Special edition: Drinks ingredients

Niches make the beverage world go round

Pepsi, Coca Cola, Snapple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade. Big beverage brands are household names, but while they may make up the lion’s share of revenues niche products are where the growth...

Dairy industry lobbies to cut milk from soy milk

A dairy industry group is lobbying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to banish the term ‘soy milk’ and stamp out any other use of dairy-specific terms to describe non-dairy...

Ethnic foods, home cooking behind new sauce stabilizer

TIC Gums has released a new stabilizer for sauces, saying its development was driven by increased interest in ethnic foods and home cooking.

IFT: US should not do “same silly thing” as UK on salt reduction

The president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has rejected US proposals for a mandatory reduction in salt levels in processed foods on the grounds that they are not...

FDA calls for industry comments on front-of-pack nutrition labeling

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for comments from industry on its review of voluntary front-of-pack and other point of purchase labeling approaches.

Special edition: Drinks Ingredients

The science of beverage emulsions

Innovative ingredients and solutions are emerging to help formulators add flavours, colours and healthy ingredients and keep up with consumer demands for innovative beverages.

Sweets demand fuelling hike in China's sugar imports, USDA

Products such as confectionery, biscuits and juice products are experiencing double-digit growth in China with this consumer demand fuelling an increase in the country’s sugar imports, according to a USDA...

News in brief

Sensient invests in natural color capacity

Sensient Technologies Corporation has announced a $16m investment to extend its natural color production facilities in St. Louis, Missouri.

Finding inspiration in street food

Street food is enjoying a renaissance in the United States – and although small-scale outlets are driving the trend, there are ways for larger-scale food makers to get on board,...

Monsanto asks Supreme Court to lift alfalfa planting ban

Monsanto has asked the US Supreme Court to end a ban on planting of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa that was instigated due to environmental impact concerns back in 2007.

Imperial shares know-how on sugar dust hazards

Dust produced by sugar and flour and other materials such as wood, metal, coal and paper, can produce explosive hazards if not contained, claims Imperial Sugar Company.

Phosphate-ageing study dismissed by industry

A study linking phosphate to premature ageing has been dismissed by a leading trade association as having no relevance to foods and soft drinks.

News in brief

Salt company argues for better distinction between sodium and salt

Ocean’s Flavor Natural Sea Salts has urged the Food and Drug Administration to be clear about the distinction between salt and sodium, as it considers how to react to a...

PureCircle invests in stevia breeding program for sweeter leaves

Stevia supplier PureCircle has signed an agreement with Michigan State University for research and breeding of new stevia plant varieties for greater concentration of sweet components.

Quality concerns drop with rising consumer engagement: Survey

US consumers have become less concerned about the quality of the food they eat despite a growing awareness of food recalls, according to Deloitte’s 2010 Consumer Food Safety Survey.

Aloecorp hails GRAS for aloe vera as food/drink ingredient

Aloecorp claims that it has become the first aloe vera grower and supplier to affirm GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for use of aloe vera as a food and...

News in brief

BI Nutraceuticals expands range with super fruits and gluten-free ingredients

California’s BI Nutraceuticals has added gluten-free quinoa and maqui ingredients to its portfolio, as the company expands its range of nutritional ingredients.

Super Gum excels for beverage stabilisation: Study

The modified acacia gum product 'Super Gum' could enhance the stability of beverages like coconut milk, says a new study from Germany and Thailand.

New TIC stabilisers target healthier dairy drinks

TIC Gums has developed three stabilisers to give a creamier, thicker texture to protein fortified beverages and dairy drinks.

Senomyx and Coca-Cola negotiate new collaboration deal

California-based flavor firm Senomyx has said it has signed a preliminary agreement to extend its research collaboration with the Coca-Cola Company.

Food companies commit to NYC sodium reduction program

Sixteen major food companies have become the first to commit to New York City’s National Salt Reduction Initiative, state officials have announced.

Dietary Guidelines focus on sodium intake, sugary drinks, dairy alternatives

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are currently being revised, and sodium intake, sweetened drinks, and dairy alternatives are some of the topics of discussion, according to the American Society for...

