Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - Europe US edition

Nano group focuses on Wow emulsions

Leatherhead Food International (LFI) is investigating the potential of novel and emerging technologies for emulsions which could help food manufacturers reduce fat content of products without sacrificing mouth-feel.

Meat-cancer links curbing processed meat intakes: Charity survey

UK consumers are reducing their consumption of processed meat and meat products following media coverage of a study linking the meats to increased risks of bowel cancer.

EFSA confirms 14 flavouring substances pose no safety risk

14 out of 26 assessed food flavouring substances are safe for human consumption at estimated current intake levels, according to a new scientific opinion from EFSA.

A new dawn for funky fruit and veg

Michael Mann discusses the implications of the ending of EU legislation regulating the size and shape of fruit and veg.

Rosehip extract developed for new product opportunities

Afriplex has launched a new rosehip extract which it hopes will take the ingredient beyond typical applications such as tea and tablets to products such as cereals, fruit bars and smoothies.

Spotlight on UK food and drink firms' green initiatives

UK food and drink manufacturers have reduced their CO2 emissions by 17 per cent since 1990, which translates as an average of 58,000 tonnes less carbon dixoide (CO2) annually, claims the FDF.

Investigation finds oats illegally labelled organic

Batches of organic oats being sold in the UK could be flouting the law after an investigation found they contain the pesticides Chlormequat or Glyphosate, according to the Soil Association.

Clean-label, cheap fat replacers developed by TNO

Spreadable gels made from superheating starch and then cooling it may lead to inexpensive fat replacers, scientists from TNO Quality of Life tell FoodNavigator.

SMEs set to benefit from amendments to EU food labelling proposal

The draft report on the European Commission’s proposal for the provision of food information to consumers in the EU suggests substantial amendments which would offer small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more flexibility.

Chocolate covered bacon or chicken skin? Sophisticated, says Mintel

Chocolate consumers are becoming more adventurous, enjoying darker, more unusual flavour combinations with higher cocoa percentages, according to Mintel.

Education builds taste for cranberries in the south

Introducing foods not previously well known in a market is no easy feat for a distributor, but the firm charged with building support for cranberries in southern Europe is putting its store in education.

Industry response to additive, enzyme regulation adoption

Additive and enzyme associations have welcomed the adoption of the new FIAP package on additives, flavourings and enzymes – but concern remains about the Southampton colours warning.

News in brief

Unilever supports brands with dry foods centre

Unilever has opened a new Centre of Excellent Dry Foods in Germany, which will be the hub of R&D on bouillon, seasonings, soups, sauces and mealkits to support its brands.

Australian dairy eyes functional focus funding

The Australian dairy industry continues to target product innovation with a new grant specifically designed to encourage innovative new ways of thermal and non-thermal processing and producing fermented foods and cultures.

EU-wide labelling study launched

A new research project is aiming to be the first Europe-wide study of the various food labelling schemes and their effects on consumer dietary habits through a unique observation of consumers in ‘real life’ settings.

Organic sales set to slip, says Mintel

A new survey from Mintel shows that seeking out organic food is slipping down consumers’ ethical agenda as the credit crunch begins to bite.

Beverages meet legal preservative limits, says UK survey

Soft drinks on sale in the UK were seen to have a near 100 per cent compliance with maximum levels of benzoates and sorbates used as preservatives, a survey by the Food Standards Agency has shown.

Allura Red up for EFSA review in early '09

Allura Red is due to go up for discussion by the EFSA’s food additives panel in January, as the food safety agency fast tracks assessment of the ‘Southampton six’ in its broader review of food colourings used in the EU.

Low-protein wheat yield puts squeeze on UK bread flour supply

The price of bread flour looks set to soar after cereal quality survey results from the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) showed UK wheat quality to be lower than previously thought.

Skullduggery and currency take their toll at Greencore

Greencore’s ingredients division helped the Irish firm achieve reasonable results, as the convenience foods division was hit by a cost concealment issue in its mineral water accounting.

