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News > May 2012

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31-May-2012

Liquid vs solid calories: If we take in 200 calories in liquid, we won’t eat 200 fewer calories from foods to compensate, says Dr Barry Popkin

Coke, McDonald’s blast Bloomberg’s ‘misguided’ crackdown on super-size sodas

McDonald's and Coke have blasted New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg’s radical bid to ban sales of super-sized sodas from foodservice outlets as “misguided”, while supporters have hailed it as...

May in pictures: The weight of the nation, HFCS, POM (not quite so) Wonderful, and Bloomberg on the warpath...

May has proved a mixed bag for the nation’s food manufacturers, many of whom were still reeling from last month’s probe into ‘toxic’ sugar on 60-Minutes when HBO’s Weight of...

HFCS 55, which is used in soft drinks, contains 55% fructose with the balance made up mostly by glucose; while HFCS 42, which is used in foods, contains about 42% fructose with the balance mostly comprising glucose.  Table sugar (sucrose) contains 50:50 glucose and fructose.
Breaking news

FDA denies corn sugar petition: ‘We are not persuaded by the argument’

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has denied a petition by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) urging it recognize 'corn sugar' as an alternate name for high fructose corn syrup...

Flowers Foods CEO: 'Lepage will bring efficient bakeries with available production capacity, access to markets in the Northeast, new products and brands, and more than 550 staff... '

Flowers Foods to buy Lepage Bakeries in $370m deal

Just days after its CEO told analysts his firm was in “great shape” to do more deals , Flowers Foods has announced plans to expand its bakery empire in the Northeast...

Coca-Cola signs ‘intelligent QR code’ deal with New York firm

As it races to become a mobile marketing ‘pioneer’, Coke has signed a deal that will see QR codes serviced by US firm Scanlife’s platform printed onto all Spanish Coke...

From 4 June 2012, beef processors will be required to test for the six non-O157 STEC strains in raw beef trimmings.

FSIS confirms start of beef sampling for six non-O157 E.coli strains

Sampling of raw beef manufacturing trimmings for six non-O157 strains of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) is set to begin from 4 June 2012, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service...

News in brief

Savoury Systems International expands NJ facility

Savory flavors expert Savoury Systems International (SSI) has added nearly 13,000 square feet to its warehouse in Branchburg, New Jersey.

Demand for Hunt's 'No High Fructose Corn Syrup' ketchup was not as strong as originally anticipated, says ConAgra

ConAgra switches back to HFCS in Hunt’s ketchup citing lackluster demand

ConAgra has reverted back to using high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in its Hunt’s ketchup less than two years after replacing the much-maligned sweetener with sugar.

29-May-2012

‘Facts Up Front’ a highlight for Campbell Soup’s corporate social responsibility program

The Campbell Soup Company aims to become one of the most socially responsible consumer goods companies in the world, with initiatives like ‘Facts Up Front’ featuring prominently in its strategies.

Clarisoy was a big hit at last year's IFT show in New Orleans

Clarisoy ‘invisible’ veg protein attracts top-tier multinational beverage firms

Clarisoy, the ‘invisible’ soy protein developed by Burcon NutraScience and commercialized by ADM, is attracting interest from everyone from “top-tier multinational companies to niche regional fruit juice companies”, says ADM.

While many people think about HPP in terms of killing pathogens and extending shelf-life, it can also help formulators reduce fat and sodium, improve texture and 'clean up' product labels

Could HPP be the secret weapon in the battle to reduce sodium?

High pressure processing (HPP) is emerging as a powerful weapon in the fight to reduce sodium, enabling formulators to eliminate or cut sodium-containing preservatives in prepared foods and clean up product...

Senator Dan Coats (pictured) along with Richard Lugar and Kristen Gillibrand have urged the FDA to enforce dairy identity standards.

FDA urged to enforce identity standards to prevent dairy product ‘imitation’

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been urged by three members of the US Senate to increase its enforcement of regulations that prevent the “imitation” of standardised dairy...

