Processors in search of solutions joined suppliers representing the pet food, meat, bakery, prepared foods, beverage and dairy industries in Chicago, Oct. 8 to 11, to discuss the latest technologies in food processing.
A crowd gathered to observe a demonstration of the live raw, minimally-processed kibble pet food production line at PROCESS EXPO 2019, one of several live demonstrations operating at the show so that attendees can see processing equipment functionality in real time. The pet food demonstration featured equipment from Provisur Technologies, Cozzini (a subsidiary of Middleby Corporation Brands) and Handtmann Inc.
Attendees witnessed five live demonstrations of full production lines with real product from the pet food, meat, dairy and bakery segments. Each demonstration drew a crowd and was repeated 10 times during the three-and-a-half day event. The demonstrations were also accompanied by detailed live presentations and audience Q&A opportunities.
The live pet food production line at PROCESS EXPO 2019 began with grinding frozen blocks of meat with a robust, heavy-duty Weiler® Omni V® 220 grinder from Provisur Technologies. The grinder along with a feed table and vertical block conveyor — also from Provisur — can successfully withstand the harsh demands of the pet food and treat industry.
A Cozzini CMB750 mixer blended batches of ground meat and other ingredients for the kibble production line at PROCESS EXPO 2019. Cozzini’s continuous pet food processing lines provide one of the highest percentage meat slurry inclusion and continuous feed systems for canned, kibble and treats. Cozzini is a brand of Middleby Processing and Packaging.
A Handtmann VF800 vacuum filler with a Handtmann RC600 rotary cutting system continuously produced stable pellet-shaped portions for the PROCESS EXPO 2019 pet food production line. This system connects directly to servo-driven flow dividers and sheeting nozzles and operates with wire and cutting blade options to handle a wide variety of recipes for kibble, bites and treats.
Educational presentations at PROCESS EXPO 2019 included Kevin Kennedy with JBT/Avure Technologies who shared the latest trends in high-pressure pasteurization (HPP) applications for pet food.
Hovus, Inc. promoted its plastic pet food casings and packaging to the pet food processors in attendance at PROCESS EXPO 2019. Hovus pet food casings and pet food packaging are designed for optimal product protection to keep pet food rolls, dog food rolls, chub dog food and other chub pet foods fresher, longer.
Jared Koerten, an analyst covering packaged foods for Euromonitor International presented “Premiumization in Pet Care: An Evolving Industry Trend” during PROCESS EXPO 2019. He discussed what trends are now “table stakes” — the price of admission to the market — and which trends are the next near-term and long-term growth opportunities in the global pet food and treat market.
FPSA Chairman Jarrod McCarroll, president of Weber, Inc., answered questions from Lincoln Tech students about FPSA’s Food Industry Technician (FIT) Certification Program. In partnership with Lincoln Tech, the FIT program offers training and education for prospective food and beverage industry technicians. Students were invited to attend PROCESS EXPO 2019 in Chicago and encouraged to talk with the technicians at exhibiting companies.
From left: David Seckman, president and CEO of FPSA; Scott Shaw of the Lincoln Technical Institute; Jarrod McCarroll; Gil Williams, chairman of the FPSA Foundation and president of Poly-clip System USA.
The FPSA Women's Alliance Network's inaugural Red Circle Honors program recognized three women and an FPSA member company for their achievements in the food and beverage industry. The honorees included: Nancy Corriveau, Blentech Corporation, for career excellence; Nicole Chestnut, Rome Grinding Solutions for rising star; Carole Tonello-Samson, Hiberbac, for innovation and inspiration; and The Haskell Company for achievement in developing and promoting women.
From left: Nicole Chestnut, Rome Grinding Solutions; Marie Stalewski, The Haskell Company; Carole Tonello-Samson, Hiberbac; and Kate Rome and Mary George, Rome Grinding Solutions, Women's Alliance Network Co-Chairs.
The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FFPSA) presented a $75,000 check to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as part of its DEFEAT HUNGER campaign. A food drive was conducted at PROCESS EXPO, with all donations and proceeds going to the food depository to help fight hunger in the greater Chicago area. The campaign has provided more than one million meals since it was started in 2013.
From left: FPSA President and CEO David Seckman; Jill Zimmerman, VP of Development for the Greater Chicago Food Depository; FPSA Foundation Chairman Gil Williams; and FPSA Chairman Jarrod McCarroll.