A Brecon-based company has enhanced its operational capabilities by acquiring a state-of-the-art, fully automated six-lane stick pack machine from Viking Masek. This new equipment complements two existing smaller sachet packing machines at the facility, thus advancing the company’s food manufacturing trends.
This strategic investment not only boosts flexibility in fulfilling orders of varying volumes but also includes a Markem 9750 continuous inkjet printer for coding sachets, reflecting current advancements in food processing technology.
In a move that aligns with emerging food and drink industry innovation, the company has launched a range of new sachet products such as Habanero wildflower honey, soy caramel sauce, olive oregano Provencal sauce, Tzatziki, garlic oil, chili oil, garlic aioli, honey mustard marinade, and semi-dried tomato sauce.
These ingredients feature in thousands of products across the food and beverage industry, including sandwiches, ready meals, pizzas, soups, drinks, and desserts. They are available on supermarket shelves, in airlines, and within restaurant chains and coffee shops. Additionally, the firm supplies to major food manufacturers and service providers.
The company emphasizes its ability to create custom recipes tailored to client specifications, with smaller sachets gaining popularity among consumers. This aligns with current food and drink consumer trends.
Initially, the company began supplying sachet products on a small scale from 2022 to 2023, utilizing a single-lane machine designed to handle a weight range of 30 to 250 grams. Presently, it operates two of these machines, each capable of producing between 40 to 50 sachets per minute.
“These machines are great for when our customers require smaller volume orders, but, with rising demand for larger quantities, we needed to invest in an upgraded, multi-lane machine,” stated Edward Gough, chairman of Beacon Foods.
The latest addition can pack up to 240 sachets per minute, depending on the fill weight, and organizes a predetermined amount into completed packs. The sachets measure 60mm in width and can vary in length and weight from 10 to 100 grams, showcasing versatility in food and drink packaging.
Founded in 1993, the company specializes in producing garlic, ginger, and chili puree, along with roasted and char-grilled vegetables, fruit ranges, relishes, chutneys, sauces, soups, confits, and fruit compotes. This commitment reflects ongoing efforts in food and drink sustainability and adherence to food and drink regulations.
