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Special edition: Drinks ingredients

Niches make the beverage world go round

Pepsi, Coca Cola, Snapple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade. Big beverage brands are household names, but while they may make up the lion’s share of revenues niche products are where the growth potential and innovation lies.

Chinese potato starch firm ups production

Chinese potato starch producer China Essence is ramping up capacity with the construction of two new facilities, expected to be completed this autumn.

News in brief

EFSA panel publishes GMO model

The European Food Safety Authority’s GMO panel and Environmental Working Group has developed a new mathematical model for working out the impact of genetically modified crops on butterflies and moths.

Plantation acquisition to boost New Britain Palm Oil production

New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL) has completed a major acquisition that increases its plantation area by more than 50 per cent, at a time when a shift is underway towards use of oil produced without causing deforestation.

CSM cautious about recovery in bakery market

Signs of recovery in the bakery ingredients market are not yet evident, according to Dutch supplier CSM as first quarter results released this week show a decline in volumes by 1.2 per cent on Q1 2009.

Special edition: Drinks Ingredients

The science of beverage emulsions

Innovative ingredients and solutions are emerging to help formulators add flavours, colours and healthy ingredients and keep up with consumer demands for innovative beverages.

Scallop-shell powder boosts frankfurter safety and shelf life

Treating frankfurter sausages with scallop-shell powder (SSP) significantly reduces the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and E.coli 0157:H7, and boosts product shelf life, according to a new study.

Leiber invests for yeast extract capacity increase

Leiber is ramping up its yeast extract capacity by bringing its spray-drying activities in-house, as demand for brewery by-products is gradually increasing and third party spray-drying capacity is sought after.

News in brief

Organic Monitor plans Sustainable Foods Summit

Organic Monitor is hosting a summit on sustainable foods this summer, which will look at ways that market leaders are adopting ‘organic plus strategies’ like carbon offsetting to add value to their products.

Nutrition brings rosy glow for DSM in Q1

DSM looks to have kicked off 2010 in good form, with a 24 per cent increase in net sales overall and a stable and robust performance from its nutrition division.

Phosphate-ageing study dismissed by industry

A study linking phosphate to premature ageing has been dismissed by a leading trade association as having no relevance to foods and soft drinks.

Call for EC to intervene to end volatility in cereal prices

EU farmer representatives are urging the European Commission to intervene to stabilise cereal prices and reduce volatility in the market.

News in brief

Evira prepares for food risk focus

Finland’s Evira is preparing for its Finnish Food Conference on 4 May, which will address issues of food risk assessment, risk management and risk communication.

New pea protein process aims to grow market

Roquette has optimised the production process for its Nutralys pea protein to enable higher levels to be used without affecting taste. It expects the breakthrough to bring considerable new market opportunities.

MEPs vote to veto ‘meat glue’ additive approval

The EU Environment committee is taking steps to block the planned approval of bovine and porcine thrombin as an additive to bind together meat morsels into one piece, on the grounds that it could mislead consumers.

Super Gum excels for beverage stabilisation: Study

The modified acacia gum product 'Super Gum' could enhance the stability of beverages like coconut milk, says a new study from Germany and Thailand.

Snack makers pledge to cut out adverts aimed at children

The European Snacks Association (ESA) is playing up a commitment to help curb obesity in Europe with the announcement that it has joined an EU initiative designed to restrict advertising to children.

EFSA delivers all-clear verdict on volcano food safety risks

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has judged the potential risk to food safety in the EU emerging from the volcanic eruption in Iceland as negligible.

LCI offers “clean label” role in meeting bakery challenges

Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI) is highlighting the clean label credentials of its functional flours that can be used to help address some of the challenges faced by cake and pastry manufacturers.

Comment

Foods with artificial trans fats should be considered adulterated

There is a pile of evidence linking artificial trans fats with heart disease, so why is it still in our food? It’s time to get real and recognize that artificial trans fat is an adulterant with no place in the global food supply.

