STERIPURE, a specialist in the pasteurisation and sterilisation of dry products, will start operating on 15 May 2012. STERIPURE will provide dry-produce processing companies with access to cutting-edge technology from its base in Aix-en-Provence (South-Eastern France). Based in South-Eastern France, STERIPURE, an expert in the pasteurisation and sterilisation of herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruit and edible grain, will be open for business from mid-May of this year. The company’s service centre, in Aix-en-Provence, will allow STERIPURE to process a wide range of products for which microbiological load reduction is advantageous. Set up in accordance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) rules, STERIPURE is equipped with cutting-edge pasteurisation technology through the NAPASOL process. This process uses saturated steam under controlled pressure conditions, leading to optimal microbial reduction and a gentle processing of the produce. The microorganisms found in dry products are removed using saturated steam in an autoclave, which is placed under vacuum. The combination of the vacuum and the saturated steam enables rapid sterilisation or pasteurisation of these delicate products at relatively low temperatures. The NAPASOL method offers the benefit of efficient microbial reduction whilst not altering the produce, as the treatment occurs at low temperatures and no drying step is required. Olivier Bourgois, founder of STERIPURE, has already used such a process when at Eurovanille, a natural-vanilla producer, where he was a co-shareholder until 2010. Since this is a batch-processing method where the produce is never in contact with the equipment’s surface, any risk of cross-contamination is ruled out. The NAPASOL process is thus particularly adapted to the needs of STERIPURE, which processes both large and small batches of produce. In order to provide an efficient service, STERIPURE is based near the port city of Marseille and its region (on the Mediterranean coast of France), where it is close to the logistics streams of imported and exported products. In order to improve the life cycle of the produce and to ensure food safety, industrialists and distributors are becoming increasingly demanding with respect to the microbial load tolerated in the ingredients they use. The levels are difficult to guarantee, since farming production is naturally exposed to environmental contaminants. The services provided by STERIPURE will help businesses comply with technical specifications, or process contaminated batches of low-moisture products such as herbs and spices, dried plants, nuts, and all kinds of dried fruit. Dried produce has long been seen as safe and free of any background products that encourage the development of pathogenic microorganisms, or of microorganisms that shorten the food’s lifecycle. Nevertheless, such dried produce has been involved in cases of food poisoning and product recalls. In order to protect their brands, which may be damaged if they are subjected to a product recall or are blamed in a case of food poisoning, businesses have a great interest in getting a microbiological-reduction process in place for food with low moisture content. While some industries are currently investing in their own equipment, others will need to make use of the kind of service that STERIPURE provides. About STERIPURE STERIPURE uses a simple and innovative process to sterilise dry products — more particularly herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruit and edible grain. STERIPURE will start trading on 15 May 2012; the company is based in Eguilles, near Aix-en-Provence (South-Eastern France). The company will be at the IPA exhibition for the food-processing and packaging sector from 21 to 25 October 2012, in Paris (France). For further information, please go to: www.steripure.fr

The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London set up, for the first time ever, a French Pavilion at the Packaging Innovations trade fair, which was held in Birmingham (England) from 29 February to 1 March 2012. Half-a-dozen companies from France were on the Pavilion and they showcased a range of products, including, among others, pewter labels, collars for plastic bags machines, barrier films, PVC containers, printed cardboard pieces, and sleeves. In the wake of the trade show, various orders have been signed already and a number of projects have been launched. Indeed, 50% of participants have indicated that they will want to participate in the event in a year’s time, which illustrates the success achieved. Now in its eighth year, Packaging Innovations attracted 300 exhibitors and 5,000 trade visitors from a range of industries — from food and drinks to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London will present six innovative packaging-technology companies on the French pavilion at Packaging Innovations 2012. The trade show will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), in Birmingham (England), from 29 February to 1 March 2012. The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in the UK will showcase six of the best French-based packaging specialists, who will exhibit their innovative products and advanced technological solutions on the French pavilion (Stand E20) at Packaging Innovations 2012, in Birmingham, at the end of February.   