Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Food industry compliant, suggests GM soy study

The results of a study showing that soy products in the UK are correctly labelled with respect to GM contamination have been welcomed by the biotech industry.

Super fruits set to dominate flavour market

So-called super fruits could prove to be the success story of 2006, according to Innova Market Insights.

Report identifies key drivers in ready meals growth

Food makers must tap into two key consumer trends if they are to profit from the continuing popularity of ready meals, according to a new report.

Natraceutical moves to patent cocoa fibre process

Spain's Natraceutical Group has developed a new alkalization process to make its soluble cocoa fiber suitable for use in functional milk products, an area it has identified as offering strong opportunities in the functional sector.

Parmalat posts profit as strategy takes shape

Parmalat's profit before interest and tax rose 18.4 per cent in the first two months of 2006 to € 45 million, with predictions that net debt would remain stable over the year.

Norwegian scientists develop omega-3 'candy'

Norwegian researchers are developing a new chewable capsule for omega-3, primarily aimed at small children who have trouble swallowing normal capsules.

EC clears Cargill Degussa acquisition

The EC has cleared Cargill's acquisition of Degussa's food ingredients business after ruling that the move would not stifle competition within the lecithin market.

BASF launches non-GM maize solution for Africa

BASF has developed a non-GM solution to help African maize farmers eradicate a disease that is costing them an estimated € 1.2 billion a year.

Tate & Lyle shares slide despite encouraging update

Tate & Lyle's latest trading update is encouraging, but it underlines how challenging life is in the shadow of the EU's new sugar regime.

DSM pulls out of aspartame market

DSM has today announced its withdrawal from the aspartame business, citing price erosion and unprofitability as key factors.

Cosun predicts tough times despite solid results

Royal Cosun has put a slight increase in profit down to the contribution from Nedalco, but anticipates challenging times ahead.

Food ads to kids to be restricted

Proposed guidelines to restrict food advertising directed at children will herald a new era of tighter regulatory control in the UK, according to food law experts at Eversheds.

Chr Hansen wins curcumin colour patent

Chr Hansen has been awarded a patent for a new process that it claims improves total yield of curcumin from turmeric by 30 to 40 per cent.

Too little salt could be bad for you, claims report

A new study into the effects of salt intake suggests that people who reported eating less salt than is recommended by UK and US government guidelines were 37 per cent more likely to die from cardiovascular causes than those who ate more.

Beta-glucan fruit drink lowers bad cholesterol levels

Soluble fibre beta-glucan could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and seems more efficient when put in beverages, claims new research.

Cereal makers back vital new EU food legislation

The European Breakfast Cereal Association (CEEREAL) has hailed two important pieces of European food legislation as "broadly positive' for the future of the industry.

Chr Hansen taps growing demand for oleoresin

Chr Hansen is nearing completion on a new ingredient factory in India to meet increasing global demand for natural spice extracts, or oleoresins.

High sugar price may boost shift to premium products in China

Food and beverage firms making premium products will cope best with the current surge in price of both Chinese and imported sugar, with higher margins to cover the rise in costs.

New alliance promises tastier tomato flavours

A German-Israeli research team has identified DNA fragments in wild tomatoes that could enable the development of better-tasting fruit.

Numico sharpens focus by outsourcing milk powder plant

Royal Numico plans to partially outsource its base milk powder production in order to focus its production platform on higher value-added ingredients.

Weekly Comment

Salt debate leaves bitter taste

The current debate about the levels at which the UK's food regulator has set its salt reduction targets misses the point about how healthier eating habits can be achieved.

Codex launches food additive info service

Codex has launched a searchable web-based version of its standard General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) to inform food firms about the latest developments.

Fish group slams omega 3 study

A report claiming that oily fish has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer has been described as highly misleading by fish industry groups.

Ireland's noodle survey finds undeclared irradiation use

A survey of dried noodles on the market by Ireland's regulator highlights the problems food companies face in meeting regulations on irradiation in the EU and worldwide.

