Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North America EU edition

Demographic niches to drive flavor futures

Agilex Flavors & Fragrances aims to help manufacturers develop demographically targeted products with the launch of its Flavor Focus Collections.

McDonald's trans fat removal shows scale of movement

The swell of the tide against trans fats has reached new levels in recent months, as fast food group McDonalds has switched to using a blend of canola, corn and soybean oils to cook fries and other deep fried products.

Developing world to become food commodity hub

Global agriculture and trade for most commodities are set to centre on developing countries in the next ten years - a prediction that gives weight to food industry strategies to build a presence in emerging markets.

Sensible snacking benefits health

Sensible, nutritious, snacking twice a day combined with three small meals can form a healthy, balanced diet, claims Kellogg's Smarter Snacking Report published earlier this month.

New resin can help processors achieve sustainability, says Nova

A new resin for use in high density polyethylene (HDPE) film packaging applications provides costs savings through higher moisture resistance and stiffness while using less film, its manufacturer claims.

Report gives warning signs of bankruptcy risk

Rising commodity costs could result in permanent structural changes for the American food industry, said international ratings agency Fitch.

Boost for corn fibre gum's emulsifying potential

USDA scientists are continuing to expand the potential of a gum produced from corn fibre to replace gum arabic as emulsifiers in beverages, with a new study pinpointing the emulsifying properties of the gum.

Speculators pushing up food prices, questions UN

Speculators outside of the food industry pouring money into financial mechanisms in the commodity markets could be cause for concern, says the UN's Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Martek and Dow AgroSciences forge alliance for canola DHA

Two major players in the US healthy oils market are joining forces to develop a DHA oil from canola, which could lead to the launch of a new, cost effective source of the blockbuster ingredient down the line.

Healthy new opportunities for US and European bakers

New opportunities are opening for the US bakery industry as consumers become more health-conscious mirroring trends in Europe, according to a recent report by consultancy Frost & Sullivan.

Beverage innovation driven by demand for niche and green

Fragmentation in consumers' needs and preferences has stimulated the growth of American niche beverages, according to analysts.

Nutra-Fruit takes cranberries into new high-end niches

Quebec-based company Nutra-Fruit is looking to develop a niche area in cranberries by creating high-end functional foods containing the nutritious berry, and sees large potential for expansion overseas.

Further uncertainty predicted for dairy markets

Global uncertainty over the price of milk and other dairy ingredients looks set to continue to compound processor fears, according to new findings published this week by UK association DairyCo.

Wolff pledges to fight illegal honey claims

Ingredients company Alfred L Wolff is vigorously denying accusations against two of its US executives who were arrested for allegedly importing honey from China mislabelled as coming from Russia and the Ukraine.

News focus: Open innovation

Open innovation requires evolutionary change, says General Mills

Developing an open innovation program that works takes tenacity on the part of a food manufacturer, and serendipity will always have a part to play, says the head of General Mill's Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN).

Cassia gum as stabilizer, Lubrizol files petition

US specialty chemical firm Lubrizol Advanced Materials has filed a petition to the FDA proposing that food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of cassia gum as a stabilizer in frozen dairy desserts.

Researching the perfect brown bread sandwich

The perfect wholemeal sandwich is moving closer to the plate thanks to research into bubbles in bread at the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science at Manchester University in the UK.

Global sugar trends, FAO report

International sugar prices have risen by 30.7 per cent since last November despite a second consecutive year of surplus supplies in 2007/08, according to the Food Outlook report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week.

Improving nutritional profile not optional, flavor firm

Health and wellness is no longer an emerging consumer trend, but a way of the future for food manufacturers, said Givaudan.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence of one or two skeletons rattling around in there.

Ingredients fundamental to private label innovation, PLMA

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) is inviting ingredients firms to exhibit at its US trade show for the first time this year, signalling the importance of being on trend rather than following in the wake of the brands.

Make additive removal usual for hyperactive kids, says professor

Cutting out colours and preservatives from the diets of hyperactive children should be standard part of dealing with the disorder, says a professor who takes a more stringent view than the FSA following the Southampton study publication.

Monsanto and Syngenta make peace over soy technology

Agro-chemical giant Monsanto has ended a long-running dispute with Syngenta over soy and corn seeds by entering into a licensing agreement that will allow its Swiss rival to use its technology in its soy seed activities.

