9th PAPER & TISSUE ONE SHOW is now in its new home – ABU DHABI!

Time：2026-03-31~2026-04-02

Location ：

Since 2007, Al Furat Group's international exhibition, Paper One Show, has enjoyed uninterrupted success, attracting more and more exhibitors and professional visitors. It has become the largest and most prestigious event for the global paper industry. Now it's time for a glorious transformation as it is announced that the exhibition is upgraded to Paper & Tissue One Show and relocated to the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi. Paper & Tissue One Show will be held annually at the country's most prestigious complex – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).   WHY ADNEC, ABU DHABI?   •  Paper & Tissue One Show concluded a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, which will also provide full marketing support for the above-mentioned international paper exhibition. •  Abu Dhabi is one of the most economically powerful, prosperous, secure and stable regions in the world. • ADNEC is one of the most important venues for exhibitions and congresses in the Middle East region and worldwide. •  ADNEC is located 25 minutes from the city center and 15 min from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. • Abu Dhabi is a hub for tens of pulp, paper, tissue, cardboard and packaging companies, making it the largest center for the paper industry in the MENA region.   The upcoming 9th Paper & Tissue One Show, to be held on April 16-18, 2024, will feature more than 210 manufacturers and providers of 60 categories of paper and paper-related products and services, as well as more than 16,000 visitors from 110 countries, making it the signature event of the international paper industry. The exhibition will also host a series of B2B meetings and conferences on sustainability and pulp (MENA Pulp Week), enabling participants to exchange best practices and conduct business negotiations with international partners. Al Furat Group is pleased to invite you to join the 9th Paper & Tissue One Show 2024. The Company's Team is willing to answer your additional questions and provide any other related assistance.

RUPLASTICA is forming an exhibition 2024!

Time：2026-01-27~2026-01-30

Location ：

The organizers of the leading International Specialized Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber RUPLASTICA are actively creating the exhibition for the next season, which will be held from January 23 to 26, 2024 at the Moscow Expocentre Fairgrounds. In the wake of active demand from thousands of Russian industry professionals for domestic procurement, search for new suppliers and innovative solutions, RUPLASTICA, as one of the traditional market indicators among enterprises operating in the field of production and processing of polymers, plastics and rubber, is demonstrating significant growth number of participants. The key RUPLASTICA platform will be thematically expanded by special projects on 3D printing ADDITIVE MINDED and recycled plastics RECYCLING SOLUTIONS. Packaging solutions will traditionally show themselves at the UPAKEXPO exhibition taking place here – a project that has established itself as a unique platform for packagers with an emphasis on polymers. RUPLASTICA 2024 is a wide representation of traders, multi-brand suppliers, both with Russian registration and with European and Asian roots. According to the organizers' forecasts, about 1,000 exhibitors from more than two dozen countries plan to voice their advantages and compete in speed of delivery and assortment. For the first time, in addition to Pavilions No. 2, 8 and Forum, which are well known to participants and visitors, the exposition of the RUPLASTICA exhibition will also be located in Pavilion No. 3!   One of the issues that is covered as widely as possible at the exhibition is raw materials: all types of large-tonnage polymers, special grades, composite materials, various additives and dyes, as well as secondary polymers and technologies for working with them. RUPLASTICA is the largest collection point on this topic in the country. The 2024 exposition will feature more than 250 companies that specialize in raw materials. Such a number of players on one field at the same time can only be found in Russia at RUPLASTICA. Among the thematic raw materials companies that will be located in the Forum Pavilion: permanent Russian participants – Sibur, Okapol, Polyplastic, Liga-Fleks, Revada Group, BARS-2, Ruskhimset, GAVARY COMPOUNDS, GLOBAL COLORS, Bashkir Soda Company, UCG, GAMMA-PLAST , Tathimplast, Aditim, Gabriel-Chemie-Rus-2 and many others; familiar Turkish companies – Akdeniz Chemson Kimya, MELOS KAUCUK VE PLASTIK, FENOL KIMYA, etc.; Belarusian representatives, including new ones at the exposition – ARKOLI, Naftan, Plant Polymir, etc.; as well as companies from China.   The topic of plastic waste is becoming increasingly relevant. And although the share of this material is not so high, attention to its processing is increased, since it has every chance of getting a second life. Participants of the January exhibitions – exhibitors in the RECYCLING SOLUTIONS section – have the necessary experience, vision and technology – they build plants for the recycling of polymers, supply various additives to improve the properties of recycled plastics, offer equipment and technical know-how for recycling materials, and are ready to share this with visitors of the exhibition. Russian Atlasmash, GRAN GARO, MSK Polymer, REPLAST, Aleko Polymers, Polimech, DPL Polimer, Stolica Polimerov, Rostpoliplast, Nevlabs, TPK STR; Turkish Polytek Teknik Makina, Ustun Is Makina, Beksmak Makine, VIKOTECH MAKINE; Chinese Beier Machinery, ZHEJIANG BORETECH ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING; as well as those taking part for the first time – EcoLine-VtorPlast, Siberian Polymer Company – these and many other companies will form the RECYCLING SOLUTIONS 2024 exposition in Pavilion No. 2 (halls 2 and 3).   The role of molds in the entire production chain is undeniable and deserves special attention, especially now when it is necessary to expand the range of manufactured goods. “Molds and dies: combining form and content” – for the first time at RUPLASTICA 2024, the topic of molding tools will be highlighted in a separate exhibition. Pavilion No. 2 (halls 2 and 3) will bring together Russian and foreign suppliers, industry leaders and new players in the domestic market of molds and dies, including: Russian companies – SYSTEM, NEW FORM, T-MOLD, IMID, PROF-NNOV, PK TPYUG, Europartner, Tehnoplast (Rostov Mold Plant), ON-RUS, Engineering Company, LLC “4D”; Turkish – Gorplast Plastik Kalip, 3MEKSAN KALIP VE PLASTIK, PETKA MOLD; Chinese – MOULD-TIP, Wenyi Trinity technology; Italian – NEW TRESING STAMPI and many others.   The largest block and unprecedented scale, for which tens of thousands of professionals visit the RUPLASTICA exhibition at the end of January, are formed by suppliers of injection molding and extrusion equipment, as well as machines for plastics processing and recycling. “Demand creates supply”: taking into account the increased interest of both the market and exhibitors and visitors, the organizers decided to expand the exhibition area and include the territory of Pavilion No. 3 in the exhibition! The equipment segment will occupy Pavilion No. 2 (halls 1-3), as well as the new Pavilion No. 3, and will be represented by the following players: from Russia – Alliance-Prom, HAITIAN CIS, Aleko Machinery, Extrusion Technologies, FORMOTRONIK, Babyplast-Russia, Eurochiller Russia, UGNLAB TEST, BALITEH, MORETTO RU, Plast-TEK, ROTOSNAB, SOLAN-D, BORCHE MACHINERY, INTERPLAST and many others; from Turkey – Akkaya EPS Makina, Alarge Alic Agaci Mak Elek Arge, Altech Makine, Contec Makina Imalat Uretim, DERSAN PVC MAKINELERI, Gorplast Plastik, Haskil Plastik, TRUVA MAKINA, ATAC TEKNIK VE PLASTIK MAKINA, etc.; from China – ECHAPLAST MACHINERY, JC-TIMES, GUANGDONG LIANSU MACHINERY MANUFACTURING, Qingdao Powertech Machinery, Valmo Injection Equipment, etc.; as well as from India – LOHIA CORP LIMITED, J P EXTRUSIONTECH, RR Plast Extrusions, Italy – ITIB MACHINERY INTERNATIONAL S.R.L., South Korea – SM PLATEK and many, many others.   Thus, the RUPLASTICA exhibition will once again act as the leading “hub” of the entire polymer and related world, where many paths converge. At the end of January 2024, the RUPLASTICA exhibition will traditionally serve as an industry barometer and, together with the exhibition projects RECYCLING SOLUTIONS, ADDITIVE MINDED and UPAKEXPO, will present an objective picture and an updated model of international relations that have developed in polymers and packaging over the past period.   Follow the exhibition news on the official website and social networks: Website / Telegram channel

