Dutch meat alternatives specialist Schouten Europe has acquired fellow plant-based producer Bobeldijk Food Group, strengthening its manufacturing footprint and market position in Europe's growing alternative protein sector. The acquisition brings together two established Dutch companies with strong expertise in private-label plant-based products and is expected to significantly increase Schouten Europe's production capacity while supporting its long-term growth ambitions. Based in Giessen, The Netherlands, Schouten Europe has been active in the plant-based sector since 1990 and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the meat alternatives industry. The company supplies a broad portfolio of meat and fish alternatives to customers in more than 50 countries, primarily through private-label partnerships. Schouten Europe CEO Niek-Jan Schouten, said: "The market for plant-based products is developing rapidly. With the acquisition of Bobeldijk, we are not only increasing our production capacity but also strengthening our flexibility and decisiveness towards customers. At the same time, this step gives us the opportunity to continue investing in innovation." Bobeldijk Food Group, based in Deventer, has established a strong position within the European plant-based market through its focus on product development and private-label manufacturing. Schouten said the two companies share similar values centred on quality, innovation, flexibility and long-term customer relationships. "Bobeldijk has extensive knowledge, experience and craftsmanship in the production and marketing of plant-based products, making it a strong addition to our organisation," he added. The transaction comes as plant-based markets across Europe enter a period of maturation following several years of rapid growth. While some categories have experienced slower growth rates and market stabilisation, Schouten reports continued momentum in its business. The company revealed that it achieved revenue growth of more than 30% last year, outperforming many markets within the broader plant-based sector. The acquisition also supports Schouten's wider strategy to accelerate the protein transition and expand internationally under the leadership of the next generation of the Schouten family. Following the deal, the company claims to become the largest family-owned business operating in the European meat alternatives market. As consumer demand for sustainable protein options continues to evolve, Schouten said it will continue investing in innovation and product development to support future growth. "We continue to invest in innovation and accelerate the protein transition," the company said. "Not only because we believe in the growth opportunities of plant-based food, but above all because, as a family business, we want to contribute to a more sustainable and future-proof food system." Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Marks & Spencer is building on the success of its viral sweet sandwich range with the return of its Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich, alongside a new chocolate, strawberry and pistachio variant and the launch of what it claims are the UK's first sweet dipping products. The retailer has reintroduced the Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich following strong consumer demand after its debut during last year's Wimbledon season. According to M&S, the limited-edition product generated 13.1 million social media views and sold more than 75,000 units nationwide within its first five days on sale. The returning sandwich features sweetened bread filled with whipped cream cheese and M&S Collection Red Diamond strawberries, a premium berry variety grown by the retailer's select farming partners and left to ripen longer on the plant to enhance sweetness and flavour. Joining the range is the new Chocolate, Strawberry & Pistachio Creme Sandwich, which taps into the growing popularity of pistachio-flavoured products. The dessert-inspired sandwich combines Fairtrade cocoa-enriched sweetened bread with pistachio crème made from roasted pistachios, Belgian dark chocolate sauce and British strawberries. The launch builds on consumer enthusiasm for pistachio and chocolate pairings, a trend that has gained momentum across bakery, confectionery and dessert categories in recent years. Alongside the sandwich range, M&S is entering new territory with two sweet dip products designed for sharing occasions and snacking occasions. The retailer claims the products are the first sweet dips available on the UK market. The Strawberry & Cream Dip combines whipping cream, soft cheese and Greek-style yoghurt layered with strawberry compote, while the Chocolate & Pistachio Dip features a blend of Italian and Belgian chocolate ganache mixed with pistachio crème and topped with crushed pistachios. The products have been positioned as versatile accompaniments for both sweet and savoury snacks, including biscuits, fruit and pretzels, and are intended to complement summer grazing boards and picnic occasions. The launch reflects growing retailer interest in blurring the lines between traditional desserts, snacks and sharing formats as consumers seek more experiential food products. It also highlights the continued influence of social media-driven food trends, particularly around premium strawberries, pistachio flavours and unconventional product formats. Available now in M&S stores, the Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich retails at £2.80, while the Chocolate, Strawberry & Pistachio Creme Sandwich is priced at £3.50. The Strawberry & Cream Dip and Chocolate & Pistachio Dip are available for £3.25 and £3.75 respectively.

