Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Soft drinks sales strong despite obesity concerns

Canadean predicts that carbonates, the leading global soft drinks category, will have grown by around 2 per cent in 2005 despite bad press and pessimistic reports.

More cranberry products anticipated

Ocean Spray is encouraged that the findings of a small study into the health properties of dried cranberries will lead to their use in a broader range of healthy food products.

Südzucker confident in longterm sugar viability

Südzucker is confident that the revised EU sugar reform offers efficient producers long-term planning certainty, though it predicts a fall in next year's income.

Palsgaard improves emulsifier range

Palsgaard has developed a whipping emulsifier system designed to add freshness in a range of baked products.

Synergy vanilla deal guarantees steady supply

Synergy's authorisation to import whole organic vanilla pods directly from Madagascar should help guarantee supplies and achieve a degree of price stability.

Natural enzymes improve product texture, say EU scientists

European Union scientists have developed new natural enzymes that claim to improve the texture of high-protein food products, reducing the need for certain product-enhancing ingredients.

EFSA to examine European dietary guidelines

The European Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide food-based dietary guidelines intended for the European population as a whole, it emerged last week.

Weekly Comment

Time to ditch the FFQ

Little wonder consumers are confused about which foods are good for them, and which bad, when scientists use methods with almost no chance of meaningful results.

Junk food marketers target kids with dirty tricks

Snack food advertisers should be banned from targeting children with underhand advertising campaigns that parents are oblivious to, says a new report.

EU proposes animal welfare labelling for food products

The European Commission proposes to create a special "animal welfare" label for meat and fish products.

Lycored revamps image to increase market presence

Nutritional ingredient firm LycoRed has embarked on a corporate image redesign in an effort to strengthen its market presence.

Supersonic processing making waves in food and drink industry

Pursuit Dynamics, the UK-based creators of novel sonic wave food and drink processing technology, will announce at its AGM today plans to expand even faster this year after its breakthrough in 2005.

Company develops process to make vegetable dough

An Israel-based company has developed a method to make pastry dough mix that contains 50 per cent of vegetable ingredients.

Tate & Lyle issues mixed trading update

Tate & Lyle claims that its latest trading update shows that it is on track to recover next year's higher energy costs, though its not all good news.

Maize imports free from illegal GMOs, says FSA

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) claims it has found no trace of unauthorised genetically modified material in samples of imported maize.

Europe's soft drinks firms ban adverts to children

Soft drinks firms will voluntarily ban advertising to children across the European Union in an effort to curb public criticism amid the bloc's growing obesity problem.

Frutarom develops natural tasting citrus flavours

Frutarom has developed unique processing technology that it claims maintains the true natural flavour of citrus fruit.

Food allergies still ignored, says group

A pressure group in the UK is using food allergy and intolerance week to highlight what they see as a serious lack of understanding of the condition.

EU firms can withstand sugar reform, says study

The slow nature of EU sugar regime reform should enable European producers to offset the worst effects, according to a new credit rating report.

Global cereal initiative promises long term benefits

A new scientific programme promises to transform the development of the planet's three most important crops: rice, wheat and maize.

Novozymes looks to build on strong 2005 performance

Enzymes giant Novozymes' solid performance in 2005 is reflected not only in healthy profits, but also in recognition for its innovation.

Budget cuts undermining food safety, warns EFSA

EFSA has expressed serious concern that the EU's proposed budget cut could seriously undermine food safety in Europe.

Scots blacklist haggis

The good name of haggis, Scotland's famous national dish, has been sullied through its association with the likes of chicken nuggets and turkey twizzlers in a newly published government report.

Study finds insufficient evidence for omega-3/cancer link

A new review study has poured water on claims that there is sufficient evidence to support a link between omega-3 consumption and a reduced risk of cancer.

Technology boost for Europe's GM industry

A new technological innovation aims to put Europe's biotech industry on a level footing with its American counterpart.

Focus on consumer tastes, urges study

A recent study comparing consumer acceptance of cheeses with expert assessments suggests that food makers should pay closer attention to consumer tastes.

Danisco technology taps human flavour perceptions

Danisco has developed new technology that it claims can harmonise flavours with other food ingredients and, for the first time, human perceptions of flavour.

Tate & Lyle completes CCI acquisition

Tate & Lyle's acquisition of US speciality food ingredients firm Continental Custom Ingredients (CCI) could open new opportunities in the value added dairy ingredients sector.

