Snack manufacturers Boots and Walkers are now focusing on locally
sourced ingredients for certain product ranges, as scrutiny
intensifies over food miles and their effect on the environment.
Cadbury today said the demerger of its beverage arm will no longer
result in any capital return to its shareholders, as the company
reported profit losses for the tax year 2007.
Givaudan achieved savings by integrating Quest International ahead
of plan, increasing its product portfolio and allowing it to
refocus on higher value-adding ingredients.
Alfred Ritter is moving production of its chocolate bars out of
Russia and back to Germany to use the same milk materials for
products sold the world over.
EU member states must recognise erythritol as an approved sweetener
by tomorrow, which is expected to increase its use in low-calorie
products across Europe.
A new study by the Freedonia Group has calculated that US demand
for frozen food packaging is estimated to increase through 2011,
driven largely by greater demand for convenience foods.
UK packaging solutions firm Paragon Flexibles is introducing a new
flexible film lid called i-lid, which is designed to reduce the
need for packaging materials and ensure food freshness.
A recent development in heat exchanger testing can offer brewers,
soft drink makers and dairy manufacturers a practical and
sensitive alternative to existing technologies with heightened
sensitivity, according to its manufacturer.
A manufacturer of high barrier oxygen scavenging materials says it
plans to extend the products applications in food and beverage
packaging after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
Kellogg Company's new product launches are designed to meet the
continuing trend for healthy indulgence, with kids' cereals that
embrace whole grain and more varied healthy adult cereals.
While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad
thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks
muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.
Beverage and snack company PepsiCo last week posted a 10.3 per cent
increase in operating profit for the tax year ending 30 December
2007, but higher overall costs led to a slight decrease in
margins for the group.
Global confectioners Mars and Nestle have joined a sustainable
cocoa programme, which aims to establish a traceability system for
all farmers in the Ivory Coast.
US-based food and body care company Sara Lee yesterday posted
profit gains for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2008, with
particularly strong performances from the international beverage
and bakery divisions.
A new acrylamide detection method, that could help manufacturers
identify the potentially harmful chemical in food products, has
been launched by a UK research body.
Cosucra Groupe Warcoing is seeking to press home the message that
pea protein can be used in place of milk protein, reflecting a
trend that has picked up speed in the ingredients sector in the
light of high dairy prices.
Ecolab, a global supplier of hygiene and safety systems, hopes to
step up its focus on sustainable water and energy supply for the
beverage and food industries with its latest acquisition.
A panel of experts recommend that more countries be
recognised as fine or flavour cocoa producing countries in order to
provide new opportunities for trade.
Global confectionery giant Cadbury has stepped up its
microbiological surveillance by adopting the Pathatrix pathogen
testing system, according to its creator.
Packaging manufacturer TNA will launch six new technologies, aimed
at improving confectionery and snack packing, at the Interpack
trade show in Germany in April.
By Harald Kaeb and Erwin Vink of European Bioplastics
Bioplastics and biopackaging offer multiple waste management
options, but these will only be developed in full when there is
more material on the market, according to the industry.
Cott, a leading manufacturer of private label and branded soft
drinks, has agreed a deal with packager Sidel over the lease of
blow-moulding equipment for expansion into sustainable bottled
water production.
An industry body yesterday said consumers are unaware of the high
salt content on some sweet products such as popcorn, cereals and
hot chocolate, sparking calls for reformulation and improved
labelling.
Only one year after moving into Taiwan, US bakery firm Dunkin'
Donuts plans to open 100 new shops in Shanghai and the surrounding
provinces over the next ten years, the company announced last week.
UK-based food equipment firm Riggs Autopack is introducing a spot
depositor for ready meal, bakery and dessert products that require
accurate hand finishing.
Cadbury today launched a fund to aid its cocoa suppliers
in Ghana, after research suggested that average production in
the region is now 40 per cent lower than the potential yield.
The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a
probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those
yoghurt shots away!
High saturation in the US sandwich market will force manufacturers
to focus on niche age and ethnic markets in order to boost market
share, predicts a new Mintel report.
US packaging firm Ball will spend more than $300 million on
expanding its beverage can capacity in Europe and Asia this year,
as it closes loss-making operations in the Americas.
CHR Hansen says that investment in production equipment efficiency,
and changing employee attitudes to natural resource use, remain the
key drivers in its company-wide sustainability drive.
Bell Flavors and Fragrances has responded to concerns over the use
of diacetyl in popcorn by developing butter flavors that are free
from the additive.
The UK government unveiled the first steps it will take in its
national strategy to fight obesity, earmarking £372m for the cause.
Steps include addressing food issues, as well as increasing
education and encouraging physical activity.
Baker Perkins has updated its hydraulics system for converting
grains into cereals, claiming that the new technology improves
product quality by processing more even and consistent flakes.
A simple structured emulsion system could correct for flavour imbalances in reduced and low-fat products, scientists at Nestlé Research Center (NRC) have reported.
UK-based confectionery and snack firm Zetar today said that
pretax profit fell to £1.09m for the half year from £1.3m
in the previous year, as losses incurred by the recently
established Baked Snacks group offset improved sales.
Extracts from pomegranate peel can stabilise sunflower oil and
protect it form deterioration associated with heating, suggests a
new study from Pakistan.
A recent development in compostable packaging trays for fresh meat
products can offer a sustainable alternative to existing tray
materials, according to its distributor.
FMC BioPolymer has adapted its range of Gelstar products for
Europe's frozen desserts market, to cut costs and fat content
without compromising on the body and creaminess.
Leading UK supermarket Tesco is to phase out the sale of imported
veal in favour of domestically reared calf meat, responding to
growing concerns over the welfare of calves.
Cereal producer Kellogg has acquired the Russia-based United Bakers
Group as part of plans to expand its global footprint, the company
announced yesterday.
Global packaging brand Cryovac has introduced a co-extruded barrier
top web for its Darfresh vacuum skin packaging range that allows
manufacturers to use high quality printing to differentiate their
products.
In bakery news from the other side of the Atlantic, Archer Farms
removes trans fats, Canada bread acquires a Quebecoise sandwich
firm, and Flower Foods buys one of its production sites back from
Schwan.
New research suggests that regular consumption of chocolate may
weaken bone density and strength, which in turn could increase the
risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and fracture.
Dutch group Avery Dennison is expanding its range of self-adhesive
labelling for the wine sector, offering new products that cut down
on waste and increase efficiency.
Strains of probiotic bacteria can affect metabolism, says a new
study from Nestle and Imperial College London that could help the
development of new probiotic products tailored for individuals.
The refusal by regulators to provide a formal definition of the
term 'natural' will ultimately lead to confusion for consumers and
a legal headache for manufacturers.