Rice bran approved as meat enhancer

NutraCea has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to supply stabilized rice bran as an enhancer for pulverized meat and poultry products.

Sabinsa launches soluble extract range

Ingredient group Sabinsa has adopted a new technology that allows it to 'solubalize' a range of botanical extracts, thereby making them easy to incorporate into beverage applications, said the firm.

Made in Canada guidelines to be tightened

Prime Minster Stephen Harper will introduce new tougher guidelines for labeling food and drink as a 'Product of Canada', substantially reducing the acceptable amount of foreign ingredients.

Cocoa deficit forecast to fall but prices remain high

Latest figures from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) suggest that there will be a rise in world production of cocoa compared to last year and a rise, though smaller, in world grindings.

Researchers to identify obesity botanical extracts

Two research groups have joined forces to identify natural compounds that could hold potential in the prevention of metabolic disease and obesity.

Too little salt may pose CVD risk, suggests study

Low sodium levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, say researchers in an observational study, contradicting recent evidence from intervention trials indicating the dangers of too much salt.

Symrise solution tackles 'problem' ingredients

Food makers meeting the challenges of unpleasant off-tastes in their health-profiled formulations could benefit from a new series of flavor masking tools from flavor firm Symrise.

Soft drink behemoths attacked over global ad pledges

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have come under fire this week for pledging to cut out promoting its beverage brands to children under twelve across the globe by the end of the year

Candy Expo highlights gourmet, premium and organic products

The All Candy Expo currently taking place in Chicago is highlighting gourmet, premium and organic products, which organisers say is the fastest growing segment in the confectionery and snack market.

Farm bill veto set to prolong uncertainty

President Bush is expected to veto the Farm Bill today on the grounds that it would grant subsidies to wealthy farmers at a time when grocery bills are rising - although his decision could be overridden.

Oil palm genome sequencing may aid sustainability

A US-Malaysian partnership has completed the first phase of annotating the oil palm genome in a process it hopes will enable increased oil yields and sustainability.

US group denies wrongdoing amidst milk price uncertainty

A leading US dairy cooperative has denied any wrongdoing over allegations that it may be involved in price fixing for some of its products, as yet another country finds its dairy markets under scrutiny.

FMC steps up competitiveness with alginates acquisition

Chemical company FMC Corporation will acquire the hydrocolloids ingredients business of International Specialty Products (ISP) to expand its alginate profile and strengthen cost competitiveness.

News briefs: American tastes, Abbott Nutrition and Cadbury

Research suggests that Americans prefer foods high in solid fats and added sugars whilst Abbott Nutrition aims for the health conscious with a new chocolate nutrition bar and Cadbury announces board changes and predicts strong first half results.

Smoothies cause rift between dieticians and dentists

A recent review that casts a rosy glow on the trend for fruit smoothies because they can help consumers meet five a day fruit-and-veg targets has caused uproar amongst dentists, who say the sugar and acid content can cause tooth erosion.

Popcorn linked to high whole grain intake: study

The consumption of popcorn is associated with a substantially higher intake of whole grains and dietary fibre, says research, indicating its benefits as a healthy snack.

Volatility for cereal food prices continues as demand outstrips supply

Cost pressures continue for food makers as recent prices from the futures market reflect volatility in prices for wheat, soybeans and maize.

Study deepens emulsion-flavour release understanding

Understanding how flavours and aromas are released from food is key to formulating successful products, and new research from Greece may deepen our understanding.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to bury their differences and concentrate on the benefits an alliance may bring.

US trade harmed by EU banana regime, rules WTO

The European Union's banana import regime breaks international trade laws and thereby damages US trade rights, said the World Trade Organization (WTO) today.

Galam extends fructose reach for US beverages

Galam is aiming to expand its fructose sweetener brand in the US as new supplies come on-stream that can meet demand for natural sweeteners, particularly for beverages.

Danisco aims to adapt to US cultures

Danisco is expanding the range of yoghurt cultures available to its US customers in order to exploit impressive growth within the market.

Cargill names stevia brand on back of new science

Cargill yesterday gave a name to its stevia brand, further to the publication of an overview of the science supporting the use of rebiana as a sweetener.