Baobab to hit the big time next year, predicts Mintel

Dried baobab pulp, which gained novel foods approval for the EU in June, could be the headline superfruit of 2009, according to Mintel.

Austrian ministry links GM corn to infertility

Consumption of genetically modified corn may lead to infertility, according to a new study commissioned by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, and carried out by Veterinary University Vienna.

Combining and explaining texture effects

Cargill Texturizing Solutions' regional director explains how combinations of texturisers can produce the required effect in foods, and how texture descriptions like 'velvety' and 'crunchy' now crop up in promotional materials.

Weekly comment

Conjuring with calories: Regulation and labeling changes

There was something magical about the recent news that the caloric value of both gum arabic and erythritol have been officially lowered, but whether it turns out to be a sleight of hand or a real change remains to be seen.

News in brief

Danisco spies opportunities in xylitol health claim

Danisco has welcomed the approval of a ‘very strong’ health claim that xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children, saying it now puts its customers in a strong position.

ABF ready to buy Ebro’s sugar business – in principle

Associated British Foods has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Ebro Puleva’s sugar business for €385m – a deal that would further fortify the world’s second biggest sugar firm.

Milk quota reforms distort trade, says UK dairy industry

EU agriculture ministers yesterday agreed on further measures designed to progressively liberalise the bloc’s dairy sector, but industry associations have said these will simply lead to more market distortion.

Yeast extract demand prompts Leiber expansion

Leiber is in the midst of a major expansion of its yeast production facilities in Germany, as it build capacity by 50 per cent to cater to greater market demand.

Germans more concerned about environment than food safety

Germans see environmental issues as more of a risk to their health than food, according to a new survey from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Arla introduces new generation of whey permeate

Arla is raising the bar on whey permeate functionality with a new range said to have flavour profile and low hygroscopy, attributes that will make it easier to use in a range of applications.

Mouth bacteria boost some flavours: Study

Bacteria present in the mouth may delay the flavour response for some fruit, vegetables, and wine, according to a new study from Firmenich.

Frutarom eyes opportunities thrown up by financial turmoil

The global economic crisis will yield rich pickings for food firms with a strong capital structure. So believes Frutarom, which has reported another quarter of impressive growth figures on the back of its most recent acquisitions splurge.

Gum arabic shows prebiotic potential in humans: Study

Ten grams of gum arabic may produce a prebiotic effect in humans by boosting gut populations of specific bacteria, says a new study from Kerry.

News in brief

Fruit-a-day for Euro zone kids

An agreement has been reached amongst European agriculture ministers to provide free fruit to young school children, at a cost to the EU of €90m.

Ginkgo biloba has no benefits against dementia: Study

The herb gingko biloba may not reduce the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study with 3,000 elderly people in the US.

Study affirms safe view of coriander oil for food

A new assessment has concluded that coriander essential oil is safe for use in foods, based on a long history of use and lack of toxicity in limited studies.

What zero-calorie approval means for erythritol users

Henry Hussell, European marketing manager for Cargill Sweetness, explains what the recent EU approval of erythritol's zero-calorie claim means for food manufacturers.

News in brief

Glanbia expects dairy to hit Irish ingredients performance

Glanbia has signaled that its Food Ingredients Ireland business is seeing the effects of the decline in dairy prices from last year, but the overall impact will be offset by the US and nutritionals business.

Global food markets ‘neither secure nor resilient’

The UK has become increasingly reliant on imported food and its faith in the long-term surety of the global market is misplaced, according to research released by the Soil Association.

Baobab: Sustainable and in-demand

After gaining novel foods approval in the EU, baobab is tipped to become a billion dollar industry. Stephen Daniells speaks to William Smith from Afriplex to find out what foods baobab fruit pulp is turning up in, and whether supply can match the demand.