Packaging and technical growth drives BOPET film demand

Global market demand for BOPET film continues to grow despite current economic uncertainty and market challenges, according to a new report by leading industry consultants, AMI Consulting. BOPET producers are adapting to the shift towards more regional supply and increasing tariffs, and taking short-term measures to address falling prices and widespread de-stocking throughout the customer base. In spite of all this, growth opportunities abound and BOPET manufacturers are setting out on the race to supply the burgeoning packaging growth across Asia and for the manufacture of the next generation of high technology and green energy products.   Packaging remains the largest end-use market for BOPET films and in spite of sustainability pressures, is growing strongly across developing markets and within profitable niches globally. The use of flexible packaging including BOPET film for non-food items is lower than for food providing good opportunity to switch from rigid packaging, and BOPET lids and labels in combination with PET trays and bottles offer a mono-material solution. Use of BOPET in food packaging is steadily increasing in low per capita consumption regions such as the Indian Sub-Continent and SEA, where packaged food is becoming more widely available. End-users are recognising that BOPET films can offer properties vital for food security such as good barrier and materials reduction, whilst providing a cost-effective solution. Mono-material PET solutions are seeing R&D interest, with promising developments in sealing properties.   Technical and non-packaging applications are emerging as the better growth opportunity for BOPET film in the next five years, with 5% growth expected to 2027, compared with 3% for packaging films. The stand-out growth application for BOPET in volume terms continues to be photovoltaics, although low prices which continue to offer limited investment opportunities. Supportive government policies may yet persuade those who exited this market to re-enter and support the regional development of green energy industries. Electrical applications are forecast to show ongoing healthy growth, thanks to new battery applications, the growth in flexible electronics and new energy segments. To serve a greater range of growth opportunities, thin film lines are being stretched to their limits and modified to produce both thinner and thicker BOPET films.   The market remains attractive in the longer term both for existing players who continue to invest in broadening their product ranges for new applications, and for new BOPET producers aiming to benefit from the growth of both packaging films and industrial BOPET markets. Both markets are anticipated to exceed global GDP growth in the forecast period with many converters and end-users optimistic about continued growth in demand for BOPET across both packaging and industrial markets in the future.   BOPET Films - the Global Market 2023 is a detailed market report from AMI Consulting.   For further information please contact [email protected] on Tel: +44 (0)117 924 9442

Nestlé: 3 Crafty packaging changes making a difference

We've trimmed the packaging of your favorite brands. Here's how   Packaging is essential to safely delivering high-quality food and drinks, communicating nutritional information, and reducing food loss and waste. However, if it ends up as litter in the environment, it poses a major threat. We take this very seriously.   Our vision at Nestlé is that none of our packaging, including plastic, ends up in landfills or as litter in the environment. In pursuit of this vision, we aim to have over 95% of our plastic packaging designed for recycling by 2025. We've made good progress: We are on track to reduce the use of virgin plastic by one-third by 2025 and have consistently reduced our use of virgin plastic since 2019, even while our business continued to grow.   But what does this look like in action?   As our Global Public Affairs Lead for Packaging, I(*the author, Jodie Roussell) have a bird's eye view of developments coming out of the packaging space. I've picked out three key examples that show how the changes we're making to our own packaging can really add up.   Gerber: A little lid goes a long way Gerber is an iconic baby food brand sold in 80 countries. When approaching the redesign of Gerber 1st Food and 2nd Food puree tubs, we had two key goals: first, ensure food safety and nutritional quality, and second, reduce virgin plastic. The team made a clever change - they optimized the design by removing the over-cap lids. That change has resulted in saving 2 300 metric tons of plastic each year. That's over 5 million pounds - the weight of about 1 500 cars each year!   Vital Proteins: What's the scoop? Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder also found a simple change that packs a punch. The team moved away from including plastic scoops with the powder and, by the end of this year, aims to be officially scoopless! By offering the same collagen we love without the plastic scoop, they save over 330 000 pounds of plastic annually. Since I'm a user myself, I've already switched to using the teaspoon measurement information on the label with additional instructions to get portions just right.   DiGiorno: If a pizza falls in the forest... Our third and final example is DiGiorno, a frozen pizza brand available in the United States and Canada. By removing the cardboard centerpiece in select pizza products, we are saving 4 500 000 pounds of cardboard annually. That saves 49 000 trees from being used for virgin paperboard every year.   These three examples can feel like water droplets in the ocean of change we strive for. But that doesn't mean they aren't important. They highlight how even small changes can have big ripple effects. With these three packaging redesigns alone, we saved almost 10 million pounds of packaging materials annually. From the lab to the factory, our packaging teams around the world are working hard across our brands and products to remove unnecessary packaging, try out new materials, and even pilot reusable packaging solutions to help fight waste.   This is only the beginning, and we hope you'll accompany us on this journey as we innovate our packaging future.   credit

Food & Hotel Hanoi International Exhibition 2023: New business cooperation opportunities for F&B businesses

