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Non-invasive thermometry system, Celsius, set to broaden its reach into the European market place

Non-invasive thermometry system, Celsius, set to broaden its reach into the European market place

After proving its qualities at home in the UK, European food manufacturers are next in line to benefit from Cerulean’s accurate, sustainable, non-destructive equipment.

Maintaining an optimum temperature range has always been critical for food manufacturers the world over, as the reproduction of harmful micro-organisms or the formation of toxins can occur in either cold or warm ambience.

All food naturally emits tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation, so using the Faraday cage principle, Celsius detects the radio energy from samples and converts these readings into temperature values. This process only takes a few seconds and any item can be measured between -30°C to +30°C. The equipment has an easy to follow GUI and the operation process is quick and simple.

SCS SL, a private company located in Irun (North Spain), are one business who has recently become a distributor of Celsius.  Focused on niche engineering products, the company provide quality control and engineering solutions for the packaging sector and most of their customers are FMCG and private companies on the Iberian Peninsula. An agreement with Cerulean came into effect in November 2017 with distributor training taking place in December.

SCS SL Managing Director Claudio K. Otremba said “Celsius products were first introduced to us during a major industry fair in Germany last May. What we like the most about Celsius is that it offers a unique solution, it is a very well-made product and delivers a professional approach to thermometry. We have known the company and people behind it for more than a decade and after our in-house training, we are confident we can provide the same level of service and training to our own customers”.

The capabilities of Celsius remain unchanged whether the product is used in a UK or wider European manufacturing environment. The process us user-friendly – simply load the sample, close the door and automatic reading function delivers results on a visual display panel within a few seconds.  A temperature log can be recalled for full traceability of measurements and results are automatically sent to a SQL database (Cerulean’s C-Dass software) for analysis with no physical data trail, eliminating any potential human errors.

Regardless of innovative quality, introducing something new into a foreign market brings unique challenges, but Cerulean Area Sales Manager Mark McMahon believes partnering with distributors like SCS SL will help companies see the potential of Celsius, he said, “Food manufacturers follow the local market customs and traditions and we understand that packaged, frozen and chilled foods are not as common in some European countries as others.

There are no similar solutions to ours on the market, so we are delighted distributors like SCS SL are introducing the idea of Celsius to manufacturers in regions such as Spain and Portugal. The feedback we have received so far has been positive and we are looking forward to showing the equipment to these manufacturers in person, as we remain confident our results speak for themselves”.

The latest range of Celsius instruments, Midi and Maxi, have evolved in recent times to offer larger and more responsive screens and upgraded operating platforms. Consequently, food manufacturers across Europe can rest assured they now have the capability to achieve the optimal, accurate insight needed to produce the results required by many market sectors, including all those regulated by HACCP.

Campden BRI Thermal Processing Conference

Campden BRI Thermal Processing Conference

Campden BRI’s thermal processing conference, 7-8 June, will focus on the latest academic, industrial and regulatory aspects of producing commercial heat preserved foods.  Presentations will be on several topical aspects governing the safety and quality of thermal processed foods, with technical sessions divided into the following themes:

  • Secrets of successful thermal processing
  • International research activities
  • What’s next for thermal processing?

The conference will be of interest to technical managers and directors, food manufacturers, retailers, regulatory professionals and thermal process authorities.

Our training team will be happy to help with any enquiry on +44(0)1386 842104 or at training@campdenbri.co.uk

Contact: moya.woolley@campdenbri.co.uk, +44(0)1386 842247

Campden BRI (www.campdenbri.co.uk) provides technical, legislative and scientific support and research to the food and drinks industry worldwide – with a comprehensive “farm to fork” range of services covering agri-food production, analysis and testing, processing and manufacturing, safety, training and technical information services. Members and clients benefit from industry-leading facilities for analysis, product and process development, and sensory and consumer studies, which include a specialist brewing and wine division.

Reed Boardall celebrates silver anniversary of first cold store opening at Boroughbridge

Reed Boardall celebrates silver anniversary of first cold store opening at Boroughbridge

Keith Boardall (left), chief executive of Reed Boardall, with his son Marcus, deputy chief executive

Reed Boardall is marking the completion of 25 years since the Yorkshire-based frozen food storage and distribution business opened its first cold store at its Boroughbridge site.

In 1992, the family business, which is still headed by founder and current chief executive Keith Boardall with his son Marcus as deputy chief executive, opened the doors of the 3,000 pallet capacity store, the business having been previously based in Northallerton.  Initially there was had just one shift and had the first customer to move into this new facility was WCF Foods, whose factory was just along the road.

The new site, with its potential for expansion, enabled the company to grow rapidly, adding shifts and staff as well as extending  a year later with a further 9,000 pallet spaces as its customer base grew.  In due course, the store in Northallerton was closed, bringing all customers onto one site, greatly facilitating efficient consolidation of distribution.  Twenty-five years on, Reed Boardall has become one of the best-known names in food logistics,  working with leading food manufacturers and retailers across the UK and storing around £100m worth of products on their behalf.