News in brief

Don’t confuse consumers with stevia messages, industry

The take-home lesson of last week’s Stevia World Asia conference is that getting across the right message to consumers is key to growing the market.

Proposed changes to food safety bill could open 'loopholes'

A consumer and public health coalition is urging a US Senator to reconsider exemptions proposed for the Food Safety Modernization Act as they would create a 'loophole' in safety regulations.

PepsiCo explores natural sweetener from oats

Patents filed by PepsiCo and Cargill reveal they are exploring new sources of natural sweeteners from oats and monatin, a naturally-occurring substance found in a plant grown in South Africa.

Low-sodium products decline in popularity, says NPD

Industry efforts to cut sodium have snowballed in recent months, but Americans are consuming fewer low-sodium products, according to market research organization the NPD Group.

Drop in demand for sugar-free sweets in US: report

The market for sugar-free sweets in the US has declined in recent years, according to a new report from Leatherhead International.

News in brief

Canada invests in food packaging safety

Canada is to invest C$569,000 (€425,000) in a programme to boost safety along the food packaging supply chain.

Goodbye milk fraud, hello origin tracking

A kit to test the authenticity of milk origin for use within the food and beverage industry can be used within the processing facility and has been developed by global...

US organics continue to outpace overall food sales

Organic food and beverage sales continued to outpace overall food sales during 2009, although at a slower rate than in previous years, according to a market report from the Organic...

Natural sweeteners could take a quarter of market share: Report

Natural sweeteners may account for up to a quarter of the global intense sweeteners market by the middle of the next decade, according to a new report from Leatherhead International.

Canadian Flax Council partners with Cibus for non-GM flax traits

The Flax Council of Canada has partnered with Cibus Global to develop new non-GM flax traits to increase flaxseed production while ensuring a supply that has broad global appeal.

Erythritol cookies pass taste tests

Formulating cookies with erythritol may allow for partial replacement of sugar without the consumer tasting a difference, says new research from Taiwan.

FDA recommends greater conflict of interest transparency

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for more transparency regarding conflict of interest statements when the agency waives them to allow experts to participate in scientific advisory meetings.

EPA says saccharin should be taken off hazardous list

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed that saccharin be removed from its “hazardous wastes, hazardous constituents, and hazardous substances” lists.

Raw chicken primary source for Listeria monocytogenes - USDA

New research indicates that incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in commercial chicken cooking plants.

Dietary sugars may be affecting cholesterol levels: Study

Increasing intakes of sugars from processed and prepared foods may detrimentally affect levels of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol, says a new study from the US.

News in brief

American Packaging faces $127,000 fine over worker death

American Packaging Corp faces fines totalling over $127,000 following citation by the OSHA over the death of a worker and a string of health and safety violations at its...

IOM urges government action on sodium, FDA says no decision yet

The FDA has refuted claims that it has already begun a program to reduce the amount of salt in processed foods, after a new Institute of Medicine report said its...

News in brief

Study examines consumers' post-purchase remorse

 Consumers are more likely to suffer remorse about buying a product if they are faced with a choice between products of similar perceived quality, according to a new study in...

Coupon comeback could continue, says Nielsen

Coupons have made a comeback – and their use is likely to continue over the next several years despite a recovering economy, according to market research organization the Nielsen Company.

Majority of Californians support soda tax, poll finds

A majority of Californians support a tax on soda to help fund childhood obesity reduction programs, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the California Center for Public...

Coca-Cola facing shareholder challenge over bisphenol A

Shareholders from Coca-Cola will vote today on a proposal urging the company to disclose how it is responding to public fears over bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the...

Onion extracts could be natural food preservatives: Study

The anti-microbial and antioxidant activity of compounds derived from onions may slow spoilage of foods by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, says a new study from Spain.

Fibers show potential for gelatin replacement in candy

Soluble fibers may replace gelatin, at least partially, in confectionery products, tapping into consumer demands for gelatin-free products, according to Singapore-based scientists.

Canadian government may loosen ‘Product of Canada’ rules

The Canadian government may loosen the labeling rules for food products to qualify as ‘Products of Canada’, to allow for ingredients that are difficult to source in Canada.