Blue cheese dodges FSA salt slashing plan

Wrangling between the UK dairy industry and the country's food watchdog is set to continue over salt slashing targets, after both failed to reach an agreement to cut salt in blue cheese.

Omega-3s have no benefits for heart health, cancer - new review

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements has no effect on mortality, heart disease or cancer, concludes a new review, but guidelines should continue for consumption.

Time running out for global food trade breakthrough

Time is running out in the race to achieve an effective and long-lasting agreement on global agriculture and tariffs.

Chiquita raises banana prices in response to higher tariffs

Leading banana supplier Chiquita has increased its prices in Europe and the US, in a move designed to offset the negative impact of higher tariffs.

Grape DNA study promises better quality wine

An Italian team of scientists has succeeded in deciphering the entire DNA sequence of the grapevine genome after six years of intensive research.

ONC names microencapsulation solution Powder-loc

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) has revealed the double-shell technology underlying its Powder-loc microencapsulation for omega-3.

Soil erosion could devastate food sector

Soil erosion is threatening the future of food production, according to a new Cornell University study.

Roquette enters alliance to boost novel fibre sales

A French starch ingredient firm has formed an alliance in order to increase its coverage of the North American novel soluble fibre market.

Youngsters advised to cut bad cholesterol for long-term benefits

Young people should be encouraged to lower their 'bad' cholesterol intake to reduce their long-term risk of heart disease, says a major new study.

All-natural rhubarb flavour targets health market

A UK firm has developed an authentic natural rhubarb flavour in order to tap growing demand for the latest fashionable health ingredient.

EC approves overseas promotion of food products

The EC has approved measures designed to promote food products in countries outside the EU in order to counter growing concern over global competition.

Seaweed tops list of innovative new ingredients

Seaweed is fast establishing itself as an important food ingredient - and not only in Japan, according to Datamonitor's Productscan database.

Food industry gives cautious welcome to salt targets

Newly published salt reduction targets have been cautiously welcomed by the UK food industry as being 'more realistic than the 2005 proposals', though health campaigners are furious.

Omega-3s might stop spread of prostate cancer

Eating a diet with omega-3-rich oily fish could stop the spread of prostate cancer, but omega-6 fatty acids appear to promote the spread, says new research.

Industry targets growing demand for local food

The increasing availability of locally ingredients and food is driving sales of products with a clear provenance, according to a new report commissioned by Food from Britain (FFB).

Free-from food market there to be tapped, says analyst

The UK free-from food market, including dairy-, gluten- and wheat-free products, is set to double on the back of growing consumer concern over health and well-being.

Food industry meets ahead of new UK salt targets

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) met with key industry players yesterday ahead of the anticipated launch of new salt targets.

Cereal suppliers cautious over new GM trade rules

The adoption of detailed documentation requirements for genetically modified (GM) food in the international trade of agricultural commodities has been met with caution by grain and cereal importers.

More support for grape seed extract's health benefits

Masquelier's grapevine seed extract could reduce free radical damage of blood vessel cells by 85 per cent and protect against heart disease, says new research.

DNA breakthrough promises crispier and tastier apples

Crucial new genetic data on apples could help revolutionise the produce industry by unlocking the secrets of taste, health and colour.

Ruling opens door to more Parmalat lawsuits

Auditors Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton International must defend themselves against a $10 billion lawsuit by Parmalat, ruled a US judge.

Dairy sector focuses on UK functional growth

The success of soy drinks shows that the UK functional drinks market is highly lucrative something that the dairy industry must take full advantage of, says Organic Monitor.

DFI invests in xylitol sweetener technology

Dynamic Food Ingredients (DFI) has licensed technology designed to make the production of xylitol, a natural sweetener that is claimed to have health benefits, more affordable.

Law firm welcomes simplification of food regulations

Owen Warnock, partner and food law expert at law firm Eversheds, believes that UK plans to simplify the regulation and legislation of the food industry are to be welcomed.

Danisco profit impacted by acquisitions and costs

Danisco's consolidated profit plummeted 25 per cent as expected to DKK 726 million for the nine months to 31 January, due largely to costs associated with integrating enzyme business Genencor.

