Mettler Toledo has introduced a new x-ray inspection system, designed for high-speed detection of contaminants in small and individual packaged products, such as flow-wrapped confectionery, snack and cereal bars and small bakery packets. The X34C x-ray inspection system has a length of 700mm, which includes an integrated reject, allowing it to be installed into production lines where space is limited. The system can operate at 120 metres per minute, enabling the machine to align product inspection with high-speed flow-wrapping machines and pack sealers used for packing individual products in the confectionery sector. The focal distance of the 0.4mm diode detector and the 100W Optimum Power Generator increases the probability of detecting small contaminants and helps reduce the False Reject Rate. These components are automatically optimised for different applications, therefore, it does not always need to run at its full 100W capacity, reducing power use. The X34C features easy-to-use operating software, including the company’s ContamPlus inspection software, with an automated set-up process to reduce the need for operator training. The machine can be configured to meet customer requirements, including an air blast reject system to remove contaminated products at high speed, and it can operate in a range of working environments.

Kellogg Company has reported organic net sales growth of approximately 3.5% in its 2021 full-year results, "despite lapping unusually strong, pandemic-aided organic growth in 2020". Reported net sales increased by approximately 3% year-on-year to $14.18 billion, driven by positive price/mix in all four of its regions. However, reported operating profit for Q4 declined by almost 15% versus the prior-year quarter, due to the impact of supply disruptions worldwide, including a 12-week labour strike at Kellogg's US cereal plants. "As we've closed the books on the fiscal year 2021, I could not be more proud of our organisation’s focus and determination to work through challenges and deliver on our financial commitments," said Steve Cahillane, Kellogg's chairman and CEO. "Facing significant cost inflation, worldwide bottlenecks and shortages, and even a labour strike at all of our US cereal facilities in the fourth quarter, the team executed with agility to deliver another year of on-guidance results." He continued: "We enter 2022 with growth momentum, financial flexibility from strong cash flow and balance sheet, and enhanced capabilities that will continue to enable us to manage through challenging business conditions".

Unilever has recorded its fastest underlying sales growth in nine years for 2021 and says the "acceleration" of its operating performance continues. The owner of Ben & Jerry’s, Marmite and Hellmann’s reported turnover of €13.1 billion in Q4, a substantial increase of 8.4% on the previous year. The company's full-year turnover stood at €52.4 billion, up 3.4% compared to 2020, while underlying sales grew 4.5%. The company's priority markets of China, India and the US grew at 14.3%, 13.4% and 3.7%, respectively. Unilever says that it has continued to re-shape its portfolio into "high-growth spaces, acquiring in prestige beauty and functional nutrition" and agreeing the sale of its tea business. Last month, the company announced major changes to its organisation in order to make it simpler and more category-focused. The five business groups it announced will each be responsible and accountable for their strategy, growth and profit delivery, and for running their businesses in all geographies. Unilever CEO, Alan Jope, commented: "The major challenge of 2021 has been the dramatic rise of input costs. We responded with pricing actions, delivering underlying price growth of 2.9% for the year, accelerating to 4.9% in the fourth quarter, with full-year underlying operating margin down 10bps and underlying earnings per share up 5.5%. "We are focused on driving faster growth from our strong portfolio of brands and markets, and recently announced a major change to create a simpler, more category-focused organisation designed to further improve performance. In 2022, we will manage a significant input cost inflation cycle and will continue to invest competitively in marketing, R&D and capital expenditure." Looking to the future, Jope said: "We expect underlying sales growth in 2022 to be in the range of 4.5% to 6.5%. Pricing will continue to be strong, with some impact on volume as a result". The company expects further high input cost inflation in the first half of 2022 of over €2 billion.

Weetabix-owned brand Weetos has expanded its cereal range with the launch of a new limited-edition orange chocolate flavour. Weetos Orange Chocolatey Hoops, which comes in 420g packs, is high in fibre and HFSS-compliant. According to Weetabix, the new flavour represents an opportunity to encourage sales of Weetos all year round, as well as attract new clients to the brand. Alastair Porter, Weetabix's marketing controller, said: “Choc orange flavours are everywhere you look except in cereals, so we’re excited to be bringing this on-trend taste to the category. We’ve taste-tested Weetos Orange Chocolatey Hoops among our target audience, so they’re loved by kids..." He continued: “Introducing new flavours attracts new shoppers, builds our physical presence in stores and should help to drive further sales of Weetos – one of the top 10 brands in the tasty category – throughout the rest of the year and beyond”. Weetos Orange Chocolatey Hoops is available at Asda stores from mid-February with an RSP of £2.99.

Labeling and functional materials company Avery Dennison has launched a new certified range of vegan labels, which contain no animal-derived components. The range includes six paper facestocks, three adhesives and two liners which can be mixed and matched according to consumer needs. Each item within the collection was produced without any animal testing or the use of GMOs of animal origin. The line has received approval from Eve Vegan, an independent organisation created by Vegan France. Luuk Zonneveld, product manager at Avery Dennison, said: “Veganism goes beyond diet. It’s a philosophy and way of life centered on avoiding animal exploitation for food, clothing and everything else you can think of. Naturally, this extends into the world of packaging and we’re excited to help brand owners take their dedication to being cruelty-free to the next level with these innovative labels developed by our R&D team." The vegan labels are suitable for the beauty, wine and spirits and food and beverage sectors.