New research could help to 'fix' the flavour of commercial tomatoes - so they are more similar in taste to more traditional and home grown varieties, suggest the researchers.

Scientists take first step to ‘fix’ tomato flavour

Researchers may have taken the first step in ‘fixing’ the flavour of commercially grown tomatoes after they uncovered how variability in chemical make-up holds the secret to the ‘real’ flavour...

28-May-2012

Researchers tested 41 samples of raw milk cheese during the study.

US raw milk cheese manufacturing safety regulations ‘appear adequate’ - study

Current US regulations governing the manufacture of cheese made using unpasteurised milk “appear adequate” for producing microbiologically safe products, a study has claimed.

Chobani facing lawsuit over ‘evaporated cane juice’ labelling violation

Yogurt manufacturer Chobani Inc. is facing legal action in the US over claims that its use of the term ‘evaporated cane juice’ on its Greek yogurt products violates federal and...

Jensen Farms files for bankruptcy citing ‘wrongful death’ lawsuits

Jensen Farms - the cantaloupe grower pinpointed as the source of last year’s deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak – has filed for bankruptcy in the US.

25-May-2012

Post Foods earnings slide on increased breakfast competition, costs and higher prices

Post Foods recorded a slide in second quarter earnings as it struggled with increased competition in the breakfast market from quick serve restaurants, higher ready-to-eat cereal prices, and costs from...

Flowers Foods is the second biggest player in the US bakery sector behind Bimbo Bakeries USA

CEO: Flowers Foods ‘in great shape’ to drive further bakery industry consolidation

Flowers Foods is “in great shape” to do more deals as the US bakery sector continues to consolidate, says its boss.

FoodJobs: People on the Move

FoodNavigator-USA brings you all the latest executive moves in the industry in this monthly photo gallery.

Tate & Lyle recently re-opened its original sucralose manufacturing plant in Alabama citing increased demand

Chinese sucralose supply shortage: ‘No one is coming to the plate with economical sucralose’

Firms sourcing sucralose from China are struggling to secure supplies owing to a combination of factors including rising demand as sugar prices rise, electricity shortages in southern China and tighter...

Mexican authenticity is crucial to appeal to modern US consumers, says Bell Flavors

At-home preparation of Mexican food is on the up in the United States, mirroring restaurant trends, where Mexican food is growing faster than any other segment, according to Bell Flavors...

24-May-2012

This is one of several bold new ads in POM's new campaign

‘I’m off to save prostates’: POM goes on offensive with new ads post FTC ruling

POM Wonderful has gone on the offensive following a ruling on its legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from an administrative law judge (ALJ) with a bold series...

General Mills agrees to buy Brazilian food maker Yoki

General Mills has agreed to buy Brazilian food maker Yoki Alimentos for 1.95bn reais (about $853m) in a move it says could double its annual sales in Latin America.

Brand loyalty stronger among social media users

Social media use is increasing, and that could be good news for manufacturers of branded products, as frequent social media users tend to be more loyal to name brands, according...

Animal welfare group slams EU organics verdict

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has criticised the decision to recognise US organic food standards as equivalent to those in the EU.

Analyst predicts food and bev winners and losers

Bernstein Research gives sales forecasts for the top 10 food and beverage companies worldwide up to 2014 with some predicted to gain shares and others to lose out.

Ferrara Pan's product portfolio includes Atomic Fireballs and Boston Baked Beans

Farley's & Sathers and Ferrara Pan seal merger

US confectioners Farley's & Sathers and the Ferrara Pan Candy Company  have reached a deal to merge the two companies to become the Ferrara Candy company.

The percentage of consumers claiming to avoid or limit saturated fat intakes dropped to 47% in 2012 compared with 56% in 2011 and 64% in 2010, says IFIC

Sugar becomes new bogeyman as fats take a back seat in new consumer survey

While consumer concerns about fats appear to have waned somewhat, the percentage of Americans blaming sugars for their expanding waistlines has almost doubled since last year, according to new research.

LycoRed: 'We’ve seen a ten-fold increase in enquiries about Tomat-O-Red in the past 60 days....'

