Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North America EU edition

Cargill introduces sweetener system for baked goods

A sweetener system for bakery products is designed to reduce the fat and calorie content of baked goods without altering the taste and texture, according to manufacturer Cargill, which introduced its product at the IFT show in Orlando this week.

Antioxidant-rich almonds on a par with fruit and vegetables.

According to recent research, antioxidant-rich almonds could be the smart choice for manufacturers trying to reach a health-conscious market.

Fungus enzyme could lead to supplements for coeliacs

A newly identified enzyme can break down gluten molecules before they reach the small intestine, Dutch researchers have shown, and may offer hope for the management of coeliac disease using oral supplements.

Monsanto reports strong third quarter sales

Biotech giant Monsanto has reported strong results for its third quarter, with its sales continuing to benefit from a good performance by its seeds and traits business.

China to resume selected US beef imports

China has lifted a three-year ban on imports of selected cuts of US beef that has been in place since the first case of mad cow disease was detected in the nation.

Bunge revises guidance for 2006 after "challenging" Q2

The world's biggest oilseed processor Bunge has announced a revision of its net income guidance for full year 2006, after Q2 was more challenging than expected.

IFT: Solae unveils new protein technology

The Solae company has launched a new range of protein ingredients that it claims could help redefine meat and meat-free categories.

Soy isoflavones could improve mood, mental function

Isoflavones from soy could help preserve cognitive function and mood in post-menopausal women, according to Italian researchers.

Bunge targets snack bar makers with protein enhancement system

Leading oilseed producer Bunge has developed a new process to incorporate protein into candy bars, which the company claims does not have a negative impact on the product's texture and taste.

DD Williamson launches caramelized onion color

A caramelized onion flavor is set to hit the US market, with manufacturer DD Williamson announcing that it has started commercial production of its new ingredient, designed for use in soups and sauces.

ADM wheat protein ingredient to bind health bars

ADM is targetting the burgeoning healthy snacks market, launching a wheat protein isolate that mimics the properties of sugar as a binder in reduced sugar applications.

Scientists develop oleic acid-rich soybean oil

Scientists at Iowa State have developed soybean oil rich in oleic acid and low in linolenic acid, and are now seeking food companies to test if the oil can be used in applications previously beyond the scope of conventional soybean oils.

Tate & Lyle US launches new sweetener solutions at IFT

UK ingredients firm Tate & Lyle is using the IFT convention in Orlando as a platform to introduce two new sweetener solutions on the US market, designed to be convenient delivery systems for the firm's proprietary sucralose product.

Britvic hit by Ecuador passion fruit shortage

Severe shortages of passion fruit supplies from Ecuador threaten to disrupt food and drink firms, as Britvic says it will pull its J2O Orange and Passionfruit drink from shop shelves in Britain this summer.

National Starch features soluble fiber for beverages at IFT

Adding fiber to beverages, dairy products and soups is a major focus for ingredients giant National Starch, which is featuring a water soluble fiber product at the ongoing IFT food expo in Orlando.

Kraft CEO attacks trade barriers on sugar prices

The chairman of Kraft Foods, the world's second biggest food company, Roger Deromedi, has launched an attack on EU and US trade barriers that are driving up the price of commodity ingredients such as sugar and coffee.

Trans fat leads to weight gain even on equal calories - in monkeys at least

A diet rich in trans fatty acids leads to abdominal weight gain compared to a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, even when the calorie intake is equal, says a monkey study.

IFT opens its doors in Orlando

Food technologists and manufacturers will be swarming to Florida tomorrow to learn about the latest ingredients innovations as the 2006 IFT annual meeting and food expo opens its doors in Orlando's Orange County Convention Center.

Labeling seminar outlines anticipated FDA changes

Changes to the labeling requirements of calorie content, trans fats and portion sizes are among the issues being considered by the US Food and Drug Administration, according to a recent food labeling seminar.

FDA issues guidance on GMO safety testing

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary guidance on testing programmes for bioengineered plants.

New dietary guidelines promote heart health

New dietary guidelines published by the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that Americans consume less fat and sugar, and more vegetables and whole grains in order to optimize heart health.

