Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Price gap a threat to Chicago's wheat futures market: Study

The wheat futures market, used by wheat farmers and processors to manage price risk, could lose its relevance unless efforts are made by the Chicago Board of Trade to bridge the wide gap between futures and cash prices, finds a new study.

Ohly upgrades torula yeast extract

Ohly is launching an upgraded version of its torula yeast extract Provesta 512, following improvements to its processing and increased free glutamic acid level.

Meat stabilisers designed to help cut production costs

Danisco has developed a new series of ingredients for processed meat products that it claims can help improve yield and cut costs in production whilst maintaining quality.

Arla develops skimmed milk powder substitute for meat

Arla Foods Ingredients has introduced a new milk protein designed to replace skimmed milk powder in meat formulations, which it claims offers better texture for less cost.

News in brief

FiE to take trend approach in Frankfurt

This year’s Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, will focus on key trends such as fat, sugar and salt reduction, global sourcing, and satiety.

The science of stevia

There has been much excitement about the promise of stevia as a natural alternative to artificial zero-calorie sweeteners. FoodNavigator.com summarises the science so far.

EU Novel Foods amendment proposal accepted

European Union novel foods applications will be processed more quickly and the definition of what constitutes a novel food broadened, if a proposal for a new novel foods regulation is accepted by the European Parliament (EP).

News in brief

Symrise welcomes new board member

Symrise has appointed Bertelsmann CFO Dr Thomas Rabe to its supervisory board, bringing in new financial expertise.

Dietary acrylamide not linked to lung cancer risk: Study

Dietary intakes of acrylamide are not related to increased risks of lung cancer, says a new study from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Pressure group calls for enzyme labelling on packaged bread

A food pressure group in the UK is urging consumers to place stickers on plant produced bread in a move to highlight the unlabelled processing aids used in breads formulated by the 'big bakers'.

NSFI talks benefits of external research link up

Partnering with an external research organisation can bring new insights into ingredient uses, and help develop new tools to meet manufacturers’ pressing needs, according to National Starch Food Innovation.

Enzyme industry responds to EFSA’s draft safety guidelines

The Association of Manufacturers and Formulators of Enzyme Products has welcomed EFSA’s draft guidelines for assessing food enzyme safety, but cautioned that regulation should be proportionate and clear.

FDF calls for moratorium on red tape

The president of the UK's Food and Drink Federation (FDF), Ross Warburton, has called on the Government to cut unnecessary red tape in order to support the food industry through the recession.

Snack Size Science: Vitamin chips and mama's diet

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how chocolate-eating sheep may give us insights into childhood obesity, and how vitamins may protect against carcinogens hiding in your French fries.

Nutrition and pharma holding up in recession, DSM results

Industries deemed essential, such as nutrition and pharma, are having a much smoother recession ride than other sectors, DSM’s Q1 results indicate.

Swine flu impacts global economy

The swine flu virus first identified in Mexico cannot be contained, warns Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), as the economic impact of the outbreak continues to spread.

Nestle recession strategy puts public, shareholders centre-stage

Nestle has indicated that the recession need not be all about cutting costs and keeping prices down, unveiling initiatives to tackle longer-term economic and social challenges, and create shareholder- and public-value.

Fats help memory last longer: Study

Eating food that is rich in fat can trigger long-term memory formation, according to new research which could lead to new approaches for tackling obesity and eating disorders.

United Biscuits invests over €6m in NPD for saturated fat reduction

As the crusade against saturated fats gains pace, UK snack and biscuit manufacturer United Biscuits has achieved gains in product formulations for a range of its popular biscuit brands.

Weekly comment

Supplements: Time to change the nay-saying record?

As yet another TV show concludes that supplements are unnecessary, is the ignorance of the mainstream media few putting the health of the many at risk? Isn’t it time to change the record?

New glucan could boost sourdough production

A new biopolymer produced by bacteria may offer a novel gelling and thickening agent for sourdough production, Indian researchers report.

DSM makes liquid solution for sausage and cheese preservation

DSM is launching a new liquid solution for preserving sausages and cheeses, which is said to allow for even surface coverage and overcome the dust and stickiness problems associated with powder-based products.

EU taps emerging talent for new organic logo

The European Commission has re-started the search for a new logo to appear on pre-packaged organic food, over a year after original designs were scrapped due to similarly to a supermarket’s logo.

News in brief

Professor joins Avebe innovation team

Avebe has recruited an expert in enzymatic and microbial conversion of carbohydrates as its new manager for product and application development.

