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

New initiatives make Med diet symbol more accessible

Less than three months after its launch, a Mediterranean diet packaging symbol already appears on 50 products in the US, and a number of new initiatives are underway to make it more accessible to smaller food companies.

Acrylamide update

Scientists seek methods to reduce acrylamide

New studies on acrylamide indicate that dried fruits and fat may be a significant source of the potential carcinogen.

Omega-3 encapsulation in chitosan gets study boost

Chitosan plus maltodextrin could offer an interesting alternative for the encapsulation of omega-3 rich fish oils, suggests a new study that uses a novel ultrasonic technique to generate impressive results.

Chitosan-glucose combo eyed as novel preservative

The Maillard reaction product of chitosan and glucose extended the shelf-life of lamb in laboratory tests by two weeks, and may offer industry with a novel and efficient preservative for meat products.

DSM gains application IP rights for asparaginase use

DSM Food Specialities has reached an agreement with Frito-Lay and Proctor & Gamble that gives it intellectual property rights to use asparaginase, the enzyme that underlies its acrylamide-reducing PreventASe preparation, in food products.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Nestle pursues human nutrition through acquisition strategy

The third in a series of FoodNavigator-USA.com articles on the health and wellness approach of major US companies examines Nestlé's increasing focus on research and development as a means to improve human nutrition.

Covance helps bridge testing gap with new Asia lab

Contract researcher Covance has opened a $2mn nutritional chemistry laboratory in Singapore - the first of its kind for the organization in Asia.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Kraft reveals its four approaches to health and wellness

Kraft explains its approach to health and wellness in the second of a series of FoodNavigator-USA.com articles examining the practices of major US food firms in the face of a growing need to address human nutrition.

Cargill to double canola production in Canada

Cargill is to build a second canola processing plant in Canada in a move to meet growing demand for tans fat-free oil, the firm announced yesterday.

Commodity prices continue to skyrocket

Food processors can expect no relief in the near future from the sharp surge in commodity prices, pushed upward by supply shortfalls and higher global demand.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

How General Mills combines profitability and consumer health

In the first of a series of articles on the approach of major US food companies to health and wellness, FoodNavigator-USA.com examines the focus of General Mills in the development and positioning of its portfolio as it aims to meet consumer nutrition needs.

Danisco's Litesse gains FDA approval for food use

Ingredient firm Danisco has said that its Litesse polydextrose ingredient has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in almost all food and beverage categories.

Sorghum passes safety, taste tests for coeliacs

Sorghum, for so long viewed as merely a feed crop in the West, has big potential for bakery for coeliacs, according to a new study that indicated the proteins do not cause gut problems for this growing section of the population.

Nielsen study decodes supermarket shopping behavior

A new consumer survey aims to help manufacturers understand why shoppers buy the same brand of products such as coffee, soda and mayonnaise, but different brands of chocolate and smoothies.

Encapsulated CLA passes dairy taste test - study

Encapsulation of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) using whey protein led to better stability of the ingredient and consumer acceptance when used in dairy, says a new study.

GETOR approved as food additive in sodas

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its food additive regulations to allow for the safe use of glycerol ester of tall oil rosin (GETOR) to adjust the density of citrus oils used in beverage applications.

Weekly comment

Is it harsh? Is it fair? No it's a consumer watchdog

In 1993, it seemed superheroes had reached their lowest peak when Superman was slain by an unstoppable monster known as "Doomsday".

Fat remains major baddie for healthy eaters, says Datamonitor

Reducing fat intake continues to be the main priority of consumers looking to improve their diets, according to a new report from market analyst Datamonitor.

Frutarom launches Halal vanilla extract

Frutarom USA has introduced an alcohol-free concentrated vanilla extract, which the firm claims is ideal for use in Halal goods and heat-intense applications.

Panic wheat buying raises fear for food prices

Extremely tight world wheat supplies led to panic buying of the commodity on world markets yesterday, driving up prices to record heights and stoking fears of inflation in food prices.

Ocean Spray expansion continues as cranberry demand soars

Cranberry giant Ocean Spray is again expanding its processing capacity in an effort to catch up with soaring global demand for products containing sweetened dried cranberries.

