All news articles for June 2008

China earthquake caused $6bn damage to Sichuan agriculture

Last month's devastating earthquake in China has severely damaged the country's agricultural supply, resulting in $6bn (€3.8bn) worth of damage in the Sichuan province.

Self-assembling proteins offer golden food future

There is a big future for exploiting protein's natural tendency to self-assembly into micelles or nanotubes, says a leading researcher in the field.

Yeast suppliers to benefit bakers through 'application profiling'

The global shortage of molasses and competition from biofuels continue to put upward pressure on prices for yeast, but opportunities for yeast players lie squarely with the emerging market for speciality yeast products, and specifically clean label demands, predict market researchers Frost and Sullivan.

Codex discusses labelling and safety standards

The 31st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Geneva this week will discuss over 30 texts concerning international food standards for subjects including the use of flavourings and product labelling.

Weekly comment

The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Sustainable action greening supply chain

Sustainable growth is proving to be a key concern for all players in the food supply chain, with a report this week from Danisco on its waste and energy saving initiatives and a US dairy industry-wide action plan on carbon emissions.

Natural sweetener race hots up with Nutrinova break-through

Nutrinova has announced progress in its mission to identify compounds that could yield new natural sweeteners for the food and beverage industry, in collaboration with BRAIN.

Givaudan assists citrus innovation with taste programme

Following substantial investment and global research, Givaudan has developed an in-depth profile of wide ranging orange flavours and identified key future trends to help customer innovation.

EU dairy outlook defies supply and nutrition challenges

Prices on the EU dairy market are expected to stabilise during the remainder of 2008 despite wider-global supply concerns, says the president of the European Dairy Association (EDA).

CSM opens the doors to its new innovation centre

Bakery ingredients company CSM opened a new innovation centre in Germany yesterday to focus on developing bakery ingredients for the international market.

Unlocking cocoa genome to relieve supply threats for chocolate makers?

Quality and supplies for the key ingredient in chocolate - cocoa - may gain from a new project that sees Mars link up with the US goverment and IBM to unlock the cocoa genome.

Cassava flour alternative relieves costs for bakers

Beating the high costs linked to the price of wheat flour on today's market, bakers in the African country of Ghana can now access a cheaper alternative produced with cassava and maize.

Nutrinova pushes up sorbates prices again

German ingredients company Nutrinova has increased the price of its sorbate products by an average of 10 per cent, effective from next week or "as contracts allow".

Dried plums offer natural antioxidant alternatives for sausages

Antioxidant-rich dried plums may be a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for processed meats, suggests research from the Americas.

First food players sign up to lobbyist register

The European Commission's voluntary register of lobbyists and their interests went live on Monday, and already contains over 60 entries - but will food industry players take a pledge on transparency?

Value of sustainability to be studied as emissions cuts rewarded

As the UK's Carbon Trust initiates a scheme to reward companies for genuine carbon emission reduction, a new study will determine how influential a company's sustainability image is in terms of consumers' purchasing decisions.

Danisco ingredients suffer from low demand and high prices

Danisco's emulsifiers sector is getting back on track after being affected by rising cost prices, but global supply issues have impacted heavily on its sweeteners division.

Kids more clued up on five-a-day than parents, survey

A new survey commissioned by the UK's Department of Health found that three in five parents believe their children know more about the need to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day than they do.

Solutions abound for polyphenol-fortified milk: study

Adding fruit flavours and cyclodextrin to milk may boost consumer acceptance of polyphenol-enriched dairy, without the need for added sugar, report New Zealand scientists.

New bread aromas enhance taste in salt reduced products

Ingredients and flavours supplier Synergy has developed a range of natural bread aromas designed to capture artisan bakery qualities in products with a reduced salt content.

Healthy and fun drive ice cream innovation at new Unilever centre

Unilever's new global Centre of Excellence Ice Foods is aimed at increasing ice cream innovation by developing healthier products that are more exciting and provide varied sensory experiences.

Gluten-free bakery gets boost from enzyme: study

Baking gluten-free breads for the ever-growing coeliac population may be possible using brown rice and buckwheat flours and adding the transglutaminase enzyme, according to results of a European project.

Danisco pledges research, acquisitions in healthy ingredients

Danisco plans to further strengthen its health and nutrition ingredients offering in areas in which it is not a market leader, as it positions to for a bio-based future.

Industry on-board with anti-acrylamide enzyme, says Novozymes

Acrylaway, the acrylamide-reducing enzyme from Novozymes, has received approval in a slate of countries worldwide and is now being applied across broad range of bakery and snack products.

Nizo kitchen applies ingredients to aid customer innovation

Food researcher group Nizo last week opened its new application centre with the aim of helping food manufacturers develop their own new recipes and product formulation.

