Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Sweet formula for clear fruit drinks

A newsweetener formulation is designed for the booming clear fruit drink segment.

Clean safety profile for HPMC as a food ingredient

A safety assessment of the widely used hydrocolloid hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has shown that everyday intake is well below any level that may cause safety concerns.

Omega-3 encapsulation in chitosan gets study boost

Chitosan plus maltodextrin could offer an interesting alternative for the encapsulation of omega-3 rich fish oils, suggests a new study that uses a novel ultrasonic technique to generate impressive results.

Chitosan-glucose combo eyed as novel preservative

The Maillard reaction product of chitosan and glucose extended the shelf-life of lamb in laboratory tests by two weeks, and may offer industry with a novel and efficient preservative for meat products.

DSM gains application IP rights for asparaginase use

DSM Food Specialities has reached an agreement with Frito-Lay and Proctor & Gamble that gives it intellectual property rights to use asparaginase, the enzyme that underlies its acrylamide-reducing PreventASe preparation, in food products.

Finnish ministers stir up GM meat debate

Politicians in Finland are stoking debate over labelling of meat products from animals fed with genetically-modified feed, in the interests of consumer rights.

Syngenta takes sugar beet back to the tropics

Syngenta has developed a variety of sugar beet for cultivation in tropical climates that is expected to boost output and farmer income, and has initiated two products to develop its use for food and biofuel in India.

Glanbia gains fuelled by US and nutritionals

Glanbia has reported a strong performance for the first half of 2007, largely thanks to its US food ingredients and global nutritionals businesses.

Food policy expert fears impact of nutrient profiling

The European Union's (EU) nutrient profiling system - one of the most controversial elements of Europe's proposed health claims law - could give member states a tool to discriminate between foods, a food policy expert has said.

Chr Hansen sets up new Health & Nutrition business

Chr Hansen has created a new dietary supplement Health & Nutrition business division in an effort to revitalize and speed up its innovation as it attempts to meet the growing global focus on health.

Promote positive image of frozen foods, urges Leatherhead

Industry needs to step up efforts to counter stigma associated with frozen food compared with chilled or 'fresh' produce, says Leatherhead. Although consumers are hearing the message, they are not yet buying into it.

Tea extract could reduce purported diabetes link

A US study presented last week claimed to establish a link between high fructose corn syrup and diabetes, particularly in children - but researchers say a compound found in tea could reduce the effect.

Commodity-avoidance is a driver for ingredients R&D

Rising commodity prices are putting manufacturers under pressure, but some ingredients companies are developing ways to save their customers' margins by reducing or eliminating the need for commodities in formulations.

Sorghum passes safety, taste tests for coeliacs

Sorghum, for so long viewed as merely a feed crop in the West, has big potential for bakery for coeliacs, according to a new study that indicated the proteins do not cause gut problems for this growing section of the population.

ABF to shake up China sugar industry with joint venture

Associated British Foods (ABF) has forged an agreement with Chinese sugar group Hebei Tian Lu, which is expected to revolutionise beet sugar production technology and boost yields.

Encapsulated CLA passes dairy taste test - study

Encapsulation of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) using whey protein led to better stability of the ingredient and consumer acceptance when used in dairy, says a new study.

Weekly comment

Is it harsh? Is it fair? No it's a consumer watchdog

In 1993, it seemed superheroes had reached their lowest peak when Superman was slain by an unstoppable monster known as "Doomsday".

Syral to present new structure, sweetener capabilities

Syral is set to unveil its new sales and industrial organisation in October, following the acquisition of Tate & Lyle starch assets that is currently underway, and says it will be able to respond to customers' changing sweetener demands.

Fat remains major baddie for healthy eaters, says Datamonitor

Reducing fat intake continues to be the main priority of consumers looking to improve their diets, according to a new report from market analyst Datamonitor.

Syral's Tate & Lyle starch buy approved

The European Commission has approved Syral's acquisition of part of Tate & Lyle's Food and Industrial sweeteners and starches businesses in Europe it was announced yesterday.

Panic wheat buying raises fear for food prices

Extremely tight world wheat supplies led to panic buying of the commodity on world markets yesterday, driving up prices to record heights and stoking fears of inflation in food prices.