Whey protein hydrogels offer encapsulation advantages - study

Whey proteins hydrogels - 3D networks with the ability retain water in it structure when dissolved - have the potential to encapsulate sensitive ingredients, suggests a new study.

National Starch could soon be sold

Leading food starch firm National Starch could be up for a change in ownership, following news of a possible takeover of its parent company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).

Japanese citrus eyed as potential pectin source

The Japanese citrus fruit Citrus depressa yields high methoxyl pectin in higher quantities than grapefruit and lemon, and could be used as a gelling agent, researchers from Japan have reported.

Nickelodeon ends character licensing to junk food

Leading kids' entertainment brand Nickelodeon has said it will stop licensing its characters for use on 'unhealthy' foods and beverages, as part of its commitment to help slow the growth of childhood obesity.

Packaging mark to authenticate Chinese food

A new mark required on the packaging of Chinese food exports from next month will allow importers to tell certified products from fakes, according to food safety officials.

Dietary acrylamide may not raise breast cancer risk - study

Acrylamide, the potential carcinogen from food, may not be present in high enough quantities in the diet to promote the risk of breast cancer, researchers have reported.

Kerry makes high protein pea crisp for nutrition bars

Kerry Ingredients is launching a new hi-protein pea crisp primarily for use in nutrition bars, complementing its existing range of hot-extruded proteins with a non-allergen option.

ADM restructures business to improve efficiency

Ingredient giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is to reorganize its entire business operations, in a move the company says will help it to enhance its efficiency and pave the path for long-term success.

Organic labels are confusing, says consumer survey

Consumers remain confused about the use of organic product claims, which has led to people increasingly opting for locally grown food instead, according to a new survey.

Cargill Q4 earnings climb 75 percent

Cargill has reported a surge in fourth quarter net earnings, reflecting an improved performance in the majority of the group's business units for the 2007 fiscal year.

Taste may not be such a barrier for wholegrain acceptance - study

The taste of wholegrain breads, compared to bread made from refined grains, may not inhibit consumption amongst consumers as much as previously thought, suggests a new study.

Almonds must be pasteurized as of September, says USDA

A request for a delay in the implementation of new pasteurization requirements for almonds has been rejected by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has said that the new requirements will come into effect on September 1, 2007.

Kids advertising legislation may force Kraft to sell Post

Kraft may be selling the US based cereals business for as much as $3bn (€2.2bn), because of pressure from new legislation in regards to advertising to children, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Western diet linked to greater colon cancer recurrence

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer recurrence, says new research from the US.

National Starch invests in texture understanding

National Starch Food Innovation said it will build a new texture center, designed to improve texture understanding, and accelerate innovation and new product development.

All Chinese exports to be checked from September

Samples from every Chinese food shipment to the US and other countries will be tested for safety under new requirements by Chinese officials from 1 September, according to senior Chinese trade official based in Washington.

Wal-Mart beefs up audits of supplier factories

Wal-Mart audited 8,873 of its suppliers' factories last year, part of the giant retailer's ongoing push to portray itself as an ethical and environmentally-conscious company.

Codex questions certain sweetener, color uses

The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) is calling for comments and additional information on uses of certain compounds, including sweeteners and colors, in order to assess their inclusion in the Codex General Standards for Food Additives (GSFA).

Hormone regulates liking for food, say scientists

Scientists have identified that a hormone is responsible for people's fondness for food, findings that could lead to a better understanding of overeating and ultimately contribute to the prevention of obesity.

Kraft launches new flavours for meat

Kraft Food Ingredients Corp. (KFIC) has launched a new fire roasted flavour, an organic grill flavour and an aged cheddar blend for use in processed foods.

Mitsui acquires share in Multigrain to secure food supplies

Japanese food group Mitsui is to acquire outstanding shares of Brazil-based Mltigrain, a move the firm says will help it meet growing demand for food throughout Asia.

Bread, rolls and biscuits markets set to grow by 2011

The global bread, rolls and biscuit markets are set to grow substantially by 2011, aided by demands for luxury products, according to two new reports from Datamonitor.

