Food & Food Equipment News

Linde Introduces New Technology to Test for Leaks in Food Packaging

Linde LLC introduces a fast and more reliable process to detect leaks in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The high-speed, inline MAPAX^® LD leak-detection system will be introduced to the North American market for the first time at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, January 31–February 2.

The patented MAPAX LD system is ideal for packaged meat, poultry, seafood and prepared foods packaged with tray sealers or thermoforming machines. It tests packages inline and can achieve 100 percent sampling at speeds up to 120 packages per minute.

 

High-Accuracy in Real Time

The inline MAPAX leak-detection system offers high accuracy in real-time. It works by adding a small volume of hydrogen as an indicator to the modified atmosphere mixture at the package sealing stage. The MAPAX LD sensor detects for the gas after the sealed packages travel into the leak-detection unit. Linde supplies MAPAX^® modified-atmosphere packaging gases including nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the food industry.

Inline testing is a major advantage over other leak-detection methods such as needle- or immersion testing, which may rely on statistical sampling but typically check only a single package for each batch or test period. With such offline test systems, if a leak is detected, the entire batch is lost, which can result in excessive waste and downtime.  

In contrast, the MAPAX LD system offers non-destructive package testing. Because testing is inline, if a package leak exists due to a pinhole, tear or defect in the seal, a visual alarm signals so issues can be immediately resolved or investigated. A defective item can be removed from the production line with minimal interruption to the process flow. MAPAX LD also identifies faulty settings on a machine if, for example, several leaks are found consecutively.

Linde LLC supports the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the advancement of food safety. Linde has a Food Safety Management System in place for all bulk carbon dioxide (CO₂) plants and air separation facilities supplying the food & beverage industry in North America. In June 2012, Linde became the first supplier to certify all of its CO₂ plants to a benchmarked GFSI scheme, FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification).

The Linde food team performs in-plant assessments and works with food processors to develop optimal solutions. For more information visit Linde (www.lindefood.com), or call: 800.755.9277.

 

Dickeys Barbecue Pit Announces New Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is launching new products system-wide that will not only reduce its carbon footprint but generate more opportunities for profitability for Owner/Operators. New greener products include paper products, clamshell takeout containers and wood pellets as well as the elimination of foam products. Eco-friendly catering plates are also in the works and are planned to debut by May 2016.

Dickey's new paper towels not only replace current back-of-house paper products, but will also replace front-of-house napkins. These unbleached towels are made from 40 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and exceed EPA guidelines. New toilet paper also exceeds EPA guidelines, made from 25 percent post-consumer recycled fiber and meets the Green Seal standard by using less water and no chlorine during processing. Dickey's is also using butcher paper for dine-in service, which is made of natural unbleached craft paper and is fully recyclable.

New clamshell takeout containers are made of 100 percent sugarcane, which is fully compostable and fully recyclable. They are lined with wax, which gives the containers the sturdiness needed for takeout but also allow them to be fully eco-friendly. A new three-compartment catering plate made of sugarcane is also in the works to replace foam plates.

"We are proud to roll out these green improvements to current products," says Tamala Fowler, Vice President of Purchasing and Research and Development. "Positive feedback from Owner/Operators and guests inspire us to continue moving toward more sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly practices."

Dickey's also rolled out its proprietary blend of wood pellets to be used in smokers last October with the debut of its newly redesigned store concept. The wood pellets are made of a blend of hickory, cherry and other flavorful woods, and use 80 percent less wood use than a traditional pit smoker, drastically reducing the carbon footprint.

Novipax Unveils Pad-Loc Fresh CO2-Generating Absorbent Pad

Pad-Loc® Fresh™ from Novipax is an absorbent pad that generates carbon dioxide (CO2) inside food packages to help create an environment that is unfavorable for microbial growth on fresh and processed meats, poultry, seafood and other food products. Used as a tool in an effective modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) strategy, Pad-Loc Fresh enables fresh and minimally processed packaged food products to maintain visual, textural and nutritional appeal while also helping to extend the shelf life of fresh food products without the need to add chemical preservatives or stabilizers.

“We are extremely excited to be launching Pad-Loc Fresh,” said Novipax CEO Bob Larson. “Pad-Loc Fresh is not only the latest product innovation from Novipax, but it also promises to take food presentation and safety to a whole new level.”

