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Weekly comment

The food industry after Lisbon

In the face of another rejection of a European Union treaty, the bloc's food industry has one glaring path ahead: business as normal.

Food industry gathers for annual IFT expo

Experts have gathered for the Institute of Food Technologist 2008 Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans to share research and discuss the current status of food science and technology.

ADM strives to make unexpected products full of beans

ADM is launching a new range of bean powders and ground cooked beans, which are intended to make it more convenient for consumers to include beans in their diets - and easier for manufacturers to use them in product formulations.

Self-assembling proteins offer golden food future

There is a big future for exploiting protein's natural tendency to self-assembly into micelles or nanotubes, says a leading researcher in the field.

First fruits born out of Blue Pacific-HortResearch collaboration

Blue Pacific and HortResearch have finalised their license agreement for the development and commercialization of natural fruit flavors, and the first two products under their new hortRealfruit brand are being launched this week.

Blending cardiology with cooking

If heart healthy jambalaya sounds too good to be true, think again. Careful selection of ingredients can make any food heart healthy, without affecting the flavor, says Dr Richard Collins, MD, the Cooking Cardiologist.

Demand for food enzymes increases amid cost crisis

The enzymes market is experiencing some increased popularity among manufacturers because of their desired functionality and ability to help save costs, says a new report.

Givaudan assists citrus innovation with taste programme

Following substantial investment and global research, Givaudan has developed an in-depth profile of wide ranging orange flavours and identified key future trends to help customer innovation.

NutraCea takes rice bran oil production to China

NutraCea has announced plans to construct the largest rice bran oil refinery in the world, a move that comes just months after the firm entered the edible oil market.

Organic agent to ferret out US supply

An organics company that links growers and food manufacturers has announced plans to expand its product range as it prepares to open new offices in 'carrot country'.

Cottage cheese cultures go full circle

The cottage cheese industry is turning back to direct vat cultures rather than the cheaper bulk starter method which replaced it as costs are reduced, according to Chr Hansen.

Decas brings high fiber superfruit to US market

Dried fruit supplier Decas Cranberry Products has added the uchuva fruit to its ingredient portfolio, which the firm says will provide food manufacturers with a new way to add fiber to their products.

Dried plums offer natural antioxidant alternatives for sausages

Antioxidant-rich dried plums may be a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives for processed meats, suggests research from the Americas.

Private label brands to offer premium consumer compromise

Private label food and drink brands will continue to grow as cash-strapped consumers' increasingly perceive the products as value for money, according to Datamonitor.

US Sugar to hand over land in historic Everglades deal

US Sugar has agreed to sign its own death warrant with a $7.5bn land deal that would see 187,000 acres of the Everglades restored to a conservation area - but put the agricultural firm out of business.

HFCS ad campaign accused of deception

A row has broken out over high fructose corn syrup after the Corn Refiners Association's attempts to boost the image of the sweetener attracted criticism.

New Promitor product adds to fiber-enriched options

Tate & Lyle has developed a new soluble corn fiber in its Promitor line, expanding the toolkit at manufacturers' disposal for easy formulation of products with added fiber.

US data reveal 24m diabetes sufferers

Twenty-four million Americans - or 8 percent of the total US population - currently suffer from diabetes, according to the latest government statistics released yesterday.

Tortilla nutrition benefits from hydrocolloid addition: study

Hydrocolloids can be added to tortilla formulations containing bean flour to extend the product's shelf life and improve texture while increasing its nutritional content, say researchers.

Solutions abound for polyphenol-fortified milk: study

Adding fruit flavours and cyclodextrin to milk may boost consumer acceptance of polyphenol-enriched dairy, without the need for added sugar, report New Zealand scientists.

Cargill launches xanthan gum made in China

Cargill has started production of two new xanthan gum products out of its facility in China, after implementing technology transfer from France and ensuring quality and safety standards meet requirements.

New sweetener to hit market hungry for alternatives

An ingredients company has developed a new natural sweetener that it claims tastes like cane sugar and is expected to rival products such as stevia.

Gluten-free bakery gets boost from enzyme: study

Baking gluten-free breads for the ever-growing coeliac population may be possible using brown rice and buckwheat flours and adding the transglutaminase enzyme, according to results of a European project.

Study backs dried plums for stronger bones

Polyphenol-rich dried plums may boost bone strength and density by up-regulating growth factors linked to bone formation, reports a new study from the US.

News briefs: Salt reduction, Flower Foods merger and food prices

This week, the FSA holds an event focusing on salt-reduction initiative, Flower Foods announces its merger with Holsum Bakery, and the American Bakers Association addresses food prices.

Food safety guidelines can overwhelm processors, says group

Maintaining up-to-date knowledge on industry guidelines and developing a strong quality processing system add to the pressures faced by food processors in the current climate of high input costs, claim US food safety consultants.

