Cocoa prices have proved resilient in the economic downturn, even as other commodity prices have slumped, and confectionery manufacturers are concerned that tight supply will keep prices high for some time yet.
Finnish packaging supplier, Huhtamaki, is scaling back its rigid plastic operations in North America with the closure of its production unit in Phoenix, Arizona.
Researchers at Campden BRI have developed the use of a new imaging system to better understand the distribution of particular food components, which could help manufacturers deal with problems encountered in reformulation.
Spreadable gels made from superheating starch and then cooling it may lead to inexpensive fat replacers, scientists from TNO Quality of Life tell FoodNavigator.
Batches of organic oats being sold in the UK could be flouting the law after an investigation found they contain the pesticides Chlormequat or Glyphosate, according to the Soil Association.
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.
FDA validation of a waterless recycling process means that US food companies can avail of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) flake for use in a range of food product packaging types, claims a US recycling company.
A new process involving the layering of a polymer with silica-based nanoparticles has the potential to enhance the properties of pressure sensitive adhesive labels, water-borne coatings and biodegradable materials, claims a UK research team.
The price of bread flour looks set to soar after cereal quality survey results from the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) showed UK wheat quality to be lower than previously thought.
Zero labour costs and improved quality are the benefits claimed for a new automated rusk feeding line installed by Italian engineering company Premec for bread product manufacturer Grissinbon in Parma.
The Tetra Pak A3/Flex for the Tetra Gemina Aseptic range of packaging targeted at juice and milk-based products is now available to customers worldwide, according to the company.
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.
A 'green' shrink film for frozen food products, fruit and vegetables packaging can oxobiodegrade and performs equally as well as conventional films, claims Bollore.
Cargill Texturizing Solutions' regional director explains how combinations of texturisers can produce the required effect in foods, and how texture descriptions like 'velvety' and 'crunchy' now crop up in promotional materials.
Members of the UK’s Water Saving Group have pledged on-going support to manufacturers, retailers and other businesses to help encourage efficient use of resources, despite formally ending their home water-saving activities yesterday.
Researchers at Rothamsted Research in the UK have analysed 200 globally-sourced whole grains for their known health-promoting components, which they say could lead to selective grain breeding for healthier wholegrain foods.
A dryer that removes moisture from fresh-cut produce has been redesigned to increase throughput, improve reliability and simplify operation, claims Key Technology.
Associated British Foods has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Ebro Puleva’s sugar business for €385m – a deal that would further fortify the world’s second biggest sugar firm.
Research for the EU’s Quality Low Input Food Programme has warned that wheat yields could be more than halved by the end of the century at the latest, as the world’s phosphate supplies run out.
Arla is raising the bar on whey permeate functionality with a new range said to have flavour profile and low hygroscopy, attributes that will make it easier to use in a range of applications.
The founder of American snacks company Guiltless Gourmet has announced the launch of a new company called Right Brothers Foods in Austin, Texas, which aims to tap into demand for healthy snack foods.
Hochdorf has said it hopes that its recent introduction of Lupidor, a fat-replacing lupin seed extract, in bakery items could help to make low-fat products which are still appealing to children.
Beneo-Remy has reassured customers that prices for its rice-derived ingredients will not rise ‘for a few months at least’ after trade restrictions and volatility on world markets played havoc with raw material costs earlier this year.
Spanish cocoa firm Natra is launching a line of functional chocolate ingredients, which would allow manufacturers to improve the health profile of their products though the addition of omega-3 and fibre.
US-based packaging firm International Tray Pads and Packaging, Inc. says using that its range of ‘S’ tray packaging pads results in a much lower carbon footprint than conventional products.
Beneo-Remy has added a stabilised rice bran and germ mix to its range of rice-based ingredients, intended to improve the fibre content and nutritional profile of gluten free bakery products, extruded cereals and pastas.
After gaining novel foods approval in the EU, baobab is tipped to become a billion dollar industry. Stephen Daniells speaks to William Smith from Afriplex to find out what foods baobab fruit pulp is turning up in, and whether supply can match the demand.
A new food test centre will optimise food processing technologies, and will be officially inaugurated at the Food Forum in January 2009, claims Coperion.
DSM Food Specialities has announced a 35 per cent increase in its yeast production capacity in The Netherlands, citing demand from processed foods, salt reduction technologies, and the natural trend.
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.
Ingredients manufacturer National Starch Food Innovation claims that its new texturising system will enable food producers to improve the texture and crispiness of wafer-style products.
French authorities are set to amend their reliance on food crop use for biofuel production, a new report claims, amidst industry concerns over the impact of alterative fuel on commodity prices.
The first product using Cargill’s Barliv heart health ingredient is expected to hit shelves next month, following a long period of technical play and awareness-building on its cholesterol control effects.
A new high speed sorbent dispenser is capable of speeds up of to 600 packs per minute and enhances production line efficiency, says Multisorb Technologies.
UK ministers have agreed with a Food Standards Agency proposal on voluntary phasing out of the ‘Southampton six’ food colours by the end of 2009, according the agency’s chief executive.
Kerry Ingredients and Flavours is expecting to see considerable growth in its business in Russia over the next five years, as a result of both its global customers investing in the country and its own investment efforts.
Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group (ITG) has introduced an additive-free cranberry puree for use in both sweet and savoury applications, including fruit fillings and glazes for baked goods.
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.
Dow introduced a new weight management ingredient at Health Ingredients Europe this week, which it claims has been shown to block the absorption of saturated and trans-fats in pre-clinical trials.
UK food manufacturers claim the outcome of this week’s vote supporting tighter pesticide usage by the European Parliament’s environment committee fails to fully recognise the potential gravity of the emerging situation.
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.