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The detrimental effect of unfavourable weather conditions is hitting global cocoa supplies. Pic: GettyImages

Commodities

ICCO predicts 11% drop in global cocoa output, after El Niño effect

By Anthony Myers

The El Niño weather phenomenon, which hit the west coast of Africa last year, carrying unseasonal heavy rains followed by dry heat, is the main factor in an 11% drop in the season’s main cocoa harvest, according to the latest figures from the International...

Cheddar cheese contains abundance of salt, according to campaign group Action on Salt. Image Source: Getty Images/J Shepherd

Does cheese contain too much salt?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Most hard cheeses contain an abundance of salt according to campaign group Action on Salt. But is this too much? And how easy is it for cheese producers to cut down on salt content?

The campaign showed success, in spite of the setbacks linked to the declining plant-based market and the cost-of-living crisis. Image Source: Getty Images/ArtMarie

Veganuary 2024: Success or failure?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Veganuary has historically led to a significant uptick in consumption of vegan food products. However, with the plant-based sector in decline, and a cost-of-living crisis sweeping much of the world, can the early-year vegan fervour continue apace?

Differences in Arabica coffee beans are due to chromosomal mutations, the study found. Image Source: Getty Images/AnthiaCumming

Coffee’s chromosome mutations: The potential for industry

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Variations in the properties of arabica coffee, such as in taste, caffeine content and disease resistance, are determined by chromosome mutations, according to a recent study. But are these findings purely academic, or relevant to industry? And how could...

Could a plant-based diet prevent chronic diseases in women? GettyImages/Daria Kulkova

Could a plant-based diet prevent chronic diseases in women?

By Donna Eastlake

Plant-based diets are proving hugely popular amongst men and women across the globe, with everything from animal cruelty to environmental impact being cited as the reason. But could the plant-based way of life also prevent against chronic diseases in...

© D-Keine / Getty Images

UK Gov to crack down on misleading marketing online

By Nikki Hancocks

The UK Government will soon introduce the hotly anticipated Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill created to see stricter enforcement of consumer protection laws related to online marketing of products.

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way. GettyImages-carlosgaw

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way

By Donna Eastlake

Whether you’re spreading it (generously) on a crumpet, making pastry for a pie or baking a cake, butter is a kitchen essential that’s loved by many. But this humble ingredient is having something of a luxury makeover and food lovers are flocking.

When passing its ban on cultivated meat, Italy did not go through the TRIS procedure. Image Source: Getty Images/sergeyryzhov

The future of Italy’s cultivated meat ban

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Last year, Italy attempted to ban cultivated meat production and the marketing of cultivated meat products. However, the law has come into difficulty for its failure to go through the right procedures at EU level.

Is eco-friendly eco-nomically savvy? GettyImages/NataliaDeriabina

How powerful is the eco-conscious consumer?

By Donna Eastlake

Shoppers are voting with their feet when it comes to environmentally friendly foods. But how powerful is this consumer trend and what does it mean for manufacturers?

Counting the cost of biodiversity loss. GettyImages/SolStock

Counting the cost of biodiversity loss

By Donna Eastlake

Can you put a price on biodiversity loss? That’s the question being posed by economists at Wageningen Economic Research as they seek to understand and communicate the full impact that biodiversity loss will have on our ability to produce food in the future.

Industry Insights from NIZO: What is the gut-brain axis and what role does food play in it? GettyImages/inkoly

GUEST ARTICLE

Gut-brain axis on a chip: a faster route to foods that promote brain health

By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

The relationship between food and brain health is already being explored, and could soon help accelerate the development of new food products that promote mental wellbeing, according to Dr Kerensa Broersen, associate professor of applied stem cell technologies...

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