Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Exotic ingredients starting to prove popular with manufacturers

Exotic ingredients are starting to grow in demand from European manufacturers as they target the healthy end of the bakery market.

Antioxidant-rich almonds on a par with fruit and vegetables.

According to recent research, antioxidant-rich almonds could be the smart choice for manufacturers trying to reach a health-conscious market.

NFU president predicts end of "cheap food"

Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmer's Union, said this week that the era of "cheap food on world markets is coming to an end", and predicted a golden future for Britain's agricultural industry.

Tate & Lyle launches compressible dextrose for candy, tablets

Tate and Lyle has announced the launch of Meritab - a new direct compressible dextrose that can be used in confectionary, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Teagasc goes genomic to boost flavour in dairy

Irish researchers are working on using genomics to enhance flavour in dairy products - and enhancing the country's technological standing in international R&D.

IFT: food cravings could be key to obesity

The role of food craving must be properly investigated if we are to successfully develop measures to counter the current obesity crisis, said Marcia Levin Pelchat from Morell Chemical Senses Center in the US.

EU to review dairy market in 2008

A review of the European Union's dairy strategy will take in place in 2008, with intervention prices, storage subsidies and milk quotas all up for discussion.

Bunge targets snack bar makers with protein enhancement system

Leading oilseed producer Bunge has developed a new process to incorporate protein into candy bars, which the company claims does not have a negative impact on the product's texture and taste.

Chr. Hansen wins natural colour patent case

Danish company, Chr. Hansen has announced that it has won a patent case to protect its natural LiquidCap colour, a result that protects not only Chr. Hansen but also the customers, said the company.

EU and food industry both part of the obesity solution

The obesity issue is not going to solve itself, concluded participants in a CIAA debate this month who advocated an EU-wide approach to tackling the problem, with the food and drink industry forming part of the solution.

Antioxidant-rich almonds on a par with fruit and vegetables

According to recent research, antioxidant-rich almonds could be the smart choice for manufacturers trying to reach a health-conscious market.

IFT: Solae unveils new protein technology

The Solae company has launched a new range of protein ingredients that it claims could help redefine meat and meat-free categories.

IFT: No consensus on global GM labelling

The current move towards harmonising global regulations on genetically modified food is a good thing, though agreement on labelling remains as far away as ever, an IFT conference heard this week.

Experts discuss science of food preferences at IFT

Food preferences and flavour perceptions may be formed in the womb, and form the basis of understanding selection and consumption, experts told delegates in Orlando.

Diploma courses to boost skills levels in UK food sector

Specialised diploma courses for various manufacturing segments of the food industry will be created in the UK, part of a bid to increase the skills levels in the industry.

Unilever fishing for low-fat ice cream

Unilever has developed a new genetically modified protein that it says will serve up low-fat ice cream without compromising on taste, as ice cream firms step up the race to please health conscious consumers.

Ireland on-course for salt reduction targets

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced that it is on-course to meet salt reduction recommendations but stressed that more research and investment is necessary if the ultimate targets for 2010 are to be achieved.

IFT president joins food colour giant DD Williamson

President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Margaret Lawson has become vice president for science and innovation at global food colour manufacturer DD Williamson.

Decaf coffee could protect against type-2 diabetes

Drinking six or more cups of coffee every day could reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by more than 20 per cent, says a new US study.

IFT: A US perspective on EU GM regulations

The EU's approach to GM food regulation has little theoretical basis, and panders to the fears and prejudices of its citizens, according to a US scientist.

Dairy firms target growing international opportunities

The top dairy firms have become even larger due to continued acquisition, according to the latest report from Leatherhead International (LFI).

Lamy puts pressure on global agriculture deal

WTO director general Pascal Lamy has told delegates that a deal on global agricultural trade must be achieved soon.

Could hemp be the hot new healthy ingredient?

The health-enhancing properties of hemp have come under the spotlight this month with the launch of a drink containing hemp-blossom syrup (Cannabis sativa) in the UK, which is also being tested by multiple sclerosis sufferers for its potential to alleviate lag pain and spasms.