News in brief

Food processing industry vital, says Canada

The food processing sector is to play a key role in contributing to Canada’s economic recovery, said the country’s agriculture minister yesterday.

Small businesses support exemption from food safety bill

A group of food and farming organizations has written to senators urging amendments to the Food Safety Modernization Act that would exempt smaller businesses from tracing and record-keeping requirements.

Probiotic gums and candies show oral health potential

Probiotic bacteria that work in the presence of saliva and various sugars could soon be reducing rates of tooth decay in gums and candies, says a leading researcher.

Comment

Groundhog Day for European health claims?

“Many in industry are pinning their hopes on EFSA showing them the light at the meeting, including the likes of Danone, which withdrew three probiotic immunity/digestive health article 13.5 claims...

GLG signs Australian and South American stevia deals

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has announced collaborative agreements in two key markets for the plant-derived sweetener: Australasia and South America.

Fairtrade imports surge as category expands

Imports of fairtrade-certified products have reached record highs in the USA, with the market expanding to encompass new product categories on the back of increased consumer interest in ethically-produced food...

IFT emphasizes role of food science in obesity fight

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has said that food science has an important role to play in the federal government’s plans to reduce childhood obesity, including Michelle Obama’s Let’s...

News in brief

FDA publishes guidance on egg safety rule

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published guidance for small egg producers to help them comply with a rule that was published last year in an effort to reduce...

Louisville considers alternatives to trans fat ban

The Louisville Metro Council has suggested a rewards system for food manufacturers that stop using trans fats in their products, after a proposed ban in the city failed to attract...

CDC reports little change in foodborne illness

Little or no progress has been made in reducing the incidence of foodborne illness in the United States in recent years, according to a new report from the Centers for...

Boom time for stocks eases prices for wheat-linked ingredients

After the soaring highs of 2008, weaker wheat prices continue to bring welcome relief to food makers’ bottom line.

Danisco and Fonterra broaden scope of probiotics deal

Danisco has signed a deal that will allow the ingredients supplier to sell two probiotic strains developed by Fonterra to a wider food and drink audience.

Cargill profits more than double as economy recovers

Cargill’s profits more than doubled during its fiscal third quarter as it benefited from the recovering economy across all sectors, particularly in developing countries, the company has said.

High-antioxidant superfruit plum to reach US consumers

An Australian company is close to concluding a deal with US partners that will result in the distribution of a plum to be marketed as a high-antioxidant fresh fruit variety...

Revenue question crucial to NY soda tax acceptance

A new poll from Quinnipiac University suggests that consumers would be more likely to support a tax on sugary beverages if the proceeds were linked to paying for health care...

News in brief

Salmonella detection kit validated by AOAC

Life Technologies Corp’s salmonella detection kit has been validated by the AOAC Research Institute.

Beverage industry publishes environmental reporting guidance

Leading companies and trade groups in the beverage industry have clubbed together to draw up guidance for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting.

Buckwheat flour potential expands for gluten-free bread options

A combination of buckwheat and rice flour may produce gluten-free breads acceptable to consumers without the need for hydrocolloids, says new research from Eastern Europe.

Skepticism over NY proposal to ban HFCS

A bill introduced by New York State Assemblywoman Barbara Clark proposing an outright ban on the use or sale of high fructose corn syrup in the state has raised eyebrows...

News in brief

Walnuts sued over omega-3 claims

A New York resident has brought a case against Californian company, Diamond Foods, for omega-3 claims being made for its walnut products.

GE crop report raises herbicide resistance concerns

Farmers should have weed management practices in place alongside genetic engineering for herbicide resistance, according to report from the National Research Council analyzing the effects of GE crops in the...

EFSA opinion paves way for EU approval of stevia-based sweeteners

EU approval for natural sweeteners from the stevia leaf has moved one step closer after scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave them a clean bill of health.

General Mills announces sodium reduction strategy

General Mills has become the latest major food manufacturer to announce a sodium reduction strategy, pledging a 20 percent reduction in about 40 percent of its product portfolio by 2015.

MSG not linked to obesity: Chinese study

Excessive intakes of the flavour enhancer MSG are not associated with weight gain, according to new data from China that challenges previous claims.