EU health claim list trimmed to 1500

The European Commission has culled its gargantuan nutrition and health claims list from more than 40,000 to 1500 as the health claims process moves closer to fruition in January, 2010.

Danisco close to concluding sugar negotiations

Danisco has said it is close to concluding negotiations with potential buyers of its sugar business, but is still working towards spinning it off into a separate business by the end of 2008 in case a suitable deal cannot be struck.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Sourcing issues and ideas

Mango, banana, and pumpkin have all been mentioned as alternative pectin sources - but are they industrially viable? In the final part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of alternative sources of pectin to challenge citrus and apple.

Weekly comment

GM: Breaking the stalemate

Food industry voices are joining those of politicians in the GM debate, hailing the controversial technology as the answer to the food supply crisis. But the hearts and minds of consumers must still be won.

Wild gives an exotic twist to citrus flavours

Wild is broadening its offering of citrus flavours with the addition of three exotic fruits to its range: dalandan, kalmansi and yuzu.

Debate ignites over GM's role in aiding food crisis

Genetically modified (GM) crops could help address spiralling prices, said UK ministers, sparking yet another European debate on their role in the global food arena.

Cereal and dairy groups eye nutrition push

A UK-based breakfast cereal association says it is teaming up with its dairy counterparts to this month kick off a new promotion scheme playing up the nutritional benefits of consuming the products.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Dairy replacer and micro-encapsulator

Replacing a dairy ingredient with one from citrus may not sound plausible, but rocketing dairy prices are prompting formulators to look elsewhere for ingredients. In the fourth part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of pectin to replace dairy proteins.

Chr Hansen launches standardised hibiscus extract

Chr Hansen is introducing a new natural hibiscus extract to give a bright red colour to beverages that also comes with a standardised anthocyanin content.

Saturated fat-laden food, snacks tipped for portion action

A workshop convened by the FSA has identified some food categories for action on portion sizes, as a report finds that some products sold in the UK may have increased in size over the last 15-20 years.

Unilever shifts Ivory Coast interest from palm oil to soap

Unilever has announced that it is selling its edible oils business and palm oil plantation interests in the Ivory Coast, and will instead invest in a soap business in the country.

Study shines light on photosensitive drink shelf life

The significance of lighting on shelf-life in photo-sensitive drinks and food products should not be underestimated by processors when considering how to store their products, says a new study.

Conquering egg allergenicity without compromising functionality: review

The continuing prevalence of egg allergies, and its implications for food manufacturing and labelling practices, has led to a scientific review on methods to reduce product allergenicity.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Providing solutions for healthy foods

Health and wellness is creeping in to every aspect of the food industry. In the third in an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential for pectin offer formulation solutions when targeting the health and wellness trend.

France attracting overseas investment in functional foods, report

The functional foods industry in France is booming, according to a report from Invest In France that claims the sector attracted 7 per cent of all new foreign investment projects in the country between 2002 and 2007.

Ulrick & Short gains organic approval

UK company Ulrick & Short has received new Soil Association accreditation for two of its products, allowing it to market these already clean label ingredients as organic.

Organic combination could build fairtrade awareness

Organic certification in tandem with fairtrade can help raise awareness for ethical sourcing amongst consumers, says Organic Monitor, but the two systems are unlikely to merge entirely into one.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Health claims and labelling

Whether pectin will ever be more than a gelling agent and stabiliser and be labelled as a health ingredient depends on science and money. In the second part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the health claims for Grandma's favourite ingredient.

High fibre barley provides bakers with health spin

Bakers designing muffin and bread formulations for the health conscious consumer can soon access a high-fibre barley grain as Australia's national science laboratory (CSIRO) signs a deal to bring large scale commercial crops of its Barleymax grain to food makers.

Study supports wisdom of the big breakfast

Researchers from Venezuela and the US have reported that a big breakfast rich in carbohydrates, followed by low-carb, low-calorie eating for the rest of the day, was seen to help dieters with weight loss.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Health ingredient of the future?

At a recent conference on hydrocolloids the discussions were dominated by health and price. In the first in a special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential opportunities and challenges for pectin for health.

DSM gains Preventase go-ahead from Swiss

The acrylamide-reducing enzyme Preventase has been granted approval for use in Switzerland, marking a new step down the road towards industry-wide adoption for biscuits and other baked goods.

Costs for liquorice extracts continue to rise on global shortages

Confectionery makers can expect price pressures to continue in 2008 for liquorice extracts as demand on global stocks impacts the supply line.

GM crops restrain price rises, says economist

The present food supply crisis would be worse if it were not for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops over the last 12 years, claims a new economic report.

