Monster Energy CEO chose ‘beverage’ birth to cut Red Bull advantage

Monster Beverage Corporation says it will reclassify Monster Energy as a beverage in the US to remove Red Bull’s competitive advantage, and admits that no 5-Hour Energy energy shot rival...

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Environmental footprint of vegan and vegetarian diets 30% lower than non-vegetarian diets, say researchers: ‘We have to drastically cut consumption of meat and dairy’

If the evidence that plant-based diets are better for human health is compelling, the evidence that they are better for the planet is indisputable, delegates at the 6th International Congress...

IFT Wellness 2013 as it happened

IFT Wellness 2013 brings together industry experts, leading academics, and IFT members for presentations and discussions of the latest research and consumer insights on the booming health and wellness sector...

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Should vegans and vegetarians take supplements of EPA and DHA omega-3s?

If they don’t eat fish, vegans and vegetarians get very little EPA and DHA, the long chain omega-3 fatty acids we are told are key for maintaining cardiovascular and cognitive...

News in brief

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Mark Wahlberg team up with maker of ‘performance water’ AQUAhydrate

Actor and producer Mark Wahlberg, who recently lent his name to a new range of sports nutrition products called MARKED, has teamed up with fellow celebrity Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to promote and...

Organic sector pinched by GMO tainting in seed and feed, Organic Valley CEO says

Organic Valley recently announced a plan to distribute more than $1 million in grants to fund research, education and advocacy on the production of organic foods.  The grants have long...

Excess vitamin D in pregnancy may lead to food allergies: Study

Consumption of high doses of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy may raise the risk of children developing food allergies after birth, says research.

Catering to different generations

Capturing the sweet tooth of the Millennials

Candy makers must connect on social media and allow criticism to appeal to the influential Millennials generation aged 13-31.

Unilever & Nestlé tell Oxfam to bring other stakeholders to food ethics table

Unilever and Nestlé say Oxfam missed an opportunity for a wider and more comprehensive debate about food ethics after the NGO published a damning report on the supply chains of...

Nestlé buys Louisiana depression food firm

Nestlé has bought its second brain health-focused medical foods start-up in eight months after snaffling Red River Pharma-owned Pamlab which makes high-dose vitamin supplements targeting depression, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

miller coors jv partners will both 'vigorously' contest action

Molson Coors sues SAB Miller for move to kill Canada licensing deal

Molson Coors has launched legal action against SAB Miller in response to the UK company's move to terminate a licensing agreement granting the US-Canada brewer rights to license SAB products...

Muller PepsiCo JV takes Müller yogurt to more US cities as Batavia factory prepares for summer opening

Muller Quaker Dairy, the joint venture between PepsiCo and German dairy giant Theo Müller Group, is rolling out Müller yogurts to more US cities in the Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes and...

GMA: Banning, taxing or restricting access to certain foods or beverages will not solve the obesity problem

“Public policy proposals to ban, tax or restrict consumer access to certain foods or beverages will not solve the obesity problem”, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has insisted, following the...

Snacks/sweets are key online opportunity categories for new online grocery shoppers: Hartman Group

The move online is not moving as quickly for grocery e-tailing as for other industries, but products likes snacks and sweets are a key opportunity sector for attracting first time...

Special edition: New trends in weight management

Is 2013 the year that CLA breaks through in foods and beverages in the US?

After years of relative success in the supplement zone, and a couple of small scale food and beverage launches, 2013 promises to be a ‘breakthrough’ year for CLA (conjugated linoleic...

Consumers will pay more for local foods: Study

Consumers are willing to pay more for foods that are grown and produced locally rather than having travelled extensively during production, according to new research.

Health with a dash of color: SunSweet Bakery launches plum-infused purple baked goods

SunSweet Bakery has launched a new line of purple colored plum-infused baked goods that offer a tasty, new experience with a ‘myriad of health benefits’, it says.

AB InBev fiercely denies ‘watered down’ Budweiser allegations in face of US class action

A US class action alleges that Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) labels showing the alcohol content of brands such as Budweiser are ‘false in every instance’, with consumers deliberately overcharged for...

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Mediterranean diet cuts heart disease risk by 30%: 'Landmark’ study provides compelling evidence that it’s the type, not the level of fat, that counts for cardio health

People following an energy unrestricted plant-based diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts can reduce their risk of a major cardiovascular event by 30% compared with people following a...

