INDUSTRY NEWS ITI Group signs major MES contract with Fazer
Leading international systems integrator ITI Group has been selected by Finnish food company Fazer to design and implement a ‘Factory of the Future’ Manufacturing Execution System (MES) at its new €400m facility in Lahti, Finland—the largest food manufacturing investment in northern Europe in over 70 years. ITI Group has supported the project for two years, from early concept and strategy through to technical specification, and secured the full MES contract following a competitive four-way pitch. The MES will be built using Parsec
Automation’s TrakSYSTM software and will automate operations across the entire factory. Key capabilities include recipe and material handling, performance monitoring, and quality management. The system will
provide full visibility of ingredients across all product lines, integrating with SAP to manage supplier and invoicing processes while ensuring consistency and quality. Real-time monitoring will track all assets
to ensure optimal performance of both new and legacy equipment, supporting continuous optimisation and maximum productivity. The MES will also deliver full traceability and product genealogy, enabling robust compliance and reducing the risk of production delays due to quality deviations. ITI Group’s Digital Solutions Director,
Oliver Stone, said the project reflects the company’s deep manufacturing expertise and marks a significant milestone as one of Europe’s largest MES implementations in the food sector.
Plamil extends co packing facilities
Plamil has extended its chocolate co-packing capabilities, creating new opportunities for companies looking for own-brand chocolate and reliable service. chocolate packed into a wide range of pouch formats, to build their own retail or foodservice proposition with ease. Current pouch sizes range from 250g to 2kg, making them suitable for consumer retail, professional kitchens, bakeries and manufacturers alike. Plamil’s Adrian Ling commented: “We are proud to continue supporting companies launching new products, expanding existing ranges, or packing options.”
With an award-winning
investment in custom-built their commitment to providing tailored chocolate solutions for a broad range of customers.
Construction of the 33,300-square-
metre facility began in summer 2025. The factory is expected to be operational by 2027 and reach full capacity by 2028. Designed to be highly automated and emissions-free, it will incorporate advanced energy recycling systems. Fazer, which exports to over 40 countries,
is investing in the facility to support international expansion.
Domori enters the UK market &
in partnership with CFW CFW Ingredients
Equipment, part of Sephra Europe, has been appointed exclusive UK distributor and web shop manager for Domori’s B2B professional couverture chocolate range, bringing a premium artisan brand to the UK market. Domori produces small-batch
Adrian continued: “We are packing options with a choice of and other shapes, enabling business. From small start-ups to high-volume packing, we There are also opportunities to collaborate on NPD chocolate varieties, selecting from different formulations or even cocoa origins. BRCG certified Plamil,
produces
chocolate drops ranging in per kg—ideal for making hot chocolate—to large buttons perfect for melting or decoration.
chocolate using a gentle roasting process that preserves natural cocoa flavours. Its products are made from sustainably sourced cocoa with no added flavours or colours, and the brand is particularly known for rare Venezuelan Criollo cocoa, which accounts for just 0.01% of global production. To support the launch, CFW
has developed a dedicated B2B e-commerce platform featuring QR code ordering. The service offers worldwide shipping, next- day delivery, no minimum order, and free UK delivery on orders over £150, making the range easily accessible to chocolatiers, chefs, and dessert professionals. The portfolio includes Criollo varieties such as Chuao (75%), Ocumare (72%), and Canobo (62%), alongside single-origin chocolates from Peru, Venezuela, Madagascar,
6 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • APRIL 2026
and Tanzania. The Domori Essence range provides blends from Ivory Coast and Ecuador for everyday use, while additional products include 100% cocoa mass and AUREA cream fillings in pistachio, hazelnut, and dark chocolate. Sephra Europe launched CFW.
co.uk in 2017 and supplies major brands including Nestlé, Nutella, Monin, Royal Steensma, and Cadbury.
Managing Director David
Archer said the partnership introduces a rare and high- quality chocolate to the UK market and reflects CFW’s focus on innovation, including products like its 50/50 couverture and compound chocolate blend. The Domori/CFW web shop
also offers detailed product information and recipes, with further immersive brand experiences planned in London. IRCA Group added that it expects a strong, long-term partnership with CFW and Sephra.
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