Farmer Connect and IBM are partnering with leading coffee manufacturers and brands to improve ‘traceability, efficiency and fairness’ in the coffee supply chain by leveraging blockchain technology.
Technical expertise in areas like nutrition, science and regulatory affairs is increasingly shaping early-stage food and beverage innovation, according to Leatherhead Food Research.
What agricultural techniques can help palm oil producers farm sustainably? FoodNavigator speaks with smallholder farmer, Wipat Siengtan, and RSPO Community Outreach & Engagement Manager, Imam A. El Marzug, to find out.
From launching a niche start-up to purchasing a cocoa plantation in Saint Lucia, CEO Angus Thirlwell takes us through the ‘perpetual growing ambitions’ of Hotel Chocolat.
The Israel-based ingredients supplier teamed up with National Geographic photographer Craig Burrows to capture the natural glow hidden in its golden tomato breed.
The food sector relies on pollinators – but populations are in decline. Israeli start-up Edete Precision Technologies has developed a mechanized artificial pollination system. “Edete's artificial pollination solution creates a safety net for the...
Why do certain consumers in Denmark prefer organic food products, while others opt for locally produced? A recent study from the University of Copenhagen is investigating these questions by analysing consumer values, opinions, and sociodemographic differences.
General manager of Univanich Palm Oil PLC Harry Brock talks sustainable palm oil production in Krabi, Thailand, covering plant breeding, methane capture, and underplanting.
Cultured meat has seen a surge in interest thanks, primarily, to the mounting realisation that the current system of animal agriculture cannot feed the growing world population sustainably. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain as the sector works...
Reporting progress made to tackle child labour in its cocoa supply chain, Nestlé said it aims at eradicating the practice but added ‘going to 100% requires huge efforts’.
Our latest news and views from Brussels takes in the UK’s general election result, a ban on chlorpyrifos and the EU’s food waste and sustainability plans.
The producer has introduced brand-new organic beet sugar from its Attin sugar plant and also showcased its vegetable protein and nutritional reformulation service at FiE 2019.
The food industry needs to adapt to a paradigm shift among consumers away from traditional diets, according to speakers at the recent FiE show in Paris.
Foodwatch France has partnered with Yuka and the Cancer League to demand a diet without added nitrite including; E249 (potassium nitrite), E 250 (sodium nitrite), E251 (sodium nitrate) and E252 (nitrate) used in processed meats such as industrial sausages.
French ingredients supplier Nexira is launching a new ingredients brand, Inavea, dedicated to organic ingredients with a strong sustainability message, managing director Mathieu Dondain tells FoodNavigator.
Satisfied Snacks is currently 'not courting a major retail listing' it has revealed. However, the innovative start-up, which turns ‘virtually any meal’ into crispy healthy snacks, remains confident in the business case for sustainability.
ABF Ingredients’ new lime powder, made from real lime puree and juice, will meet ‘strong market demand’ for citrus seasonings in salad dressings, ready-meals, and guacamole style snacks, global marketing and supply chain director Jan Bebber tells FoodNavigator.
Mission-led chocolate brands promoting a cocoa province can not only generate consumer engagement, but help deprived producing communities that need it most, according to a sustainability analyst.
Over the past 12 months, the London-based nut butter brand has increased the amount of recycled plastic in its packaging, reduced its transport miles, and surveyed its suppliers’ waste management policies to achieved B-Corp certification, founder Pippa...
Results of the first life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing certified and non-certified palm oil are in: RSPO-certified palm oil out performs non-certified for global warming and nature occupation.
The legal status of CBD is again attracting attention after the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the ingredient is classified as a Novel Food and therefore requires pre-market authorisation. But with a lack of enforcement action, where does...
Bunge Loders Croklaan is expanding into the vegetarian burger category with a range of plant-based offerings – made from shea and palm fat – to help bring texture, bite, appearance, and flavour closer to the ‘real thing’.