Planet A Foods has expanded its cocoa-free ingredient portfolio with the launch of ChoViva No Added Sugar, targeting growing demand for healthier indulgence options across the confectionery and bakery sectors. The German food technology company said the new formulation combines its cocoa-free chocolate alternative with a no-added-sugar recipe, allowing manufacturers to develop reduced-sugar products without compromising on taste, texture or functionality. The launch comes as food and beverage brands face increasing pressure to address consumer concerns around sugar consumption while maintaining indulgent product experiences. Sara Marquart, co-founder and chief technology officer of Planet A Foods, said: "Demand for sugar-reduced products is accelerating rapidly as consumers become increasingly mindful of their nutrition. Historically, cutting out sugar often meant sacrificing taste. Our formulation successfully retains the familiar, smooth melt and indulgent experience while eliminating added sugar." ChoViva is produced using sunflower seeds rather than cocoa beans, offering manufacturers an alternative ingredient that aims to reduce exposure to cocoa supply chain challenges, including price volatility, availability concerns and sustainability risks. The introduction of a no-added-sugar version reflects broader shifts in consumer purchasing behaviour. According to Planet A Foods, consumers are increasingly seeking products that combine indulgence with perceived health benefits, driven by growing awareness of the health impacts associated with excessive sugar consumption and the wider trend toward conscious eating. The company believes the new ingredient could help confectionery and bakery manufacturers unlock opportunities in one of the fastest-growing segments of the sweets market, as demand rises for products positioned around reduced sugar and improved nutritional profiles. Alongside its health-focused positioning, Planet A Foods is highlighting the ingredient's environmental credentials. Because ChoViva is manufactured from sunflower seeds rather than cocoa, the company says it avoids many of the environmental challenges linked to traditional cocoa production, including deforestation and emissions associated with long-distance transportation. According to the company, ChoViva Milk has a carbon footprint of 2.8kg CO₂e per kilogram compared with 10.6kg CO₂e per kilogram for conventional milk chocolate, based on a lifecycle assessment verified by the sustainability platform, Inoqo. The launch further strengthens Planet A Foods' position in the rapidly evolving alternative chocolate category, where ingredient suppliers are increasingly developing solutions that address both sustainability concerns and changing consumer health priorities. As cocoa prices remain elevated and manufacturers seek greater resilience in ingredient sourcing, innovations such as cocoa-free and sugar-reduced alternatives are expected to play an increasingly important role in future product development strategies.

The Hershey Company has appointed Heather Hoytink as president, US, effective 8 July 2026, strengthening its leadership team as the snacking giant continues to expand across confectionery, salty snacks and protein categories. Heather Hoytink Hoytink joins Hershey from PepsiCo, where she most recently served as senior vice president and chief commercial officer for US Away From Home Beverages. In that role, she led North America's beverage commercialisation strategy across the away-from-home channel, working with major national customers to drive growth and expand consumer engagement with PepsiCo's beverage portfolio. She brings more than two decades of experience in sales, operations and commercial leadership, having held a number of senior roles throughout her career. Prior to her most recent position, Hoytink served as president of PepsiCo's South Division, overseeing one of the company's largest regions and delivering sustained revenue growth alongside margin expansion. At Hershey, Hoytink will assume end-to-end responsibility for the company's US commercial business. Her remit will span Hershey's confectionery, salty snack and protein portfolios, while advancing the company's 'ONE Hershey' commercial strategy designed to provide a more integrated approach across retail and consumer touchpoints. Kirk Tanner, president and chief executive officer of Hershey, said about the appointment: "Her [Hoytink] experience leading some of the largest, most complex customer and commercial organisations in the industry makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our team into the next generation of growth." The appointment reflects Hershey's continued focus on broadening its presence beyond traditional confectionery. Over recent years, the company has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions in salty snacks and functional nutrition, adding brands such as SkinnyPop, LesserEvil, Pirate's Booty, Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, ONE Brands and Fulfil alongside its established confectionery portfolio. As President, US, Hoytink will oversee growth initiatives across retail, away-from-home, omnichannel and digital channels, supporting Hershey's ambition to create a unified commercial model across its expanding snacking business. Commenting on her appointment, Hoytink said: "I'm excited to join Hershey at such a dynamic moment for the business. Hershey's iconic brands, strong customer partnerships and talented team create an incredible foundation for growth. "I'm energised by building winning teams, investing in people and working closely with customers to unlock new opportunities. I look forward to partnering with the team to build on existing momentum, continue delivering for customers and consumers and drive the next chapter of growth together." Hoytink holds a degree in marketing and communications from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has completed executive education programmes at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and Harvard Business School. The leadership appointment comes as Hershey continues to position itself as a diversified snacking company, generating annual revenues of more than $11.7bn across a portfolio of more than 85 brands sold in approximately 65 countries worldwide.