Penford and CP Kelco ink Genu Plus deal

Penford Food Ingredients and CP Kelco have signed an agreement that grants Penford exclusive use of Kelco's Genu Plus carrageenan line for the US meat, poultry and seafood industry - evidence of the hydrocolloid industry's increasing willingness to collaborate externally in new product development.

Canadian health products bill draws criticism

Legislative amendments being fast-tracked through the Canadian parliament that place pharmaceutical controls on the dietary supplements industry are raising alarm among industry.

Amino acids may extend sweet potato starch's gelling possibilities

As interest in potato starch increases due to clean label pressures, US scientists report that the gelling and paste-forming properties of starch from sweet potatoes can be controlled by using amino acids.

Suppliers react to Chinese earthquake

Western suppliers and manufacturers are contributing to earthquake recovery in China while trying to cope with the effect the quake has had on their operations.

Nitrate additives may protect stomachs from ulcers

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help protect the stomach from damage, suggests research from Sweden.

Golden Peanut launches organic lines on mainstream demand

Major US peanut and peanut ingredient supplier the Golden Peanut Company has launched two new organic peanut flours and an organic roasted peanut oil, to meet growing demand for both organic and nutritional finished products.

Penford rolls out fibre with resistant potato starch product

As food makers sharpen their product designs to target the growing consumer health appeal, Penford Food Ingredients inks an agreement with fellow US firm MGP Ingredients to manufacture and sell resistant potato starch in the United States.

Browning agents offer speedy customization

Advanced Food Systems has debuted a range of browning agents that promises to deliver additional benefits including increased shelf life and reduced processing costs.

Forbes to focus on nutraceutical business

Forbes Medi-Tech has said it will focus exclusively on its nutraceutical business, ceasing all its in-house drug activities.

DuPont, Danisco join forces for non-food ethanol

A new joint venture by DuPont and Danisco aims to develop what could be the first large-scale non-food ethanol production, which could lighten the pressure of biofuels on the food industry.

Sweet tooth in the genes: study

A specific genetic variation may help explain why some people consume more sugary foods than others.

News briefs: Glanbia, Fonterra speculation

This week, Glanbia says it expects to offset dairy cost pressures by meeting full year growth, and Fonterra is expected to target expansion in Australia.

Bumper rice harvest for 2008, FAO

World rice production is set to reach record levels in 2008, according to the UN Food & Agriculture organization (FAO) which has quelled fears that sharp price hikes will continue indefinitely.

Scientists extend potential of flaxseed gum-starch use

Mixing maize starch and flaxseed gum, a lesser used hydrocolloid with properties similar to guar gum, may offer food formulators a new way of control texture and improving stability, suggests fundamental research from China and Turkey.

Coca-Cola brand value tops $58.2 bn, claims report

Strong brands drive business growth and beat market turmoil for food and drinks sector, as a new report on top 100 global brands confirms firms are recognizing that brands are among their most valuable assets.

Cranberry oil gains GRAS approval

Stability in a range of food and beverage formats and a nutritional payload that includes omega-3, 6 and 9 oils as well as antioxidants are being pushed for a cranberry seed oil recently granted GRAS status.

Health and prices dominate hydrocolloids debate

The trend towards healthier products and price pressure dominated discussions at IMR International's Hydrocolloids Conference last month, mirroring concerns of the food industry at large.

Natural pigments from prickly pear get procedural boost

Fermenting the fruit juice of prickly pear Opuntia stricta could produce concentrated betalains for use as food colouring, according to new research from Spain.

FDA seeks opinions on communication of spinach recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to improve communication with consumers by seeking comments on its handling of 2006's spinach recall.

Acrylamide linked to higher kidney cancer risk

Increased dietary intakes of acrylamide could raise the risk of kidney cancer by 59 per cent, says a new study from the Netherlands.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Pine bark extract may boost diabetics' heart health

Supplements of extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce blood pressure and the use of blood pressure medication among diabetics, suggest results from a new study.

R&D agreements perk up Redpoint's finances

Taste modulators Redpoint Bio have reported strong Q1 results on the back of its R&D collaborations with Coca-Cola and flavor and fragrances company Givaudan.

Brown rice wins FDA health claim

Brown rice has been added to the FDA-approved list of whole grains that may make health claims including reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Burma cyclone could further cut back rice supply, FAO

The effects of Cyclone Nargis, which ravaged Burma (Myanmar) on May 3, are now expected to spread to rice markets and further squeeze dwindling supplies, the UN Food & Agriculture Organization said Thursday.