Pad-Loc Fresh incorporates the same construction and features as the company’s flagship Pad-Loc pad, but goes a step further by integrating a granular agent that releases CO2 when moisture is absorbed into the pad. This material also provides a much more consistent release of CO2 than powders used in other pads.

Pad-Loc Fresh is an FDA-approved product, which allows for sale of the product in both the USA and Canada.

For more information on Pad-Loc Fresh, and all other Novipax pads and trays, visit novipax.com.

 

Oregon Cherry Growers' New Foodservice Pouches Raise the Bar for Maraschinos

Grower-owned cooperative Oregon Cherry Growers, known for perfecting the original maraschino cherry and debuting the first line of natural, non-GMO certified maraschinos, is unveiling its latest innovation in the industry – this time in packaging. The new, convenient pouch-style packaging is the first of its kind and has already received the National Restaurant Association FABI Award after its debut at Natural Products Expo West in March.

The single-serve foodservice pouches, are easy to open, and filled with colorful and flavorful cherries.  They provide a convenient, portion controlled option for operators who use maraschinos as a key ingredient, but don't want the hassle of refrigerating and storing bulk containers. The new maraschino pouches eliminate mess, waste and storage space requirements, and are pasteurized for safety and improved freshness. In informal interviews, 76 percent of bartenders said they preferred the maraschino pouch to their current product, with 100 percent saying it was easier to fill their cherry condiment trays. The traditional maraschino pouch carries approximately 25 cherries, while the larger Bordeaux-Style cherry pouch averages around 18 per pouch.

“Maraschino cherries are an ingredient in nearly every bar and restaurant in the nation,” said Tim Ramsey, Oregon Cherry Growers President and CEO. “In addition to providing the absolute best product to our foodservice customers, we’re consistently striving to improve the overall product experience, on both sides of the bar. The new Maraschino Foodservice Pouches are held to the same standard of quality as all our products, and add a level of convenience for operators not currently offered by any other maraschino manufacturer in the world.”

Excitement about the new packaging innovation is already evident among foodservice operators. The pouches are the recipient of a National Restaurant Association 2015 Food and Beverage (FABI) Award, which recognizes progressive food and beverage products that will make a substantial impact in the restaurant industry.

The Maraschino single-serve Foodservice Pouches are packaged in cases of sixteen 9 oz. packages, in both traditional Maraschino and natural Bordeaux Maraschino varieties. Both varieties have a shelf life of one year, are kosher and halal certified, and free of gluten, cholesterol, sodium and trans fats. The Bordeaux style are free of preservatives and made with natural colors and flavors.

If interested in receiving samples of the product line to test, contact Matthew Gillespie at [email protected] or 503.364.8421. 

Unified Grocers' Springfield Logo and Packaging Honored

Unified Grocers' new Springfield logo and packaging has been named a winner in the 2015 American Package Design Awards sponsored by Graphic Design USA magazine.

Unified teamed up with San Francisco-based Murray Brand Communications to redesign and refresh the Springfield packaging, make it relevant to today's consumers and to attract new shoppers to the brand. After conducting extensive consumer research, the Murray Brand team designed a new brandmark and packaging system for the Springfield portfolio of more than 800 SKUs.

The new packaging was designed to support the brand's core essence of neighborly, trusted quality and to provide shoppers a consistent, eye-catching look throughout the store. It also includes "Facts Up Front" icons developed by the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association to help consumers easily recognize food attributes and benefits such as fat free, low sodium and low cholesterol. The Springfield brand has been in existence since 1947.

"We have a terrific partnership with Murray Brand," said JoAnn Murdock, Executive Director, Marketing, Unified Grocers. "We've been impressed by their extensive, research-based approach and outstanding creativity and design execution throughout the entire Springfield brand refresh process. They truly understand marketing and successfully used shopper insights to achieve these award-winning results."

"Winning this prestigious design competition, which is judged by branding, design and packaging experts, validates that the new Springfield brand and packaging is beautiful work," said R.J. Murray, Principal, Murray Brand Communications, Inc. "It reflects our strong collaborative effort with Unified Grocers and their packaging production partner, Western Family, and allowed us to develop fresh and exciting designs which resonate with shoppers and ultimately drive sales."