Shea margarine start-up The Flower Farm has been advised to adjust communication suggesting the palm oil industry, as a whole, is responsible for deforestation in Southeast Asia. Co-founder Marcel van Wing tells FoodNavigator the statement was ‘pretty...
Little tangible progress has been made in the past year by the UK’s largest supermarkets towards reducing their use of throwaway plastics, says a report which calls for a focus on innovative solutions.
As the fastest growing food producing sector, fish farming is placing increased strain on conventional feed resources. In Norway, researchers are working to relieve this pressure by developing sustainable alternatives – using aquaculture by-products and...
Israeli food tech company Agritask has secured fresh capital to invest in R&D and expand the customer network for its precision agriculture solution, which is already employed by the likes of General Mills.
As the food industry continues to explore plant-based innovations, they must deliberate the health and sustainability credentials of these products, according to experts.
We should bear in mind that palm oil in and of itself is not harmful, according to research that suggests there may be a carbon-friendly alternative to deforestation.
The acceptance of the trendy microbiome diet among consumers has put wind in the sails of ag-biotech start up Joyn Bio, which is engineering microbes for more sustainable agriculture.
European regulators and consumers have been steadfast in their rejection of genetic modification in food. The idea of ‘Frankenfood’ has been a potent symbol of the bloc’s resistance to scientists ‘meddling’ in food production. But are there any lessons...
French deli and ready meal supplier Fleury Michon has implemented forecasting technology from FuturMaster to help anticipate future demand and the daily production requirements for its cold meats, ready meals and snacks.
French ingredients supplier Algaia is leaning in on the innovation that can be delivered utilising seaweed to produce ‘more sustainable’ and ‘tastier’ products.
ScotBio plans to fill a gap in the market for natural blue and green colours having opened its first large-scale production facility in Lockerbie, Scotland.
The French food giant has called for a spirit of industry collaboration and urged global FMCG businesses to become certified B Corp in order to commit to the challenge of creating a sustainable food system and regaining consumer trust.
A new report on investor attitudes to the food and ag-tech space suggested investors are weary of the ‘over-hyped’ meal kit delivery space. Increasing cash is expected to flow towards ag-tech and innovative food in the coming year.
Retailers, brands, and their marketeers are ‘not doing enough’ to promote sustainably driven purchasing decisions in-store, RSPO CEO Datuk Darrel Webber tells FoodNavigator: “Sustainable products have to be front-and-centre to help consumers loosen their...
FMCG giants Nestlé and Mondelēz have responded to the environmental watchdog’s report that claims they purchased palm oil from producers linked to Indonesia’s fire crisis.
A report linking RSPO members and certified growers with this year’s fire hotspots in Indonesia has been published by Greenpeace International. According to the sustainable palm oil organisation, however, Greenpeace's analysis ‘misses the mark’.
Food companies must ‘put their necks on the line’ to address the climate emergency, according to Olam co-founder and Group CEO Sunny George Verghese, who is calling for public disclosure of carbon, water, land, and waste footprints.
Fifteen innovative start-ups tackling some of the big issues around sustainable agricultural production, healthy diets and circular economy solutions for the food sector joined FoodBytes! by Rabobank yesterday.
By Katia Merten-Lentz and Manon Ombredane, legal experts at Keller and Heckman
How have the current EU regulations on health and nutrition claims evolved and where are they likely to go? Katia Merten-Lentz and Manon Ombredane, legal experts at law firm Keller and Heckman, weigh in.
Fresh research utilising DNA testing technology has highlighted ‘widespread’ global adulteration in herbal products, with almost one-third of items tested found to be fake.
Smallholders account for almost 40% of global palm oil production, yet just a fraction is certified sustainable. The RSPO is looking to change this with a new sustainable palm oil standard for low acreage farmers.
The likes of Mondelēz, Nestlé and Unilever have joined a new scheme aiming to improve deforestation transparency. Just as well, as palm oil may be next to witness ‘the Attenborough effect’.
