste Strategy, committing to mandatory separate food waste collections in England by 2023, and a pledge in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement last year to increase the proportion of green gas in the grid.
Over the years, AD has been increasingly recognised as a significant technology to decarbonise the UK economy across multiple sectors and produce home-grown renewable heat, electricity and transport fuel, as well as vital, soil-restoring natural fertiliser. In her role as Chief Executive, Charlotte Morton has overseen ADBA facilitating a 350% growth in the sector, with nearly 650 plants being commissioned, a workforce raising to between 3,000 and 4,000 people and a capacity reaching nearly 1GW of electricity-equivalent, enough to power over 1.2 million homes. AD has been able to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by over 1% – a figure which, with the right policy and funding support, could rise to 5%.
As we look to the future and the next 10 years, we are faced with one of the largest challenges of our generation. The coming decade is a critical period for addressing the climate crisis, and AD is a vital part of the solution. While other technologies such as hydrogen and electricity for large vehicles are still in development, AD provides a ready to use technology that can be deployed now to slash emissions in these hard-to-decarbonise sectors.
Charlotte Morton said: “Within the last decade, AD has become one of the most innovative and important industries in the UK. It has demonstrated the critical role it can play in addressing climate change and in meeting the UK’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. We can be very proud of our progress, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for their support and their dedication to our industry that made it possible. There is, however, a lot more that we can achieve in the next 10 years. In addition to reducing the UK GHG emissions by 5%, we could meet 30% of domestic energy demand and provide 30,000 new green jobs, largely in rural areas. We have also developed world-leading expertise which gives the UK AD industry a real opportunity to be at the heart of the growing global biogas industry.
With the support of our members, we will continue to work to ensure the AD and biogas industry responds effectively to both UK and global challenges and takes its rightful place in the development of a sustainable circular economy.”
ADBA key milestones:
- The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association was set up on 10th September 2009 by former Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson Lord Rupert Redesdale and 10 founder members.
- Charlotte Morton appointed Chief Executive in late 2009
- December 2009 – ADBA hosts its first National Conference
- July 2010 – ADBA hosts its first anaerobic digestion trade show – the ADBA Trade Show
- 2012 – ADBA publishes the first edition Practical Guide to AD and ADBA launches the AD and Biogas Industries Awards
- 2014 – the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association changes its name to the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association
- 2016 – ADBA becomes of a founding member of the World Biogas Association.
- 2017 – ADBA introduces the AD Certification Scheme
- 2018 – ADBA reaches 400 members
- 2019 – the World Biogas Summit is launched alongside the annual UK AD and World Biogas Expo
+ 44 (0) 1400 283090
