Meat, fish and savoury ingredients

Unlocking the ‘pegan’ potential: Germany taps vegan-paleo trend

01-Aug-2019 By Flora Southey

‘Peganism’ – a diet that combines aspects of paleo and veganism – presents an opportunity for food manufacturers in Germany, according to market research firm Mintel.

‘Get your story right and develop it from there’… Sea Chips’ founder on innovation and a vegan seafood jerky in the pipeline

31-Jul-2019 By Oliver Morrison

The company behind the world's first salmon skin crisps is planning to launch the world’s first vegan seafood jerky.

Jellyfish: A new sustainable, nutritious, and ‘oyster-like’ food for the Western world?

30-Jul-2019 By Flora Southey

Jellyfish are nutrient-rich, boast a similar taste and texture profile to oysters, and if approved as a novel food, could help ease the burden of over-exploited fisheries, according to EU-backed research.

Eating fish may lower risk of bowel cancer: study

24-Jul-2019 By Oliver Morrison

A new study provides stronger evidence on the health benefits of eating more fish.

‘Start taking bold action’: Food companies urged to step-up deforestation efforts

17-Jul-2019 By Katy Askew

The food industry is largely failing to provide transparent information detailing the impact of their supply chains on deforestation, despite growing investor and consumer pressure, a new report finds.

Canned tuna brands fail to tackle modern slavery in supply chains, says human rights group

12-Jul-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Around 80% of tuna companies don’t know who caught their fish, putting workers in the industry at risk of exploitation, according to the UK-based Business and Human Rights Resource Centre.

Researchers call for rethink of WHO saturated fat draft guidelines

12-Jul-2019 By Flora Southey

The WHO’s draft guidelines on saturated fat have been challenged by a group of international researchers, who say different types of fatty acids, and the diversity of foods, should be taken into consideration.

Cracking the egg-free market: Egg-secution key to boosting quality perception

10-Jul-2019 By Katy Askew

Demand for egg-free packaged foods is growing. But poor quality-perception and formulation challenges make the increasingly competitive sector a tough one to crack.

Plant-based raw tuna and freshwater eel with ‘fishlike texture’ come to Europe

10-Jul-2019 By Flora Southey

US-based Ocean Hugger Foods says it will launch plant-based alternatives to raw tuna and freshwater eel in the UK this year to meet growing demand for vegan seafood.

AquaMaof fishes new markets after $230 million investment

08-Jul-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Aquaculture firm AquaMaof is riding a wave of demand for farmed fish in what is the fastest-growing food sector in the world.

Start-up champions new mushroom protein for unprocessed meat substitute

04-Jul-2019 By Flora Southey

Fed up with the limited range of “really bland” and highly processed meat analogues available for vegans and vegetarians, a German start-up has developed plant-based chicken alternatives using a new protein source: the laetiporus mushroom.

Meat ‘essential’ to sustainable farming, says the Sustainable Food Trust

25-Jun-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Red meat is essential in the transition to more sustainable farming systems, according to the founding director of the Sustainable Food Trust.

NPD trend tracker: From discount fusion to 'healthy' treats

24-Jun-2019 By Katy Askew

This week's round-up of innovation from across Europe sees the opening of a meatless butcher and the launch of some unusual 'fusion' cuisine from discounter Aldi. Healthier options are also on display, with the introduction of 'better-for-you'...

Five types of consumer make up the ‘unbelievable’ plant-based trend: Givaudan

21-Jun-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Launching a plant-based product? You can forget the meat, but don’t forget to ask what type of consumer you’re targeting, says Givaudan.

Higher Steaks: Cultured meat start-up eyes sausage and bacon market

19-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

UK start-up Higher Steaks is developing cell-based pork for flexitarians. Once commercialised, the product will lower the risk of foodborne diseases and remove the use of antibiotics, CEO Benjamina Bollag tells FoodNavigator.

Spoilage sensors could replace use-by dates on meat and fish products

14-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

Researchers in the UK have developed cheap, biodegradable, and reliable food freshness sensors they say could replace use-by dates in retail stores.

