The identification of a gene that controls the shape of tomatoes
provides new insights into the mechanisms of plant development,
offering future opportunities for altering the size and shape of
fruits.
SunOpta is set to complete its acquisition of Tradin Organic
Agriculture in the next few weeks having faced delays due
to the internal financial issues.
Citrus oils - particularly those already used as flavourings -
could be an ideal alternative to chemical-based antimicrobials for
food applications, says a new paper.
A computer model has been developed to improve the long-term
storage of fleshy fruit under controlled atmospheres, according to
a report published by researchers at the Catholic University of
Leuven in Belgium.
Companies whose products form part of the much-vaunted
Mediterranean diet have joined forces to promote the benefits of
healthy, European-style eating to US consumers.
Washing and soaking potatoes at home prior to frying them reduces
the risk of acylamide formation says a new study, shifting focus
away from measures to be taken by food manufacturers.
A review of three sets of dietary guidelines available to the US
public has found that all feature recommendations on fruits, veg,
legumes, and wholegrains, reducing sugar and saturated fat, and
emphasising plant oils.
Doehler is stepping up its presence within both the sourcing and
processing of citrus fruits via a Brazilian investment designed to
meet changing needs of beverage manufacturers.
Decas Cranberry Products is to expand its cranberry production
facilities in a bid to meet growing industry demand for the healthy
berry ingredient in foods and beverages.
A new range of enzymes is designed to improve the juice volume and
vitamin yield of blackcurrants for beverage use, in order to
maximise the benefits of the superfruits, its manufacturer says.
Anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments from fruit and vegetables, have
a "significant potency" against fat cells and could be
used for the prevention of weight gain, suggests a new study from
Japan.
A diet rich in berries may boost levels of good cholesterol and
improve blood pressure, indicating their potential benefits for
heart health, says a new study from Finland.
Takasago has unveiled plans to open a new citrus center in Florida,
the USA's largest citrus-producing state, in a bid to increase
product quality and innovation.
The potato is well-tolerated by more than 99 per cent of people,
according to a study by YorkTest which has dubbed the humble
spud, the 'safest food in Britain'.
The application of modern horticultural techniques could revive
cultivation of traditional fruits in Africa like baobab,
butterfruit and tamarind, according to a new report.
A diet rich in polyphenol-rich fruit like apples, oranges and
bananas may protect against oxidative stress linked to loss of
cognitive function and Alzheimer's, suggests a new study.
Trends are set to combine in 2008, with Americanized ethnic flavors
and healthy but indulgent products steering the market, while
locally, ethically sourced food will continue to grow in
popularity, says a new report.
Radical changes consumer behaviour, especially in rich countries,
is crucial to averting a crisis in food supply in the coming
decades, attendees at the City Food Lecture in London heard this
week.
Using an antioxidant-rich extracts from bamboo leaf and green tea
could reduce the formation of acrylamide in an asparagine-glucose
model system heated by microwave, according to a new study.
American and Japanese researchers have identified how peptides in
food activate human bitter taste receptors, data that could have
implications for the food industry and food formulators.
Polyphenol-rich extracts from grape seed has potential as a natural
antioxidant in chicken meat, and could reduce the pro-oxidative
effects of salt, suggests new research.
The Sudzucker group has reported a 18.3 per cent increase in sales
for the first nine months of its year thanks to special products
and fruit preparations, while sugar was responsible for a big drop
in operating profit.
Ingredient innovators looking for inspiration from exotic fruits
may be able to cash in on an Agricultural Research Service project
which is looking into ways to bring even more tropical fruits to
the US.
The superfruits trend is set to endure for the long term, according
to a Datamonitor analyst, as consumers will prioritise their own
health over environmental concerns like food miles and carbon
footprint.
Indian spice processor Vallabhdas Kanji Limited (VKL) has started
commercial shipments from its new pepper plant in Vietnam; it
claims the new facility makes it the only processor in the main
pepper-producing countries with steam...
France's Naturex has bought the active ingredients division of
compatriot Berkem - its second strategic acquisition in three weeks
and one that will open up major new sales channels for Berkem's
science-backed ingredients.
UK snack and cereal makers have a new source of juice-infused dried
fruits, as Polish ingredients firm Frubella has signed a deal with
JO Sims to take its range into the high-potential market.
Freshness dates, nutrition facts panels and ingredients lists are
priorities for most consumers when reading product labels,
according to a new report.
'Kosher' was the most frequently used claim on new products
launched in the US during 2007, while 'All Natural' and 'No
Additives or Preservatives' were amongst the other most popular
claims used on new...
Flavor firm Wild says it has developed new ways to help US
manufacturers boost the fruit and vegetable content of their
products, while keeping these tasty and fun to eat.
The Department for Agriculture (USDA) this week announced an
interim rule to revise the contents of food packages provided to
low-income women and children to include fruit, vegetables and
whole grains.
Agrana Fruit has opened an innovation and product development
center in the United States in a bid to keep up with frequent
changes in North American consumer preferences.
Wild is extending offering of fruit and vegetable juice
compounds by using new kinds of produce, like pumpkins and bell
peppers, in a bid to halt shrinking sales in the orange-carrot
drinks category in Germany.
Tapping into the ever-growing search for natural antioxidants to
prolong the shelf-life of foods, researchers from Portugal report
that the leaves, flowers, and skins of chestnuts could be added to
the list.
The acquisition of Tradin Organic Agriculture by fast-expanding
SunOpta will enable it to extend its current organic programs while
adding new sourcing projects worldwide.
Debate has been stirred in the UK over a future that could see GM
foods on supermarket shelves, as the government's outgoing chief
scientific advisor said he believes GM food to be safer than
convention food.
Sales in the UK food ingredients industry are falling on average as
a result of increased competition, both domestically and
internationally, according to a new market report by analysts
Plimsoll.
A big handful of almonds every day could boost the antioxidant
defences of smokers, a group at risk of low antioxidant levels due
to higher oxidative stress, by up to 35 per cent, says a joint
Chinese-US study.
The proposed restrictions on air freighting of organic produce into
the UK could have implications for the flavour industry, as some
valuable raw materials are grown far way and would not survive
lengthy sea freighting times.
Kerry Group is in negotiations over the sale of its fruit
ingredients division, with a possible bidder rumoured to be Swedish
private equity company Industri Kapital.
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Failing to mitigate allergen risks has serious consequences - not just for consumer safety, poor allergen procedures can also cause financial losses and...