Good progress seen in school nutrition, says report

Significant improvements have been made in the nutritional profile of foods sold in schools, according to a new report issued by the School Nutrition Association (SNA).

Meat, dairy nutrient may raise cancer risk, says study

Choline, a nutrient found in meat, eggs and dairy products, has been linked to a possible increase in the risk of colorectal cancer in women, reveals a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

National Starch targets dairy replacement

The recent price and supply pressures facing users of dairy ingredients have spurred National Starch Food Innovation to launch a promotion platform for its new and existing dairy replacement ingredients.

Convenience top reason for snacking, new study

Consumers choose convenient "on-the-go" foods over factors such as health, price and taste, according to a new US study.

Weekly Comment

A helping hand to the confused consumer

Consumers are bombarded with an overload of nutritional advice and product marketing - be it from magazines, television shows, and product advertising - and without a degree in nutritional science, it's a wonder they can make sense of it at all.

TIC Gums launches new fiber for baked goods

Hydrocolloid supplier TIC Gums has developed a new gum blend that claims to allow bread manufacturers to add high levels of fiber to their products without affecting the bread's texture.

Mango pectin promise as novel gelling agent

A collaboration between researchers in Cameroon and France is exploring the potential of mango peel as a source of pectin, and could offer industry a novel ingredient with new properties.

Microensapsulation of caffeine makes delivery precise

Maxx Performance is purporting the functional benefits of caffeine in the promotion of its microencapsulation technology for the stimulant.

Superfoods market set to double by 2011

The superfood and drink market is expected to almost double in the ten year period up to 2011, says a report published today, with soy products and exotic fruits leading the charge.

ADM acquisition increases grain presence

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is to acquire one of the largest networks of grain elevators and rail shipping terminals in Illinois, securing its commodity flow for food in the region.

New soybean technologies could redefine industry, says Monsanto

Biotechnology giant Monsanto has said it is on track with its soybean research and development efforts following a new series of results from its Southern Hemisphere field research program.

Barry Callebaut launches new aerated chocolate chunks

A new aerated chocolate ingredient claims to allow manufacturers of baked and dairy goods to cut costs and calories by reducing the total amount of chocolate in their products without affecting taste or visual appeal.

Children don't want nutritional snacks, says survey

Despite parents pressuring for more nutritional snacks, 70 per cent of children throw them away, according to a new survey in the US.

New sweet enhancer could reduce sucralose levels

Flavor technology firm Senomyx is developing a sweetness enhancer that aims to reduce the levels of sucralose in food and beverage applications, providing significant cost benefits to manufacturers.

Kids' food aversion in the genes

Avoidance of new foods, a common complaint amongst children, may be influenced by genetic factors, says new research that could have implications for formulators.

Organic candy the future of confectionery, says new report

Organic and healthy candy will sustain the future of the US non-chocolate confectionery market, according to a new report.

Flavor sales boost IFF Q2 results

Leading flavor and scent producer IFF has reported an upsurge in net income for its second quarter, but lower than expected sales figures for its fragrance division yesterday provoked a share price slump.

SunOpta expands east coast soy presence

Ingredient group SunOpta has expanded its soy manufacturing facilities in New York, a move that the company says will improve its supply and service to east coast customers.

ADM launches wheat protein for convenience, nutrition

A new wheat protein developed by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) claims to allow manufacturers of baked goods to improve the nutritional profile of their products, while at the same time delivering convenience benefits to both bakers and consumers.

Support for Med diet's heart benefits keeps growing

Consuming a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fish, may reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 30 per cent, says Australia's largest study of eating habits.

Tate & Lyle launches fiber line in US

Tate & Lyle used the recent IFT food expo in Chicago as a platform to introduce its new line of branded fiber ingredients to the US market, claiming the ingedients can help food and beverage manufacturers add fiber to 'everyday' products.

US pledges to help China tackle food safety

The US will help China improve the safety of its food and drug exports, the country's health chief said in a statement released in Beijing.

Taste of the orient could reduce acrylamide formation

Extracts of green tea and bamboo leaf could reduce acrylamide formation in foods, suggests a new study from China.