Low carb diet could benefit obese diabetics, says study

Sticking to a low-carbohydrate diet with some limits of calories has long-term benefits on body weight and blood sugar levels, says a new study from Sweden, but a leading diabetes charity advises against following such a diet.

Cargill boosts oilseed supplies to China

US agribusiness expands oilseed crushing output in China boosting supplies to this fast-growing market, unveiling a new 5,000-ton per day facility in Nantong, Jiangsu province.

New Zealand seeks ingredients start-ups from Europe

Fresh air, agricultural expertise, research resources… and NZ$100m (€48m) funding: BioPacificVentures is proposing an attractive package to European and American functional food start-ups that are prepared to relocate all or part of their businesses to New Zealand.

Kraft CEO attacks trade barriers on sugar prices

The chairman of Kraft Foods, the world's second biggest food company, Roger Deromedi, has launched an attack on EU and US trade barriers that are driving up the price of commodity ingredients such as sugar and coffee.

Junk food legal action stopped by heart charity

British charity, the National Heart Foundation, has announced it is withdrawing its action to sue the communications watchdog Ofcom after the regulator said it would welcome consultation of the proposals of food advertising to children.

IFT opens its doors in Orlando

Food technologists and manufacturers will be swarming to Florida tomorrow to learn about the latest ingredients innovations as the 2006 IFT annual meeting and food expo opens its doors in Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

EFSA restates on-going GMO strategy

The European Food Safety Authority has moved to restate it plans for co-operation with member states in the risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) foods, as the EU Environment Council's discussion on the subject looms into view.

French colloids firm recognised for export expertise

French colloid firm CNI has been recognised by the government as the best export agent of 2005, representing something of a coup for the Iranex group-owned ingredients business.

Generation X for hops from New Zealand

A new generation of hops for beer is being developed by researchers in New Zealand, as the brewing industry looks to science to help it catch up with changing consumer tastes.

CP Kelco expands xanthan gum output in China

Nurturing a competitive edge, US xanthan gum producer CP Kelco expands production in the one of the world's fastest growing markets.

Danisco takes looming sugar reform in its stride

As expected, restructuring costs within Danisco's sugar division have impacted full year results, though organic growth was 'satisfactory under the given trading conditions'.

Wild launches natural yellow food colour

Wild and Vitanene have developed a biotechnologically-derived natural beta-carotene food colour designed to help food makers formulate clean-label products.

Europeans still largely oppose GMOs, says new report

Europeans are more optimistic about biotechnology than ever before, but this acceptance does not extend to their view of genetically modified foods, according to a new survey.

Leatherhead to lead companies in expanding polyol uses

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is launching a new industry collaboration project to explore the uses of polyols and generate physical data for polyol/sugar blends.

Dairy Crest misused omega-3 study, says ASA

Dairy Crest misused a clinical study on omega-3 in children to claim that its St Ivel Advance milk could benefit some children's ability to learn, says the UK advert watchdog in its report of the case.

Project would investigate processing, allergens relationship

A UK food research consultancy is looking for a partner to investigate the effects of processing techniques on reducing allergens.

New organic flavour extracts hit European market

A European supplier of organic flavour extracts has added a range of new ingredients to its portfolio, designed to produce a cleaner label and boost the profile of organic products in the eyes of consumers.

Fat, salt content of kids' food linked to "obesity time-bomb"

A new survey from the UK's Trading Standards Institute (TSI) says that the fat and salt content of children's food vary widely, and suggests that some kids' intake may be twice the recommended intake of salt and fat, potentially "stoking up the obesity time-bomb".

Norway launches seed bank to safeguard global crops

A project designed to protect the worlds crop supply was yesterday launched, with the Norwegian government announcing it is to develop a Noah's Arc of global seeds.

Danone and Stonyfield create European organic dairy firm

Leading US organic dairy firm Stonyfield Farm and Danone have joined forces to create a European subsidiary, which the groups hope will duplicate Stonyfield's US success in Europe's organic dairy industry.

Danisco develops innovative sports drink concepts

Danisco flavourists have created a range of sports drink concepts using their water-soluble citrus flavours and fortified with healthy ingredients to appeal to the growing number of sports beverage makers in Asia.