News in brief

Don’t confuse consumers with stevia messages, industry

The take-home lesson of last week’s Stevia World Asia conference is that getting across the right message to consumers is key to growing the market.

Bread improvers firm Sonneveld acquired by Norwegian group

Bread ingredients supplier, Sonneveld, claims its takeover by Orkla Food Ingredients (OFI) will not result in a narrowing of the bakery ingredients supplier base due to OFI’s decentralized business model.

PepsiCo explores natural sweetener from oats

Patents filed by PepsiCo and Cargill reveal they are exploring new sources of natural sweeteners from oats and monatin, a naturally-occurring substance found in a plant grown in South Africa.

Cognis volumes return to pre-recession levels

Cognis has revealed that sales volumes in the first quarter of 2010 have almost returned to the pre-recession levels of early 2008.

Pectin-pea protein mix may provide enhanced emulsifiers

A combination of pea protein and pectin may provide enhanced emulsifiers for a range of food products, with potential to increase shelf-life, says new research from France.

Chr Hansen preparing for IPO, NASDAQ listing

Chr Hansen has confirmed its intention to launch an initial public offering to facilitate future growth, and expects to raise around €450m in primary proceeds.

Nestle investigates reports of Russian import refusal

Nestle is investigating reports that the company has been denied permission to import baby food products into Russia from Finland.

New look for FoodManufacture.co.uk

One of FoodNavigator.com’s sister websites, www.foodmanufacture.co.uk , received a new look this week with a full redesign, daily dedicated news updates, easier navigation, and many new features.

Erythritol cookies pass taste tests

Formulating cookies with erythritol may allow for partial replacement of sugar without the consumer tasting a difference, says new research from Taiwan.

Tate & Lyle secures new sugar supply

Tate & Lyle has finalised a new sugar supply agreement with Jamaica, which secures just under 10 per cent of its annual stocks.

Volcanic ash could pose a threat to food safety

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is investigating potential food safety risks emerging from the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Dietary sugars may be affecting cholesterol levels: Study

Increasing intakes of sugars from processed and prepared foods may detrimentally affect levels of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol, says a new study from the US.

Ingredients drive ABF's strong performance

Strong performance in the Americas, particularly for bakery ingredients, has seen Associated British Foods (ABF) post an operating profit up 25 per cent.

EU food exports drop as demand shrinks, says report

European food and drink exports saw a double-digit drop last year, reflecting a shrinking demand for most major food categories in foreign markets, according to a new report.

News in brief

EFSA aspartame consultation cancelled due to travel doubts

An April 23 EFSA consultation to discuss its safety review of aspartame has been cancelled due to travel uncertainties, as volcanic ash from Iceland continues to cause problems with air travel.

New: FoodNavigatorJobs Service

FoodNavigatorJobs.com is the new jobs service for employers and job seekers in the European food and beverage industries.

EFSA lowers ADI for food colour in re-evaluation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in adoption of opinions on three further food colours used in bakery and confectionery products, has confirmed intake levels for one colour, halved the ADI for another and could not determine a risk assessment on the third.

Allergen testing guidance offers hope to frustrated food manufacturers

New guidance promising to alleviate the nightmares caused by inconsistent results from allergen testing kits has been published by an industry taskforce.

EFSA judges existing guidance for lead as inappropriate

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has raised concerns about the health risks of lead in food for children and concluded that current guidance levels are no longer appropriate.

Food leads EU manufacturing industries

The European food and drink industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the bloc, coming ahead of the automobile and chemical industries, but R&D investment remains “insufficient”, according to a new report.

Onion extracts could be natural food preservatives: Study

The anti-microbial and antioxidant activity of compounds derived from onions may slow spoilage of foods by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, says a new study from Spain.

Gluten-free diets show no benefits for autism: Review

Consuming a gluten-free or a casein-free diet may not offer any benefits for people suffering from autism or its related disorders, says a new review of the science to date.

Ash cloud halts certain food imports

The grounding of airplanes throughout much of Europe has put the brakes on imports of some fruit and vegetable products, although trade groups and supermarkets are downplaying the impact of the Icelandic volcano on food stocks.