Sweetener production stopped due to high costs

Danisco has stopped selling the sweetener alitame and has withdrawn its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) petition for it to be used in food in America, citing uneconomic production.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Sourcing issues and ideas

Mango, banana, and pumpkin have all been mentioned as alternative pectin sources - but are they industrially viable? In the final part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of alternative sources of pectin to challenge citrus and apple.

North America leads growth in digestive health

North America was the fastest growing market last year for foods and beverages targeting digestive health, according to data tracked by Mintel.

Bunge buys into sweeteners with Corn Products acquisition

Bunge has announced the signature of a definitive agreement to acquire Corn Products International for around $4.8bn, a major deal that plunges it into the high-potential sweeteners market.

Midwest corn growers upbeat after floods

Corn growers in the US have begun replanting crops after record floods threatened this year's harvest in the Midwest and forced food plants to close.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Dairy replacer and micro-encapsulator

Replacing a dairy ingredient with one from citrus may not sound plausible, but rocketing dairy prices are prompting formulators to look elsewhere for ingredients. In the fourth part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential of pectin to replace dairy proteins.

Industry backs FDA supplement clamp-down

The dietary supplements industry has applauded a move by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clamp down on products making bogus cancer cure claims.

Consumers do not understand trans fat labeling, says study

Presenting a product's trans fat content is largely wasted on consumers through the lack of interpretive footnotes or information on recommended daily value, say researchers.

Tea to flavor food products

A flavor company has launched a new range of tea-inspired products which it hopes will be used in foods, not just beverages.

New sea salt with a larger pinch

Cargill has launched a new sea salt with larger crystals the size of peppercorns, which can be seen when mixed with other seasoning and can give food an added crunch.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Providing solutions for healthy foods

Health and wellness is creeping in to every aspect of the food industry. In the third in an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential for pectin offer formulation solutions when targeting the health and wellness trend.

Green banana fibres could give noodles nutrient boost

Resistant starch from the green fruits of plantain and banana may boost the fibre content of foods such as instant noodles, suggests new research.

HFCS 'natural' drink not deceptive, rules court

A US federal judge has rejected a claim that the use of the term 'all natural' on Snapple drinks was deceptive because the products contained high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

News briefs: Diageo vs. California, exploding kegs and InBev

This week, Diageo heads to the court over new taxing measures in California, a major US roadway is closed over beer-induced chaos and InBev expresses its concerns to potential takeover target Anheuseur-Busch.

Egg substitute launched as prices skyrocket

Advanced Food Systems has launched a range of new egg replacement ingredients which it claims will help food manufacturers reduce the cost of using whole eggs.

Antioxidant-rich fruit, veg linked to less gullet cancer: study

An increased intake of antioxidant vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study from California.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Health claims and labelling

Whether pectin will ever be more than a gelling agent and stabiliser and be labelled as a health ingredient depends on science and money. In the second part of an in-depth special series, FoodNavigator examines the health claims for Grandma's favourite ingredient.

'Greener' sucralose processing could enter market

Lexington Pharmaceutical is seeking global manufacturing partners for its innovative sucralose process, which it claims is greener than methods used by leading competitors.

Innovation required to milk sheep and camel dairy potential

Milk derived from sheep, buffalo and even camels could open up promising new avenues for dairy processors, providing that innovation and investment is made to squeeze their potential.

News focus: Pectin

Pectin: Health ingredient of the future?

At a recent conference on hydrocolloids the discussions were dominated by health and price. In the first in a special series, FoodNavigator examines the potential opportunities and challenges for pectin for health.

Gelita innovation meets health and convenience demand

International gelatin specialist Gelita has launched two new products that incorporate the themes driving its innovation strategy - health and wellness, and convenience.

Consumer group calls for global safety rethink

The consolidation of food safety systems into a form of "one-size-fits-all" regulation may undermine hygienic manufacturing, warns consumer rights group Food and Water Watch.

Scientists aim to cut risk posed by Ug99 to wheat supplies

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have developed wheat lines resistance to a stem rust fungus, which is threatening crop and adding to existing problems of rising costs and a 30-year low for stockpiles.

Fuel producers become food producers

A new production process that makes the most of every scrap of corn in the face of rising prices could turn biofuel producers into food producers within two years, says its developer.

Weekly comment

The value of hyperactive curiosity

For a little yellow flower, it's ignited a huge debate. Believe the headlines and St John's wort won't help hyperactive kids, but last week's study asks more questions than it answers. It's time to put funding disclosures in the dock.

Chr Hansen to launch next generation cheese coagulant

Denmark's Chr Hansen is set to launch a second-generation Fermentation Produced Chymosin (FPC) for the cheese market, promising cost-efficiency and better process control.

