In advance of the show, which is scheduled to begin next Monday (16 September 2013), drinktec organizer, Messe München, called on the beverage and liquid food processing and filling industry to pinpoint key trends.
Beer processing technology
According to Professor Martin Krottenthaler from the Weihenstephan Triesdorf University, the use of raw materials will be a key driver of many beer processing innovations at this year’s drinktec show.
“Here in the global market, the first matter of interest is the highest possible yield. The second is that the raw materials will be become more variable,” said Krottenthaler.
“The central question is: where do I get the starch for brewing at low cost? And it doesn’t have to come from traditional raw materials, if, perhaps, logistical costs are rising, or the competition is growing, or because of the arable areas. This directly influences the machine technology needed."
Wine processing technology
Meanwhile, wine manufacturers look set to move a step closer to the complete replacement of wine pressing technology with decanters, according to Alfa Laval.
Commenting, the company’s regional manager of food technology, Robert Stangl, said: “Nowadays decanters not only handle must clarification and yeast separation, these machines can also be used to extract must or juice from the grapes.”
“Scroll-type centrifuges have already more than proven their effectiveness as compared to conventional presses. The more constant values, the easier operation and the drier residues all lead to greater efficiency,” he added.
Milk processing technology
In dairy, hygiene will be an “important watchword” at this year’s show, according to drinktec.
Efficiency has become increasingly important for dairy processors in recent years, particularly in the stagnated European and US markets. With this in mind, the cost benefits of hygienic design practices look set to be a key innovation driver.
“The motto is ‘easy to clean’ because shorter cleaning times greatly increase the availability of the plant,” said drinktec.
The organizers also pinpointed extended shelf life (ESL) innovations, such as microfiltration and steam injection technology, as an area of interest for the dairy industry at this year’s show.
Cross-functional processing technology
Across the board, however, cross-functional processing technology is expected to play a large part in this month's show, according to drinktec exhibitors, Pentair Südumo.
Commenting, Heinz-Jürgen Kroner, MD of Pentair Südumo, claimed that manufacturers are “deliberately moving away from individual production to a module-based system.”
“This trend will be evident in many areas at the next drinktec,” he added.