Archives for April 14, 2005

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Scientists uncover secret behind unpoppable popcorn

Scientists have identified a key crystalline structure in popcorn that determines 'popability' a discovery that could help manufacturers maximise productivity and increase consumer satisfaction.

Tesco plots Eastern Europe expansion

British retailer Tesco, which this week became the first UK supermarket to break the £2 billion profit barrier, plans to build on a strong performance across Eastern Europe by adding more than 30 stores in the region this year, increasing...

ADM closes soybean plant in Brazil

Oil ingredient supplier Archer Daniels Midland said on Wednesday it will close operations at a Brazilian soybean crushing, refining and bottling plant.

European food industry: the facts and figures

Knocked by an economic slowdown and the strength of the Euro against the US dollar, growth in turnover for the European food and drink industry rose by a 1.9 per cent wisp from 2002 to 2003, concludes a new report from the US government, Lindsey...

Dairy, bread and juice driving functional Russia

Russia's dairy, bread and juice sectors are driving a raft of novelty product innovations aimed at inspiring Russia's functional food sector, offering opportunities for companies looking for more value-added products, reports Angela Drujinina.

Rice consumers opt for health-promoting foods

Food makers will favour rice in formulations, with a new study set to boost consumer perception of the grain, showing rice eaters have a healthier overall diet, with less added fat and sugar than their non-rice eating compatriots.

USDA urges processors to follow food security plans

The US has released model food security plans and training that meat, poultry and egg processing plants can utilise to strengthen security measures and prevent potential acts of intentional contamination, writes Anthony Fletcher.

Risk of foodborne illness falls as food safety makes inroads

Food makers will be encouraged by a new report that reveals food safety actions along the supply chain appear to be paying off, with new figures from the US government showing cases of the harmful food pathogen E.coli have fallen in recent years.

EU split scuppers wine tax

The EU's wine-producing countries, including Hungary and Slovenia, this week torpedoed discussions to raise the minimum excise duty on all alcoholic drinks, fearing a domestic backlash from vintners, reports Chris Mercer.

Natural ingredients pushing Russian health food growth

Russian dairy firm Wimm-Bill-Dann believes consumers are ready to pay higher prices for quality and 'healthy' products. The firm explains to Angela Drujinina why it has chosen to source ingredients from abroad to satisfy this growing market.