Food Processors from Around the World Attend PROCESS EXPO, the Largest Trade Show Dedicated to the Food & Beverage Processing Industry

Attendees Saw New Equipment, Learned From Experts and Networked During Event In Chicago

McLean, VA October 14, 2019 – Thousands of food and beverage processing professionals experienced innovative exhibits, networking opportunities, a world-class educational program and unique show floor activities at the recent 2019 PROCESS EXPO which wrapped up in Chicago, after a week of bringing the latest technology and integrated solutions to all segments of the industry.

“We received very positive feedback from the attendees who truly appreciate the focus of PROCESS EXPO exclusively on food and beverage processing, and the opportunity to see the newest equipment, technology and solutions for them to bring back to their companies. Many were excited about the five working production lines where they were able to see real product being produced,” said Jarrod McCarroll, Chairman, FPSA. “We would like to thank our exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, partners and all of the FPSA committees for their hard work and dedication in making this year’s PROCESS EXPO an important gathering for the food and beverage processing industry.”

Highlights of PROCESS EXPO 2019, include:

• Attendees witnessed five live demonstrations of full production lines with real product,including:o Sliced Cheese Production Line Demonstration – From the separator and HTST, allthe way through to postpackaging inspection, the line produced a variety pack ofcheese.o Pet Food Kibble Production Line Demonstration – Attendees saw how dry kibbleis produced in one of the fastest growing segments of the food industry today.o Sliced Salami Production Line Demonstration – This line moved from rawingredients through the smokehouse and then slicing and packaging for the consumer.o Ground Beef Production Line Demonstration – The line started with cuts of beefand ended with the convenient packaged product you see in the supermarket.o Frozen Pizza Production Line Demonstration – Moved from the creation of the crustthrough the depositing of sauces and toppings and the packaging of the finishedproduct.

• Seventeen finalists in the Innovations Showcase and Awards program presented theirlatest cutting-edge technology and equipment to a panel of food processor judges, whoselected the Most Innovative New Product winners in six categories:o Meat, Poultry and Seafood: Foreign Material Inspection System, ProSpectionSolutionso Bakery, Grains, Nuts, Seeds and Snacks: FlexFlow Precision Spray ControlSystem, BETE Fog Nozzle, Inc.o Prepared Foods, Fruits and Vegetables: Grote Robotics, Grote Companyo Cheese, Dairy, Milk, and Yogurt: PP20H Pressure Sensor, Baumero Beverages, Coffee Blends, and Juices: ThinkTop®, Alfa Lavalo Pet Foods and Treats: FoodSafe Conveyance Workshop, Commercial FoodSanitation, an Intralox Company

• Epzilon ZOX by Zubex USA was awarded the 2019 Innovation Showcase People’s Choice Award winner. Attendees voted for the most innovative product among 17 finalists. Epzilon ZOX is a multilayer low thickness, biodegradable, and shrinkable high barrier thermoforming film in the meat, poultry and seafood category.

• Industry professionals attended various educational tracks on such hot topics as cannabis, food safety, hygienic design and more from industry leading subject matter experts in two theaters on the show floor.

• The History Channel’s Colby Donaldson of The Butcher and Team USA members showedoff their skills with two standing room only presentations. The Team will compete in nextyear’s World Butcher’s Challenge.

• Among the many networking opportunities attendees enjoyed the Oktoberfest Reception celebrating PROCESS EXPO partners Messe Dusseldorf, Messe Frankfurt and Messe Nurnberg, while enjoying the sounds of a Bavarian Oompha band.

• FPSA Women’s Alliance Network Breakfast featured Suzanne Strassburger, the “First Lady of Meat” and CEO of Strassburger Steaks who delivered an inspiring keynote discussion. The Network’s inaugural Red Circle Honors program recognized three women and an FPSA member company for their achievements in the food and beverage industry.

The honorees included:

o Career Excellence: Nancy Corriveau, Blentech Corporationo Rising Star: Nicole Chestnut, Rome Grinding Solutionso Innovation and Inspiration: Carole Tonello-Samson, Hiberbaco Achievement in Developing and Promoting Women: The Haskell Company

• The Foundation of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FFPSA) presented a $75,000 check to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as part of its DEFEAT HUNGER campaign which will be used to help fight hunger in the Greater Chicago Area. In addition, PROCESS EXPO exhibitor Nations Pizza donated thousands of frozen pizzas and CBM Global donated Ready to Eat Meals and others provided monetary gifts to support the campaign.

• The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s (FPSA) announced the initiation of Food Industry Technician Certification Program (FIT) classes being launched with Lincoln Technical Institute offering instructional training and education for prospective food & beverage industry technicians. The FIT program will offer standardized training that will provide future industry technicians with the skill sets necessary for working with the increasingly complex equipment being used in the food industry with the goal of having FIT graduates gainfully employed within the industry.

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The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) is a global trade association serving suppliers in the food and beverage industries. The Association’s programs and services support member’s success by providing assistance in marketing their products and services, overall improvement in key business practices and many opportunities to network among industry colleagues. Programs and services to achieve these objectives include PROCESS EXPO (industry leading trade show), electronic media marketing, education, market intelligence, research, and advocation of critical industry issues such as food safety, sanitary design of equipment, and global trade.

FPSA members are organized in vertical industry councils which focus on specific needs and concerns that are unique to each industry sector. FPSA councils currently represent the Bakery, Beverage, Dairy, Prepared Foods and Meat sectors.