The EuroPack Summit will return on 7-8 September as an invitation-only executive forum bringing together senior leaders from Europe’s FMCG, retail and packaging sectors to address the industry’s most pressing challenges in sustainable packaging, PPWR readiness and circular supply chain transformation. Hosted at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux, Switzerland, the summit provides a high-level platform for decision-makers to benchmark strategies, share operational insights and evaluate new solutions shaping the future of packaging in Europe. As regulatory pressure increases and consumer expectations evolve, the EuroPack Summit equips executives with practical approaches to redesign packaging systems for compliance, sustainability and commercial performance. The agenda features case studies, peer discussions and curated meetings designed to accelerate progress towards scalable circular packaging models. Key focus areas Less is more Exploring cost-efficient sustainability through lightweighting, lifecycle-driven design and the shift toward recyclable, reusable and alternative materials. Ready or not Turning PPWR and EPR requirements into actionable packaging strategies aligned with EU compliance and cost frameworks. Sourcing for scale Building resilient and sustainable supply chains through procurement transformation and strategic supplier partnerships. Next-gen packaging Using packaging innovation and design as a driver of brand differentiation in competitive markets. Intelligence unpacked Applying AI and digital tools to advance packaging design, optimisation and decision-making. Beyond the shelf Understanding how packaging influences brand perception, consumer behaviour and sales performance through data-driven insights. Executive participation The EuroPack Summit convenes senior packaging leaders from Europe’s fastest-growing FMCG and retail organisations, alongside innovative packaging suppliers and solution providers. Executives participate in curated, one-to-one meetings designed to streamline vendor selection and support strategic sourcing decisions. Through structured engagement, suppliers are matched with relevant decision-makers based on verified strategic priorities and innovation needs. Featured speakers and industry leaders The programme includes keynote presentations, case studies and interactive discussions from leading industry voices: Nicolas le Sourd, global head of procurement for packaging at Nestlé Ketty Poletto, chief procurement officer at Bacardi Andrea Bordini, global packaging innovation director at Barilla Mareike Bell, CSR and sustainability director CPD DACH at L’Oréal Kristina Kölling, director circular economy at Tchibo About the EuroPack Summit The EuroPack Summit is an invitation-only, premium forum designed to connect senior FMCG packaging executives with carefully selected suppliers and solution providers. The summit is structured to support meaningful business outcomes by aligning supplier capabilities with the strategic priorities of packaging leaders, enabling more efficient evaluation of innovations, materials and technologies. Through a curated approach to networking and content delivery, the EuroPack Summit aims to modernise traditional procurement and business development processes, creating high-value partnerships across the packaging ecosystem. Request an invitation or learn more here, or contact Kyriakos Xenophontos at kyriakosx@marcusevanscy.com.