Nutrigenomics will underlie food future, Chr Hansen

Chr Hansen regards nutrigenomics as technology to underlie the food industry's future away from one-size-fits-all nutrition, and has placed exploration of this area high-up on its R&D agenda.

Whey protein hydrogels offer encapsulation advantages - study

Whey proteins hydrogels - 3D networks with the ability retain water in it structure when dissolved - have the potential to encapsulate sensitive ingredients, suggests a new study.

Japanese citrus eyed as potential pectin source

The Japanese citrus fruit Citrus depressa yields high methoxyl pectin in higher quantities than grapefruit and lemon, and could be used as a gelling agent, researchers from Japan have reported.

NZ officials dismiss aspartame-formaldehyde link

A link between the aspartame and formaldehyde by an organic group has been dismissed as scaremongering in a statement issued by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) this week.

Salt per serving tricks consumers, regulator says

Some manufacturers are deliberately 'hoodwinking' consumers over salt content, claims a new report from UK regulators that says more action needs to be taken for salt reduction targets to be met by 2010.

Etenia rivals gelatine in gelling and functionality, says Avebe

Avebe is launching a new range of starch ingredients called Etenia, intended to be used as gelling agents in dairy and other food products but with clean-label and vegetarian-origin benefits to boot.

Codex date set for milk agenda talks

The latest round of talks designed to set out more international standards for the manufacturing of milk products will take place from 4 to 8 February in New Zealand, it emerged this week.

Dietary acrylamide may not raise breast cancer risk - study

Acrylamide, the potential carcinogen from food, may not be present in high enough quantities in the diet to promote the risk of breast cancer, researchers have reported.

Mastertaste unveils botanical extracts for flavour customisation

Mastertaste has developed a new line of natural botanical extracts using a process that allows for specific aromatic factions to be isolated, then blended into a custom solution for use in beverage or dairy products.

Danisco stands by for record sugar harvest

Danisco is expecting a record sugar harvest as climactic factors have stimulated growth, the year's first field samples indicate, meaning that any excess above quota will be channelled towards non-food uses.

Sales up for Frutarom but margins suffer

Frutarom has announced an increase in sales in its second quarter results issued this morning, which it says is down to reaping the rewards of a strategy of buying smaller companies - but work is needed to boost its profit margins.

Taste may not be such a barrier for wholegrain acceptance - study

The taste of wholegrain breads, compared to bread made from refined grains, may not inhibit consumption amongst consumers as much as previously thought, suggests a new study.

Spiderman and The Simpsons are food baddies, says Which?

Consumer watchdog Which? has launched a new campaign to oust cartoon characters from unhealthy snack advertising, claiming that superheros are being exploited to encourage kids to clamour for foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt.

Whole milk passes UK junk food test

Whole milk will not be blacklisted as a product unsuitable to be advertised on children's television in the UK, the Food Standards Agency has revealed.

Symrise targets Asian growth with research facility

Symrise is investing in understanding the flavour and nutrition needs of consumers in Asia with the 'dramatic' expansion of its regional Sensory and Consumer Science Center in Singapore.

Western diet linked to greater colon cancer recurrence

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer recurrence, says new research from the US.

High raw material prices pressures CSM margins

Netherlands-based CSM said profit margins were affected by the increase in the price of raw materials, in its first half 2007 report.

Euromonitor issues passport to ingredients consumption data

Euromonitor International has unveiled a new information system that measures the use of some 400 ingredients in consumer products, giving an indication of product trends and technological developments in the field.

Aquanova intros next-generation preservatives with nanotechnology

German ingredients firm Aquanova has found a way to extend the use of preservatives sorbic and benzoic acid into foods with a high pH using its NovaSOL nanotechnology.

Hormone regulates liking for food, say scientists

Scientists have identified that a hormone is responsible for people's fondness for food, findings that could lead to a better understanding of overeating and ultimately contribute to the prevention of obesity.

Assessors fear for oilseed prices in biofuel boom

The European Commission has published a new impact assessment on the ten per cent biofuel obligation, in which it says cereal and oilseed prices are likely to rise as a result of greater demand for feedstock.

Wild against water waste

Wild is building a new system for recycling water that will save the company money as well as protect the environment, the company claims.

