Rural poverty is the theme of this year’s World Food Day but agriculture in itself is not enough to end hunger, says the FAO – social protection is vital to protecting farmers which means industry can get involved.
EU organic legislation was supposed to dynamise the sector – but with the agricultural committee’s proposal yesterday deemed another status quo by organic groups, is future investment in the organic sector being compromised by the uncertainty?
With more than a quarter of all EU energy consumption, and a lower share of renewable energy than other industries, the European food sector must focus on sustainable use of energy, warns a new report.
Sensing a shift in consumer eating habits and attitudes, several German meat companies are leading the way in innovation and NPD for meat substitutes: “We will be the first and last generation that eats meat every day,” says one.
EFSA delivers long-awaited safety assessment despite data craters
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said insect pathogens potentially harmful to humans are most likely to come from rearing and processing not intrinsically associated with the insect itself – but huge gaps in data remain.
The UK government is calling on businesses, scientists and agricultural producers to submit their proposals for salt, sugar, fat and fibre reformulation with the chance to win up to €13.5 m in funding.
The Soil Association is updating its organic standards to make them more practical and transparent and is calling on the public to give its opinion in an open consultation.
Food labelling and ethical certification aren’t as effective as we think - for a sustainable food chain, small and medium businesses need to team up with social scientists to create ‘attentive consumption’ and transform the supply chain, say participants...
Sixteen countries have requested to opt out of GM cultivation in Europe – but while the Commission says the opt-out clause is necessary for such a complex issue, campaigners are calling it ‘Kafkaesque’ and one scientist warns Europe is walking 'an...
Transparency on sustainability needs to go beyond data on packaging if it is to really engage consumers, says Nescafé, as it partners with Google to launch a virtual reality coffee experience.
Bérangère Magarinos-Ruchat, vice president of sustainability partnerships at global flavour firm Firmenich has won “Head of Sustainability” at the Ethical Corporation's Responsible Business Awards.
Nearly 80% of British consumers say buying local produce is important but only 30% actually do – why is this and can large-scale food manufacturers satisfy this desire for local?
A new EU-funded research project involving partners across the EU, as well as in China, will help reduce food waste by 30% by 2025, say those behind the project.
The UK government is calling on manufacturers to use local county of origin labelling on its products – but unlike in Italy such measures would be voluntary.
DSM has been named as one of its sector’s leaders in environmental prudence in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, but the company says it sees such lists as a means, not an end.
Novel protein ingredients face a difficult future with too many barriers to entry to make success likely – but there are brighter prospects for Quorn and some potential for insect protein in animal feed, says Giract.
Protein ingredients are facing major challenges in developed markets, with stagnation in technical applications and uncertainty over health and sports markets, according to a report from Giract.
Industry says origin labelling is too expensive and would reduce competitiveness but one German company is listing the origin of all its ingredients voluntarily – and the costs are marginal, it says.
Scientists have identified a genetic defect in oil palms, called bad karma, which reduces yields – a finding that could save industry both time and money, they say.
Many multinational food and beverage brands are missing their biggest chance to address climate risks, according to the global non-profit group CDP, which says companies need to work closer with suppliers to improve agricultural emissions.
Shoppers are willing to pay up to 30% more for ethically produced goods that carry the Fairtrade logo, according to a new brain study that suggests ethical foods produce a greater ‘reward signal’.
Swiss biotechnology firm Evolva has introduced its nootkatone citrus flavour and fragrance ingredient – made from fermentation rather than traditional extraction from grapefruit skin.
Food security is not just about hunger and poverty – it must move into the mainstream as the challenge of feeding nine billion people comes into sharper focus, according to the European Commission.
Sustainability isn't one size fits all. Some consumers buy sustainable products while others curb consumption of less sustainable foods, say researchers.
The Norwegian national investment fund has cut ties with four major Asian companies, citing the risk of ‘severe environmental damage’ as a result of palm oil plantations.
The public has become immune to dire warnings about what falling pollinator numbers could mean for the world’s food supply – because there is no clear solution to the problem, says Oxford researcher Dr Leila Battison.
Italian politicians have submitted two resolutions to parliament defending palm oil in the face of anti-palm oil campaigns, calling it a raw material of fundamental importance for Italian industry.
Food companies need to better safeguard their supply chains against climate shocks, according to an independent report for the Global Food Security programme.
The key to successful placement of mildly sustainable products is to use cues that communicate product positioning consistently, both in price level and in-store location, say researchers.
The Scottish seaweed industry seems set to boom as the country's government prepares an expansion policy and company Mara Seaweed seeks over €700,000 to take its condiments global.
Three students from Lund University in Sweden have set up a business called Fopo (freeze dried food powder) buying expired fruit and vegetables and turning it into food powder to resell back into the F&B market.
New legislation will require all large firms in the UK to report on their fight against slavery in the supply chain - but experts say the 'opt out' clause means its success could be limited.
A sustainable logo is known to add value to a brand – so why are so many manufacturers not showing their Fairtrade, organic or sustainable credentials?
EU regulation is confusing but with growing consumer demand, it's still an attractive market. FoodNavigator spoke to five companies about the challenges of selling insects in Europe.
California provides 83% of the world’s almonds, but drought is affecting supply. FoodNavigator spoke to the Almond Board of California about how the industry is tackling water shortages – and why so much of the world is reliant on Californian almonds.
No self-respecting food conference would be complete these days without a session on edible insects. But are they a gimmick or a serious source of alternative protein? FoodNavigator-USA editor Elaine Watson headed to the 2015 IFT show in Chicago to find...
After years in the making, quinoa protein concentrate will be the latest plant-based protein to be commercialised, competing with the likes of whey, soy and pea.
Most people accept that animals have been slaughtered for meat because they have no choice – but lab-grown meat could change that, says Professor Mark Post.
From GM to junk food, many food industry issues go beyond the realm of the industry itself – they shape, and are shaped by, our world view says one expert at IFT. So what approach should companies take when dealing with such big issues that both impassion...
The food industry has evolved to mass produce food in complex supply chains – so how can it appeal to millennials’ desire for personalised, authentic and artisanal food?
Food and drink manufacturers have slashed their water use by nearly a quarter in the past eight years, as it emerged water deregulation in England could save firms millions.
European industry association FoodDrinkEurope has called for an ambitious global climate deal to help justify investment in low carbon technologies, it said in a report released at Expo Milano last week.
