Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Novozymes reports solid start to 2006

Novozymes reported an increase in operating profit for the first quarter of 2006, providing a good basis for further expansion.

Cargill targets key European ingredient markets

Cargill plans to highlight its growing focus on texturising and sweetness functionality solutions at a series of major events across Europe this spring.

Industry awaits regulator's review of aspartame

Food processors are waiting with bated breath for the release next week of an EU regulatory review either confirming or rejecting the results of a scientific study claiming that aspartame poses a cancer risk.

Emulsifiers vital for chocolate coating, says Palsgaard

Palsgaard, which has launched a range of ingredients designed to ensure the stable production of low-fat and cost-effective ice cream coatings, explains why emulsifiers are so important.

Cultural factors implicated in obesity, says study

Health professionals need to use more than tape measures and scales to define and tackle obesity, according to a paper in the British-based Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Cargill focuses on health following Degussa deal

Cargill is looking forward to exhibiting a range of new health-focused ingredients at next month's Vitafoods exhibition following its successful acquisition of Degussa Food Ingredients.

Firmenich makes functional debut with omega-3 technology

Firmenich is unveiling the first innovation to come out of its newly formed nutrition and health unit - Duralife Omega 3, which uses microencapsulation technology to overcome stability issues of working with the healthful ingredient.

EU not blocking WTO talks, says dairy chief

It is unrealistic to expect the European Union to make more big concessions at the upcoming World Trade Organisation talks, argues the European Dairy Association against critics of Europe's stance.

UK food sector welcomes new sustainability approach

The UK food and drink industry has welcomed the publication of Defra's Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS), which sets out proposals on how the food industry can tackle some serious challenges ahead.

Natural soy association vows to fight 'legislative vacuum'

The president of the European Natural Soy Association (ENSA) explains why soy food is stuck in a legislative vacuum, and why this must change.

Chr Hansen develops natural meat curing ingredient

Chr Hansen has developed a natural cure for meats that can be used in place of added nitrite, helping food makers to develop clean-label meat products.

Danone strengthens interest in Algerian dairy sector

Groupe Danone's growing interest in the Algerian dairy market underlines the importance of the North African / Middle East region to European milk processors.

Gadot comes up with calcium for milk replacements

Gadot Biochemical Industries has developed a new calcium citrate compound that could help formulators overcome fortification issues with soy milk, fluid milk, smoothie, infant formula, and other milk replacement products.

Scientists unlock secret to whey-based 'mayo'

Scientists in Spain have developed a buttermilk-based emulsifier with similar properties to mayonnaise.

UK food sector welcomes new health approach

The UK food industry has welcomed a new government campaign designed to encourage healthy changes in lifestyle.

Nestlé outperforms in Q1

Swiss food giant Nestlé has announced a first-quarter sales rise of 14.1 per cent to CHF22.8bn (€14.5bn), beating analyst expectations and reconfirming its full-year target of a five to six per cent growth rate.

Solbar expands European soy interests to Finland

Solbar's selection of Danetto Food as its distribution partner for soy proteins in Finland is the latest initiative designed to strengthen the firm's position in the European soy protein sector.

Sustainable development a business reality, says report

Sustainable development will steadily advance over the next 10 years according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers report - an issue that the food industry must positively address.

World's most important commodity takes centre stage

The distribution of rice, the main staple of more than half the world's population, will be the focus of debate at the upcoming International Rice Commission meeting in Peru.

Enzymes can tackle trans fats, claims Novozymes

New enzyme technology offers the possibility of obtaining necessary melting properties without producing harmful trans fats, claims Novozymes.

Sudzucker faces tough 2006, say analysts

Sugar giant Sudzucker must work hard to guard against falling revenue this year despite internal restructuring programmes and expansion into other food sectors, warn analysts.

Europe's food safety body appoints new chief executive

EFSA's appointment of Catherine Geslain-Laneelle as its new chief executive comes at a critical time for Europe's food safety authority.

Cargill outlook downgraded to negative

Cargill's Rating Outlook has been revised to Negative from Stable, reflecting concern that higher capital expenditure will slow debt reduction.

Weekly comment

Strategic philanthropy: exploitation or key to emerging markets?