For more than five decades, Graphic Design USA has hosted design competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. The competition celebrates "well-designed graphics and the power of design to advance the brand promise and forge an emotional connection with the buyer." About 2,000 entries were submitted to this year's competition.

CP Packaging Announces Appointment For Director of Sales

CP Packaging, LLC of Appleton, Wisconsin has named Mike Minock as Director of Sales. 

 Minock, a food industry veteran of 27 years, started his career at Cashin Systems in 1988 and furthered his industry knowledge while working for Formax, Weber, and most recently TREIF USA as Sales Director. 

“With the introduction of the newest models of the VisionPak, VP125 and VP190, CP Packaging is fast becoming an industry leader with packaging innovations.  At the same time, we’re committed to maintaining and growing our partnerships with the processors,” says Keith Wietharn, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CP Packaging. “Mike’s knowledge of the industry will be a real asset and ensures our commitment to our customers.”

CP Packaging designs and manufactures packaging machines for the meat and dairy industries. Its VisionPak horizontal form fill seal vacuum/modified atmosphere packaging machine is an industry leader in sanitation, product innovation and efficiency.

Macfrut Names Produce Industry Innovation Leaders

This year's Innovation Oscars at Macfrut have been awarded. The ceremony was one of the most awaited events at the international fruit and vegetable exhibition, which took place from September 24-26 at the Fiera Cesena premises. The awards went to novelties developed for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, and were divided into four categories defined by a professional jury. A further Oscar was assigned based on the visitors’ votes.

The winner in the packaging category is the multi-variety Christmas package produced by the VOG Consortium for Marlene apples. For the machinery and sorting-packaging technologies category, the award went to Turatti with its strawberry capper Frazer model, while the company Gaiago was voted the best in the logistics and services category with its “Soleil’ Meilleur.” The winner in the seeds and fruit and vegetables category was San Lidano with “Orti Laziali.” Finally, the visitors who attended the three-day Macfrut show chose Ortoromi with its “Insal’Arte” as their people's choice winner.

In 2014, Macfrut hosted an increased number of visitors and exhibitors, and planning for Macfrut International 2015 is already under way. One of the most surprising announcements at this year's edition was President of Cesena Fiera Domenico Scarpellini's statement that this year's show, the 31st since Macfrut was first launched, will be the last one under his management: “This is going to be my last Macfrut edition. Working at Macfrut has been a deeply rewarding experience, both at the professional and at the personal level. I wish to thank all my colleagues of the board of directors, as well as all employees. One of our goals has always been to make Macfrut as efficient and well-functioning as possible: it was a joint enterprise, to which we all contributed. I want to express all my wishes to my expected successor.”

Eco-Products' ZERO Line of Hot, Cold Cups Reduces Carbon Impact

 

Eco-Products, the nation’s leading brand of foodservice products made from renewable resources and recycled content, is proud to announce ZERO by Eco-Products, a line of hot cups and cold cups whose carbon impacts have been measured and fully offset through a partnership with leading carbon offset provider Renewable Choice Energy.
The carbon offsets for the ZERO line are informed by two years of product life cycle analysis work done by Eco-Products in an effort to better understand the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts associated with their complete product portfolio.
“As for many companies that undertake LCA work, it has been eye-opening to see where in the supply chain our carbon impacts are the largest,” said Claudia Capitini, Sustainability Maven for Eco-Products. “Now the really exciting work begins as we search for creative ways to reduce our carbon footprint across the entire business and empower our customers to use this information in their own efforts to quantify the impact their businesses have on the planet.”
“Eco-Products has long been a national leader in sustainability,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “By measuring and offsetting the carbon impacts of their new Zero line of cups, Eco-Products is setting an even higher bar for environmental responsibility.”
Eco-Products is now offering customers the ability to receive customized reports detailing the life cycle impacts of their purchases, enabling universities, hospitals, corporate campuses and others to understand the true environmental impacts associated with their foodservice packaging. For more information on these reports and all things related to the impact assessment at Eco-Products, please visit:http://www.ecoproducts.com/impact_assessment.html
The Zero Line is another addition to the company’s GreenStripe family of products made from 100 renewable resources; both the hot cup and cold cup meet ASTM standards for compostability.

