Business

14-Mar-2008 - The Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) will discuss international labeling guidelines amid increasing consumer awareness of the food they eat, a trend that mounts pressure on the industry.

EU, US heading for conflict over dairy taxes

14-Mar-2008 - The European Commission's ambassador to the United States, John Bruton, has strongly criticized proposals that would tax imported dairy products to pay for US promotional programs.

FSIS acts on US meat scares

14-Mar-2008 - The recall of over 143,000,000 pounds of raw and frozen meat products by a California meat processor in February is forcing the US regulatory authorities to act and reassure the public about the safety of the US food supply.

Food industry takeovers continue to rise

13-Mar-2008 - The number of mergers and acquisitions in the North American food industry continued to grow in 2007, continuing the rapid pace of consolidation that began in 2006, according the latest edition of the annual food business survey by the Food Institute.

SunOpta to close acquisition despite financial woes

13-Mar-2008 - SunOpta is set to complete its acquisition of Tradin Organic Agriculture in the next few weeks having faced delays due to the internal financial issues.

Wrigley gives gum a makeover

13-Mar-2008 - Wrigley will rework the packaging and flavour portfolio of its US gum products in an attempt to boost sagging sales in the area, the company announced yesterday.

Oil prices fuels coffee sustainability concerns

13-Mar-2008 - High oil prices are set to exacerbate coffee supply concerns by deterring growers from using fertilizers in cultivating the crop, according to new figures from the International Coffee Organisation (ICO).

DuPont, Arcadia deal points to more nitrogen-efficient corn

12-Mar-2008 - DuPont and Arcadia have entered into a research and commercial agreement over corn hydrids that are able to use nitrogen fertilizers more efficiently, pointing towards a reduction in costs for corn farmers and a better environmental footprint.

Ohio rbST rule causes fears for national marketing

12-Mar-2008 - A law implemented in the state of Ohio last month that seeks to set a level playing field on milk labeling, whether or not it comes from cows supplemented with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), is causing fears that it could restrict national distribution.

Coconut oil prices to stay bullish

12-Mar-2008 - Coconut oil prices are set to stay high this year, pushing food makers to look at innovative ways of reducing their costs.

SunOpta to extend oil refining capacity with new JV

11-Mar-2008 - Canadian natural ingredients company SunOpta has clinched a deal to begin construction of a new organic and natural oil refinery in Colorado in a joint venture with Colorado Mills - in spite of its financial and legal worries.

New mint blends to beat high costs

11-Mar-2008 - Flavors company AM Todd is introducing two new mint oil blends which it claims will allow food companies to buck the trend of rising mint prices.

The importance of quality assurance

10-Mar-2008 - Naturex talks about the importance of sourcing quality-assured ingredients, and the measures a company should have in place to ensure it meets the highest standards.

Weekly comment

Warning signs: reconsidering shock tactics

10-Mar-2008 - Here's a possible new marketing angle for food and beverage manufacturers: "Food can kill".

Rising wheat costs force bakers onto the streets

10-Mar-2008 - The surge in global wheat prices - and the subsequent increase in the price of baked goods - has prompted US bakers to take radical action.

New computer model may improve fruit storage

10-Mar-2008 - A computer model has been developed to improve the long-term storage of fleshy fruit under controlled atmospheres, according to a report published by researchers at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.

New alliance to boost Mediterranean diet

10-Mar-2008 - Companies whose products form part of the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet have joined forces to promote the benefits of healthy, European-style eating to US consumers.

Innovation still driving force for additives, says Freedonia

07-Mar-2008 - Food additive producers are building market value by developing new ingredients and improving existing ones - in turn enabling product manufacturers to improve quality and reduce costs, says Freedonia.

US bakery market beckons for Vivartia

07-Mar-2008 - Vivartia, Greece's largest food production company, yesterday announced it is breaking into the US bakery market with its acquisition of biscuit and cookie firm Nonni.

Demand for GM foods growing with food prices, say supporters

07-Mar-2008 - Rising food prices are set to increase acceptance of genetically modified crops for food use, opening up new markets for US products, say proponents of the technology.

Acquisition to propel Symrise's US growth

06-Mar-2008 - German flavors and fragrances group Symrise has said it will use the acquisition of Chr. Hansen's North American flavors unit as a springboard for greater US growth.

Globalization threatens ingredient quality, says USP

06-Mar-2008 - The globalization of food poses risks on the safety and quality of ingredients said the US Pharmacopeia (USP), which is providing advice on overcoming new challenges.

Canada under pressure to ban junk food ads

06-Mar-2008 - Health officials in Canada are urging the government to take action to ban the advertising of junk food to children, saying that self regulation by industry does not work.

Infant formula omega-3 fortification increases, says Martek

06-Mar-2008 - Omega-3 supplier Martek Biosciences has reported "record" revenues and increased sales for its first quarter of 2008, boosted by strong international demand for its ingredient in infant formulas.

ASA seeks end to soybean trade restrictions

05-Mar-2008 - The American Soybean Association (ASA) is calling for improved international market access for soybeans and European acceptance of biotechnology to enable freer trade.