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

Hot topic

What to do with waste?

By-products from food production pose a major problem to industry. FoodNavigator is seeking your views on how food companies can minimise their waste and put their leftovers to good use.

Nano trojan horse delivers antioxidant benefits

Australian researchers have designed a nanoparticle one thousandth the width of a human hair, which they say has demonstrated potential to protect antioxidants from destruction in the gut.

Calls for more stevia safety tests threaten market launches

The safety of stevia has been called into question again after scientists at the University of California said further tests were needed on potential cancer causing properties before the sweetener is used in food and drink.

SunOpta strengthens supply network in new organic deal

SunOpta is expanding its global organic supply chain to help tackle shortages with a new agreement to acquire the Pure Nature Organics brand.

Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods opens Chinese emulsifiers facility

Bakery firms operating in the burgeoning Chinese market can tap into further local supplies of food emulsifiers, as Japanese ingredients firm Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods confirms it will break ground on its first Chinese factory, scheduled to be online by spring 2009.

MSG linked to increased body weight: study

Consumption of the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) may increase the risk of gaining weight, regardless of energy intake, suggests a new study.

Market for superpremium juices soars in the US

Superpremium juice drinks have proved to be a dynamic part of the US beverage market showing “phenomenal growth” in just a few years, according to a new report.

Organic consumers yet to be shaken by troubled economy

Shoppers in the US are continuing to buy natural and organic foods despite difficult economic times, according to research, but experts question how long it can last.

Lines drawn in growth hormone hearts and minds battle

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) says the industry should not rule out using products like recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to help boost milk supply, but must do more to prove any potential benefits to consumers.

Aquentium deal boosts ozone sanitation technology

An ozone sanitation technology is receiving a boost in the US market, following an agreement signed between manufacturer Aquentium and Advanced Purification Systems International to market the equipment.

Hain Celestial profits fall despite strong sales

Hain Celestial has seen a drop in annual profits but it remains confident of consumer demand in the natural and organic market as sales crossed the $1bn mark for the first time.

Ingredients squeezed out by commodity pressures

Food companies are changing their formulations and switching to cheaper ingredients in an effort to tackle rising commodity costs.

Packaged foods boost nutritional profile with nuts

Nuts are becoming evermore popular ingredients in packaged food products as manufacturers continue to satisfy consumer demands for nutritious goods.

New Cryovac packaging targets convenience/health market

US packaging firm Sealed Air has introduced a new microwavable tray package for steaming produce, which it says can be used to market healthy, convenient meals.

MGPI posts $11m loss for 2008 amid commodity price rises

MGP Ingredients has pinned its hopes on specialty ingredients to help turn the company’s fortunes around after reporting a loss of more than $11m for the year.

Back to basics for new chicken flavors

International Flavors & Fragrances says it has developed a new range of flavors that are said to capture the simple taste of chicken without anything added.

Mushroom extract demonstrates immunity benefits

Japanese researchers in conjunction with the Yale School of Medicine have found the mushroom extract, AHCC, can strengthen the immune system and fight the onset of cancer among over-50s.

Vanilla research demonstrates breeding potential

A study into the origin of Tahitian vanilla has provided insight into opportunities for breeding new commercial varieties of the popular spice, claim scientists.

Weekly comment

Omega-3 reality check

The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.

Label regulation changes to hit US exports

New labeling legislation introduced in Hong Kong will affect hundreds of millions of dollars worth of prepackaged food and beverages exported from the US as nutrition claims will need to be re-written, according to a new report.

Trend for energy infused food

Foods with added stimulants are stealing a march on energy drinks as companies are developing new ways to energize consumers seeking alternatives to sugary beverages, according to a global consumer trends analyst.

Iceberg lettuce and spinach safe to irradiate, says FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of irradiation to kill food-poisoning germs in iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach from today, claiming the technology will not adversely affect the safety of these products.

Nutrition bars do what they say, finds ConsumerLab

Recent testing of nutrition bars on sale in the United States has found that labeling has become more accurate, although the wide range in nutritional content means consumers must be aware of the different types of products within the category.

Companies collaborate to improve taste of healthy ingredients

A flavor company has joined forces with a nutrition provider in a venture which could help food manufacturers meet the challenge of unpleasant off-tastes in their healthy formulations.

Pressure mounts for removal of artificial colors

Manufacturers in the US need to take responsibility when it comes to food coloring and replace controversial artificial dyes with natural alternatives, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Growth hormone buyer eyes milk supply potential

Monsanto has found a buyer for its bovine somatotropin growth hormone, despite growing concern in the US over the use of such products in dairy cattle, as manufacturers continue to face commodity price uncertainty.

ConAgra Foods claims first in rPET tray packaging

US food manufacturer ConAgra Foods says it is leading the way in sustainable packaging, having launched what it claims is the first ever use of post consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in frozen ready meal trays.

Stress and hunger are obstacles to healthy diet

Good intentions when it comes to a healthy food go out of the window if people are stressed or hungry, increasing demand for products that offer instant gratification, according to a new study from the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.