FPT, alongside distributors Bimotor and Avoni Industrial, has partnered with Green Power Systems to provide power generation equipment for an agro-industrial project in Algeria. The $3.5 billion project, co-funded by the Algerian National Investment Fund and Qatari dairy producer Baladna, will include one of the world’s largest integrated dairy farms and powdered milk production facilities. The site will span 117,000 hectares of agricultural land and is designed to support 270,000 dairy cows. Located in Adrar province, the facility is scheduled to begin production in late 2027. Once fully operational, it is expected to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of powdered milk per year, meeting around half of Algeria’s domestic demand. The project is being developed in a Saharan region where temperatures often exceed 40°C for more than 130 days a year. As a result, irrigation will play a central role in growing crops to feed the dairy herd. Green Power Systems has supplied 50 GP330 S/I-A generator sets powered by FPT CURSOR 13 engines. The units provide up to 330 kVA and will support round-the-clock operation of central pivot irrigation systems. Central pivot irrigation uses rotating equipment fitted with sprinklers to water crops in circular areas around a fixed point. The method is widely used on large plots of arid land because it can reduce labour requirements and improve water efficiency compared with some conventional irrigation approaches. Flavio Faggiolini, export area manager for Green Power Systems, said the company’s involvement reflected its role in supplying power generation systems for large-scale agro-industrial and infrastructure projects. “In projects of this magnitude, power continuity is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the entire infrastructure,” he said. “The collaboration with FPT Industrial contributed to delivering a solution aligned with the reliability requirements of the operational context.” Vittorio Bertalli, head of sales EMEA at FPT, added: “Being part of such a large-scale project, meant to improve Algeria’s food security and to create about 5,000 local jobs, is both a great honour and a great responsibility.” The CURSOR 13 engine is designed for power generation applications and can be configured for emissions standards ranging from unregulated markets to Stage V and Tier 4 Final requirements. It features an electronically controlled unit injector system and is designed to support load response, fuel efficiency and extended service intervals. For the Green Power Systems project, the C13 configuration is unregulated and features a 12.9-litre, six-cylinder engine. It delivers 300 kW of prime power at 1500 rpm and 327 kW at 1800 rpm, with standby power of 330 kW and 360 kW respectively.

Egglife Foods has expanded its range of egg white wraps with the launch of a new chocolate flavour, available exclusively at Target stores across the US. The Chicago-based company, which produces flour-free wraps made with egg whites, said the new product is designed for consumers seeking higher-protein options for sweet snacks, breakfasts and desserts. The chocolate egglife Egg White Wraps are made with real cocoa and sweetened with monk fruit. Each serving contains 11g of protein, zero sugar and 60 calories. The launch follows continued demand for Egglife’s Sweet Cinnamon wraps, which the company said have been used in breakfast roll-ups and dessert-style recipes. Sweet Cinnamon egglife wraps were also named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. David Kroll, CEO of Egglife Foods, said: “Sweet Cinnamon showed us there’s a real appetite for sweet options that still deliver on protein and simple ingredients. Chocolate takes that idea even further, giving consumers a delicious way to enjoy Egglife throughout the day.” The company said the new wraps can be used with ingredients such as strawberries and nut butter, or folded into dessert-style recipes. Chocolate egglife wraps are available now in the refrigerated section near eggs at Target stores.

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has announced plans to idle its plant in St. Albans, Vermont, and close the adjoining St. Albans Creamery & Supply store, affecting around 80 employees. The closure is set to take effect on 17 August 2026. In a statement, DFA said it had made the “difficult decision” to idle the plant and close the store, adding that the move was “not a reflection” of employee performance. The cooperative said it was “grateful to this team for their hard work and dedication” and would provide resources and additional support services to those impacted. The plant and store have been part of the St. Albans community for generations. DFA said it recognised the “deep local connections” to the operations and acknowledged that the news would be difficult for employees, their families and the wider Vermont community. Milk currently received at the St. Albans facility will continue to be processed within DFA’s wider network. The cooperative said this would ensure regional dairy farmers continue to have a market for their milk and that customers would continue to be served without disruption. Local farmers will also continue to have access to products and services previously provided by St. Albans Creamery & Supply through DFA’s direct-ship model. DFA said the decision “was not made lightly” and reflected broader operational and network changes needed to better serve its farmer-owners and customers. The cooperative added that it would continue to support Vermont through Northeast Logistics and its farmer-owners.