Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - North America

Alcohol brand growth potential amid economic gloom

In the current economic climate consumers are turning to local alcoholic beverages rather than imports, providing opportunities for brand growth, according to a report from The Nielsen Company.

Prebiotic-fortified fruit juice passes formulation test: Study

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be used to partially replace sucrose in fruit juices without detrimentally affecting physical characteristics of the juice, says new research from India.

Convenience helps drive breakfast market

Breakfast food manufacturers that offer the convenience factor as well as health and wellness could see the most growth in a market that is increasingly competitive, according to a new report.

News in brief

SunOpta board shake-up after resignation

SunOpta Inc has announced that Robert Fetherstonhaugh has resigned from his post as a director of the company.

Barclays downgrades US packaged food sector

Barclays Capital has adjusted its outlook for the packaged food sector in the US as it is not expected to see the benefits of lower commodity prices in the near future.

News in brief

New food safety initiative in Asia welcomed

The US Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has welcomed moves to improve food safety in Asia Pacific with the launch of the APEC Partnership Training Institute Network.

Clean-label, cheap fat replacers developed by TNO

Spreadable gels made from superheating starch and then cooling it may lead to inexpensive fat replacers, scientists from TNO Quality of Life tell FoodNavigator.

Early promise for almond’s prebiotic potential

Preliminary reports of a prebiotic potential of almonds are promising and intriguing, and impending human trials may reveal if the benefits can be translated from the lab to the layperson.

News in brief

Cargill corn milling scoops presidential honor

Cargill Corn Milling, which produces corn sweeteners and other value-added food, feed and fermentation products, has received the 2008 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for innovation and performance excellence.

Fish and shellfish cause most foodborne illness outbreaks - CSPI

Fish and shellfish are more likely to cause foodborne-illness than any other category of food product, according to the US Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

PepsiCo ready for stevia product launches

PepsiCo said it is poised to launch two drinks sweetened with stevia in the US as soon as it is given the green light by the FDA over its GRAS status.

Brand America boosted by Obama and melamine scare

The Obama effect and concerns about food safety could help boost US brands overseas which appear to be falling out of favor, according to a new report from Euromonitor International.

Whole Foods signs up new fairtrade certifier

Whole Foods Market is turning to an alternative fairtrade certifier which claims to open certification up to a host of products that are not covered under the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO).

Metal detection tool minimises food loss, says US developer

A new metal detector targeted at the food processing sector offers minimal loss of good material due to a fast reacting, powerful pneumatic drive for the reject gate, says the manufacturer.

News in brief

USDA commits $5.8M to protect citrus crop

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $5.8m in funding to stop the spread of Asian citrus psyllid in California.

Whole grain health claims restricted, finds Kellogg-funded review

A study commissioned by the Kellogg Company has found that FDA’s definition of whole grains is restricting the use of health claims linking the grains to heart health and diabetes benefits.

Cereal at breakfast aids healthy lifestyle: Study

Eating cereal at breakfast time can help people manage their weight and eat more healthily throughout the rest of the day, according to a new study.

Symrise VP discusses dairy portfolio expansion

The new alliance between Symrise and First Choice Ingredients reflects the flavor company’s strategic march into the US dairy market as it positions itself at the heart of America's dairyland for raw material sourcing.

Calls for stricter allergen labels in Canada

The proposed new regulations governing allergen labeling on packaged foods in Canada do not go far enough and need to be strengthened, according to an association of dieticians.

Austrian ministry links GM corn to infertility

Consumption of genetically modified corn may lead to infertility, according to a new study commissioned by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, and carried out by Veterinary University Vienna.

Weekly comment

Conjuring with calories: Regulation and labeling changes

There was something magical about the recent news that the caloric value of both gum arabic and erythritol have been officially lowered, but whether it turns out to be a sleight of hand or a real change remains to be seen.

News in brief

Funding to investigate probiotics

The Global Probiotics Council (GPC), a committee formed by Groupe DANONE and Yakult Honsha Co, is to award two grants for research into the role of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease.

Quality is key to sustaining private label growth

The economic downturn in the US is leading to strong sales increases for store brand products, but high quality standards need to be maintained to make sure they are long-lasting, experts warn.

Parry’s organic spirulina goes GRAS

Parry Nutraceuticals has said its organic spirulina product has been certified as GRAS, meaning it can be used to enhance the nutritional value of foods ranging from cereals and snacks to frozen dairy.

Symrise dairy alliance with First Choice

Symrise has entered into a business alliance with First Choice Ingredients, securing its supply of raw dairy products so it can expand its natural dairy flavor portfolio in the US.