Functional food group joins innovation network

A company focusing on how food could contribute to the treatment and prevention of obesity and “other chronic diseases” is the latest organization to throw its weight behind an innovation network which claims to help companies increase speed to market.

Draft US report reaffirms safety of BPA in food packaging

In a draft risk assessment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that an adequate margin of safety exists for the chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA) at current levels of exposure from food contact uses.

Vitamin D deficiency increases hip fracture risk: researchers

US researchers have concluded lower blood concentrations of vitamin D increase the likelihood of hip fracture among menopausal women by up to 70 per cent.

Study sheds light on bee decline threatening crops

Researchers may be a step closer to explaining the mysterious decline in the bee population in the US which has caused alarm in the food industry over honey supplies and crops dependent on bees for pollination.

Cargill weathers turbulent markets to report nearly $4bn profit

Agricultural giant Cargill has announced a 55 percent increase in profit over the last year, despite operating in what it describes as “the most volatile agricultural and energy markets in decades”.

Organics - fad or the future? Your views

Organic food was once seen as a niche market but now major multinationals are offering organic products. In fact it has been one of the biggest trends in the food sector in recent years but do organics have staying power, or will consumers lose interest over time?

News briefs: Anheuser Busch, InBev, Dr Pepper Snapple

Anheuser boss August Busch is set to receive a windfall when his company is sold to InBev; but InBev has expressed dissatisfaction at its Q2 financial results. Likewise, Dr Pepper Snapple is proud of its progress, despite headwinds affecting the industry.

New natural salt product to slash sodium content in food

Ocean’s Flavor has introduced a new taste-friendly salt which it claims has up to 70 percent less sodium than table salt to address the quest by food manufacturers to reduce sodium chloride in their products.

Consumers don’t want to downsize to save cash

Consumers are frowning on moves by food manufacturers to reduce the size of products as a way of tackling shrinking budgets in the current economic climate, according to research by The Nielsen Company.

Vitamin D3 stable for fortifying cheese: study

Fortification of Cheddar cheese with vitamin D3 may be an effective means of raising vitamin D levels in the population, suggest new results from Canada.

Weekly comment

False starting in the stevia race

The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener stevia to market.

Troubled times feared for almond supply

Food manufacturers who have benefited from record almond crops over the last few years could see supplies dry up as growers warn of a turbulent year ahead amid “unrelenting global demand”.

Food companies seek commodity experts to stabilize costs

Major players in the food industry are looking for experts in commodity procurement to tackle volatile raw material prices which have eaten into profits, according to reports.

M&A round-up: July/August

The summer season is traditionally not a time when much ink gets spread along the dotted line. But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill working over time, with reports that Danisco may receive a bid from Apax and speculation over potential buyers of National Starch Food Innovation.

Combined technologies key to vitamin A for foods

Vitamin A deficiency continues to pose formulation challenges to food scientists, but combining technologies may hold the solution, says a new review.

Biofuels won’t eclipse food for commodity demand - report

Food consumption, not biofuel demand, will remain the primary driver for commodity use in the coming years, requiring more efficient manufacturing and transportation in the industry, says a new report.

Soy and colours hit the science headlines in August

Natural blue pigments from oyster-friendly bacteria and red pigments from prickly pear, and concerns for men over soy consumption have been the highlights of this month's science.

Survey supports raspberry’s rise as ingredient

Smoothies, desserts, and yoghurts are benefiting from growing consumer awareness of health benefits of raspberries in North America, according to a new consumer survey.

Organic group eyes ethnic team-up potential

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) says it will be sharing floor space at its next annual trade show with two of the US’ most prominent ethnic food events in reflection of their growing significance to natural goods.

US chicken processors seek relief over high input costs

The US chicken industry has expressed disappointed that the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected a waiver on ethanol production and are urging legislators to take action over rising input costs, as a processor freezes operations.

Appointments roundup: GMA, Cobell, Solbar

Appointments over the last month include a new technical and operations director at Cobell to ensure ethical, environmental and health standards. Solbar has recruited a North American business director to focus on specialty soy proteins, while the GMA secures an interim president as it seeks a permanent successor.

Italian flowers may give mushroom aroma for food

Essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of a plant from the mint family are rich sources of a compound that has a mushroom aroma, according to new research from Italy.

Judge sets date for Splenda showdown

The date is finally set for a landmark court case between in the US-based Sugar Association and Johnson & Johnson over the marketing of its Splenda sweetener.

Weekly comment

Why food is the new oil

“Food is a weapon – don’t waste it.” This message, which featured on a Second World War poster issued by the US Office of War Information in 1943, is a lesson from history we would do well to heed.

Dried fish stock may be salt enhancer for food

A dried stock made from the bonito fish – a stock used extensively in Japanese cuisine – may improve the palatability of reduced-salt products, suggests new research.

