DAIRY + PRO2PAC PREVIEW

Dairy – A Machinery Focus
A mood of quiet optimism, driven by the rise in commodity prices, was seen at the end of 2010 in the dairy market but producers have had to cope with increasing promotional activity across the board. MU will explore the challenges that these promotions bring to the machinery sector as its customers strive for greater processing efficiencies all round.
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17, 2010

PRO2PAC SHOW PREVIEW - March 13-16 Excel London
Exhibitors should send in news of their latest developments and products they will be showing.
DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2011

FRESH PRODUCE + INTERPACK 2011 PREVIEW

Fresh Produce – Changing Trends
The modern supply chain has facilitated a truly global market in fresh produce but how does this relate to the trend for eating more seasonably and how has organic faired uring he recession? MU will examine the latest trends in fresh produce and how this is impacting the machinery sector.
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 7, 2011

Interpack 2011 Show Preview
May 12-18 Messe Dusseldorf, Germany
Exhibitors should send in news of product launches at this important, global event early as competition for space will be fierce in this issue.
DEADLINE: MARCH 7, 2011

CONVENIENCE FOODS TO INCLUDE

'FOOD ON THE GO' & READY MEALS
It used to be that cash rich and time poor consumers had money to spend on foods that were convenient for them including posh ready meals and food to go like wraps and sandwiches, but how has the spending squeeze impacted this market? Also, the health debate has impacted the ready meals market and MU will look at how companies are maximising efficiencies to meet changing market needs.
DEADLINE: MARCH 28, 2011

ROBOTICS, AUTOMATION AND VISION SYSTEMS

The British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) reported sales stats better than all previous years back to 2006 at the end of last year with the largest growth areas in food and drink, followed by pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare. Is this continuing into 2011? Also, what is the next generation of vision/inspection systems capable of ‘seeing’ and how is this impacting the machinery sector.
DEADLINE: MAY 23, 2011

SUSTAINABILITY + PPMA Show Preview

Sustainability and the Machinery Sector
Despite tough economic times, the drive towards greener brands is gaining momentum and sustainability issues are taking centre stage for many companies, especially those supplying their products to supermarkets. MU will report on how the machinery sector is addressing customer demands for ecofriendly options.
DEADLINE: JULY 18, 2011

PPMA Show Preview
This will be an in depth guide to the UK’s most important showcase for packaging and processing machinery and technologies. Exhibitors should send in news of latest products on show.
DEADLINE: AUGUST 1, 2011

PHARMACEUTICALS, TOILETRIES & COSMETICS

The UK pharmaceutical manufacturing base has seen a significant reduction in both the number of sites and personnel involved in both primary and secondary production in recent years but the sector still remains a significant net exporter and leads the ranking of UK manufacturing sectors in terms of net positive trade balance. MU will report on how machinery suppliers are meeting the needs of this important market.

New developments in toiletries and cosmetics will be reported including new application technology, the trend for cosmoceuticals and developments in dispensing. How do these developments impact NPD in the equipment sector?
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2011