Gulfood Manufacturing 2014

tna keeps up to speed with Middle East packaged food demand

By Rachel Arthur

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Middle east

Middle East tna packaging solutions
tna says it has seen an increased emphasis on automation and system integration in the Middle East over recent years. 

The packaging and processing company has been active in the region since 2005, and opened its first regional office in Dubai in 2007.

Mukul Shukla, general manager, tna Middle East, told FoodProductionDaily.com the region has been demanding more packaged goods, which has created a need for more efficient packaging machines.

Speed and efficiency

“One of the main trends we have seen since entering the Middle East market is an increased emphasis on automation and system integration to optimise throughput rates and reduce costs,” ​he said.

“Demand for packaged goods in the region has grown substantially over the past few years so high performance packaging systems that deliver speed and efficiency have become key to meeting this market need.

“However, at high speeds it is essential that all elements of a packaging system can achieve similar levels of outputs. Control and monitoring solutions are more important than ever as they ensure that each part of the production line communicates with each other. This boosts line efficiency, eliminates human error and maintains product quality.”

The trend towards automation is also fuelled by a need for better product traceability, as tighter food safety standards are established, Shukla added.

“By commissioning effective controls and automation systems, manufacturers gain full visibility over the entire production process to meet regulatory requirements and ensure efficient and safe processing and packaging of foods.”

Snacks and confectionery

The economy of the Middle East has seen significant growth over the last years, raising consumers’ disposable income, Shukla said. Coupled with population growth and lifestyle changes, this has led to increased demand for packaged goods.

“The snacks industry, in particular, has benefitted from this development as more people are looking for food on-the-go, such as extruded snacks or dried fruits and nuts,” ​he said.

The tna intelli-weigh 0328 omega multi-head twin scale will be launched at Gulfood. It can weigh sweet and savoury snack products, as well as confectionery, cereals, pasta, powders, meat and poultry and fresh and frozen produce.

“This product is the first multi-head twin scale from our omega series of weighers, and can be used in conjunction with our tna robag ​vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) bagging system,” ​Shukla said.

“The tna robag is a twin configuration of our leading tna robag  ​bagger, combining two VFFS machines for a reduced footprint and enhanced performance. Using a twin configuration also enables food manufacturers to simultaneously produce two different bag sizes and formats for additional flexibility.”

tna’s range also includes products for processing, coating, distribution, seasoning, packaging, metal detection and identification.

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