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

Coca-Cola dominates 2007 functional acquisitions

This year was characterized by larger mainstream food and beverage companies moving into the value-added and functional business.

Hydrocolloid 2007 round-up

Prices for hydrocolloids in the US are expected to continue rising in 2008, while more progress is being made to meet growing demand for organic products, according to market analyst IMR International.

Green products can sustain price premium, report

Americans will be willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products in 2008, despite an overall decline in consumer spending, reveals a new study.

New natural sweetener claims 1:1 sugar replacement

A new 'all natural' sweetener blend for baked goods claims to be able to replace sugar on a one to one basis without compromising the sweetness or structure of a product.

Chicory root examined as yet another novel pectin source

Chicory roots pulps, a by-product of the inulin production, may offer a range of pectin for the food industry, Belgian researchers have reported.

Festive magic: cooking boosts veg's nutrient content

For that extra boost this Christmas, scientists from Italy recommend steaming that broccoli because it will increase the levels of cancer-fighting compounds.

New Canadian BSE case reignites US import battle

A new case of BSE detected in Canada has sparked renewed calls in the US for tighter import regulations on Canadian beef.

General Mills counts cost of pizza recall

US-based manufactuer General Mills yesterday said a pizza recall in November knocked $20m off its Q2 operating profit. .

Report examines label reading priorities and obstacles

Freshness dates, nutrition facts panels and ingredients lists are priorities for most consumers when reading product labels, according to a new report.

Cranberry not just for Christmas

Cranberry is no longer just for Christmas as growth in consumer demand has helped the little red berry find its way into some 900 brand new products this year - a staggering rise from the 2006 position of 54 launches, according to Mintel.

Whey encapsulation highlights 2007

Whey protein is increasingly hitting the mainstream. This year saw numerous studies published exploring the potential of the ingredient to encapsulate value-added ingredients. Here, FoodNavigator reviews the progress from 2007.

Meta-analysis adds weight to soy's bone benefits

Increased soy isoflavone consumption from dietary or supplemental sources for six months can boost bone mineral density in the spine by almost one gram in menopausal women, according to a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials.

Clone tracking system designed for 'acurate' food labeling

A new supply chain management program designed to track cloned livestock has been met with criticism from advocacy groups, which claim it is just another method to try to force cloned foods onto consumers.

CSM sells US bakery ingredient group

Dutch firm CSM has reached an agreement on the sale one of its North American bakery ingredients operations to Kerry Group, the company revealed today.

Kosher tops list of 2007 product launches, Mintel

'Kosher' was the most frequently used claim on new products launched in the US during 2007, while 'All Natural' and 'No Additives or Preservatives' were amongst the other most popular claims used on new products, reveals data from Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Think big, think nano

In an exclusive interview, Professor Niels Christian Nielsen, winner of this year's Danisco Award, shared his thoughts with Stephen Daniells on the rise of nanotechnology and gave insight on this fascinating new area of the food industry.

New Years resolutions and consumers

As many consumers plan for a last blast of excess before kicking in the New Year with healthy living resolutions, functional food and dietary supplement manufacturers could leverage these goals with targeted marketing.

Genencor invests in carb processing

Enzyme and biotechnology firm Genencor said it plans to build a new Applications and Training Center for carbohydrate processing.

Sara Lee faces lawsuit on whole grain claims

Leading US bakery manufacturer Sara Lee could face a lawsuit over the "misleading" marketing of its 'whole grain' white bread products.

Apple skin powder to boost fibre in snacks

An under-utilised food-processing by-product, apple skin, could offer the food industry a novel and healthy-boosting source of fibre for bakery, Canadian researchers report.

Health rubs off on dessert choices, report

While 85 percent of US consumers still eat dessert once a month or more, healthier options such as fruit and yogurt are an increasingly popular choice, according to a new consumer trends report.

Kerry ingredient tackles ice-cream cost, output issues

Kerry is launching a new functional system called Sherex Enlite to improve creaminess, stability and shelf life of ice-cream - and which has proved particularly effective in low-fat ice creams.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

Pectin sourcing advances: 2007

As 2007 draws to a close, FoodNavigator looks backs on a year of continued exploration for novel sources of pectin for the food industry.