Cargill raises citric acid prices on back of market pressures

Energy costs and supply issues have contributed to price hikes for popular beverage ingredient citric acid, with manufacturer Cargill announcing a price increase for its citric acid and citrate dihydrate.

Folic acid fortification boosting adolescent health

Adolescents, an often overlooked population, could also be reaping the benefits of folic acid fortification of enriched grain products with lower levels of a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD), says a new study.

New hops promise tastier beer

A new generation of hops for beer is being developed by researchers in New Zealand, as the brewing industry looks to science to help it catch up with changing consumer tastes.

Danone and Stonyfield create European organic dairy firm

Leading US organic dairy firm Stonyfield Farm and Danone have joined forces to create a European subsidiary, which the groups hope will duplicate Stonyfield's US success in Europe's organic dairy industry.

Dark chocolate innovations at Chicago

This month's All Candy Expo in Chicago saw an impressive range of dark chocolate launches, suggesting that innovation is still possible in this well-established segment.

FMC to launch fat reduction technology for ice-cream

FMC Biopolymer has developed new technology that allows ice cream manufacturers to slash the fat content in their products by more than half, without altering the ice cream's taste and texture.

Martek deal pits General Mills against Kellogg in omega-3 race

The race is on to see which of two leading cereal makers will be the first to place an omega-3 fortified product on shelves, following a new license and supply agreement between Martek and General Mills that is substantially similar to that which the biotech struck with Kellogg 18 months ago.

Olive oil gains popularity on health claims and Mediterranean tastes

The health benefits associated with olive oil together with an increased interest in Mediterranean foods have contributed to the growth of an "invigorated" market for the product in the US, according to a new report.

Weekly comment

Litigation: a necessary cost of doing business?

In the US, the role of court action in defining limits not set by regulators is generating a flood of costly court cases for the food industry: much unnecessary, and all damaging.

Chr Hansen sells off US sweetener business

Chr. Hansen has sold its speciality sweetener division to American Sugar Refining as part of its US refocusing strategy.

Trans fat litigation moves to foodservice with KFC suit

A lawsuit filed this week against Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for its use of undeclared trans fats is a new indication that the issue is far from forgotten, even though the battle appears to have edged away from food processors for the time being.

General Mills plans for tough year ahead

US cereal giant General Mills has indicated year-end earnings will be higher than previously expected, but admits next year's outlook may be gloomy as rising commodity costs and interest repayments eat profits.

US doctors take a stand against salt

The American Medical Association (AMA) has added its voice to the clamor against salt, voting this week to urge the government to revoke the substance's GRAS status.

Some tastes in the genes, says obesity-linked study

A child's taste for protein-rich foods like meat and fish is inherited, but taste for vegetables and desserts are influenced, says new research that may have implications for understanding obesity.

Organic Focus

Stonyfield takes steps to overcome supply shortage

With the US organic market on a sharp uphill path, and the nation's organic farmers unable to keep up with demand, the CEO of leading dairy firm Stonyfield Farm tells FoodNavigator-USA how he is dealing with the lack of supply.

Whole Grains Council reveals new weight-based stamp

The Whole Grains Council is to change the design of its characteristic stamp in a move to avoid potential regulatory uncertainty surrounding its use of the terms 'excellent' source or 'good' source. The new stamp will indicate the number of grams of whole grain ingredients in a serving.

Budweiser maker sued for incomplete rights to ad music

US beer firm Anheuser-Busch has been slapped with a lawsuit for using a song in its commercials for which it had paid rights to the record company alone, and not to the rock band that created the song.

The science of salt reduction in food

The food industry is facing up to the issue of salt reduction. But how can this compound - so important in the preparation and storage of food - be replaced without the consumer tasting the difference?

International joint venture to boost Fibersol-2 sales

Archer Daniels Midland and Matsutani Chemical have solidified a joint venture to enhance worldwide sales and marketing of soluble fiber Fibersol-2 as interest in this type of ingredient is predicted to rise.

Weekly comment

Healthy food and the World Cup of missed opportunity

Beer, bakery, confectionery, sweet drinks, pizzas, snacks galore, and even dog food. The list of products with World Cup tie-ins is dominated by junk food, while healthy food makers seem content to pass up the marketing opportunities and let others grow fat on the rewards.