The four warehouses have a combined capacity of 142,000 pallets.  The £60m turnover business now operates 24/7 and has a 180-strong fleet of vehicles moving up to 12,000 pallets a day.  It is now one of the biggest employers in the area, employing 780 staff, and its single 55 acre site in Boroughbridge is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Keith Boardall, chief executive, comments: “Reaching our 25th birthday is quite an achievement and I think the fact that the company is continuing to flourish is testimony to the strength of our original blueprint for the business– we’re still doing what we set out to do, we’re just doing it on a larger scale now, having grown alongside our customers.

“There have obviously been huge changes over the years, driven by the increasing sophistication of the UK’s supermarkets, changing shopping habits and the massive advances in technology.  However, fundamentally, we are still doing the same job – acting as a reliable partner for our customers and providing an integrated service for their cold storage and transport needs.”

Andrew Baldwin, managing director of Reed Boardall’s cold storage division, added: “It’s great that so many of our loyal team have stayed with us throughout our phenomenal growth.  I originally started working with the company when the new store opened and 25 years later, I’m still here!  The business is always evolving, every day is different and it is these challenges that make it an exciting place to work.

“I think another important reason why so many of the team stay is the company’s strong family values which recognise the key role each person plays in Reed Boardall’s continued success.  The advantage of being a single site operation is not only logistical, but also encourages strong team spirit as all the management are able to work closely together.

Jacqueline Rae, admin office manager, who has been with the company for 24 years, said: “I first came across Reed Boardall when I was working for their customer, WCF Foods and was impressed by the service then.   Although the operation has now become so much bigger with a much larger site and many more staff, we have managed to retain the flexibility and personal service which enables us to deliver the consistently high levels of service which our customers require and have come to expect.”

Today’s Group Foodservice members take Erudus subscribers to more than 100

Today’s Group Foodservice members take Erudus subscribers to more than 100 

Today’s Group has become the latest organisation to sign up to Erudus with 17 of its foodservice members opting to use the system.

The move also marks a huge milestone for Erudus, with more than 100 wholesalers now using the platform, with the cloud-based software continuing to make waves throughout the industry.

The Group’s foodservice members will begin using the software from 1 April, providing them with access to allergen and nutritional information for more than 100,000 products.

Erudus, which is described by the Group as ‘a vital day-to-day tool for its foodservice members’, also boasts 85,000 caterers and 1,300 manufacturers amongst its users.

David Sabin, head of trading for the Today’s Group, the UK’s largest wholesale services company with 142 independent wholesalers operating out of more than 190 depots, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Erudus, and will be bringing a significant number of our foodservice members onto the platform from 1 April with more to follow.

“The Erudus system has been enhanced considerably over the last few years and we are coming on board at just the right time in what will be another step forward in its development over the next year.

“Erudus is a vital day to day tool for our Foodservice members and will help them deliver great service to their customers.”

Erudus has enjoyed a strong start to 2018, including further enhancing its partnership with Nielsen Brandbank and sharing its API with Lady Lodge Systems.

Jon Shayler, Erudus’ chief operating officer, said: “Welcoming Today’s Group into the Erudus family is a significant moment for us. We wanted to break through our target of 100 wholesalers before June and we have achieved this.

“Today’s Group’s members will now have immediate access to key product information, which will assist them and their customers to adhere to strict EU law governing allergen data.

“Erudus provides wholesalers and caterers with trusted data and the confidence it has been entered by the manufacturers themselves, thereby reducing the risk of error and mitigating any liability to brand owner.”

For more information visit http://erudus.com.

International Appetite Fed at First Birmingham Brexit Event

International Appetite Fed at First Birmingham Brexit Event

Oakland Invicta Operations Director Robert Hardy with Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF) Chief Executive Chris Sturman

With so many questions addressed at the first in a series of dedicated Brexit Seminars held in Birmingham, interest amongst its international delegation remains high, with the second Brexit Seminar planned for Wednesday 27th June 2018.

Sectors and countries represented at February’s event encompassed food businesses and non-food importers, Embassies, logistics providers and consultants from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France and Asia.

Netherlands based food producer Conveni’s Head of Commercial UK and Ireland, Noel Reidy, commented: “Time really well spent, – Rob Hardy clearly explained how to navigate Brexit with practical, sound advice, without all of the political spin and jargon.”

Katrina McWhinnie from The McWhinnie Consultancy said: “Very positive information delivered in a clear and light-hearted manner. I will definitely be attending the next one.”

Organised jointly by multi temperature supply chain specialist Oakland International, which has depots and facilities based in the UK, Ireland and an overseas partner in Spain and Oakland Invicta, specialist Customs duty planners and Brexit advisors to the Institute for Government, InterTradeIreland, InvestNI and registered experts with the EU Commission on matters relating to international trade.

