Innovation in fruit products has topped Datamonitor's list of most
original new product introductions last year, revealing an emerging
attempt to promote fruit consumption through fun.
A new research project into strawberry wilt disease could have
important repercussions for a fruit that remains the most popular
flavour in numerous food and drink categories.
Food safety scares could result in a long lasting impact on
purchasing decisions, with new research revealing that 15 percent
of consumers stop eating a product entirely after a food safety
incident.
World coffee production is estimated to increase next year, after
improved weather and better yields contributed to a larger coffee
crop in a number of producing countries, according to the latest
report from the US Department of...
British supermarkets are reporting that sales of berries have been
strong this year hitting £204m (€304m) despite adverse weather
conditions, due to consumer health trends.
Scientists at the University of Idaho have produced a genetically
modified potato variety of Ranger Russet with enhanced French fry
aroma, and reduced amounts of processing-induced acrylamide.
Fruit supplier Chiquita has again raised its banana prices in North
America, a move that has helped the company offset a slump in sales
after the implementation of new EU banana import rules, as well as
the recent spinach E. coli...
Taste preference and familiarity remain the most important drivers
behind peoples' breakfast choices, according to a new study by
market researcher the NPD Group.
National Starch Food Innovation has launched what it claims to be
the most comprehensive source of information on resistant starch,
designed to provide an easy reference base for nutrition experts.
Public opinion about genetically modified (GM) foods remains
divided, but more information and more stringent regulation would
ease the fears of the majority of Americans, according to a new
survey.
High intake of garlic and onions was associated with significantly
reduced risks of a wide-range of cancers, according to a large
epidemiological study from Italy.
Amflora, the GM starch potato at the centre of recent controversy,
could help strengthen the competitiveness of the potato starch
industry, according to EuropaBio.
White Americans are the most frequent consumers of carbonated soft
drinks, while fruit drinks are favored by African Americans and
Mexican Americans, according to a new report on the nation's
beverage consumption.
US agricultural firm DuPont has said it is on track to launch a new
biotech soybean variety, which is expected to be the first major
product to compete with Monsanto's Roundup Ready trait.
Selling organic products in different markets is becoming a
mounting challenge for organic producers, as global demand
continues to soar but different national standards impede
international trade, according to a new report.
Scientists have identified a new gene in peanuts that codes for a
protein with no apparent allergic effects, research that opens up
the possibility of allergen-free GM nuts.
Quest International, the flavour firm recently acquired by
Givaudan, has launched a new range of fruit flavours based on
components that 'precisely replicate the flavours of real fruit at
various stages of ripeness'.
A new wine flour manufactured from grape skins claims to allow
manufacturers of baked goods, pasta and snacks to naturally fortify
their products with healthy fatty acids and fiber.
Researchers in the US have found a way to genetically engineer
cottonseed to remove toxins, making it a potential source of
protein for undernourished populations.
Europe's food safety authority has issued draft guidance for the
renewal of authorisations of existing genetically modified products
lawfully placed on the market.
The US market for pickles, olives and relishes is struggling to
maintain momentum, but there remains a window of opportunity for
manufacturers to promote their products as nutritious and fun,
according to a new report.
Soaring global organic food and drink sales are driving demand, but
undersupply of organic ingredients is undermining the long-term
stability of the sector, says a new report from Organic Monitor.
The Amazonian palm berry, also known as açai, has the highest ORAC
antioxidant values of any food, says a new study, but the
researchers suggest that such values are dependent on the drying
technique and not applicable to other commercially...
Banana supplier Chiquita has reported a tough third quarter, with
profits hard hit by new EU import regulations, irregular weather
conditions and concerns about the safety of fresh spinach.
Scientists in Texas are investigating the potential of dried plums
as a natural alternative for processed meats, slowing oxidative
spoilage as well as imparting flavour and aroma.
Integrating social and environmental concerns into business
practices ultimately benefits a firm's bottom line as well as the
environment, according to the CEO of energy bar manufacturer Clif
Bar.
UK firm Create Flavours has developed an innovative method that it
claims is capable of recreating more accurately the original
flavour of strawberries.
New Zealand's HortResearch is conducting research aimed at taking
fruit and fruit-derived ingredients into the next generation of gut
health drinks based on their prebiotic properties.
Research groups around the world are working on breeding truly
purple tomatoes, packed full of anthocyanins, and reports suggest
that such a finished fruit may only be a few years away.
Scientists have reviewed the safety data and case reports of
supposed adverse reactions for noni fruit juice, and reached the
same conclusions as the EU that the fruit poses no safety risk to
consumers.
French wine authorities have laid down plans to ban the
controversial use of wood chips in higher quality appellation
controllee wine, after the practice was approved by the European
Commission.
Leading kids' entertainment brand Nickelodeon has made another move
towards promoting fresh produce to children, announcing this month
that its popular cartoon characters will feature on kid-friendly
packs of fruit.
The stagnant US market for fruit products is expected to continue
to decline marginally, despite industry efforts to spice up the
category through ingredient and packaging innovation, according to
a new report by Packaged Facts.
A handful of almonds, a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants,
vitamin E and magnesium, may enhance the feeling of fullness in
people and aid weight management, suggests a new study.
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...