Time：2027-03-17~2027-03-19

Location ：Hanoi, Vietnam

From November 21-23, 2023, the second International Exhibition on Food, Beverages, Bakery Equipment, Restaurants, Hotels and Service Supply in Vietnam - Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 will take place at ICE Hanoi International Exhibition Center, Hoan Kiem District. This exhibition will welcome 113 exhibitors from 13+ countries and territories, including the expected presence of 11+ international booth groups. With a large exhibition area of ​​up to 6,800 sqm, the show will attract more than 6,500+ specialized visitors.   The information was given by Informa Markets Vietnam Company at the exhibition introduction meeting, taking place on October 24 in Hanoi.   According to Statista's forecast, Vietnam's food market in 2023 will reach 96.47 billion USD, an increase of 9% compared to 2022, and the average annual growth rate in the period from 2023 - 2027 will reach about 8.22% /year. Comparing within Southeast Asia, Vietnam's food industry revenue in 2023 is expected to rank third, only behind Indonesia and the Philippines. Among the segments of Vietnam's food industry, the confectionery and snacks segment accounts for the largest proportion at 14.6%, with a market volume of about 14.13 billion USD in 2023.   Regarding the beverage segment, according to Statista's March 2023 data, Vietnam's beverage market revenue in 2023 will reach 27.121 billion USD, of which the non-alcoholic beverage segment contributes the highest proportion at 37.7%, also the segment with the highest growth rate. Specifically, the non-alcoholic beverage segment will reach a revenue of 10.22 billion USD in 2023, 10.4% higher than in 2022, and the average annual growth rate in the period from 2023 - 2028 reaches 6.28%/ year.   The accommodation, tourism and culinary industries are always linked together. After more than a year since the official re-opening, the tourism market has clearly shown recovery with significant growth. According to the General Statistics Office, travel revenue in the first four months of 2023 nationwide is estimated to reach 9.1 trillion VND, nearly 2.1 times higher than the same period last year. Thanks to the return of the tourism industry, the hotel market in Hanoi in particular and the country in general has grown dramatically. Savills Vietnam's report shows that, in the first quarter of 2023, the number of visitors increased by 220% year-on-year, reaching 1.1 million. Of which, there were 339,000 domestic visitors, an increase of 21% year on year, and 712,000 international visitors, an increase of 1,400% year on year.   At the press conference, Mr. BT Tee - General Director of Informa Markets Vietnam said that Vietnam is famous for its unique cuisine, besides, international cuisine is always widely welcomed in the Vietnamese market while having a significant influence on the tastes of nearly 100 million Vietnamese consumers. This is considered a great development potential for international businesses. Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 not only brings interesting experiences, updates on the latest products and trends in cuisine, restaurant and hotel business, but is also a meeting and connection place for many businesses in the world, F&B sector to share, exchange experiences and create opportunities for cooperation and development.   Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 will welcome 113 exhibitors from 13+ countries and territories, including the expected presence of 11+ international booth groups. With a large exhibition area of ​​up to 6,800 sqm, the show will attract more than 6,500+ specialized visitors. The event welcomes exhibitors from the United States, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and more other Vietnamese brands.   Also sharing at the press conference, Mr. Ralph Bean - Agricultural Counselor of the Department of Agricultural Foreign Affairs, US Department of Agriculture at the US Embassy in Hanoi - emphasized that Vietnam is a dynamic and growing market, bringing open opportunities for international cooperation and trade. Our participation in the Food and Hospitality Exhibition in Hanoi 2023 aims to strengthen cooperation between units and partners operating in the agricultural industry. This exhibition is a platform for exchanging knowledge and understanding market needs, building bridges to promote trade.   According to the Organizing Committee, this is the second time Food & Hotel has returned to the Hanoi market. In this edition, the event has an extremely diverse display portfolio, including Bread, Pastry & Ice Cream products; Tea/Coffee; Food & Beverage; Food Service & Hotel Equipment; Food Technology / Packaging / Disposables; Hospitality Technology and Other Industrial Services.   In particular, within the framework of the exhibition, many exciting activities will take place such as the Summit Program on restaurant and hotel business; Hanoi Talented Chef Competition II - Hanoi Salon Culinaire; barista competition - Vietnam Barista Competition (VBC) or the only coffee tasting competition in Vietnam - Vietnam Aromaster Championship (VAC). Here, young talents and the creative future of modern cuisine will be challenged, competed and honored.   credit

Food For Better Future－Coex Food Week, the largest food related exhibition in Korea!

Time：2025-10-29~2025-11-01

Location ：Seoul, Korea

Celebrating its 18th edition, Coex Food Week has been an optimal business platform for F&B industry in Korea. Held in conjunction with World FoodTech Expo and Korea International Bakery Show, it features products and services of the global food industry.     Why Coex Food Week?   Largest B2B Food Exhibition in Korea South Korea’s Most Established Food & Beverage Industry Trade Show Coex Food Week 2023 is one of the most anticipated international exhibitionsin Seoul, expecting more than 800 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors to join the show. In 2022, 895 exhibitors from 23 countries featured over 1,479 booths whilewelcoming 32,663 visitors around the globe. As a global food comprehensiveexhibition, we provide the best opportunity for your business. It is an optimalplatform to meet buyers with commercial purpose!   Explore a Growing Food Market Korean consumers are open to new international food as exposure to foreign food culture expand Korea is recognized as the 10th largest economy in the world and its annual GDP is to grow by 3.6 % in 2022. The nation’s growing GDP and high urbanization are the basis for the country’s thriving foodservice industry. In 2019, the Korean food market had a volume of USD 128.7 billion, accounting forapproximately 1.9% of the global food market. At Coex Food Week, exhibitors and buyers can learn all about trends and promising fields of food industry and expand their business into Asia.   The Best Business Opportunities Presented Broaden your business with qualified buyers Coex Food Week invites domestic and overseas buyers to participate in a 1:1 business matching program. The program has been extremely successful, boasting an 80% satisfaction rate every year. In 2023, approximately 274 exhibitors and 83 qualified buyers with purchasing power participated in the 1:1 business matching program.     Concurrent Shows: World FoodTech Expo 2023 Korea International Bakery Fair 2023

AllenPack - Allen Plastic Industries Co.,Ltd.

AllenPack has been producing and selling shrink packaging materials since 1980. With solid core technology, a strong operational team, robust processing capabilities, high-quality stability, and high production efficiency, AllenPack is well-known in the industry. We strive to strengthen our research and development capabilities, giving our products a strong international competitive advantage, which has helped us successfully expand into overseas markets and sell worldwide.   With over 40 years of industry experience, AllenPack has continually innovated in product and process research and development. Our main products include shrink film materials such as PVC, PET, POF, and PE. Our products offer significant advantages in terms of compliance and the shrinkage of customer products.   In addition to shrinking and packaging materials, AllenPack has also expanded its product line to include packaging machinery. With our professional and experienced R&D team, AllenPack’s sleeving machine meets customer needs for a one-stop service. We provide stable, highly efficient, easy-to-operate, and easy-to-maintain machines to our customers, helping them save labor costs and improve productivity.   Taking advantage of our machines, we won the Taiwan Excellence Award in 2021 and have also sold them worldwide. "Experts in the Shrink-Packaging Field - Total Solutions for Shrink Sleeve Labels" is what we strive to achieve. AllenPack will continue to provide b better service and continuously develop more efficient machinery to meet our clients' needs.

