Fats & oils

Food for thought

Why the food industry can’t ignore the bioeconomy boom

20-Feb-2019 By David Burrows

Publication of the European Commission’s new bioeconomy strategy last October may have passed many in the food sector by. However, the agri-food chain lies at the heart of the concept.

‘Combining traditional manufacturing with innovative technologies’: Fraunhofer taking out palm oil and replacing fat with plant proteins

19-Feb-2019 By Katy Askew

The Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV has launched two research projects focused on lowering the level of saturated fatty acids in foods by 30% without using chemical additives and replacing palm oil with healthier alternatives.

NPD trend tracker: From Starbucks capsules to ruby chocolate and gluten-free snacks for kids

18-Feb-2019 By Flora Southey

This month sees the nationwide launch of KitKat Ruby in retailers across the UK and spring water packaged in eco-friendly cartons – sealed using caps made from sugarcane. FoodNavigator brings you the latest new product development trends to hit supermarket...

Open Sesame: ‘Financially attractive’ and ‘farm-to-fork’ seed developed for local cultivation

14-Feb-2019 By Flora Southey

Equinom has developed a sesame variety suitable for mechanised harvesting, which product manager Oron Gar says could “dramatically change the global sesame production map”.

Nut butter brand brings Moroccan flavours to UK: ‘We are targeting foodies’

13-Feb-2019 By Flora Southey

UK start-up Yumello has developed a range of nut butters that champion ingredients from Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, including the nutty, rich and slightly sweet argan oil.

Ketchup for kids: Start-up markets tomato ketchup with no added sugar or salt

04-Feb-2019 By Flora Southey

UK start-up Wonderchup is targeting children and families with its clean label, healthy alternative to classic tomato ketchup. “We’ve had a lot of interest from people with health problems,” co-founder Elise Daly told FoodNavigator.

Sweet end to bitter taste? Researchers identify unpalatable compound in rapeseed

01-Feb-2019 By Flora Southey

Scientists have pinpointed the compound in rapeseed responsible for its bitter taste, marking an encouraging step towards the creation of palatable rapeseed by-products for human consumption.

2019 on the pulse: France champions nuts, legumes and wholegrains in dietary guidance

28-Jan-2019 By Flora Southey

Unsalted nuts, pulses and wholegrains have been added to France’s dietary guidance, which in 2019 also promotes environmental sustainability and consideration of the Nutri-Score label system.

Nutella rival’s ‘more ethical and healthier positioning’ to attract repeat customers, predicts analyst

16-Jan-2019 By Flora Southey

Barilla’s chocolate hazelnut spread is palm oil-free, contains less saturated fat than Nutella, and according to Euromonitor analyst Emil Fazira, threatens Fererro’s stronghold in Italy’s bread spread market.

WATCH:

Indulgence, regionalisation & health: Tate & Lyle talks today’s ‘big challenges’

16-Jan-2019 By Katy Askew

Ingredients supplier Tate & Lyle opens up its innovation centre in Lille, France, to talk the ‘big challenges’ that its customers face in today’s market.

Danish ‘foodshakers’ advise government on ingredients policy

15-Jan-2019 By Flora Southey

Denmark’s advisory board for the ingredients industry has issued recommendations to the government, detailing how to “reap the industry’s large growth potential up to 2030”.

UK launches consultation on restricting junk food promotions

14-Jan-2019 By Katy Askew

The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a public consultation on the government’s plans to restrict promotions of food and drink products that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS).

Acquisition of ‘complementary player’ Lecico to boost Avril’s speciality ingredients portfolio

14-Jan-2019 By Flora Southey

Agri-food giant Avril says the purchase of German lecithin and phospholipids producer Lecico improves its position in the specialty ingredients market.

Germany calls for food manufacturers to voluntarily reduce sugar, fats and salts

08-Jan-2019 By Flora Southey

The nationwide strategy, which aims to reduce sugar, fats, and salt content in finished food products to promote healthy eating and reduce obesity levels, has received criticism for its voluntary approach.

ScanUp: The app that tells consumers if food is 'ultra-processed' and helps manufacturers reformulate

04-Dec-2018 By Niamh Michail

The developers of ScanUp, a French app that allows consumers to scan food products and see just how ‘processed’ or ‘ultra-processed’ they are, are working with manufacturers to develop simple products that score more highly.