Special Edition: New trends in weight management

Portion control key to fighting obesity, expert says

Food has gone through a technological revolution in the US in the last 50 years.  Food is available in more variety, in more forms and in more combinations than ever...

Nutrition 2.0: ‘Closer than you think’ and a ‘tremendous technical and business opportunity’

‘Tremendous opportunities’ await the nutrition industry as it embarks upon a modernized scientific approach to address nutrition, health/wellness and aging, says the Chief Executive Officer of a Silicon Valley company...

On the up: US food and beverage industry ‘confident’ sales will increase 13% in 2013

New customers and health/wellness will provide the bulk of the growth for the US food and beverage industry in 2013, says a new survey by WeiserMazars LLP.

ABF calls Oxfam food ethics attack ‘ridiculous’

Associated British Foods – worst-in-class in an Oxfam report critical of 10 food giants for essentially operating under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) “veil of secrecy” – has hit back, slamming the...

Flour recall hits major US brands

Knock-on effect: US flour recall sifts through industry

A US flour and grain blend recall has hit major brands including Frito-Lay and Mondelez and forced widespread precautionary recalls on snacks, cereal and biscuit products.

Dispatches from the 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition

Veg congress day one: The fact vegetarians are healthier than meat-eaters is ‘one of the most consistent findings of nutritional epidemiology’

People on a plant-based diet are consistently slimmer and healthier than meat eaters, with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, according to research unveiled at the 6th...

Dispatches from NCA Miami Conference

‘Step up’ on obesity before regulators bite, says Mars chief

Candy makers must take responsibility to tackle obesity and should act before regulators force their hands, says Mars Chocolate North America's president.

Peanut indictments show there's a new sheriff in town, lawyer says

Former officials of a peanut company have been indicted in criminal court on charges of food violations, mail fraud and conspiracy.  The indictments are not a surprise, said a prominent...

Innocent Drinks has no plans to crack US as Coke swallows new stake

Innocent Drinks tells BeverageDaily.com it will retain its current European focus and has no plans to crack to the US, as Coca-Cola moves to acquire almost all the shares it...

News in brief

New 8oz format helped drive 30% rise in juice sales at POM Wonderful in 2012

Strong sales of POM Wonderful’s new 8oz bottle of 100% pomegranate juice helped POM post a 30% rise in juice sales in 2012, said the California-based firm. 

Special edition: New trends in weight management

A conversation with Margo Wootan, CSPI: ‘On a good day, I think my job is totally do-able; on a bad day I feel completely overwhelmed’

With its flair for sound bites -‘soda is a slow-acting but ruthlessly efficient bioweapon’ - and its undisputed PR skills (remember those diabetic bears? ), the Center for Science in the...

Kamut International: ‘We believe our ancient wheat can become a culture and not a fad’

With some of the nation’s biggest organic brands already among its customers, Kamut International is anticipating even more growth as it expands the science behind its ancient grain to target...

Sweetener approval would stem US school milk consumption decline: IDFA

Permitting the use “any safe and suitable” sweeteners - including aspartame - in milk flavouring ingredients would help to stem the current milk consumption decline in US schools, the International Dairy Foods...

GoodBelly re-ups with Probi because its probiotic 'just works'

NextFoods, maker of the GoodBelly line of probiotic drinks, and Swedish supplier Probi have extended a supply agreement, the companies announced.

Special edition: New trends in weight management

Euromonitor: Boundaries between ‘diet’ foods and ‘regular’ foods are blurring

As food marketers focus more on positive nutrition than ‘food minus’ concepts, the boundaries between ‘diet’ foods and ‘regular’ foods are becoming increasingly blurred, says Euromonitor International.

Packaged Facts on the hottest food trends of 2013: Pulses, popped whole grains, quinoa, almonds and high-protein breakfasts

Expect more products containing beans and lentils, new quinoa-packed soups and entrees, high-protein nut and seed-based spreads, and more popped whole grains in US grocery stores this year, predicts market...

News in brief

Treehouse Foods: 'The premium segment of retail grocery has been our fastest growing'

Private label expert Treehouse Foods says the premium segment of the US grocery retail market “has been our fastest growing over the last two quarters at least”, echoing a recent...

Pringles transforming Kellogg into global snack player, CEO says

The Pringles acquisition is helping Kellogg become a global player in snacks, CEO John Bryant said in presentation at the CAGNY meeting recently.

