The last two years have seen a slowdown in investment by the global food and drink industry, particularly in terms of products containing added sugar. However, plant-based drinks and alternative proteins have continued to grow as a sector, says Antonio Guillermo Jara Ponce, systems sales manager at HRS Heat Exchangers.

Phil Brown, sales director at food safety specialist Fortress Technology explores the ongoing protein boom and how companies can ensure consumer health and hygiene is prioritised.

Fortress Technology explores why we have always needed weighing technology throughout food production history. From manual weight checks using balance scales to advanced automated checkweighing systems, European Sales Director Phil Brown delves into their origins, how the technology evolved and why these machines will continue to remain integral to trading standards, consumer rights, brand protection and quality control.

Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier, Foxmere, explains how the latest innovations in conveyor maintenance can help engineers to reduce the cost of planned and unplanned downtime.

By leveraging real-time data analysis and predictive modelling, Advanced Process Control (APC) technologies enhance process stability, product quality and operational efficiency. Here Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, explains how APC can significantly enhance operational performance, reduce variability and drive cost savings.

Choosing the right bearings and linear motion systems can make all the difference in harsh food and beverage environments, where machines and processes operate round-the-clock and where frequent washdowns occur. Preventing production downtime and extending the life of machines and equipment is the ultimate goal, says Tom Richmond, food and beverage sales engineer at Schaeffler UK.

Kieran Bennett, Industry Account Manager for food and beverage at Burkert, looks at the recent innovations in process control and the benefits they bring to the food and beverage industry generally, and the brewing process in particular.

In industrial facilities, electric motors drive everything from conveyor belts to fans and compressors. Now, with the cost of energy rising, manufacturers are trying to find new ways to reduce consumption - and motors are in the spotlight. Here Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how manufacturers can improve motor control through the use of soft starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and DC motors.

Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist Beckhoff UK, explains the role of advanced automation in helping warehouses achieve seamless fulfilment across all sales channels.

Food safety specialist Fortress Technology analyses the dairy industry's role in enhancing global food security through sustainable production, particularly in the rapidly expanding global milk powder market.