AquaNova nanotech extends CoQ10 uses, bioavailabilty

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has hit the radar screens of functional food, supplement and cosmetic formulators in recent years thanks to positive study results. Now nanotech innovator AquaNova is offering a new form that extends the applications and does away with some of the hurdles they face.

EU points finger for failure of WTO negotiations

EU claims that the stalling Doha round of negotiations in not the fault of Brussels but the result of intransigence from other states shows just how little was achieved in Hong Kong.

Weekly Comment

Food miles leave a bitter taste

The organic food movement has been hijacked by supermarkets intent on being seen to be green, but their disrespect of food miles shows they are anything but.

Ethnicity a factor in salt susceptibility

Some ethnic groups are more at risk of suffering from salt-related illnesses than others, warns a UK pressure group just days before Salt Awareness Week.

Italy's food safety measures called into question

Recent regulatory measures by Italy againstimported wheat, chocolate and poultryhave raised questions over whether the country isusing the EU's food safety and labelling laws tobatter down foreign competition.

Mineral maker hunting for acquisition

Israeli minerals maker Gadot Biochemicals is seeking an acquisition in Europe or the US to expand its health ingredients business.

EU council meeting sets agenda for 2006

The first agriculture and fisheries council meeting under the Austrian presidency of the EU, held today in Brussels, will set the agenda for food industry reform in 2006.

Frutarom develops mental health ingredient

Flavours and extracts firm Frutarom has developed a wild green oat extract to boost mental health, it revealed yesterday.

Parmalat scandal hearing scheduled for March

A court hearing on 1 March will decide whether 13 bank executives and four global banks should be sent to trial over the collapse of Parmalat.

How to navigate new EU food regulations

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has issued a guide to help food firms in the UK meet new legislative requirements.

Noni juice product achieves EU approval

A new noni juice product is fit for sale across the EU, according to the UK's food watchdog.

Slugs suspected of spreading E. coli strain

The humble and much-maligned slug, a common garden pest and victim of numerous salt attacks, could be a factor in the spread of E. coli in salad vegetables.

Italian firm offers tailor-made ingredient solution

An Italy-based ingredients firm has launched a range of functional food formulations based on stabilisers, hydrocolloids and emulsifiers.

IFF cuts jobs, seeks new CEO

The anticipated replacement of International Flavours & Fragrances (IFF)'s chairman and CEO comes at a difficult period of transition for the business.

Danisco taps growth in value added cheese cultures

Danisco's latest product launch is designed to build on strong growth in the cheese cultures sector.

Growing demand for red-hot antioxidant

Israel-based Algatechnologies says the little-known carotenoid astaxanthin is set for rapid growth in coming years, with strong interest from Japan prompting it to boost both capacity and marketing activities this year.

Irradiated food supplement removed from UK shelves

The removal of a food product in the UK due to the presence of an undeclared irradiated ingredient highlights the complicated legal status of this technology within the EU.

Report predicts solid edible oil production

A recent commodity report focusing on edible oil and soy production suggests that India's vegetable oil industry is not happy, while global oilseed production could reach new heights.

Arla launches Mini30 milk in battle for Danish dairy

The dairy group's new, lower calorie milk technology may help it re-gain ground on its home Danish milk market, after dropping almost 10 per cent in market share and losing another supply contract to a smaller rival.

A decade on: is GM winning hearts and minds?

It is ten years since the first large-scale planting of genetically modified (GM) crops. Food Navigator looks at both sides of the argument to assess the future of the technology and its implications for the European food industry.

Ajinomoto sees ingredient opportunities in China

Ajinomoto's joint venture agreement with Knorr Foods and three Chinese firms is the company's latest forage into one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

Frutarom taps emerging European flavour markets

Frutarom's recent acquisition of a savoury flavours firm with interests in Eastern Europe suggests it has further market expansion in its sights.

Symrise cements position as top four flavour firm

Symrise's acquisition of Kaden Biochemicals is designed to consolidate the company as one of the world's four largest flavour firms.

Natural enzyme could reduce peanut allergens, say scientists

New research may provide insight into how to reduce the allergenic properties of peanuts through the use of an enzyme found in certain fruit and vegetables, findings that could lead to the development of "hypoallergenic peanut products," say scientists.

EFSA issues favourable opinion on rapeseed oil

EFSA has concluded that rapeseed oil high in unsaponifiable matter as a novel food ingredient is safe for human consumption under specified conditions of use.