DISPATCHES FROM CAGNY, FLorida 2013

Sweet PepsiCo impasse delays beverage review until 2014

PepsiCo CFO Hugh Johnston tells analysts the firm believes its new sweetener innovations will be 'more evolutionary than revolutionary' and that work in this direction has delayed a beverage business review until 2014....

Resistant starch may aid in IBD and cancer resistance: Study

A diet packed with resistant starch may help to prevent both inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, say researchers.

Grupo Bimbo Q4 net profit plunges 81%

Increased financing costs and higher tax rates caused a plunge in net profit for Mexican bread titan Grupo Bimbo in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2012.

Natural antifungals from sourdough have food potential: Researchers

Powerful antifungal compounds produced from linoleic acid found in bread flour are the key reason for sourdough bread’s mould resistant properties, and have potential to be used in a host...

PCA officials indicted in salmonella outbreak

Four former officials of the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) have been indicted on charges relating to the contamination of peanuts with salmonella in 2009, according to the US Justice Department....

Hershey: China will be our #2 market behind the US in 5 years

China will be the number two market behind the US for Hershey within five years, predicted senior executives at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference yesterday.

Special edition: Omega-3

Finding the sweet spot in the algal omega-3 market

Most experts say we have barely scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the commercial potential of microalgae. But who is best-placed to translate this promise into hard cash...

Oregon lawmaker plans to introduce federal GMO labeling bill

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR is working on a bill that would make the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms a matter of federal law, a spokesperson confirmed yesterday. If...

Beyond color & flavor: Akay introduces Spiceuticals range for functional foods

India’s Akay Group believes it has made a “breakthrough with spices” and it tries to move the ingredients beyond flavor and color into health and wellness.

FEBRUARY 2013 COMMENT

Weight in gold or waste of space? Celebrity beverage brand ambassadors

Whether it’s the latest starlet bouncing round in a boob tube, or that bad boy musician who swops his rap records for raki, there’s no doubting that celebrity endorsements are...

Meet the needs of upscale shoppers, and growth will follow, says Hartman Strategy

It might sound counter-intuitive given the lackluster state of the economy, but food manufacturers most attuned to the tastes of a small but powerful group of affluent and educated ‘upscale’...

‘US consumers will stop buying Coca-Cola’: 7 Key Trends report

The US beverage industry must accept seven key changes in the near future, including a slump in traditional soda sales and touch sensitive labeling, according to a white paper penned...

Comment

Our inalienable right to a Big Gulp: But is Bloomberg’s soda ban really an assault on our freedoms?

Americans have rights. To bear arms, to enjoy free speech, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They also have the right - argue opponents of NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s super-size...

EnWave vacuum technology boosts functional ingredient content of dried fruit

In a technology demonstration, EnWave, based in Vancouver, BC, has used its used its proprietary Radiant Energy Vacuum dehydration technology to enrich dried fruit  with the enzyme B-galactosidase; an enzyme responsible...

ConAgra-UMass study provides ‘important implications for the design of reduced-fat food emulsions’

Fundamental research into the behavior of hydrocolloids by the University of Massachusetts and ConAgra Foods could open the door to the ‘rational design of reduced-fat food emulsions’.

FBI probes suspicious trading in Heinz shares prior to Buffett mega-deal

The FBI is joining an investigation into suspicious trading in Heinz shares the day before it announced that it had agreed to be taken over by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G...

ConAgra CEO: Private brands are ‘not cheap generics’ anymore

Growth in the US private label market will continue to outpace growth in branded products as retailers recognize that unique, premium and innovative store brands can help them boost profitability,...

Kellogg talks on Special K contamination, Bimbo Bakeries issues recall due to machine fault

Kellogg has described its Special K Red Berries recall as “very small” as Bimbo Bakeries USA issues a broad voluntary recall on its core bread brands due to possible flexible wire contamination....

News in brief

General Mills: Our Greek yogurt sales are significantly outpacing growth of the segment

General Mills is “significantly outpacing” category growth in the Greek yogurt segment, claims the firm.

Underage US drinkers prefer Bud Light, Smirnoff, Budweiser: Study

Bud Light, Smirnoff malt beverages and Budweiser were the brands most widely consumed by by 1000+ underage US drinkers over a 30-day period, according to the authors of a new...