LycoRed reports rocketing demand for lycopene-based red color as firms seek alternatives to carmine

Israeli lycopene expert LycoRed says it has seen a surge in demand for its tomato-based natural color Tomat-O-Red as a growing number of manufacturers follow Starbucks’ lead and seek a...

23-May-2012

News in brief

Kraft shareholders approve ‘Mondelez International’ name for global snacks business

Kraft Foods shareholders have approved the name Mondelez International as the new name for the company’s global snacks business after it splits into two separate companies later this year.

Diamond is looking to rekindle relationships with walnut growers

Diamond Foods secures $225m investment

Diamond Foods has secured $225m of funding as it looks to reestablish itself in the walnut industry and grow its business, in a deal that could see investment firm Oaktree...

Ralcorp acquires cookie maker as frozen bakery helps Q2 sales rise

Ralcorp has announced the acquisition of cookie maker Petri Baking Products shortly after It reported a sales boost in the second quarter (Q2) 2012 driven by frozen bakery products.

Relating to customers – or too close for comfort? It’s a fine line for brand marketers, study suggests

Brands are often keen to portray themselves as one of the family – but could subtle differences in linguistic intimacy make some potential customers feel uncomfortable?

Mexico's GDP will grow 3.5% in 2012, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Analyst lauds chocolate market potential in Mexico

Confectioners face big rewards by tapping into market potential in Mexico, but will face “oblivion” if they fail to address growing health concerns, according to an analyst.

Euromonitor analyst: Monk fruit on the road to mainstream success – but still a long way to go

Monk fruit extract may be set to become a mainstream natural sweetener alongside stevia, but price remains a barrier, according to a Euromonitor industry analyst.

General Mills: 'It’s been a tough year. We've had very, very high inflation across the industry, which led to unusually high levels of price increases, which led to volume elasticities and declines...'
News in brief

General Mills: Job losses will be mostly in ‘administrative and support positions’

Job cuts at General Mills will be mostly in “administrative and support positions”, said the firm, which has just unveiled plans to slash more than 2% of its global workforce.

22-May-2012

Low-sodium HVP solves long-standing ingredient challenge, claims Innova

Innova has developed a new low-sodium hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), which it claims solves a riddle that has plagued food scientists for decades – how to create a low-sodium HVP...

Marc Ullman: Judge refused to insist on ‘gold standard’ human clinical trials to support structure-function claims…'

Attorney: POM ruling is a 'stunning rejection' of FTC's stance on 'gold standard' clinical trials to support product claims

While POM Wonderful does not emerge from Michael Chappell’s 335-page ruling smelling entirely of roses , it has successfully challenged the accepted wisdom that firms can only make claims about food...

Kangaroo Brands' baked pita chips are low in fat and sodium, claims the Wisconsin-based firm

ConAgra Foods snaps up Kangaroo Brands’ private label pita chips business

ConAgra Foods' buying spree has continued with the acquisition of Wisconsin-based Kangaroo Brands’ private label pita chips business - its fourth deal in the 2012 fiscal year.

General Mills to cut 850 jobs in cost savings plan

General Mills intends to cut 850 jobs globally as part of a cost savings plan, the company said Tuesday.

Campbell’s fails to heat up soup sales as profit slips 5%

The Campbell Soup Company saw its profit fall 5.4% on declining soup volumes and higher costs in the third quarter, although sales in its US beverages and snacking segments were up.

Photo credit: World Cocoa Foundation

Cocoa deficit to bring prices higher, predicts Rabobank

A consecutive deficit in 2012/13 is set to move cocoa prices higher as supply struggles to meet rising demand for chocolate products in Asia, according to financial services group Rabobank.

Nature’s One step-up efforts to cut arsenic levels in baby formula

Organic infant formula manufacturer Nature’s One will step-up its efforts to minimise and eliminate the presence of environmental contaminants such as arsenic in its products.

News in brief

Vote due on Kraft snacks name

Kraft Foods will decide tomorrow whether to change the name of its global snacks spin-off to Mondelez International in a vote at its Annual Shareholder Meeting.