The companies due to attend are listed below. More information is available upon request.   APPLIC’ETAINS   APPLIC’ETAINS is a manufacturer of self-adhesive pewter labels that are available in a range of standard or bespoke models. It has already exported its products to approximately 50 countries across five continents.   www.applicetains.com/en/     CEISA PACKAGING   Established in 1962, CEISA PACKAGING is a market leader in printed shrink film for multipacks, shrink-and-stretch sleeves, and wrap-around labels. The key to CEISA PACKAGING’s success is continuous innovation. Currently present in 50 countries worldwide, the company has a global reach.   www.ceisa-packaging.com     COL DE CYGNE   A dynamic company specialising in making collars for packaging machines, COL DE CYGNE has more than 17 years’ experience. Its expertise enables it to design and manufacture forming collars that are customised to meet the specific needs of every customer. COL DE CYGNE is market leader in France, in this sector.   www.col-de-cygne.fr     LEYGATECH   LEYGATECH develops and produces blown co-extruded films for packaging to meet its clients’ specifications. The company’s wide range of products is mainly for the food market: barrier films, lamination liners and industrial packaging. LEYGATECH uses numerous materials such as PE, PS, EVOH, PP, PETG, and PA, which are applied to the multi-layer extrusion process — a technology that the company masters perfectly.   www.leygatech.fr/en/     MANUPLAST   A plastics specialist since 1957, MANUPLAST has established itself thanks to its expertise and its dynamic approach to progress. The company is ISO 9001- and ISO TS-certified. MANUPLAST has mastered transformation technologies through extrusion, blow moulding and injection. It supports its customers from the design through to the production of both technical and packaging parts.   www.manuplast.com       POSSON PACKAGING SAS   POSSON PACKAGING SAS is a company specialising in cardboard conversion and offset printing, with expertise in flat and corrugated packaging. It produces 18 million packaging boxes per month, and works with large multinational companies.   www.possonpackaging.fr     About The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE   The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London facilitates trade development between France and the UK. UBIFRANCE offers a wide range of services to French-based companies, so as to assist them in their business activities within the UK. As such, it organises B2B events in the form of conferences and networking opportunities, mainly in London.   The French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London is organising a French pavilion at Packaging Innovations 2012 from 29 February to 1 March 2012. The pavilion will be in Hall 9 (Stand E20) at the NEC, Birmingham (England).   Journalists wishing to attend should contact Ms Katherine Woods, Press Officer of the French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London.   For further information about Packaging Innovations 2012, please go to:   http://www.easyfairs.com/fr/events_216/packaging-innovations2012_20111/packaging-innovations-2012_20115/     For further information about UBIFRANCE in the UK, please go to: www.ubifrance.com/uk/

« En Angleterre, les agriculteurs ne sont pas tous rois ! » Tel est le titre du dossier réalisé sur l’agriculture britannique par Stéphanie Rousseau, journaliste pour le mensuel CAMPA magazine. Distributeur de matériels agricoles, CAMPA s’intéresse au marché des agroéquipements à l’échelle européenne dans le cadre d’une enquête réalisée dans les principaux pays producteurs.   Accompagnée par Ubifrance, Stéphanie Rousseau a réalisé plusieurs interviews auprès d’agriculteurs pour faire le portrait de l’agriculture britannique. Premier producteur européen de carotte et premier producteur de viande de mouton, le Royaume-Uni couvre la plupart des productions végétales et animales . Avec plus de 327 000 exploitations le marché des agroéquipements est un marché porteur. En 2010, le Royaume-Uni est le troisième pays importateurs d’équipement agricoles, après l’Allemagne et la France.    Analysant les spécificités des productions animales et végétales britanniques, la journaliste insiste sur le rôle de la grande distribution qui exerce « une forte pression sur les agro-industries » et « dispose d’une position de quasi-monopole dans certains secteurs ». Les producteurs de lait notamment, peinent à équilibrer leurs comptes, notamment dans les exploitations de taille moyenne . La question du prix payé au producteur, comme celle, plus générale, de l’avenir de la politique agricole commune après 2013 sont bel et bien des problématiques qui touchent tous les agriculteurs en Europe.   Le dossier réalisé a été publié par le magazine CAMPA magazine dans l’édition du mois de mai (numéro 78). Il est disponible gratuitement dans les sièges sociaux et succursales de la marque CAMPA, soit 217 centres distributeurs répartis dans toute la France.  

