food production Archives

29 Jul 2021

Meeting the demanding requirements of the food and beverage industry

By Staff Writer

The food and beverage industry maintains a fine balance of priorities and requirements. Customers need dependable low and no-maintenance (sealed for life), cost-effective food-grade solutions that can withstand the rigours of corrosive, acidic, wet and excessively hot environments, with a focus on hygiene and food safety standards. Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) has a range...

06 May 2021

No new outbreaks of Avian flu in SA

By Staff Writer

No new outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported since the previously confirmed cases, however South Africa’s poultry and ostrich industries remain under national high alert with strict biosecurity measures in place. An appeal is also made to hobbyist keepers of any birds, including poultry, to remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in...

15 Jan 2021

How to use factory automation to plan for the ‘New Normal’ in food manufacturing

By Staff Writer

Food and beverage companies can now set a course for a post- pandemic world using automation to boost competitiveness and productivity. Manufacturers should focus their resources on four market driven perspectives: workforce, product quality, flexibility and sustainability. Opportunities and possibilities with automation The current crisis the world is facing offers a chance to rethink outdated...

09 Nov 2020

How to harness umami and kokumi for a memorable savoury taste experience

By Staff Writer

BY: Kay Marshallsay, PhD, leader of Kerry’s savoury taste division Brands delivering products in the savoury category can win consumer preference by striking a balance and synergy between umami and kokumi. The complex, rich and succulent taste sensations of a delicious savoury dish are the result of well-balanced umami and kokumi. Umami—also known as the...

06 Oct 2020

Why sustainability is crucial for SA food producers

By Staff Writer

The world’s population is expected to increase by more than 35% by 2050. Therefore, it is crucial that food producers find ways to support this growth while minimising their environmental impact and adapting to disruptions in the food supply chain brought on by climate change. Colleen Francis, category & marketing director at McCain Foods South...

23 Sep 2020

Protect South Africa’s potato industry

By Staff Writer

The Potato and Vegetable Processors Forum (PVPF), which includes PSA, McCain Foods South Africa, Natures Garden and Lamberts Bay Foods, have been lobbying the Government to institute a temporary prohibition on imports of frozen potato chips from the European Union as a consequence of market conditions impacted by COVID-19. Since 2000/01 potatoes accounted for approximately...

15 Jul 2020

Kenyan startup optimises the supply chains of informal traders

By Staff Writer

A Kenyan startup is digitally enabling informal traders and optimising their supply chains, to improve food quality, availability, affordability, service levels and sustainability. The Twiga Foods story was a highlight of the recent SAPICS virtual conference, hosted by The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management. It was shared with the SAPICS supply chain community by...

25 Jun 2020

IADSA video explains global supplement rules

By Staff Writer

IADSA has released a short video explaining the critical role of Codex Alimentarius in the global regulation of food supplements. The video was launched on 12 June 2020 by Steve Wearne, Vice-Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, during IADSA’s ‘100 Minutes’ online member meeting. It is available to view at here. Codex Codex is a...

22 Jun 2020

The future of manufacturing with collaborative robots

By Staff Writer

BY: Peter Lange, business development manager, Fixed Robotics, Omron Collaborative Robots (cobots) have a key role in current and future trends in industrial automation and production, specifically with their use becoming increasingly feasible for industrial manufacturing applications in smaller production facilities and warehouses. Companies that are developing innovative and integrated cobot concepts must meet a...

02 Jun 2020

Looking to science for food security solutions

By Staff Writer

BY: Chyreene Truluck, Spoor & Fisher South Africa Global food security is increasingly challenging in light of population growth, the impact of climate change on crop production, and limited land available for agricultural expansion. One solution has been presented in the form of gene editing, a technology – based on a natural process – that...

04 Dec 2019

The future of food lies in sustainability

By Staff Writer

With a rapidly growing population, adopting sustainable production practices on a global scale is an imperative to safeguard the future of our planet. The food supply chain is certainly one area where there is urgent need for improved sustainability. Without food – this precious resource currently being wasted across the supply chain – society as...

29 Nov 2019

Stellenbosch University collects integral data on fruit flies

By Staff Writer

AUTHOR: Engela Duvenage, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University Insect experts from the Stellenbosch University Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology are part of a large-scale research project involving experts from 15 countries. It aims to develop the science and technology needed to better detect, prevent and manage Europe’s growing fruit fly problem. The project...