Omega-3 milk ads dropped in health claims row

Dairy Crest has criticised Britain's advert watchdog for telling the company to drop claims that its omega-3 milk could improve children's ability to learn.

Ajinomoto starts making coffee extract in-house

Japan-based Ajinomoto General Foods is reported to have started the in-house manufacturing of mannooligosaccharides to meet rising demand for the product.

FAU challenges FSA's call for junk food ad ban

The Food Advertising Unit (FAU) has challenged the FSA's call for a pre-watershed (9pm) ban on food and drink advertising, saying such calls are "disproportionate".

Nestlé enters diet nutrition market

Nestlé is set to purchase US weight management and nutrition company Jenny Craig, as it strives to change focus to a health and wellness provider in the face of rising global obesity levels.

Farmers call for investment to combat desertification

Farmers around the world have joined forces to raise awareness about the risks facing the planets food producing regions, as climate change increasingly turns expanses of land into desert areas.

Weekly comment

Litigation: a necessary cost of doing business?

In the US, the role of court action in defining limits not set by regulators is generating a flood of costly court cases for the food industry: much unnecessary, and all damaging.

Synergy launches 'natural' sauce bases

Savoury ingredients supplier Synergy has developed three new sauce bases that it claims can overcome the common quality and labelling issues faced by traditional complete dry sauce bases.

Dairy by-product offers natural preserving alternative to chlorine

Whey permeate, a by-product of cheese production, could be a food preserver, suggests new research, as the industry looks to alternatives to chlorine solutions for preserving fresh-cut vegetables.

Treatt targets growing Chinese flavours market

Treatt is the latest European flavour manufacturer to expand its presence in the burgeoning Chinese market.

J.O Sims invests in berry technology for baked goods

Rising demand for berry fruits in bakery goods has led fruit ingredient firm J.O. Sims to invest in new research and development work to improve fruit functionality in these applications.

FSA 'disappointed' at junk food ad proposals

The UK's FSA has expressed 'disappointment' at Ofcom's proposals on junk food advertising to kids, arguing that they are an insufficient response to the problem posed to children's health.

CP Kelco targets European hydrocolloid market

CP Kelco has appointed S Black to distribute its range of hydrocolloids for the UK food and beverage industry.

Vitamin-producing bacteria could lead to cheaper fortified dairy

Adding riboflavin-producing bacteria to standard yoghurt could boost the nutritional value and cut costs of conventional fortification, suggests a joint Argentine-Dutch study.

Some tastes in the genes, says obesity-linked study

A child's taste for protein-rich foods like meat and fish is inherited, but taste for vegetables and desserts are influenced, says new research that may have implications for understanding obesity.

DSM sells division to focus on value-added ingredients

DSM Food Specialties' sale of its Engevita inactive dry yeast business is part of the group's strategy of focusing on added value yeast extracts and other flavour ingredients.

Organic food could be 'missed opportunity', warns report

Governments and supermarkets should be doing more to stimulate growth in consumer demand for organic products, according to a new report.

Green, yellow veg linked to healthier arteries

A diet rich in green and yellow vegetables could reduce the development of atherosclerosis by almost 40 per cent, and is further evidence for the benefits of eating your vegetables, says a new study.

Scots urged to tackle 'food poisoning epidemic'

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) has urged Scots to improve food hygiene standards to tackle what it calls the 'annual food poisoning epidemic'.

Plant genetics conference achieves unanimous approval

There was unanimous approval yesterday for a ministerial declaration on the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The science of salt reduction in food

The food industry is facing up to the issue of salt reduction. But how can this compound - so important in the preparation and storage of food - be replaced without the consumer tasting the difference?

Genetically enhanced peppers storm the market

Genetically enhanced hybrid peppers that can be raised with minimal protection under moderate winter conditions have achieved worldwide commercial success, according to the team behind the concept.

Crop genetic diversity linked to food security

The first-ever meeting of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture took place in Madrid yesterday.

Cargill to sell Turkish hazelnut operations

Cargill will no longer have a presence in the hazelnut processing industry once the agreed sale of its Turkish hazelnut processing business goes through.

