The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

In this instalment of ‘Start-up of the month’ – which celebrates the lesser-known companies and their innovations – we speak to Ilya Preston, co-founder and CEO of PAXAFE, an AI-enabled, device-agnostic risk-management platform that reduces product loss, improves operational efficiency and optimises decision making for cold chain shippers and carriers.

Fresh Del Monte Produce has partnered with international logistics group CMA CGM to modernise the shipping of bananas and pineapples from the Philippines to Northeast Asia.

Carlsberg Britvic has been named the first occupier of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI), a £2 billion logistics hub under development by Oxford Properties and Logistics Capital Partners (LCP).

Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina has taken a significant step towards sustainable dairy logistics with the recent opening of a fast-charging station for an electric milk transport truck in Gerkesklooster.

Alan Smith, regional manager at Beckhoff Automation explains the impact of maglev technology on food and beverage manufacturing.

Industrial automation firm Sojo Industries has raised $40 million in financing from S2G Investments to expand its modular robotic packaging systems and track-and-trace software.

Coca-Cola Consolidated has announced a $90m investment into a new, 400-square-foot distribution and warehouse facility in Columbus, Ohio, US.

World Wide Farms, a US grower, packer and distributor of fresh culinary herbs and greens, has joined the ReposiTrak Traceability Network to bolster its inbound and outbound traceability capabilities.

Baldor Specialty Foods has announced that it has acquired meat company Golden Packing to enhance its meat offerings.

Global beverage company Suntory Group, founded in Japan in 1899, has announced the launch of Water Scape – a new company supporting businesses and communities in securing sustainable water supplies.

Led by industry veteran Graeme Rolinson, the Rolinson Group has announced its launch into the food and beverage manufacturing space.

In a bid to support economic growth and lower costs for consumers, the UK government has suspended import tariffs on dozens of ingredients and food items until 2027.