21-May-2012

POM Wonderful: 'We consider this not only to be a huge win for us, but for the natural food products industry'

Both sides claim victory as judge rules in FTC v POM false advertising case

Both sides have claimed victory in a bitter legal dispute between Californian juice maker POM Wonderful and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of false advertising.

Frito Lay will use its own gluten-free 'GF' icon as seen in the bottom right of this bag of chips

Frito-Lay plans its own gluten-free symbol

The world’s largest snack firm Frito-Lay has announced plans to use its own gluten-free symbol on labels in North America after validating products as gluten-free through two celiac organisations.

Macho all-American men see meat as macho all-American food, study suggests

Men may find meat analog products more tempting if they more closely resembled meat, according to researchers who found that American men and women alike tended to view meat as...

The type of fat we consume could play an important role in how well our brains function as we age, say the researchers.

Sat fats hamper brain function and memory: study

Consumption of saturated fats may be associated with decreases in memory and reductions in brain functioning, and could lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research...

Kale: Expensive per calorie - but great value for money?

Are healthy foods really more expensive? Not necessarily, say USDA researchers

Many Americans claim that the reason they choose less healthy foods is because it costs more to eat healthily, but a new analysis from the Department of Agriculture claims that...

FSIS and beef industry praised for pre-emptive E.coli action

The US beef industry and the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have been showered with praise after showing “strong initiative” in their efforts to...

News in brief

Bills to suspend duty on some imported confectionery introduced in US Congress

Two bills to temporarily suspend the duty on certain imported filled chocolates and synthetic-sweetened chewing gum have been introduced to Congress in the US.

Sugar reform advocates ‘disappointed’ with lack of policy debate

Sugar users have said they are disappointed that both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have voted to advance the 2012 Farm Bill without amending current sugar policy, which they...

18-May-2012

Tagatose can help firms make significant calorie reductions in bakery products without compromising taste or texture, claims Nutrilab NV

Could it be second time lucky for low-cal bulk sweetener Tagatose?

Belgian firm Nutrilab NV is preparing to introduce low-calorie, low glycemic bulk sweetener Tagatose to North and South America later this year, six years after dairy giant Arla Foods pulled...

Game, set and match for Coke in bitter Minute Maid juice dust-up?

A US federal appeal court has dismissed an appeal by a Coca-Cola rival alleging that a Minute Maid product containing ‘pomegranate and blueberry’ juice in small amounts by volume was...

News in brief

Survey reveals food policy attitudes divided along party lines

A new survey from FoodMinds suggests that US attitudes to food policies are largely divided along party lines, with 75% of Democrats saying that government should dedicate more time to...

General Mills 2013 focus on ‘still developing’ US yogurt market

Food processing giant General Mills has outlined plans to expand its presence to meet the demands of the “still developing” US yogurt category.

Mintel: Shoppers 'don’t feel OK about eating junk food just because they are on the go'
Dispatches from the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, 2012, Chicago

Mintel: Health and quality key to next generation of on-the-go foods

Foods with ‘on-the-go’ claims represent a small - but rapidly growing - proportion of global new product launches, but firms that want to cash in need to think about health...

Researchers develop new beta glucan-rich oats

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin claim to have developed a new oat variety that is richer in beta glucan, a compound that has been linked to heart health.

General Mills looks to tap cereal and snacks potential in BRIC countries and beyond

General Mills sees great potential for its snacks and cereals segments outside North America as population growth in emerging markets looks set to soar.

Soda tax heads for November ballot in Richmond, CA

On November 6, voters in Richmond, California will decide whether to apply a penny-per-ounce tax to sugar-sweetened beverages after city council members voted 5-2 this week to include the measure...

16-May-2012

Greek yogurt success expanding beyond the refrigerator

Food companies are getting creative with Greek yogurt, expanding it into new categories and formats, as they seek to profit from its meteoric rise.

Grocery spend is increasing but consumers are still cost-conscious: Market research

US consumers are beginning to spend more on groceries – but are still looking for ways to maximize their spending at the supermarket, according to a new research report from...