HFCS does not cause obesity or diabetes: report

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has released a science policy paper to correct misconceptions that abound in the industry regarding the safety of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Flavour challenges key for folic acid in dairy

The choice of flavour may be key to consumer acceptance of folic acid fortified yoghurts and other dairy, suggests a new study from the US.

Floods shut down three Midwest food plants

Record flooding in Iowa forced three major food plants to close last week disrupting supplies of a range of food ingredients.

Med diet gathers momentum

An initiative to promote the Mediterranean style of eating amongst US households has gathered speed as the science supporting the diet continues to stream through.

Public still at risk from poor food safety, say health officials

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has failed to fulfill its promise of making the food supply safer, say US health officials.

Trans fat substitutes to offer diet therapy

Trans fats will soon be replaced by edible oils that can be used for "diet therapy" to help halt the progress of illness or disease, a research analyst claims.

Adapt to survive continuing price crisis, says Deloitte

Rising food prices are not a short-term problem so food manufacturers must adapt accordingly, making wise strategic choices, strengthening innovation and streamlining operations, says a new report.

Sugar beet pectin outperforms gum arabic: study

The potential rise of sugar beet pectin use in the food industry could see it substitute for gum arabic in emulsions, according to new results from Wales.

Rice future dependent on science here and now: IRRI

As food prices and demand continue to dominate global politics, Dr. Achim Dobermann, newly appointed deputy director general for research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), talked to FoodNavigator about the science and future of rice.

Toyo backs US pine bark market

Japanese healthy ingredients supplier Toyo Bio-Pharma will be exhibiting for the first time at the IFT Food Expo in New Orleans June 28 to July 1 as it continues its charge into the United States functional food and beverage market with its Toyo-FVG maritime pine bark extract.

Baby boomers eat their way to health and beauty

Baby Boomers are trying to eat their way to a younger complexion with fresh, natural foods which offer "ageless health and beauty", a new report said.

Fruit leads the way as kids' favorite snack

Cookies have crumbled to second place as fruit has taken the lead as top snack for children under six, going some way to explain why US obesity numbers are stagnating, says the NPD Group.

Vegetable oil prices set to stay high, US warns

Vegetable oil prices are expected to remain high into the coming 2008/09 season as surging demand from the developing world outpaces production, predicts the US agriculture department.

Danisco's new juice kit targets healthy confectionery market

Danisco is promoting the health-benefits of its ingredients with a new juice confectionery demonstration kit.

Climate change saviors accused of patent monopoly

The world's largest seed and agrochemical corporations are monopolizing patents on genes that could protect crops from climate change, a new report claims.

Commercial emulsifier may hold key to whipped cream mimicry

Use of the commercial emulsifier lactam may help food scientists crack how to produce emulsions that mimic traditional whipped cream, says new research.

Chromium ingredient may have diabetes benefits: study

Supplements of niacin-bound chromium (III) may reduce inflammation in diabetics and benefit heart health, suggests new research with rats.

Industry and government strengthen union in battle against obesity

Three food industry organizations have intensified their partnership with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the government's nutrition education program.

Texture dictionary needed for new sensations

A standard language is needed to describe texture, according to National Starch, to help manufacturers understand the needs of consumers and increase speed to market of their products.

Honed cheese flavours point the way to low-fat options

The trend towards low and reduced-fat food is creating opportunities for enzyme-modified cheese flavours to create intense cheese-tasting food without the calories.

Open innovation system to pinpoint ingredient needs

NineSigma has launched a new service to help companies find materials or technologies that are already available on the market, that could open up new supply agreements between manufacturers and ingredients firms.

NutraCea inaugurates rice bran facility

NutraCea on Friday inaugurated its Louisiana rice bran facility, which the company says will eventually boost its annual US production capacity by 30,000 tons.

Nestle opts out of US initiative on junk food advertising to kids

Nestle has been criticized this week for failing to be part of an industry-wide effort to limit junk food marketing to children.

Weekly comment

Food crisis: Time to stop the squabbling

Bickering gets you nowhere. It's a lesson to be learned early in life, but which seems easily forgotten when it comes to tough political issues like measures to curb the food crisis.

Novel yeast targets wine industry

Canadian supplier Functional Technologies Corporation has reinvented its wholly-owned subsidiary, Phyterra Yeast, as it moves to the brink of bringing its premium yeast offerings to market.

Food safety fears transform consumer choices

Over half of consumers have stopped eating certain foods, either temporarily or permanently, as a direct result of food safety fears, according to Deloitte.

Rare sugar may replace sucrose for bakery and beyond

The rare sugar D-psicose may be an ideal substitute for sucrose, and have the added benefits of boosting antioxidant activity and boosting shelf-life, say Japanese researchers.

Cauliflower waste boosts fiber in expanded snacks

Adding cauliflower to ready-to-eat snacks boosts fiber content and nutritional value, a new study has found.