Tate & Lyle launches sports drink sweetener

Tate & Lyle has launched a new sweetening solution for isotonic sports drinks targeted at the European market.

Ajinomoto to expand in Vietnam

Japanese food and pharma group Ajinomoto will expand its seasonings business in Vietnam in a bid to significantly boost sales in the next three years, according to a report.

Scientists look to cactus pear for natural yellows for food

Natural, water-soluble orange and yellow food colourings from cactus pear could offer "a new valuable source of colour preparations" say the German scientists working on bringing the pigments from the lab bench to industry.

Over-eating linked to change of food and seasoning - study

The sense of feeling full can be reduced by new flavours and seasoning, and may be linked to over-eating, says new Franco-German research.

Weekly comment

Healthy food and the World Cup of missed opportunity

Beer, bakery, confectionery, sweet drinks, pizzas, snacks galore, and even dog food. The list of products with World Cup tie-ins is dominated by junk food, while healthy food makers seem content to pass up the marketing opportunities and let others grow fat on the rewards.

New approach to food risk unveiled

A new approach to risk and crisis management for food and drink companies has been unveiled at the UK's Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

Nestlé confident that food prices will stabilise

Nestle doesn't expect raw material prices to rise further this year, despite a recent FAO report that forecasts an increase of over 2 per cent in the world food import bill in 2006.

Cosun cosolidates bakery ingredients operations

Royal Cosun subsidiary Unifine Food & Bake Ingredients has consolidated its position in the Iberian bakery ingredients market through the finalisation of an acquisition.

Companies aim to score big at World Cup

If hell freezes over and Australia wins football's World Cup, then Scottish & Newcastle will be on the hook for splashing out a lot of Foster's beer in Germany.

Price rises as cereal demand outstrips supply

World cereal demand is forecast to surpass supply in the coming 2006/07 marketing year, pushing down stocks to an uncomfortably low level, according to the FAO.

Kids' food allergies may be rarer than parents think, says study

Parents may be overestimating the occurrence of food allergies by as much as two times, putting their child at risk of inadequate nutrition, say researchers from the UK.

BASF further expands GM cereal capabilities

BASF Plant Science has announced the expansion of a joint research and development programme designed to achieve genetically optimised wheat.

Will round salt revolutionise food development?

Two Indian scientists tell FoodNavigator how they managed to achieve round salt granules, and what this breakthrough could mean for the future of food development.

Sugar Bureau contributes to food and health research

Britain's Sugar Bureau is continuing to sponsor research into food and health, with new research recommending that parents should not offer their children high-energy foods as rewards and treats as a means of encouraging the consumption of something else, a claim that, on first glance, appears to challenge the interests of the sponsors.

Cargill welcomes new EU sweetener regulations

Cargill Sweetness Solutions has welcomed the change in EU law surrounding the sweetener erythritol, saying it will give food and beverage manufactures across Europe greater flexibility in developing their products.

Plant genetic resources 'vital' for food security, says FAO

The signature of the treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture marks a major step towards guaranteeing food security in the world, according to the FAO.

Mango cookies could boost dietary fibre intake, says research

Extracts from mangos are a rich source of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble, with good antioxidant properties and can easily be used in bakery products to boost public consumption, say Latin American researchers.

Roquette targets sugar-free beverages with Nutriose

Roquette's marketing manager for beverage applications explains the difficulties of formulating tasty sugar-free syrup drinks and why she thinks her company has cracked it.

Lamy accepts WTO talks 'harder than expected'

The WTO director general explains why he thinks the Doha round of agricultural trade negotiations has been more difficult than expected.

Ofcom under pressure over junk food ads

The UK advertising regulator Ofcom is under pressure to reconsider its rejection of a 9pm watershed ban on junk food advertising, according to a UK newspaper.

Choose optimal thickening agent to boost flavour, lower salt

Sensory perception of flavours could be boosted, and salt levels lowered, by choosing the optimal starch thickener, say scientists, a result that could have big implications for the food industry.