Kids want fun in foods, not just health, says study

Over half of the nation's children say they wish they could have more fun when eating their meals and snacks, according to a new study.

McCormick expands Asian business with new acquisition

Leading spice firm McCormick continues in its strategy to expand its business into areas of strong growth potential, announcing last week that it is to acquire an Asian food company.

US confectionery sector shows strong innovation

The US confectionery industry has big expectations for the coming year, as the recent 2006 All Candy Expo demonstrated.

Pre-launch interest booms as natural sweetener gets GRAS

The recent regulatory approval for a fruit-derived natural sweetener could open new doors to food and beverage manufacturers looking to clean up their product labels.

Earlier introduction of solid cereals may reduce wheat allergies

Getting kids to eat solid cereals at an earlier age could reduce the risk of developing wheat allergies, says a new study from Colorado-based researchers.

FDA sued for lax regulation of GM foods

A lawsuit filed against the US government aims to establish strict safety laws for all genetically engineered foods, and require these to be labeled once they are approved.

South Korea delays resumption of US beef imports

South Korea said yesterday that it will delay resumption of US beef imports, after finding problems at US meat processing facilities, reported Yonhap news.

Martek ruling paves way for more DHA in Canadian food

Martek DHA, approved for use in infant formula in Canada since 2002, has obtained federal consent for use at higher doses in a variety of foods, paving the way for food companies to offer products with greater omega-3 content.

Whole gains, functional breads revitalize market, says report

The popularity of whole grains and a growing trend to fortify baked goods with functional ingredients has added a new dynamic to an otherwise mature US bread market, says a new report.

Chilled, cut fruit keep nutrients as well as fresh

Minimal processing of fruit - cutting, packaging and chilling - does not affect the nutritional content even after nine days, says an international study that could promote healthy eating on a limited time-scale.

Higher Hispanic obesity rates not related to environment, study

A new study has revealed that the higher obesity rates of Hispanic children are not connected to socioeconomic factors, findings that could add weight to the suggestion that this sector of the population responds differently to diet.

FDA affirms position on mercury in fish

The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that it stands behind its consumer advisory on mercury levels in fish.

NMI encourages manufacturers to make health claims

Consumers actively seek out products with specific health claims on their labels, according to the Natural Marketing Institute - a factor that may encourage companies to solicit approvals from FDA or cater to specialist diets.

Online database tracks container shipments worldwide

A supply chain tracking company has created an online database food firms can use to track their freight containers in real time using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

USDA could pour funds into organic research

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) could more than double funding for its organic research program next year, a move that highlights the growing importance of the organic industry.

Frito-Lay changes labels to avoid olestra lawsuit

In a move to avoid a lawsuit, Frito Lay said it will change the labeling on its 'Light' range of potato chips in order to make it clearer that they contain the controversial fat substitute olestra.

Kraft customers to invent new products

US food firm Kraft has launched a customer-led research and development programme, in a bid to re-engage with consumers and tap growing health and wellness trends.

Cargill to build new soybean processing plant

Leading agribusiness firm Cargill last week announced that it is to construct a new soybean processing plant in Kansas City.

FDA report makes room for healthy away-from-home foods

A new US Food & Drug Administration report could spell market opportunities for healthy ingredients as it aims to heighten awareness of the nutritious potential for foods eaten or prepared away from the home.

Nutrition labels on menus ineffective alone, study finds

A survey conducted at the University of Vermont suggests legislation requiring restaurants to account for the nutritional and caloric content of their food will be ineffective if it is not accompanied by an education campaign.

Hispanic dietary guide set to enter grocery stores

A new booklet providing nutritional advice and specific product suggestions for Latino consumers is set to appear in supermarkets in coming months, the Latino Nutrition Coalition (LNC) told FoodNavigator-USA.com.

Scented food packaging could improve product appeal

A major cereal brand is set to be re-launched in the US with new scented fruity packaging that the manufacturer hopes will increase the appeal of its product.

Obese could benefit from more fiber, from diet and supplements

Dietary fiber may play a key role in obesity, suggest study results that may lead to high fiber products aimed specifically at the obese.

Daily cleaning not required, as long as safety is maintained

Meat and poultry processors can chose not to have daily cleanups of equipment and plant as long as sanitary standards are maintained, according to a notice from the federal Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).