Vision systems can be used to virtually eliminate rework by making sure products are labelled and filled correctly, compliant and in-spec - straight off the production line. ROI will improve and lean manufacturing will be enabled as vision systems ensure that products are ‘shelf-ready’ as they exit the production line.

In the 15th century, when Europeans first began moving people and goods across the Atlantic, a microscopic stowaway somehow made its way to the caves and monasteries of Bavaria. Orange-coloured galls, from the beech tree forests of Patagonia have been found to harbour the yeast that makes lager beer possible.

Reducing energy consumption is one of the most important requirements today when modernising machines and systems. Often, there is great potential for saving energy - which, in the end, means saving money. While retrofitting a transportation system, Vienna-based Coca-Cola Hellenic Austria used the Movigear mechatronic drive system to reduce energy consumption by 75%, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of 41 tons of CO₂. What’s more, the amortisation time is less than one year, meaning project managers had little trouble in gaining approval from their finance department.

Machine vision is a branch of engineering that uses cameras in the context of process control. Images are collected and analysed and the data extracted used for controlling an automated process or action. When we refer to machine visions systems we are typically referring to smart cameras or vision sensors - devices that possess image capture capability, are able to extract information from captured images and make decisions that are used in wider automation systems.

Sometimes when traditional methods of production are replaced by more efficient or more hygienic technology the foods produced lose some of their attractive sensory quality. However, there are examples where modern technology improves products, as is the case with vacuum applications. Drying and deep-frying under vacuum are well-known and successful methods and cooling bakery products using vacuum (vacuum baking) has been experiencing a comeback in recent years.

New Zealand punches far above its weight when it comes to producing food and is a trusted supplier to markets across the globe.

Refrigeration is the biggest energy use for most food and beverage industry businesses - from abattoirs to bakeries, cold stores, dairy processors and food, beverage and pet food manufacturers. Tamburlaine Winery in the Hunter Valley has slashed its power use by half. Find out how you can reduce your refrigeration power bills.

Chocolates are always in demand - from Valentine’s Day and beyond. In the chocolate world, the fastest growing segment of the industry is fine-flavour, high-end chocolates. Until now, the source of these specialised confections has been largely limited to small regions of Venezuela and Ecuador.

Many food companies are not making the required investment in quality software, according to software specialist Graycorp.

Consumer research reveals Australians prefer glass packaging for food and beverages.

Enhancing the presentation of your product can be achieved with attractive packaging but the old adage that the proof is in the eating is increasingly being explored by food processors and their marketing teams. With today’s media a substantial emphasis is given to taste and the appearance of food. By the addition of some special ingredients, not only the taste but the appeal of the product can be shaped.

UK-based salads producer Flavour Fresh, has recently taken delivery of an additional 11 station Marco YCM (Yield Control Module) system.

The Optima Group is an internationally active, mid-sized family company headquartered in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. It offers industry oriented packaging and filling machines for the foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, air and water filters, cosmetics and non-wovens sectors.

The Shaka in-container sterilisation process is claimed to produce better ambient preserved foods. It can reduce sterilisation cycle times by some 90% and energy consumption by up to 50%, compared to some conventional batch retort sterilisation processes. Other costs should be comparable with conventional batch processes.

Energy-efficient conveyors requiring less than half the drives of conventional pallet conveyor systems will transport and accumulate bins used in production at Coca-Cola Amatil’s new preform and closure manufacturing facility at Eastern Creek in Sydney.