Henry Dixon, commercial director at BDB, underlines the challenge of taste, texture and affordability in the formulation of health and wellness products.
Researchers in the US have developed what claims to be the first
tool that can predict the timing, quality and weight of sweet corn
crops, a move that is expected to help the industry meet consumer
demand for the vegetable.
A team of scientists from the UK has found a new way to breed
brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and oilseed rape,
that they say gives them protection against the devastating turnip
mosaic virus.
Ingredients developer Chr Hansen and Swedish dairy company
Norrmejerier have joined forces to improve and increase the
production of healthy polyphenols for food and drink applications
as well for dietary supplements.
Chiquita, a major supplier of bananas to the food industry, today
outlined a restructuring plan that includes consolidating
operations and slashing jobs in order to improve efficiency and
innovation.
Avocado and citrus crops are thought to have taken the hardest hit
from wildfires sweeping through southern California, although
initial estimates suggest that there may not be a significant
impact on prices and supplies.
Organic produce that is flown into the UK may not be certified as
organic until it meets standards on ethical and fair trade, the
Soil Association proposed today, a decision that has stirred up
fears for the livelihoods of farmers...
A new study has presented strong evidence that food preferences are
largely governed by hereditary rather than social and environmental
factors, especially when it comes to a taste for garlic, coffee and
fruit and veg.
The import of American peanuts by European countries is now simpler
and quicker because the European Commission has approved the
pre-export aflatoxin tests carried out by the USA.
A Californian mushroom firm could face fraud investigations
following accusations that it has violated organic standards and
country of origin labeling laws.
Manufacturers of cakes and pies should focus on health, gourmet and
unique flavors in order to increase their competitiveness in the US
market, according to a new report by Mintel.
Scientists have found that the evolutionary distance of animal
proteins to human proteins determines how likely they are to
trigger a food allergy - research that could help with the
development of free-from foods and allergy therapies.
Soup sales in the US have slowed over the past year, prompting
Mintel to suggest that manufacturers and marketers need to rethink
their level of innovation and their market strategies if they want
to grow sales over the next five...
Two new varieties of southernpeas claim to feature superior color,
texture and flavor, reported US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
scientists yesterday.
A high level report from the UK's House of Lords has said advice on
peanut consumption by pregnant women and children to reduce allergy
risk could be counterproductive, and calls for urgent withdrawal
pending review.
A snack bar which can stay moist and chewy for up to 24 months
without the need for artificial preservatives has been developed by
scientists in California.
Manufacturers targeting the US Hispanic food and beverage market
should position their products within one of the category's three
major segments, depending on the type of consumer targeted,
according to a report by Packaged...
The gross profit of US frozen fruit and vegetable manufacturers is
10 percent higher than other companies in the manufacturing sector,
according to report that examines the sector's business.
A new epidemiological study indicates that people who consume 100
per cent fruit juice instead of sugary drinks have a reduced risk
of insulin resistance, providing more argument for long-term
studies using direct measures.
Less than three months after its launch, a Mediterranean diet
packaging symbol already appears on 50 products in the US, and a
number of new initiatives are underway to make it more accessible
to smaller food companies.
A request for a delay in the implementation of new pasteurization
requirements for almonds has been rejected by the US Department of
Agriculture (USDA), which has said that the new requirements will
come into effect on September 1,...
Ingredient group SunOpta has expanded its soy manufacturing
facilities in New York, a move that the company says will improve
its supply and service to east coast customers.
Hort Research has identified the stress reduction market as a
target consumer segment for its fruit research and development, and
aims to design product concepts specifically for mothers.
The firm yesterday announced that it has expanded its agreement
with Asian food giant Ajinomoto, making it one of the largest novel
ingredients firms worldwide.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended a comment
period on a review of the nation's soybean standards, as it aims to
ascertain whether these adequately respond to current grain
industry needs.
The organic food and beverage market has been predicted to surpass
$86bn (€62bn) by 2009, with consumers increasingly turning
'organic' in search of health and safety in their food products.
The allergic reaction to cashew nuts is more severe than peanuts,
says a new study that deepens our understanding of food allergies
and highlights the need for clear labelling.
Riding the trend for natural ingredients in food and drink
products, Wild says its natural ACE beverage concept - which uses
vitamins exclusively derived from organic sources - is boosting
flagging sales in the beverage sector.
Women who consume one quarter of grapefruit every day may be at a
30 percent higher risk of breast cancer, suggests an
epidemiological study from Hawaii and LA.
Agricultural firm DuPont is to open a new soybean research facility
to enhance its soybean product development and testing efforts, the
firm announced today.
Organically grown tomatoes contain higher levels of beneficial
flavonoids, says a new study from the US that fans the flames of
the debate between conventional and organic foods.
The UK's pea crop has been devastated by the poor weather and
flooding in recent weeks and a shortage of peas for freezing and as
ingredients looks inevitable, according to the Food and Drink
Federation.
Organic products containing certain non-organic minor ingredients
are now officially in non-compliance with US government organic
certifications, following the implementation of a new rule last
week.
A new report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
recommends alternative methods that could be implemented to help
consumers make healthy food choices, including placing limits on
purchases made in grocery stores and in schools.
Fruit from the African baobab tree moved a step closer to approval
for use as a food ingredient in the EU yesterday, with the
publication of a positive opinion from the FSA's novel foods
committee.
Coca-Cola will market Campbell's range of
vegetable-based juice brands in North America as it moves to
expand its presence in the non-carbonated drinks market.
A study from the University of Alberta has concluded that the
environmental impact of food miles racked up by organic produce
cancels out the benefits of growing it.
A new Mediterranean diet packaging symbol was today launched in the
US, and is set to enjoy significant success from food manufacturers
keen to flag up products that meet the nutrition criteria of the
diet.
Scientists who identified the gene mutation behind orange, beta
carotene-rich cauliflower are investigating ways to apply their
knowledge to transgenic potatoes, with a view to developing more
nutritious stable foods.
A diet rich in B vitamins may decrease the risk of slim people
contracting pancreatic cancer, according to a meta-analysis, but
supplements may have the opposite effect.
Consumer interest in eating locally-sourced produce is encouraging
food manufacturers to develop ready-meals made with ingredients
sourced from the same region in which the product is sold, says
analyst Datamonitor.
Prickly pear cactus pads, consumed regularly in Mexico, could
reduce blood sugar rises after a meal by up to 50 per cent,
suggests a new study that may have implications for diabetes
management.
Negotiations are underway between private-equity groups over the
sale of French natural ingredients firm Diana-Ingredients,
indicating a positive view of the company's potential in the
marketplace.
Parents aspire to offer the very best to their children, which of course requires high standards of quality and food safety. It also means introducing...
Failing to mitigate allergen risks has serious consequences - not just for consumer safety, poor allergen procedures can also cause financial losses and...