Boxes, beer and produce at the FDT Africa Expo

The food and beverage industry gathered at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, from September 4 to 6, for the Food & Drink Technology (FDT) Africa Expo.

The Expo takes place every second year and highlights all aspects of food and beverage production, from the colourants used in the products to the packing and certification.

A small Speakers Corner provided a platform for experts to discuss some of the challenges facing the industry. Vera Fritsche, from VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, spoke about how technology has contributed to saving water and energy in beverage production, food processing and packaging.

The Expo also featured numerous exhibitors. Business management consultancy firm SERR Synergy was present to advertise its various service offerings aimed at assisting companies to comply with legislation.

A main focal point at the exhibition was a stand offering information about the Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act, which is expected at the end of September.

SERR Synergy encourages organisations to start preparing for the Act now, as it will affect all industries. The Act will require organisations to gain permission to share client information with third parties and protects company information from being abused by its employees.

Visible from almost anywhere in the convention centre were the beautiful, dangling boxes displayed by Sheet Plastic. From afar, the boxes looked like any regular cardboard box, but on closer inspection it became evident that they were actually plastic. These plastic alternatives are more durable than cardboard, are water and chemical resistant, safe for food and can easily be reused.

According to Sheet Plastic, these boxes are often used in Europe by home owners who rent the boxes for moving purposes. The boxes are aimed at reducing packaging and transport costs, as well as providing a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Not far from the dangling boxes was the Future Packaging (FP) stand. The company offers label and barcoding services and machinery that can also be used for warehousing purposes.

In between all the exhibitions and speakers, the judges of the African Beer Awards gathered to taste and determine the best beer in Africa. The competition has five different categories, which include the best dark beer, pale ale, beers with less than 50-percent malted barley and different lagers.

Find out more about the Expo and the winners of the African Beer Awards in the October issue of FOCUS.