Cloned food postponed

Food from cloned animals looks likely to take longer than expected to enter the American food supply, following the passage of a provision in the Senate's Farm Bill that requires more testing.

Artisanal foods preferred to local, says report

Artisanal products are the 'origin claims' hold the highest appeal for a majority of US consumers, according to a survey conducted by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI).

Hibiscus extracts show extra potential as colourant powders

Freeze-dried extracts from hibiscus stabilised by trehalose or maltodextrin can provide colourants for a range of food applications with superior stability, report researchers from Thailand.

Survey reveals consumers still don't know nutrients well

There is still a long way to go in educating consumers on which nutrients support which systems in the body indicates a new survey from the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC).

'New Indulgence': opportunities in food

A new report examines novel approaches to indulgent foods and beverages, revealing how the category has adapted to appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Wild ways to boost products' fruit, veg content

Flavor firm Wild says it has developed new ways to help US manufacturers boost the fruit and vegetable content of their products, while keeping these tasty and fun to eat.

Sugar, sweetener sales slide, reveals Mintel

Sales of sugar and sweeteners have slowed in recent years and are expected to decline slightly going ahead, according to a new report by Mintel.

Kellogg expands research facility

Cereal manufacturer Kellogg today revealed plans to invest $40m in expanding its institute for food and nutrition research, claiming that sales from innovation have doubled since it first opened in 1997.

North Dakota farmers to appeal hemp rights at federal court

Two North Dakota farmers who had their commercial hemp farming case dismissed are now appealing the decision with the federal court, further battling for the protein crop's right to grow.

Milk, egg allergies more than just a passing phase: study

Outgrowing allergies to milk and egg may no longer be the case, as new research from the US suggests the allergies are more persistent than first thought.

USDA predicts more commodity price rises

US wheat stocks will fall to their lowest level in 60 years, which will contribute to a sharp rise in prices, according to US Department of Agriculture projections.

Sodas and cereal most popular food items in 2007

Carbonated soft drinks topped the list of all packaged goods purchased in the US this year, according to research on consumer trends by The Nielsen Company, while strong sales for ready-to-eat cereals stress a preference for convenience.

HFCS drinks no different to sucrose, milk for satiety

Beverages sweetened by high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) do not affect energy levels or appetite-related hormone levels any more than milk or drinks sweetened with sucrose, reports a new study from the Netherlands.

FSA considers regulatory action on trans fats

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) will discuss tomorrow whether to maintain a voluntary approach for food manufacturers in limiting harmful trans fatty acids or whether to introduce mandatory restrictions.

No ease on rising banana prices, Chiquita

Leading banana supplier Chiquita has said its prices continue to climb as the company struggles to face rising industry costs.

US and China sign for food safety in exports

The US and China signed agreements Tuesday aimed at improving the safety of food following a spate of contamination cases involving Chinese exports.

Ethanol not to blame for food price hikes, says report

There is little connection between corn ethanol production and food price inflation, according to a statistical analysis by Informa Economics.

Red meat again linked to cancer - study

High intake of red and processed meats may raise the risk of lung and colorectal cancer by up to 20 per cent, according to a new study from researchers at the USA's National Cancer Institute.

Innobio launches organic omega-3 powder for foods

Innobioactives has launched an organic omega-3 powder, thereby marrying two very important trends in the food industry.

US sees biggest energy drink boom

US consumers drank 990m litres of energy drinks during 2006, a 47 per cent increase over the previous year, making the country the largest global market for the product, says a report by Zenith International.

Splenda marketing lawsuit to go ahead, says judge

A lawsuit regarding claims of false advertising for the artificial sweetener Splenda is set to go ahead as planned, after a federal court rejected a request for summary judgment.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

ARS adapts Asian soybean for US market

Scientists have discovered new edamame soybean varieties that are sweeter than types imported from Asia, which could prove a new healthy and oriental ingredient for food manufacturers.

Plant compounds for cancer shine at conference

Active compounds from plants - such as polyphenols and antioxidants - played an important role at a cancer research conference held in the US last week, with research on the clinical potential behind the ingredients being pushed forward.