Boost to sunflower lecithin use expected with Cargill entry

Cargill is launching its first ever lecithin from sunflower, which it expects to attract interest from manufacturers pursuing allergen-free claims and to prove particularly popular for confectionery.

Chr Hansen aims for bulk efficiency in Euro cheese

Chr Hansen is set to extend a US culture system across Europe to balance demand for bulk production of more complex continental cheeses, which it says can ensure both product consistency and cost efficiency.

Chitosan and lecithin combo could nano-encapsulate: Study

Combining chitosan and modified lecithin could offer interesting nano-encapsulators for a variety of ingredients, according to a new study from Japan.

Dairy price won’t settle soon, says Fonterra

Volatile dairy prices are likely to continue in the mid term at least, New Zealand Fonterra has warned, signaling a need for on-going margin vigilance for food makers using dairy derivatives.

Curry spice may blunt acrylamide’s harm: Study

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may reduce the potential detrimental effects of acrylamide, says a new study from China.

Weekly comment

Tackling obesity is no fair-weather game

The long shadow cast by obesity over public health means that encouraging healthier eating should be high on the agenda of every food firm, come financial rain or shine.

Blackcurrant compounds target Alzheimer’s progression

Armed with a ₤60 million war chest from the Scottish government, researchers in Aberdeen are aiming to slow the progress of Alzheimer’ with bioactive compounds from blackcurrants.

FSA launches food fraud hotline

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has set up a new hotline to allow individuals and businesses to report fraudulent activity in food sales and marketing in a much quicker and easier way than previously.

DSM fast-tracks yeast expansion to meet demand

 DSM Food Specialities has announced a 35 per cent increase in its yeast production capacity in The Netherlands, citing demand from processed foods, salt reduction technologies, and the natural trend.

Dispatches from HIE

Exclusive: EFSA speaks!...on gold standards; article 13,14; 2010 deadline

At HIE in Paris, NutraIngredients gained an exclusive interview with EFSA's chief health claim assessor, Professor Albert Flynn. EFSA has copped a lot of flak for its gold standard scientific approach, but Professor Flynn said his agency would not be changing tack.

Whey coating of dried strawberries could extend use: Study

A new study suggests that coating freeze dried strawberry pieces with whey protein, glycerol and lactose can help reserve texture when they are rehydrated, thereby making them suitable for use in a broader range of moist and liquid applications.

Symrise opens Brazilian centre close to citrus sources

Symrise is marking the official opening of its Global Citrus Center in Brazil, which represents a major expansion of its existing set-up to take advantage of proximity to prime fruit sources and is claimed to solidify its position as a leader in the citrus world.

New texturising system promises crispier wafers

Ingredients manufacturer National Starch Food Innovation claims that its new texturising system will enable food producers to improve the texture and crispiness of wafer-style products.

Website aims to solve food labelling confusion

A new website due to launch in the UK next year aims to reduce consumer confusion over food labelling and ingredients, and enable tailored searching for products that meet specific needs.

Ministers on board with ‘Southampton six’ phase-out

UK ministers have agreed with a Food Standards Agency proposal on voluntary phasing out of the ‘Southampton six’ food colours by the end of 2009, according the agency’s chief executive.

Certificate system enables more support for sustainable palm oil

The first shipment of sustainable palm oil is set to arrive in Europe next week; but even if manufacturers do not use the oil directly they can still buy into the movement with certificates that allow them to state their support, explained the RSPO president.

New fat replacer aims at lower fat sauces

Ulrick & Short is launching an addition to its Delyte range of fat replacers, this time targeting savoury sauces such as carbonara and béchamel.

News in brief

Corner shops to peddle more veg

Local shops in the northeast of England are to receive a total of £500,000 from the Department of Health over the next three years to help them promote more fruit and vegetables to consumers.

News in brief

Barentz opens Baltic office

Ingredients distributor Barentz Europe is opening a new office in Riga, Latvia, in a bid to grow its business in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe.

