Heat and Control’s FoodTech Forum brought together customers, strategic partners, and industry experts from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in sustainable food processing.
Hosted at Heat and Control’s premises in Lelystad, Netherlands, the forum offered tailored showcases, live equipment demonstrations, and technical presentations addressing today’s key industry challenges. Topics included sustainable frying solutions, integrated systems for French fry processing, advancements in precision seasoning and product handling, thermal processing, and packaging and inspection. The importance of long-term partnerships to support future-ready operations was also a key theme.
“Customers are facing real pressure to manage costs, stay competitive, and meet evolving sustainability targets,” said Bobby Kane, general manager – Western Europe, UK and Middle East at Heat and Control.
“Each session was designed to help our customers find practical solutions to meet sustainability targets while optimising their daily operations.
“We showcased our latest innovations in decarbonisation, water conservation, and energy-saving technologies designed to support processors now and into the future,” he said.
“At FoodTech Forum, we aimed to provide more than just an equipment showcase – we created a platform for real dialogue around building a more sustainable food system.”
Throughout the three-week event, attendees from Australia, Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa, and beyond engaged with Heat and Control’s global team, including company leaders, sales, engineering, service and marketing teams. The collaborative environment sparked thoughtful questions and gave customers valuable opportunities to engage directly with experts and receive personalised tailored advice.
Interactive demonstrations were a highlight, with focused sessions for snacks, potato chips, French fries, and prepared foods processors. Attendees valued the opportunity to see the equipment in action and gain hands-on insights into how Heat and Control’s equipment and technologies optimise processing efficiency and support long-term sustainability.
Heat and Control’s general manager for North and Eastern Europe, Jurrien Overheul, said the event was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with many regional customers.
“It was a chance to meet face-to-face, see the technology up close, and talk through the specific challenges they’re facing,” said Overheul.
“It’s these kinds of conversations that lead to stronger partnerships and more effective, tailored solutions.
“FoodTech Forum was a chance to have meaningful conversations with our customers about what’s next,” he said.
“The feedback we’ve received confirms events like this are essential in driving collaboration, understanding local priorities, and building future-ready solutions together.”
This article was first published in the July-August 2025 print issue of PKN Packaging News, p45.
