Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - EuropeUS edition | Asian edition

Barry Callebaut chocolate could be good for the brain

The world's leading cocoa processor Barry Callebaut said yesterday that it had new evidence to support the anti-cancer and anti-ageing benefits of its healthy chocolate Acticoa.

Australia, NZ reveal new health claims proposal

Australia and New Zealand's food authority has published new proposals for a health claims standard that would allow disease risk reduction claims for the first time.

Ireland summit aims to tackle obesity

An international conference in Ireland on food safety and nutrition aims to shed new light on the growing obesity epidemic.

EU strengthens allergen labelling

From 25 November, the new rules, introduced by EC Directive 89/2003, will require pre-packed foods sold in the European Union to show clearly on the label if they contain any of 12 listed allergenic foods as an ingredient.

Buyers driving down hydrocolloid prices

Commoditisation and the dominance of price over all other considerations has driven hydrocolloid prices downwards for the last 20 years, according to an industry expert.

Unilever's Pro-Activ to be reimbursed by French insurer

Unilever said yesterday that it had signed a deal with Maaf Assurances that will see the French insurer reimbursing policyholders for consumption of its cholesterol-lowering Pro-Activ range.

Weekly comment

Death by food support

If the EU keeps hiding its agriculture sector behind huge pay cheques instead of devoting more time to food research funding, the bloc's whimpering and wailing will only get worse.

Cargill hones beverage market analysis tools

Cargill Juice Beverage Applications believes it can help beverage companies capture new trends and develop products in categories they may not have tackled before.

EU sugar reform: producers cautious, users frustrated

The EU is confident that the sugar reforms announced last week give producers a long-term competitive future, though firms such as Tate & Lyle remain cautious.

Local organic food growth threatened by increased imports

UK sales of organic products continue to grow much faster than sales in the non-organic grocery market, though imports could threaten local production.

Health experts hold key to food safety

Better communication between animal welfare and public health experts is vital if Europe's food safety is to be improved.

Food industry gives sugar reform a cautious welcome

Sugar users in the UK have cautiously welcomed the Council of Ministers' agreement to lower European sugar prices, but have demanded a more competitive future marketplace.

Tate & Lyle targets added value ingredient demand

Tate & Lyle's new range of starches, proteins and polyols suggest that added-value ingredients will be a major feature of next week's FiE show in Paris.

Weak sugar sales push Greencore towards convenience

Declining profits at Greencore's ingredients and agribusiness division suggest that the Irish food company might consider focusing on its more profitable convenience sector.

New EFSA chair targets coordinated food safety policy

Sue Davies' appointment as chair of the EFSA's Stakeholder Consultative Platform is one more step towards the achievement of a coordinated food safety policy in the EU.

No progress on Codex health claims debate

The Codex nutrition committee made little headway on draft health claims recommendations this week but discussion looks set to advance more rapidly next year, with new input from member countries.

Nutrinova insists Sunett patent protection remains robust

Nutrinova has reiterated its belief that its Sunett sweetener remains robustly protected by patents.

EC approves Danish GM compensation scheme

Denmark is to pay compensation in cases where conventional or organic production has suffered economic losses following genetically modified (GM) material contamination.

Folic acid should be added to UK flour, expert report

All flour in the UK should be fortified with folic acid, according to a panel of experts advising the government.

CIAA preaches gospel of free trade for food

The resumption of trade negotiations between the EU and Mediterranean countries is vital for the expansion of lucrative new markets, according to the CIAA.

Marks & Spencer bans hydrogenated fats

Marks & Spencer's commitment to remove all hydrogenated fats from its entire food range by mid 2006 suggests that awareness of trans fats has now fully hit Europe.

Novozymes commended for top working conditions

The announcement that Novozymes is one of Denmark's best workplaces, caps off a good week for the enzymes giant.

Sense of proportion vital in determining food risk

The chief executive of the UK's Food Standard Agency (FSA) used last week's keynote speech to discuss food safety detached from the everyday context of media hype and public scare stories.

Nestlé baby milk recall begins due to concerns over packaging ink

As Nestlé recalls two million litres of baby milk in four European countries due to a packaging problem, the company is attempting to calm consumer fears that their children were in danger ofingesting a printing chemical from drinking the product.