Wessanen to quit US to focus on Europe

The multinational food corporation Royal Wessanen has announced plans to exit North America to concentrate on its European natural, organic and specialty food products as part of a strategic overhaul.

First hint of concerns in refined vegetable fats from palm oil

Refined vegetable fats derived from palm oil, used for margarines and infant formulae, may contain glycidol fatty acid esters, says the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Organic apples beat conventionals on antioxidants

Organically produced apples have a 15 per cent higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced apples, says a new study from Germany.

Japanese potential could boost global organic output - survey

Organic, lower sugar and reduced carbohydrate foods that have seen growing interest in Western European and North American markets are likely to become importantly popular in markets like Japan in coming years, says research.

Teenage brain power boosted by chewing gum: Wrigley study

Chewing gum could have a positive affect on the academic performance of teenagers, according to new research funded by the Wrigley Science Institute (WSI).

Tate & Lyle enters high-dose green tea extract market

Tate & Lyle has continued its push into the health and wellness area by linking with a Canadian coffee and tea specialist to distribute a green tea extract in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Walnuts and fish affect heart health differently

Including both walnuts and fish products in the diet is required to reduce risks of coronary heart disease, says a new study funded by the California Walnut Commission.

Diet change may be greener option than local sourcing

As consumers seek out food with a reduced carbon footprint, some experts believe a dietary shift from red meat and dairy consumption may be more effective than turning to locally sourced products, suggests new analysis.

Boost to Defra bee plan but no pesticide ban

The Soil Association has criticised Hilary Benn’s decision not to ban pesticides believed to damage honey bees’ neurological and immune systems while millions are invested in trying to halt honey bee decline.

News in brief

German scientists react to GM ban

The German science organizations on green genetic engineering has criticised the country's government for the ban on Monsanto's MON810 maize, noting that a ban on one crop will damage all GM in the country.

Anti-fructose science may be swaying public opinion

Consuming beverages sweetened with fructose leads to weight gain and a build up of abdominal fat, and impairs insulin sensitivity, says a new study.

EFSA finds no reason to alter aspartame ADI

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said there is no indication that aspartame causes cancer following its assessment of a study that linked regular intake of the sweetener with increased risk of certain cancers.

Consumer perception part of dairy’s cow methane battle

As stakeholders across the dairy supply chain look to put cows’ backsides at the forefront of efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, researchers suggest consumer acceptance will be a major factor in any successful solution.

Unilever announces ‘holistic’ salt reduction strategy

Unilever has announced plans to cut the salt content across its global range of 22,000 products with an eye on achieving the five grams daily maximum salt intake recommended by the World Health Organization.

Monsanto files suit against Germany over GM ban

Monsanto has filed a lawsuit against the German government after the EU member state banned planting of its genetically modified MON810 maize last week.

G8 consider curbing speculation to control commodity prices

Speculation in the commodity markets needs close monitoring to help ease price volatility, the first ever G8 meeting of agricultural ministers has concluded, and agri-food chains should be more closely-coordinated to boost efficiency.

Vitamin B3 may reduce acrylamide formation: Study

Vitamin B3 may inhibit the formation of acrylamide in French fries by over 50 per cent, according to a new study from China.

Water groups target sugary soft drinks with ad plans

Falling UK demand for bottled water products is being seen by some industry associations as a potential obesity risk due to increased consumption of higher sugar soft drinks.

Naturex revamps image, hones market focus

Naturex has divided its business into three distinct business units so as to develop products that are targeted to the main markets it serves, and has unveiled a new corporate image.

News in brief

Symrise sets up in Dubai

Symrise has set up a new sales branch and applications lab in Dubai, in order to be closer to its Middle Eastern customers.

ABF sugar and ingredients shine, but profits drop

Associated British Foods (ABF) has reported strong growth in its sugar and ingredients divisions for the first half of the financial year but the group’s profits have fallen.

Salt reductions more challenging in low-fat formulations

Reducing the salt content of low-fat cheese has a greater impact on the flavour than similar reductions from high fat cheese, suggests new research from France.

Watchdog questions private label nutrient-inferiority claims

Australian claims that consumers may be cutting nutritional value - as well as spending – by consuming more private label goods are not being backed by one European health group, which suggests there is dietary parity with branded goods.

Weekly comment

Who’s hoodwinked by a healthy halo?

What does health taste like? As a kid, I was encouraged to hold my nose and swallow down broad beans and cod-liver oil. If they tasted bad, it was only ‘cos they were good for me.

Talking organics to the occasional buyer

FoodNavigator talks to Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, about communication efforts to help more consumers understand and engage in organics, and the all-important issue of climate change.

