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The German machine vision expert Bi-Ber has been supplying camera systems for confectionery for more than 25 years now and has immense experience in this special industry. The most important application is a range of systems for optical empty mould check based on colour image processing. The systems are installed directly above the conveyor and, working at line speed, check whether the moulds contain product residues, fragments or splashes. The series currently comprises four options for varying line layouts, each of which can be designed for different mould widths, materials and colours. In addition, customer-specific adaptations and tailored inspection systems are possible. Cameras, lighting and a touch panel PC are integrated in a single or two separate stainless-steel cabinets, depending on the model. Thus, there are suitable solutions for retrofitting in existing production lines, too. The system’s software is permanently enhanced with new functions. Last improvements were the easier teach-in of similar moulds by copying entire parameter sets, an automatic function for correct mould position detection as well as an archive function for browsing the most recent images with negative results. In addition, the available interfaces have been supplemented by ProfiNet, so that more detailed test results such as individual alveolar results or error clusters can be transferred to the machine control even at low cycle times.

For more information send an email to: sales@bilderkennung.de

call: +49 30 8103 22260

or see:

https://www.bilderkennung.de/suesswaren-industrie.html

Sir James Nicol Walker, co-owner and former Director of Walker's Shortbread, has died at the age of 80.  

Better known as Jim, he played a massive role in the growth of the company from a small, 1898 founded family bakery in Aberlour into an award-winning exporter of Scottish biscuits alongside his brother Joe and sister Marjorie as joint Managing Directors. Jim Walker was was responsible for sales and marketing and developed the Walker’s brand across the world.

The company grow from a turnover of 40,000 GBP in the year he joined to GBP 184 m in 2023. During all this time, Jim Walker remained loyal to ISM into old age. He was the prize winner of the prestigious ISM Award 2016. In his laudatory speech, Oskar A. Kambly, emphasised his loyalty to the family, the employees and the sales partners in equal measures. And in 2022, Sir Jim was given a knighthood in the late Queen Elizabeth's final birthday honour’s list and was awarded it by King Charles for services to the food industry.

He recently stepped aside from his main responsibilities to an ambassadorial and advisory role and allowed members of the fourth generation of his family, including three of his children, to take on the management of the company.

A spokesperson for Walker’s Shortbread said: “Beyond his professional legacy, Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit – a person who took genuine interest in others and who was well loved in the business and the wider community. He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him. We will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication.”

The trade magazine sweets processing is once again offering ProSweets Cologne guided tours in cooperation with Koelnmesse.  

The ProSweets Cologne Guided Tours in hall 10.1 with four exhibitors each are organised by the Sweets Global Network association. The employees of the exhibiting companies will talk about their portfolio and new highlights for around 12 minutes. A maximum of 20 people can take part in the tour. The total duration is 60 minutes. The presentation language is English, in German if required.

The tour ends on 3 February at the Sweet Week Production Summit, which starts at stand E 80 in hall 10.1 at 1.30 pm.

The focus will be on ingredients as well as technological applications and packaging machines. Sustainable packaging materials, which are increasingly being used in the industry, will also be discussed. In addition to the technical programme, there will of course be the opportunity to network. The tour will end on Monday at the stage with the programme for production managers, on Tuesday at the starting point.

Registration:

The Sweet Week Production Summit as part of ISM and ProSweets Cologne 2025 offers top-class speakers and presentations. On Monday, 3 February 2025, the Sweet Week Production Summit will celebrate its premiere in Cologne from 13:30 to 17:00. The focus will be on AI developments. The organiser of the summit is Koelnmesse. It is committed to bringing visitors up to date with the latest AI solutions to ensure that companies remain competitive in the future.

Specifically, the focus will be on innovative ways in which AI optimises production processes and how trends and innovations are shaping the future of the industry. Best-practice examples and innovation pitches provide inspiration and offer the opportunity to network with industry experts and speakers.

Afterwards, the organiser invites you to a ProSweets Cologne party from 18:00 with live music, cool drinks, and delicious snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. With this summit, Koelnmesse is pursuing, among other things, the goal of stronger networking between ISM and ProSweets Cologne. The event is also a further building block in establishing ProSweets Cologne as the leading content and networking platform for the industry in Europe.

Please note: places are limited (first come - first serve).

Details on the content and speakers: here.

Hall: 10.1, Stand E 80; Stage: Sweet Week Talks & Tasting.

Aurora, Colorado-based Food-Tech company MycoTechnology, Inc. has appointed Jordi Ferre as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 02, 2025. Ranjan Patnaik, Chief Technology Officer, who has been acting as interim CEO, will continue to serve as MycoTechnology’s CTO.

Ferre joins leading food technology innovator, MycoTechnology, with over 30 years of general management experience in the global food, value-added ingredients, and Agri-tech industries. Currently, he serves as Global Food Division Head at HealthTech Bioactives, a global ingredient specialist that produces solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, taste modulation, functional health and animal nutrition.

Prior to his role at HealthTech Bioactives, Ferre was CEO of AgroFresh, Inc., a public company operating in the food preservation space, as well as COO of PureCircle™, where he was instrumental in establishing the Stevia sweetener market worldwide. His other industry-relevant leadership positions include VP of Sales and Marketing, Sucralose division at Tate & Lyle, and CEO of Alvinesa Natural Ingredients S.A., where he drove growth and innovation across sweeteners, colors, antioxidants and other natural ingredient markets.

