Business

07-Dec-2007 - Branded packaged food companies have greater pricing power than commodity protein and fresh produce companies, according to Fitch ratings agency.

Agrana opens R&D centre to meet US needs

07-Dec-2007 - Agrana Fruit has opened an innovation and product development center in the United States in a bid to keep up with frequent changes in North American consumer preferences.

Energy drinks to steal soda's thunder

06-Dec-2007 - Energy drinks, including sports drinks, are gaining momentum at the expense of carbonated beverages, according to a new report from Packaged Facts.

Tesco turns food maker with Fresh &; Easy

06-Dec-2007 - Retailer Tesco is treading new ground as food manufacturer for its US chain of grocery stores Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, launched last month in California.

Three million pounds of sodium cut from ConAgra food

06-Dec-2007 - ConAgra Foods has said it has removed nearly three million pounds of sodium from a range of products without affecting taste.

Honey beats medicine at curing coughs

05-Dec-2007 - New research from the US suggests that naturally occurring honey may ease coughs and respiratory illnesses in children more effectively than over the counter medicines.

Cost of eating healthy low-calorie foods escalates

05-Dec-2007 - Low-calorie food prices are increasing far beyond the rate of inflation taking a nutritious diet out of reach of some American consumers, according to a study by the University of Washington.

Mexican buy boosts ASRs output by 75,000 tons

05-Dec-2007 - American Sugar Refining (ASR) has acquired a mill and refinery in Mexico which will boost the firm's output by some 75,000 tons, and allow it to take advantage of Mexican and US market integration.

Combating the moody blues

05-Dec-2007 - With winter underway, it may be the right time for marketers to position their dietary supplement or functional food products to stave off seasonal mood changes.

Givaudan launches new natural cheese flavors

04-Dec-2007 - Givaudan Flavors has extended its natural flavors range with the introduction of a series of proprietary ingredients that provide a variety of unique cheese characteristics to food products.

Cargill urges action to deal with canola demand

04-Dec-2007 - US ingredient firm Cargill is urging growers to secure next season's canola crop to keep on top of growing consumer demand for healthy oils and maintain a continuous supply of the oil.

Martin Bauer launches prickly pear for diabetes

04-Dec-2007 - Martin Bauer North America has launched Opundia, a line of proprietary prickly pear cactus extracts to support healthy blood glucose levels.

Environmental adjustments changing logistics strategies

04-Dec-2007 - Environmental supply chain logistics, once seen as a "necessary" evil is becoming de rigueur for industry, according to a survey by Eye on Transport.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

03-Dec-2007 - Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.

FDA lacks resources for adequate food regulation

03-Dec-2007 - Under-funding at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jeopardizes food safety and innovation, according to a report presented today, which suggests the formation of a new science body.

FDA pressed for tighter salt restrictions

30-Nov-2007 - Health organizations called for stricter regulations on salt and sodium content in food at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public meeting held yesterday.

Obesity levels have not risen, study finds

30-Nov-2007 - Obesity rates did not rise last year for the first time in 25 years, a study has said, but are still too high and will continue to dominate public health agenda.

Confectioners face health and indulgence challenges

30-Nov-2007 - The seemingly opposing trends of health and indulgence will dominate the confectionery market over the next few years, and manufacturers who do not target both risk losing market share, says a new report.

Tate & Lyle invests in flavor firm Allylix

29-Nov-2007 - Fine chemicals firm Allylix is to get more than $3m worth of investment by a team of companies including Tate & Lyle Ventures to produce cost effective plant extracts called terpenes.

Natural provokes growth in gourmet foods

29-Nov-2007 - Natural and gourmet are two leading trends in the US food and beverage market - and they look to be joining forces to stimulate even greater growth, according to Packaged Facts.

SunOpta expands with acquisition of Tradin Organic

29-Nov-2007 - The acquisition of Tradin Organic Agriculture by fast-expanding SunOpta will enable it to extend its current organic programs while adding new sourcing projects worldwide.

Chocolate giants face Canadian price fix enquiry

29-Nov-2007 - Cadbury, Mars and a number of other leading global confectioners are under investigation in Canada over allegations of price fixing in the country, press reports have said.

Symrise makes sugar-free flavor system for confectionery

28-Nov-2007 - Symrise has developed a sugarless version of its Evoglass flavor encapsulation technology, catering to growth in the sugar-free confectionery and packaged foods market.

Science needed to justify omega-3 nutrient claims, says GOED

28-Nov-2007 - The Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3s (GOED) is urging FDA to review the clinical science on the fatty acids so as to make an authoritative statement on recommended intake.

Trans fats blocked from heart healthy products

28-Nov-2007 - The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its heart healthy food stamp to ensure certified products have a low trans fat content and are in line with its consumer education campaigns.