Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Dispatches from IFT

Giving process cheese a healthy makeover

Land O’Lakes discusses the latest development in process cheese, with 50 per cent lower fat and 35 per cent lower sodium.

EFSA opinions give Monsanto new Euro confidence

The European Food Safety Authority has issued positive opinions on the safety of Monsanto’s MON 810 corn trait and Roundup Ready 2 corn product, giving the firm confidence that Europe could become more accepting of genetic modification.

Univar expands deal with Lithuanian starch maker

Univar has secured a new agreement with flour producer Amilina to sell its high purity starches in ten European countries.

Review finds no effect of soy on testosterone

A review of 15 studies into the influence of soy proteins or isoflavones on male hormones has found no evidence of an estrogen-like effect.

Animal fats linked to pancreatic cancer: Study

Researchers have linked high intake of fat from red meat and dairy products with increased risk of pancreatic cancer, in a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Xanthan gum helps cassava-wheat bread quality: Study

Researchers from Nigeria have found that xanthan gum can assist with quality and storage issues of cassava-wheat bread in a study that could help encourage use of cassava flour in products.

New NIZO tool to help fermented food development

NIZO Food Research has developed a new tool to predict the functionalities of different microorganisms based on their genomes, which will help speed the development of fermented foods and ingredients.

News in brief

UK supermarket to open own farm

Morrisons supermarket is set to open a 700 acre farm to research farming efficiency and sustainability in Scotland – and is seeking another site in England.

Weekly comment

Confusion reigns in cosmeceutical name game

The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

Sweden seeks feedback on enviro-health food guidelines

Swedish authorities have drawn up a new set of guidelines on diet choices for health and the environment and is circulating them around the EU for feedback – and to encourage take up of the strategy elsewhere.

Silliker buys French firm for more healthy food research

Silliker is building clout in the provision of food clinical studies with the acquisition of French CRO Biofortis, as the healthy eating drive and claims legislation demand top notch research.

News in brief

Bold new sales targets for Scottish food makers

The Scottish food and drink manufacturing sector aims to increase sales by one third, to ₤10bn by 2017; in the last two years sales of Scottish goods in Great Britain area already up 21 per cent.

Sweetness perception could vary with ethnicity: Study

Researchers claim to have discovered a particular gene variant that could affect sweetness perception among different ethnic groups, raising the possibility of more targeted flavor profiling of foods.

No additional weight loss with CLA, arginine combo: Rat study

Conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and L-arginine consumed together have separate but not additive effects on weight loss, according to a study conducted on rats.

Exclusive interview

Danisco expects sustainability effects on bottom line

Danisco’s new sustainability chief will look to build more value from company policies and seeing results on the bottom line – as well as for the environment and local communities.

News in brief

Which? gives salads a dressing down

Which? has found that the average pre-prepared salad sold in UK supermarkets is almost as loaded with calories and fat as a burger – largely because of their dressings.

Healthier mayonnaise passes consumer taste test: Study

Rice bran oil and soy protein concentrate could be used by mayonnaise manufacturers to cut fat levels while increasing consumer acceptability, according to a study on its sensory properties.

Ulrick & Short launches flocculated starch for sauces

Ulrick & Short is launching a new maize-based starch made using its flocculation technology, which is said to reduce energy needed to make lump-less sauces and help preserve flavours.

New UTZ certification for world’s biggest cocoa producers

Producers in the world’s largest cocoa-producing country, Côte d’Ivoire, are taking part in the first independent audits in preparation for the UTZ Certified code of conduct; a programme that sets internationally recognised standards for responsible cocoa and coffee production and sourcing.

Consumer confidence in food manufacturers plunges, says survey

New research from the United States suggests that consumer confidence in food companies has plummeted after less than one in five said they trusted firms to develop and sell healthy products.

Organic shift would drive healthier diets: report

A major shift towards organic agriculture in the UK would cause a shift in the commodity mix – and subsequently be accompanied by healthier eating options, concludes a new report.

Creating the ‘gold standard’ for natural beef flavours

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has released a new range of “natural and authentic” beef flavors which it says responds to consumer demand for natural ingredients.

Danisco results show trickle down of consumer savings strategies

Danisco latest results bear testament to the responses of consumers to the economic crisis around the world – with very different shifts taking place in the US and Europe.

