Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Polyphenols could lead to allergen-free peanut butter: Study

Adding polyphenols compounds to liquid peanut butter may reduce the level of proteins in the product responsible for peanut allergy, suggests a new study.

Dispatches from Reformulation Symposium

Supermarket reports challenges of saturated fat reduction

Balancing saturated fat as a proportion of total calories, and the natural variation of fat levels in meat, are amongst the challenges faced by Waitrose suppliers in developing food products with lower saturated fat products.

Putting the WOW into low fat foods

Leatherhead Food International's Head of Innovation explains progress made towards using WOW emulsions in reduced fat products, and challenges that still need to be overcome.

News in brief

FDF announces new chair of Frozen Foods Group

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has named Norman Soutar as the new chair of its Frozen Foods Group, as the industry drives to remind consumers of quality and innovation in the area.

EC approves Ebro sugar business sale to ABF

Associated British Foods’ €385m acquisition of the Spanish sugar company Azucarera Ebro has been given the go-ahead by the European Commission.

Fructose metabolism in the brain may increase food intake, obesity: Review

The way fructose is metabolised in the brain may increase food intake and lead to obesity, according to a new review from the US.

Fructose review findings are ‘speculative’: Researcher

The findings of a review about how metabolism of fructose in the brain may affect food intake are “highly speculative and probably incorrect”, says a leading HFCS researcher.

Dispatches from Reformulation Symposium

New margarine takes modular approach to saturated fat

A new margarine can enable lower saturated fat in puff pastry and croissants, according to developer Romi Smilfood, helping to meet targets for healthier bakery products.

News in brief

DSM gains CakeZyme go-ahead for China

China’s Ministry of Health has approved the use of DSM’s CakeZyme enzyme for use as a processing aid in the People’s Republic, opening up a new market for the ingredients firm.

Weekly comment

Obama’s veg plots point the way to healthy eating and more

“If you don’t plan to plant a garden in Lake Wobegon in the spring, it means you plan to be planted yourself.”

Ocean Spray unveils cost-conscious cranberry range

Ocean Spray's Ingredient Technology Group has formulated a lower cost sweetened dried cranberry (SDC) product to meet demand for cost-effective and value-added ingredients in the face of rising commodity prices.

Your thoughts on gluten-free foods

Last week we published some musings from our editorial team on the gluten-free food market. We don’t pretend to hold all the answers, but we have been pleased that some of our readers have engaged in the debate. Below are the responses we have received – the good, the bad, and the ugly…

Whey and lactose will survive private label push - analyst

The use of whey and lactose ingredients in finished products will not be significantly set back by a shifting retailer focus towards budget-priced private label goods, according to one global dairy analyst.

Sweetened beverages may raise women’s heart disease risk

Women who drink two or more servings of sweetened beverages per day may increase their risk of heart disease by 35 per cent, says a new study.

Heinz sells aroma and HVP business

Exter has announced the acquisition of Heinz’s aroma and HVP activities to broaden it product range and strengthen its savoury flavouring business.

Müller told to cease misleading ‘natural’ ads

Dairy firm Müller Dairy UK must withdraw TV and print ads for a brand of its children’s yoghurt products after the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that they made misleading ‘natural’ claims.

Study shows potential of flaxseed gum for beverages

Flaxseed gum may enhance the nutritional profile or beverages, and could lead to a new range of novel drinks, says new research from Canada.

News in brief

Australia food watchdog seeks views on new GM food

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is inviting individuals and organisations to comment on an application to seek approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Kids programmed to have sweet tooth: study

Children's incessant desire to eat sweets has entrenched biological roots, with new research explaining their preference for sugary foods could be linked to actual physical growth.

Snack Size Science: Squid, noodles and French baguettes

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at the curious alternatives to food classics, with squid sausages, seaweed noodles, and gluten-free baguettes all on the menu.

Bloated vegetable oil market threatens Raisio production

The Finnish food group Raisio said it will come to a decision within days on whether to dramatically cut its vegetable oil production because of a glut in the market.

FSA keeps protein cap in place, industry objects

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) yesterday confirmed the implementation of a protein cap that limits products such as cereals being advertised to children.

Fair trade certification for mint oils

The organic oil specialist, Earthoil, has achieved fair trade status for its Indian mint growing facility under an Institute for Marketecology (IMO) scheme in order to meet growing demand for ethical products.

Chewing the Fat: How big is gluten-free?

