News & Analysis on the Bakery and Snacks Industries
Thanks to an experiment that's tracked barley over the last century, researchers have pinpointed the genes that offer ‘remarkable adaptability’ in the grain – a key ingredient in breads, breakfast cereals, beer and whiskey.
As autumn beckons and leaves begin to turn, attention turns towards a particular kind of bread.
Intentionally designed to avoid the need for dramatic dietary changes, a new study has revealed the heart-health benefits of an ingredient found in the pantry of most households.
A major international study has revealed the role bread has played in shaping global civilization: more specifically, the secret that made bread wheat one of the most successful crops on the planet, when others have disappeared or remained in obscurity.
New product innovations, the drive towards sustainability and a record harvest highlight a dynamic market where traditional favorites like almonds are thriving.
Ramping up the premium snacking experience involves curating high-quality, gourmet ingredients and emphasizing sophisticated, unique flavors that cater to discerning palates. This approach not only enhances the sensory pleasure of snacking but also...
From mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to creating new long-term ESG goals and reporting on others, along with a hard stop when it comes to crime, we look at some of the business deals shaping the bakery and snacks landscape.
Spurred on by popular baking shows like The Great British Bake Off, there has been a notable increase in the number of independent bakeries opening in the UK in the past year – while Brits of all ages are seriously engaging in the hobby at home.
The Federation of European Manufacturers and Suppliers of Ingredients to the Bakery, Confectionery and Patisseries has re-endorsed its commitment towards building a more sustainable baking sector.
The humble staple has been a part of the fabric of life since the Neolithic era, rising to an everyday essential during the 19th Century with the advent of industrial milling processes. Fast forward a century and it was unfairly tarred with negative...
Despite a deadline that is still seven months away, the incoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is already driving efforts on the traceability of cocoa supplies. Conversely, the same study found a distinct lack of progress on other critical issues...
The Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Action on Fibre initiative has made a demonstrable impact over the past year.
Bakery is an essential part of everyday life, but as people enjoy extended lifespans and longer working lives, bakery will have an increasing role in helping them stay well for longer.
Hot on the heels of China’s approval for the production of the country’s inaugural gene-edited wheat variety, the groundwork for a major trial of gene-edited wheat has begun in Australia.
The Chinese government has granted approval for the production of the country’s inaugural gene-edited wheat variety, a significant step towards the commercialization of genetically modified (GM) food crops.
Under Dye’s stewardship, the US’ biggest flour miller has enjoyed significant growth, making numerous acquisitions, expanding its capacity and building out its Emerging Nutrition alternative grains business and regenerative agriculture program.
Months of torrential rain has left UK millers in a soggy situation, with a waterlogged wheat harvest predicted to be down by 30%, which could force millers to rely on imports and ultimately spike the price of bread.
This groundswell movement has been gaining popularity, not only with farmers, but also with policymakers, scientists and the public as the consequences of over-farming have become apparent and the need to be more sustainable come to light. What does it...
Charting a new course for food production is fundamental in creating a more resilient and sustainable food system and it all starts with improved soil health.
The food industry is – unsurprisingly – responsible for 26% of the global CO2-eq emissions [Poore & Nemecek 2018: UN FAO; UN AQUASTAT; Bar-On, et al]. However, compared to other processed food, bread and bakery products have a relatively low impact – so...
UK food and farming charity Sustain and the Real Bread Campaign have published ‘Bake Your Lawn’ – just in time for spring wheat sowing and planning ahead for winter wheat planting – to inspire breadmakers (be they budding ones or professionals) to grow...
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has brought a lesser-known chemical into the spotlight – used by the agricultural industry to optimise yield and harvest – but it comes with a warning.
While honorable, the EU Deforestation Regulation – specifically its fast-approaching 2024 deadline – is viewed, by some, as impractical. But what is the legislation and what does it mean for the food industry? More specifically, the bakery sector, which...
An Indian court has ruled that PepsiCo India Holdings can finally claim a patent for the potato variety grown exclusive for its Lay’s potato chips – but this follows a protracted legal journey of lawsuits, arguments, judges orders and appeals.
Matthews Cotswold Flour MD Bertie Matthews is a huge advocate of regenerative agriculture – but what exactly is it and how does it differ from organic farming?
Today, the majority of European adults do not meet the recommended daily intake of dietary fibre. Worse still, more than half of the population largely overestimate their intake of dietary fibre, even though a consumer observatory run by the ingredient...