News in brief

Organic pace gains momentum in France

Clear signs that consumer demand for organic foods is gaining momentum in France, with fresh figures from the minister of agriculture's office showing that to date, conversions to organic land in 2009 are five times higher than in 2008.

IFT trend tour: Color and flavor innovation

At the IFT trade show in Anaheim, Jess Halliday followed the Flavor and Color Innovation trend tour, and spoke to some of the companies showing their latest developments at the show.

Fibre-enriched pasta beats tradition in taste test

A resistant starch-rich powder from unripe banana could boost the nutritional content of pasta, report researchers from Mexico.

FSA to investigate anecdotal aspartame reactions

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking individuals who believe they have suffered a reaction to aspartame to take part in a pilot study.

New EU regulation on authorising food from cloned animals sparks heated debate

EU chiefs have been criticised for approving a draft regulation on food from cloned animals that could “keep options open” for its eventual authorisation in the region, claimed opponents.

Taste psychologist maps 'dialects' of flavour preference

The mapping of ‘taste dialects’ could help food firms develop products that appeal to the specific preferences of consumers in certain geographical locations, according to a taste psychologist.

Petra Foods ups cocoa game as new plant gets going

Delfi Cocoa, a division of Petra Foods, has started production at its new processing plant in Hamburg, Germany, as it positions to better serve its European customers.

EU proposal for national opt-outs on GM crops

A proposal to allow individual countries in the European Union to opt out of growing genetically modified (GM) crops is to be tabled this week at a top-level meeting at the European Commission.

EU omega-3 levels must be higher, say UK academics

It will be too easy for omega-3 bearing functional foods to make content claims under a proposed amendment to European nutrition and health claims rules, according to UK researchers.

Credit squeeze key concern for food makers, OECD report

Prices for key commodities used by food manufacturers may have eased since their peaks last year, but the cost of cereals and vegetable oils in the near term will remain far higher than pre-2008, projects the OECD.

Frutarom buys Chr. Hansen savoury unit in Germany

Acquisition-hungry firm Frutarom continued its rapid growth strategy, today announcing an "extremely synergetic" €5.2m deal to buy Chr. Hansen's savoury functional systems activities in Germany.

Open innovation speeding health and wellness transition

Opening up the innovation process to outside expertise is increaingly seen as a way to advance and cut costs.

News in brief

Commission extends deadline for organic logo entries

The European Commission has extended the deadline for its art student contest to create a new organic logo to be used on products throughout Europe to 6 July.

Treatt takes next step in Earthoil efficiency

Earthoil is transferring its UK operations to the site of its parent company Treatt, in a bid to increase efficiencies further and exploit synergies.

TasteTech develops more cost effective encapsulated sorbic acid

TasteTech has introduced a new 90 per cent version of its controlled release encapsulated sorbic acid to inhibit mould on bread, as industry seeks more ways to reduce formulation costs without impairing quality.

Exclusive interview

Food technologists ‘under attack’, says former IFT chief

Food technology is a profession under attack – and both industry and government need to invest to ensure its future, says former IFT president Dr John Floros.

Could vinegar be natural fat fighter?

Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain, according to results of a study with mice from Japan.

Pledges sought for organic awareness campaign

The UK organic sector is seeking contributions towards a consumer-facing organic awareness campaign, in advance of applying to an EU fund that would match the total.

Sweeteners in water supply could affect acceptance: Study

New research that shows artificial sweeteners are not removed in waste water treatment could affect consumer acceptance, according to the lead scientist.

Pecan Deluxe buys kit for chocolate beasts

Pecan Deluxe Candy has invested in new equipment for its plant in the UK that will enable it to make chocolate shapes like pigs and monkeys, and expand its fair-trade chocolate range.

News in brief

Just another Meat Free Monday…

The movement towards avoiding meat one day a week to help address the impact on the climate is gathering pace, as Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and other stars launch a new campaign.

Symrise gives vanilla farmers a fair trade boost

Symrise has received fair trade certification for its bourbon vanilla extracts from Madagascar, offering farmers advice and premiums that help dissuade them from switching to less labour intensive crops.