Preparations for the 2nd BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA are in full swing

Time：2025-11-10~2025-11-12

Location ：Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

All around the world, representatives of the organic food industry gather at various BIOFACH World events. BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA   Following its successful premiere in 2022, preparations for the 2nd BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA are in full swing. From 19–21 November 2023, the fair will take place in co-location with the Saudi Halal Expo, organised by 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences. The youngest member of the BIOFACH World family will thus provide the organic hub for the MENA region.   The event guarantees lively exchanges on global and regional issues. These include, for example, the procurement of organic fertilisers or the challenges relating to water resources in the region.   Alongside the numerous national and international exhibitors, the event also features presentations, discussion panels and workshops. The official German Pavilion subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) is enabling eight German companies to get exposure at the venue.     BIOFACH Nuremberg   Next year too, the organic community’s calendar is already jam-packed. It will kick off in February with BIOFACH in Nuremberg. From 13–16 February 2024, the World's Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food will gather international representatives from along the entire supply chain in its exhibition halls and online on the digital event platform. It will then be time to discover the huge product range of the participating exhibitors once again in what will be a feast for the senses. The accompanying BIOFACH Congress also offers a wide-ranging, sector-specific programme. The focus theme 2024 will be “Food for the Future: Women’s Impact on Sustainable Food Systems”.     BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA   In conjunction with the BIO BRAZIL FAIR and Naturaltech, BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA enjoyed a successful run from 14– 17 June 2023. To recap: Around 52,000 visitors converged on the exhibition halls of the Anhembi Exhibition Centre in São Paulo. This is equivalent to a growth rate of 44% compared with the 2022 event. The 730 exhibitors and the supporting programme reflected current trends and innovations and highlighted the potential of the region. The business round tables offered a venue for retailers and manufacturers to come together in 292 individual meetings.     BIOFACH SOUTH EAST ASIA   Save the date: The 3rd BIOFACH SOUTH EAST ASIA will take place alongside the NATURAL EXPO SOUTH EAST ASIA in Bangkok in 2024.     BIOFACH World   NürnbergMesse has proven expertise in the field of organic foodstuffs. In February every year, the global organic sector gathers in Nuremberg at BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food. The comprehensive range of certified organic products on display shows their diversity – from fresh products like dairy and cheese, fruit, vegetables, dry products like grains and pulses, nuts and confectionery to beverages. The international patron of BIOFACH is IFOAM – Organics International, while the national supporting organization is the German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW). An integral part of this world-leading fair is the BIOFACH Congress, a knowledge-sharing platform that is unique worldwide. With another seven BIOFACH events in China, India, Japan, Latin America, Saudi Arabia, South East Asia and the USA, BIOFACH World has a global presence and year for year brings together more than 4,500 exhibitors and 150,000 trade visitors.

FSTEC launches FSTEC Asia 2024 in partnership with FHA-HoReCa

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FSTEC, the world’s leading foodservice technology event, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with FHA-HoReCa for the debut of its inaugural edition in Asia with FSTEC Asia.   Setting the stage for ground-breaking discussions and innovations at the intersection of hospitality and technology, FSTEC Asia will be seamlessly integrated into the bi-annual FHA-HoReCa tradeshow, offering two full days of programming with expert speakers from around the world from October 22nd to 25th 2024, at the Singapore Expo. The event will also provide unique sponsorship opportunities to cater to the surging demand for technology solutions among APAC restaurant companies.   FSTEC Asia's tagline, "Where Hospitality and Tech Connect," marks a strategic evolution from its US event tagline, "Where Restaurants and Tech Connect" reflecting the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry and encompassing a broader spectrum of technology-driven solutions and opportunities.   Chris Keating, Head of FSTEC, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: "The presentations at this conference will be focused on all parts of hospitality tech: from ordering and payment to loyalty programs and workforce management systems to AI and robotics. There will be something there for the large multinational restaurant company to the growing concept, but also for the systems integrators and vendors who will be helping operators achieve their goals."   FSTEC is proud to announce its collaboration with FHA-HoReCa show, the region's premier international food and hospitality trade show. FHA-HoReCa has established itself as a platform for industry leaders to explore innovative solutions, making it a natural fit for the integration of technology into the hospitality sector.   Ian Roberts, VP of Informa Markets, stated, "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with FSTEC Asia, a testament to our dedication to innovation in the foodservice hospitality industry. As we embrace the growing role of technology in our event, we're excited about the transformative possibilities. This collaboration will be a catalyst for change, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and innovation. It underscores FHA-HoReCa's commitment to delivering value, keeping us at the forefront of industry advancements."   Over the past three years, FSTEC Asia's flagship event in the US, FSTEC, has witnessed remarkable growth, attracting over 800 executives from leading restaurant companies seeking technological solutions to enhance their businesses. Chris Keating remarked, "Adoption of restaurant tech was growing fast before the pandemic. But it has exploded in recent years as operators needed to move quickly to contactless payment, remote ordering, delivery, and more. And now we are moving from the era of necessity to the era of opportunity, as restaurants see how much advanced tech can enhance guest experience, improve efficiency, and grow their business."   For more information and to stay updated on FSTEC Asia 2024, please visit website

Promotional restrictions in the UK for products that are High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS)

