FOOD & BEVERAGE Toll processing: Easing disruption in
the Irish food and beverage sector The Irish food and beverage industry continues to face production bottlenecks due to ongoing market disruption, delays and shortages.
By Ben Beattie, Director, Forbeats A
cross Ireland, the food and beverage sector faces an array of challenges. The conflicts in Ukraine, the Red Sea
and the Straits of Hormuz have led to ingredient, raw material and fuel shortages, while disrupting major supply routes and causing pricing volatility. This is exacerbated by trade tariffs, which further increase raw material costs and make exports to key markets, like the US, less competitive. In addition, the growing range of import and
export regulations, both from the EU and non-EU countries, has increased bureaucracy, costs and timelines. It has also reduced road haulage capacity due to lengthy delays at border controls. With Ireland importing a large proportion of its raw ingredients and specialised plant, import regulations can significantly influence operational costs and supply chain stability. Climate change is another evolving challenge. Recent years have seen an increase in extreme weather events across the globe that have impacted the availability and pricing of essential ingredients.
TACKLING DISRUPTION WITH TOLL PROCESSING
Toll processors offer an effective way for the food and beverage industry to tackle today’s challenges. Able to operate autonomously, they can deliver high-quality, low-waste processing while ensuring efficiency, safety and robust quality control. With the expertise, facilities and capacity to fulfil the spectrum of processing requirements, combined with the flexibility to commence operations swiftly, they are ideally positioned to overcome bottlenecks and meet short deadlines. This includes the production of custom formulations, multi-ingredient formula blending, kibbling, powder blending and liquid blending. Partnerships with toll processors give
manufacturers access to additional capacity and specialist equipment, helping them maintain production schedules and respond quickly to unexpected demand. This can also reduce downtime and prevent the need to invest in new plant.
Some contractors offer full end-to-end solutions by also providing additional key services. These include labelling, custom packing, repacking into prescribed container sizes, import and
30 July/August 2026 Irish Manufacturing
export clearance, paperwork, batch traceability and warehousing and logistics. Moreover, these can be provided for either continual or one-time operations, and at an international scale.
EXTENDED SUPPLY NETWORKS In overcoming historical challenges, some long- established toll processors have forged trusted relationships with other firms, including those with BRCGS accreditation, to create extended supply networks. Through these networks, contractors are able to procure ingredients and goods from other companies’ surplus supplies. With an up-to-date surplus goods database, ingredients and materials can be obtained quickly, helping manufacturers overcome shortages and delays. In addition to goods, toll processors can also access a wide range of key services, such as logistics and import/exports, from across their extended network, providing even greater agility and capacity. This also means manufacturers can streamline their outsourcing and stay focused on internal operations.
When combined with a focus on stock
control, order forecasting and process and cost optimisation, these additional services enable experienced toll processors to react to demand at pace, implement effective production schedules and deliver end-to-end solutions, even during periods of market disruption.
SAFETY FIRST For manufacturers in the food and beverage industry, the assurance of safety and the ability to comply with regulations and standards is paramount when working with a toll processing partner. Contractors must have the know-how and procedures in place to handle ingredients and materials safely and compliantly, and deliver products that are safe and of high quality. With ISO 9001 and BRCGS accreditation, high
safety standards and proficiency in handling an extensive range of materials across hazard classes and viscosities, experienced toll processors offer manufacturers the assurance they need. Toll processors are equipped with the proper plant and machinery for the safe storage, processing and transport of materials, and can offer sample analysis, batch traceability and paperwork. Besides improving safety and compliance, these also enable contractors to scale operations and deliver at-scale savings for manufacturers. Experienced toll processors offer an effective
way for the Irish food and beverage industry to overcome delays, shortages and bottlenecks. By delivering flexible, full-service, end-to-end solutions, they enable manufacturers to ease the impact of disruption and complete orders within timescales. Moreover, they deliver services that are cost-effective, high-quality, safe and compliant.
https://forbeats.co.uk/
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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