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Rising demand for free-from and health-conscious products in the traditionally indulgent bakery category is an opportunity for manufacturers to innovate in this space.

As research firm Mintel notes, consumers are increasingly looking for baked products with an improved nutritional profile and clean-label qualities. Achieving these credentials while maintaining the texture, taste and appearance that consumers expect is no easy task.

Hawkins Watts Australia, part of the trans-Tasman Hawkins Watts Limited Group, works with manufacturers to develop stress-free solutions. Sourced from first-class suppliers, its specialised product portfolio is tailor-made for manufacturers looking to capitalise on the trend towards gluten-free, plant-based, allergen-friendly, and clean-label bakery products. From vegan flavourings and natural colours, through to fortificants and e-number-free texture solutions.

Hawkins Watts also supports customer innovation efforts in other ways by providing insightful trend analysis on what is gaining traction in the food and beverage industry. Its team of highly-qualified food technologists are always on hand to guide and support development concepts – in bakery as well as other application areas.

Localised manufacturing connections and bespoke or off-the-shelf customer solutions are also available. With a head office in Melbourne, Hawkins Watts’ national warehousing and distribution system services food and beverage companies across Australia.

For those interested in ‘better for you’ baking, Hawkins Watts Australia has developed a variety of suitable recipes, ideal for exploring the possibilities of this exciting space. Whether it’s a plant-based cheesecake, protein-enriched snack bars or sugar-reduced granola clusters, Hawkins Watts Australia has got you covered.

Packaging News

In the first year of PKN’s Women in Packaging Awards programme, industry has stepped up with meaning. The response has been phenomenal, and the judges had their work cut out for them selecting the finalists from a competitive field of high-calibre nominees.

At The Hive Awards in Sydney today, the Best Packaging category was won by Don Smallgoods, part of George Weston Foods, for its resealable flow wrap pack for sandwich fillers and other smallgoods. This innovative packaging is a departure from the conventional thermoformed packs and addresses consumer demands for better functionality, sustainability, and product visibility.

Applications for the 2024 APCO Annual Awards are now open, and are open to all of industry to apply.