DSM extends clean label flavour range

DSM Food Specialties' extended range of yeast extract-based reaction flavours is designed to tap demand for healthier ingredients and add value to products.

FAO reform not enough for effective change

The FAO director-general's call for support to reform the bureaucracy of the organisation and make it more responsive follows years of criticism of the UN agency.

Nutritional demand drives whey and lactose sales

Innovative dairy ingredients are increasingly being used in nutritional-focused applications and are showing significant growth rates according to a new study.

European biotech firms target R&D growth

Biotech associations from five European countries have joined an initiative aimed at creating and developing globally competitive R&D-driven companies.

EU sugar reform balanced between success and failure

Four key factors will determine whether this week's EU discussions regarding the sugar regime have been a success or a failure, says a key industry body.

New project probes functional properties of milk

A dairy research body in Australia will get $300,000 of government money to examine bioactive material in milk that could be used to develop novel functional foods.

Frutarom acquisitions fuel strong results

Frutarom's continuing trend of increased sales and profitability vindicates the Israeli flavour firm's rapid expansion within certain strategic geographic regions.

Weekly Comment

Time for Japan to act on agriculture

Strong rhetoric at last weekend's Apec summit on the abolition of agricultural subsidies could not drown out the scraping sound of Japanese heels.

Boel urges acceptance of EU sugar reform

EU commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has urged the agricultural council to adopt bold sugar reform ahead of tomorrow's crucial meeting.

GM pea study discontinued after assessment failure

Research to genetically modify peas to resist insect attack and reduce the use of chemical sprays has been discontinued after the failure of a stringent risk assessment.

Codex agenda : health claims, dietary fibre and NRVs

A panel of global food experts may start their first debate on health claims this week, with the topic once again on the agenda at the Codex meeting in Bonn.

Wild targets natural colours market with kiwi green

Wild has developed a revolutionary new technique to capture a natural brilliant green kiwi colour for the food and drink industry.

Cargill shortlisted for patented starch innovation

Cargill's patented starch, designed to deliver higher food quality and cost savings for manufacturers, has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Ingredient category at the forthcoming FiE show.

Novozymes recognised for trans fat innovation

Novozymes' enzymatic interesterification process has been recognised as one of six Technologies of the Year for 2005.

Arla predicts profitable expansion into Algerian dairy market

Arla Foods' plan to sell full-cream milk powder in Algeria makes perfect business sense to a company looking to expand into lucrative new markets.

Wild develops low-GI beverage solution

Natural flavours firm Wild says it has developed a new soft drink aimed specifically at the growing low glycaemic index market, in a sign GI is pushing its way into healthy drinks trends.

CSM responds to shareholder criticism

Dutch ingredients firm CSM has responding swiftly to shareholder concerns over the firm's "poor operational and financial performance".

Vitiva targets South American meat export market

A Slovenian rosemary extracts firm plans to penetrate the South American meat market in order to tap lucrative Brazilian and Argentinean exports to the US and Europe.

FSA traffic lights system signals labelling dispute

The FSA's backing of a 'multiple traffic light' (MTL) labelling initiative comes a day after the UK food industry promised a voluntary guideline on daily amounts (GDA).

UK select committee backs EU sugar reform

A House of Commons select committee report on reform of the EU sugar regime has been welcomed by a sugar users lobby group demanding action at next week's council of ministers meeting.

Wild acquisition strengthens European flavour position

Rudolf Wild's acquisition of a facility in Nauen should strengthen the German company's position in the lucrative European flavours market.

Selenium - slow start in functional foods

Emerging research suggests that selenium, a trace mineral, may have numerous health benefits but no-one is educating consumers about them.

New UK nutrition guidelines target obesity crisis

New guideline daily amounts (GDAs) on food packaging in the UK will empower consumers with vital nutritional knowledge and help cut rocketing obesity rates.

Hydrocolloid sector must innovate, says expert

Rising energy and transport costs have driven up hydrocolloid prices, but food makers could benefit if suppliers invest in innovative product development.

Cracking the corn code could unlock nutritional value

Plans to unlock the genetic code of the corn plant could help lead to higher yields and better quality ingredients.