Ocean Spray to sell concentrates eBay-style

Ocean Spray's Ingredient Technology Group is to hold online auctions for its cranberry concentrate, which it claims will help customers ensure supply and protect against commodity fluctuations.

News in brief

Tate & Lyle rumoured to be seeking new chief

Unsubstantiated press reports have claimed Tate & Lyle is seeking a new CEO to replace Iain Ferguson, who has held the top job since May 2003.

Polysaccharides may give edible coatings for cheese

The days of cheeses coated with synthetic substances may be drawing to a close as new research suggests that natural polysaccharides may provide edible coatings for household favourites.

French cranberry claim unaffected by EFSA stance, says Ocean Spray

The world’s only officially mandated cranberry health claim will not be affected by the recent rejection of a similar claim at European Union level, according to the company that submitted the claim, Ocean Spray.

Fairtrade is purchase pre-requisite for many, survey

Consumers don’t just expect companies to do no harm in communities they source from, but to actually contribute to development, a major international survey commissioned by FLO International indicates – and they appear to be sticking by their principles despite the economic woes.

Recession fear drives the purse strings

Fear of the recession is causing consumers to cut back on spending rather than more than an actual change in circumstances, according to Mintel, but building on consumer trust can help tackle the down turn.

Danisco consolidates cost-saving strategies for customers

Danisco is compiling a comprehensive toolkit to help its customers deal with cost issues based on solutions it has and will develop, and analysis of how businesses and consumers respond in the recession.

News in brief

FSA praised for science practice

The UK’s Food Standards Agency has been applauded by the Government Office for Science for its practice, use and management of science, and its transparency in holding meetings in public.

Bread flour prices hover high over quality concerns

Prices for bread flour have fallen from their highs of 2008, but price pressures are constant for wheat flour used in bread formulations as quality concerns remain.

Danisco pinpoints growth drivers for enzymes

The food and beverage enzyme market looks set to continue growing, says Danisco chief, as food firms turn to processing aid to solve issues of cost, safety and quality, and new health and nutrition benefits are uncovered.

Cyclodextrin could mask bitter flavours in beverages: Study

The bitter taste that amino acids give to beverages could be masked by adding alpha-cyclodextrin, according to new data from Brazil.

French fruit juice is recession-proof, declares group

Fruit juice is still a dynamic, growing sector in France and is showing no sign of slowdown, according to trade organisation UNIJUS – although data do belie some trading down in purchasing patterns.

New Purac product cuts acrylamide formation

Purac has developed a new calcium lactate product which it claims can reduce acrylamide in snacks by up to 80 per cent without affecting crispiness and taste.

News in brief

IFT to host IP swap shop

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has announced a new event at its annual meet next month to stimulate the purchase or license of intellectual property rights.

You are what your mother eats: High GI diets may give obese kids

Snacking on foods with a high glycaemic index like white bread and chocolate during the later stages of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of obesity in the offspring, says a new study.

UK food safety agency in fraud crackdown

A new food fraud division will support local authorities to take swift action to stop illegal activity as well as helping them uncover cases where the consumer has been misled, announced the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Italian Supreme Court issues final ruling on milk quota fraud

The Italian Supreme Court has issued a final ruling that a scheme to avoid paying extra levies under CAP milk quota rules amounts to fraud against EU financial interests.

Kemin to launch rosemary-green tea extract blend for meat

Kemin is introducing a new blend of rosemary and green tea extracts in Europe and Asia, which it says work together to neutralise each others’ distinctive flavours and can help retain an appealing colour and flavour of meat products.

Fruit and veg allergies could outstrip peanuts

The number of people who are allergic to fruit and vegetables is soaring and could already surpass the number of people suffering from peanut allergies, according to experts.

Palm oil prices soar as Malaysian stocks fall short of demand

Oilseed analysts are predicting a squeeze on supply of Malaysian palm oil for months to come, as prices are pushed up by farmers’ inability to invest in inputs and poor extraction rates – while demand for fried and oily food is not abating.

Survey indicates acceptance of frozen foods in recession

New consumer research indicates shoppers are falling back on frozen food to keep bellies full through the recession, according to the Food and Drink Federation – and that, in turn, can stimulate new product development geared to pressing needs.

News in brief

FDF adds environmental category to CPA awards

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has launched its 2009 Community Partnership Awards, including a category to recognise environmental projects for the first time.

Textured whey protein could ease use of heat-sensitive ingredients

A textured whey protein concentrate can stabilize a cold-setting gel over a wide range of temperatures, according to new research from the US.

