Foodex is part of the UK Food & Drink Shows, which brings together businesses from across the manufacturing, hospitality, grocery and specialist retail sectors to network, see the latest innovations and gain valuable insights.
Ahead of the show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7 to 9 April, here are just a few examples of products buyers will be able to see:
ECO4 stretch wrap machine
Supplier: Eco Pack Technologies
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions E131
Eco Pack Technologies was formed in 2022, acquiring the assets and intellectual property for stretch wrap technology formerly owned by Trak-Rap Ltd. The business will be showcasing its ECO4 stretch wrap machine that is described as a low-carbon alternative to heat shrink tunnels. The ECO4 works by stretching film to create a robust pack, using 90% less energy than an equivalent shrink wrapper or heat tunnel. Because there is no heat in the process, thinner films can be used, reducing plastic usage by up to 70%, says Eco Pack.
Hygiene Ultra 40 Hose
Supplier: G&S Penrith
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions G100
Cumbria-based G&S Penrith will be showcasing industrial cleaning solutions including its Hygiene Ultra 40 Hose. The hose has antimicrobial protection impregnated into its cover to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, according to the supplier, making it suitable for maintaining hygiene in food processing environments.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we sell and the level of service that we provide,” added G&S Penrith general manager Andy Jones.
Double Rack Oven
Supplier: Mono Equipment
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions L70
Mono has been manufacturing rotary rack ovens since the 1980s but this is the first double rack unit it has produced. Development of the new oven was in response to customer demand for an oven with greater baking capacity. It features a motorised turntable in the base that rotates the two racks to ensure an even bake. The oven has six-phase baking for control over the baking process along with energy-saving features such as Sleep Mode, Auto Shutdown, 24-Hour Timer and LED in-door lighting. An integrated steam system means no steam pods are required and the oven needs no mains drain access.
CPAK Jazz
Supplier: Sharpak
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions E130
Operating three manufacturing sites across the UK, Sharpak is the UK division of European food packaging company Guillin Group. CPAK Jazz is a recyclable, ovenable CPET tray aimed at the ready-meal market that features more than 70% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content sourced exclusively from the UK.
Jazz plastic has been historically difficult to reuse due to its colour variations, and Sharpak’s UK-sourced jazz undergoes a rigorous cleaning process before being blended with a masterbatch to ensure colour consistency. The supplier says this reduces reliance on virgin materials and helps stimulate demand for jazz plastic in the recycling market.
InfraLab Top Loader
Supplier: Nordson Measurement & Control Solutions
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions H121
Nordson will be displaying its new InfraLab Top Loader, a food analyser that the supplier says can measure colour, moisture, fat/oil and protein in five seconds. Designed to facilitate sample presentation and reduce human error, it is described as ideal for powders, beans, grains, semi-solid and sheet products.
“It replaces time-consuming laboratory or at-line instrument methods while providing deeper process insight, which significantly reduces operational expenditure,” a spokesperson from Nordson noted.
PAS-I CleanCut Linerless Label Applicator
Supplier: Bizerba
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions L160
Bizerba describes its new PAS-I CleanCut Linerless Label Applicator as “an environmentally friendly labelling solution that eliminates waste while improving operational efficiency”. It can label up to 120 packages a minute and can handle formats including top, C-wrap, full-wrap and overlap. Bizerba says the applicator is flexible enough to integrate into existing production lines, or function as a standalone unit for manual product feed.
208 Detect blow gun
Supplier: CEJN
Stand: Foodex Manufacturing Solutions C91
Based in Sweden, CEJN produces quick-connect couplings for liquid and pneumatic applications for industries including food and drink, manufacturing and construction. The supplier’s latest product, the 208 Detect blow gun, is designed to mitigate the risk of foreign body contamination during production.
Described as the first metal and X-ray detectable plastic blow gun on the market, the 208 is made from food-grade plastic, stainless steel valves with food-grade grease, food-approved seals and has high chemical resistance to common cleaning and disinfection chemicals.
UK Food & Drink Shows
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 April, the 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry
- Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries.
- Food & Drink Expo provides buyers from retail, hospitality, wholesale, foodservice and manufacturing with information and product sourcing opportunities.
- Farm Shop & Deli Show brings together hundreds of suppliers to showcase the best of local and speciality produce to retailers and buyers.
- National Convenience Show provides a platform for the convenience retailing sector to come together, from suppliers and wholesalers through to retailers.
New themed areas are being introduced including the Coffee Zone, the Packaging Zone, the Future Food Zone and the Business Advice Hub, which will provide access to free business advice and services.
Making its debut at Foodex is ‘Food Manufacturing: Past, present and future’, a 20-minute documentary looking at what the manufacturing industry was like 50 years ago, how it has evolved and what the next 10 years may hold. Playing on a loop at the show, the film features interviews with senior figures from across the industry alongside historical and present-day factory footage.
Once again, UK Food & Drink Shows will feature a packed programme of expert speakers, insightful panels and inspiring demonstrations on topics and trends that are driving the industry.
To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, an online digital event companion will offer a comprehensive event guide, interactive floorplan, seamless indoor navigation and real-time notifications.
UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by market-leading business information provider William Reed, which publishes digital and print media including Food Manufacture, and organises prestigious awards, business events and conferences.
“At a time of continuing challenges in the shape of high input prices and rising employment costs, alongside the pressure on consumer spending, the shows offer an opportunity to gain invaluable insight and inspiration,” said William Reed exhibitions managing director Andrew Reed.
To find out more and register for free tickets visit the Foodex Manufacturing Solutions website.