When a company 'gives back' to the world through charitable donations, should we wholeheartedly commend it for being a good egg or sniff cynically at the profit potential that underlies every business decision?

Roquette achieves ISO 22000 certification

French firm Roquette claims to be the first European starch manufacturer to achieve ISO 22000 certification.

Free trade focus

Global food trade liberalisation vital for EU food sector

The EU's share of the global food market is shrinking - reducing raw material prices and loosening up regulations are fundamental priorities.

Megatrends drive sales growth for Hügli

Hügli's sales growth indicates an increasing appetite for organic foods, cheaper non-branded products, private label brands and outsourcing services.

Danone cements position as world leader

Number one dairy producer Danone has recorded strong results for the first quarter of 2006, bolstered by a focused leadership and continuing record sales in Asia.

Free trade focus

Why EU banana reform doesn't please everyone

The current consultation on reform of the European banana market is designed to smooth out early teething difficulties of the new regime.

Free trade focus

EU blasts US as free trade progress slips out of sight

The EU trade commissioner has today attacked the US as the 'biggest single block' to the successful completion of the Doha round of trade negotiations, casting doubts that a successful conclusion can ever be achieved.

Certification boost for ethical food makers

New third-party verification that food has been produced sustainably could help food markers tap the growing trend towards ethical consumerism.

Danisco taps growing concern over trans fats

Danisco claims it has developed the ingredients to help food makers use trans-free fats without losing functionality.

Palm oil price to climb higher on European demand

Malaysian palm oil prices are expected to edge up by 2-5 per cent in the near future on the back of growing demand in Europe for alternative fuels, suggests a report.

Syngenta records small drop in first quarter sales

Swiss biotech giant Syngenta has attributed a fall in reported first quarter sales of 5 per cent, or 1 per cent in constant exhange rates (CER), to a strengthening of the dollar.

Codex meeting to debate standards on food additives

Representatives from around the world will meet next week in the Hague, the Netherlands to hash out a common agreement on international standards on food additives and contaminants.

ABF plans sugar expansion despite dent in profits

Associated British Foods (ABF), owner of British Sugar, has reported a first-half profit fall of 13 per cent and warned that earnings would likely be affected by continued difficulties in the sugar sector.

Legal focus

Italian chocolate sector stuck in political deadlock

Chocolate lovers are probably blissfully unaware of the intrigue and intricacies currently afflicting the Italian chocolate sector, writes BIN Avvocati Associati advocate Daniele Pisanello.

EC accused of double standards over GM food

The European Commission has approved genetically modified (GM) food despite having serious doubts about the health and environmental implications, according to a pressure group.

New benzene test reveals flaw in FDA soft drinks investigation

A new test should more accurately show the amount of benzene in soft drinks on shop shelves, but that does not mean there is no problem, says the scientist behind the new procedure to BeverageDaily.com.

Camel milk: the dairy product of the future

The future for camel milk is so bright that the FAO predicts that the dairy product could appear one day on European supermarket shelves.

High sugar prices favour corn-based sweeteners

China's production of starch-based sweeteners is expected to grow by 20 per cent in the coming year, as high sugar prices make them more competitive.

Fast food consumption has deeper implications, warn scientists

Fast food consumption in teenagers could lead to a decrease in protein digestibility, according to a team of Spanish scientists.

Apricot kernels withdrawn over cyanide concern

The announcement that eating too many bitter apricot kernels presents a possible health hazard has led to a voluntary withdrawal of the ingredient in the UK.

Nanotech food conference targets future opportunities

The opportunities that nanotechnology could bring to the food industry will be highlighted at a key event later this year.

DSM launches new 'reliable' cheese ripening enzyme

DSM Food Specialties has introduced a new cheese ripening enzyme that it claims accelerates flavor development while also eliminating the bitter off-taste often formed during cheese maturation.

GM Focus

GM protestors arrested as EU opposition radicalises

On the other side of the debate, environmental activists remain committed to ensuring that Europe's food supply remains GM free even if that means breaking the law.

GM Focus

BASF confident in future of GM food

BASF's plans to invest $320 million over the next three years in the development of what it calls 'next generation' GM crops underlines where food technology is headed.

Valio continues research into probiotic fruit juices

Finnish company Valio is continuing R&D into fruit juice-based probiotics, with a study in the journal LWT reporting excellent stability, survivability and tolerability of two strains.