More protein, less carbs may cut heart risk

Replacing some carbs with protein and monounsaturated fat can improve cholesterol levels, further lower blood pressure and reduce overall heart disease risk, suggests a new study out today.

ICL expands phosphate capacity across Atlantic

Israel Chemicals (ICL's) acquisition of US speciality phosphates firm Astaris will give the firm a foothold in the lucrative North American ingredients market.

Selako salt replacer targets health-conscious consumers

Salt reduction in finished products can be achieved without affecting shelf life or the manufacturing process, according to a Finnish firm.

Japan reshuffle suggests import tariffs on the negotiating table

Junichiro Koizumi's decision to move Shoichi Nakagawa from his position as trade minister to head the agriculture ministry has been seen as a clear signal...

Parmalat board meets to discuss future strategy

Today's board meeting at Parmalat, the first since Enrico Bondi was appointed as chief executive last week, will help to determine which direction the Italian dairy giant goes from here.

Burns Philp goes to market to raise acquisition funds

Burns Philp's plan to raise A$2.1 billion (€1.3 billion) from a share offering in its Goodman Fielder business underlines the group's ambitions to dominate the Australasian ingredients market.

Scientists search milk for new functional proteins

Australia's dairy industry will spend $850,000 on research to find novel milk proteins that could be used in functional foods to improve nutrition and combat major diseases.

Weekly Comment

Food safety for all

After all the increased safety procedures put in place over the past decade, one might have been lulled into thinking that poisonings and deaths from food contamination would be rarer than before. While it is true that the new regulatory requirements and better processing techniques have helped, the continuing breakdowns in food safety are still worrying.

Synergy yeast range taps European demand

Synergy's new range of natural yeast extracts, designed to encourage flavour enhancement in a wide range of savoury foods, aims to tap growing interest in this versatile ingredient.

IMR puts hydrocolloid price increases in context

Price increase announcements in the hydrocolloid sector do not necessarily reflect market conditions, according to IMR International.

Obesity and cancer more closely linked than previously thought

Diet and obesity could play a more significant role in cancer risk than previously thought, putting processed food again under the spotlight.

Broad support for sugar reform, claims Defra

The UK department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) claims that there is strong support for EU sugar reform, though opinion across Europe remains divided.

Health and cost concerns driving alternative protein demand

Cosucra plans to take advantage of the rapidly growing alternative protein market by show how pea protein can tie into current health concerns and cut costs.

Loders Croklaan targets trans fat free demand

Netherlands-based Loders Croklaan is expanding its palm oil processing facilities in the US in order to tap the growing demand for trans fat free oil.

FAO food census aims to eradicate hunger

An FAO agricultural census covering 2006 to 2015 could help to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Rosemary extract sector awaits antioxidant approval

A European rosemary extract firm believes that if the EU allows the ingredient to be labelled as an antioxidant, the sector could turn solid growth into rocketing sales.

Nut allergies may not last, says study

As Europe prepares for tougher rules on allergen labeling, a new study has found that allergies to almonds, pecans, cashews and other tree nuts may not be lifelong.

Galactic announces lactic acid price increases

Lactic acid giant Galactic is the latest ingredients firm to announced substantial price increases on the back of rocketing energy costs.

Parmalat backs Bondi to recoup the billions

Parmalat's administrator has weathered the storm to become the troubled Italian dairy firm's new chief executive.

Palsgaard targets expansion of emulsifiers market

Danish firm Palsgaard aims to reinforce its position in the specialist emulsifiers and stabilisers market by increasing its distilled monoglycerides production by 14,300 tons a year.

EU tackles bird flu epidemic at source

The threat of an avian bird flu pandemic has to be tackled not only within the EU, but by helping countries most at risk.

Frutarom olive leaf extract lowers blood pressure

A standardized olive leaf extract produced by Frutarom lowered blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, reported the company's researchers at a conference last month.

ABF reports solid results despite sticky sugar situation

Associated British Foods (ABF) has reported a 12 percent rise in annual profits despite ongoing difficulties in the EU sugar sector.

World's largest malting plant targets growing demand

Malteurop's new malting unit, considered to be the largest in the world, is designed to meet increasing demand for a highly nutritional ingredient.