Masterfoods labelling move spurs new veggie debate

Masterfoods has announced plans to introduce a vegetarian labelling scheme for some of its chocolate products as of next year, but the Vegetarian Society says ingredients still do not meet its sourcing requirements.

Meat, dairy nutrient may raise cancer risk, says study

Choline, a nutrient found in meat, eggs and dairy products, has been linked to a possible increase in the risk of colorectal cancer in women, reveals a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Weekly Comment

A helping hand to the confused consumer

Consumers are bombarded with an overload of nutritional advice and product marketing - be it from magazines, television shows, and product advertising - and without a degree in nutritional science, it's a wonder they can make sense of it at all.

Flooding, fuels and interest rates affect food prices

A combination of factors are conspiring to drive up food prices, particularly in the UK, as harvests have been impacted by severe weather over the summer and interest rates have been subject to quick-fire increase.

Fat replacement uses boost emulsifier market

The trend towards reducing the fat content in food products is contributing to growth in the emulsifiers market, as R&D produces new ingredients that can help healthier products taste as good as the original full fat versions.

EU concerns over EFSA costs

EU member countries are concerned about the feasibility of companies paying fees to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for vetting ingredients, packaging and food contact materials for use in the bloc.

Mango pectin promise as novel gelling agent

A collaboration between researchers in Cameroon and France is exploring the potential of mango peel as a source of pectin, and could offer industry a novel ingredient with new properties.

Retailers on board the ethical foods drive

As organic and fair-trade products profits boom, retailers are reaping the benefits of consumers leading a more 'ethical' existence, according to a new report, but manufacturers may be reacting to slowly.

Alternative sourcing shaking up food relations

UK consumers are increasingly leading towards alternate sources for their food supplies, says new research said to highlight consumer's changing attitudes to food.

Syngenta GM corn to be approved in Japan

Japan looks set to grant formal approval for Syngenta's Agrisure RW GM corn seed for food and feed use next week, quelling export fears of US grain companies.

Raisio streamlines business structure to cut costs

Raisio has stepped up its campaign to streamline the business structure by cutting salary costs and decreasing the layers in the Food Division.

Exemptions to help ease burden of mineral and vitamin levels?

The European Commission has issued a paper to Member States outlining the next step for the setting of maximum mineral and vitamin levels across the bloc - with many highlighted for exemption on the grounds of no evident safety concerns.

Kids' food aversion in the genes

Avoidance of new foods, a common complaint amongst children, may be influenced by genetic factors, says new research that could have implications for formulators.

Novozymes tackles drinks industry issues with new launches

Novozymes has reported a strong set of results for first half 2007 and is set to achieve targets for the year as it keeps its ear to the ground and develops new enzymes to serve trends and help producers overcome difficulties.

European sports nutrition to hit 4bn

The sports nutrition market in Europe is set to surpass the €4bn mark by 2010 and is outstripping growth in North America, a report has said.

Palatinose gains novel approval in Australia, NZ

Palatinit has been given the green-light for Palatinose to be used in Australia and New Zealand, giving industry there the opportunity to use the ingredient in popular low-glycaemic foods and drinks.

Danone marches towards Numico acquisition

Groupe Danone expects to conclude its acquisition of nutrition company Numico in the first half of November, the two companies said today, setting a timetable for the French group's bid to lead the field in health and nutrition.

New report could take bite out of confectionery industry

Hospitals and sports centres around the UK are contradicting Government health campaigns, according to a recent report from the Soil Association.

Support for Med diet's heart benefits keeps growing

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 30 per cent, says Australia's largest study of eating habits.

Taste of the orient could reduce acrylamide formation

Extracts of green tea and bamboo leaf could reduce acrylamide formation in foods, suggests a new study from China.

Meat-free market achieves industry recognition

Prosoy has deemed the meat-free market so significant it has announced the first ever conference dedicated to the sector. However, manufacturers are advised to maintain awareness of key issues presiding in the food market in order to take it to the next level.

Educate on natural E-numbers, urges Frost

The European market for natural food colours is set to grow by some 25 per cent by 2013, according to Frost & Sullivan, but more education on natural E-numbers is required.

