Gulfood 2025: A Global Platform for Innovation, Networking, and Sustainability

  Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade event, is set to return to Dubai in 2025, reaffirming its role as a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation. Running from February 17 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s event will span over 1 million …

Orkla India refreshes Eastern brand identity with new packaging at Gulfood 2025

  Orkla India, the parent company of MTR and Eastern, will unveil its new Quick Kerala Breakfast range at Gulfood 2025, aiming to expand its presence in the Middle East’s packaged food sector. The launch, under its recently established subsidiary Orkla IMEA, includes the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range with updated branding and packaging.   Indian …

McDonald’s introduces fiber-based lids ahead of schedule

  McDonald’s Finland has replaced plastic lids on its beverages with fiber-based alternatives as part of its ongoing effort to reduce plastic use. The transition, originally set for 2025, is now being implemented ahead of schedule.   By the end of 2025, all McDonald’s restaurants in Finland will use molded fiber lids for both hot …

Edita partners with TJA to expand operations into Iraq

  Edita Food Industries S.A.E. (EFID.CA on the Egyptian Exchange & EFID.L on the London Stock Exchange) has entered the Iraqi market through a strategic partnership with Tuama Jebur Abbas (TJA), a Baghdad-based snack manufacturer. The agreement includes the acquisition of a 49% stake in TJA for $8 million, alongside the establishment of Edita Iraq …

BUA Group expands into packaging with Starlinger partnership

  BUA Group, one of Africa’s prominent industrial conglomerates, has announced its entry into packaging materials manufacturing through a partnership with Austria-based Starlinger & Co. Limited, a global supplier of packaging machinery.   The collaboration will establish a state-of-the-art facility with the capacity to produce 600 million polypropylene (PP) block-bottom bags annually. This move is …

Unilever increases investment in packaging R&D to reduce virgin plastic usage

  Unilever has significantly increased its investment in packaging research and development (R&D) to accelerate its efforts in reducing virgin plastic use. The company has more than doubled its investment in materials science and technology in recent years, focusing on sustainable solutions to achieve its plastic reduction goals.   The Global Packaging R&D Centre, which …

Vinsak installs Rotatek Brava 450 at Paramount Labels in UAE, boosting production capacity

  Paramount Labels has enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of the Rotatek Brava 450, a state-of-the-art printing press known for its versatility and efficiency.   The Brava 450 combines advanced technology to cater to varying production demands, offering semi-rotary and full-rotary systems. This adaptability allows seamless handling of short, medium, and long print …

Silal’s advanced Packhouse supports UAE’s agricultural and food security goals

  The Emirates Council for Food Security recently convened to discuss the role of stakeholders in promoting the ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme, as well as updates to the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The meeting, held at Silal’s Automated Packhouse in Al Ain, also covered global agriculture trends, food trade, and ways to enhance …

Hotpack Global earns EcoVadis ‘Committed’ badge

  Hotpack Global, a UAE-based packaging solutions provider, has been awarded the EcoVadis “Committed” badge in recognition of its efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations. The certification highlights the company’s adherence to environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, respect for labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement.   Hotpack’s sustainability initiatives are guided by its …

Gulfood Manufacturing set to mark a decade of pioneering innovation in Food & Beverage Packaging

  Gulfood Manufacturing (GFM) 2024 marks a milestone 10th edition, shaping the food and beverage manufacturing sector in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Scheduled for November 5-7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will feature over 2,500 companies from 72 countries, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are set to transform the F&B industry. …