Tate & Lyle focuses on value-added ingredients

Tate & Lyle's launch of its new Merisorb sorbitol powder and dextrose underlines the firm's increasing focus on value added ingredients.

EC puts money into promotion of EU food products

The EC's approval of a €25.5 million programme to support the promotion of agricultural products reflects growing concern over global competition.

EU grants Monsanto GM approval

Monsanto has won permission to import and market three of its genetically modified (GM) maize types across the EU for 10 years, despite fierce opposition from some Member States.

EFSA issues guidance on lupin allergies

The growing popularity of lupin in Europe has increased concerns that some consumers could be unwittingly exposed to allergic reactions.

Can sugar be addictive?

Researchers at Penn State university remain open to the question over whether sugar is an addictive substance or not.

Weekly comment

Some news is good news

I am beginning to feel like a freak among journalists. Good or bad, my reporting is the product of hours of questions, fact-hunting and often-times editorial debate. Yet, despite this rigour, every day we receive emails from people asking, or even instructing, us to publish their press release on our sites.

Danisco sees future in reformed EU sugar sector

Danisco remains confident that an impressive sugar output in 2005 will stand the firm in good stead when the EU sugar reform kicks in.

Olive oil established as leading UK edible oil

Sales of olive oil in the UK have surpassed sales of standard varieties - vegetable, sunflower and seed oils - for the first time, according to Mintel.

Tate & Lyle launches flexible new wheat protein isolates

Tate & Lyle is set to launch two flexible new wheat protein isolates that have been developed from a new patent-protected form of wheat protein processing.

Chr Hansen sales bucks Italian cultures trend

Chr Hansen is enjoying success in the Italian cultures market, bucking the general trend of slow growth and stagnation.

Consumer scepticism rife, says new labelling study

A UK study into the widespread use of food marketing terms has found that consumers remain deeply sceptical about a number of common phrases.

Scientists look for secrets of foamy beer

Scientists are using new technology to further unravel the mystery process behind foamy beer, to help brewers get that perfect brew every time.

Ajinomoto strengthens global food interests

Ajinomoto's acquisition of Amoy Food Group from Danone Asia will give the Japanese giant an important foothold in the global Chinese sauce business.

Sucralose breakthrough could smash Tate & Lyle monopoly

An India-based company claims it has developed a sucralose that will break Tate & Lyle's lucrative monopoly in the sweetener.

IP phytosterols prove popular for Fenchem

Since it started offering its Cholevel IP (identity preserved) soy-derived phytosterols last year, Chinese health ingredients supplier Fenchem has seen exports to Europe and the United States soar to such an extent that it now claims to be China's biggest exporter.

Acrylamide study suggests new formation pathways

The occurrence of acrylamide in food matrices devoid of common precursors such as meat, supports an additional formation pathway, according to researchers in Germany.

Monsanto accused of GM pollution in Europe

Greenpeace, together with a former manager of Monsanto and Limagrain in Romania, claim that Monsanto is contaminating European agriculture with its Roundup Ready genetically modified (GM) soy.

EU orders Greece to lift GM ban

The EU has ordered Greece to lift its ban on genetically modified (GMO) maize seeds, setting the scene for yet another battle over the controversial technology.

Health trends to drive flavour innovation in 2006

The growing demand for nutritional food has had a positive impact on the demand for flavours, with consumers unwilling to compromise on taste according to a market analyst.

Heart health juices increase presence in 2006

Interest is growing in fruit juices for heart health, as Provexis signs up another UK supermarket chain to its tomato-based Sirco drink, and a new trial prepares to get underway in Scotland to investigate the effects of a juice product on cardiovascular disease markers.

2005 review: the year food got inventive

Strawberry milk-flavoured fish sausage, horseradish-flavoured vodka and asparagus-flavoured potato chips are among a list of the top ten new consumer products of 2005.

UK food safety authority seeks lab experts

The UK's FSA is looking for three laboratory specialists for the independent advisory committee on the microbiological safety of foods (ACMSF).

Givaudan closures designed to streamline flavour business

Givaudan has closed two production facilities in an attempt to consolidate its flavour operating asset base and streamline its savoury product portfolio.

Finnish research unveils future food technologies

A Finnish research programme suggests that enzymatic engineering and microencapsulation could be major food technology tools in the future.