Cereal prices remain high despite record production, FAO

Global cereal production this year has reached record levels, although an inability to keep up with the rapid rise in demand has kept prices high, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Sugary drinks linked to Alzheimer's, says study

Researchers in the US have found that mice given a sugar solution as part of their daily diets showed increased signs of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Danisco USA plugs the prebiotic-probiotic combo

In a drive to spread the message on the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health and immunity, Danisco USA held a symposium on the science behind these ingredients.

Triple emulsions offer magnesium encapsulation options

Novel water-in-oil-in-water emulsions could offer significant potential to encapsulate magnesium, and reduce the problems associated with fortifying with this mineral, says new research from France.

Canned fruit and veg part of updated WIC food packages

The Department for Agriculture (USDA) this week announced an interim rule to revise the contents of food packages provided to low-income women and children to include fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Agrana opens R&D centre to meet US needs

Agrana Fruit has opened an innovation and product development center in the United States in a bid to keep up with frequent changes in North American consumer preferences.

Commodity companies will struggle to pass on costs, says Fitch

Branded packaged food companies have greater pricing power than commodity protein and fresh produce companies, according to Fitch ratings agency.

First steps taken to computer-assisted formulation

Scientists in France have reported the use of a mathematical model for the release of aroma in the back of the mouth to the nose during food consumption that may lead to computer-aided product formulation.

Energy drinks to steal soda's thunder

Energy drinks, including sports drinks, are gaining momentum at the expense of carbonated beverages, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

B vitamins vital before conception: study

Mothers with low B vitamin levels before conceiving tend to have fatter male offspring at greater risk of high blood pressure, suggests new research with sheep.

Tesco turns food maker with Fresh &; Easy

Retailer Tesco is treading new ground as food manufacturer for its US chain of grocery stores Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, launched last month in California.

Three million pounds of sodium cut from ConAgra food

ConAgra Foods has said it has removed nearly three million pounds of sodium from a range of products without affecting taste.

A little less salt could save 8.5m lives: study

Reducing salt intake around the world by 15 per cent could prevent almost nine million deaths between 2006 and 2015, says a new meta-analysis covering 23 countries.

Combating the moody blues

With winter underway, it may be the right time for marketers to position their dietary supplement or functional food products to stave off seasonal mood changes.

Mexican buy boosts ASRs output by 75,000 tons

American Sugar Refining (ASR) has acquired a mill and refinery in Mexico which will boost the firm's output by some 75,000 tons, and allow it to take advantage of Mexican and US market integration.

Cost of eating healthy low-calorie foods escalates

Low-calorie food prices are increasing far beyond the rate of inflation taking a nutritious diet out of reach of some American consumers, according to a study by the University of Washington.

Honey beats medicine at curing coughs

New research from the US suggests that naturally occurring honey may ease coughs and respiratory illnesses in children more effectively than over the counter medicines.

Givaudan launches new natural cheese flavors

Givaudan Flavors has extended its natural flavors range with the introduction of a series of proprietary ingredients that provide a variety of unique cheese characteristics to food products.

Bacteria in fermented foods can give flavour helping hand

The interactions between flavour compounds and bacteria in fermented foods could enable formulators to maximise the taste of their products, suggests new research.

Martin Bauer launches prickly pear for diabetes

Martin Bauer North America has launched Opundia, a line of proprietary prickly pear cactus extracts to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Environmental adjustments changing logistics strategies

Environmental supply chain logistics, once seen as a "necessary" evil is becoming de rigueur for industry, according to a survey by Eye on Transport.

Cargill urges action to deal with canola demand

US ingredient firm Cargill is urging growers to secure next season's canola crop to keep on top of growing consumer demand for healthy oils and maintain a continuous supply of the oil.

Scientists seek beta-glucan bread solution

Scientists working for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are developing new techniques to produce bread with high beta-glucan content in a bid to create a loaf with increased functionally and health benefits.

Debate ignites over dairy import fees

A battle over whether to expand fees on dairy imports to help pay for promoting dairy products has broken out in Congress, as states not included in the current fee system fear inclusion would deal a devastating blow.

You are what your mother eats: study

A mother's likes and dislikes, particularly for fruit and vegetables, is passed on to her infant during breastfeeding, suggests new research from the US.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.

FDA lacks resources for adequate food regulation

Under-funding at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jeopardizes food safety and innovation, according to a report presented today, which suggests the formation of a new science body.