Interpack trends

Having just returned from Interpack in Germany, I’m taking stock of everything showcased at the somewhat large processing and packaging fair.

I always knew the show was going to be big and it was a brilliant experience to see so many companies supplying the confectionery market all in one place. I did resort to using the hall buses by day four to get round the fair. The key trends discussed with exhibitors at the show included the personalisation of packaging, portion controlled packaging, Industry 4.0, augmented reality, the integration of machinery and increasingly faster changeover times.

For me, the key highlight was finding out more about how companies are using technology from other sectors to bring something new to the confectionery industry. An example of this is TNA’s new approach to gummy polishing. The company’s intelli-flav OMS 5 has an integrated mass flow controlled oil injection system to help manufacturers gain tighter control over their oiling/polishing processes. Contrary to conventional oiling methods that require the candy to be retained in the tumble drum over a set period of time, the intelli-flav OMS 5, TNA says, makes it possible to oil and polish the articles by simply feeding them through the system’s rotating drum, significantly reducing retention time and avoiding any potential damage to the product.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to show me their innovations. The full show review will appear in our June issue, which we’ll start pressing next week so please look out for it.

On Friday, I’ll be travelling to York for the International Chocolate Awards, where I will be judging. As I’m known for my sweet tooth, I’m looking forward to tasting all the chocolates on offer there. If you’re attending, please come and say hello.

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