A series of restrictions on the promotion of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) came into force in part in England in October 2022. The Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021  are intended to encourage food and drink businesses to produce and promote healthier foods and lifestyles. Further restrictions are due to be enforced in the coming years and the other devolved UK nations are planning to implement similar measures.     What is a HFSS product?   Currently, impacted food and drink categories are listed in the legislation and include, for example, soft drinks, savoury snacks, confectionery and pizza. Future implemented restrictions may expand the categories in scope, and so it is important to keep up to date with any regulatory developments. However, this does not mean every product within each category is impacted. Each is rated on an individual product level by a ‘Nutrient Profiling Model’  score which attributes negative points for calorie density, saturated fat, sugar and sodium, and positive points for protein, fibre, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Although the legislation is in place restricting specified promotions, customers may still require the HFSS score for your product as part of their company policy.   The regulations affect retailers, manufacturers and food business operators selling their food and drink products. Brands are responsible for providing accurate information about the nutritional profile of their products to sellers.     How is the promotion and placement of HFSS products restricted?   The legislation currently restricts the placement of certain HFSS products in prominent locations both in-store and online. HFSS products are no longer eligible for placement in ‘impulse’ areas such as checkouts or gondola ends and their online equivalents. Some exemptions do apply to specific stores including those smaller than 185.8 square metres (2,000 square feet), speciality food stores that sell one type of product, such as chocolate and for businesses with less than 50 employees. The onus will be placed on the retailer to comply with the regulations. Also included in the initial legislation were additional restrictions that would prevent HFSS products from appearing in specified volume promotions (e.g. multibuy, 2 for 1) and HFSS drinks from using free refill offers, although these have been delayed until 1 October 2025.   The current legislation is only applicable in England, but the other devolved UK nations are in the process of developing their own rules. In Scotland, the proposed restrictions were consulted on in 2022 which, in addition to the rules laid down in England, considered including island and bin displays in the promotion restrictions and ‘meal deals’ in the volume-based promotions. A Parliament response  stated that a further consultation of the proposed legislation is due to be launched in Autumn 2023 in order to lay down restrictions in 2024. It was emphasised that engagement has been on the basis that restrictions would not enter into force before 2025 at the earliest.   In Wales, the intention is to proceed with HFSS restrictions on multibuy and location promotions, but also to implement restrictions beyond the scope of the current restrictions in England, further preventing the inclusion of products categorised as HFSS from appearing in temporary price promotions and ‘meal deals’. They also intend to consult on enforcement measures later in 2023, and plan to lay down legislation in 2024 for implementation in 2025.     How will TV and online advertisements of HFSS products be restricted?   Further UK-wide advertising restrictions are planned to be implemented that will prevent HFSS products from appearing in TV advertisements before 9pm and in all paid-for online advertisements. The implementation of these restrictions have also been pushed back and are now due to come into force in October 2025. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) intend to consult on the new rules and associated guidance in Autumn 2023 before publishing guidance on the restrictions in 2024. These new rules will not replace the existing advertising codes of practice (CAP) rules that cover certain kinds of promotional communications, particularly when advertising products to children or which may be attractive to them. The new legislation places additional restrictions on specific categories of HFSS products however the current CAP rules still apply to all products regardless of whether they fall within an impacted food category.     What is the current timeline for implemented and upcoming HFSS restrictions?   Since 1 October 2022: HFSS products restricted from appearing in prominent locations both in-store and online (England)   From 1 October 2025: HFSS products restricted from appearing in volume (e.g. multibuy) promotions (England) HFSS products restricted from appearing in TV advertising before 9pm (UK) HFSS products restricted from appearing in paid-for online advertising (UK)   Scotland and Wales intend to consult on the legislative proposals in 2023, with plans to lay down legislation in 2024 for implementation in 2025.     Are there any other HFSS restrictions that businesses need to consider?   It is worth being aware that some councils are also beginning to implement their own restrictions locally to prevent the promotion of products categorised as HFSS, such as advertisements displayed on council owned sites and public premises. Transport for London (TfL) also has an advertising policy that prevents the promotion of HFSS products on public transport in London.     How can business prepare for current and future HFSS restrictions?   In practical terms, the current and future restrictions mean that many brands may need to reformulate if they want to completely avoid any curbs on marketing activity. The way in which the HFSS scoring system has been set up deliberately prevents food companies from simply adding positive nutrition, such as protein or fibre, to balance the bad. Manufacturers need to bring down the saturated fat, salt and sugar content first.   This presents several challenges because these elements contribute to important functional characteristics such as: taste, shelf-life, texture, stability, mouthfeel, handling, and production reliability and play a major role in our overall eating experience. Consequently, if consumers do not buy the reformulated product after tasting it, despite substantial promotional activity, achieving non-HFSS status may not be economically viable. That is why it is so important to optimise reformulation to ensure the characteristics and integrity of the original product as much as possible.   credit

ANUTEC – International FoodTec India 2023 wraps up, charting a prosperous path for India's food processing & packaging sector

Time：2026-09-29~2026-10-01

Location ：Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India

ANUTEC - International FoodTec India 2023, co-located with PackEx India and ANUFOOD India 2023, recently concluded at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, setting the stage for India's food industry growth. These events, known for innovation and collaboration, reinforced their commitment to an industry projected to reach nearly USD 504.92 billion by 2027. This year, ANUTEC – International FoodTec India, boasting 22,447 visitors and over 500 exhibitors within a vast 25,524 sqm space, showcased the participation of more than 1,500 food brands. India's burgeoning food processing sector, poised to create jobs and attract foreign investments, highlights the significance of ANUTEC - International FoodTec India.   The expos welcomed esteemed dignitaries, industry leaders, and government officials, emphasizing their role in promoting innovation, collaboration, and exploration within the food processing sector. Key dignitaries included Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel, MOS, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Ms Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary (SME), Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Dr. N. Bhaskar, President, Association of Food Scientists & Technologists India (AFSTI), Dr Raghav Jadli, President, All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA), Mr. Oliver Frese, COO, Koelnmesse GmbH and Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd.   During the event, the dignitaries emphasized Government’s industry upgradation programs like INR 4600 crores for PMKSY and PLI Scheme to advance the food processing industry. They also highlighted the role of MSMEs, programs for female entrepreneurs, sustainability efforts, customized programs, along with India's potential as a global food processing hub, and opportunities for multinational corporations. They imparted knowledge that highlighted the government's dedication to the expansion of the MSME and food processing industries, thereby putting India firmly on the world food supply chain.   In his inaugural address, Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel, MOS, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India emphasized, "Today's exhibition is the representation of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' that reflects the distinctive power of our market and the technological innovation that underpins India's development. The Government of India has allocated Rs. 4600 crores to sustain PMKSY, and recently, the allocation of an additional Rs. 920 crores to PMKSY, reaffirms its commitment to sector growth and development.”   “India is positioned to become a hub for the world's food supply. There is a great deal of opportunity for multinational firms to see India as the go-to location for food processing and exports on a global scale since we have access to an abundance of raw materials and undeveloped processing capacity.” said Dr. Jitendra Dongare, Deputy AMA, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.   Reflecting on the event’s success, Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted by the resounding success of ANUTEC - International Food Tec India. The government initiatives and compelling statistics support the strong growth trajectory of India's food processing industry. By 2024, this industry is expected to produce nine million new employment opportunities and bring in USD 4.18 billion in foreign direct investments. The growth of these industries and the promotion of innovation are the top priorities of Koelnmesse India. We appreciate the contributions of the exhibitors, guests, and partners. Together, we will keep bringing about constructive changes in the sector.”   ANUTEC - International FoodTec India is now 'Anuga FoodTec India'   Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd at the sidelines of ANUTEC – International FoodTec India also announced the introduction of ANUGA FoodTec India. The significant development is poised to reshape the landscape of India's food processing sector, offering unprecedented growth opportunities, and fostering collaboration. Building upon the success of ANUTEC – International FoodTec India over the years, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd is now rebranding the event as ANUGA FoodTec India. The event will be held from 28-30 August, 2024 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai in the coming year.   The event has seen a 15% whooping growth over the 2022 edition with new categories leading the charge like Safety & Analytics, Digitalization, Automation, Software, AIDC And IOT Solutions, and Cold Chain Services. Notable trends observed included Sustainable Packaging and Automation/Digitalization in Food Processing. Over 85 new exhibitors participated in the event displaying range of innovative products. With over 130 international participants from 27 countries, the international representation was significant, reflecting a global interest in India's food technology sector. Key participating countries include Italy, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Singapore, Turkey and USA to name a few.   The event was supported by industry stakeholders and associations like All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA), Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), Federation of Freight Forwarders' Associations in India (FFFAI), The Society of Indian Bakers (SIB), and Association of Food Scientists & Technologists India (AFSTI) & some more.   Moreover, ANUTEC – International FoodTec India went the extra mile by hosting specialized forums like the Packaging Theatre (showcased by the Knowledge Partner ‘Innova Market Insights’), Intralogistics, and the Material & Storage Pavilion. These dedicated forums not only enriched the event but also added immense value and relevance for industry professionals. Attendees had the opportunity to delve deep into key aspects of their fields, stay updated with the latest trends, and explore innovative solutions, making ANUTEC – International FoodTec India an even more indispensable event on their calendars.   The positive feedback underscores the event's success and the favorable impression it left on those who participated, attended, or have an extensive experience in the industry. Such praise serves as a testament to the event's excellence and its ability to meet the expectations of diverse stakeholders.   The event contributed to the development of India's food processing infrastructure and supply chain, aligning with the Indian government's initiatives, such as creating Mega Food Parks and schemes for food processing. ANUTEC – International FoodTec India continue to shape a promising future for the industry, showcasing trending processing & packaging technology excellence and business potential globally.