  IDCOOK SAS of France has developed a comprehensive range of innovative, high-tech solar-powered appliances, including solar ovens and solar barbecues. The company, part of SUNITED, a group specialising in solar power, is seeking local importers and international distributors, more particularly in the UK and Northern Europe, for its environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products. IDCOOK SAS has designed and developed a comprehensive and innovative range of high-technology appliances and devices that are solar-powered, including solar ovens, solar barbecues, and even solar lighters. These eco-friendly products can be used anywhere, be it at home or on the move.  IDCOOK is a division of French-based group SUNITED, as is SELER INDUSTRY. SELER INDUSTRY, for its part, designs and manufactures solar reflectors and mirrors, as used in the field of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology.  SELER INDUSTRY’s solar reflectors and mirrors have been integrated into the product range developed for IDCOOK — the COOKUP200, the COOKUP INOX, the SOLAR COOKING KIT, and SUNCOOK+.    Users of the COOKUP200 or the COOKUP INOX units are able to take their barbecue equipment anywhere they go, to be used in their garden, on the beach, or on a walk and picnic, for instance. Within minutes of stopping for lunch, the solar barbecue can be assembled and is ready for use, and users can enjoy risk-free cooking with the rays of the sun as the sole source of energy that is required.    With SUNCOOK+ and the SOLAR COOKING KIT, users are able to cook healthily and ecologically, just as one would in a standard oven, but using the sun’s rays as the only source of energy. Gentle cooking using a solar oven will help consumers rediscover the genuine flavours of freshly prepared food, while preserving all the nutrients.   The solar lighter developed by IDCOOK is ideal as a trendy present and an unexpected accessory. Thanks to this energy-saving gadget, a cigarette (or a twig) can be lit up in mere seconds. Fully customisable, the solar lighter can be a great promotional gift.    As Europe’s leader in solar cooking, IDCOOK is intent on pursuing its international growth. IDCOOK currently markets its products through a variety of distribution channels including stores specialising in outdoor pursuits, shops focused on ecologically friendly and organic products, as well as garden centres and DIY stores.    IDCOOK is currently seeking importers and distributors in the British and Northern European markets.               About IDCOOK SAS IDCOOK SAS, which is based in Paris (France), is part of the SUNITED Group, as is SELER INDUSTRY.   Building on 60 years of experience in solar energy and technology accumulated at the SUNITED Group, SELER INDUSTRY manufactures solar reflectors and mirrors, as used in the field of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology.    IDCOOK has developed a comprehensive range of hi-tech solar cooking appliances and is now seeking partners to market its products internationally. SELER INDUSTRY’s solar reflectors and mirrors have been integrated into the product range developed for IDCOOK — the COOKUP200, the COOKUP INOX, the SOLAR COOKING KIT and SUNCOOK+.   The SUNITED Group is set to raise substantial capital in late 2011 in order to strengthen its position in the solar-energy market.   For further information, please go to: www.idcook.com  

Under the Welcome to Northern France – the Lille Region banner, 23 French companies from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region will be exhibiting at the Fruit Logistica 2011 trade fair, to be held in Berlin (Germany) from 9 to 11 February 2011. Visitors will be able to discover products (potatoes, endives, apples, pears, soya shoots, sliced salads, carrots, and onions) and services (in packaging and logistics) from northern France on the region’s pavilion.    Fruit Logistica is Europe’s leading trade fair for fresh fruit and vegetables and related services, such as packaging and logistics. The 2011 event is due to take place in the German capital between 9 and 11 February. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais pavilion will showcase the best that the region has to offer in the sector, from potatoes and endives to apples and pears, and from soya shoots and sliced salads to carrots and onions. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region ranks third, in France, in terms of the size and importance of its food industry. Indeed, in 2009, the region boasted a turnover approaching €10 billion in this field. Northern France is also the country’s leading region in farming products and food-industry exports. The Nord-Pas-de-Calais region enjoys a foremost position, in France, in the production and processing of fruit and vegetables. It ranks first in the potato sector, producing 1.7 million tonnes annually, which amounts to a third of French production, for a surface area of 37,400 hectares. With volumes reaching 100,695 tonnes (2009 figures), northern France is the world’s leader in endive production. Located between London, Brussels and Paris, the region is situated at the heart of Western Europe and benefits from excellent transport links to other parts of the continent, and beyond. Hence, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region is a major logistics hub for fresh produce in Europe. Dunkirk is France’s premier port in fruit shipping, while Boulogne is a recognised leader in Europe for seafood processing.   Internationally renowned chef Michel Théret will be in attendance on the Welcome to Northern France – the Lille Region pavilion at the Fruit Logistica 2011 trade show. Visitors will be offered various treats made on the basis of exclusive recipes he will be presenting, and with products showcased by the exhibitors.   The list of exhibitors at the Welcome to Northern France – the Lille Region pavilion is as follows.   Potatoes and onions are an important segment of the food sector in northern France. Agrochange Brokerage is a brokerage firm specialising in the trade in potatoes across Europe (for further information on this company, please go to: www.agrochange.com ). For its part, Bayard Distribution focuses on the production and packaging of potatoes ( www.bayard-distribution.com ).   