Increased demand and a healthy future for Latin American cocoa

There is a growing demand for cocoa from Latin America to meet the increasing popularity of premium chocolates in Europe and the US, according to a speaker at the recent meeting of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) in Ecuador.

Microbubbles could extend shelf-life on food foams

Microscale bubbles could whip up a range of long-lived, stable foam products whilst giving formulations interesting sensory properties, according to research published in Science.

Mulberry leaf extracts give glimpse of hydrocolloids future

An extract from the leaves of the mulberry bush may act as a hydrocolloid, with potentially unique properties for food formulators, says new research from Taiwan.

Niacin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism proposed

The cholesterol-lowering effects of niacin may by located in the liver, suggests new research that fills in the gaps in our understanding of the heart healthy benefits of the B vitamin.

Natural innovation needed to oust villains, says report

Artificial additives have become "contemporary villains" and synthetic flavors are no longer acceptable to consumers, according to a new market report.

GPC and ET Horn target organic-friendly West

The Grain Processing Company is targetting its organic rice-derived ingredients into the Western United States with the signature of an agreement with ET Horn.

Consolidation to continue for $18bn flavor market

The top ten global flavor players possess two thirds of the total market, but still the market continues to consolidate, confirms a report.

Trans fats harm may pass from mother to infant in breast milk: study

The potentially damaging effects of trans fats may also be passed from a mother to her child during breast feeding, suggests a new study that heaps more misery on the enfant terrible of the food industry.

Export markets drive Martek profit growth

Omega-3 oils supplier Martek Biosciences Corporation has turned in a healthy second quarter, with profits surging above forecasts on the back of increased overseas sales and growing revenues in its core infant formula business.

FDA warning on raw red tomatoes after salmonella alert

Raw red tomatoes come under scrutiny after a multistate outbreak of the foodborne disease salmonella incites the US Food and Drug Administration to issue a warning to consumers.

Has stevia broken US dietary supplement shackles?

The hype surrounding stevia has been ratcheted up another notch after the US's largest supplier announced it is launching the natural sweetener beyond the dietary supplements aisle for the first time.

SunOpta to build new soymilk plant

SunOpta is planning to construct a new soymilk processing and packaging plant in California, which it says will enable it to meet growing demand for the beverage.

Rome Food Security Summit

Boost production to ease the food crisis, says UN chief

Stepping up food production and ending trade restrictions could lift millions out of poverty while helping bring down soaring prices, said UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon.

FDA urged to ban artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

Artificial colors linked to increased hyperactivity in children are the "secret shame" of the food industry and should be banned by FDA, consumer activists have said.

News Briefs: Warburtons, Kraft and personalised popcorn.

Warbutons plans to open a new bakery, Kraft expands its healthy living range, and popcorn becomes personalised.

Natural anti-browning agents give fresh cut fruit potential

Natural sulphur containing-compounds may prevent the browning of fresh-cut fruit, and offer a more potent alternative to vitamin C, suggests new research from Spain.

Big brewers searching for a brand old time, says analyst

As speculation mounts over the future of US brewer Anheuser-Busch amidst rumours of a possible takeover bid from rival InBev, it is not the brewer, but the brands that are expected to drive consolidation and growth in the market.

Mars highlights cocoa biodiversity at UN conference

Protecting cocoa's biodiversity and sustainability are critical, said Mars at the recent United Nations Biodiversity conference held in Bonn, Germany.

Tyson label withdrawal shows need for labeling protocol

More consistency and clarity is needed on the USDA's labeling and advertising rules on meat and livestock-raising claims, Tyson Foods has said as it announced the withdrawal of its 'raised without antibiotics' chicken label.

NutraCea brings meat enhancing rice bran onto the market

NutraCea has today launched its stabilized rice bran (SRB) RiBran Isolate as a cost-effective meat enhancer, and simultaneously announced a new distribution agreement.

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

Leaders prepare policies for combating food crisis

A three-pronged approach including stepping up scientific research and embracing innovative technology will help combat new food challenges, says US secretary of agriculture, Ed Schafer.

Orange essential oils show promise as natural antimicrobials

A new study adds to existing evidence that orange essential oils could prove useful in the formulation of all-natural and organic ingredients that live up to stringent food safety standards.

Avesthagen targets US with organic Indian superfruit

Avesthagen is hoping to step up its superfruit offerings with the launch of a new powdered extract derived from an India, which it claims offers an antioxidant-rich food and cosmetics ingredient for US manufacturers.

Tate and Lyle confident in 'layered patent strategy'

As the decision on patent infringement allegations in the US is pushed back by three months, UK sucralose supplier Tate & Lyle confirms its confidence in the outcome of the case, while Chinese sucralose competitors affirm their supplies will continue.