German food tech start-up Plant B has announced that it is launching a sweet lupin-based liquid egg alternative this April. The Plant B Egg is said to be rich in protein, fibre and zinc, and is made with only seven ingredients, including lupin flour, sunflower oil and spices. The vegan offering can be used to make scrambled eggs, cakes, waffles and quiches. Free from cholesterol, the egg alternative has a low carbohydrate content, and contains just 70 calories per 100g – around half the amount provided by a chicken egg. According to Plant B, the sweet lupins are sourced from northern and central Germany and neighbouring parts of Europe to keep delivery distances as short as possible. The company also says that lupins have a high nitrogen content “with a positive effect on the soil”. An environmental assessment by Eaternity reportedly found that the plant-based product’s CO2 emissions footprint was less than 10% that of a conventional chicken egg. “The Plant B Egg is the world's only vegan liquid egg alternative made from lupins,” said Thomas Starz, founder and CEO of Plant B. “Over the past 15 months, we have been working on a highly complex production process because the classic chicken egg has a very complicated structure with different flavours, proteins and functionalities. We mimicked the chicken egg with only seven natural ingredients using state-of-the-art technologies.”

Saputo has announced plans to "optimise" its manufacturing operations, including with the closure of a facility and investment in US plants. The company plans to invest approximately $169 million in its cheese manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and California. This will be done to support its growth plan in the retail market sector in the US. These initiatives will begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and are expected to take around 24 months to implement. Saputo also plans to close its Bardsley Street, Tulare, California, facility in fiscal 2023. The company says that employees are likely to be minimally affected, as opportunities for employment will be available at other Saputo facilities in Tulare. Internationally, the dairy processor will be streamlining operations across two of its manufacturing facilities in Australia, and states that a limited number of employees will be impacted. Lino Saputo, chair of the board, president and chief executive officer, said: "Staying true to our disciplined approach and commitment to shareholder value creation, we are executing our global strategic plan with intention and precision. Today’s announcement is the first in a series of investments and consolidation activities that will increase efficiency and productivity, improving our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumer".

UK functional powder brand Superfoods Company has launched an 'instant kombucha' formula, available in a variety of flavours. Superfoods’ Instant Kombucha is infused with black tea hand-picked by farmers in the Alisan Mountains and provides enough formula for up to 30 drinks. The powders are mixed with a dose of apple cider vinegar and all-natural ingredients to help reduce blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and rid the gut of unwanted bacteria. The company claims that the kombucha is "rich in polyphenols and flavonoids and packed with probiotics for improved gastrointestinal health, better metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects". The release is available in grapefruit, pomegranate and mixed berry flavours and is on sale now from the Superfoods Company website, priced at £30.

Bacardi has announced that it will reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its Bacardí rum brand by 50% from next year. The GHG emissions for Bacardí will be halved next year when a Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system goes live in the brand's distillery in Puerto Rico. The system will replace heavy fuel oil with propane gas – a cleaner and more efficient energy solution. The reduction in the brand's emissions represents a 14% cut in the total global emissions for Bacardi. The company explains that this is a significant step towards the 50% cut it is committed to achieving overall by 2025. “We are committed to cutting our GHG emissions by reducing our energy consumption and switching to the most sustainable form of energy in the countries where we operate,” said Rodolfo Nervi, VP of global safety, quality & sustainability at Bacardi. “While natural gas is the most responsible energy source in Puerto Rico right now, we are continuing to explore ways in which we can reduce our use of carbon-based fuels even further and take more positive steps towards our ultimate goal of net zero.” Bacardi's 2025 targets include: a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 25% cut in water consumption at its production sites; ensuring that 100% of key raw materials and packaging are sourced sustainably; achieving 100% recyclable product packaging; and contributing zero waste to landfill at all of its production sites.

Mondelēz International has added a new flavour to its Twisties snack brand in Malaysia – called the Kaya Butter Toast. Twisties' Kaya Butter Toast is available at major retailers, convenience, grocery and online stores. The new flavour joins Twisties existing range including spicy seaweed splash, BBQ curry, cheddar cheese, chicken, cherry tomato, chili cheese and Thai sweet chili. Arpan Sur, marketing director of Mondelēz Malaysia & Singapore, said: "Kaya Butter Toast is a uniquely comforting flavour that all Malaysians can resonate with". Sur continued: "Following the success of the spicy seaweed splash, we know that Malaysians are always on the lookout for flavours that excite their palette, and we believe Kaya Butter Toast will do just that".

Bulk handling company Flexicon has released a new Bulk-Out BFC Bulk Bag Discharging System with an integral bulk bag conditioner and a bag dump station. The bulk bag discharger promotes the flow of bulk solid materials that have solidified during storage and shipment. According to the company, the machine automatically discharges the material and enables manual additions of ingredients from sacks, drums and other containers. A cantilevered I-beam – with an electric hoist and trolley – helps to lower the bag lifting frame to attach the bag to patented Z-Clip bag strap holders before rolling the bag into the safety frame, eliminating the need for a forklift. The electric hoist can also be used to raise the bag for conditioning and a fold-down support tray operates as a bag rest. Meanwhile, the integral conditioner comprises two hydraulic rams with contoured conditioning plates on both sides of the bulk bag. A human-machine interface (HMI) controls the stroke and number of ram actuations. For the discharge of the bulk bag, "the bag outlet spout is pulled through an iris valve mounted atop a dust hood over the hopper" and once the bag outlet is secured and the iris valve is closed, the valve can be released slowly, reducing uncontrolled bursts of material into the hopper and dust into the environment. The discharger can be set up for weigh batch discharging with the addition of load cells and a programmable controller.

Azelis has signed an agreement to acquire food ingredients and additives distributor, Tunçkaya, expanding its presence in the Turkish food market. Tunçkaya distributes food ingredients and additives for the dairy, meat and poultry, and patisserie and bakery sectors, among others. The acquisition will further strengthen Azelis' footprint across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Sertaç Sürür, managing director of Azelis Turkey, said: "We’re very happy to bring Tunçkaya into the Azelis family. Their strong relationships in the food market and general market position is a fantastic addition for our lateral value chain and complements the organic growth of Azelis." The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.