The Chewing the Fat series has the FoodNavigator team getting its teeth into food issues. The gluten-free market is set to continue its expansion in the coming years, fuelled by better diagnosis and a fad for gluten-free foods. The FoodNavigator editorial team discusses the issues behind the trend, and considerations for food manufacturers.

Hydrocolloids plus whey salad dressings get formulation fillip

Formulating salad dressings with whey cheese and a combination of hydrocolloids could offer alternatives to food formulators, says a new study from Brazil.

News in brief

Finsbury Foods positive despite profit drop

British cake manufacturer Finsbury Foods have reported a net profit drop of 45 per cent for H2 of 2008, but remain bullish with revenue up by 11 per cent.

How metals in food impact children's behaviour

The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour, according to a lead researcher in the field.

Rise in gut hormone levels key to satiety factor in low GI foods: Study

With satiety food formulations on the rise, breakthrough research from British scientists offers a deeper insight into the role of gut hormones on appetite and why a low GI (glycaemic index) meal, such as a morning bowl of porridge, keeps consumers feeling fuller.

European stevia firm to build Paraguay plant

Granular, a European stevia producer, has entered into a joint partnership to build a refinery for the natural sweetener in South America which it said will be environmentally neutral.

EFSA slashes heavy metal limit

The European Food Safety Authority has lowered the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for cadmium after studying data, a decision that could affect sourcing.

Waxy starch could produce non-milk cheese: Study

Replacing rennet casein with waxy maize starch and carrageenan may produce imitation cheeses with low protein contents, suggests new research.

News in brief

Food Commission seeks celebs to sign no junk ad charter

The UK’s Food Commission is introducing a charter for celebrities who want to pledge they will not use their image to promote foods high in fat, saturated fat, sugar or salt.

The up-side of downturn for acquisition hungry food firms

Acquisition hungry food firms with a strong capital structure can benefit from acquisition opportunities thrown up by the economic turmoil, says an analyst – a view shared by Israel’s Frutarom, which last week reported a record year of profits following a spree.

Weekly comment

Omega-3: Fishing for alternatives

Short of an earth-bound deity walking amongst us and miraculously multiplying our fish stocks, industry must invest more in alternative sources of omega-3 to meet nutritional needs.

Gluten-free baguettes get formulation boost

Combining buckwheat flour and guar gum could lead to the gluten-free French bread with “improved quality attributes”, says a new study from France.

Hopes for lifting the protein cap could be dashed

The Food and Drink Federation said it is baffled by a Food Standards Agency recommendation to keep the protein cap that limits products such as cereals being advertised to children, which it said overturned previous advice without “good reason”.

Dispatches from IFE

Madagascar unrest raises interest in Indian vanilla

The political unrest in Madagascar, the world’s leading producer of vanilla, has highlighted the need for ingredients companies to diversify supply and eyes have turned to India as an alternative source.

Yakult pushing probiotic science envelope

Probiotics are best known for their digestive health benefits, but research is pointing to benefits in unexpected areas. Shane Starling met with Yakult’s Netherlands-based science manager, Dr Jia Zhao, after she spoke at a recent conference on functional foods for the over-50s in Amsterdam.

CIAA responds to points raised by anti-GDA campaign

The CIAA has responded to criticisms levelled at its GDA nutrition labelling system by a campaign from Denmark, emphasising points including the tool’s neutral, science basis, and work towards setting portion sizes.

Confectionery firms criticised for not removing colours

Cadbury and Mars are attracting severe criticism from food campaigners, who say they have not fulfilled promises to remove certain artificial food colours from products by the end of 2008.

News in brief

EU, US trade bosses commit to Doha progress

EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and the new US Trade Representative Ron Kirk have agreed to intensify efforts to bring the Doha round of trade talks to a conclusion.

Private label innovation looms over big brands

Innovation is increasingly being marked out as a way for private label firms to gain market share – and for big brand players to keep it.

NSFI gets indulgent with Novation

National Starch Food Innovation (NSFI) has added another product to its Novation clean label starch line. Derived from tapioca, it is billed as an ingredient that can bestow indulgence on a product, with reduced oil, fat or cream.

News in brief

New FAO food price database launched

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has launched a new online tool to track food prices in 55 developing countries, as part of its food price spike response.

Scientists edge towards squid sausages

Muscle from jumbo squid can form stable gelled-emulsion products, according to Mexican research, offering potential for a range of products like squid frankfurters.

