This year's Food Processing Faraday Partnership (FPFP) annual conference promises to showcase the dynamics driving the food industry and give companies access to the new processes and thinking that can bring their products more effectively to market.

FPFP's flagship event at the Central Science Laboratory in York on May 19 will focus on efficient processing technologies, innovative packaging and brand development.

There can be little doubt that new technology is transforming food production and packaging - robotics for picking, packing and palletising, freezing technology and new processing methods are being rolled out worldwide and FPFP hopes to display these developments to the UK market.

A variety of top professionals connected with the food industry from around the world will be attending the conference as guest speakers, including Marks & Spencer's technical manager Simon Allison.

Allison will provide an insight into the retailers' perspective and discuss how a new entrepreneurial attitude is required within the UK food industry to meet consumers' expectations and successfully bring new products to market.

Industry segment manager of international robotics manufacturer ABB, Peter Cuypers, will outline the cost benefits and production advantages robotic systems can achieve, while Karsten Köhler of the University of Karlsruhe, Germany, will explain how a new system of process intensification can bring savings to the dairy sector.

FPFP regional manager Ian Blakemore said: "Delegates will gain first-hand knowledge of the innovative new ideas and technology out there to improve their business. Speakers will be available for question and answer sessions and there will also be specialist advice on the equipment now available to the food industry."

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