News in brief

Campari buys back Appleton Rum US distributon rights for $20m

Campari America has agreed to pay $20m to Kobrand Corporation to secure the distribution rights to its recently acquired Appleton Rum brand portfolio in the US, and 'exploit the brand's...

Food recalls hit 2-year high in fourth quarter

Food recalls in the US hit a two year high in the fourth quarter, according to a report released by a consulting firm.  That comes to an average of six...

News in brief

Smucker cuts coffee prices by 6% as green coffee costs come down

JM Smucker is cutting the list price for most of its packaged coffee products sold in the US by an average of 6%, in response to lower green coffee costs, said...

Special edition: New trends in weight management

Datamonitor: ‘Marketers are avoiding the word ‘diet’ like the plague’

While obesity in America has reached epidemic proportions, manufacturers seeking to help us battle the bulge are avoiding the word ‘diet’ like the plague; cutting sugar, fat and salt by...

Calorie labels are ‘wildly misleading’ claim experts

Calorie labels are misleading consumers by underestimating the energy content of processed foods and exaggerating that of raw ingredients, experts have warned.

Caffeine linked to low birth weight babies: Study

A high intake of caffeine during pregnancy may be linked to higher risks of low birth weight babies, according to new research.

Kellogg recalls Special K Red Berries cereal in US due to possible glass fragments

The Kellogg Company has issued a voluntary recall in the US on three sizes of its Special K Red Berries cereal packs due to the possible presence of glass fragments.

JK Sucralose confident of 50% growth in 2013 as demand for low/zero calorie options continues to surge

Leading Chinese sucralose producer JK Sucralose says it is confident its sales of the high intensity sweetener will grow 50% in 2013 as new capacity comes online and demand for...

Molson Coors shies away from major M&A in short term

Molson Coors does not contemplate making any major acquisitions in the short term but says it may examine small portfolio ‘in fills’ if the right transactions present themselves.

Burcon: We’re encouraged by overall market conditions for protein

Launching high quality protein ingredients is ‘timely’ as the world seeks out sustainable, plant-based protein, said the COO of Burcon, as the Canadian protein specialist records its first revenues in...

AquaBounty remains confident of FDA approval for GM salmon, despite 60-day comment extension

AquaBounty Technologies - which has already spent years waiting for the FDA to decide whether to approve its genetically engineered (GE) salmon - will have to wait a little longer...

Monster Energy ‘beverage’ switch slashes regulatory red tape: Top Attorney

One top food attorney says he is not wholly surprised by Monster Beverage Corporation's decision to reclassify its energy drinks as beverages rather than dietary supplements, and that it will...

Patent Watch

Wrigley files mouthwash-style gum patent for bad breath

Wrigley has filed a patent for a mouthwash compound-based chewing gum composition to combat bad breath.

News in brief

K-Cup sales will approach $300m in 2013, up 70% vs 2012, says Smucker CEO

Jif peanut butter to Folgers coffee maker JM Smucker says sales of K-cups will approach $300m in fiscal 2013 (ending April 30), up 70% vs 2012.

Snyder’s-Lance: New R&D center to support aggressive category-expanding innovation

A new research and development (R&D) center will enable Snyder’s-Lance to deliver category-expanding, innovative new products for 2013, its president and COO says.

Diageo tells FTC: ‘Help us cross US alcohol facts finish line’

Diageo tells BeverageDaily.com it welcomes a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommendation that high-alcohol malt beverage brand Four Loko carry 'serving fact' information on some cans, but urges regulators to...

NYC mayor declares war on packaging waste

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has vowed to clean up the streets of his city in more ways than one – proposing to slash food waste and ban Styrofoam packaging.

Make use of deadline extension to comment on FSMA rules, consultant urges industry

Food consultant Ben England is urging food producers and importers to comment on two proposed rules issued by FDA under FSMA, and the agency has just made that easier by...

Campbell Soup CEO disappointed by lackluster performance of V8 original vegetable juice

“Intense competitive activity in a sluggish shelf stable juice category” hit second quarter sales in Campbell Soup’s US beverage business, with revenues dipping 3% owing to the lackluster performance of...

News in brief

Kraft Q4 sales hit as rivals offered cut price cold cuts and Mac & cheese

Kraft Foods Group expects to post weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenues, in part because it lost market share to rivals as competitors engaged in aggressive discounting on cold cuts and mac &...

Editor’s blog

Which 2 global health brands grew by $1bn in 2012?

