Page 21 - Food & Drink Magazine Jan-Feb 21

there are two key areas that are critical priorities for Matthews as it heads into the next decade.
“Number one is investment in digital infrastructure to create resilient, flexible and future- proof systems. Our own investment in chatbots and remote customer support technologies are evidence of our commitment to this one.
“Number two is the demographic change we are seeing in the manufacturing industry and the urgent need to invest in attracting next gen talent.
“We really believe that both trends are critical for Australian manufacturing businesses to get right over the next decade. Where investment in future workforce and digital systems may have been in the ‘nice to have’ bucket previously they are quickly becoming imperative moving forwards.”
Coca-Cola Amatil director supply chain Orlando Rodriguez told Food & Drink
Business the extraordinary year that was 2020 means Amatil is even more focused on its manufacturing capability being more agile and flexible to trends and market changes.
Rodriguez says: “This year our plants are focused on ensuring our manufacturing lines are configured to be more flexible to support different pack sizes, make more flavours and varieties including dairy, juice and personalised products, all while using less packaging, less water and energy, and producing less waste.
“We’re always looking at ways to further modernise and optimise our supply chain technology. For example, some of the new equipment we are rolling out is now over 50 per cent more energy efficient than five years ago, in addition to being more flexible and automated.”
Foodmach control systems manager Gavin Alder said the march towards Industry 4.0
continues. Alders says: “As more manual tasks are automated, packaging and production lines are becoming smarter, and AI and machine learning, faster, more flexible, and efficient. So, we are seeing increased demand for sensors, vision and IIoT connectivity, as well as the all-essential horizontal integration of plant machinery. Cybersecurity will also increase.”
Roberts says blockchain is the enabler to unlock Industry 4.0’s connectivity potential. “It is streamlining supply chains and operations both internally and
CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN:
Nexba is happy its 100% natural focus is becoming more mainstream.
Simplot’s Angeline Achariya. Phil Biggs from Foodmach.
Foodmach says new design approaches for new materials will increase in demand.
externally.” Foodmach is using blockchain for its pay-only-for- output finance model. It means customers can upgrade their lines with new packaging equipment without major capital expenditure.
Onshoring of the supply chain is both a challenge and an opportunity for Foodmach’s procurement team and its customers, Roberts says.
INGREDIENTS ON THE RISE
For Murray River Organics, Tripp says the ongoing consumer shift towards certified organic
TRENDS FORECAST 2021
www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au | January/February 2021 | Food&Drink business | 21