Exter launches sunflower-based bouillon flavour

Exter Aroma has launched a clean label bouillon flavour (HVP) based on sunflower that offers food makers an allergen free, non-GM, 100 per cent vegan flavouring option.

UN report: food production under threat

The UN marked World Environment Day by warning that climate change, high water demand and salt contamination could irrevocably damage some of the planet's most fragile regions of food production.

Cargill to expand cocoa presence in Ghana

Cargill is to build a state-of-the-art cocoa processing facility in Ghana, West Africa, to produce cocoa liquor, butter and powder.

Baking enzymes dispute resolved

A dispute involving Danisco and Novozymes over US patent infringement of certain types of baking enzymes has been resolved.

Health, WTO dominate EU dairy talks

World trade discussions and communicating the health benefits of dairy were the two main topics for discussion in a meeting between the European Dairy Association and European Commission last week.

Round salt breakthrough could help food industry

A group of Indian chemists has developed what it claims is the first practical method for making round salt.

Arla, Danisco swallow Denmark's EU subsidies

International food giants Arla Foods and Danisco got more subsidies from the EU than anyone else in their native Denmark last year, says a new report, adding yet more controversy to Europe's farm support scheme.

More appointments at EFSA as plant health gets panel

Europe's food safety authority has announced the appointment of almost 200 scientists to its scientific committee and panels, yet more new appointments at EFSA following the announcement that a new chief executive, Catherine Geslain-Laneelle, will be starting next month.

Law revision lowers permitted nitrite, nitrate levels

Revisions to the EU's food additives and sweeteners legislation includes stricter requirements on the use of nitrites and nitrates in meat, and approvals for seven new ingredients.

New DSM pectinase claims higher berry juice yields

DSM Food Specialties has launched a new pectinase for red berry processing, which it claims will help manufacturers achieve higher juice yields and stable colour when processing acid red berries.

Omega-3, quercitrin combo could ease bowel inflammation

A combination of omega-3 fatty acids and the flavonoid quercitrin may work to reduce inflammation in the large intestine associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, says an animal study from Spain.

Changes to novel foods law aim to simplify application process

Proposed changes to the EU's regulation on novel foods would boost product innovation in the industry, and make cross-border trading easier, the European Commission says in a consultative document.

Palm oil forum welcomes Sainsbury into the fold

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) welcomed UK supermarket Sainsbury's as its 100th ordinary member last week.

Campina buys Argentine dairy ingredient maker Inovatech

Campina has bought dairy ingredient producer Inovatech Argentina, signalling the Dutch-owned company's desire to reach further into the global specialized ingredients market, with an particular emphasis on nutrition.

Royal Numico assesses impact of Java earthquake

Royal Numico reported today that the earthquake that struck the island of Java at the weekend has significantly affected its Indonesian baby food operations.

Agrana moves sugar operations to Balkans

Agrana, which claims to be the leading sugar and starch producer in Central and Eastern Europe, plans to expand its activities towards the Western Balkans.

New names at the FSA's microbiological safety committee

The UK's FSA has announced three new appointments to the advisory committee on the microbiological safety of food (ACMSF).

Could monoacyl sugar alcohols be used as emulsifiers?

Japanese scientists have reported that monoacyl sugar alcohols could be 'very promising emulsifiers' and could offer an alternative to the widely used monoacyl glycerols.

Rhodia raises vanillin prices to fund Chinese ambitions

Rhodia explains to FoodNavigator why the firm's vanillin price increases, unveiled today, are absolutely necessary for the business to progress - and why so much attention is being focused on China.

Denomega develops omega-3 strategy with Fjordlaks supply and facility deal

A new fish oil supply relationship between Norwegian sea food company Fjordlaks and Borregaard-owned Denomega Nutritional Oils, which includes the construction of a new refinery, aims to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the burgeoning omega-3 market for nutrition.

CIAA challenges EU to force successful WTO outcome

The CIAA has called on the EU to maintain pressure on negotiating partners in order to ensure a balanced and successful outcome to the current round of WTO talks.

Unilever launches healthy eating labelling initiative

Unilever has launched Choices, a front of pack logo programme designed to help consumers identify packaged foods and beverages that offer a healthier choice.