The use of thin-walled packaging for food products is growing in
Europe, with demand in the chilled sector for the format increasing
at the fastest rate, according to a new report.
A new coffee drink that claims to help consumers lose weight by
reducing the amount of sugar the body absorbs from food will be
launched in the UK next year.
US scientists have cloned a gene present in wheat and barley in
research which opens up the potential for cultivating the crops in
a wider range of climates, thereby increasing production and
supply.
UK snack company, Eat Natural, has launched a new addition to its
range of natural cereal bars and teamed up with airline Virgin in
an unusual marketing tactic designed to boost brand recognition.
The relationship between child and crisp has long been a sacred one
but instead of exploiting this dynamic to shovel unhealthy food
into young mouths isn't it about time healthier companies exploited
it to push junk food without...
Scientists from Reading Scientific Services have developed a method
for quantifying vitamin B12 in beverages at lower levels than
previously possible, which will enable manufacturers to give more
accurate information on labels.
Almonds may improve the control of blood sugar levels and eliminate
'sugar spikes' after eating, says new research from Canada that may
have implications for diabetes and heart health.
UK food group Premier Foods is poised to consolidate its leading
position in the British snack market with the £1.23bn (€1.8bn)
acquisition of bakery company RHM.
A new report into irradiation finds conflicting and inconsistent
regulatory approaches to the use of the technology worldwide, a
problem for multinational processors who are using the technique as
a food safety measure.
Barry Callebaut has produced a new website entirely devoted to
promoting the nutritional benefits of cocoa in an effort to
counteract the increasingly unhealthy image of chocolate products
and their unpopularity in a health-conscious...
Blending palm kernel oil, extracted by supercritical carbon
dioxide, and palm oil leads to new cocoa butter replacers (CBR),
offering cheaper alternatives with good physical and chemical
properties.
UK group Associated British Foods (ABF) has taken full control of a
yeast and baking ingredients venture in the Philippines, previously
part-owned by Pilmico Foods, clearing the way for an expansion of
the business.
Top manufacturers are using intelligent software to integrate
management tools with shop floor data to boost productivity by up
to 27 per cent, according to new research.
Alltracel has developed a soluble version of its bioactive for
cardiovascular health, opening up its use in beverages and making
it more attractive to the food companies with which it is currently
discussion the route to market.
Milk, fortified with four minerals and three vitamins, cut the
occurrence of respiratory infections and days with severe illness,
and could be a well accepted means of improving health, especially
amongst pre-schoolers in the developing...
Ammonia-treated pectins could boost the mechanical and functional
properties of fish gels, with no perceptible colour changes, and
enhance the nutritional profile of underutilised fish species.
An influential industry body has hit back at a call by
environmental and consumer advocacy groups to put a tax on
disposable and 'hard-to-recycle' packaging.
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has revised its gloomy
cocoa estimate of a 5,000 tonne deficit to predict a global surplus
of 80,000 tonnes of cocoa in the coming year, assuring
manufacturers of a steady supply.
A new packing system can integrate into existing lines,
guaranteeing pack sequence verification while improving
productivity by up to five times, its manufacturer claims.
Scientists have identified a new gene in peanuts that codes for a
protein with no apparent allergic effects, research that opens up
the possibility of allergen-free GM nuts.
When the idea of fortifying staple foods with vital nutrients is
raised, the battlecry goes up from industry groups and advocates of
consumer choice: "Why should we bear the costs?" "Educate, and
let people make their...
Major US plastic packaging companies are facing a double squeeze --
falling demand for theirproducts and lowered margins due to the
high cost of raw materials, according to a report fromStandard
& Poor's.
A redesigned automatic milk standardiser allows processors to
continually monitor fatcontent and eliminates the need for skilled
technical support, the manufacturers claim.
Vitiva is introducing a new variant of its Inolens rosemary extract
aimed at boosting stability of carotenoids and other natural
colourings, without the need for synthetic preservatives.
A new heat-resistant printed film is to be launched by European
packaging group Sealed Air Cryovac, allowing in-store bakeries to
bake products in already labelled packaging.
Regular consumption of the antioxidant rich green tea could reduce
blood lipid levels and cut the risk of developing heart disease,
suggests a small trial from Portugal.
UK bakery giant Northern Foods has disposed of its well-established
pastry and flour divisions in order to focus fully on the core
pizza, ready meals and sandwich sectors of its snacking empire.
Demand for bioplastics in Europe has experienced its first boom
this year leading to a need formore investments in the sector, says
an industry organisation.
US scientists have identified a gene from wild wheat that could
increase protein and micronutrient content of its cultivated cousin
by 10 to 15 per cent, and could soon be used in food products with
enhanced nutritional value.
Weight management moved further into the mainstream dairy sector
this week after ingredients firm DSM signed a deal to put its
Fabuless satiety product into a new Optimel dairy drink from
Campina.
European confectionery giant Nestlé is feeling the heat from
consumer worries over health and nutrition with the closure of
three of the company's main facilities in France.
Healthy crisp company, Snapz Crisps, is introducing a new fruit
snacking option for kids in a bid to take advantage of the
anti-obesity backlash which has caused crisp sales to plummet in
the UK.
Malaysia's halal industry has joined up with global testing and
certification service Intertek to undertake the major task of
developing a set of international guidelines for the market.