Soy products pose no threat for infants, experts say

Scientific evidence says that consumption of soy from the diet or as supplements should not cause alarm despite negative reports about risks, a view that has been supported by a major US industry group.

Europeans snack and dine through hectic lives, report

European consumers are increasingly skipping meals at home and instead opting to snack or eat in restaurants, a trend that is set to continue on the back of hectic lifestyles, says a new report by Datamonitor.

Safety regulator finds mollusc allergens not reduced by processing

The EU's food safety authority has found that allergens in molluscs are not reliably reduced by processing techniques, paving the way for the bloc to impose labelling requirements on a variety of foods.

Greencore pull-out to end Ireland's sugar industry

Greencore, the ingredients and food service group, said EU sugar reform would force it to pull out of the sugar sector this year, effectively spelling the end of sugar processing in Ireland.

Business, not science, driving infant milk formulations say doctors

The standards for infant formulations, a topic of continued discussion with the Codex Committee, is being driven by commercial interests and not science say two paediatricians, claims that have been refuted by the industry.

Cargill expands refined food oil capacity

Cargill is set to expand its food-oil refinery in Hamburg, raising annual refining capacity by over 100,000 metric tones per year.

Rhubarb back in fashion

Rhubarb, the favourite of granddads and school dinners across the country, has seen sales more than double after recent endorsements from celebrity chefs in the UK.

EC rejects request to shelve GM foods separately

The European Commission has rejected a notification by Cyprus that required genetically modified foods to be displayed separately from non-GM foods in supermarkets.

Folic acid fortification linked to lower stroke death rates

The number of deaths from stroke in North America has dropped by five per cent since the introduction of folic acid fortification, while figures in the non-fortifying UK have not changed.

Food industry calls for action to boost competitiveness

The EU's food industry yesterday called on political leaders to get behind a proposed economic growth programme for the bloc, especially in relation research, small and medium-sized businesses, energy policy and social reform.

Chirac dismisses French protectionism claims

Europe has no time for national champions if it is to compete in the world, warned the European Commission president Wednesday, as French president Jacques Chirac dismissed claims that France was protectionist.

Italy extends labelling law in protectionist stance

Italy has made country-of-origin labelling mandatory on some tomato products, another indication of the country's increasing trend towards making it harder for foreign food products to enter its market.

Specially formulated salt substitute cuts hypertension - study

A low-sodium, high-potassium salt substitute formulated to be flavourful and effective has significantly reduced blood pressure among high-risk subjects, scientists reported yesterday.

Specially formulated salt substitute cuts hypertension - study

A low-sodium, high-potassium salt substitute formulated to be flavourful and effective has significantly reduced blood pressure among high-risk subjects, scientists reported yesterday.

Processing wastes could offer cheap, natural antioxidants for industry

Waste products from processing of fruit and vegetables offer a practical and economic source of potent antioxidants that could replace synthetic preservatives, says a Spanish-German study.

Syngenta moves closer to launching GM wheat

Leading agribusiness Syngenta could be set to introduce the world's first genetically modified wheat seed by early next decade, a move fully supported by American wheat industry organizations.

Frutarom growth strategy boosts strong performance

Frutarom today reported its sixth consecutive year of strong results, as the flavours and extracts firm continues with its rapid expansion strategy.

Healthy eating trend endangers Northern Foods

Like other convenience food producers in the UK, Northern Foods is struggling amidst sliding sales - issuing its second profit warning in two months as consumers shun biscuits, pastries and pizza.

Consumer confidence in food safety on the rise?

Consumer confidence in food safety in the UK is recovering from the low levels it had reached last year after the Sudan 1 food scare, according to a new survey.

EC opposes EU-wide policy on GM crop co-existence

The development of EU-wide legislation on the co-existence of genetically modified crops with conventional and organic farming is not currently justified, according to a new report from the European Commission.

Bitter taste markers determine vegetable intake

More attention should be paid to taste and sensory qualities of vegetables if consumers are to increase their intake and meet diet recommendations, researchers say.

