Food Business Review

Ever-changing consumer demands, technological disruptions, and intense price competition are intrinsic to the dynamic food manufacturing and packaging sector. To stay ahead of the curve, manufacturers must be agile, delivering products quickly and efficiently while minimizing waste and costs. This includes catering to diverse packaging needs for various product types—organic, gluten-free, and specialty items—without compromising on quality. Finding the right contract manufacturer is crucial for navigating this complex landscape. MSI Express is a single-source solution that empowers businesses to conquer these challenges. It offers cost-effective manufacturing and packaging for various consumer goods companies. From concept to shelf, it handles everything, minimizing waste and reducing the total cost of ownership. MSI Express acts as an extension of its clients’ teams, transforming their brand potential into market dominance. Production and Packaging Efficiency “We operate in the fastest and most direct way to save time and money and protect our clients’ brands,” says Charles Weinberg, CEO of MSI Express. “Our track record speaks volumes about our dedication to customer centricity, achieving rapid speed to market by delivering products in days and weeks and ensuring our clients’ products remain competitively priced in the market.” MSI Express demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness in its partnerships. It recommends packaging alternatives that are cost-effective, space-efficient, and environmentally sustainable, aligning with clients’ budget constraints. This results in a significant drop in production and packaging costs, greater scalability, and consistent quality control. MSI Express invariably meets supply demands by maintaining product availability on store shelves, in distribution centers, and warehouses. The average timeline of bringing a new food product to market is around 6 to 24 months. The company’s digitally enabled manufacturing capabilities allow it to reduce time to market by up to 61 percent, simplify supply chains, and improve manufacturing accuracy. This proficiency enables MSI Express to address any consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing and packaging challenges its clients may encounter, ultimately delivering a superior business strategy for clients.

Committed To Sustainability

NNZ stands out in the competitive packaging industry as a trusted partner for developing sustainable solutions that seamlessly fit into clients’ distinct packaging strategies. A staunch proponent of sustainability, the European company explores innovative ways to support more growers and packers in building a sustainable packaging product portfolio, focusing on circularity, recycled content and environmental impact. NNZ’s commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in every aspect of the organization. From the products that safeguard and preserve content to the efforts to reduce food waste, the company takes great pride in its contribution toward a greener future. At NNZ, the goal is to provide swift, personalized services and expert guidance with customer satisfaction in mind. A diverse range of solutions, including woven poly, mesh, and paper bags, allows customers to select the most suitable option that meets their specific requirements. “The beauty of NNZ is that we are not limited to a specific product. We walk in with a toolbox of many different products we source from Asia, Europe and the U.S.,” says Steve Greenfield, director of sales and marketing at NNZ. To deliver superior and cost-competitive solutions, the team adopts a consultative approach to understand client goals and concerns and provide them with valuable insights and recommendations. For example, if a client requires a new packaging solution for their specialty product, NNZ adopts its consultative sale strategy to offer multiple product options. This allows the clients to evaluate and choose the most cost-effective and suitable solution for their specific application.

Combating Labor Costs

Culinary innovations are known to boost operational efficiency within the fast-paced food service industry. Today’s market is brimming with products powered by cutting edge technology and deep expertise. However, this abundance of options makes it difficult for organizations to find solutions that best suit their needs. A leading manufacturer in the industry, KLH Foodservice Manufacturer Reps addresses this gap by offering end users, consultants, and dealers a branded, commercial kitchen equipment line that increases application productivity, energy efficiency, and rebate rates. Among the evolutionary trends and economic changes that have rocked the marketplace in recent years, labor shortages have the largest impact on restaurateurs, who struggle to maintain low employee turnovers despite higher wage rates. Partnering with large robotics- and automation-based equipment manufacturers, KLH helps combat labor costs. In essence, the company can combine multiple cooking capabilities into one multifunctional product. A prime example of this resourceful approach is KLH’s Combi Oven offering, which replaces a traditional convection oven and steamer to boost production. The innovation is produced in collaboration with Vulcan, a commercial combination steamer manufacturer, to streamline labor-intensive food preparation tasks. Similarly, its partnership with Hobart, a food service equipment provider, equips customers with machinery that speeds up their kitchen processes while eliminating staffing hurdles. KLH’s 15-plus heavy-duty equipment lines can be directly plugged or gas hooked, showcasing their superior flexibility. This, combined with its product knowledge and service transparency, is pivotal to the 20-year foundation of long-standing manufacturer relationships and strong dealer-consultant trust. These collaboration opportunities with manufacturers allow clients to easily acquire state-of-the-art offerings. “We are proficient at making suggestions and finding the most suitable specification for a customer’s kitchen layout because of our deep technical knowledge to tailor solutions and guides that address diverse end-user challenges,” says Dave Kuelpman, CEO of KLH Foodservice Manufacturer Reps.

IN FOCUS

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Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to the food industry, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices.

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Sustainability And Technology In Contract Food Manufacturing And Packaging

Contract food manufacturing and packaging have emerged as vital components in the global food supply chain.

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EDITORIAL

The Intersection of Technology and Sustainability in Contract Food Manufacturing and Packaging

Contract food manufacturing and packaging have witnessed significant advancements over the past few years, driven by the rising demand for convenience, sustainability, and healthconscious products. This industry, which serves as a backbone for numerous food brands by offering production and packaging services, is undergoing a transformation marked by innovation and strategic adaptation to market trends.

Sustainability has become a paramount concern in the food industry. Consumers and companies alike are increasingly prioritizing ecofriendly packaging solutions. Innovations in biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials are at the forefront of this movement. Contract manufacturers are investing in sustainable packaging technologies to reduce environmental impact and cater to the growing consumer demand for greener options. Companies are also adopting lightweight packaging materials to minimize waste and reduce transportation costs.

The integration of advanced automation and robotics is revolutionizing the efficiency and precision of food manufacturing and packaging. Automated systems are enhancing production speeds, reducing labor costs, and minimizing human error. Robotics are being used for tasks such as sorting, packaging, and palletizing, ensuring consistent quality and hygiene standards. These technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also enable manufacturers to scale up production to meet increasing demand.

The contract food manufacturing and packaging industry is at a pivotal juncture, driven by a confluence of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and changing consumer preferences. Manufacturers that embrace these trends and invest in innovative solutions are poised to thrive in this dynamic landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food production and packaging, ensuring that consumer needs are met with efficiency, sustainability, and quality.

In this edition, we have featured MSI Express. It is a single-source solution that empowers businesses to conquer these challenges. It offers cost-effective manufacturing and packaging for various consumer goods companies. From concept to shelf, it handles everything, minimizing waste and reducing the total cost of ownership.