New expo to advance SA sustainability in food, drink

Sustainability interfaces with economics through the social and environmental consequences of economic activity. Globally, most industries are moving towards increased sustainability, including the sustainable use of resources and the food and drink processing industry is no exception.

According to Sustainanalytics, a global leader in sustainability research and analysis, sustainability needs to be addressed in all sectors of the South African economy, due to the increase of consumer awareness and concern for sustainability issues evident in the country. South Africa was ranked in last place within the 31 countries assessed by the Sustainable Development Index.

"These results are evidence of a greater need for events such as fdt Africa, in order to further educate the various sectors on the importance of sustainability and how this can be achieved," says Monika Dech, business unit director, Messe München International, which is launching the expo in South Africa through its subsidiary MMI South Africa.

The event is targeted specifically to serve the African market. "Beverages and foodstuffs will be produced and consumed in Africa and that requires technically solid, efficient and reliable machinery and plants; the exhibitors can provide exactly this," explains Elaine Crewe, CEO of MMI South Africa.

"This makes it necessary for local food and drink industries to consider increasing sustainability in the form of sustainable packaging, recycling and the sustainable use of resources," adds Richard Clemens, MD of the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation).

Alongside its function as a technology showcase, the expo will also be a platform for networking, the exchange of expertise and continuing professional development. "It can assist in increasing sustainability across all local industries involved in food and drink, from farming to processing, packaging and even retail. The latest technologies, products and services will be on show at the event, allowing local and international companies to share ideas about sustainability and ensure that South Africa becomes globally competitive in this respect," continues Dech.

The event has drawn strong support from exhibitors and the trade fair is almost filled to capacity. Exhibitors include companies such as global water, fluid, thermal management and equipment protection partner Pentair, destructive testing company Bruke SA, process solutions design and development company GEA, beverage-dispensing company Metro Dispenser, packaging company Multivac, German multinational engineering and electronics conglomerate company Siemens AG and brewing technology provider ZIEMANN International GmbH.

For more information, go to www.fdt-africa.com.

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From: industrynews2@bizcommunity.com [mailto:industrynews2@bizcommunity.com] On Behalf Of Gia Costella
Sent: 24 February 2014 10:37 AM
To: agriculturenews@bizcommunity.com
Subject: Food & Drink Technology Africa to advance South African sustainability