EU scraps regulations on forbidden fruit

Ugly and misshapen fruit and vegetables are to be permitted for sale in Europe for the first time – but equal rights are still a dream for many grocery items covered by separate regulations.

Brain link to mother’s high fat diet and offspring’s obesity: Rat study

A high fat diet during pregnancy may bring about changes in the offsring’s brain that makes them more prone to over-eating and obesity throughout their lives, according to a new rat study that may help explain the rise in childhood obesity.

Vitiva pitches rosemary extract to counter rancid fish

Vitiva is introducing a new grade of its Inolens 4 rosemary extract which it says can be used as a natural preservative in fish products, which are at high risk of being affected by rancidity.

News in brief

Danisco welcomes Indian delegation

Danish ingredients firm Danisco this week welcomed a research and business delegation from India, as part of a programme to build R&D collaborations between the two countries.

News in brief

DD Williamson cheers caramel chair appointment

DD Williamson’s technical manager Barry Foley has been elected chair of the European Technical Caramel Association (EUTECA) – an appointment expected to help propel knowledge of caramel colour.

The wrong time for another healthy eating campaign?

The UK’s DoH should have waited to launch its new anti-obesity initiative until the economic situation has improved, as many small food businesses are already busy enough coping with the recession, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

News in brief

Ministers rapped over food aid reticence

EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel has criticised ministers for their unwillingness to deliver a food aid package to aid African farmers.

Smell of food could boost perceived saltiness, says study

Enhancing food products with odours could compensate for the taste impact of reducing their salt content, according to a new study, thereby giving manufacturers another tool towards healthier formulation.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Ocean Spray launches all-natural cranberry puree

Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group (ITG) has introduced an additive-free cranberry puree for use in both sweet and savoury applications, including fruit fillings and glazes for baked goods.

Kerry anticipates five-year growth story in Russia

Kerry Ingredients and Flavours is expecting to see considerable growth in its business in Russia over the next five years, as a result of both its global customers investing in the country and its own investment efforts.

Weekly comment

Beijing Olympic Games clean-up a dirty business

This year’s Beijing Olympic Games may have been good for China’s public image but the smooth running of the event was built on multiple state-prompted sacrifices and the food ingredients industry was one of the lambs that copped it in the neck for ‘the greater good’.

News in brief

Whey fortification 2008 conference programme announced

The full programme has been announced for the two-day Whey Fortification 2008 conference taking place in Amsterdam from 2 to 4 December.

DoH and FDF move up a gear in struggle against obesity

New steps in food’s role in the fight against obesity in the UK are being taken today by the DoH and the FDF.

Round table: Food policy under Obama

Barack Obama has pledged to bring change to his country. Three food industry executives discuss what his election could mean for food regulation and trade, and policy interplay with healthcare and energy.

EU pesticide ban would hit supply, says food industry

UK food manufacturers claim the outcome of this week’s vote supporting tighter pesticide usage by the European Parliament’s environment committee fails to fully recognise the potential gravity of the emerging situation.

UK salt concern at a five year low, FSA survey

UK consumers have worried less about salt and additives this year and more about saturated fat in their food, according to the latest barometer of food views conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Early peanut exposure may reduce chances of allergy: Study

Avoiding peanuts in infancy and early childhood may increase the risk of developing peanut allergy, says a joint British-Israeli study.

News in brief

Benn announces chair of UK food policy council

Dame Suzi Leather has been appointed as chair the UK’s new Council of Food Policy Advisers, which is briefed to provide advice and practical recommendations, and consider policy impact.

Splenda bounces back as Tate & Lyle releases figures

Tate & Lyle’s sucralose product has recovered from a drop in demand to see a sales increase after the opening of the firm’s Singapore production plant, albeit with a reduced operating profit.

News in brief

Entrepreneurs have chance to pitch retailers

The first UK Food and Drink Entrepreneur Forum will take place in London this month, and four start-ups will have the coveted chance to present their products to a panel of retailers.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Solbar revamps Bontex for broader food uses

Solbar is exploring new applications for its Bontex steam textured soy proteins, and believes that attention to their nutritional benefits could make them attractive for bakery and confectionery goods geared towards health.