News in brief

Heinz innovation pledge as it tops food poll

H. J. Heinz Company said it will continue to focus on taste, nutrition, affordability and convenience after it scored the highest US consumer satisfaction rating of any company in the food manufacturing sector, according to a University of Michigan index.

Seaweed gel may help reduce energy intake

Consuming a strongly gelled alginate drink may reduce daily energy intakes by about seven per cent and play a role in weight management, says a new study.

Yakult targets military in US expansion efforts

Leading probiotic group Yakult has pursued an original marketing strategy in an effort to establish its brand in the US by striking an agreement with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).

Industry response to gum arabic calorie count decision

The notification by the FDA that it has no objection to the lowering of the caloric value of gum arabic in the US has met with a mixed response from the food industry over its significance.

Food manufacturers told to drop prices

Food manufacturers should lower food prices following a significant drop in the cost of commodities and energy, according to the National Corn Growers Association’s CEO, Rick Tolman.

New products have little impact on consumers

The majority of consumers can’t remember any new products that have been launched in the last year and appear unwilling to risk their money on trying something new, survey results showed.

Gifts and share packs prompt Nestle travel launches

Nestle International Travel Retail (NITR) is concentrating on expanding its range of confectionery and increase the frequency of its product launches in order to profit from its fastest-growing product sectors.

News in brief

FDA sets up offices in China to ensure food safety

The FDA is to check food being exported from China to the US before it is dispatched with the opening of new offices in Beijing.

Gum arabic shows prebiotic potential in humans: Study

Ten grams of gum arabic may produce a prebiotic effect in humans by boosting gut populations of specific bacteria, says a new study from Kerry.

TV ads do make kids fatter: Study

Children become fatter by watching food commercials aimed at them and a ban on fast food TV advertising would reverse childhood obesity trends, according to a new study.

Positive outlook for natural products

The number of US consumers buying natural products is still increasing across the majority of categories, indicating “continued opportunities for product and shelf expansion”, according to a new report.

Exploring fruit and functionality in bottled water

Frutarom said it is looking beyond fruit in the US flavored water market and trying to offer added complexity to customers with an eye on healthy and functional ingredients.

Ginkgo biloba has no benefits against dementia: Study

The herb gingko biloba may not reduce the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study with 3,000 elderly people in the US.

News in brief

Symrise citrus showroom opens in North America

Symrise Flavors has announced the opening of a new citrus center to showcase its products at its North American flavor headquarters in Teterboro, New Jersey.

New gum arabic calorie count a boost to formulation

The company behind a successful request for the caloric value of gum arabic to be reduced in the US has spoken of the benefits to customers who can now re-label and re-formulate products.

Bunge expands corn dry milling operations

Bunge North America has purchased corn dry mill assets and the Ceratex line of specialty products from JR Short Milling Company, to increase its customer base and boost its capacity in the US.

Protient opens dairy ingredient technology center

US dairy ingredients firm Protient has opened a new research and applications center in Minnesota, which it says will provide key application support to customers.

Rising prices harder to swallow in 2009

Food manufacturers will find it harder to pass on rising costs to consumers next year and, in a shaky economy, competition will remain intense, according to a new report.

China and Canada found guilty of citric acid dumping

Ongoing US Department of Commerce investigations have found Chinese and Canadian companies are dumping citric acid and citrate salts into the US.

Chitosan and lecithin combo could nano-encapsulate: Study

Combining chitosan and modified lecithin could offer interesting nano-encapsulators for a variety of ingredients, according to a new study from Japan.

News in brief

China asks US to ease dairy import controls

A Chinese official has called on the US to lift its restrictions on dairy products imported from China, hinting it could damage bilateral trade, it was reported.

Confidence in safe food supply slipping

More needs to be done by the government to protect the public from contaminated food, a new survey on food safety and labeling has found.

McNeil and Sugar Association settle Splenda dispute

The Sugar Association and McNeil Nutritionals have reached a settlement in the ongoing legal battle over the marketing of the sweetener Splenda.

Holiday spices and fruits inspire fall flavors

GSB Flavor Creators has turned to seasonal spices and fruits to create its latest range of flavors which it says are associated with the holidays.

Curry spice may blunt acrylamide’s harm: Study

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may reduce the potential detrimental effects of acrylamide, says a new study from China.

Weekly comment

Tackling obesity is no fair-weather game

The long shadow cast by obesity over public health means that encouraging healthier eating should be high on the agenda of every food firm, come financial rain or shine.

Calls for stevia certification

As the stevia circus rumbles on, the need for certification to ensure quality and clarity has been highlighted by a company which develops analytical tools for ingredients reference standards.

Gum arabic caloric value lowered

The caloric value of gum arabic has been reduced in the US allowing companies to lower the calorie count on their labels.