Nutri-Tech start-up debuts new line of whole-cell cultivated berry phytonutrients

Nutri-Tech start-up Novella, Ltd. unveils prototypes of its new line of berry-derived bioactives. Charting a new course in the nutraceuticals industry, the start-up is in the advanced stages of developing intact-cell berry compounds grown outside of the plant using novel, precision-controlled-environment technology. The cutting-edge platform will ease some of the bottlenecks in the supply for high-demand berry ingredients within the global supplement space.     New pilot plant   Novella has opened a new facility comprising both its operational headquarters and a state-of-the-art pilot plant to accelerate the cultivation of whole-berry fruit cells from five varieties. Each variety is designed to meet distinct supplement market demands. Cultivation of the intact-cells in a precision precision-controlled environment preserves the integrity of the whole phytonutrients in the berries. Leading the project is Novella’s new CTO, Prof. Moshe Flaishman, Ph.D.   The main health benefit ascribed to berries as a general category has been their antioxidant capacity and related overall wellness attributes. But, thanks to research advances, we know much more about specific health condition categories that particular phytochemicals could help benefit, and which berries have higher concentrations of the compounds that confer these studied benefits. Novella will introduce a new supply channel for these high-value nutraceuticals currently in peak demand.     No berry waste   “Berries cultivated solely for supplements on average require about 2,000 acres to yield just one ton of polyphenolic compounds,” explains Itay Dana, co-founder and CBDO of Novella. “We have condensed that vast tract of agriculture into a 10K liter bioreactor that produces the same quantity of pure, high-value ingredients. This frees up valuable land for cultivating food crops and provides a host of other economic and environmental benefits, beginning with the complete elimination of waste. Our method requires minimal land, energy, and water usage and exerts a minimal carbon footprint. We can produce high-quality ingredients at affordable prices, independently of climate fluctuations, logistical challenges, or social and political constraints.”   Novella’s proprietary cultivation platform takes a whole-cell approach to providing much sought-after nutraceutical ingredients and involves no extraction processes. The company screens the plant’s tissues to pinpoint the areas of the plant harboring the highest concentration of compounds. The selected cells (callus) are grown in a closed, controlled system that stimulate natural propagation. Growth is maintained at a cellular level without the need of the whole plant.   The cells are then transformed, without the need for solvents, into a nutritious, highly bioaccessible and potent powder that the gastrointestinal system can readily absorb. “We perform a one-time selection procedure, taking tissue from the skin and flesh of the berries while the fruit is in it most potent stage” continues Flaishman.   A berry-licious breakthrough   While Novella nurtures cells from various botanicals, the company has made significant progress in producing cell-grown, berry-derived compounds. By keeping cultivation at a cellular level, the start-up says it can maintain the berry’s natural complex of phytonutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, including much revered anthocyanins. Moreover, the cell wall serves as a natural form of encapsulation, protecting the actives from oxidation and ensuring maximum absorption in the body. “This means that we can also produce specific berry-derived ingredients by request,” adds Flaishman.   “Polyphenols are powerful, yet volatile molecules that can experience losses during traditional extraction processes. Our non-extraction platform bypasses these deficits. The holistic approach harnesses the power of intact berry cells, guaranteeing the delivery of standardized, wholesome, and pesticide-free bioactives. concludes Dana.

Informa Markets Vietnam organizes the 16th International Processing, Packaging Exhibition for Vietnam in November 2023