Something probiotic? Omega-3? A diet cola? Nope. 

Buffett deal could pave way for sale of Heinz’s ‘troubled’ US frozen food business, analyst

The move to private ownership could make it easier for Heinz to do some spring cleaning, notably selling off its 'troubled' US frozen food business, said analysts as Heinz announced...

CEO LARRY YOUNG WARNS ATTACKS ON CARBONATES WILL CONTINUE

Dr Pepper Snapple risks ‘big swing’ on critical TEN calorie platform

Dr Pepper Snapple CEO Larry Young warns that US health lobby attacks on carbonates will persist, as his firm gears up to spend millions marketing new 2013 launches on its...

PepsiCo CEO promises ‘disruptive’ innovation: Novel natural sweeteners, flavorings, could ‘alter the trajectory of our cola business’

PepsiCo says it is exploring novel natural sweeteners and flavorings that will bring “disruptive innovation” to the cola market.

News in brief

Happy Valentine’s says the NCA… Let’s celebrate by reforming the sugar regime…

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) celebrated Valentine's Day with a renewed push for reform of the sugar regime.

Buffett investment group Berkshire Hathaway teams up with 3G to buy Heinz in $23bn mega-deal

UPDATED - H.J. Heinz Co. has agreed to be acquired by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway investment firm and Brazilian private-equity giant 3G Capital for $23.3bn, in what it claims is...

50 Cent ‘really hands-on’ with powerhouse energy shot brand: SK Energy CEO

SK Energy CEO Chris Clarke tells BeverageDaily.com about rapper Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson’s passion for their energy shot brand, and plans to cement the US No.2 spot by selling 40-50m...

Patented process boosts polyphenol content in roasted coffee

Applied Food Sciences Inc. has obtained a US patent on its technology that allows roasted coffee to retain its full suite of polyphenols.

Hi-Maize resistant starch may replace flour in foods with minimal sensory impact

Resistant starch can effectively replace flour in foods like muffins, focaccia bread, and chicken curry to boost the fiber content without affecting the sensory characteristics, says a new study from...

Gatorade G Series Fit failed because it offered 'entry level products to advanced users at high prices’, says Euromonitor

Growth in the US sports nutrition market has been pretty explosive in recent years, but the failure of high profile launches such as PepsiCo’s Gatorade G Series Fit range shows...

Nestlé facing ice cream lawsuit over ‘monopolistic’ US practices

Nestlé is facing court in the US over allegations it used “unfair” and “monopolistic” business practices to limit the availability of Clemmy’s ice cream in a number of major supermarkets....

TIC Gums: When a gum arabic disaster plan proves a success

Texture and stabilization specialist TIC Gums is now strong in gum arabic replacement for confection coatings, but this business shift started as a mere disaster plan, its president says.

No quick fix for gum as Mondelez chews over mixed results

Mondelez International is still struggling to revive the ailing gum category and believes a turnaround will take at least two years.

Dean Foods commends Fresh Dairy Direct Q4 performance

US dairy giant Dean Foods has reported better-than-expected profit for the last three months of 2012 – a result it has attributed to better “cost control and effective pricing” from its Fresh...

Food jobs: Who’s on the move in 2013? Kraft, Bunge, Hillshire Brands, ConAgra Foods, Vitiva

New year, new job? Check out who’s moving onwards and upwards in the latest FoodNavigator-USA round-up of movers and shakers in the food industry.

Study provides ‘compelling’ evidence that HFCS and sucrose do not increase liver fat in ‘real world’ conditions

A new study provides “compelling” evidence that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and table sugar (sucrose) do not increase fat levels in the liver when consumed in ‘real-world conditions’, says...

Soda is 'like a slow-acting but ruthlessly efficient bio weapon': CSPI petitions FDA to determine safe limits for added sugar in beverages

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has upped the ante in its crusade against sugary drinks with a petition calling on the FDA to reassess the GRAS...

M&A numbers down, but value of deals is up, investment group says

Nutrition Capital Network noted a record 247 deals in the health and wellness sector in 2012.  Within that number, the group noted a decline in the number of M&A deals...

Does taurine counter the performance enhancing effects of caffeine in energy drinks? New study says it does

Taurine in energy drinks and shots may diminish the effects of caffeine for enhancing performance in certain tasks, says a new study from Australia.

China’s foodservice packaging market to overtake US

China’s foodservice packaging market will become bigger than that of the US by 2020 at current annual growth rates, according to a report just issued by Smithers Pira.