Quality retained with trans free bakery shortening, says study

Interesterified trans free bakery shortenings (IETFS) can be used effectively to replace hydrogenated shortening (HS) and still give better spread ratio, lesser hardness and higher sensory acceptability for baked products such as biscuits, claims new research from India.

Scotch whisky industry invests to fuel export growth

Scotch whisky distillers are continuing to invest in new facilities and equipment to fuel the spread of the spirit in international markets.

Fibres show potential for gelatine replacement in candy

Soluble fibres may replace gelatine, at least partially, in confectionery products, tapping into consumer demands for gelatine-free products, according to Singapore-based scientists.

Comment

Groundhog Day for European health claims?

“Many in industry are pinning their hopes on EFSA showing them the light at the meeting, including the likes of Danone, which withdrew three probiotic immunity/digestive health article 13.5 claims in April, citing clarification it is expecting on Big Monday as the reason.”

Carbery attributes profitability growth to ingredients

Carbery has insisted that its ingredients division performed strongly in 2009 despite a sharp reduction in group turnover.

High fat and sugar image of low cost food products ‘unfounded’

Food formulations positioned in the 'low cost' and ‘hard discount’ bracket are not nutritionally inferior to their brand equivalents, asserts the French national food council.

Biofuels to blame for palm oil deforestation, says Nestlé

Political decisions encouraging biofuel production from palm oil is causing deforestation in Indonesia and not the low tonnage sourced by Kit Kat maker Nestlé, according to the chairman of the Swiss based food company.

Developed nations’ food imports threaten world water supplies

The UK and other developed countries’ food supplies could be badly affected by global water shortages – and exacerbate the problem, according to a new report from an alliance of engineering bodies.

EFSA issues guidance on antimicrobial substances for meat

New EU guidelines on the submission of dossiers for substances designed to eliminate microbial surface contamination of foods of animal origin have been published.

Chr Hansen opens first Asian development centre

Chr Hansen has opened its first product development centre in Asia to boost its capabilities as a supplier and partner in the region.

Boom time for stocks eases prices for wheat-linked ingredients

After the soaring highs of 2008, weaker wheat prices continue to bring welcome relief to food makers’ bottom line.

Danisco and Fonterra broaden scope of probiotics deal

Danisco has signed a deal that will allow the ingredients supplier to sell two probiotic strains developed by Fonterra to a wider food and drink audience.

Doctors call for UK trans fat ban

Banning artificial trans fats in the UK could prevent 11,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths a year, according to two senior doctors writing in the British Medical Journal.

Stevia suppliers welcome EFSA opinion

Stevia suppliers have welcomed EFSA’s positive scientific opinion on the safety of stevia-derived sweeteners, saying it paves the way for generating more consumer interest in the natural sweetener.

Consumers regard sweeteners with suspicion

Many British consumers still regard sweeteners with suspicion, although in practice, very few actively avoid products that contain them, according to research commissioned by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

Lipsa increases capacity as first segregated palm oil docks

Spanish vegetable oil processor Lipidos Santiga (Lipsa) is expanding its refining capacity after receiving its first shipment of sustainable segregated palm oil in January.

Buckwheat flour potential expands for gluten-free bread options

A combination of buckwheat and rice flour may produce gluten-free breads acceptable to consumers without the need for hydrocolloids, says new research from Eastern Europe.

EFSA opinion paves way for EU approval of stevia-based sweeteners

EU approval for natural sweeteners from the stevia leaf has moved one step closer after scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave them a clean bill of health.

EC revises restrictions on guar gum imports

Restrictions on guar gum imported from India into the EU have been revised on fears that the risk of dioxin contamination of the product remains too high.

Organic brands turn to sustainablity to recapture growth

Organic food brands are turning to sustainability in an effort to justify their price premium and combat declining sales, according to Organic Monitor.

MSG not linked to obesity: Chinese study

Excessive intakes of the flavour enhancer MSG are not associated with weight gain, according to new data from China that challenges previous claims.

