tna Reviews interpack and Technology Trends

Global supplier of integrated food packaging and processing solutions tna was one of the exhibitors at interpack this year, where they showcased the company’s new technology solutions.

Potato Processing International (PPI) learned what makes the show dedicated to packaging and related processing industries, a must-attend event in the exhibitors’ perspective. Shayne de la Force, group marketing manager at tna, told PPI what the show in Düsseldorf means for the company and the industry, and how they see the evolution of food processing equipment.

PPI: How many times have you attended/exhibited at interpack and what are the reasons for choosing to be present at Messe Düsseldorf?

tna: tna has been exhibiting at interpack since 1987, and the show has grown in line with our own evolution as a company. We started out with just two people at the tna stand, and now as interpack has reached its fiftieth year, we had our biggest and busiest stand ever. As the world’s most important trade fair for the packaging industry, it’s really important to us as a business to be present and make the most of the opportunities that the show has to offer.

PPI: What is the key feature showcased at your stand this year, if you were to pick only one?

tna: The key feature at our stand this year was the introduction of processing equipment following our recent acquisition of FooDesign. By integrating these innovative food processing solutions into our already wide range of turnkey equipment, we can now offer food manufacturers greater choice, from start to finish. FooDesign develops heavy-duty precision built cooking and processing machines that allow manufacturers to tailor their processing depending on the application. With this additional offering, the company can now deliver the flexibility, specialist solutions and total line support that many food manufacturers have been seeking.

PPI: What are your thoughts on the evolution of industry applications regarding snacks, in terms of packaging and processing, – short to mid-term?

tna: In the past, most manufacturers bought individual components for their packaging line from different suppliers, looking for the specialist in each area. However, product managers are now increasingly looking for a partnership with packaging and processing machinery providers, and are specifying total systems from start to finish. These total systems ensure complete compliance across a number of areas, and offer manufacturers greater choice and increased control over the operations within their plant. It is vital to assess existing operations and choose integrated solutions that will optimise processes, limit costs and reduce time to market. To achieve this total systems approach, more manufacturers will be looking to integrate an increasing number of components into the same network.

Automation will be the key here, to speed up production and create a greater level of transparency and accountability within the plant.

Thanks to our recent acquisition of FOODesign, tna can now offer the choice and expertise that manufacturers within the snack, bakery and confectionery industries need to achieve this.

PPI: What are the direct benefits of exhibiting at interpack, in your experience?

tna: interpack is a great opportunity to meet with both existing and potential customers from around the globe, and demonstrate the wide range of innovations that we offer. There’s no other show that allows us to meet with as many customers from as many countries in one place. We participate in around 32 shows each year globally, yet the quality and the quantity of the leads we gain at interpack is unsurpassed.

PPI: Can you name one highlight of the show that you were most impressed with?

tna: We were absolutely overwhelmed by the number of visitors at the show this year. With more than 175,000 people attending the show, we really felt the increase on the stand. The interest in our product offering, in particular our newly acquired processing solutions, completely exceeded our expectations.