China to overtake India in edible oil production

Global commodity markets will have mixed fortunes in 2006, with China prepared to surpass India as the world's largest importer of edible oil, according to ASA's latest report.

Caffeine could be Viagra for women, study

Drinking moderate amounts of coffee may increase a woman's desire for sex, suggests a new US study on female rats.

EU panel demands more info on flavour compounds

A European scientific panel has called for further information on three flavour substances before it makes any final evaluation.

UK firm targets noni juice regulatory approval

A UK company has applied for approval of its noni juice products on the grounds that it is 'substantially equivalent' to other products that have already been authorised.

Food makers see cost savings in microencapsulation

The increasing economic viability of microencapsulation technology has led to significant interest within the food and beverage industry.

Free trade vital to counter slowdown, says food industry

The CIAA has urged the new EU presidency to push ahead with the liberalisation of the global food trade in order to open new markets and tackle the slowdown in productivity growth.

Lycopene colorant achieves regulatory approval

A natural tomato lycopene has been classified as a food colourant in the US.

EU milk quota harming Polish dairy sector

Joining the European Union may have created as many pitfalls as opportunities for Poland's dairy industry, says a new report, warning the sector may struggle to deal with production quotas.

Greenpeace slams EU fishing 'failure'

The European Union has failed to protect North Sea cod stocks from the threat of extinction, says Greenpeace.

Nanotech antioxidant system: food ingredients of the future

Aquanova's cutting edge nanotech antioxidant system for essential oils and flavours is a signpost of where food ingredient technology in the 21st century is headed.

Branding goes to the brain, say scientists

Effective branding remains the key to product success, according to a new scientific study.

New cowpea variety retains 'perfect' green color when dry, frozen

A greener variety of black-eyed pea may well solve the problem of color fading faced by frozen food processors, allowing them to sell a better looking product, say scientists.

Solbar signs soy product distribution agreement

Israeli firm Solbar has established three new distribution channels in France, Benelux and Scandinavia for its range of speciality soy protein concentrates, isolates and textured products.

Food challenge for 2006: satisfying the ethical consumer

Ethical considerations increasingly dictate food purchases, and companies that pay scant attention to this defining trend will lose out.

National Starch deal expands global reach

National Starch Food Innovation's appointment of Fiske as its new distributor of nature-based ingredients to the Swedish, Danish, Spanish and Portuguese markets extends a long-running relationship.

Fizzy soft drinks not linked to esophageal cancer, study

Consuming fizzy soft drinks is not linked to esophageal cancer as previously thought and diet drinks may even help decrease the risk, suggests new research on the issue.

Global caviar trade suspended

Global trade in caviar, one of the world's most expensive foods, has been put on hold in a desperate attempt to protect increasingly endangered populations of sturgeon.

Palsgaard whips up emulsifier innovation

Palsgaard has developed a new cost-effective whipping emulsifier system that it claims can add freshness to a range of baked products.

EU budget will damage UK interests, says NFU

The UK's National Farmer's Union (NFU) believes that the EU budget settlement could damage the nation's food production.

The rise of vitamin D

A growing body of research is driving strong growth in supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D, inversely linked in several studies to lower risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis.

FSA begins search for CEO to fill Bell's boots

The exiting chief executive of the UK's Food Standards Agency will leave behind an organisation well equipped to deal with crises, and make difficult but necessary decisions.

Event aims to settle differences over labelling

A forthcoming European conference on labelling will give food makers the opportunity to air their views on current requirements and pressing concerns.

Nutrinova achieves effective sweetener blend for sauces

Nutrinova claims that sauces and ketchups sweetened with a formula containing Sunett are virtually indistinguishable from varieties with full sugar content.

Dairy price rises forecast to moderate as demand eases

The international demand for dairy products has eased slightly and prices for supplies are likely to moderate in the next several months, according to a new report.

Palsgaard launches emulsifiers for very low fat spreads

Danish firm Palsgaard has launched a new emulsifier combination for very low fat spreads and butter with a fat content of between 10 and 15 per cent.

EU consumers health-savvy, claims Tate & Lyle

European consumers have become more concerned about healthy eating over the past two years and are now much more sceptical about company claims, according to research from Tate & Lyle.

Food makers developing taste for African plants

Extracts of African fruits are sparking interest from food makers seeking new tastes and health properties, according to a plant expert.

2006: A milestone for food safety in the EU

New Year's Day marked a significant milestone for food safety in the EU, with the entry of a large updated body of food and feed legislation.