Merck to develop French probiotics market

Merck Médication Familiale, the French subsidiary of Merck Consumer Healthcare, has introduced its first standalone probiotic supplement on the French market, following the strong demand for its multivitamin-probiotic combination.

Sweet taste study promises perfect sugar replacement

A low-calorie sweetener that tastes exactly like sugar and could help control diseases like diabetes and obesity could be just round the corner, according to a new study.

UK kids nutritionally clueless, warns survey

A worrying 36 per cent of 8 to 14 year-olds could not correctly identify the main ingredient in chips as potato, underlining again the gap between need and reality in nutritional awareness.

Weekly comment

No avoiding sustainable sourcing

Food companies do not yet face the ethical sourcing equation of the clothing industry, where brands from Nike to Marks & Spencer cannot afford a single claim of sweat-shop production. But the moment is fast approaching for food, too, when exploitative sourcing will be the public relations kiss of death.

EFSA demands new approach to carcinogenic substances

The EFSA believes that a new approach to the assessment of genotoxic and carcinogenic substances is vital to ensure EU food safety.

Cereal starch sweetener sector slams looming sugar reform

Europe's cereal starch sweetener industry is concerned that EC sugar reforms, due for Council decisions at the end of November, could unfairly penalise the sector.

Innovative flavours key to product success

A strawberry milk flavoured fish sausage? Food makers are increasingly using innovative flavours to differentiate their products, according to market analyst Datamonitor.

Arla invests to beat CAP squeeze

Arla Foods' new full-cream milk powder factory underlines how tight margins are forcing companies to focus on delivering value-added ingredients.

Orafti pushes new prebiotic health claims

A prebiotic ingredient could significantly lower the glycaemic index of food products when used in replacement for sugar, according to a new study.

Chr Hansen targets Italian meat cultures sector

Chr Hansen's aim of increasing its 50 per cent share in the Italian meat cultures market depends on constantly improving communication with customers, according to the firm's Italian meat sector manager.

Tate & Lyle profits driven by sweetener success

Increased demand for Tate & Lyle's calorie-free sweetener has helped the company to record a first-half profit increase of 59 per cent and successfully fend off spiralling raw material costs.

Fat taste receptor discovery could influence food formulation

The recent discovery of fat taste receptors on the tongue sheds new light on how taste buds function and could have ramifications for food makers.

Sauerkraut consumption may fight off breast cancer

Eating sauerkraut and raw cabbage may protect women from breast cancer, said a team of US and Polish researchers last week.

Chiquita's modest results provide cautious hope

Chiquita's modest improved net income of $0.3 million for the third quarter 2005 suggests that the company is performing better, though EU trade issues still cloud the horizon.

Healthy fruit and veg compounds being lost in processing

Fruit and vegetable compounds shown to protect against cancer in epidemiological studies could be much more powerful if processors and breeders paid closer attention to their preservation, say Dutch researchers.

Chr Hansen tour targets probiotics growth

Chr Hansen's latest Magical Sensory Tour is designed to bring innovative products to customers and underline the company's ethos that ingredients can be fun and imaginative.

Symrise targets growing Russian flavours market

Flavour giant Symrise is looking to penetrate the fast growing Russian market with radical product concepts and a new management structure.

EU GM approval cannot hide widespread opposition

Today's EU approval of a genetically modified (GM) maize product is unlikely to bridge immense differences of opinion that exist within the bloc.

Banana tariff rejection leaves EU fuming

Last week's WTO rejection of the EU's proposed new import tariff for bananas has left officials exasperated as to how this issue can ever be resolved.

DohlerGroup incorporates Palatinit energy ingredient

The DöhlerGroup has developed a range of sports beverages featuring Palatinose, a new type of sugar that is claimed to add nutritional value to finished foods.

UK tops Europe, US, in food, drink workforce productivity

The UK ranks second behind Canada in the level of productivity of its food, drink and tobacco products work force, but Austria, Finland and the Netherlands are on the way to overtaking the island, according to an international study.

EU yeast initiative to further industry knowledge

Yesterday's launch of the EU-funded Yeast Systems Biology Network could eventually help European yeast producers fight off the growing challenge from China.

Nutrinova to showcase sugar replacement innovation

Nutrinova plans to use this year's FI Europe show to highlight how new sweetener technology can make finished products healthier.