Wild looks to maximise chocolate-fruit filling potential

A supplier of fillings for confectionery goods says that it is can now allow manufacturers to maximise fruit content in their chocolate products without compromising functionality or regulatory approval.

EFSA: Health claims summit ‘very successful’

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says the detailed guidance it gave to industry at Monday’s technical health claims meeting will ensure “shared, mutual understanding” in the health claims evaluation process.

Technical challenges to reducing sugar

Tate & Lyle’s manager of sweetener technology development gives insight into the role of sugar beyond providing sweetness, and how to pick alternative sweeteners that build back the properties.

News in brief

UK food exports up, says FDF

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has published research indicating a 20 per cent value increase in food and non-alcoholic beverage exports from the UK in 2008.

Nitrates and nitrites may be nutritious: Study

Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help cardiovascular health, suggests a study from the US.

CoQ10 may boost sperm quality: Study

Supplements of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve the motility and density of sperm in infertile men, according to a new study using Kaneka’s ingredient.

EFSA safety doubts over two more smoke flavours

EFSA has published negative safety opinions on two smoke flavours, SmokEz C-10 and SmokEz Enviro 23, for which it considers the safety margins at proposed levels to be insufficient.

Alpro-Dean deal to establish global soy giant

European soy products leader Apro is to be acquired by US-based Dean Foods in a deal expected to drive the soy sector into the future.

Dispatches from IFT

Treatt launches honey distillates for low-cal treats

Treatt is extending the options for manufacturers that want to make honey flavoured products but without extra sugar or calories – and without having to deal with bulk quantities of sticky real honey.

News in brief

Food technologists and Chinese officials link up on food safety

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) and the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) recently announced the formation of the first IUFoST international expert panel on food safety.

Aldi takes colours out of Australian products

Aldi is removing the Southampton Six food colours from products in its Australian supermarkets, following a campaign by consumer groups.

Weekly comment

IFT '09: In defence of trade shows

As the dust settles on another IFT the absence of several big players has left some questioning the relevance of trade shows in the 21st Century.

Big hopes for EFSA’s big health claim day

Shane Starling reports from the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) much anticipated industry stakeholders’ meeting about health claims in Brussels today.

Dispatches from IFT

National Starch dials in Precisa texture systems

National Starch introduced new texture systems at the IFT expo in Anaheim, USA, this week, designed with the help of its Dial-in Texture Technology.

EFSA confirms GM antibiotic-related gene safety

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed that two antibiotic resistance marker genes, nptII and aadA, pose no threat to humans or the environment.

Questions and confusion as “best before” label debate intensifies

Industry experts and the UK food safety watchdog have been assessing and clarifying the implications of the government’s much-discussed announcement to overhaul the food labelling date system.

Dispatches from IFT

Super fruit expertise opens up super veggie potential

Expertise garnered from studying super fruit is opening up possibilities to make super veggies. NZ Plant & Food Research’s Karl Crawford tells Stephen Daniells how the recent merger between HortResearch and Crop & Food Research has opened up new possibilities for transferring knowledge from super fruit to vegetables and beyond.

Dispatches from IFT

IMR updates on carrageenan, alginates and gum arabic

At the IFT expo this week FoodNavigator.com caught up with hydrocolloids industry experts Dennis Seisun and Christine Seisun for their latest observations on the state of the market.

Dispatches from IFT

Niutang nears launch for new stevia sweetener

Niutang is preparing to introduce its Reb A sweetener from stevia next year and is starting discussions with existing customers and new ones that have a parallel product development timeline.

News in brief

Sponsors sought for new food dictionary

The authors of a new online dictionary to give the names of food ingredients and products in 34 different languages are seeking sponsors to speed up translation.

Industry says creativity key to ensuring soft drink-sustainability

Representatives of the UK soft drink industry claim that ‘creative’ innovation across the industry is keeping manufacturers on track to meet their sustainability goals, though more must be done in the future.

Lycopene-enriched hamburgers pass taste test

Tomato peel may enhance the nutritional profile of hamburgers with a dose of 4.9 mg of lycopene per 100 g of cooked hamburger achievable, report Spanish researchers.

Organic food makers take heart from Danish demand

There are encouraging signs for food makers making moves into organics with signs that Scandinavian countries are bucking the 'flatlining' trend witnessed in the rest of Europe.