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has appointed Heather Soubra as senior vice president, strategic initiatives and industry relations, marking her return to the organisation as it advances a new phase of strategic growth and industry engagement. Heather Soubra In the role, Soubra will oversee IDFA's NextGen Leadership Program, strengthen collaboration with member companies and board leadership, and help drive implementation of the association's recently launched strategic roadmap, Vision of the Future 2.0. She will report directly to IDFA's president and CEO Michael Dykes, who welcomed her return to the organisation. "Heather is a trusted strategist and results-oriented leader who knows IDFA, our members and the dairy industry deeply," Dykes said. "She understands how to bring people together, move complex work forward and deliver results." Soubra previously served as IDFA's senior vice president of strategic initiatives and chief of staff, where she played a central role in advancing the association's strategic priorities and overseeing operations within the executive office. During her earlier tenure, she led the development and execution of several high-profile initiatives, including the annual Dairy Forum, while also creating the IDFA People Strategy, a leadership and workforce development framework focused on organisational wellbeing, talent development and future workforce needs. Her return comes as dairy organisations increasingly focus on leadership development, workforce retention and succession planning amid ongoing transformation across the food and beverage sector. "IDFA members are among the most innovative leaders in the food and beverage industry, and I am excited to return to an organisation and industry that mean so much to me," Soubra said. "I look forward to working with Michael, the IDFA team and leaders across the dairy industry to strengthen collaboration, support strategic priorities and build the relationships and programs that will move the industry forward." One of Soubra's immediate priorities will be leading IDFA's NextGen Leadership Program, which aims to develop future leaders across the dairy value chain. The programme has become an increasingly important component of the association's efforts to support talent development within the dairy sector as companies navigate changing consumer expectations, technological innovation, sustainability demands and workforce challenges. Her background in executive coaching and leadership development is expected to strengthen these efforts. Most recently, Soubra served as director of the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon, where she designed and facilitated leadership programmes for executives across government agencies, trade associations and private-sector organisations. She is also an International Coaching Federation Certified Coach and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, bringing extensive experience in leadership strategy, organisational development and executive coaching. The appointment aligns with IDFA's broader focus on strengthening industry collaboration and preparing dairy businesses for future growth opportunities. Representing dairy manufacturers, marketers, cooperatives, retailers and suppliers across the United States, IDFA continues to play a central role in shaping policy, workforce development and innovation initiatives across the sector.

Supermarket Co-op has expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol range with the launch of two new cocktail-inspired spritz cans. Available nationwide from 1 June, the new Hugo Spritz and Aperitivo Spritz variants are designed to capitalise on the popularity of spritz-style serves, bringing bar-inspired cocktails into a portable format suited to summer occasions such as picnics, festivals and outdoor gatherings. Priced at £2 per 250ml can and containing 5% ABV, both products combine vodka with flavour profiles inspired by popular European aperitif serves. The Hugo Spritz features floral elderflower and refreshing mint notes, while the Aperitivo Spritz offers a blend of grapefruit and herbal flavours aimed at consumers seeking a more bittersweet drinking experience. The launch comes as the RTD sector continues to benefit from shifting consumer preferences towards convenience-led formats that deliver a premium drinking experience without the need for preparation. Andrew Birdsey, senior buying manager at Co-op, said: "Spritz serves have become a staple of summer socialising, and we're excited to bring both Hugo and Aperitivo Spritz cans to our shelves, giving our members and customers an easy way to enjoy these popular drinks whatever the occasion." The introduction of the new cans reflects the ongoing rise of spritz-style drinks within the UK alcohol market, as consumers increasingly gravitate towards lighter, more sessionable serves inspired by Mediterranean drinking culture. Traditionally associated with on-trade consumption, spritz cocktails have become an increasingly important source of innovation within the off-trade, with retailers and drinks brands launching ready-to-serve formats that cater to convenience-driven shoppers. The category has also benefited from broader premiumisation trends, with consumers willing to pay more for products that offer cocktail-quality flavours in portable packaging. The new spritz products join Co-op's existing portfolio of ready-to-drink cocktails and mixed alcoholic beverages, which includes Passion Fruit Martini, Margarita, Piña Colada, Vodka & Cranberry and Gin & Diet Tonic variants. The expanded range forms part of the retailer's strategy to offer consumers a wider selection of occasion-led drinks formats throughout the summer season.