Borregaard plays up lignin-vanillin CO2 developments

A supplier of lignin-derived vanillin claims that its processes for sourcing and producing the ingredient can dramatically reduced the carbon footprint compared to sourcing from some mineral oils, according to recent testing.

Asia vital to global milk ingredient stabilisation

A supply and demand imbalance within the global milk ingredient market is expected to stabilise in the next few years on the back of strengthening demand in Asia, suggests a new report.

Grape polyphenols may protect against obesity: Study

Antioxidant-rich supplements containing polyphenols from Chardonnay grape seed may protect against oxidative stress linked to obesity, suggests a new study with hamsters.

Sesame oil mix could lead to low-fat cakes: Study

Formulating cakes with sesame oil, hydrocolloids and emulsifiers could replace fat in cakes, leading to low-fat alternatives of family favourites, suggests a new study.

Danisco counts cost of ingredient sales slowdown

Danisco has reported a slowdown in food ingredient volume sales in Q3 as the economic downturn kicks in; sweeteners and enablers are worst hit, but growth rates in cultures ‘satisfactory’.

Dispatches from IFE

Kiss consultancy concept for sweetener formulation

A new company has been launched called Kiss which offers food and drink manufacturers a specialist formulation service for high intensity sweeteners.

News in brief

Red24 brings food crisis expert on-board

Risk management and crisis specialist red24 has teamed up with Eric Smith, food crisis and contamination expert, to provide its food clients with specialist advice.

Food labelling vote postponed until after election

Progress of the proposed new food information legislation will be delayed by at least six months, as MEPs have decided to delay the vote in committee until after the parliamentary elections.

Electrospun fibres could expand bioactive encapsulations

Beta-carotene, a food colour and antioxidant, can be nano-encapsulated in special spun fibres, offering formulators a fresh approach to adding value to products.

News in brief

IFOAM picks Arbenz as new executive director

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) has announced the appointment of Markus Arbenz as its next executive director, as of August 1.

Ulrick & Short launches new starch for ready meals

The growth in ready meals, plus desire for clean-label, restaurant-style products has led the UK’s Ulrick & Short to launch a new functional starch from wheat.

Purple carrot expands Chr Hansen’s colour palette

Chr Hansen is launching a new natural violet colour derived from purple carrot, which is said to bring cost and stability benefits for a broad range of beverages, fruit preparations and confectionery.

Dispatches from IFE

IFE highlights ingredient firms’ role in innovation

The IFE09 trade fair is playing host to the ingredients industry for the first time, in recognition of the growing role of ingredients firms in the development of finished products.

Alginate may lead to low GI rice noodles: Nestle

Formulating rice noodles with alginate may enhance the structural properties of rice dough, which could lead to the development of a successful commercial rice noodle product, says a new study.

Danisco desires home made-style dairy desserts

Danisco says it continues to focus ingredient products designed to replicate consumer needs for convenient, ‘home-made’ style products through recent testing of a new range of dairy desserts.

Weekly comment

Could sugar shake off its bad boy image?

Sugar could be shedding its bad boy image to take a surprise spot on the public’s list of trusted ingredients, as manufacturers look to appeal to more savvy consumers.

Synergy tackles dairy costs, mouthfeel and provenance

Synergy is launching new range of dairy ingredients for savoury foods intended to help control formulation cost issues and improve the sensory appeal of better-for-you products.

Could salt be a mood booster?

Cravings for salty foods may be related to a mood boost from savouring the savoury, suggests new data from the University of Iowa.

Campaign aims to stop GDA inclusion in labelling law

A campaign that strongly opposes the inclusion of GDA-type nutritional labelling in the proposed new food information legislation has been launched by a consortium of health and industry groups in Denmark.

Omega-3 EPA could be sourced from biodiesel: Researchers

Fungal treatment of a biodiesel byproduct can produce the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), offering a potentially economical source of EPA from microbes.

News in brief

Doctors block choc fat tax motion

Doctors in Scotland voted narrowly against a motion to introduce a fat tax on chocolate, proposed by a medic who is concerned that chocolate has moved beyond a treat food.

Chr Hansen makes cultures for E European cake cheese

Chr. Hansen has launched a new range of cultures to capture the market for a popular Eastern European cheese, encouraging producers to switch to the Direct Vat Set (DVS) system rather than the traditional bulk starter method.

Spotlight again on cloned animals

A review of cloning is underway at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following a request from the European Commission for further advice on the implications of the technology for food safety, animal health and welfare and the environment.

