ContiTech is set to debut some of its latest hose solutions at FoodTech 2025 in Brisbane this June. According to Lee Cranswick, head of distribution for Australia and New Zealand, the company sees this event as a crucial stepping stone leading up to 2026’s FoodPro.

“We feel like FoodPro is where we’ll see results, but when we spoke to the event organisers, they suggested FoodTech as a lead-in,” says Cranswick. “This is our first time attending FoodTech, so we see it as a great opportunity to understand the landscape and make our presence known.”

ContiTech’s participation also marks a milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. Cranswick emphasised that FoodTech is an important opportunity to showcase their premium products and reinforce their position as a trusted supplier, especially in the beverage space.

“We’ve had some really good successes with microbreweries,” he said. “And we want to build on that momentum. FoodTech gives us a chance to connect with brewers and food manufacturers who are looking for reliable, high-quality solutions to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. We’re still doing good quality products like we always have done over the last 150 years.”

Cranswick said one area he has seen rapid growth over the past few years is in microbrewing despite increasing government taxation.

“Microbreweries are where you get your wins,” Cranswick notes. “They’re small business owners looking to produce quality products because; if they don’t, they won’t last. For them, investing in premium equipment – like our hoses – makes sense in the long run.”

The craft beer industry’s growth has been driven by consumer demand for unique flavours and locally made products. As small-scale producers, microbreweries often face challenges when it comes to sourcing equipment that balances cost, quality, and efficiency. This is where ContiTech sees an opportunity to provide real value. The company’s premium hoses are designed to minimise downtime and ensure efficient operations, which is crucial for businesses navigating tight margins and regulatory changes.

“You might be paying for a premium product,” Cranswick said, “but that premium quality means fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan, which saves money on the back end.”
He also points out that with taxation policies frequently shifting, microbreweries need solutions that will ultimately help them offset operational expenses.

“Being an election year, you never know what changes might be introduced,” Cranswick said.

“But what we do know is that reducing downtime and improving efficiency is key to staying profitable, no matter what happens with government policies.”

And what kind of hoses are popular and provide security for those not only in the brewing sector now, but thinking of starting a small business?

“Our Microban technology is a real game-changer,” Cranswick explains. “It prevents bacterial growth on the hose cover, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. That means a single hose can be used across multiple sections of a plant, cutting costs and improving efficiency.”

Additionally, ContiTech also has sanitary-grade fittings to complement their hoses.

“You can’t just use any fitting with food-grade hoses,” says Cranswick. “We work with top partners to provide tri-clover fittings, as well as RJT, and BSM threads, which ensure a complete, high-quality solution for our customers.”

Cranswick believes hygiene and food safety have become more critical than ever, with regulatory bodies tightening restrictions to ensure consumer protection. ContiTech’s hoses and fittings are designed to meet these hygiene standards while also being durable and easy to maintain.

“Food manufacturers are looking for products that are reliable, easy to clean, and resistant to bacteria buildup,” says Cranswick. “That’s exactly what we deliver.”

Cranswick points out another feature of ContiTech’s hose technology – its design helps businesses improve efficiency by reducing strain on workers.

“Some of our hoses, like the ExtremeFlex, are designed with a corrugated surface, making them easier to drag across the floor,” he says. “That small feature makes a big difference in day-to-day operations.

“If you’ve got a smooth hose, you’ve got 100 per cent of the product on the floor, and it can be hard to drag. But if you’ve got a corrugated hose, you’ve only got that little section dragging across the ground, which means it’s less force to pull and less force to bend.”

Another key focus is shifting market perception.

“When people hear ‘Continental,’ they think tyres,” said Cranswick. “We’re working to change that. ContiTech is a major player in industrial solutions, including the food and beverage sector, and trade shows like FoodTech help us reinforce that message.”

Cranswick also said that ContiTech is actively optimising its supply chain to ensure customers receive high-quality products efficiently.

“We manufacture in the US and, to a lesser degree, in Germany,” he says. “But we’ve also got manufacturing capabilities in Canada, which helps us navigate tariffs and streamline distribution.”

As ContiTech prepares for its first-ever appearance at FoodTech, the company remains committed to innovation and customer satisfaction.

“At the end of the day, we’re here to provide high-quality solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently,” Cranswick said. “That’s what we’ve done for over a century, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”