ABF targets Eastern European food market

ABF Ingredients (ABFI) plans to introduce what it claims will be innovative quality ingredients brands into the Eastern European market.

GM Focus

Future of GM food at the crossroads

Events over the past few months might have shaped the future of GM food in Europe for decades to come. FoodNavigator looks at the decisions that have influenced the proliferation of this controversial technology.

Export prices for food stagnate, indicating tough times ahead

Weak and stagnating prices for food, agricultural raw materials and manufactured goods in 2005 could mean further bad news for exporters this year, according to a World Trade Organisation report.

Frutarom flavours certified organic

Israel-based flavour firm Frutarom has received official organic certification for the second year running from Quality Assurance International (QAI) in the US.

Food products: new uses for traditional ingredients

A number of new products are targeted to bring an unusual end to this year's month of fasting - from 'ancient' chocolate to beetroot-flavoured coffee and vinegar-based alcoholic drinks.

GM food proposals could 'politicise' approvals process

A proposal designed to improve scientific consistency and transparency for decisions on GM food could 'politicise' the approvals process.

Revised credit rating underlines Nestlé's strength

Standard & Poor's has revised its Nestle outlook from negative to stable though it warns that its ratings could be lowered in the future.

Purac launches food safety ingredient in powder form

Purac has launched a powder form of its sodium lactate and sodium diacetate ingredient in order to help meat and poultry manufacturers meet stringent food safety targets.

Lupin sector defends safety of its ingredient

Recent research sheds new light on the allergenicity of lupin, suggesting that common assumptions about the dangers of the ingredient could be overblown.

High cholesterol levels could boost prostate cancer risk

Men with high cholesterol levels have a 50 per cent higher risk of prostate cancer, says Italian research.

Global concern over new EU novel food regs

Proposed revision of the EU regulation on novel foods has aroused concern among several developing countries, according to the WTO.

Quality schemes should remain voluntary, EU food industry says

Various quality assurance schemes used in the food industry should remain voluntary, the bloc's food industry association says in attempting to forestall planned EU legislation on the subject.

Heat tests key for benzene in soft drinks

Testing soft drinks to reflect the effects of storage and transport conditions will be crucial to realistically monitor benzene formation in different drinks, a former industry scientist told BeverageDaily.com.

Exports rise, but global market share shrinks

Despite boosting exports last year, the EU's food and drink sector share of the global market continues to shrink in the face of overseas competition, according to the industry association's annual report.

Syngenta, DuPont join forces to storm US market

Swiss biotech giant Syngenta is to form a joint venture and licensing agreement in the US with DuPont, a move designed to expand access to the firms corn and soybean genetics and biotechnology traits.

Two formulations target reduced-calorie fruit dessert market

Two new formulations will allow European food processors to meet the demand for reduced-calorie fruit desserts, according to their manufacturer.

Tesco launches lycopene-rich 'Super-Tomatoes'

British supermarket giant Tesco has launched a British-grown tomato that offers double the lycopene content of normal tomatoes, as the company continues to expand its functional food range.

Wild opens new supply centre

Natural ingredients group Wild has improved its distribution network by opening a new logistics centre in Eppelheim, Germany.

Danone challenges Yoplait, Glanbia's Essence range

French dairy giant, Danone, has launched an action against Glanbia, Yoplait International and Yoplait Marque Internationales in the Dublin High Court, after alleged infringments on trademark after the launch of the Yoplait Essence range of probiotics.

Danisco upgrades fruit processing enzymes

Danisco has launched a new range of enzymes to help fruit juice makers save money and improve quality as they look to target growing consumer demand for healthier soft drinks.

Cider by-product provides natural alternative to tartrazine

French researchers say a by-product of the cider industry could provide an alternative to synthetic colourants such as tartrazine (E 102).

UK task force studies measures against food fraud

The UK has set up a fraud task force to study how to beef up measures against the trade in illegal food.

Soy suppliers accused of rainforest destruction

McDonald's and a handful of major food ingredient suppliers have been implicated by a leading environmental campaigner in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

New labelling guidance taps growing vegetarian demand

New UK guidance on food labelling for vegans and vegetarians builds on growing consumer demand for non-meat ingredients.