News in brief

Corn Products International shareholders approve Ingredion name change

Corn Products International shareholders have approved changing the company’s name to Ingredion, intended to better reflect its expanded ingredient portfolio, particularly since the acquisition of National Starch in 2010.

Judge denies Hostess’ bid to reject Teamsters contracts

Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain has denied Hostess Brands’ bid to scrap labor contracts for members of its largest union, the Teamsters, in a move that leaves Hostess having to rethink...

News in brief

NovaGreen to produce sugar substitute xylitol for North America

Canada-based refinery NovaGreen has announced plans to produce sugar substitute xylitol over the next two years to supply confectioners in North America.

FoodDrinkEurope tackles trade barriers in US

EU trade group FoodDrinkEurope teamed up with the European Commission (EC) on a delegation to the US at the end of last week aimed at building stronger export links.

Yakult: Strong growth in the US, China and India, but more challenging times in Europe

Yakult unveils US volume surge as good bacteria message gathers pace

US consumers now drink around 142,000 bottles of Yakult's probiotic fermented dairy drink a day, 24% more than they were gulping down this time last year.*

15-May-2012

A Slam Dunk for Michael Jordan and Gatorade? Picture Copyright: Cliff/Flickr

Emotions hit fever pitch as PepsiCo draws fire for Michael Jordan Gatorade advert

PepsiCo says it is ‘reviewing’ the Public Health Advocacy Institute’s letter to the US Federal Trade Commission, attacking the firm for claiming that Gatorade helped basketball star Michael Jordan win...

Alcoholic beverage brands seek social media connections as Millennials come of age

Alcoholic beverage brands increasingly are looking to connect with Millenials via social networks, as younger members of the demographic begin to celebrate their 21st birthdays.

Greek yogurt and ‘better-for-you’ products set to drive 2012 US dairy sales

The ever-growing popularity of ‘better-for-you’ organic and functional food is set to drive US dairy sector sales in 2012, according to an industry trends report.

Musselman: 'The good thing about KCl compared with other approaches is that it is cheap and it works'
Dispatches from the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, 2012, Chicago

Nu-Tek Salt: 90% of our customers are reducing sodium by stealth

Nine out of 10 customers using potassium-chloride-based salt replacers from Nu-Tek Salt are now reducing sodium by stealth to avoid antagonizing shoppers, says the Minnesota-based firm.

Wild Flavors was one of several exhibitors at the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, held last week at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago
Dispatches from the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, 2012, Chicago

Novel digestive health ingredient targets big guns in food and beverages

Wild Flavors is in advanced negotiations with leading food and beverage firms about using a novel milk-based digestive health ingredient claimed to help maintain and repair the lining of the...

Comment

Nation's bulging waistline is a food industry issue

Americans are getting fatter – and it’s not just the individual that needs a health check, according to a new IOM report. Like it or not, this health crisis has...

Kellogg's revamp - significant or hype?...

Kellogg’s revamps brand, but significantly?

Global cereal giant, Kellogg’s is investing in a ‘significant’ revamp of its 106-year-old brand in a bid to resonate better with today’s tech savvy consumers, but analysts say it won’t...

US in-store bakeries continuing ascent – report

The US market for in-store bakeries is rising year-on-year with no decrease forecast, according to a report from the International Dairy, Deli and Bakery Association (IDDBA).

1975: 'There's a fresh new taste in soft drinks' with mid-calorie Pepsi Light, but consumers weren't convinced. What's different today?

Coke takes ‘natural’ mid-calorie carbonate plunge in Pepsi NEXT wake with stevia-based trials

The Coca-Cola Company is poised to test its own mid-calorie sodas in the US using Sprite and Fanta using natural sweeteners including Cargill's stevia brand, hot on the heels of...

News in brief

Hain Celestial to expand Long Island headquarters

Hain Celestial has said it intends to expand its international corporate headquarters in Nassau County, NY, where it intends to invest $10m to relocate its existing Long Island-based employees and...