DKSH opens food application lab in Lyon

Market expansion specialist DKSH is opening a new food application lab in Lyon, France, focusing on beverage and bakery products.

Unilever buys sustainable palm oil certificates for European business

Unilever has bought enough sustainable palm oil certificates to cover the requirements of its European, Australian and New Zealand businesses.

Food-brain study shows benefits for Med diet

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet may improve brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, says a new study from New York.

Antioxidant-rich spice mix shows potential for heart health

Cooking hamburgers with a polyphenol-rich spice mix may reduce the content of compounds linked to heart disease and possible cancer, says a new study.

Hydrocolloids show the 'whey' to cheaper dairy drinks

Food gums like gellan gum and pectin may hold the key to success in the growing market for whey-based beverages, as manufacturers look to offer dairy beverages at competitive prices.

Danisco steps up life cycle assessment work

Danisco has appointed an expert in life cycle assessment to better inform its environmental work internally and with suppliers and customers.

Comment

Time for Europe to send bisphenol A into the sunset

Bisphenol A (BPA) is living on borrowed time. And not just in the United States but now in Europe too where mounting consumer hostility and scientific concern over its safety have combined to push the chemical towards the point of no return.

Cargill upbeat about future Vietnamese cocoa output

A new cocoa buying station in Vietnam will support an ongoing programme of cocoa farming expertise transfer and shows the high expectations Cargill has for cocoa development in the country, said the industry chocolate supplier.

Soil Association predicts growth for organics despite sales slump

UK sales of organic food fell 13 per cent last year but some categories still bucked the trend, according to a new report from the Soil Association on the state of the organic market during 2009.

Removing palm oil from foods gives wrong signal

Groupe Casino’s plan to remove palm oil from its own brand food products for environmental and health reasons are misguided, according to a RSPO representative.

Chinese flour adulterated with pulverised lime - reports

Pulverised lime is being added to bleaching agents used in Chinese flour in a bid to cut production costs and boost profits, China state media has reported this week.

Restocking boosts Givaudan’s first quarter

Sales for fragrance and flavour supplier Givaudan are looking up in the first quarter of 2010 as customers return to normal buying patterns.

Student awards stimulating innovation

The food industry is encouraging the new generation of food technologists by running competitions for students come up with new product formulations – which also help manufacturers spot the best new talent.

News in brief

CSIRO soy put to use in Japanese food

The properties of a new soybean bred by CSIRO scientists from an old Japanese bean is being put to use in Japanese foods, as its proteins show excellent gelling properties.

News in brief

Raisio finalises UK snack food acquisition

Finland’s Raisio has announced it has finalised the acquisition of British snack foods manufacturer Glisten PLC, as the Finnish food manufacturer eyes opportunities for growth.

CNI, Bio Serae owner shares innovation plans

The group behind ingredients firms CNI, Bio Serae, Afritec, Starlight Products and NutriProcess, has unveiled more details of its growth spurt strategy following the acquisition of 76 per cent of shares by its CEO, including a team dedicated to new products and health claim submissions.

Campaigners welcome pledge from Australian firm on cocoa supply

World Vision Australia said it has taken the decision to pause campaigning activities aimed at chocolate-based product manufacturer, Arnott’s, for a six month period in response to the company publicly committing to addressing potential labour exploitation in its West African cocoa supply chain.

Segregated palm oil to hit European market

Segregated sustainable palm oil will be available on the European market in the coming months, as IOI-Loders Crokaan and New Britain open dedicated refineries. The news marks the latest step towards changing the commodity supply chain.

Common gums may mask bitter taste of antioxidants

The common food gum CMC may mask the bitter taste of polyphenols and allow the formulation of foods for delivering the antioxidant compounds, suggests new research.

DRINKSINGREDIENTS2010

DRINKSINGREDIENTS2010: Introducing the industry's first virtual trade show

FoodNavigator is launching the first conference and expo dedicated to drink ingredients and formulation.