Time：2026-03-31~2026-04-02

Location ：Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

As a division of Informa PLC – a corporation headquartered in England obtaining over 11,000 employees and an extensive presence across more than 30 countries, Informa Markets is the leading global exhibition organizer. With a portfolio of more than 450 global B2B events and brands in numerous industries, the expos organized by Informa Markets always attract more than 80% of foreign exhibitors from developed countries such as the US, Europe, Singapore, Australia, etc. Informa’s exhibitions are not only well-known trade destinations for millions of business visitors each year but also unmissable occasions for domestic and international businesses to promote products, find new clients and broaden their distribution system. Particularly, over 50% of visitors are the management board, company owners, or senior positions in the organizations.   With the respected history of serving Vietnam's processing and packaging industry, the 16th International Processing, Packaging Exhibition for Vietnam - Propak Vietnam 2023 officially returns from November 08th - 10th, 2023 at SECC, District 7, HCMC. The event is the platform for processing and packaging enterprises to discover innovative machinery, equipment, and technologies to upgrade their production processes, enlarge their scales all while adhering to sustainable standards.   According to Mr. BT Tee – General Manager of Informa Markets Vietnam, the organizer of ProPak Vietnam shared: “Through the introduction of innovative technologies and product showcases, as well as enhancing connections between exhibitors and visitors, the exhibition offers a dynamic business platform that is shaping the future of the processing and packaging industries. These activities contribute to integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations into production, particularly in an industry closely impacting the environment like packaging. By means of this exhibition, I hope that all manufacturers and businesses within the industry can unite, drive change collectively, and become pioneers in initiating the transition towards a circular economy.”   ABOUT PROPAK VIETNAM 2023   The 16th International Processing, Packaging Exhibition for Vietnam - ProPak Vietnam 2023 will officially take place from November 08th - 10th, 2023 at Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), District 7, HCMC.   The world is producing twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago, with the bulk of it ending up in landfill, incinerated or leaking into the environment, and only 9% successfully recycled, according to a new OECD report (2022). A growing world population has increased the demand for plastic packaging; therefore, this problem will only further intensify. The world’s plastic production is expected to double in capacity by 2040. This could lead to a doubling of plastic waste and a tripling of plastic leakage to the ocean by 2040 (The Pew Charitable Trusts, 2020).   Today, we are at the beginning of a change in the packaging industry: Increased consumer awareness, higher demand for sustainable packaging solutions, newly established policies around the globe, and a growing number of large Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies committing to change their packaging for the better. This requires technical innovation and an increased utilization of new renewable resources.   To drive the circular development of the processing and packaging industry in Vietnam, the international trade exhibition - ProPak Vietnam 2023 returns from November 08th to 10th, 2023, at the SECC in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Participants will have the opportunity to experience fullscale machinery in action, examine materials and equipment up close, encounter technologies, discover innovative ideas and nurture relationships with potential clients, distributors as well as industry experts.   With an exhibition area spanning up to 10,000sqm, ProPak Vietnam 2023 proudly welcomes over 450+ exhibitors from more than 30+ countries and territories. Most of the exhibitors hail from developed nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and many other countries.   Through the three show days, ProPak Vietnam 2023 assembles a diverse array of internationally acclaimed enterprises for exhibition, with a concentrated focus on sectors ranging from packaging technology, processing technology, and materials, to drink technology, pharmaceutical technology, cold chain logistics and warehousing, coding, and marking, labeling, printing technology, laboratory and testing equipment, and various other comprehensive services.   With a reputation built over 15 years of successful organization, ProPak Vietnam has firmly established its position as a familiar destination for tens of thousands of industry-specialized visitors each year. Anticipating this year, ProPak Vietnam 2023 is projected to draw in over 10,500 attendees, primarily consisting of business owners, executive boards, and high-ranking specialists empowered with decision-making authority within their respective enterprises.   Beyond its exhibition space, ProPak Vietnam 2023 also provides a series of international seminars, conferences, and technical sessions revolving around the most practical topics within the processing and packaging sector. These encompass cutting-edge smart packaging technologies; recent regulations concerning manufacturers' extended responsibilities under our nation's Environmental Protection Law; other solutions to enhance production efficiency and minimize environmental impact, etc.

Digitalisation and sustainability in advanced manufacturing to be key focus at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC 2023

Time：2025-10-15~2025-10-17

Location ：

Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP), an event of Constellar with international partner Deutsche Messe, returns to Singapore EXPO from 18 – 20 October 2023.     The three-day event is the premier platform for global Industry 4.0 leaders and solution providers to forge deeper engagements with new and existing markets, as well as for key players in the region and stakeholders across the value chain to develop future-ready opportunities for sustainable business growth.     Focusing on new trends and solutions in advanced manufacturing, the event will spotlight innovations in Green Factory solutions that will help the manufacturing industry reduce carbon emissions on its journey to Net Zero. It will also feature new developments in Intelligent Machine Tools & Engineered Parts that are integrated with the latest AI technology and designed to improve productivity through process automation.    These two new pillars are part of the event’s six key exhibitor profiles, which include Additive Manufacturing, Digitalisation, Industrial Automation and Smart Logistics & Supply Chain.     Last year’s ITAP was the first fully-physical edition post-Covid, attracting over 15,000 visitors from 76 countries and regions with more than 35% of its attendees being C-level executives and key decision makers in the industry.    This year, ITAP will host more than 300 exhibitors and over 18,000 attendees across 20,000sqm of immersive experiences at Singapore EXPO, including international pavilions, networking areas and product showcases.    Delegates and trade visitors can enjoy guided tours highlighting the latest advanced manufacturing innovations, as well as expanded opportunities for networking and discovery through engagements such as the International Connect Platform, facilitated business matching sessions, and an innovation stage that will be the launching pad for more than 20 new products.    ITAP 2023 will also host the Industrial Transformation Forum featuring global business leaders in key industry sectors. Across two conference days, key topics across Sustainability, Optimising Manufacturing Efficiency and Supply Chain Resilience will be addressed.   The Future of Manufacturing Summit (FoM) & Roundtable will also return at ITAP 2023 to support industry efforts in encouraging greater receptivity and adoption of Industry 4.0.    Leading up to the main event in October, Constellar will be hosting ITAP 2023 engagements in key sectors around the region – Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia – where Industry 4.0 adoption will be pivotal to accelerating economic growth.     ITAP 2023 is strongly supported by industry and government partners including Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), JTC Corporation (JTC), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) along with their regional counterparts, as well as global industry leaders and key players in the region’s business ecosystem.