Regulation
The cocoa and chocolate making industry has been warned that cocoa stocks languishing in EU warehouses during the 18-month transition period leading up to the European Union’s Deforestation law that kicks in at the end of December 2024 may have to be...
The world’s largest bakery manufacturer recently held its first Global Sustainability Summit at its head office in Mexico to review best practices, measure the progress of its Sustainability Strategy and devise plans for cooperative initiatives.
Nestle India has launched a variety of new products focused on millets as a key ingredient this year, in an effort to increase consumer acceptance and awareness via familiar product formats while also aligning with the Indian government’s International...
Over the past 12 years, the 200-year-old miller has orchestrated a million tonnes of wheat delivered by cargo ship into Kirkcaldy Harbour - the equivalent of removing 70,000 trucks off the road.
An industry-led coalition has been formed to help millers produce adequately fortified staples to tackle the nutrition crisis gripping the globe. Millers who join Millers for Nutrition and commit to improving the nutritional quality of their food will...
Kansas State University has been awarded $22m from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to chart an ambitious and collaborative approach to build the climate resilience of four of the world’s most consumed cereals - but the challenges are...
Israeli vegan food producers, private chefs and volunteers have united to fuel frontline soldiers and evacuees with nutritious free from meals; the IBIS Rice Conservation Co has enlisted wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham as brand ambassador; 84.51°...
The Mondelez cracker brand wants to show its state pride by putting the local farmers who grow the wheat that goes into its crackers front and centre.
The ‘Kraken’ - the world’s most advanced palm nut de-sheller; scaling up Madagascar’s spice and herb value chains to benefit poor households; and a disease-free potato strain to combat Africa’s potato shortage are among the winners of Generation Africa’s...
Using the genomics concepts, a combination of instrumental-analytical techniques and sensory analyses, scientists have decoded the secrets of sourdough - which they believe can be used as ‘a kind of blueprint’ for the replication of sourdough breads in...
A ‘green’ fertilizer with up to 90% reduced CO2 footprint compared to its conventionally produced counterpart is being rolled out in Germany. Contract farmers for Bindewald & Gutting Milling Group will use the fertilizer to cultivate wheat, which will be...
An international team of researchers has unveiled the entire genome map of an ancient cereal crop called einkorn - the world’s first domesticated crop - which may pave a pathway to a sustainable and food secure future.
Millets are considered a superfood - being rich in minerals like calcium, potassium and zinc - and punted to help achieve the UN’s 2030 goal to end hunger everywhere. However, the cereals are also rich in dietary fibres, which have demonstrated to limit...
Commodities
Cocoa bean processing in North America has slumped almost 12% in the second quarter, according to figures released by the National Confectioners Association, the lowest in almost 15 years for that period, while in Europe and Asia, factories ground the...
There are some really exciting developments happening in the composite flour space - particularly coming out of South Africa, Ethiopia and Pakistan - brought to light through MC Mühlenchemie’s Composite Flour Awards to mark its 100th anniversary.
Commodities
Rising costs of cocoa on the commodity markets could push up the cost of chocolate in the coming months, according to data from the consumer intelligence database NielsenIQ
German researchers are using new, tailormade proteins to stabilise the interface between gas bubbles and dough.
Incredo Ltd – formerly DouxMatok – has raised $30m in a Series C funding round – bringing partners like dsm-firmenich and Ferrero on board – to further support R&D of its flagship product – a first-of its-kind clean label alternative that has the...
Scottish Bakers’ annual conference – held in Glasgow over the weekend (5-6 May) – saw Mimi’s Bakehouse fight off stiff competition to take the title; the launch of a government-backed fund to support the sector with reformulation; and a warning to ignore...
Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) coordinates the support of seven major industry leaders – General Mills, Cargill, DSM, Ardent Mills, Bühler, JM Smucker Co and The Hershey Company – to help African processing companies enhance the nutritional value of foods.
Did you know there are six official classes of wheat? That each tiny wheat berry seed (the kernel) contains three distinct parts that are separated during the milling process to produce flour? That wheat made into fortified flour is subjected up to 21...
Délifrance has unveiled the next chapter of its ‘Prove It’ series, this time taking a deep dive into sustainability trends and whether the UK bakery sector is moving the needle in the right direction.
Sustainability – environmental and social – health, innovative equipment and the revival of ancient practices are driving trends in the bakery world.
The Oreo maker has launched Harmony Ambition 2030, the next chapter of its European sustainable wheat sourcing programme. Bees play a key role, and for each pack of biscuits sold, consumers will have the opportunity to contribute towards ‘a beautiful...