Key concerns and points dealt with included how to avoid port delays, classification of goods for customs purposes, rate of duty on goods and alternative customs regimes available, with delegates leaving the seminar having a much clearer picture of what Brexit means to them and how they can begin planning now, with the majority signed up for June, the second seminar in the series.

Oakland Invicta and Brexit Lead, Robert Hardy, commented: “Our message is positive and clear and sadly all too rare at present. Our experience from the ground up includes freight and vehicle management tools to make the whole process less painful. Most UK importers and exporters rely on the media for updates as to how Brexit will eventually look, with Brexit information ebbing and flowing constantly, as you would expect from any negotiation.

“Following our first seminar we have been invited to speak at similar events across Europe and to assist delegates gain AEO approval and develop Brexit strategies. We have shown what can and must be done now to prepare for life after Brexit, and how and why you should engage with suppliers across the world to identify possible and potential savings or future trade deals. There is a series of processes and procedures that exist today, you just need to know how to line up the dots!”

Details of the Brexit Seminar series can be found at: www.mybrexit.uk

Biofilms, food fraud and clean label among new Campden BRI research for 2018

Biofilms, food fraud and clean label among new Campden BRI research for 2018

Campden BRI has launched 10 new research projects that will investigate the latest hot topics in food and drink. These are funded and will be steered by its members to maximise industrial and commercial relevance.

The new research projects include:

Next generation methods for microbiological and chemical food safety: This project will assess novel and improved microbiological and chemical analytical methods that are used to monitor food hazards and spoilage issues.

Rapid methods for hygiene determination: This research project will look mostly at rapid non-microbiological methods for identifying hygiene hazards and compare these with existing validated methods to understand their capability and suitability to different environments, contaminant types and production technologies.

Microbiological shelf life testing – new approaches: This project will reconsider the methods and procedures used to define microbiological shelf life, define the best practice and update Campden BRI’s Guideline 46 on the evaluation of product shelf life for chilled foods.

Functionality of novel ingredients from natural sources: Active components from plants and cereals could be used to replace chemically synthesised materials that are used in food processing. We will research the functionality of novel ingredients in specific products and compare them to existing additives with similar functional properties, such foaming, emulsifying, rheology modifiers and waterbinding.

Novel natural preservative systems for use in drinks, sauces and other high aw foods: At present few effective natural preservatives are permitted for use in food and drink manufacture. This project will practically assess potential novel preservatives to understand efficacy and whether other processing steps are needed to ensure they effectively extend shelf-life.

Inactivation of bacterial biofilms – new approaches: Organisms in biofilms can more resistant to a number of microbiological measures than planktonic cells. This can pose challenges for cleaning and CIP systems. The aim of this project is to define the resistance of key spoilage organisms in their biofilm state and establish and optimise procedures to decontaminate and/or remove biofilms.

Design and modelling of the impact of food structure on food texture: Making reformulated products that have the same texture and structure as the original product can be time consuming and require the use of costly pilot production facilities and sensory panels. This project will develop a way to model the effects of differences in structure so it’s easier to design products with a desired structure and understand how process conditions can be used to create the required structure for a range of product types.

Clean label sugar reduction: This project aims to take an alternative approach to sugar reduction. It will explore how far sugar can be removed before product quality is compromised to an unacceptable level or functionality is lost and the need arises to intervene via the use of clean label and/or processing solutions to optimise the level of reduction that can be achieved.

Mitigating food fraud – best use of analytical screening tools: Companies are required to comply with BRC Global Food Safety Standard 7 (Chapter 5.4) by minimising the risk of purchasing fraudulent or adulterated food raw materials and to ensure that all product descriptions and claims are legal, accurate and verified. In some situations, testing of high risk raw materials and ingredients by using suitable tests will be needed. This project will use analytical screening approaches to show best practice for preparation and use of authenticity calibration.

Sampling for hazards: a practical guide: This project will describe and discuss sampling for different hazards associated with the food industry, such as microorganisms, chemicals, allergens, etc and provide suggested ‘best practice’ for different sampling situations.

The research projects were chosen by Campden BRI members, who each year decide how the company should spend over £2 million in research. Members can then help to steer the research via the Member Interest Groups.

The ten new research projects complement about 40 existing ones.

Campden BRI members have exclusive access to the research results and reports via the project websites

Contact:

Karen Jones

karen.jones@campdenbri.co.uk

+44 (0)1386 842204

Campden BRI (www.campdenbri.co.uk) provides technical, legislative and scientific support and research to the food and drinks industry worldwide – with a comprehensive “farm to fork” range of services covering agri-food production, analysis and testing, processing and manufacturing, safety, training and technical information services. Members and clients benefit from industry-leading facilities for analysis, product and process development, and sensory and consumer studies, which include a specialist brewing and wine division.

Member Benefits

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  • Company Shop – membership
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