New Cargill wheat gluten plant increases Russian presence

Cargill is to open a major wheat gluten production facility in Russia as part of a previously announced $60 million investment in wheat processing.

Cognis positive over sterols, but mulls overall options

Cognis is counting on phytosterols and branded ingredients like Tonalin CLA to drive its nutrition and health business unit, while at the same time investigating strategic options for the company as a whole

Givaudan post strong first quarter results

Swiss flavour giant Givaudan recorded sales of CHF 754.1 million in the first quarter of 2006, driven in part by double-digit flavour growth in Latin America.

CSM streamlines to achieve cost savings

CSM's decision to close a production facility in the US is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to consolidate the Dutch group's market position.

Vending industry defends its role in tackling obesity

The vending industry must stop being used as a scapegoat if answers to the obesity crisis are to be found, claims EVA.

Chr Hansen focuses on dairy ingredient sector

Chr Hansen will get a chance to underline its increasing involvement in the dairy sector at the upcoming 2006 International Cheese Technology Exposition.

EC commissioner's GM comments 'irrelevant' says EuropaBio

Simon Barber, a director at EuropaBio, has issued a withering attack on EC commissioner Dimas' contribution to the ongoing GM conference in Vienna.

Food Design vows to remove trans fats

A leading UK sugar confectioner has announced that the company will be removing hydrogenated fats from all its products as of 1 May 2006.

EC food industry urges multi-factor approach to obesity

The current obesity crisis can only be tackled through a greater understanding of all the related factors and an acceptance that a lack of physical activity could be a major contributor.

Cargill involved in major Middle East sugar project

Construction of a million-tonne state-of-the-art sugar refinery in Syria is set to begin next week.

FSA recommends mandatory folic acid fortification for bread

The Food Standards Agency will tomorrow recommend mandatory folic acid fortification of bread in the UK, in an effort to reduce the incidence of pregnancies affected by neural tube defects (NTDs).

Food industry anxious over rising rapeseed demand

A growing conflict between the food industry and biofuel manufacturers over rapeseed oil supply will be resolved at EU parliamentary level, as members decide the future of edible oil distribution.

Biotech industry accuses GM event of lacking balance

The Vienna conference on genetically modified (GM) crops will lack meaningful debate because key experts have not been invited, according to Europe's leading biotech industry body.

Soft drinks firms pledge routine benzene tests

Soft drinks makers have been hauled before the European Commission to explain the presence of benzene traces in drinks, putting the industry under pressure after recalls in the UK.

Study slams 'lukewarm' food industry attitude to health

The world's top 25 food companies are not taking the current obesity crisis seriously enough, according to a report from The City University in the UK.

Spanish GM crops causing 'massive contamination'

The dramatic uptake of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Spain is causing massive genetic contamination according to Greenpeace - though this is not a view shared by everyone.

HFCS not to blame for obesity crisis, claims study

An industry-funded study claims to show that humans handle high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) no differently than table sugar, an assertion that contradicts assumptions that HFCS in beverages fails to signal fullness or suppress appetite.

New sucralose source 'unlikely' to infringe on patents

Although it has not seen the fine detail, elements of Pharmed Medicare (PM)'s new sucralose process are unlikely to infringe upon Tate & Lyle's patent suite, according to Goldman Sachs.

Cargill confident after EC clears Degussa deal

Cargill has welcomed the EC's decision to approve its acquisition of Degussa's food ingredients operations, claiming that the decision will accelerate the company's focus on creating value and growth for its customers.

Healthy soft drinks drive global beverage growth

Soft drink consumption is the principal factor behind the growth in global drinks, with health playing an increasingly important role in consumer choice.

Frutarom launches new meat and fish fillings range

Israeli flavour firm Frutarom is looking to tap the convenience foods market with a new range of meat and fish ingredients for spreadable sandwich fillings.

DSM dishes $6.5m to personalise nutrition

DSM has re-affirmed its commitment to the innovative field of personalized nutrition, pledging $6.5m (€5.4) in follow-on funding to US nutrigenomics company Sciona.

Food must focus on opportunities, not crises

Food has become too much a matter of crisis and not of opportunity, according to Michel Vieillefosse, head of the Eureka Secretariat.