Acquisitions assist Atria’s profit rise
Two takeovers in the past 18 months have helped Finnish meat processor Atria post what its CEO called “delightful” profit and sales growth.
Archives for July 19, 2017
FDE: Act now before Commission considers maximum levels
Mandatory acrylamide action could be in place by spring 2018
An EU vote backing the Commission's proposal to reduce acrylamide in food and drink could see mandatory mitigation action and benchmark levels in place by spring next year, with maximum levels to follow.
Titanium dioxide should be avoided if you have colitis, say researchers
People with colitis should avoid food containing titanium dioxide particles, according to research carried out in Switzerland.
GSK to sell Horlicks brand in the UK
GSK has announced it intends to sell its Horlicks brand in the UK, and is proposing to close the associated manufacturing site in Slough. It also intends to sell its Maxi Nutrition brand in the UK.
Cost of Australian red meat set to fall
For the first time in three years, Australian cattle prices are lower than they were 12 months ago and, with production up, the price drop has caused some concern.
Dateline Southeast Asia
Brunei clarifies new halal laws for manufacturers and retailers
Plus: Academics showcase research to boost Filipino food security.
What Amazon’s meal kit service means to category’s future and competition with grocery retailers
There’s a very likely chance that Amazon will come to dominate the meal kit category, according to market research analyst Howard Waxman at Packaged Facts.
Trust in nutritional science ‘deflating’, claim Dutch scientists
Nutrition science appears to be in crisis with a public reluctance to trust nutritional insights, according to a Dutch group of scientists, who also believe the subject’s boundaries are hampering progress.
Ingredion cracks the code to transform 'almost any liquid' into a powder
Turning thick honey or chocolate syrup into a flowable powder can be done cheaply and easily thanks to a highly porous plating agent that can replace spray drying, says Ingredion.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Koia ‘positioned to become category leader’ in plant-based beverages with $7.5m investment
Koia, a refrigerated RTD plant-based protein beverage company, has secured a $7.5m funding round led by private investment firm KarpReilly and existing investor AccelFoods.
Majority of Americans don’t support horse slaughter
A new poll has revealed that 80% of the American population opposes the slaughter and consumption of the nation’s horses.
The ready meal category is ripe for growth and likely will pull consumers from meal kits and frozen
The ready meal category in the US is set to explode in part as a natural evolution of the meal kit craze that taught consumers how to cook healthy, fresh food at home, but which still ultimately takes more time than many people have daily, according to...
India
Venky’s gains from beef ban despite recent suspension
India’s ban on the sale of cattle has boosted the corporate fortunes of poultry producer Venky’s, whose stock has rallied by 360% so far this year.
Chinese demand continues to boost Australian wine exports
Australian wine exports to China continue to grow, with exports to the Greater China region growing 33% in 2016-2017 and exports to mainland China up 44%.
Slovakian prime minister considers import restrictions to tackle dual quality food
The Slovakian prime minister has warned of import restrictions its country would take in response to the quality of products sold in the region.
Hilton Food Group sees sterling drop benefit
UK-based meat packing business Hilton Food Group (Hilton) has reported solid financial growth for the year so far with currency fluctuations aiding progress.
McCormick’s purchase of Reckitt food brands could threaten Kraft Heinz’s leadership in condiments
McCormick & Company’s acquisition of Reckitt Benckiser’s food portfolio, which includes iconic brands such as French’s mustard, place the company within a stone’s throw of condiment and sauce category leader Kraft Heinz, according to a senior food...
Study shows dairy industry should focus on milk nutritional value
Researchers at North Carolina State University said a study on consumer perceptions of milk shows the industry should focus on the nutrition value of milk, and educating consumers about milk.
Cocoa in the Congo: Emerging origin for organic chocolate makers
Cocoa production is thriving in the Democratic Republic of Congo, presenting an opportunity for the chocolate industry, say stakeholders working in the country.
Novacap’s first sodium bicarbonate plant in Asia opens in Singapore
Novacap has officially opened a sodium bicarbonate plant in Singapore, the first of its kind for the French firm in Asia, to boost sales to bakery and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.
Dog days for canine meat traders amid changing Chinese attitudes
Last month massive crowds once again flocked to Yulin, in south China’s Guangxi province. Each year, on June 21, the city celebrates a dog meat festival that also attracts much public uproar and controversy.
FoodPro / AIFST Convention 2017
Food firms should stop ‘dawdling’ and address major public health problems with functional products
Health and wellness concerns will spur sales of naturally functional foods in Australia, but major food firms need to “stop dawdling” and maximize the opportunities.