Affluent seniors hold opportunities for formulators

The growth in ageing populations across Europe is opening up potential for food and drink manufacturers, according to research from Datamonitor, and companies could end up reformulating products just to target the over 50s.

Weekly comment

Food supplements proving recession-proof

The ongoing slide of global capitalism is decimating industries, but the food supplements industry is not one of them as fraught consumers turn to its potential low-cost, anti-medical, wellness promise.

Snack Size Science: Air bubbles and peanuts for all

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how air bubbles may mimic fat and help with weight loss, and how antioxidant compounds may neutralise the allergens in peanut butter.

Illegal yellow prompts spate of spice recalls

The presence of banned colouring methyl yellow in food spices in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany has led to a slate of recalls; although not affecting finished foods for now, the issue is reminiscent of the Sudan Red recalls of 2005.

Capsaicin plus green tea combo aids weight loss: Study

A combination of capsaicin and green tea could promote the feeling of fullness and sustain satiety, indicating it could be successful for weight management, says a new study.

Mars pledges sustainable cocoa only by 2020

Mars has pledged that its entire cocoa supply will be certified as sustainably produced by 2020, through a multi-year, multi-country deal forged with the Rainforest Alliance.

News in brief

CNI gains BRC safety certification

Colloïdes Naturels International (CNI) has obtained the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety certification, adding to the quality standards behind its Acacia gums.

EFSA consults on guidelines for gaining enzymes approval

The European Food Safety Authority has initiated a consultation on its draft guidelines for evaluating the safety of food enzymes, giving the first insight into the requirements that will be placed on industry.

Gum kondagogu’s potential awaiting exploitation

Gum kondagogu, a ‘novel natural biopolymer’ from the tree Cochlospermum gossypium, is a ‘good emulsifying agent even at low concentration’, say Indian researchers.

Talking Point

Is the food industry following in tobacco’s footsteps – your views

FoodNavigator-USA.com asked readers for their views on a recent joint study from Yale University and the University of Michigan that compared the food industry’s marketing strategies to those of the tobacco industry.

Danisco keeps eye on mass culture developments

Danisco says it will move ahead with research into more cost effective dehydration of cultures and probiotic products as part of a new collaboration to test if commercial development of such systems may be feasible.

New toolkit to ‘future-proof’ food businesses for challenges ahead

The UK’s Food Ethics Council has launched a new toolkit to help businesses prepare for future challenges to the food system, as it expects some major unpredictable changes are just around the corner.

Sharp fall in price for cocoa as investors sell

Prices for chocolate makers' key ingredient cocoa fell this week after speculators on the futures exchange exit cocoa positions.

Edible carrageenan films enhance flavour encapsulation

Combining fat and iota- carrageenans could form edible films for flavour encapsulation, says fundamental new research from France and Spain.

IFF opens CapLock production line in the UK

International Flavors and Fragrances has opened a new production line for its CapLock encapsulation system in Haverhill, UK, so it can shorten the supply time to its European customers.

Pava looks to Asia-Africa for export expansion

Russian grain processor Pava is looking for partnerships in Asia and Africa in order to diversify its export activities in response to what it describes as global economic turmoil.

News in brief

Emmi acquires majority share of Nutrifrais

Emmi has reached an agreement with Switzerland’s LRG Group to acquire a 60 per cent share of Nutrifrais, in a bid to build its market share in yoghurts and dairy desserts in French-speaking Switzerland.

More talk needed on organic benefits, says Soil Association

The Soil Association has called for broader communication of organic issues, saying that consumers are bewildered by so many ethical options and many are unaware of its wider benefits.

New kit in acrylamide 'war' targets asparagine analysis

Snack makers on the alert for acrylamide formation in their baked products have a new tool at their disposal to rapidly analyse asparagine levels.

Consumers seek out cheaper organics, says Soil Association report

The UK organic sector is cheered by a 1.7 per cent increase in the market in 2008 despite the gloom of recession, as a report from the Soil Association sees consumers buying cheaper organics instead of switching back to conventional foods.

Fibre-enriched gluten-free bread gets formulation boost

Oat and corn fibre may boost the fibre content of gluten-free bread and enhance the colour, texture and volume of the loaves, says a new study from Greece.

DoH obesity strategy makes calories a priority

The UK’s Department of Health is to raise awareness of the need for energy balance in diets, controlling overall calories as well as specific macronutrients such as saturated fat and added sugar.