Brussels Bulletin: Not labelling Israeli foodstuffs from Occupied Territories to reflect its origin ‘could mislead the consumer’

14-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

An Advocate General has questioned whether the absence of the indication of the origin or place of provenance of a foodstuff originating in a territory occupied by Israel could mislead the consumer. This last fortnight also saw EFSA raise concerns regarding...

Children ‘exceed’ acceptable daily intake of phosphates, EFSA finds

13-Jun-2019 By Katy Askew

A new opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that some population groups – particularly infants, children and adolescents – have too many phosphates in their diets. The opinion calls for a maximum level of phosphates...

Fisheries pressured to abolish illegal practice, putting ‘more sustainable products on our plate’

07-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

A coalition of NGOs has issued guidance targeting regional fisheries management organisations in an effort to stamp out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Red vs white meat for lower cholesterol? Clinical trial reveals ‘near identical’ results

06-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

A study investigating the impact of different proteins on cholesterol levels has found that limiting total meat consumption – whether red or white – may play a greater role in lowering blood cholesterol than previously thought.

Investors eye ‘game changing innovations’ as climate change and antibiotics threaten aquaculture sector

05-Jun-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Investors are eyeing “game-changing innovations” in the aquaculture sector as climate change and antibiotics threaten to “sink” the fast-growing $232 billion global fish farming sector, according to a report by an ethical investment network.

Comparing eggs with eggs: How competitive is Europe with the rest of the world?

03-Jun-2019 By Flora Southey

Reducing import levies on shell eggs and egg powder from non-EU countries threatens the competitiveness of Europe’s egg industry, researcher Peter van Horne tells FoodNavigator.

Swap red meat with fish for ‘substantial’ health benefit: Danish research

28-May-2019 By Katy Askew

The average Dane would get a “substantial” health benefit if they substituted part of their red and processed meat consumption with fish, according to data from the National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark (TUD).

Are UK sandwich retailers cut out for growing plant-based demand?

24-May-2019 By Flora Southey

A survey assessing sandwiches sold by supermarket and high street retailers in the UK has revealed that uptake in plant-based is still lagging. “The sheer volume of meat-based sandwiches is a big concern,” says Eating Better.

'No flash in the pan'... alternative meat market could be worth $140 billion within a decade, predicts Barclays

23-May-2019 By Oliver Morrison

The alternative meat market could grow from less than $14bn today to be worth $140bn over the next 10 years, according to analysts at Barclays.

EU says pricing transparency scheme will boost farmers’ position in food supply chain

23-May-2019 By Flora Southey

The European Commission has made steps to enhance price transparency across the agri-food supply chain, including in meat, eggs, dairy, and olive oil sectors.

From personalisation to plant power: Top trends on show at London Food Tech Week

23-May-2019 By Katy Askew

London Food Tech Week is a five day ‘festival’ showcasing the best and brightest in food innovation. Spread across five different venues, each day has a theme – from manufacturing to retail and out-of-home consumption. So what food and beverage trends...

From 3D printing to ingredient development: Icelandic innovators taking waste out of the blue economy

22-May-2019 By Katy Askew

The marine environment is an important source of raw material for the global food sector. But the seafood industry is blighted by high levels of waste. This is a challenge the Icelandic seafood industry hopes to meet through innovation.

Outcry from farmers over Soil Association’s call for reduced meat in schools

21-May-2019 By Flora Southey

British farmers have taken to social media to voice concerns regarding the Soil Association’s suggestion that the government instate a ‘plant-based protein’ day in schools.

‘Denmark can take the lead in global food challenges’: MFVM details investment programme

17-May-2019 By Katy Askew

The Danish government recently unveiled plans to step up investment in food and ingredients research and development, stating that the country can “take the lead” in tackling global food insecurity and providing innovative new solutions that advance the...

Start-up develops edible markers to prove sustainable sourcing

14-May-2019 By Flora Southey

IN-Code Technologies has developed invisible makers that can be used to combat illicit trade and prove the sustainable sourcing of food ingredients, such as palm oil, says CEO Joe Tilley.

‘We will start building bio-farms’: Clean meat company Aleph Farms talks growth ambitions

14-May-2019 By Katy Askew

Israeli cellular meat start-up Aleph Farms has secured a fresh injection of capital that will enable it to bring production of “slaughter free” cultured meat to commercial scale.