News in brief

Lecture to tackle issues of food trust

A lecture planned to take place in London in December will show how companies that make raw materials and process, distribute and sell food rely on accreditation and certification when implementing new systems.

Yoghurt drink makers wary of soft drink challenge

As drink manufacturers strive to provide innovative functional products to increasingly health focused consumers, dairy goods such as yoghurt may be an emerging route able to help bridge demand.

News in brief

C&E extends deadline for whole grain abstract submissions

Cereals and Europe has extended the deadline for receiving submissions of abstracts for the Whole Grain Global Summit meeting in Spring 2009 to November 7th.

EUFIC reveals results of European labelling survey

European consumers are generally aware of nutritional labelling systems and guideline daily amounts (GDA), according to a new survey – but not everyone actually looks for nutritional information on packaging.

EFSA opinion discounts French GM maize fears

French claims that a genetically modified maize product poses a potential health risk have been disputed by a newly published scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Why one lecithin quality does not suit all

Cargill Texturizing Solutions explains why there is a need for lecithin in various quality grades, and how lecithin can be used to meet market needs.

Danisco rolls out plant emissions plan

Danisco is introducing measures to boost its ethical and environmental record with plans to cut CO2 emissions at five of its largest plants worldwide, starting with Denmark.

Cocoa flavanols cut blood pressure, says study

The daily consumption of 17 grams of ACTICOA dark chocolate, containing 500 milligrams (mg) of cocoa flavanols, for two weeks helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, according to new research presented at Health Ingredients Europe (HIE) 2008 Show in Paris.

Health outlook for food is stable, says report

The market for low-fat and reduced-sugar foods rose 6.7 per cent in value in 2007, moving up from a 4.7 per cent rise in 2006, claims a new report from UK market researcher Key Note.

Synergy flavour engineering boosts sports nutrition taste

Meeting the taste challenge for protein-based sports nutrition products, flavour and ingredients firm Synergy has teamed up with protein parent company Carbery to delve deeper into flavour engineering.

Credit crisis cuts M&A activity in food industry

Consolidation in the food industry shifts down several gears as the global credit crisis cuts into financing opportunities for merger and acquisition activity and cash-rich firms with strong balance sheets sit and wait.

News in brief

European backing for US food label

A new nutrition label launched in the US will make it easier for consumers to make better food and drink choices, according to the Brussels based, Choices International Foundation, a global, cross industry initiative to promote healthier eating.

Food allergies in adults are over-reported, says study

Half of the reported food allergies amongst adults are not food allergies at all, says a new study from Germany.

Competition watchdog extends probe of Danisco-Nordzucker deal

The Danisco deal to spin-off of its sugar arm to Germany's Nordzucker faces delays after German competition authorities take their review into a second phase, opting to investigate the €750m takeover further.

Weekly comment

A menu for American food policy

At the time of writing, the US is poised to go to the polls. The next two days are going to be hugely exciting. And when it’s all over, after the victor gets some well-earned rest… he’ll rub his sleepy eyes and ask: ‘What’s for breakfast?'.

CSM announces 200 jobs cuts by the end of the year

Dutch bakery supplies business CSM has announced that it will cut 200 jobs from its workforce across Germany, France and the US in the next two months in response to plummeting sales and falling consumer confidence.

News in brief

Costa Rican bananas to net zero GHG by 2012

Corbana, the association of Costa Rican banana producers, has formally presented a pledge to cut its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2012.

News in brief

Tesco asks suppliers for cash, say reports

Tesco has contacted some of its suppliers to ask for cash contributions to help keep down prices or to accept lower prices for products, according to media reports.

EU recognises erythritol as zero calorie sweetener

Opportunities for low-calorie formulations open up for food makers as Europe officially recognises erythritol as a zero calorie sweetener.