Rennet-gelled protein for 'alternative’ probiotic encapsulation

Gelling of milk proteins using the food-approved enzyme rennet can produce microcapsules capable of encapsulating healthy ingredients like probiotics, says a new study from Germany.

News in brief

IFT to discuss nano food uses in London

A seminar to be held in London on 30 April will explore the latest developments in nanotechnology, and its potential for use in the food industry.

Black foods inspire flavour collection at Ungerer

UK flavour maker Ungerer is introducing a new collection of flavours inspired entirely by foods and ingredients that are black in colour.

FDF defends industry against fat tax for chocolate

As the prospect of a fat tax on unhealthy food is raised once more, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has spoken out on behalf of the industry against calls for a tax on chocolate.

Scientists lift the lid on salt’s hypertensive power

Salt may raise lead to hypertension by inhibiting the action of an enzyme linked to easing blood flow, says a new joint US-Chinese study.

Which? rounds on food industry in health debate

Consumer watchdog Which? has renewed its calls for food manufacturers and retailers to do more to address sugar, salt and fat content and take a consistent, industry-wide approach to labelling to help people make healthily choices.

Arla’s eyes remain on Europe following Dutch deal

As Arla Foods drives ahead with plans to bolster its operations in whey and finished dairy products, the group says its latest acquisition highlights wider interest in the markets of Western and central Europe.

UK launches ‘Plan Bee’ to protect pollinators

Latest UK efforts to halt honey bee decline aim to stimulate more communication on reporting health problems in hives, as disappearing pollinators could have a serious effect on food supply and ingredient sourcing.

Certifier decides against easing organic rules during recession

UK organic farmers will not have the option to switch to conventional animal feed during the recession, the Soil Association has decided, as a consultation raised concern for consumer confidence.

What's driving private labels?

In recent years the share of private label goods sold by retailers has been on the rise, reaching almost 50 per cent in traditional retailers. The FoodNavigator editorial team discusses what's driving the trend, and what it means for big brand manufacturers.

Coke pops Innocent offer

Atlanta, Georgia-based Coca-Cola has tabled an offer for a minority stake in stalling UK smoothie maker, Innocent, according to press reports.

News in brief

DSM talks cost-savings online

DSM Food Specialities has launched a new website to showcase ways it can help customers reduce formulation costs, and better cope with the pressures of operating in a delicate economy.

News in brief

Danisco appoints new sweeteners boss

Danisco has named Stephane Constant as the new executive vice president to head up its sweeteners division. Constant will drive the overall strategy for the operating unit.

Cost and success strategies to tackle volatile markets

Cutting costs is the top priority in 2009 for food and beverage companies, according to a report from Deloitte which outlines strategies companies can adopt to stay ahead in challenging economic times.

Grocers pledge to cut UK food waste

Grocery retailers and manufacturers have pledged to work together to cut UK household food waste by 155,000t or 2.5 per cent of total waste before the end of next year.

Salt replacers improve heart health: Study

The use of salt replacers in the diet, as a means of reducing sodium intake, may improve blood pressure and artery health, says a new study from China.

DSM-Roquette’s ‘green’ acid to compete with fossil fuel alternatives

DSM and Roquette have announced that they are to commercialize the production of bio-based succinic acid by the end of 2009 after trials have shown that producing the acid via biological means, rather than using petrochemicals, is commercially viable.

Weekly comment

Cargill vs Chavez: Clash of the rice titans

Clutched to the president’s chest like a medal of nationalisation, Cargill Venezuela cannot be sitting very comfortably this week as it awaits the fate of its rice plant.

Snack Size Science: Getting to the heart of acrylamide

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week, acrylamide intakes may not pose a problem for pre-menopausal breast health, but it may be dangerous for heart health, according to a couple of new studies. And Belgian researchers give a glimpse of ways to prevent formation of the compound in the first place.

Gouda’s 800-year-old secret could benefit flavour for all dairy

German scientists have reportedly cracked the secret of Gouda’s complex, long-lasting flavour, and this could lead to developing more flavourful cheeses and other dairy products.

Research on New Nordic Diet looks to healthy eating, locally

A new research project starting in Denmark this year could position the New Nordic Diet as the healthy diet of future, paralleling the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet in its benefits but with local, Northern European roots.