14-May-2012

Bimbo Bakeries to build $75m factory in US

Bimbo Bakeries USA plans to invest $75m in a new facility in Texas, US, to produce bread and buns.

Top 10 US beer brands: consumers shun ‘king of beers’ for crafty choices but Heineken scores

US beer consumers sprung a crafty surprise in an influential 2012 research poll by Harris Interactive, reporting higher satisfaction levels with smaller craft brands and below average scores for mainstream...

Delegates heard from R&D bosses at leading brands from Hershey to Heinz, Chobani, Nestle, Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson and Coca-Cola
Dispatches from the 6th Annual Food Technology & Innovation Forum, 2012, Chicago

Quote/Unquote: Heinz on rocking the boat, Coca-Cola on backing the right horse in beverages, why we’re really fat and how Jane Fonda helped one brand go viral …

If you didn’t make it to Chicago for the Food Technology and Innovation Forum last week – or were too busy speed-dating with suppliers in the exhibition hall to attend...

News in brief

CSPI urges industry and government to implement IOM anti-obesity measures

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has urged the food industry, government and schools to implement measures recommended in a new report from the Institute of Medicine...

USDA predicts record corn harvest

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has predicted a record corn harvest in 2012-13, potentially easing cost pressures on food manufacturers by the end of the calendar year.

Wrigley's 5-gum

US chewing gum packs going pocket-sized, says analyst

Chewing gum packaging in the US is set to go micro as consumers look for lower priced products, according to an analyst.

General Mills must defend ‘made with real fruit’ claim for Fruit Roll-Ups, court rules

General Mills has lost its motion to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the company deceived consumers about the fruit content of its Fruit Roll-Ups and Fruit by the Foot.

Imperial Sugar reports $6.5m loss in Q2

Imperial Sugar Company reported a net loss of $6.5m in the second quarter, compared to a net profit of $4.2m in the prior year period, while net sales were up 5.6%.

11-May-2012

Consumer group complains to FDA about ‘inconsistent’ NuVal nutrition ratings

The National Consumers League (NCL) has filed a formal complaint with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the NuVal on-shelf nutrition rating system – and urged the agency to...

Food grade alcohol and ingredients boost MGPI sales

MGP Ingredients (MGPI) reported a 34% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2012, led by food grade alcohol and better results in its food ingredients segment.

Yoplait agreement will ‘solidify’ Canadian yogurt industry position - Ultima Foods

Ultima Foods has signalled its intention to “solidify” its leadership of the Canadian dairy industry through a double edged agreement that will see it continue to produce Yoplait brand yogurt and launch...

It’s all hands on deck to implement FSMA in 2012 – PriceWaterhouseCoopers

PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has warned the US food industry that 2012 will be “all hands on deck” to implement the provisions of the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA).

News in brief

New acquisition expands World Food Processing’s organic, non-GMO soy

Minnesota-based World Food Processing has acquired Kerry Flavors’ soy protein isolate manufacturing facility, as it looks to expand its non-GMO and organic soy capacity in the face of growing demand,...

More Americans would like extra info on-pack, IFIC survey finds

The proportion of Americans who say they would like extra on-pack information about their food has increased over the past two years, according to new poll results from the International...

10-May-2012

Health Canada mulls prebiotic labeling and advertising rules

Health Canada is considering new rules for the labeling of prebiotics in foods, which could mean some food companies have to drop or modify existing health claims, the agency has...

Snacks account for a quarter of kids’ calories: Study

Changing children’s snacking intentions and behavior could be crucial in reducing childhood obesity rates, as US children consume about a quarter of their daily calories from snacks, according to a...

Source Flickr - cstrom

Blommer predicts looming cocoa supply crisis

Demand for cocoa is expected to climb 30% in the next 10 years creating a 25% shortage of current supply, according to North American cocoa processor and chocolate ingredients supplier Blommer Chocolate Company.

Snyder’s-Lance eyes acquisitions to add to high-selling core brands

North American snack firm Snyder’s-Lance plans to foster future growth through mergers and acquisitions to complement its core brands which helped it marginally improve sales in its Q1 results...