Kraft introduces stevia-sweetened fitness drink

Kraft Foods is expanding its range of products that are naturally sweetened with stevia with the launch of a low-calorie fitness beverage.

Carbs from high-GI food linked to female heart disease

Women with a diet rich in carbohydrates from eating high glycemic index (GI) foods such as bread have an increased risk of coronary heart disease, according to new research.

News in brief

Tata Tea and PepsiCo ponder healthy drink venture

PepsiCo and India-based Tata Tea have announced their intention to set up a joint venture to make healthy, non-carbonated beverages.

Food-brain study shows benefits for Med diet

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet may improve brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, says a new study from New York.

Antioxidant-rich spice mix shows potential for heart health

Cooking hamburgers with a polyphenol-rich spice mix may reduce the content of compounds linked to heart disease and possible cancer, says a new study.

Advocacy group’s plea for hotdog cancer warnings dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed last July against several hotdog makers by vegan advocacy group Cancer Project that claimed hotdogs should carry a cancer warning label.

Hydrocolloids show the 'whey' to cheaper dairy drinks

Food gums like gellan gum and pectin may hold the key to success in the growing market for whey-based beverages, as manufacturers look to offer dairy beverages at competitive prices.

Weight management sector to benefit from economic recovery

The wellness revolution may have done little to trim the waistlines of American men, women and children, but economic recovery should speed the process according to a new market report...

US low-sodium product launches soar – but consumers go for taste

The US has launched more products claiming low or no sodium than any other country in the past three years, according to a new report from Packaged Facts – but...

Comment

Time for Europe to send bisphenol A into the sunset

Bisphenol A (BPA) is living on borrowed time. And not just in the United States but now in Europe too where mounting consumer hostility and scientific concern over its...

Kellogg’s sued over salmonella-tainted snacks

A Florida man has filed a federal lawsuit against the Kellogg Company, claiming it failed to warn consumers that some of its products could have been tainted with salmonella.

Tapping Hispanic influence in food and drink

Hispanics are becoming an increasingly influential demographic in terms of growth in the food and beverage industry, according to data from the Latinum Network presented during a conference call on...

Store brand success alarms national brand marketers

A majority of consumers from around the world say that private label products are at least as good as national brands in providing a range of benefits, according to a...

Dean Foods antitrust case to proceed, despite ‘structural issues’

A federal judge in Milwaukee has denied Dean Foods’ motion to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit that was filed against it by the United States Department of Justice in January.

Finnish bid to boost gluten-free bread quality

Applications for new technology that aims to boost the sensory, nutritional, and overall quality properties of gluten-free bread include the addition of rye-bread flavour into such breads, claims the cereal...

Cross-cultural study explores limits of healthy cheese and yoghurt

Manufacturers should be wary about cutting too much fat from cheese and too much sugar from yoghurt, according to new cross-cultural research.

News in brief

CSIRO soy put to use in Japanese food

The properties of a new soybean bred by CSIRO scientists from an old Japanese bean is being put to use in Japanese foods, as its proteins show excellent gelling properties.

USP seeks harmonized standards with scientific exchange program

US Pharmacopeia has launched a scientific exchange with the aim of harmonizing international standards for food ingredients and medicines, as global supply chains have become increasingly interlinked.

Exploring expectations beyond natural and organic

Consumers are moving beyond the terms ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ toward broader expectations of minimal processing and general healthfulness, according to a new report from The Hartman Group.

FDA food safety inspections and enforcement declining, auditors say

Federal inspections of food manufacturing facilities have declined over time, as have regulatory actions triggered by inspections, a government auditor reported on Wednesday.

Common gums may mask bitter taste of antioxidants

The common food gum CMC may mask the bitter taste of polyphenols and allow the formulation of foods for delivering the antioxidant compounds, suggests new research.

Europe could upset return to dairy price stability

International dairy prices now stand in “a more comfortable range” but a spike in EU production this spring could spark another major fall, according to Rabobank.

Shoppers continue to switch to private label: Survey

Four in ten US shoppers have ditched a branded product in favor of a private label alternative, according to a poll of 800 shoppers conducted by GfK for the Private...