Brands defy downturn, Coke tops $67bn in value: Report

Food and drink makers must continue to invest in brands to deliver revenue growth, improve margins and reduce overall business risk, attests a new report that has ranked the top 100 global brands.

Dioxins in food chain linked to breastfeeding problems

Dioxin exposure through the food chain during pregnancy could explain why some women have trouble breastfeeding or produce too little milk, new research suggests.

Organic milk efficiency spied after UK cooperative collapse

Dairy cooperative OMSCo has stepped in to market the organic supply of national rival Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) earlier then planned after the group went into receivership last week.

Dispatches from IFT

Naturex launches fruit and veg extracts for stability

Naturex has introduced new fruit and vegetable extracts to its NATstabil line, extending the options for manufacturers looking for natural stabilisers for food products.

News in brief

DSM gains nutrition award for NutriRice technology

Ingredients firm DSM has received the first GAIN business award for innovation in nutrition 2008, presented at a ceremony during the recent GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) Business Alliance Global forum in Amsterdam.

Unstable food markets continue to threaten cereal prices

Price volatility in grain markets and food security took centre stage at the first World Grain forum in St. Petersburg with Russia's President Medvedev underlining the "extremely unstable situation" in global food markets.

Sudan scraps gum arabic monopoly to liberalise market

Sudan, the world's biggest producer of gum arabic, has scrapped a government monopoly on the production and export of this naturally-sourced, 'Rolls-Royce' of gums widely used in food and drink formulations.

Mixolab profiling tool raises flour performance

A quality control instrument for flour from French firm Chopin Technologies could play a key role in ensuring flour performance matches customers' expectations in a finished product, attendees heard at a recent conference in Paris.

News in brief

Cadbury mulls India cocoa supply strategy

UK-based Cadbury is hoping to extend its presence in India with the confectioner reportedly set to use the country as a major regional production centre for its cocoa supplies.

Weekly comment

A big day for European health claims

Next Monday, June 15, is a big day for the European healthy foods and food supplements industries. Let’s call it Big Monday. Or J15.

Stevia industry must support standards to limit adulteration

Increasing demand for stevia and reb A may soon attract the adulterers to crash the party. Mel Jackson, VP science for Sweet Green Fields (SGF) told FoodNavigator that, as his company announces a doubling of their production capacity, the industry must support the establishment of standards to limit adulteration.

Dispatches from IFT

SGF doubles stevia production with new 1,000 MT plant

Sweet Green Fields (SGF) has announced the opening of a new facility in China with annual production of 1,000 MT of finished product, doubling its current capacity.

Arctic roll and jelly come-back in recession

Frozen desserts are becoming the treat of choice for more cash-strapped Bits, according to Mintel; and retro jelly, rice pudding and arctic roll are also back in mode.

Russian infrastructure a barrier to grain growth

Russia has potential to increase grain production considerably, says EBRD chief, but shortfalls in infrastructure, regulation and investment pose problems.

Olive extracts may slow spoilage of meats

Polyphenol-rich extracts from olive oil pomace may reduce the formation of off-flavours in meats by as much as 80 per cent, suggests new research.

Syral unveils investments and strategic direction

Starch specialist Syral has opened a new applied research centre and a new spray drying tower in Marckolsheim, France, as part of a major investment programme.

Canada eyes more beef, grain exports to Europe

Canada is making overtures towards free trade talks with Europe that could open up a new source of beef for the EU – if a parallel hormone-free industry could be established – and boost grain supplies.

News in brief

Stevia conference comes to Europe

Companies planning to be present in the European stevia market will be convening in Leuven, Belgium, on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd of July for the Stevia in Europe conference organised by EUSTAS.

Authorities play down drink extract cocaine concerns

Decocainised coca leaf extract, which has been linked to the recent alleged discovery of traces of cocaine in some samples of Red Bull Simply Cola, will not face regulatory scrutiny regarding its wider use in formulations.

News in brief

Cargill talks texture in Spanish

Cargill has launched a Spanish version of its texturising website, so it can share application and technical tips with professionals in the Spanish and Central and Latin American markets.

