Business

27-Nov-2007 - A blend of native Australian herbs with synergistic preservative qualities could prove a natural alternative to sodium benzoate in beverages, claims its inventor.

Consumer demand for cranberries fuels shortage fears

27-Nov-2007 - Ocean Spray has played down fears of a shortage in cranberries due to bad weather - and has said the harvest has been virtually the same as last year.

Weekly comment

Why all the fuss about stevia?

26-Nov-2007 - Over the past half year, stevia has been the focus of attention as the search for a perfect natural sweetener continues. But why are the birds circling when the ingredient has not been approved in the two major Western markets - the United States and Europe?

Aromatech kicks off US flavor subsidiary

26-Nov-2007 - French flavor firm Aromatech has started operations at its new US subsidiary, which the company believes will allow it better access to its customer base in the country.

Cereal makers missing emerging market boon

26-Nov-2007 - A large number of global breakfast cereal manufacturers are failing to take advantage of the potential for their products in markets such as Eastern Europe and Asia, according to consumer analyst Euromonitor.

Chocolatiers face further cocoa market confusion

23-Nov-2007 - A strong increase in cocoa supply from the Ivory Coast has failed to put an end to market uncertainty over the price of the commodity, says the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO).

Smithfield rejects cloned pork

23-Nov-2007 - Smithfield Foods, a leading US pork firm, has said it will not produce pork from cloned animals because the technology is still too new.

CFSAN directors change as food safety focus tightens

23-Nov-2007 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has appointed a new interim director for its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), to keep up strong leadership at a time of heightened focus on food safety.

CHS reports 'record' 2007 profits

21-Nov-2007 - Grains company CHS has reported strong results for its 2007 fiscal year, on the back of a good performance throughout all segments of its operations.

Nestle, Bunge, Danisco join sustainability reporting group

21-Nov-2007 - Nestlé, Bunge, Danisco, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Tyson Foods are the first food processors to join a programme to develop global reporting standards on sustainability projects in the sector.

Cargill steps up Brazilian chocolate production

21-Nov-2007 - US ingredients company Cargill today said it will increase cocoa product operations at the Sao Paulo plant in Brazil, as rising incomes in the country push up local demand for chocolate.

Dairy industry cautious about proposed nutrition symbols

21-Nov-2007 - The US dairy industry has called on the nation's regulator to keep any new nutrition symbol programs both voluntary and flexible for manufacturers.

FDA funds anti food terrorism efforts

20-Nov-2007 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced it is pumping more funds into securing the safety of the nation's food supply.

Rising corn prices are actually falling, states corn industry

20-Nov-2007 - Americans are paying proportionally less than any other nation for food, which the corn industry claims is largely a result of efforts to ensure abundant supplies of the crop.

Seasonal sales secrets from GMA

20-Nov-2007 - Seasonal flavors, special packaging and convenience are the three core factors expected to help food and beverage manufacturers boost seasonal sales, according to new research.

Weekly comment

Are trade shows relevant?

19-Nov-2007 - The new crop of business cards yielded by another trade show season have been duly filed away. But the big question remains. Were the three days at FIE followed, for many, by another three at SupplySide West, really worth the blisters, the jet lag, and the not inconsiderable expense?

Meal kits need health to boost falling sales, says Mintel

19-Nov-2007 - Meal kits have failed to follow the evolving trends in the marketplace over the past five years, resulting in "lackluster" products and declining sales, says Mintel.

FDA appoints leaders for product innovation, safety group

19-Nov-2007 - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created the board of its new Reagan-Udall Foundation, taking the agency one step closer to its goal of enhancing the development and safety of food and food ingredients.

Whey protein sees demand from functional drinks

16-Nov-2007 - The whey protein industry looks set to profit from the functional beverage trend as manufacturers say they have seen a surge in demand for their ingredients.

Wal-Mart sustainability programme faces criticism

16-Nov-2007 - Wal-Mart's sustainability programme, which is forcing manufacturers worldwide to reduce their environmental impact, has come under heavy criticism from a coalition of international labour and civic organisations for being "unsustainable".