The food and beverage industry has been slower to adopt automation than some other areas of manufacturing. Short-term supplier contracts and a reliance on cheap labour have proved obstacles to investment for some food producers, limiting their ability to grow their production capabilities. Fortunately, automation systems incorporating robotics from leading suppliers such as FANUC are now becoming a common sight in many food factories around the UK.

Hygienic design is a critical success factor for safe and efficient production processes in the food industry. GREIF-VELOX implements a rigorous hygienic machine concept to reduce contamination risks and increase efficiency, following internationally recognised guidelines such as EHEDG, GMP and 3-A.

Is it time to reconsider how we choose the best pasteurisation method for juices and smoothies? We talk to Antonio Guillermo Jara Ponce, Sales Manager Europe, at HRS Heat Exchangers.

Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection is responding to increasing audit intensity, retailer scrutiny and operational pressure by strengthening its approach to inspection for food, packaging and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the UK.

Minimising food contamination risks starts with the way production equipment is designed, built and maintained. When equipment and factory layouts follow hygienic design principles, they support regulatory compliance and help maintain cleaner production conditions. Fortress Technology explores how these design choices align with the "sanitation first" priorities.

Jochem Oerlemans, Product Category Manager at Fabory, explores the challenges of machine downtime from galling and preventative greasing, and outlines how pre-lubricated bolts are reducing the total cost of ownership and helping to eliminate machine downtime risks for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

ABB launches the latest version of its flagship distributed control system (DCS), ABB Ability System 800xA 7.0, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next‑generation automation.

Rollon announces the launch of CLTA, a modular belt-driven circular system designed to deliver reliable performance in applications involving moderate loads and speeds.

ifm electronic has introduced the SM Foodmag, a line of magnetic-inductive flow meters designed to deliver precise flow measurement tailored to the food and beverage sector.

GS1 2D codes hold the key to driving sustainability and efficiency in beverage manufacturing, say the experts at Domino Printing Sciences.