Potential probiotics isolated from dairy sources

Greek researchers have isolated three strains of bacteria from dairy sources that have desirable probiotic properties and could be applied in the food industry.

Commission reopens debate on new labelling legislation

The European Commission has reopened debate on harmonising and increasing legislation on food labelling across the bloc, a move that could potentially lead to greater costs for businesses.

Diet during pregnancy could be a cause of obesity, study

Adjusting the diet of a mother during pregnancy could reduce a child's later risk of developing obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to University of Nottingham scientists working on a five-year early nutrition programme.

Danone takes affordable nutrition into Bangladesh

French food giant Danone is set to announce plans for a new dairy plant in Bangladesh to provide nutritious foods to low-income consumers, following successful entry into a number of similar emerging markets.

Tesco functional cereal bars fortify healthcare shelves

UK company Multiple Marketing has developed a new range of functional cereal bars in an attempt to cash in on the increasing demand for nutritionally beneficial and innovative wellness products that deliver functional health benefits.

Herbs and spices extracts could be natural antioxidants

Extracts from laurel and basil are promising alternatives to synthetic antioxidants, says new research from Finland.

Marks & Spencer dives into ethical consumer market

Marks & Spencer has announced it is converting all its coffee and tea to Fairtrade, a decision that again underlines the growing significance of the ethical consumer.

Global biosafety food standards vital to counter contamination

Greenpeace has called for the urgent adoption of international biosafety standards after the publication of a report that claims to reveal the extent of GM contamination.

UK regulator approves colour-coded nutritional labelling

Over manufacturer's objections the UK's food regulator yesterday approved a colour-coded nutritional labelling scheme for products.

New flour ingredients could solve processing limitations

National Starch Food Innovation has introduced a range of natural, grain-based ingredients, which it claims maintain the positive attributes of traditional flours while expanding and improving the ways they can be used in packaged food products.

Health conscious consumers drive UK oat sales

Hot cereals such as porridge and oatmeal are benefiting from a revival among Britain's health conscious consumers, according to Mintel.

Chr Hansen taps organics with new dairy flavours

Chr Hansen is looking to tap the highly lucrative organic food market with a new range of dairy flavours made from real milk, cream, and cheese.

UK firm cracks natural authentic pomegranate flavour

A UK-based flavour manufacturer claims it has cracked the difficult task of developing an authentic, all-natural pomegranate flavour.

Leaders meet to revitalise WTO food trade talks

Trade negotiators from the EU, the US, Brazil, India, Japan and Australia are meeting in London this week for talks intended to move forward the stalling WTO Doha negotiations on agricultural tariffs.

Spain records high olive oil prices

Olive oil prices in Spain rose by 6.8 per cent between January and February 2006 and increased by 37.2 per cent during the last 12 months, as a result of the shortfall in the country's production.

Cholesterol-lowering foods - the sum greater than the parts?

A combination of foods like soy, plant sterols, almonds and viscous fibres, could reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 20 per cent, and work better together than independently, says a new study.

Academic slams food labelling plans as 'too simplistic'

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)'s proposed Multiple Traffic Light system is 'too simplistic, twenty years out of date, dreamt up by administrators rather than nutritionists and likely to confuse consumers', according to a university professor.

Banks knew of problems, says Parmalat founder

International banks supporting Parmalat's operations knew of the company's financial problems, according to the former chairman Calisto Tanzi.

Vitamin C could reduce inflammation

A diet rich in sources of vitamin C could cut the level of markers for inflammation by 45 per cent, a result that needs verifying by supplementation studies, says a new study.

Mintel identifies key food innovations for 2006

Brain-power foods, portion control and products targeting the senior population are likely to be the food sectors to look out for in 2006, according to Mintel.

Tate & Lyle invests in Israeli sugar venture

Tate & Lyle has formed a joint venture to build and operate a sugar plant in Israel, a move that will partially replace traditional sugar imports from the European Union.

Quest launches allergen free nut flavours

Flavour firm Quest has developed an allergen-free flavour range that perfectly mimics nut flavours without actually being derived from nuts.