Declining raw milk prices support ‘strong’ Dean Foods Q1 results

US processor Dean Foods has reported 'stronger than forecasted' results for the first quarter of 2012 – citing the declining price of raw milk and solid growth across its segments as defining factors....

News in brief

Grain Processing Corporation opens new Iowa center for product development

Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) has opened a new ‘solutions center’ at its headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, to provide its technical and research teams with a new kitchen, laboratory and presentation...

Hostess warns of mass layoffs in union negotiations

Hostess Brands has sent letters to its 18,500 employees warning of possible liquidation and job losses, after a federal judge ruled on Friday that the company could cancel all union contracts.

The husk from cocoa pods could become a valuable source of pectin for the food industry, suggest the researchers.

Cocoa waste may become valuable source of pectin, suggest researchers

Cacao pod husks – a major by-product of cocoa processing – could provide industry with a new, environmentally friendly source of pectin, say researchers.

09-May-2012

Researchers develop ‘model mouth’ for NPD and product evaluation

A newly developed ‘model mouth’ could have industrial applications as a product development and evaluation tool for food companies, say researchers.

FDA nanotechnology draft guidance represents ‘marginal progress’ – petition group

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance on the use of nanotechnology in food and food contact substances represents only “marginal progress” towards regulation of the technology, a petition...

Beef Products Inc. and Tyson Foods hit by latest ‘pink slime’ fallout

‘Pink slime’ manufacturer, Beef Products Inc. (BPI), has confirmed the almost immediate closure of three of its four plants, in the latest wave of repercussions surrounding the product.

Kemin debuts antimicrobial for ready-to-eat meat

Kemin has launched a new propionic acid-based antimicrobial ingredient for ready-to-eat meat applications.

High raw material costs continue to weigh on IFF in Q1

High raw material costs continued to impact International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in the first quarter, as it reported a 4% decline in net profit, the company reported on Wednesday.

Red Bull hopes new ‘Total Zero’ variant will give it wings after analysts warn of limited portfolio

Red Bull is launching a new variant of its eponymous energy drink with no calories, sugar or carbohydrates, adding to a limited product portfolio that analysts had identified as a...

IOM report recommends changing food environment to tackle obesity

Smaller portion sizes, curbing food marketing to children, cutting sugary drink intake and boosting availability of healthy foods are among policy recommendations in a new report from the Institute of...

Louis Dreyfus to acquire Imperial Sugar as investors try to block deal

Commodities group Louis Dreyfus has reached an agreement to acquire refined sugar processor Imperial Sugar for around $203m.

News in brief

Diamond Foods appoints ex-Hostess Brands chief as new CEO

Kettle Chips maker Diamond Foods has appointed ex-Hostess Brands head Brian Driscoll as its new CEO.

08-May-2012

While monk fruit sweeteners are premium priced, you only need to use a small amount in neutral to high pH products, claim suppliers

Special edition: Where next for natural sweeteners?

From stevia to monk fruit, oats, agave nectar and coconut palm sugar.  In the second of our spring special editions, we look at what’s next for natural sweeteners.  ...

07-May-2012

CSM puts bakery supplies arm on the block to reposition as bio-ingredients firm

Ingredients supplier CSM has announced plans to sell its bakery supplies businesses and reposition itself as a bio-based ingredients company.

US ice cream and frozen dessert market tops $25bn

Sales of ice cream and frozen desserts in the United States were worth $25.1bn last year, according to a new report from Packaged Facts – representing a 2.4% rise over...

Researchers explore links between overeating and pleasure

Eating for pleasure may stimulate the brain’s reward centers and lead to overeating in a way that eating to satisfy hunger does not, according to findings from a small study...

Californian GMO labeling: What would it mean for food companies?

The Californian ‘Right to Know’ campaign in support of labeling foods and ingredients produced using genetic engineering looks set for inclusion in the state’s November ballot, after it attracted nearly...