Luna Di Luna Upgrades its Look

Italian wine brand Luna Di Luna is changing the look of its Original Italian blends and revamping its product portfolio. A cornerstone of the Enoitalia, SpA global wine portfolio, and imported to the U.S. by Enovation Brands, Inc.,Luna Di Luna is re-launching with the support of a fully integrated marketing campaign.

The re-launch features a new bottle design with an eye-catching 3-D label. Cutting-edge micro-lens technology was adapted to create a 3-D effect, visible without the assistance of 3-D eyeware, and integrated into an elegant and modern label design. By blending together sophistication with an avant-garde effect, the new Luna Di Luna label will articulate the brand's relevance to a new generation of consumers and early adopters, while maintaining brand equity.

In addition to the new look, Luna Di Luna is updating its portfolio of Italian blended varietal wines. The Original Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend in the iconic blue bottle as well as the equally recognizable Merlot-Cabernet in the red bottle will continue to be produced in both 750ml and 1.5L sizes. Prosecco D.O.C., packaged in a sleek blue bottle with a unique cork and "spago" (string) closure, will join the line-up in the 750 ml size. The revamped portfolio coupled with the brand's consistent quality and excellent value proposition will ensure that consumers can rely on Luna Di Luna to enhance their wine experience on any day, for any occasion.

Luna Di Luna reflects the innovative vision of Enoitalia and its mission to break norms within the wine category to create value and enhance the consumer wine experience. As the first to blend together two highly popular varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, Luna Di Luna disrupted the tradition of single varietal wines.  The stand out blue bottle created high-visibility for the brand and the consistent quality won over consumers and critics alike to earn Luna Di Luna a loyal following and numerous industry awards.

"Luna Di Luna was a pioneer in the movement to demystify blended varietals among American wine drinkers," said David Lazarus, SVP Sales & Marketing of Enovation Brands. "We are excited to re-launch the brand with an innovative new look and are confident it will appeal to both our current and loyal consumers, as well as a new generation of wine drinkers who are discovering Luna Di Luna for the first time."

A fully integrated marketing campaign will support the re-launch, calling for consumers to "Reach For the Moon" in consumer promotions, visibility materials at point-of-sale, print, digital and out-of-home advertising, television product placement and more. A re-designed website will reflect the new brand identity.

Luna Di Luna is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.99. For more information on Luna Di Luna, please visit www.LunaDiLuna.com.

Cracker Jack'D Amps Up Snacking With New On-The-Go Energy Trail Mixes

Cracker Jack'D, a brand from PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, has unveiled energy trail mixes as a new addition to its on-the-go offerings. Available in two flavors – Chocolate Flavored Cherry and Mixed Berry – the sweet and savory snack option hits store shelves this month. New Cracker Jack'D Energy Trail Mixes include a unique packaging structure that holds fruit pieces in a separate pouch within the larger package, keeping them tasting fresh while ensuring the granola and nuts stay crunchy and ready to be mixed. The seasoned granola mixed snack is ideal for young adults on the go — whether running between classes, enduring the daily commute or jamming on that Saturday morning mountain bike ride.

New Cracker Jack'D Energy Trail Mixes join the brand's existing line-up of exciting snacks that feature a variety of flavors including Cheddar BBQ, Spicy Pizzeria, PB & Chocolate and Berry Yogurt. All flavors are packed with tasty granola clusters mixed with nuts to give consumers a hearty, filling snack.

The Cracker Jack'D brand was created to meet the demands of the on-the-go adult consumer, featuring "snacks with impact" mixes ranging from tasty clusters mixed with nuts, to sweet and salty popcorn and almond piece clusters — all designed to deliver satisfaction to fans throughout the day.

Available in convenience stores and grocery stores nationwide, Cracker Jack'D Energy Trail Mixes can be found in 4.5-5 ounce bags for a suggested retail price of $3.79. Additionally, the brand added a new flavor to its Hearty Mix line earlier this year: Chocolate Caramel Artificially Flavored Hearty Mix, available in 3-ounce bags for a suggested retail price of $2.49.  Learn more about Cracker Jack'D snacks at www.crackerjackd.com, www.twitter.com/CrackerJackD orwww.facebook.com/CrackerJackDSnacks.