With more than 600 attendees, over 100 expert speakers, visitors from more than 30 countries and 20+ hours of thought leadership, Bridge2Food Europe 2026 brought together key voices from across the food innovation sector. Held over three days in Copenhagen, Bridge2Food Europe brought together global brands, researchers, start-ups, investors and solution providers to explore the trends transforming the future of food, from consumer behaviour and health driven innovation to sustainable proteins, product development and commercialisation. A central theme throughout the event was understanding the modern consumer and translating those insights into successful innovation strategies. Johannes Hartmann of Innova Market Insights opened the conference by exploring the global consumer trends influencing purchasing decisions and the market forces shaping the next generation of food and beverage innovation. Behavioural science remained a key focus, with Sophie Attwood of Behavior Global examining the psychology behind healthy food choices, while Mads Holme of ReD Associates demonstrated how organisations can embed human behaviour into the innovation process to develop products that better meet consumer needs. Across the programme, delegates also heard from leading organisations – including Novonesis, IFF, Nestlé Research, Oatly, ADM, Euromonitor, MAX Burgers, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, DigitalFoodLab, Qina, Angel Yeast, Nomad Foods, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research and Food & Bio Cluster Denmark – showcased the breadth of expertise driving the future of food. Sessions explored topics including health and nutrition, consumer insights, clean label innovation, sustainable proteins, food technology, processing and commercial strategy. Beyond the conference programme, attendees connected through dedicated networking sessions, one to one business meetings, the exhibition and collaborative workshops, creating new partnerships across the global food innovation ecosystem. Vincent Brain, general manager of Bridge2Food, said: "Bridge2Food Europe is about bringing together the organisations and people shaping the future of food. The conversations, collaborations and knowledge shared throughout this year's event demonstrated the importance of putting consumers at the centre of innovation while working collectively to address the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry." Following the success of the 2026 event, Bridge2Food Europe will return to Den Bosch, The Netherlands, from 15 to 17 June 2027. Organisations interested in speaking, sponsoring, exhibiting or partnering with Bridge2Food Europe 2027 are encouraged to contact the Bridge2Food team to explore opportunities.

Ishida Europe has appointed Takayo Motegi as its new managing director, succeeding Dave Tiso, who has led the weighing, packaging and inspection technology specialist since 2015. The leadership transition comes as food manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa continue to accelerate investment in automation, digitalisation and smart factory technologies to address productivity, labour and sustainability challenges. Motegi brings more than three decades of experience within the Ishida Group, having held a range of senior commercial and leadership roles across the business. Most recently, he served as managing director of Ishida Thailand, where he spent six years driving business growth and strengthening customer relationships across the region. His appointment reflects Ishida's continued focus on supporting food manufacturers with advanced weighing, packing and quality control technologies as Industry 4.0 adoption gains momentum across the sector. Throughout his career with Ishida, Motegi has developed extensive experience working with food manufacturers and processors across a wide range of categories, giving him insight into the operational challenges facing modern production environments. In his new role, he will be responsible for implementing the Japanese-headquartered company's strategic vision across EMEA while ensuring the business continues to respond to evolving customer requirements around automation, efficiency and manufacturing intelligence. Commenting on his appointment, Motegi said: "I am honoured to be appointed as managing director of Ishida Europe. The company has a proud history of innovation, customer partnership and excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented teams across the regions to build on the strong foundations built by Dave over the last 11 years." He added: "During my time at Ishida to date, I have committed to fostering close relationships with our customers and developing an intimate understanding of the solutions they need, which is something I will continue to promote as I lead the business into the future." As part of the leadership changes, Dave Tiso will become chairman of Ishida Europe, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance to the business. During his 11-year tenure as managing director, Tiso oversaw a period of sustained growth for the company, including a number of record financial performances while strengthening Ishida's position across key food manufacturing sectors. Reflecting on the transition, Tiso said: "It has been a privilege to lead Ishida Europe over the past 11 years. I'm proud of everything the business achieved during my time as managing director and look forward to seeing Takayo build on what I believe are some very strong foundations for further growth." The appointment comes at a time of significant transformation across the food manufacturing and packaging sectors. Rising production costs, labour shortages, food safety requirements and sustainability targets are increasing demand for automated solutions that improve efficiency and operational visibility. Technology providers such as Ishida are playing an increasingly important role in helping manufacturers modernise production lines through integrated weighing, packaging, inspection and data-driven quality control systems. With Motegi now leading the EMEA business, the company is expected to continue focusing on innovation that supports next-generation manufacturing strategies, while maintaining the customer-centric approach that has underpinned its growth across global markets. The leadership change also highlights Ishida's commitment to developing talent from within the organisation, with Motegi becoming the latest long-serving executive to step into a senior leadership role after building extensive experience across the group's international operations.