Political persuasions may influence consumers’ brand choices: Study

Consumers of differing political ideologies may also make different purchase decisions when it comes to foods, according to new research.

Sweet & Snacks Expo Preview

Affordable gourmet confectionery flourishes at NCA’s Sweet & Snacks Expo

Affordable gourmet confectionery is on the rise in the US, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA) which has seen a hike in demand from exhibitors wanting to showcase products...

News in brief

AMI boss to Obama: Meat industry will shut down if you furlough federal meat inspectors

Furloughing 6,000+ federal meat inspectors due to automatic budget cuts imposed under sequestration would effectively shut down the meat and poultry industry and violate the government’s legal obligation to keep...

Coke boss ‘personally committed’ to tackling obesity

Coca-Cola chief executive Muhtar Kent says he has resolved to find “meaningful solutions to the complex issue of obesity” and is “personally committed” to leveraging the company’s resources to tackle...

Bacardi Bottling Corporation faces $192,000 fine after worker ‘crushed to death’

Bacardi Bottling Corporation faces a fine of $192,000 after multiple OSHA citations for alleged safety violations, one of which led to a US young worker being crushed to death by...

What can we learn about energy drink consumption habits from social media?

A small minority of energy drink consumers regularly drink more than one can/shot in one sitting; the peak time for knocking back an energy drink or shot is 3-9pm; and...

Campaign pushes Hershey's, Mars to either label GMOs or drop them

GMO Inside, a national coalition of companies and organizations, has marshaled a public Valentine’s Day campaign to pressure Hershey and Mars to drop GMO ingredients or to label them in...

Scientist: Increase in celiac disease is not a result of wheat breeding

The rise of celiac disease is not a result of higher gluten content from wheat breeding but more likely a result of increased per capita consumption of wheat flour and...

Mountain Dew taps ‘natural energy’ trend with coffee, fruit juice Kickstart

PepsiCo brand Mountain Dew will launch a new fruit juice and coffee-based drink across the US from February 25 to provide a morning ‘pick me up’, and tap a key...

Big Interview: Michael Shoretz, founder and CEO, Enlightened Ice Cream (Beyond Better Foods LLC)

Enlightened Ice Cream CEO: Our ice cream is actively good for you, not just ‘less bad’ than the rest

Can ice cream actually be good for you - as opposed to just a little less bad for you? And if it can, will it sell? One man on a...

Consumers seek out high-calorie foods in tough times, study finds

Do tough times mean expanding waistlines? New research suggests that hardship in life can lead to 40% increase in high-calorie food intake.

News in brief

Nestlé recalls ravioli due to glass contamination

Nestlé Prepared Foods has recalled two production codes of a variety of ravioli distributed nationwide as they may contain fragments of glass.

Is the 'there is no such thing as bad foods, only bad diets' argument helpful?

A new position statement from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) which can be paraphrased as 'there is no such thing as good and bad foods, only good and...

Focus on eating better meat rather than less, report suggests

Focusing on eating ‘better’ meat could attract broader acceptance than a simple ‘eat less meat’ message and benefit the environment, people’s health and animal welfare, according to a new report...

‘Somewhat unusual’ FDA consent decree requires company to retain a labeling expert

The FDA has issued a consent decree against a Puerto Rican beverage manufacturer that requires the company to retain a team of experts, including a food labeling expert, to ensure...

Post ‘self-inflicts’ cereal market share loss; plans Q2 innovation

US cereal firm Post Holdings has reported a “self-inflicted” market share loss in the first quarter (Q1) of 2013 and plans new product launches backed by large ad campaigns to...

Samba time for sugar and gum confectionery in Brazil, says Mintel

The time is right for gum and sugar confectionery in Brazil as growing consumer prosperity means people want to indulge, says Mintel.

News in brief

Girl Scout mango crème cookies are ‘not remotely equivalent to fruit of any kind’ says CSPI

The Girl Scouts of America are facing some healthy flak after promoting their new Mango Crème cookies with NutriFusion as nutritionally equivalent to fruit.

Acquisitions insulate Ingredion from HFCS price swings

Acquisitions have helped Ingredion insulate itself from price swings on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), according to a company official during the company’s fourth quarter earnings call.