EU ups the ante with competitiveness group

The European Commission is focusing on competitiveness, innovation and safety in the food industry through the formation of a new high level group.

Rosemary extracts to receive antioxidant status

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said rosemary extract is safe for use as an antioxidant in food, expanding application opportunities and increasing its natural appeal.

Flavour challenges key for folic acid in dairy

The choice of flavour may be key to consumer acceptance of folic acid fortified yoghurts and other dairy, suggests a new study from the US.

Costs to food business to rise if GM zero-tolerance prevails, warns CIAA

Europe's vast food industry calls for an end to 'uncertainty' over non EU-approved GM traces in foodstuffs, warning that new risks on the horizon could bring massive costs to the European supply chain.

Chr Hansen to launch next generation cheese coagulant

Denmark's Chr Hansen is set to launch a second-generation Fermentation Produced Chymosin (FPC) for the cheese market, promising cost-efficiency and better process control.

Weekly comment

The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Sugar beet pectin outperforms gum arabic: study

The potential rise of sugar beet pectin use in the food industry could see it substitute for gum arabic in emulsions, according to new results from Wales.

Arla ready to pay price over organic milk needs

Cooperative Arla Foods says it is looking to increase the supply of milk from its member farmers to tackle growing concern over organic supply, particularly in its Swedish and Danish markers.

Adapt to survive continuing price crisis, says Deloitte

Rising food prices are not a short-term problem so food manufacturers must adapt accordingly, making wise strategic choices, strengthening innovation and streamlining operations, says a new report.

No risk to consumers from Bisphenol A, says ECB

The European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) said that there is no risk to consumers from using packaging containing Bisphenol A (BPA), which follows similar findings from TNO last month.

Rising costs could cook up opportunity for UK organic bakers

The rising costs of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs could boost the output of organic foods and provide more locally sourced grain for organic bakers.

Rice future dependent on science here and now: IRRI

As food prices and demand continue to dominate global politics, Dr. Achim Dobermann, newly appointed deputy director general for research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), talked to FoodNavigator about the science and future of rice.

Cadbury's sweet brand success despite apology

Cadbury is Britain's most trusted chocolate and confectionery brand, according to a 2008 Reader's Digest survey, despite Cadbury-Schweppes being fined £1m last year for allowing the sale of salmonella-contaminated chocolates.

Vegetable oil prices set to stay high, US warns

Vegetable oil prices are expected to remain high into the coming 2008/09 season as surging demand from the developing world outpaces production, predicts the US agriculture department.

Apple pectin may protect against metabolic syndrome

A highly methoxylated apple pectin (HMAP) may counter changes in metabolism and cardiovascular health associated with the metabolic syndrome, according to a study from Spain.

Organic market should remain resilient amid spiralling costs

The growing success of the organic market will be only slightly marred by soaring food prices, which are tightening consumers' purse strings across Europe, say industry experts.

Supply uncertainty drives ingredient firm expansion

Dairy ingredients group Meadow Foods says it is aiming for further expansion within its operations as part of moves to offset spiralling energy and distribution costs.

Traditional snacks still top of kids' wish-list, survey

Children's favourite snacks are crisps, biscuits, cakes and confectionery but the healthy eating message is filtering through, according to a new survey.

Commercial emulsifier may hold key to whipped cream mimicry

Use of the commercial emulsifier lactam may help food scientists crack how to produce emulsions that mimic traditional whipped cream, says new research.

Bacteria strain shows promise as natural meat preservative

The lactic acid bacteria strain Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 can provide a natural preservative for craft dry-fermented sausages, according to a new study.

Wild launches new Fruit Up with a confectionery spin

Wild is introducing a new version of its Fruit Up sweetener, specially designed for use in fruit jelly confectionery products and angled towards helping manufacturers tap the healthy confectionery market.

Rice pressure causes price hike for Beneo-Remy

Beneo-Remy has announced a price increase of 40 per cent across its rice-derived ingredients portfolio to help counter the pressure of greater demand on rice supplies and higher costs.

Belgian beverage study shows need for more benzene research

A new study into benzene levels in soft drinks sold in Belgium has found that some still have higher levels than drinking water, and more research is needed into several possible contributing factors.

High costs for cocoa to prevail on stock shortfall

High prices for cocoa manufacturers will prevail as an investment bank predicts a third successive global cocoa deficit in 2008/09.

Hopes high that novel food revision will improve innovation

In the lead up to this week's publication of the first draft report on proposed changes to the novel foods regulation, concerns have again been raised on how the current process restricts innovation.

Honed cheese flavours point the way to low-fat options

The trend towards low and reduced-fat food is creating opportunities for enzyme-modified cheese flavours to create intense cheese-tasting food without the calories.

