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FOOD & BEVERAGE OVERCOMING CHALLENGES BY OUTSOURCING


Industries everywhere continue to face an increasingly complex and vulnerable supply chain, and food processing is no exception. Ben Beattie, manager at Forbeats, highlights some of the issues impacting the sector and looks at how outsourcing can help ease these challenges


alued at £104.4 billion, the food and drink industry is the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector by turnover. While vital to the economy and society at large, the sector faces a number of challenges. Not only is the supply chain increasingly complex and vulnerable, but energy prices continue to rise and there are widespread labour shortages. Additionally, countless regulatory, economic, and geopolitical issues, such as the continued fallout from Brexit and the pandemic, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, continue to disrupt the sector.


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Effectively maintaining the food and drink industry amid these and other challenges requires a large support base of knowledgeable, well-connected, and trusted partners. Of course, each type of partner, what they contribute, and how they aid this vital sector, will differ.


In the case of food processing, for example when requiring a multi-compound food product using several different powders, when there is a lack of capacity, or when required to lower costs and improve efficiencies, a contract manufacturer can help. In fact, outsourcing to a multi-faceted and experienced service provider can help food processors remain resilient and responsive during challenging times. Utilising years of industry knowledge and connections, professional contract manufacturers can organise and perform various operations for food processors. Often working with expert partners who hold the necessary BRCGS accreditation, they can safely process foods to ensure their suitability for human consumption.


Outsourcing to a multi-faceted and experienced service provider can help food processors remain resilient and responsive during challenging times


Contract manufacturers also have access to a wide variety of specialised equipment and expertise for certain types of processing. Coupled with innovative solutions, this not only ensures that food processors can quickly scale production up or down as needed, but also provides cost savings by using economies of scale while delivering finished products of the highest quality.


Additionally, toll contractors who are geared to offer end-to-end solutions can take on the responsibilities of packaging or re-packaging, labelling, storage, warehousing and distribution, and even the completion of the necessary paperwork and batch traceability, allowing food processors to benefit from a personalised and catered approach that ensures quality, safety, and reliability.


Selecting the right partner While the benefits are clear, not all contract manufacturers are created equal. Selecting the perfect toll processing partner is critical. A key consideration when selecting a contract manufacturer is to look for a skilled team who will essentially act as an extension of your business. Look for a company that can operate efficiently with minimal supervision, that will simplify processes and help reduce risk, and that will add value to your bottom line.


Another essential matter is quality control. Whether it is ensuring food safety through contamination prevention or providing consistently smooth, homogeneous blends, quality assurance is non-negotiable and should be at the core of everything a professional contract manufacturer does.


Reputation should also be considered. Just as in any selection process, customer reviews play a crucial role and will offer insight into a company’s abilities, performance and turnaround times, and customer service. In addition to positive reviews, look for established business relationships, which


18 JULY/AUGUST 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL


generally signals a company’s credibility and reliability as a processing partner. Finally, determine whether the company has the capacity to meet market requirements swiftly and efficiently, access to an internal database of surplus goods, a strong supply network, and the ability to cater to clients on a project-by-project basis. Your preferred toll manufacturing partner should have the resources to meet your needs, even in cases of high demand, without compromising quality. Moreover, they should have contingency plans should there be any disruption in the production or supply process.


Choosing whether to outsource, especially when faced with constant challenges and disruptions, can be a difficult decision. Working with a professional and reliable contract manufacturer will help mitigate some of these issues, allowing food processors to flexibly expand beyond their own production capabilities while process efficiency and quality is assured. Forbeats specialises in toll processing and contract manufacturing in the chemical and food industries.


Forbeats forbeats.co.uk


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