News in brief

Symrise appoints new CEO as Linzbach steps down

Heinz-Jürgen Bertram will become the new CEO of the fragrance and flavours supplier Symrise on July 1 2009.

Grape seed may boost health and safety profile of bread

Addition of a grape seed extract to bread may not only increase the antioxidant content of the staple, but also inhibit formation of a potential toxin, says new research.

Unilever exerts further pressure on Sustainable Palm Oil Roundtable

Unilever’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman has re-stated the importance of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as a crucial measure in reducing deforestation.

Commission favours food quality scheme improvements

A European Commission bid improve food quality labelling schemes and make them better understood by end consumers look likely to result in new guidelines and legislative proposals.

Cargill starts glycerine production at new Frankfurt refinery

Cargill is increasing its glycerine capacity with the opening of a new refinery in Frankfurt, Germany, after entering the market in the US just three years ago.

Fatty formulation may boost feeling of fullness

Oil-in-water emulsions formulated to improve their stability in the harsh acidic conditions of the stomach may promote a feeling of fullness and help with weight management, suggests new research.

Consumers seeking more from organics, analyst

Organic certification alone no longer covers all the ethical and sustainable considerations of consumers, according to Organic Monitor, which says new ‘Organic Plus’ strategies are now emerging.

Sustainability chair lambasts UK food and farming policy

The UK government’s policy on sustainable food and farming has been overtaken by developments in climate change and obesity and is no longer fit for its purpose, says the chair of the Sustainable Development Commission.

FoodNavigator's future as part of William Reed Business Media

Don’t miss this video interview with Robert Marr, chief operating officer of William Reed Business Media which recently acquired Decision News Media publisher of FoodNavigator.com and FoodNavigator-USA.com.

EU health claim rules blamed for R&D brain drain

At a health claims meeting attended by regulators, politicians and regulators, held in Brussels yesterday, one of the major concerns voiced was the stifling effect on innovation the process was having.

News in brief

FoodNavigator Twittering from IFT

Stuck on the booth? Can’t make it to IFT this year? Let our journalists do the leg work for you. We will be sending updates via Twitter on news, innovations and the buzz from the show floor.

Nanotechnology under the microscope

Nanotechnology is opening up opportunities in food formulation, food packaging, and food safety. Stephen Daniells talked to Kathy Groves, principal microscopist from Leatherhead, on how the industry is facing up to the challenges and potential.

French distributor secures stevia supply from Argentina

Groupe Lavollée Chimie is gearing up for approval of stevia sweeteners in France, expected this summer, after signing an agreement with Argentine supplier Stevia Internacional.

Weekly comment

Economic depression a stimulus for fresh business

The economic recession is biting across the globe, and bleeding casualties litter all industries, but now is not the time to cower. Those willing to spend may provoke a stimulation of their business that could set them up for years, if not decades, to come.

Soy industry sets sustainability standards

Participants in the Round Table on Responsible Soy unanimously agreed a set of voluntary production standards on Thursday to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of soy production.

Ocean Spray shores up cranberry team in Japan

Ocean Spray has a new strategic partnership to identify new opportunities and stimulate growth for cranberries in the high potential Japanese market.

News in brief

Stevia market development will ease price importance

The price of stevia sweeteners relative to sugar need not be an issue as the market develops, according to PureCircle, as supply chain investments are expected to encourage penetration.

Antifreeze gelatin proteins boost ice cream structure: Study

Collagen peptides produced from bovine gelatin may stop ice crystal formation in supercooled ice creams, opening up possible new innovations to formulators, suggests new research.

Cargill develops high-loading starch flavour carrier

Cargill has introduced a new clean-label maize starch powder for carrying liquid flavours in dry form, with a high loading capacity of up to sixty per cent.

France and rest of Europe prepare for stevia approval

Manufacturers in France are gearing up to start using high purity stevia extract Reb A as soon as approval is signed off, according to a supplier, making use of an anticipated two-year window before full European approval.

FoodNavigator.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of FoodNavigator.com, FoodNavigator-usa.com and 15 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by the leading UK business-to-business publisher William Reed Business Media.

News in brief

Supermarkets slammed for Amazon destruction

Greenpeace is demanding that companies refuse to buy products from companies that have carried out deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, following a three-year survey.