Weekly comment

Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

Oat cholesterol claim woos Kraft in the Netherlands

Swiss-based CreaNutrition is demonstrating the value of approved health claims by inking a deal with Kraft on the back of recently approved oat-based cholesterol-lowering claims in the Netherlands.

European teamwork key to healthy food innovation

The healthy foods sector has the greatest market growth potential but requires coordinated investment and research, said the European Technology Platform (ETP) Food for Life committee.

Rare sugar may replace sucrose for bakery and beyond

The rare sugar D-psicose may be an ideal substitute for sucrose, and have the added benefits of boosting antioxidant activity and boosting shelf-life, say Japanese researchers.

Lobbyist register to boost rulemaking transparency

A registers of lobbyists to the European Commission, including a code of conduct, will go live later this month, with the aim of increasing transparency in the dealings of groups that influence policy and decision-making.

Chinese MSG exporters to EU to pay stiff anti-dumping tariffs

The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping tariffs of almost 40 per cent on monosodium glutamate (MSG) imported to the EU from China, following an investigation into the effects of lower-priced imports on EU industry.

Microbubbles could extend shelf-life on food foams

Microscale bubbles could whip up a range of long-lived, stable foam products whilst giving formulations interesting sensory properties, according to research published in Science.

EFSA: help wanted!

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is calling for Europe and the world's best scientists to come forward to assist it in processing its ever-increasing workload.

Farmers claim milk-battle victory

Dairy farmers across Europe say they are temporarily calling for an end to ongoing strikes that have threatened milk supply in the bloc, after industry players agreed to enter talks over the pricing for their products.

Rome Food Security Summit

Summit ends with call for more aid

The FAO food security summit concluded with a declaration calling for the international community to step up assistance to developing countries, but no decision is reached on biofuels policy.

Trans fats harm may pass from mother to infant in breast milk: study

The potentially damaging effects of trans fats may also be passed from a mother to her child during breast feeding, suggests a new study that heaps more misery on the enfant terrible of the food industry.

Confectioners worry about EU biofuel targets

Talks on the European Union's draft Renewable Energy Directive should be postponed until after independent research into the effects of biofuels production, argues the confectionery and biscuit industry.

Vitiva launches organic rosemary preservatives

Vitiva has launched Ecocert-certified organic versions of two of its rosemary extracts that show natural preservation properties.

Big private equity deals a thing of the past for food

Private equity backed, billion-euro deals in the food sector are gone as the credit crunch impacts the landscape, but smaller transactions will remain and today's difficult climate will throw up acquisition opportunities for trade players with strong balance sheets.

Borregaard raises vanillin prices, will work on efficiencies

Borregaard is increasing prices for its vanillin products across the board due to the drastic oil price increases and is looking at ways to improve efficiency at its plants.

Parliament heart group advocates colours on front of packs

The European Parliament's Heart Group has declared its preferred best approach to front of pack labelling for food so consumers can see at a glance whether a product is good for their heart: four key nutrient quantities, plus colour coding.

Rome Food Security Summit

Boost production to ease the food crisis, says UN chief

Stepping up food production and ending trade restrictions could lift millions out of poverty while helping bring down soaring prices, said UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon.

Dairy groups call for end to farmer milk protests

Tensions have risen this week between European dairy farmers and processors as blockades and protests rage over the profitability of production.

National Starch expands certified organic starch offerings

National Starch is extending its range of Novation functional native starches to include two new starches from waxy maize that are suitable for use in products geared towards the certified organic trend.

EU slaps anti-dumping duties on Chinese citric acid

The European Union has slapped anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports of citric acid after an investigation concluded two European producers have been injured by unfair competition.

Treatt expects better results following Earthoil buyout

Treatt is expecting Earthoil to make a better contribution to results since acquiring the remaining 50 per cent of Earthoil Plantations and Earthoil Kenya, giving it full control over operations.

Health and wellness propels acquisition activity

The health and wellness trend is helping to drive consolidation in the food industry as firms link up to share expertise and stay ahead of the curve.

Rome Food Security Summit

Hungry eyes look to Rome for answers

As world leaders gather in Rome for the first day of talks on food price escalation and, with luck, to settle on a common strategy to deal with the crisis, the FAO has put a price on eradicating hunger: $30bn.

Natural anti-browning agents give fresh cut fruit potential

Natural sulphur containing-compounds may prevent the browning of fresh-cut fruit, and offer a more potent alternative to vitamin C, suggests new research from Spain.

FSA issues guidance for clearer labelling

New labelling guidelines were issued this week by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to help manufacturers in present vital product information in a clearer way.

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

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