Established in 2013, MycoTechnology fuses nature, science, and culinary innovation to deliver value-added ingredients for healthier, better-tasting and more sustainable food. Harnessing the power of fungi with its advanced fermentation technology, Myco targets the industry’s most pervasive challenges to transform the future of food. With USD 220 m raised so far from prominent investors across different sectors, MycoTechnology has created a sustainable, state-of-the-art, 86,000 sq ft facility, producing innovative ingredients via mushroom mycelial fermentation. Its award-winning flavor modifier, ClearIQ™ natural flavor, is sold globally to major flavor houses, co-manufacturers, distributors and CPG firms.

Turnhout, Belgium-based Van Genechten Packaging N. V., a leading name in innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, is proud to announce the acquisition of 70% of Schoepe Display, one of Germany's foremost companies in Display & Promotion Packaging.  

In addition to combining sales and design capabilities to offer an expanded product and service. portofolio - including co-packing and fulfillment - plans are underway to establish a VGP Design & Innovation Center at the Berlin premises in 2025. This initiative represents another step forward for Van Genechten Packaging in expanding its footprint in Premium and Promotional packaging, while also adding new co-packing capabilities and fulfillment services for brand owners across Europe.

Frank Ohle, CEO of Van Genechten Packaging, commented: “Over the past two years, our collaboration with Schoepe Display has consistently resulted in creative and innovative solutions for our customers. By acquiring 70% of the shares and merging our market expertise – including the establishment of a Design and Innovation Center – we are not only reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence but also providing brand owners a space where creativity and technology converge to shape the next generation of packaging and display solutions.”

This partnership, as a ‘one face to the customer’ approach, will serve as a dedicated organization for promo packs and display solutions, combining Van Genechten Packaging’s expertise in folding carton packaging with Schoepe Display’s proficiency in POS display production.

Andreas Grathwohl, Managing Partner of Schoepe Display and owner of the remaining 30% of shares, added: “The Schoepe team is excited to join the Van Genechten Packaging Group. This partnership is more than just a platform for design and development; it’s a place where ideas will be transformed into practical, sustainable, and impactful packaging and displays that truly connect with consumers. Together, we are setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and innovation in the packaging industry.”

Mondelez International has announced the appointment of Volker Kuhn as Executive Vice President and President, Europe, effective April 1, 2025, reporting directly to Chair and Chief Executive Officer Dirk Van de Put.  

Kuhn will replace Vinzenz Gruber, who has announced his retirement from the Company, also effective April 1, 2025. Kuhn will join the organization on January 6, 2025, partnering with Gruber to ensure a smooth transition.

Kuhn joins Mondelez INternational from Reckitt's hygiene business, its largest global unit, where he delivered top- and bottom-line performance acceleration driven by innovation, consumer centricity and category growth. Earlier, he served as Reckitt's Chief Transformation Officer. Before Reckitt, Kuhn spent 26 years with Procter & Gamble, leading several critical growth accelerations, turnarounds and business transformations across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. His experience spans multiple consumer products categories, including 10 years leading the Pringles Snacks division in Europe, as well as expertise across disciplines including finance, brand marketing, business development and general management.

IN addition, Kuhn serves as Chairman and a Non-Executive Board member of FROSTA AG, a leading European frozen food company. He is fluent in German, English, and French. He earned a master's degree in economics and finance from the University of Fribourg, and he holds dual German and Swiss citizenship.

"We're delighted to welcome Volker Kuhn to our Mondelēz International family. His breadth and depth of international consumer packaged goods experience, coupled with his track record of impressive results and leadership impact, position him well to accelerate growth in our European region while continuing to strengthen consumer loyalty to our iconic brands," said Van Put.  "On behalf of Team Mondelēz, and especially our European colleagues, I'd like to thank Vince for his strong leadership and passionate dedication in driving commercial and operational excellence, consumer loyalty, and employee development,"

The company will demonstrate how Exberry® colors offer a natural and sustainable way to elevate visual appeal in confectionery and snacks. Exberry® colors are made from non-GMO fruit, vegetables, and plants and support natural ingredient declarations. The colors are available in multiple formats to suit different application requirements and can be used to achieve a complete spectrum of vibrant shades. At ProSweets, visitors to the GNT stand will be able to discover the possibilities through a selection of eye-catching Exberry® potato chips. They can choose from six options featuring seasonings with on-trend flavors as well as bold shades from across the rainbow. In addition, they will be able to view a variety of colorful confectionery samples. Sustainability is a key focus for GNT and the company will also present a drink concept to show how Exberry® colors factor into products’ carbon footprint. GNT, which recently secured an EcoVadis gold medal, offers carbon footprint data for the colors in the plant-based Exberry® portfolio. GNT’s experts will be available throughout the event to talk to visitors about their individual project requirements, including technical matters and questions regarding sustainability. Petra Thiele, Sales Director EMEA at GNT, said: “Manufacturers all over the world are now cleaning up their ingredient lists to ensure products meet consumer expectations on naturalness and sustainability. Our plant-based Exberry® colors are the perfect solution. They can deliver spectacular shades in all types of confectionery and snacks, ensuring manufacturers can achieve maximum visual impact without having to compromise on the ingredient list.”

Hall 10.1, Stand H010 J011