RushNet taps growing herbal beverage market

A beverage company believes it is on to winner with a new range of natural ginseng-based energy products.

Danisco gears up for EU sugar reform

Danisco says that the finalisation of the new EU sugar regime and the recently announced transitional measures will not affect the firm's planned efficiency drive.

Coatings reduce fat in battered fish production

Coating fish with alginate, pectin, gellan gum or even water markedly reduces fat absorbtion in the final production of par-fried fish fillets, researchers have discovered.

Study supports benefits of organic food

A new academic study strongly backs the organic sector's claim that it is a viable environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agriculture.

Weekly Comment

The benzene trail

The gamble by US authorities 15 years ago to let the industry deal with benzene residues in soft drinks has failed, and instead only kept those who needed to know in the dark.

Pomegranate peel extract has 'more potential' as supplement

Pomegranate peel yields double the amount of antioxidants than the pulp, and has 'more potential as a health supplement' claim Chinese researchers.

EU agrees to one-year cut in sugar production

The EC's proposal for a one-year cut of 2.5 million tonnes (13.6 per cent) in sugar, isoglucose and inulin syrup production has been accepted.

Food industry not responsive to obesity, claims report

By not doing enough to tackle the growing obesity crisis, the food and beverage industry is storing up problems for the future, claims a new report.

Europe approves GM maize for food use

EU approval of the genetically modified (GM) maize 1507 paves the way for grain and processed products with the GM trait to be imported in all 25 EU countries.

Authorities under pressure over benzene in soft drinks

More soft drinks will be tested for cancer-causing chemical benzene in the UK after it was revealed some drinks contain up to eight times the legal limit for drinking water.

New chip targets improved citrus flavour

Scientists have developed a chip that can improve the flavour of citrus varieties, which could have consequences for the growing natural flavours sector.

'Leaked' WTO report stirs GM food controversy

A pressure group has alleged that a leaked confidential WTO ruling on the recent GM food trade dispute shows that many pro-GM arguments were lost.

Europe must address trans fats 'scandal', says food campaigner

Europe should follow Denmark's example and force food makers to clearly label the presence of trans fats, a move that would bring huge health benefits and bring European labelling into line with the US.

UK consumers more label-conscious, says FSA

More people are checking food labels than before, according to the FSA's sixth UK-wide Consumer Attitudes to Food survey.

Danisco launches allergen-free cultures range

Danisco has developed a new range of completely allergen-free antimicrobials and protective cultures that could help food makers achieve allergen-free products.

Glanbia blames poor results on EU dairy upheaval

Glanbia has blamed EU dairy sector restructuring and upheavals in the Irish market for a disappointing financial performance in 2005.

Novozymes guns for growth after strong 2005

Novozymes plans to identify further expansion opportunities in the enzymes market after a solid performance last year.

EU food reforms should not be rushed, warns Boel

Those demanding quicker CAP reform should bear in mind the current speed of change and take into account the successful legacy of the EU's food policy, argues the European agriculture commissioner.

UK food watchdog discovers benzene in soft drinks

Britain's food safety watchdog says initial tests on 230 soft drinks show benzene levels above the UK limit for water, as the industry tells BeverageDaily.com how it controls the issue.

Parmalat CEO points finger at creditors

Parmalat's chief executive Enrico Bondi has pointed the finger at the company's creditors, accusing them of having knowledge of the disgraced dairy giant's finances.

New wheat variety could improve nutrition

CSIRO has developed a new experimental wheat variety with the potential to provide benefits in the areas of bowel health, diabetes and obesity.

Food labelling schemes a recipe for confusion, claims lawyer

Voluntary food labelling schemes could lead to greater confusion among consumers at a time when the EU is debating how best to harmonise regulations across the bloc, argues an industry lawyer.

Tesco launches cholesterol-lowering milk

Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket, has launched a cholesterol-lowering milk, adding to its range being marketed under its own label.

CSM targets key food sectors for future growth

Poor 2005 results could mark a watershed for ingredients giant CSM, which is in the process of refocusing its business strategy.