News in brief

Australian industry deems traffic lights simplistic

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has criticised traffic light labelling on foods as “too simplistic”, while the industry has already rolled out a Daily Intake Guide system on around 1100 products.

EFSA finds smoke flavours could pose health risk

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has expressed safety concerns over the use of two smoke flavourings in food as it publishes the first in a series of risk assessments into smoked flavour products.

Natural chemical in liquorice hints at new cancer prevention strategy

Opportunities could potentially dovetail for liquorice in the nutraceutical domain with new research from the US suggesting a natural chemical component in this sweet ingredient could offer a new approach to preventing bowel cancer.

Oat and quinoa possible semolina replacers in pasta

Formulating pasta with oats or quinoa may offer pasta manufacturers alternatives to traditional semolina, and open up opportunities in the gluten-free market, says new research from Italy.

Weekly comment

Could clones be hiding out in ice-cream?

Ben & Jerry’s campaign to ensure produce from clones is detectable in the food chain shows that bundling biotech in with conventional produce remains unacceptable – but lessons from GM do not seem to have been learned.

Further evidence backs traffic light food label scheme

The traffic light system for front-of-pack food labelling is the most effective in helping people identify healthier food products, a new study of Australian consumers has found.

PureCircle establishing stevia’s sustainability early on

The supply chain for stevia is sound and sustainable, says PureCircle, which is communicating the ethical values behind its high purity Reb-A sweetener in keeping with the natural image.

‘Air filled emulsions’ could reduce fat, ease obesity: Study

Fungal proteins could produce aerated emulsions with the potential to act as fat replacers in foods, according to promising results from England.

Conference to address substantiation of sustainability claims

Organic Monitor is organising a Sustainable Foods Summit in June, which will give air the key debates on ethical and environment aspects of the food supply chain.

Collaboration to solve dough behaviour problems

The flour specialist Mühlenchemie has teamed up with a manufacturer of dough testing equipment to help its customers improve the properties and consistency of flour and solve application problems quickly.

News in brief

FAO concerned about sea cucumbers

The FAO says the fast growth in sea cucumber fishing to meet global demand is putting pressure on stocks, and management plans are urgently needed to protect economies of coastal communities.

News in brief

Study supports potential of inulin for fibre boost in bread

Replacing 5 per cent of the flour in bread with inulin could boost the nutritional content of white bread without detrimental effects on the sensorial profile, says a new study.

Declining chocolate market felt by Mars and Barry Callebaut

Clear signs that falling consumer demand for chocolate is starting to impact the supply chain with Mars' chocolate business in France announcing contracted production in Alsace.

Amaranth may extend gluten-free bread shelf-life: Study

An extract from amaranth may extend the shelf-life of both gluten-containing and gluten-free breads, according to new research from Italy.

Tate & Lyle positive on sucralose bounce back

Tate & Lyle has indicated that some recovery of sucralose sales towards the end of its financial year, and says it is making progress in yield and process improvements.

Symrise develops toolbox to tackle stevia flavour issues

Symrise has launched a new toolkit of flavour masking solutions to help food manufacturers to overcome the off-notes and aftertaste associated with stevia-derived sweeteners.

Danisco unveils gelato concept for industrial production

Danisco has developed a new emulsifier and stabiliser system to help food manufacturers create artisan-style ice cream on an industrial level without compromising on texture.

News in brief

National Starch launches Resistantstarch.com

National Starch Food Innovation has launched a new website to communicate the health and nutrition benefits of resistant starch to health professionals, academics and consumers.

Talking Point

Is the food industry following in tobacco’s footsteps?

FoodNavigator-USA.com asks its readers whether it is justified to compare the food industry with tobacco.

Study points to improved emulsifiers from caseinates

Modification of sodium caseinates could enhance the range of applications for this emulsifier, according to fundamental research from Finland’s VTT.

New vitamin E form extracted from kiwifruit: Scientists

Italian scientists have identified a new member of the vitamin E family, extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'), according to results of a new study.

Pork scratchings gain oil extension with rosemary extract

A snack firm has become the first to use Vitiva’s Inolens 4 rosemary extract in a pork scratchings product to make frying oil last longer, and to enable longer shelf life.

Carbery announces whey protein flavour profiling project

Carbery is investing in a two-year research project to identify the molecular and flavour profiles of whey protein to help improve on formulation.

Ben & Jerry's stunt highlights concern over clones in food chain

Ben & Jerry’s has fessed up to creating an online presence for a fictitious company selling cloned milk as a publicity stunt, as campaigners believe that the offspring of cloned animals have already entered the food chain.