New law would enable firms to avoid legal threats and hefty fines if they correct Prop 65 violations within 14 days

A proposal to allow recipients of Proposition 65 notices to avoid legal threats and hefty fines if they correct violations within 14 days has been introduced to the California State Assembly.

Flowers Foods CEO applauds ‘amazing’ work in the wake of Hostess disruption

Flower Foods team members and its distribution partners did an amazing job of serving customers in the wake of market disruption when Hostess liquidated, Flowers CEO said.

Baker’s union boss: 'I’m here to set the record straight on Hostess Brands'

While Hostess Brands has placed the blame for its demise squarely on the shoulders of the Baker’s union, its boss says his members rejected the company’s final collective bargaining offer...

News in brief

Brioni teams up with Beneo to launch first coffee on a digestive health platform

Premium coffee brand Brioni has teamed up with chicory fiber expert Beneo to create the first coffee marketed on a digestive health platform.

News in brief

Z Trim Holdings makes first sales of non-GMO corn fiber ingredient

Z Trim Holdings, Inc. announced the first sales of its non-GMO Z Trim corn fiber functional food ingredient. The company announced only in December that it was adding the non-GMO option...

Global sports nutrition market to top $6 billion by 2018, report says

Revamped, more complete product lines that are connecting with new customers are driving growth in the sports nutrition market, according to a new report.

Dangerous drug-laced ‘Brazilian slimming coffee’ brand still sold in US

Despite a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning that a sibutramine-laced ‘Brazilian Slimming Coffee’ may pose a 'significant risk' to some US consumers, the product is still widely available online.

Guest article

Buying botanical extracts: Is your purchasing model obsolete?

I'm relatively new to the botanicals industry, but I’ve been puzzled by the lack of attention that nutraceutical companies pay to the relationship between prices and harvest time.

Big breakthrough in ancient, organic grains? Researchers make ‘great strides’ in health benefits of ancient wheat

A new study that reports the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Khorasan wheat, an ancient grain, has been hailed as ‘making great strides in documenting the significant health benefits...

Big Interview: Brad Kloss, founder and CEO, FitPro

FitPro: Is there room for a new player in the RTD protein shake market?

Launching a new product into the ultra-competitive ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shake market is not for the faint-hearted. But being a minnow in a pool of sharks doesn’t faze the founder...

Monell scientists identify taste stem cells on the tongue

The discovery of until now ‘elusive’ taste stem cells on the tongue will help researchers and industry better understand the complexities of human taste, say researchers.

NSF continues expansion with Canadian training center merger

NSF International continues its global expansion with a merger with the Ontario-based Guelph Food Technology Centre.  The merger comes on the heels of a Peruvian food testing organization.

Almond and chia prices are going through the roof, says Hain Celestial

Hain Celestial has posted another impressive set of quarterly figures, with rocketing sales growth for Greek Gods yogurts and Earth’s Best babyfood pouches, but warned that almond and chia prices...

Non-GMO key part of message for papaya products company

Herbal Papaya, a company founded on the health benefits of the fruit, will launch a complete line of food, beverage and supplement products at the Expo West trade show in...

High-pressure processing, protein, botanicals, premium private label and cultured foods & beverages.. Welcome to 2013

Fresh juices and foods subjected to high pressure processing (HPP); protein - especially at breakfast; cage-free hen eggs; premium private label; fermented foods; culinary botanicals; and edible packaging could all...

Mixing has ‘major influence’ on gluten-free bread quality – study

Researchers have claimed that mixing has a much bigger impact on the quality of gluten-free bread than was previously understood and have found variations depending on levels of hydration in...

US meat ban in Russia extends to turkey

Russia has extended its ban on US pork and beef imports to include turkey, in connection with the continued dispute over product contamination by the growth chemical ractopamine.

General Mills agrees to $8.5m settlement over YoPlus health claims

General Mills has agreed to pay $8.5m to settle a lawsuit that alleged it launched a national marketing campaign for its Yoplait YoPlus probiotic yogurt products in the US based on misleading...

Food Vision set to help navigate journey to the industry’s future

The next 5-10 years will present a significant challenge for global business, with a new event promising to help business leaders navigate the ‘biggest period of global change since the...

IFF and Evolva step closer to commercialising new natural vanillin

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and Switzerland-based Evolva Holding have said they have entered a pre-production phase for a natural vanillin flavour produced through fermentation.

NCA adopts voluntary front of pack calorie labels

The National Confectionery Association (NCA) of the United States has adopted a voluntary position to put calories on the front of packs.

