Food Pacific Manufacturing Journal

Producing safe and high-quality raw materials, machines, and ingredients has to be at the center of why you are in this business, and to enable food and beverage manufacturers to provide good products at the right price as well. As trends change with the times, we hear industry analysts say that nutritious, healthy, safe and sustainable products are what consumers want. In fact, consumers have always wanted all these whether or not they are aware of it – except that for a time industry seemed to be stuck at delivering indulgence first in the form of convenience foods, many considered to be unhealthy. But now it is about nutrition first, and the transition to better formulations and processes as well as compliance with health guidelines is already becoming more evident in the industry.  The March issue of FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal (FPMJ), covers several innovations in health and nutrition, such as the latest ingredients for immune health and stress reduction.

The latest issue of FPMJ also includes a report on how Indonesia’s food and beverage sector is adapting to the COVID-19 situation, and how manufacturers are carrying out stricter hygiene and sanitation measures - as explained by GAPMMI chairman Adhi Lukman.

We also talked to Nigel Wong, Head of Market Support Center, Asia Pacific, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, about the company’s checkweighing solutions, particularly those for SMEs.  

Also recently, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced several new developments including its Halal and vegan testing where results can be obtained within the same day. This will help in ensuring products are not only safe but in compliance with the requirements of consumers in Southeast Asia and across the globe.

As you know, strict compliance with food safety, quality requirements, and health protocols at all stages of the food production process and distribution is crucial in protecting consumers, and will also help the industry in its fight against illegal trade of counterfeit products. To understand the extent and impact of illicit trade in particular on the alcoholic beverage sector, read our special report which contains the input of  Chris Humphrey, executive director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council and Olivia Widen, associate director for Corporate Affairs, S&R at Pernod Ricard Asia.