Cargill launches salt reduction system

US-based agro and ingredients giant Cargill has launched a new salt reduction system, which claims to allow food manufacturers to cut the sodium content in their products by up to 50 percent.

Product branding affects kids more than taste, says research

Children are strongly affected by branding in their food preferences, according to new research, which reveals that it is often the brand above the taste that attracts child consumers.

New germplasms enable high oleic acid sunflowers

US scientists have developed three new germplasm lines for breeding sunflowers with greater defence against downy mildrew and an oil rich in flavoursome oileic fatty acid.

Mastertaste technology enables reduced salt, sugar

Food and beverage manufacturers will now be able to cut the level of sodium by up to 50 per cent in some products thanks to new Flavor Modulation Technology developed by Mastertaste.

USDA grants new soybean deregulation

The USDA has deregulated Monsanto's GM soybean Roundup RReady2yield following a review of scientific data - news that is expected to spur approvals in other world markets.

American snacking habits ripe for nutritional make-over?

The American lifestyle's drain on free-time to prepare healthy, nutritious meals is driving people ever more towards convenience foods, says a new report that highlights the potential for healthy snacking.

Weekly Comment

Reflections from IFT

As the dust settles on this year's IFT Food Expo 2007 in Chicago, health and wellness and food safety came through as the star performers, and drivers for the future of the industry.

Cognis unveils food innovations at IFT

Using the recent IFT annual food expo as a platform, Cognis is aiming to innovate the food industry with the unveiling of new new emulsifiers, aerating agents and mould inhibitors.

Barry Callebaut jumps on healthier bandwagon

Nine new chocolate ingredients are being released on the market, aimed at processors targeting the demand for funcional foods with health benefits.

Squash explored as novel pectin source

Researchers in New Zealand are exploring the potential of buttercup squash as a source of pectin, and could offer industry a novel ingredient with new properties.

Trans fats still in use in NY restaurants - CSPI

Despite the ban on the use of trans fats in New York City restaurants, some fast food restaurants are still serving up trans fat fried food, says a new survey from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

Wal-Mart Canada unveils supply chain scorecard

Supply chain service providers to Wal-Mart Canada will be required to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment, or face losing out on the business to those that do.

Senomyx strengthens Ajinomoto partnership

The firm yesterday announced that it has expanded its agreement with Asian food giant Ajinomoto, making it one of the largest novel ingredients firms worldwide.

Gluten-free opportunities in the spotlight at IFT

With the market for gluten-free products growing rapidly around the world, many opportunities are opening for industry, but work still needs to be done on taste and texture, experts told attendees at IFT Food Expo.

Hort Research aims to calm mothers with its fruit

Hort Research has identified the stress reduction market as a target consumer segment for its fruit research and development, and aims to design product concepts specifically for mothers.

Monsanto completes regulatory process for next generation soy

Monsanto has announced the completion of the regulatory process for its 'next generation' Roundup RReady2Yield soybeans in the US and Canada.

Bunge extends foothold in US

Agricultural and food ingredient firm Bunge has increased its foothold in the soybean processing industry with the announcement of the recent service agreement concerning a US soybean processing facility.

Keep up with healthy convenience, says Datamonitor

Healthy foods in convenient packaging is a consumer need that is growing in momentum, according to Datamonitor, with 59 per cent of European and US consumers seeking a combination of the two selling points.

IFT: Jungbunzlauer promotes new salt reduction technology

European ingredients giant Jungbunzlauer is using the IFT show in Chicago as a platform to introduce its salt reduction product to the US food industry.

Industry must wake up to tocotrienol opportunities

Tocotrienols, the other form of vitamin E long in the shadow of tocopherols, offer interesting opportunities for industry thanks to their unique properties, scientists from Ohio State told IFT attendees.

IFT: FMC stabilizer targets fruit-rich frozen desserts

Hydrocolloid supplier FMC BioPolymer claims its Gelstar stabilizer ingredient can allow manufacturers of frozen desserts to achieve products with over 50 percent fruit content.

Foods must bridge the gap in healthy aging, nutrition experts say

While dietary supplement marketers have long targetted baby boomers, this generation is still in need of more functional foods geared towards their nutritional and emotional requirements, according to speakers at IFT Expo.