Frozen sales surge at Kellogg but Kashi still underperforming in the cereals aisle

Kellogg is significantly outpacing the competition in the frozen food aisles, posting a 12.8% surge in sales the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 10.8% rise in the full year,...

Lobbying by agri-business killed New Mexico GMO labeling Bill, claim supporters

Supporters of a New Mexico Senate bill proposing mandatory labeling for genetically engineered food and feed say they are disappointed it died on the Senate floor last week, but remain...

Restaurants wax, food retailer prepared meals wane, report says

Now that the US economy is limping back to somewhere close to where it was before the financial debacle of 2008, consumers are feeling a bit more flush and are...

Final FSMA administrative detention rule includes no changes suggested in comments

The US Food and Drug Administration has adopted a final rule on its administrative detention authority under the Food Safety and Modernization Act.  In adopting the final rule the agency...

News in brief

Fan-made Doritos advert aired at Super Bowl

Frito-Lay once again drafted in fans to create a Doritos advert to be aired at the Super Bowl last weekend.

TruMoo reformulation boosts nutritional value - Dean Foods

Dean Foods has developed a reduced-sugar version of its popular TruMoo chocolate milk product in an attempt to increase the “nutritional value” of the product in the eyes of mothers and schools....

Out-of-the-box logistics thinking helps Ocean Spray cut 40% transportation costs & 20% in greenhouse gases

Cranberry giant Ocean Spray has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and its transportation costs by 40% on a major distribution route by bringing supply closer to demand with a new...

Comment

Don’t take yer guns to town AB InBev, the Sheriff he’s a-waitin’…

With the US Department of Justice (DOJ) gunning to takedown AB InBev’s $20bn takeover of Grupo Modelo, the firm likely prefers peace talks in the Sheriff’s office to a High Noon-style...

News in brief

USDA proposes strict new nutrition standards for foods sold in school vending machines, cafes and snack bars

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released new proposals restricting calories, saturated fat and sodium in foods sold in school vending machines, cafes and snack bars as part of...

Big Interview: Sean Kelly, CEO, H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending

H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending CEO: 'In 5-10 years, healthy vending will be the norm'

Can schools and offices make money selling healthy food - instead of soda, candy and chips - from vending machines?

Hillshire Brands CEO: ‘Everybody knows with the old Sara Lee business, spending on marketing, ads and promotions was light’

Increased spending on marketing, advertising and promotions (MAP) is paying off for Jimmy Dean sausage maker Hillshire Brands, which has raised its outlook for the full year on the back...

The evolution of energy drinks: What next for Monster, Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy?

While the growth of the US energy drinks and shots market has been nothing short of explosive - last year it was worth $12.5bn, up 60% since 2008 - manufacturers...

Timing weight loss: It’s not just what we eat but when we eat, say researchers

The regulation of weight loss is not simply dictated by the balance between energy intake and expenditure, but rather requires correctly timed food delivery, according to new research.

News in brief

PepsiCo bids to crank up AMP energy a notch

PepsiCo has reportedly strengthened its relationship with US PR firm Weber Shandwick, by briefing the latter to oversee an extension of its AMP energy portfolio that taps the brand’s racing...

Research results pointed Ben & Jerry's down non-GMO path

For Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company, taking the step to remove GMO ingredients from its supply chain was simply a matter of paying attention.  Not necessarily to...

USDA agrees to explore including protein-packed Greek yogurt in its School Lunch program

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed it is considering including Greek yogurt in the National School Lunch Program, and has invited potential vendors to take part in a...

‘See you in court’ AB InBev hawks fly back at US Justice Feds

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) will fight a US Justice Department (DOJ) lawsuit to halt its $20bn Grupo Modelo takeover, but concedes it will not complete the deal on schedule by...

Deep-fried food linked to higher risk of prostate cancer

Regular consumption of foods that have been deep-fried is associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, warn researchers.

Kellogg launches new ‘on-trend’ frozen breakfast options

The Kellogg Company has launched new frozen breakfast options under its Special K and Eggo brands that it claims are ‘on-trend’ with consumer needs.

Calories per pack or per serving? Why small changes to the Nutrition Facts panel could make a big difference

Ever eaten a grab-bag of chips or a 20oz bottle of Mountain Dew only to discover you’ve just wolfed down twice the calories you thought because these products - which...