Senomyx targets full-year sweetener sales push

Senomyx posted a 41 per cent rise in half-year sales to $9.6m, despite a second quarter drop in revenues, as it continues to collaborate with leading food and confectionery groups for ingredient innovation.

Industry applauds high omega-3 standards

Recent testing on omega-3 supplements that found them to be contaminant-free is a sign that new manufacturing technologies have helped improve product quality, according to trade group Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED).

Broccoli can reverse diabetic heart damage, say researchers

A UK study has found consuming broccoli can reverse damage caused to the heart blood vessels of diabetics due to the presence of a sulfur compound.

FDA reviews food labeling for allergies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling on the food industry and other interested parties to have their say on the use of advisory labeling of allergens in food in a public hearing.

New Cargill center to focus on Asia markets

Cargill says it will create innovative new dairy and confectionery products and help bring them to a growing market in Asia with the opening of its new application centre.

What drives the kids’ functional food market, report

The children’s functional food and beverage market in the US is expected to see strong growth on the back of increased interest in kids’ health, with major areas of focus including obesity, hyperactivity, brain function, gut health and immunity, says a new report.

Food watchdog detects lead risk in confectionery chain

Heavy metal risk to the confectionery supply chain comes under the spotlight this week in the US as health officials detect banned levels of lead in two different chocolate confectionery brands.

Oil not subsidies behind corn prices hikes

Biofuel subsidies should not be singled out for blame when it comes to rising corn prices, as the underlying driver is the high cost of oil, according to a new study commissioned by the Farm Foundation.

China and Canada strike canola research deal

A deal has been signed between research centers in Canada and China to join forces and work on projects that could increase the yield of canola, as demand for healthy oils increases.

DNA data to spur new kiwifruit species

New commercial varieties of kiwifruit optimised for their flavour, colour and health attributes will become available in the next few years, thanks to the publication of a huge collection of DNA sequences from the fruit.

ZMC vitamin E receives USP quality mark

China-based ZMC has received USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verification for its natural and synthetic vitamin E ingredients, adding weight to the group’s message that quality is determined by how an ingredient is made and not where it is made.

ZMC vitamin E receives USP quality mark

China-based ZMC has received USP (United States Pharmacopeia) verification for its natural and synthetic vitamin E ingredients, adding weight to the group’s message that quality is determined by how an ingredient is made and not where it is made.

ADM optimistic despite mixed bag of results

Floods and market conditions have not made for an easy year at Archer Daniels Midland, but a 61 per cent slump in Q4 profits is not as grave as it seems since last years figures were propped up by one-off costs.

PureCircle could be winner in Pepsi v Coca-Cola stevia wars

As both PepsiCo and Coca-Cola gear up to launch beverages sweetened with stevia, it could be that their common supplier, PureCircle, is the real winner in the race to be first to market.

Fenchem fights fake ginkgo

Chinese supplier Fenchem has launched a testing method to detect fake ginkgo biloba, which has become more prevalent as increased demand has strained global supply.

Cooked bilberry better than cold for anthocyanin activity

Cooking temperatures up to 125ºc may be best for anthocyanin retention and activity, according to new research.

New erythritol sweetening brand announced

Corn Products Specialty Ingredients has added its own brand of erythritol to the market, focusing on customized sweetener systems to improve performance when combined with other sweeteners.

Nutrition labels seen as a marketing tool

An increasing interest in nutritional information in the US could provide opportunities for food and beverage manufactures to use their ingredients as a marketing tool, according to the analysts.

Weekly comment

Bringing an end to the food waste shame

Have you ever scavenged through a supermarket bin looking for your next meal? It’s a strange question to put to business readers – and most would shrink at the thought. But that’s just how the ‘freegans’ decide what’s for dinner.

Peanut flour targets organic baked goods, snacks

Bakers and snack makers looking to boost the protein profile for their organic food applications could turn to two peanut flours recently launched onto the market by US firm Golden Peanut.

Chip companies settle acrylamide lawsuit

Heinz, Frito-Lay, Kettle Foods and Lance Inc have agreed to slash levels of the cancer-causing chemical acrylamide in their potato chips and French fries, settling a lawsuit against them.

Nestle joins scheme against junk food ads for children

Self regulation to ensure that products marketed towards children meet nutritional standards is working, according to The Council of Better Business Bureaus, which has just signed Nestlé up to the scheme.

Special edition: natural colours

Ongoing research in natural colours

In the final part of our series on natural colours, FoodNavigator looks at the science behind potential pigments for food and beverages.

Aflatoxin detection kit validated by USDA

A tool that provides quick and cost effective analysis of aflatoxin levels in raw materials and their derived products has been rated effective by the USDA, said developer Euro-Diagnostica.

Low returns threaten potato supplies

Food manufacturers will have to start paying more for potatoes in the US to maintain future supplies, according to industry experts.

Caravan price hikes blamed on rising commodity costs

Caravan Ingredients is the latest company to announce price increases due to rising raw material costs, which in some cases have surged by as much as 300 percent in a matter of months.