Ice cream collaboration targets Asia

Comax Flavors has entered an agreement with Food Specialties combining their expertise in flavor and ice cream ingredients to create new products with a particular focus on the growing Asian market.

News in brief

Organic marketing drive to target 25m consumers

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is launching a consumer marketing and public relations campaign to boost awareness and consumption of organic produce.

News in brief

Sustainability summit aims to create new network

Executives responsible for the sustainability initiatives of some of the largest corporations in the US are expected to gather for a conference in January.

Whey coating of dried strawberries could extend use: Study

A new study suggests that coating freeze dried strawberry pieces with whey protein, glycerol and lactose can help reserve texture when they are rehydrated, thereby making them suitable for use in a broader range of moist and liquid applications.

Tagging urged to maintain consumer confidence in US food supply

In order to maintain the confidence of US consumers in the food supply when genetically engineered (GE) animals enter the marketplace, a national animal identification system would be required, claims a meat processor.

Extra insurance for ripple effect after food safety scare

Food and beverage manufacturers should consider covering the ‘cracks’ in standard food safety insurance policies to protect themselves against the knock-on effect of a contamination scare, according to an industry expert.

Mintel unveils 2009 flavor forecast

Persimmon and Masala are among the flavor trends that Mintel has named in its new forecast for 2009, which focuses on exotic fruits and ethnic influences.

FDA cracks down on Chinese imports

The FDA has stepped up its import controls for dairy products from China following the melamine scare and extended its investigation into non-dairy protein products.

News in brief

AMA supports trans fat ban

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a new policy supporting legislation to ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants and bakeries across the US.

Hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure: researchers

Drinking hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults, according to new research presented to the American Heart Association (AHA).

FDA gears up for food safety rule revision

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it will bring current federal food processing safety rules up to date in an effort to provide additional protection against foodborne illness.

Ingredients to hide preservative burn and bite

Taste Advantage LLC has launched a new range of natural blockers which it claims can overcome the burn, bitterness and lump in the throat it says are associated with using certain preservatives.

Target groups identified among green consumers

The sustainability marketplace is becoming more sophisticated, according to new research which identifies five distinct consumer groups that food and beverage manufacturers could specifically target with green or eco-friendly products.

Tree Top deal to expand fruit portfolio

The fruit company Tree Top has completed an agreement to acquire the fruit puree processor Sabroso in order to expand its product portfolio and increase research and development.

Organic no longer seen as recession proof

Growth in the organic food and drink market is expected to slow along with the economy as consumers in the US are struggling financially, according to Mintel.

News in brief

Cargill awarded for social responsibility

Cargill China has been praised for its exemplary leadership in corporate responsibility to promote rural development and was presented with the US Secretary of State's 2008 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE).

Brain link to mother’s high fat diet and offspring’s obesity: Rat study

A high fat diet during pregnancy may bring about changes in the offsring’s brain that makes them more prone to over-eating and obesity throughout their lives, according to a new rat study that may help explain the rise in childhood obesity.

New technology could make polymers more sustainable

A novel technology expands polymers to increase their yield and results in reduced cost and weight in plastic packaging applications, claims its US developer.

Cargill partnership aims to set stevia standard

Cargill has entered into an exclusive agreement with ChromaDex to ensure quality and consistency of the natural sweetener stevia, as ingredients companies scrabble for position in an emerging market.

Promising stevia sales ahead of GRAS

Sales of a stevia supplement across the US could hint at the potential demand for the natural sweetener in food and beverages as GRAS notification is expected within days.

Smell of food could boost perceived saltiness, says study

Enhancing food products with odours could compensate for the taste impact of reducing their salt content, according to a new study, thereby giving manufacturers another tool towards healthier formulation.

Weekly comment

Beijing Olympic Games clean-up a dirty business

This year’s Beijing Olympic Games may have been good for China’s public image but the smooth running of the event was built on multiple state-prompted sacrifices and the food ingredients industry was one of the lambs that copped it in the neck for ‘the greater good’.

News in brief

GMA recruits team to build sustainability measurement tool

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has selected McKinsey & Company to conduct research into the environmental footprint of consumer packaged goods.

Innovation strategy for next generation products

Food and beverage companies need to institutionalize innovation with a dedicated budget and executives in place to drive growth, according to a new report.

Milk board trade mission to China

US companies and dairy industry representatives are sending delegations to China to boost trade following the melamine scare which has led to an increase in demand for alternative milk sources.

Bunge terminates merger agreement with CPI

Bunge announced today that its board of directors has voted to terminate the merger agreement with Corn Products International (CPI), following a decision by CPI’s board to withdraw its support.