Nutrinova investigates low-sugar yoghurt tastes

Research conducted for Nutrinova on the impact of sweeteners on the taste of no-sugar yoghurts could help manufacturers develop better-for-you products that meet consumers' sweet taste needs, says the company.

Process eliminates allergens in peanuts, claims scientist

Details remain unclear about the claims by a North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University researcher that he has developed a process to make allergen-free peanuts.

New germplasms enable high oleic acid sunflowers

US scientists have developed three new germplasm lines for breeding sunflowers with greater defence against downy mildrew and an oil rich in flavoursome oileic fatty acid.

Bird's Eye switches fingers from cod to pollock

UK food manufacturer Bird's Eye has said it will use pollock in place of cod in some of its fish fingers as of September, in a bid to counter sustainability issues

States and shops act over guar gum fears

EU member states are taking action over the possibility of food products contaminated by guar gum containing high dioxin levels, but the full extent of the problem is not yet known.

Weekly Comment

Reflections from IFT

As the dust settles on this year's IFT Food Expo 2007 in Chicago, health and wellness and food safety came through as the star performers, and drivers for the future of the industry.

Cocoa-rich diet may boost thymus antioxidant defences

A diet rich in cocoa flavonoids could boost one's antioxidant defences, particularly in the thymus, suggests a new Spanish study on rats.

Barry Callebaut jumps on healthier bandwagon

Nine new chocolate ingredients are being released on the market, aimed at processors targeting the demand for funcional foods with health benefits.

Givaudan profits tumble on Quest acquisition costs

Fragrance and flavours player Givaudan reports healthy first half sales across its divisions but its bottom line is hit by costs related to the recent acquisition of Quest International.

Squash explored as novel pectin source

Researchers in New Zealand are exploring the potential of buttercup squash as a source of pectin, and could offer industry a novel ingredient with new properties.

Manufacturers urged to target on-the-go consumer

Manufacturers are being urged to focus product development strategies towards the on-the-go food market as consumers increasingly choose convenience to keep up with increasingly hectic workloads.

CASH maintains pressure on UK salad makers

Almost 20 per cent of commercial salads and pasta bowls in the UK does not meet targets for salt levels, says a new report from the Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH). They look set to maintain pressure on UK formulators to reduce the salt content of their products.

Wild targets UK natural colours market with Fiske co-op

The UK and Ireland have been identified as a key market for Wild to intensify its activities with natural colours, after the company accounted a new co-operation with Fiske, the speciality food ingredient brand of Univar N.V.

Australian salt campaigners maintain pressure on food manufacturers

The Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health (AWASH) has pledged its support to the AMA regarding its stance on the on-going debate surrounding public salt intake.

Gluten-free opportunities in the spotlight at IFT

With the market for gluten-free products growing rapidly around the world, many opportunities are opening for industry, but work still needs to be done on taste and texture, experts told attendees at IFT Food Expo.

Coffee drinking may cut liver cancer risk - meta-analysis

Regular and high coffee drinking may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 55 per cent, says a new meta-analysis of observational studies.

Chocolate biscuit sales hit by obesity concerns

Sales of chocolate biscuits in the UK fell 17 per cent between 2001 and 2006 as consumers made the switch to healthier varieties, according to new figures.

Keep up with healthy convenience, says Datamonitor

Healthy foods in convenient packaging is a consumer need that is growing in momentum, according to Datamonitor, with 59 per cent of European and US consumers seeking a combination of the two selling points.

IFT: FMC stabilizer targets fruit-rich frozen desserts

Hydrocolloid supplier FMC BioPolymer claims its Gelstar stabilizer ingredient can allow manufacturers of frozen desserts to achieve products with over 50 percent fruit content.

Foods must bridge the gap in healthy aging, nutrition experts say

While dietary supplement marketers have long targetted baby boomers, this generation is still in need of more functional foods geared towards their nutritional and emotional requirements, according to speakers at IFT Expo.

Trans-fats should be banned - expert at IFT

Limiting and labelling trans fatty acids in food is not enough, and they should be banned, a leading epidemiologist from Harvard told attendees at IFT Food Expo 2007.

Joint venture to build Chinese soybean plant

A new soybean processing plant is to be built in China through a partnership between the state and a US company.