American processing, handling, packaging and inspection specialist Heat and Control gave a regional launch to its HeatWave fryer—through augmented reality.
“Given the size and sophisticated nature of a lot of our equipment, like the HeatWave Fryer, it can be a logistical nightmare to have large pieces of equipment at trade show booths for our customers to see,” said sales manager Bobby Kane.
“The augmented reality app now allows customers to accurately see how equipment such as the HeatWave fryer operates, simply by using their phone or any mobile device anywhere in the world.”
He added that a breakthrough design using curtains of clean-filtered oil allows the HeatWave to fry nuts, pellets, namkeen and other snacks with less oil than conventional fryers that use submersion.
Australian packaging and processing equipment specialist TNA announced the launch of the Roflo VMCS 3, the world’s first chip sizer to use vibratory motion to separate large chips from small ones to maximise packaging efficiencies and speeds.
The equipment can be used for potato chips and other fried snacks, and makes sure that each chip is sized, sorted and transported with minimum breakage.
Rather than employing a rotary motion to separate the chips, the Roflo uses vibrations. This, the company says, limits the need for maintenance and gently conveys the chips across a cascading sizing screen, mounted on a shallow conveying pan.
“Chip sizers play a vital role in maximising the speed and packaging efficiencies on small bag packaging systems,” said Roger Treacher, TNA’s conveying product manager.
“Ensuring that the right size product ends up in the right size bag is not only important for packaging performance, but also for end consumer satisfaction. Nobody wants to open their small snack bag and only find five large chips in it, or the other way around!”
Dubai-based manufacturer Rotopak exhibited an online store for brand-tailored packaging at a time when the takeaway and delivery-ready food is booming in the Middle East.
Through Box-to-Go, Rotopak’s customers can pick their designs, view package specifications, request customised branding and place orders through an online store.
“With the increasing number of single households requiring more takeaway and delivery food services, the market needs in the foodservice sector are being reshaped,” said Mariella Jaeger, director of marketing and innovation at Indevco Paper Containers, a Rotopak stablemate which developed the store.
"The growing need for eco-friendly packaging and brand differentiation among a growing number of e-commerce platforms has helped us put together a solution for a remarkably growing segment that is becoming more and more sophisticated.”
Palsgaard revealed its latest initiative, “Make the Change”, to persuade Middle East food manufacturers swap non-sustainable ingredients for sustainable ones.
Sustainable emulsifiers, which are produced at a 100% CO2-neutral plant using RSPO segregated palm oil, present a quick, easy way to answer consumer and regulatory demands, the company says.
“Swapping non-sustainable emulsifiers for sustainable ones is a great idea because it doesn’t require re-formulation and it’s easy to prove that they’re actually sustainable, too,” said Palsgaard chief executive Jakob Thoisen.
“We’ve invested in food safety and sustainable sourcing for decades, pioneering the development of these areas and making the results available to our customers to help them stay ahead of market trends. And we have certainly seen it pay off for them.”
Brazilian equipment manufacturer Bralyx showcased its Baby 5.0 MK forming and encrusting machine, which has been specially developed for Middle East foods such as kibbeh, mammoul and date balls.
It also launched the Formix Multidough filling machine, which works with a variety of laminable doughs, to suit the production of sfihas and other Arabic delicacies.
The company said it is increasing its presence in the region, prompted by the close connection Brazilians have with Middle Eastern cuisine, which has been popular in South America for the last century.
"We invest in knowledge to adapt equipment to the needs of each food culture,” said Bralyx president Gilberto Poleto.