EPIC study finds ‘weak’ link for fruit and veg against cancer

The potential of fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of cancer is only “very weak”, say the results of a study with half a million Europeans.

GM-derived lipase set for approval in Australia, NZ

DSM’s lipase enzyme from GM Aspergillus niger is set to be approved by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, opening up opportunities for bakers to use it as a processing aid.

Gene breakthrough could produce extra sweet tomatoes

Israeli and American scientists have developed a sweet and plentiful variety of tomato, which may cater to consumer demand for natural products.

News in brief

FSANZ deems two GM food sources safe

The Australian and New Zealand food safety body has signalled that it sees no safety problems in the consumption of food from two new GM soy and corn crops.

Food retail prices stubbornly resist the recession

New data has revealed that food price inflation remains a reality despite the global recession and the spike in prices that preceded it.

Food innovation driven by vertical integration and networks

The more food companies work with different levels of the food supply chain and network with external partners, the more innovative they are likely to be, a study of the Danish food industry has found.

Comment

Slimmer cans could lead to bigger waistlines

Soft drink makers could end up swallowing a £10m bill for no good reason by embracing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommendations for new slim-line 250ml drinks.

Argentinian legume shows promise for gluten-free

Mixing seeds of the vinal plant with corn flour may produce gluten-free formulations with enhanced protein and antioxidant levels, says a new study from Argentina.

No safety concerns noted over OSA modified gum acacia

Gum acacia modified with n-octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) is safe for use as an emulsifier in flavourings and in foods, finds the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following a risk assessment request from the European Commission.

Poultry specialist adds red meat ingredients to range

Rectory Foods has added a new slate of beef and pork products to its ingredient offering for food manufacturers, in a new step to expand from its solid base in poultry.

Verification scheme to develop Allanblackia supply chain

A new initiative is underway to develop to supply chain for oil from the African Allanblackia tree oil in food and personal care products by devising a verification scheme for sustainable and ethical trade.

News in brief

UK enforces fish labelling update

New requirements for the labelling of fish comes into force across the UK today, intended to let consumers know exactly what they are buying, whether it was farmed, and how or where it was caught.

No need to reconsider aspartame opinion, experts

A team of national experts drawn from EU member states has concluded that there is no new evidence on aspartame that would require EFSA to reassess its opinion that the sweetener is safe, although additional studies could add to knowledge of the sweetener and its metabolites.

Avebe unveils new use for potato starch

Avebe has added another application for its Etenia potato starch range, this time to enable bakery margarines with lower levels of fat and saturated fat.

Tereos goes global with starch, sugar and biofuel plans

Tereos has combined its European cereal assets with its Brazilian subsidiary and Indian sugarcane business to create Tereos Internacional, and is setting itself up as a leader in starch ingredients, sugar and bioethanol.

Illegal dioxin levels found in 8 per cent of foods

Excessive levels of dioxins were detected in eight per cent of thousands of foods sampled over a nine-year period, said EFSA. But the food safety watchdog has challenged the significance of its own findings.

News in brief

New organic logo becomes official

The new European organic logo has been published in the EU’s Official Journal and registered as a collective trademark by the EU. It can now be used on organic products throughout the bloc.

Special edition: CSR

Top line responsibility messages from manufacturers

Corporate responsibility is now accepted as a major part of doing business, even when the economic climate is less than ideal. FoodNavigator.com rounds up the main messages of some of the world’s biggest food and beverage companies.

FSA proposal for 250ml soft drinks could prove costly

Implementing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommendation that makers of soft drinks with added sugar should introduce 250ml cans and bottles could cost the industry upwards of £10m, according to the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA).

Matrix all important in Southampton colour switch-out

Food and beverage companies should aim to address all their reformulation issues at the same time as replacing Southampton colours, say Campden BRI experts, as subsequent changes to the matrix can affect the stability of natural hues.

High cola consumption linked to lower fertility in men

A Danish study has found a link between high consumption of cola drinks and reduced semen quality but the research suggests caffeine may not be to blame.