Round table: Food policy under Obama

President-Elect Barack Obama has pledged to bring change to his country. Three food industry executives discuss what his election could mean for food regulation and trade, and policy interplay with healthcare and energy.

News in brief

Cargill opens Ghana cocoa processing plant

Production has begun at Cargill’s new $100m cocoa processing facility in Tema, Ghana, to help meet increasing demand.

Early peanut exposure may reduce chances of allergy: Study

Avoiding peanuts in infancy and early childhood may increase the risk of developing peanut allergy, says a joint British-Israeli study.

Fairtrade a key part of sustainability drive

The fairtrade phenomenon is benefiting from the trend for sustainability reporting as fairtrade foods as well as ingredients can boost corporate credentials, according to an analyst.

Trend for kid-adult fusion foods

The line between children’s and adult’s food is blurring along with a growing interest in Asian flavors and hidden nutrition, according to a report looking at opportunities for food and beverage manufacturers.

Hopes for GE animal debate to move forward under Obama

Concerns about genetically engineered (GE) food animals will fall under the spotlight next week as food industry representatives, biotechnology experts and campaigners look at how the new administration under US President-elect, Barack Obama, will tackle the issue.

Resin could extend shelf life and boost clarity

Longer shelf life for beverages and improved bottle clarity are the benefits claimed for PolyShield resins, launched recently on the US market.

GRAS notice sucralose targets drink maker cost cuts

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to provide Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice for a sucralose-based sweetener may ensure more cost efficient formulation for global drinks groups, says it manufacturer.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Peanuts provide cheaper alternative in economic downturn

The American Peanut Council is expecting that the current economic climate will prompt an increase in demand for peanuts as manufacturers look to them as a potential replacement for more expensive tree nuts.

News in brief

FAO chief appeals to Obama to help end world hunger

The director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Jacques Diouf, has called on US President-elect Barack Obama to make the eradication of world hunger a priority.

CPI has ‘myopic vision’ over Bunge merger

CPI’s withdrawal of support for the planned merger with Bunge is a knee-jerk reaction to the current economic crisis, according to a Frost & Sullivan analyst.

New cheese starter culture system cuts production time

DSM Food Specialties has launched a new starter culture system which it says will help cheese producers in the US speed up production and increase yield.

News in brief

Monsanto diversifies into sugar cane

Monsanto is diversifying its core crop portfolio and investing in sugar cane with a definitive agreement to acquire Aly Participacoes Ltda.

Calls for food safety regulation overhaul

Extra food safety regulations could be introduced in Canada as pressure increases to tackle the problems associated with tainted food after 20 people died in a listeriosis outbreak.

Bunge merger under threat after CPI withdraws support

The merger agreement between Bunge and Corn Products International has been thrown into turmoil as CPI’s board has withdrawn its support for the $4.8bn deal.

New soy protein isolate to rival high-cost dairy

Burcon NutraScience Corporation said it has developed a new soy protein isolate for food which it claims offers a competitive alternative to high-priced dairy proteins.

News in brief

ADM diverts operations after explosion

ADM said it intends to meet all of its obligations to customers following an explosion at one of its grain elevator facilities which ships thousands of tonnes of soybeans, corn, wheat and soybean meal.

FDA publishes final rule on food imports

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put out a final rule and draft compliance policy guide (CPG) on prior notice of imported food shipments.

Meat and dairy miss out on low fat message

Dairy, pork and beef products have lost their appeal among a group of consumers who may have decreased consumption of these foods because they are associated with high-fat content, according to a survey.

Commodity costs silver lining for ADM in Q1

Archer Daniels Midland Company is seeing the benefit of increases in commodity costs as its net sales income increased 65 percent for the first quarter.

Food allergies in adults are over-reported, says study

Half of the reported food allergies amongst adults are not food allergies at all, says a new study from Germany.

Weekly comment

A menu for American food policy

At the time of writing, the US is poised to go to the polls. The next two days are going to be hugely exciting. And when it’s all over, after the victor gets some well-earned rest… he’ll rub his sleepy eyes and ask: ‘What’s for breakfast?'.

News in brief

Alert over soup production error

General Mills is voluntarily recalling a single day’s production of Progresso Hearty Tomato soup because it was wrongly labeled and could put consumers allergic to egg, milk or soy at risk.

Innovation critical to compete with private labels

Innovation and increasing speed to market are crucial if food manufacturers want to compete with private label products, according to a new report.

Consumers blinded by product claims

Food manufacturers are confusing consumers by overdoing the number of claims they make on products and need to go back to a simpler style of labeling, according to a new report.

Dietary guidelines needed for water

The American Beverage Association is calling on the new 2010 dietary recommendations which are currently being revised to include a guideline on proper hydration.