EFSA publishes final nano risk opinion

The European Food Safety Authority has concluded its assessment of the potential risks of nanotechnologies for food and feed, stating that a cautious, case-by-case approach is needed as many uncertainties remain over its safe use.

Study pinpoints ‘missing link’ between fructose and insulin resistance

Yale scientists have reportedly found the ‘missing link’ to explain why high-fructose diets may boost the development of insulin resistance.

Dispatches from European Sandwich and Snack show

Real crisp success underlines consumer shift to hand-cooked crisps

Spotting a market opportunity ten years ago, John Mudd set out to create an alternative to mass-produced crisps, building a business that today sees 2.5 million packs of Real hand-cooked crisps sold each week in the UK.

Roundtable to unite green food assessment methods

The food industry’s new sustainability roundtable will seek to unify all the green assessment methods now in use and under development, says the CIAA’s environmental director, rather than developing yet another approach from scratch.

News in brief

Chávez seizes Cargill rice plant

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez has taken control of a rice plant owned by a subsidiary of Cargill, according to reports, on the grounds that it does not produce price-controlled basic rice.

New code proposed for retailer-supplier deals

The rules that govern agreements between retailers and suppliers could be strengthened under a new proposal by the UK’s Competition Commission (CC) to protect manufacturers and others from restrictive practices.

Anti-scuff glaze for enrobed chocolate to keep up appearances

Edible coatings and films firm Mantrose UK rolls out an anti-scuffing innovation that it claims protects against surface damage while maintaining the original appearance of the chocolate.

Scientists lift the lid on flavour encapsulation limitations

Encapsulating flavours in proteins in order to protect it during food formulation, may be counter-productive if the protein reacts with the flavour, says a new American study.

Raw materials and acquisition costs drag earnings down for Symrise

Sales increases at fragrance and flavour company Symrise were not enough to keep net income from slipping in 2008.

Cadbury builds Fairtrade awareness, bar-by-bar

Cadbury’s commitment to source cocoa for its popular Dairy Milk chocolate bars is a strong signal that responsible sourcing is moving out of a niche and into the mainstream, and will introduce more consumers to the principal.

PureCircle reaps rewards for Reb A contracts in H1

Reb A producer PureCircle has reported a net profit increase of 75 per cent for the first half of 2009 after securing major contracts with companies including PepsiCo, Whole Earth and Cargill ahead of regulatory clearance in key markets.

Broccoli sprouts may reduce asthma: Study

A naturally occurring compound in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against asthma and other conditions due to respiratory inflammation, says a new study.

Grim outlook prompts sweetener action from Danisco

Danisco reducing its production of xylitol in China and mothballing its xylose facility, as its sweeteners division is implicated as one of the causes of lower earnings expectations.

Arla finds partner to expand into US protein market

Arla Foods has announced plans to form a definitive partnership with a start-up company called Green Meadows Foods in the hope of capturing a leading share of the North American protein market.

Polyols choice critical for nutritional bar acceptability

Adding the polyol glycerol to a whey protein based nutritional bar maintains the soft texture and consumer acceptability of the product during storage, says a new study.

New no-vote over lifting GM crop bans

Environment ministers yesterday voted against a proposal to force Hungary and Austria to lift bans on the growing of genetically modified crops, indicating that the great European rift over GM is still wide.

News in brief

More firms make FSA Southampton-free list

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has added to its listing of companies that do not use the Southampton-six colours, including Cool Drinks company, Lakeland, Montgomeryshire Natural Spring Water products, Plas Farm Ltd, Rubicon Drinks, and Sunny Delight Beverage Company.

Vitiva aims VivOx at ready-meal rancidity

Vitiva is leveraging the trend in natural, fresh ready-meals in marketing its Vivox rosemary-derived preservative, claiming tests suggest it can prevent rancid flavours in meat-based ready meals.

Too much red meat may increase age-related blindness: Study

Eating about two portions of red meat a day may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration by about 50 per cent, says a new study from Australia.

Guest article

UK labelling proposal under the spotlight

Owen Warnock, partner and food law expert at international law firm Eversheds, checks the fine print on calls for legislation in the UK regarding country of origin meat labelling.

Weekly comment

Twitter could leave bitter taste in Pepsi’s mouth

“The new cartons stink.” Customer responses to new product developments seldom come clearer or more direct than that.

Diana roles out new line of organic extracts

The ingredients firm Diana Naturals is extending its range to embrace the trend for organic extracts with the launch of seven new fruit and vegetable products.