Tighter seaweed supplies push up prices at FMC BioPolymer

Food manufacturers face further price rises for ingredients as the world's largest producer of carrageenan, FMC BioPolymer, announces a global 7 percent step-up in price for its carrageenan and food/specialty grade microcrystalline cellulose products as costs start to bite.

EU seeks further safety advice on GMOs

The European Commission remains cautious over genetically modified organisms (GMOs), returning to its safety advisors for a third time for a verdict on three biotech products.

Nestle collaboration to target genes and taste perception

A better understanding of how genes affect a person's sensitivity to taste could enhance the development of foods that meet specific consumer preferences and individual nutritional needs.

Gut microflora and obesity - Nestle expands the possibilities

Modifying the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity, suggests a new study from the Nestlé Research Center.

Major HFCS users unlikely to ditch it for sugar, expert

Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale users, according to a consultant.

FDA looks to improve safety with 1,300 new staff

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is beginning a multi-year hiring scheme that could ease strain on its ability to react in times of crisis, though the initiative does not likely go far enough for detractors both within and outside the agency who say it is dangerously under funded.

More accurate data needed on dietary intake

Policymakers need to know more about actual dietary intake levels of nutrients before they make hasty decisions on recommended maximum and minimum consumption levels.

Canadian labeling system undermines competitiveness

Canada's food labeling system jeopardizes industry innovation and competition, according to the former head of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Dairy foods not impacting on weight issue: study

Claims that consumption of dairy products and other high calcium goods may play a key role in weight loss or gain are not sufficiently supported by scientific testing, according to a new review of existing research.

Opportunities for heart health on FDA soluble fibre amendment

Fresh opportunities for food makers to tap into soaring heart health market are opening up as FDA extends use of soluble fibre health claim to include certain whole oat products previously ineligible due to fat content.

Vitamin D to boost mood in older adults: study

Increasing your vitamin D intake may lead to mood improvements and protect against depression, suggests new research published today.

Cargill opens innovation centre for bakers

Cargill has opened a new bakery product innovation centre in Minneapolis which is aimed at helping clients develop differentiated bakery products and reducing time to market.

Nutrition message still not reaching Americans, FDA survey

The findings of FDA's latest survey on health and nutrition underscore that while US consumers have good health intentions, this does not carry through to their dietary habits.

Edible oils may be upgraded with tomato peel waste

Enriching edible oils with tomato peel may enhance their bioavailability and upgrade their quality by increasing beta carotene and lycopene content and inducing better thermal stability, say researchers

Purac opens lactic acid plant in Thailand

Purac has officially opened its new lactic acid factory in Thailand, where it hopes to build on lactic acid growth in Asia as well as cutting production costs.

USDA long term forecast tempers price fears

Commodity food prices are not going down anytime soon according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), though it expects them to plateau as preventative measures are implemented and markets stabilize.

Tyson to suspend chicken ad campaign, rules court

Marketing campaign at US meat processor set to be dismantled as federal appeals court rules US meat processor Tyson to comply with an order to remove misleading advertising from 8,500 stores.

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success may not be quite as simple.

Peanut allergy gone within five years?

Genetically modified plants or immunotherapy may eliminate allergies to peanut within five years, suggests a prominent scientist from Duke University.

Bush to determine status of Farm Bill as deadline closes

The current farm bill is set to expire today, though President George W Bush is pressing for a one-year extension on hammering out the new bill as Congress tackles restructuring traditionally heavy subsidy programs to farmers.

GMA launches food safety website

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has launched a new website to guide policy debate on the issue of food safety for decision makers in the field, as well as with media and consumers.

Asoyia gains funding to expand trans free soy production

Asoyia has secured a $4m agreement with two venture capital firms to expand the marketing, research and development of its low linolenic, trans fats free soy products.

GLG signs 10-year stevia supply contract with Cargill

Chinese ingredients company GLG Life Tech has signed a 10-year agreement to supply Cargill with extract from the stevia plant to make its rebiana sweetener.

Green tea extract may counter fatigue for workaholics

Supplements of the green tea compound EGCG may offset the signs of physical and mental fatigue associated with modern stressful lives, suggests research from Japan.