Monsanto profits fall on lower Roundup prices

Monsanto reported a decline in profits for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 on Wednesday and warned that it was unlikely that it would meet its longer-term profit forecasts.

UK company targets North American market for sodium reduction

UK-based Alexander Foods has partnered with Canadian distributor Nealanders to provide its SaltRite salt replacement product to Canadian and US food manufacturers, the company has said.

Gene breakthrough could produce extra sweet tomatoes

Israeli and American scientists have developed a sweet and plentiful variety of tomato, which may cater to consumer demand for natural products.

News in brief

FSANZ deems two GM food sources safe

The Australian and New Zealand food safety body has signalled that it sees no safety problems in the consumption of food from two new GM soy and corn crops.

News in brief

IDFA puts weight behind dairy in schools bill

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has lent its support to a bill in the US that aims to get more low-fat milk and cheese into schools.

Organic production on the up – but field crops still struggle

Organic production has risen dramatically over the past decade but only a tiny percentage of soybean, corn and wheat crops are certified organic, according to a new report from the...

News in brief

CSPI calls for better regulation of ‘slack fill’

 The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is calling for better regulation of ‘slack fill’ – the amount of space allowed in food packages relative to product volume.

NY legislature rejects soda tax but negotiations continue

Both the New York State Assembly and Senate have rejected a proposed tax on sugary soft drinks in their budget resolutions, but a decision will only be finalized after negotiations...

Kraft acted 'irresponsibly' in Cadbury takeover, claims UK report

Kraft’s reputation in the UK has been badly hit by its behaviour during the acquisition of Cadbury and it should be subject to continuous scrutiny over its subsequent pledges, claim...

Comment

Slimmer cans could lead to bigger waistlines

Soft drink makers could end up swallowing a £10m bill for no good reason by embracing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommendations for new slim-line 250ml drinks.

The fine dining trends inspiring packaged food innovation

Even some of the most unusual innovations from top restaurant kitchens could inspire manufacturers of packaged foods, according to Ted Russin, food scientist at specialty hydrocolloids firm CP Kelco.

ConAgra vows to cut packaging, water and waste by 2015

ConAgra has unveiled a raft of eco-measures aimed at “significantly” reducing its carbon footprint by slashing its packaging, water use and the waste it sends to landfill by 2015.

No need to reconsider aspartame opinion, experts

A team of national experts drawn from EU member states has concluded that there is no new evidence on aspartame that would require EFSA to reassess its opinion that the...

News in brief

Saputo closes milk and cream processing plant

Saputo is closing a plant in Ontario, Canada, which processes milk and cream products, and consolidating distribution activities in the greater Toronto area.

ChromaDex sales climb 28 percent in 2009

After a host of positive moves over the past year, ChromaDex is optimistic about its future business, as it reported a 28 percent sales increase from $4.5m during fiscal 2008...

Colour changing nanoparticles to flag up melamine-tainted milk

A new method that uses nanotechnology to detect melamine in milk is quick, simple and economical, said scientists in the United States.

News in brief

Sabinsa opens new corporate HQ

The ribbon has been cut to officially open the new corporate headquarters of Sabinsa Corporation, as the company accommodates sustained growth.

Wheatgerm salt replacer adds functionality, claims Hochdorf

A new salt replacer for bread and other baked goods is derived from fermented wheat germ to also optimize the nutritional profile of the product, claims the supplier.

Consumers still shopping and spending less, says Nielsen

Consumers are continuing to visit the grocery store less often and to spend less per trip, but there are ways for marketers to ‘gain more of less’, according to a...

Small soda taxes don’t affect childhood obesity, study finds

Small taxes on soda do not affect childhood obesity rates, but larger ones could, according to new research published online today in the journal Health Affairs.

Special edition: CSR

Top line responsibility messages from manufacturers

Corporate responsibility is now accepted as a major part of doing business, even when the economic climate is less than ideal. FoodNavigator.com rounds up the main messages of some of...

Stevia success gives GLG Life Tech 323% revenue boost

GLG Life Tech has reported a 323 percent increase in revenue during 2009 as food and drink manufacturers continue to develop and launch new products containing its stevia-derived sweeteners.