Another company active in potato trading and packaging is Campeol ( www.campeol.com ). In order to bolster its offer, the company is also involved in the vegetable market (leeks, cauliflower, carrots, etc.).   The focus of Condilys is on microwaveable potatoes, as well as the storage and packaging of fresh produce ( www.condilys.fr ).   Olivier Négoce is another established player in potato trading ( www.oliviernegoce.fr ), while Lucas Lemaire deals with the trade in both potatoes and onions ( www.lucaslemaire.com ). So does Negonor ( www.negonor.com ). Verpom also trades in potatoes and onions, providing both import and export services ( www.verpom.com ).   Wecxsteen is another company that is active in the potato market in northern France ( www.groupe-wecxsteen.com ).   Perle du Nord Endives ( www.perledunord.com ) and En’diva both specialise in endives, as their names indicate. For its part, T&B Vergers is a specialist in the trading and packaging of apples and pears ( www.tbvergers.fr ).   The preparation and processing of carrots and fresh vegetables are the preserve of Verduyn ( www.verduyn.fr ). Wostin, on the other hand, focuses on soya shoots and sprouting soya seeds ( www.wostin.fr ).   Picvert is a specialist in the production, packaging and marketing of young shoots, in the salad segment of the market ( www.picvert.info ).   Support services are vital to the food industry, and this sector is also represented on the Northern France pavilion. Packaging is an important industry across the region. Luc Sockeel Emballages deals in box pallets and crates, for the packing and storage of fruit and vegetables ( www.boxagri.com ). Vandycke is a specialist in packaging production and trading ( www.vandycke.com ).   Services and technologies relating to temperature control are essential in this field, and Plug & Track by Proges Plus focuses on cold-chain traceability systems ( www.proges.com/plug-and-track ).   For its part, Klim Top Controls specialises in refrigeration ( www.klimtop.eu ). The company provides refrigerating installations for preserving all kinds of fruit and vegetables.   Storage is another key area for the industry. Dunfresh is a major player in warehousing and logistics in the region ( www.conhexa.com/dunfresh_fr ).   Seaport services underpin the food sector across northern France, starting with the Port of Dunkirk, which is France’s third largest port. Dunkirk ranks first, in France, regarding imports in three essential sectors — coal and ores, fruit (shipped in containers), and copper. The port holds second place in France’s trade with Great Britain ( www.portdedunkerque.fr ).   For its part, the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s Number One fishing port, and Europe’s leading centre for the processing and trading of seafood products ( www.portboulogne.com ).   A number of companies lend their expertise in this area, including Agence Maritime Rommel, which is a consultancy firm focusing on international logistics ( www.amragency.com ).   For the 2011 Fruit Logistica trade fair, Nord-Pas-de-Calais is welcoming four new exhibitors on the Northern France pavilion: Agrochange, Campeol, En’diva, and Klim Top Controls (mentioned above).   A comprehensive catalogue of all exhibitors (in English) will be available on the Welcome to Northern France – the Lille Region pavilion. The catalogue can also be sent to interested parties by email upon request.   About CCI International Nord-Pas-de-Calais   CCI International Nord-Pas-de-Calais is the international arm of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais chamber of commerce and industry, and it assists companies based in the region in their international development.   CCI International Nord-Pas-de-Calais is organising the Northern France pavilion at the Fruit Logistica trade fair. Under the Welcome to Northern France – the Lille Region banner, 23 French companies from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region will be exhibiting at Fruit Logistica, taking place in Berlin (Germany) from 9 to 11 February 2011. For further information on Fruit Logistica, please go to: www.cci-international.net For further information on CCI International Nord-Pas-de-Calais, please go to: www.cci-international.net  

FoodProductionDaily.com of the UK has interviewed Sophie Thillaye, who is Trade Development Adviser within the Food & Drink Department at the French Trade Commission UBIFRANCE in London. The interview took place at the Emballage trade show held in late 2010 in Paris, and focused on the major survey of packaging across Europe (including the UK) conducted by UBIFRANCE, France’s export-support agency. The journalist wanted to know what the study uncovered, and how it could help packaging manufacturers to meet the concerns and needs of consumers.               Sophie Thillaye explained that different nationalities were expressing varying priorities: more particularly, countries in the north of Europe, such as Sweden, stressed a perceived need to go for lighter forms of packaging – a trend known in the industry as lightweighting. This concern was shared by the French public. German consumers, for their part, focused more on issues of recyclability. In the UK, consumer behaviour is marked by competing needs and expectations: on the one hand, consumers tend to make use of large amounts of packaging, if only because of a way of life marked by the importance of  take-away food and ready meals, but, on the other hand, when surveyed, consumers express a preference for light-weight packaging and would like to see the amount of packaging they use go down in volume. For the first time, between 2006 and 2009, food-packaging consumption in the UK actually stabilized. The British government is keen to improve on this encouraging trend, with the backing of companies in food retail and distribution, which, themselves, would like to save money by cutting costs — and the cost of packaging is an obvious area of concern. What may not come as a surprise is that the Europe-wide study conducted by UBIFRANCE found that consumers across Europe put a premium on green packaging made from renewable — edible even! — materials, and that this was a long-term trend, which is bound to affect the whole industry for years to come.  If you go to the magazine’s website, you will have access to the interview with Sophie Thillaye, presenting the study conducted by UBIFRANCE and its findings. To watch the interview, click