Oceana CEO: Why not use 71% of the planet to feed the future?

09-May-2019 By Flora Southey

By stopping overfishing, curbing pollution and increasing transparency in the marine fishery industry, we can put more fish in the ocean, says Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless.

Seafood Scotland launches blueprint for growth

08-May-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Scotland’s seafood industry unveils a blueprint for “growth that is equitable and profitable, with the entire supply chain, from sea to shelf, pulling together for success”.

Animal protein can be part of an eco-friendly diet, consumers believe

06-May-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Consumers believe meat, fish and eggs can be an important part of a healthy and environmentally responsible diet, according to global research.

Scottish salmon farming faces down its environmental critics

02-May-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Scotland’s salmon farmers are hitting back against long-standing claims that the industry damages the environment and destroys wild salmon and sea trout stocks.

Social media influencers unfit for weight management advice: ‘Misinformation can undermine public health campaigns’

30-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

Researchers warns that social media influencers with weight management blogs may not offer credible or trustworthy advice.

Plant-based diets linked to heart health - but not all plant-based diets are healthy

26-Apr-2019 By Oliver Morrison

A plant-based diet cuts heart failure risk by over 40%, claims new research which strengthens the case that an intake of mainly of fruits and vegetables can reduce risk of heart disease.

Denmark aligns with SDGs to combat food waste ‘farm to fork’

24-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

A think tank designed to strengthen efforts preventing food waste and food loss has been established by Denmark’s Ministry of Environment and Food.

Italian biotech taps DNA barcoding to increase food safety and prevent fraud

24-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

FEM2-Ambiente has developed a DNA barcoding tool for food companies to verify ingredients and trace contaminants in both raw and processed foods.

Mediterranean diet can prevent overeating and protect against NAFLD, study claims

23-Apr-2019 By Oliver Morrison

Mediterranean diets deter people overeating, suggests a new study that claims to provide the first experimental evidence that a Mediterranean diet can protect against increases in obesity and prediabetes compared to a Western diet.

Michelin-starred Ducasse calls for gastronomic revolution: ‘The world of tomorrow is in our hands’

17-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

Multi-Michelin starred chef Alain Ducasse has encouraged industry representatives to join his gastronomic revolution – a movement that champions health, the planet and ingredients.

Climate change: Plenty more canned fish in the sea

15-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

A study investigating the impact of climate change on the distribution of tuna reveals that two species commonly used in canned fish products could thrive in warmer waters.

The Co-op’s sustainable soy pledge: ‘There are certain things that customers just expect’

15-Apr-2019 By Katy Askew

UK retailer The Co-operative has said it will move to 100% sustainable soy in its supply chain by 2025. “There are certain things that customers just expect you to do and this is one of them,” sustainable sourcing and fairtrade manager Sarah Wakefield...

NPD trend tracker: From dragon fruit Fanta to tea-inspired chocolate

15-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

The latest new product developments in Europe cover Kettle Chips' fruit and vegetable-based crisps with gourmet seasoning, tea-inspired chocolate bars, organic Laughing Cow Cheese, and a new Fanta flavour in France that was chosen by teenagers for...

Fazer pledges to use 100% cage-free eggs: ‘It is realistic, but there are challenges’

11-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

The Finnish food company is collaborating with suppliers in its commitment to use cage-free eggs across operations in Nordic and Baltic countries, sustainability director Nina Elomaa told FoodNavigator.

German logistics start-up works to clear up B2B food supply chains

11-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

Berlin-based start-up fliit has raised €10m in Series A funding to grow its food logistics network, employ more staff, and expand beyond Germany.

CAP vote meets protest & SUP directive sparks industry response: A round-up of EU news & views

05-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

A giant, squealing pig accompanied protesters at a CAP reforms vote this week, the EU said it will pump €250m into supplying healthy foods to school children, and the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive was voted in by Parliament. FoodNavigator brings...

Beyond fat and sugar: Diets low in whole grains, fruit and nuts associated with 1 in 5 deaths

05-Apr-2019 By Flora Southey

A suboptimal diet lacking in whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factors globally, according to findings published in The Lancet.