The next wave: Alternative-seafood solutions

Billions of people rely on healthy oceans as a source of jobs and food, and demand for fish protein is only increasing. Projections show growth of 14 percent by 2030 versus 2020 levels, driven by growing markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania. That said, the amount of wild-caught seafood remains flat, with more than 85 percent of the world’s fisheries pushed to or beyond their limits.   This means future growth cannot rely on incremental growth in wild-caught seafood. And while aquaculture has been the primary source of new fish supply in recent years, it has not been able to keep pace with demand. So-called alternative seafood—substitutes for popular fish and shellfish such as tuna, salmon, and shrimp—provides one way to help scale seafood and provide high-end protein. Although still in its early days, alternative seafood shows significant potential across three production options, each with its own advantages: plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated.   In this article, we explore the constraints facing seafood markets, as well as challenges specific to popular types of seafood. Our research dives into solutions and products that are either on the market today or likely to be in the years to come.      Global demand is increasing, but barriers to scaling production remain   Demand for seafood is growing quickly. Typically, when a country’s GDP increases, per-capita protein consumption also increases, with the breakdown of protein source varying widely by country. For example, a recent survey in Singapore showed a fivefold increase in the desire to purchase seafood compared with only ten years ago.   This raises the question: as more nations develop, will there be enough seafood to meet growing demand? In many parts of the world, fish are harvested more quickly than their stocks are replenished. Since the 1990s, global catches have declined by about 1 percent per year, primarily due to overfishing. To achieve well-managed fisheries, many regions have limited existing fishing licenses, which has made new quotas a scarce resource.   Despite this, the OECD projects that global fish production will reach 203 million metric tons (Mt) by 2031, with aquaculture production accounting for 108 Mt, surpassing wild catch around 2024. In other words, seafood production will continue to grow despite the plateau in wild catch—but this may not be enough. Although the past decades have brought significant innovation and new technological solutions for farming fish, supply has not been able to keep up with demand for popular species, such as salmon. This lack of supply is primarily driven by regulatory constraints around new farming licenses, some of which are imposed to secure sustainable farming, as well as protections for wild fish.   Alternative seafood products don’t face these restrictions, making them one option for scaling production. Plant-based fish sticks have existed for many years. More recently, alternative seafood has seen the emergence of “whole cut” products and sushi-ready items, such as those that replicate smoked salmon. These and other innovations pose an attractive path forward for the industry.     How the alternative-seafood industry can learn from alternative meats   To date, alternative proteins have focused on three widely consumed meat types: chicken, pork, and beef. But seafood is a much more diverse food class, with several species consumed in large volumes around the world.   As an example, the tuna market is the third largest in terms of annual production. It is also among the most vulnerable to overfishing, the most difficult in terms of aquaculture production, and has a carbon footprint at the retail level of about 0.8 to 0.9 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram. In addition, there are different price points and consumer expectations depending on the species, whether albacore, bluefin, or other premium tuna steaks. Players developing alternative-seafood products will need to consider all of these points when making strategic decisions.   Before alternative seafood can scale, it will need to strike a balance between overcoming challenges and finding potential sources of advantage.     Challenges to overcome   Alternative seafood faces several challenges in its efforts to scale:   Price. Perhaps the most significant challenge for the alternative-seafood industry is bringing the cost of production down to a level that’s comparable to what consumers are currently paying for higher-end species. In turn, these higher-end species are attractive for producers of alternative options, at least for the time being, because their target prices are more achievable. In fact, this is part of alternative seafood’s competitive advantage over meat: fish often sells at a higher price point. For example, some types of seafood, such as bluefin tuna, can cost $40 to $200 a pound for premium or superpremium cuts, which is a much easier price point to hit than $4.99 a pound for ground beef.   Customer acceptance. Simply stated, consumers will expect a high level of quality from alternative seafood. The wide variety of fish and shellfish adds an extra layer of challenge. As an example, whitefish, eel, and crab vary in their “fishiness,” saltiness, and texture. These particularities will be further influenced by regional relationships to seafood. Communities known for lobster fishing could have a harder time accepting alternative shellfish, while communities accustomed to high-quality sushi could have a harder time accepting sushi substitutes. All of these points will likely need to be considered when scaling markets and finding customer acceptance.     Potential sources of advantage   At the same time, alternative seafood has some distinct advantages that will help the industry scale:   Local production. For fresh seafood shipped via intercontinental air freight, transportation costs can exceed $1 per pound and produce about three times the CO2 emissions as fish transported by road, ferry, or ship. By contrast, alternative-seafood products can be produced locally, eliminating the need for costly, time-consuming, and polluting transportation.   Mercury levels and overall health. Although fish and shellfish are excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, they can also contain high levels of mercury. Because of this, the US Environmental Protection Agency advises people in certain vulnerable groups to avoid frequently consuming fish and shellfish that are high in mercury. And a recent report from the European Food Safety Authority explains that heavy consumers of fish meat could exceed the acceptable weekly intake of mercury six times over. Alternative seafood can incorporate the benefits of omega-3s while avoiding the risks of mercury.   Harvesting and farming licenses. Today, it can be difficult to obtain new farming licenses for popular species such as salmon as well as quotas for species such as cod. Alternative seafood does not have these supply limitations, enabling entrepreneurs to build new alternative-seafood businesses without having to apply for farming and fishing licenses.     Developing the alternative-seafood industry   There are three primary production options for alternative seafood: plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated.   Plant-based. This refers to vegan alternatives that make use of soy, seaweed, yeast, legumes, and various vegetable oils and starches. Plant-based seafood has already entered the market in the form of alternative tuna, salmon caviar, scallops, squid, crab, and shrimp. Plant-based products have led the alternative-protein market, in part because they make use of widely available ingredients and require less investment in biotechnology. These products are also subject to fewer regulations and barriers to market, as their technologies typically use GRAS–certified products and don’t require premarket approval. Regulatory issues have mostly focused on product names and labels. Biologically, these products are distinct from the proteins that they emulate—they are designed to look, taste, and feel like seafood but differ on a molecular level.   Fermentation-enabled. Plant-based fermentation has three production methods, with biomass the most applicable to alternative seafood:   Traditional fermentation refers to the practice of using microbes in food. To make protein alternatives, this process uses live microorganisms to modulate and process plant-derived ingredients. Nonseafood examples include fermenting soybeans for tempeh or using lactic-acid bacteria to make cheese. Biomass fermentation involves growing naturally occurring, protein-dense, fast-growing microorganisms, typically algae or fungi. Examples outside of alternative seafood include mycelium-based steak. Precision fermentation uses microbial hosts as cell factories to produce specific ingredients, such as enzymes, vitamins, and natural pigments. Examples include using hemeproteins to improve the taste of plant proteins and using microbes to produce dairy proteins, such as wheys and caseins. Cultivated seafood. These seafood alternatives are produced from cells harvested from popular fish (salmon and tuna) or shellfish (crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and mussels). The cells are then cultured within bioreactors and grown on biocompatible scaffolds, which provide structure to create three-dimensional tissues. The resulting mix of muscle and fat cells tastes similar to live-caught fish and does not require harvesting or farming live fish. These products are still in development and require high degrees of regulation and certification, as they rely on technologies that are new to the food space. With both high potential and high development costs, these products have captured significant interest and funding in alternative seafood.   The next wave: How the alternative-seafood industry can break through   Although alternative seafood offers significant potential for changing consumer preferences by meeting a demonstrated need, the industry still must work to identify target core consumers and develop messages that resonate with them. For example, the issue of ocean health is deeply important to many seafood consumers, yet it remains to be seen whether those consumers will bypass traditional fish for its alternatives. There is also additional opportunity for high-value products, which are the most susceptible to overfishing. While ultrapremium products may help with price parity, they are not well positioned to make a dent in traditional fish supply and demand.   Alternatives can also provide new sources of seafood while reducing the pressures on fragile aquatic ecosystems. However, there is major work ahead on scaling to levels that meet consumer taste and nutrition demands while delivering lower price points to better engage with nonpremium consumers. If companies can achieve wider distribution, they will be better able to reduce existing pressures on oceans and other aquatic ecosystems. Finally, as with other alternative proteins, the alternative-seafood industry must navigate broader macroeconomic pressures affecting consumers and investors while continuing to innovate in order to improve taste and cost. Once these products are more established in the market, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond, and how products continue to develop accordingly.   Clearly, alternative seafood offers significant potential impact. It can not only reduce the environmental impact of fishing and reduce pressure on fisheries but also provide a healthy alternative and expand access to protein in a more efficient manner. Understanding the barriers to scaling and learning from previous strides in alternative proteins will be critical to capitalizing on potential sources of advantage.   source