Monoglyceride crystals could boost low fat emulsion formulation

Formulation of emulsions using monoglyceride structures could aid flavor release in emulsions that contain lower levels of fat, suggest researchers.

Source: WCF

USDA aims to boost global cocoa production with extended World Cocoa Foundation deal

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded its partnership with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) in a bid to boost cocoa production in developing countries and improve livelihoods...

04-May-2012

Cacao & soy compounds show heart health benefits for diabetic women: Study

Supplementation with cacao-flavonoids and soy isoflavones may improve levels of biomarkers of heart disease in postmenopausal, diabetic women, says a new study.

Fresh, real and global lead upcoming snacking trends, says Hartman

Snacking accounts for nearly half of all eating occasions in the United States – and healthier, more global ingredients are increasing in popularity, according to market research organization The Hartman Group.

Higher prices boost Kraft profit in Q1

Kraft Foods reported a 1.8% increase in first quarter profit after it raised prices for its products around the world and increased sales of its ‘power’ brands, particularly in developing markets.

'Pre-emptive’ measures will accelerate tainted product identification - USDA

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has outlined a series of measures to conduct future meat product trace backs in a “pre-emptive” manner to catch E.coli O157:H7 contamination at an...

News in brief

Commission rubber stamps Kellogg’s Pringles buy

The European Commission has cleared Kellogg’s $2.7bn deal to acquire snack business Pringles from Procter & Gamble (P&G).

GLG Life Tech receives cease trade order

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has stopped trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange after it received a full cease trade order from the British Columbia Securities Commission, due to delayed...

03-May-2012

FoodJobs: People on the Move

FoodNavigator-USA brings you all the latest appointments and promotions at major food manufacturing and ingredient companies in this monthly photo gallery.

Firmenich renews sweet taste collaboration with Senomyx

Firmenich has renewed its sweet taste collaboration with San Diego-based flavor firm Senomyx, which has reported lower revenues in the first quarter, including decreased income from the sweet taste partnership.

Maple Leaf and Canada Bread profits slump on weak fresh bakery volumes

Canada Bread and its parent company Maple Leaf Foods were both harmed by weak fresh bakery volumes in the first quarter (Q1), negatively impacting companies' profits.

Nutrition and gluten labeling could see shake-up under FDA strategic plan

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new strategic plan for food and nutrition over the next four years, including new initiatives related to food labeling and collaboration...

Genetics play role in taste perception of meat, say researchers

Genetic differences in odorant receptors could account for as much as 40% variation in taste intensity of foods, according to new research.

Hershey maps cocoa farms in Ghana with GPS as labour group doubts commitments

Chocolate giant Hershey has announced plans to use GPS mapping for cocoa farms in Ghana to help farmers better manage their resources as labour groups continue to doubt the company’s...

02-May-2012

Corn Products Q1 profit falls on higher costs

Corn Products International’s net income fell 38% in the first quarter largely due to a one-off gain a year earlier, and less growth than expected in international markets, while adjusted...

Could private label be losing its luster?

Sales of private label foods and beverages have been on the rise for more than a decade, but consumers are beginning to lose enthusiasm, suggests a new report from market...

Coca-Cola denies Monster takeover rumors

The Coca-Cola Company has denied rumors that it is in talks to acquire Monster Beverage Company, after media reports sent shares in the energy drinks giant soaring on Monday.

Streamlining measures will reduce food safety regulations ‘red tape’ – Health Canada

The Canadian government has taken steps to streamline its food safety laws – reducing the ‘red tape’ that currently delays safe products entering the market.

01-May-2012

News in brief

DuPont buys out Bunge’s share in Solae joint venture in $440m deal

DuPont has taken full control of soy ingredients giant Solae after buying out Bunge’s stake in their joint venture.

Mango and coconut will trump acai and pomegranate this year, predicts Sloan Trends

Special edition: FoodNavigator-USA 2012 trendspotter

What’s on the menu for 2012? Traditional fruits, Thai and Indian cuisine, freshness, different varieties of chili, plant proteins, smoke flavors, more part-prepared foods and Asian and Latin American flavors,...

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