Rules on gluten-free labeling have been published under the EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulation, and there are some important changes for the future, says the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS).
The Marc Bakery aims to transform its $1m Russian snack business into $45m in just three years – a possible goal in a country where all-natural remains nascent, its founder says.
Taxes imposed on sugary, salty or fatty foods do lead to reductions in consumption, says the European Commission in a new report. But higher taxes could also encourage consumers to simply go for cheaper products, it warns.
Pecans are not top of mind for US manufacturers and ingredient players but the antioxidant-rich nuts can move way beyond the famous pie, says the head of Georgia’s Center for Pecan Innovation.
Following a damning report published by Oxfam in May, General Mills has revamped its climate change plan; pledging to reveal global greenhouse gas emission targets by August 2015.
Frito-Lay posted steady growth for Q2, fueled by excitement and consumer engagement through flavor competitions, says PepsiCo’s chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi.
Fabcon Food Systems (FFS) has developed a range of packaging machines with NPS (National Packaging Systems) in South Africa, which can replace old bag makers on Wright Machinery with the same footprint, at higher speeds.
Grain Millers is developing fully-sprouted oats but says industry needs to clarify the definition of ‘sprouted’ to differentiate between fully and partially-sprouted grains.
Canadean asked 2000 UK consumers whether they would be willing to eat on bugs. 803 of them said they would try insects of which 127 said they would be interested in eating them regularly.
Naturally Homegrown Foods’ Hardbite Chips brand has received non-GMO verification on two products, with the rest of the portfolio soon to follow, its CEO says.
Frito-Lay has been granted a US patent for its manufacturing process to bake snacks that maintain the taste and texture of a fried product using a hydration step.
Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has snapped up New Zealand snack giant Griffin’s Foods for NZ$700m ($606.6m) in a move it says should bolster its presence in the Asian snack sector.
Michigan State University (MSU) has been awarded almost $400,000 by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce the Salmonella risk of low-moisture foods.
US retail sales of gluten-free products surged 47% in 2013, with a significant chunk of the growth coming from snacks, according to flour milling giant Ardent Mills.
Andean Grain Products has received a positive draft novel food opinion from the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) for its chia seeds – deeming them sufficiently ‘equivalent’ to those already approved for market in the EU.
Bakery giant Grupo Bimbo believes the UK arm of Canada Bread - the business it bought in May - together with Spanish and Portugese divisions can strengthen European sales after further investment.
Cereal makers should consider moving NPD away from the breakfast table and introducing milk-free snack bags to be eaten like crisps, according to Canadean.
Swedish-Danish oils and fats giant AarhusKarlshamn (AAK) has acquired Colombian company Fabrica Nacional de Grasas (FANAGRA), which specializes in vegetable oils and fats for the bakery segment.
Paper cup and container producer, Seda has teamed up with Dilly & Wolf to launch a range of 200ml pots in the UK, which are lined with an aluminium barrier layer to keep snacks fresh.
DIGGING INTO WHEAT TRENDS WITH ARDENT MILLS: PART II
The grain-based industry is late to the protein game and they need to catch up because opportunities are vast, says Ardent Mills’ director of consumer insights.
Unhealthy foods are being promoted to children in everyday children’s television programmes, new research published in the British Medical Journal suggests.
The expansion of oil palm plantations may also pose a threat to water quality in fresh water streams that millions of people depend on, according to new research.
The European Snack Association (ESA) says it welcomes EFSA’s recent draft opinion on acrylamide in food, but will push for greater clarity on safe levels and product categorization in the final document due in September.
H.U.M.A.N., the company behind better-for-you vending machines and healthy micro markets, has taken its business-to-business healthy snack distribution model into corporate offices with the launch of SnackNation.
Amica Chips and ICA Foods have pledged to stop advertising to under 12s and communication with primary schools unless asked as part of a voluntary EU scheme.
Food scientists at Bühler Aeroglide report they have come up with a method to dry-roast peanuts that significantly reduces the risk of Salmonella contamination.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) will buy WILD Flavors for €2.3bn citing fast-growing demand for natural food and beverage flavors and ingredients as the rationale.
Since it was created in 2012, Chapul Inc. has been on a mission to integrate edible insects into Western diets, using its cricket energy bars as the vehicle.
Liquid snacking is a healthy, convenient alternative to snack bars – a segment many consumers are bored of, according to the co-founder of NUWI Quinoa Snacks; a drinkable snack.
Snacks - particularly those using ancient grains – and baking mixes have been pushing the gluten-free sector forward, according to market research firm Mintel.
Eating almonds may reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing levels of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol in the blood stream, reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow, according to UK researchers.
Synder’s-Lance will kick-start a restructuring plan to improve margins and drive focus on its branded products following the completion of its private brands divestment to Shearer’s Foods.
Amid “disappointing” fiscal 2014 results, General Mills has kick-started a cost-cutting plan to boost efficiency and support growth – a move that can’t be faulted but isn’t necessarily a ticket to success, a consultant says.
The market for gluten-free children’s food will be a big area for growth, predicts market research firm Mintel – but mainstream brands are yet to capitalize on the opportunity.
Food and beverage manufacturers are holding their collective breath in anticipation of the proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts panel put forth by the Food and Drug Administration and likely to be finalized next year.
Picking through ideas with Saatchi & Saatchi X on shopper behavior: Part III
Successful shopper marketing campaigns must be developed using a breadth of knowledge from data and depth from a human perspective, says the VP of shopper psychology at Saatchi & Saatchi X.
Peanuts, wheat and egg are among several allergens that continue to be a global public health issue, and so industry must act with caution when developing allergen-free products, warns a scientific expert.
Picking through ideas with Saatchi & Saatchi X on shopper behavior: Part II
Snacks have the power to drive positive emotional shopping behavior, but too much focus on health and a lack of in-store innovation could kill the joy factor, says the VP of shopper psychology at Saatchi & Saatchi X.
![FIC gluten-free labeling: Logos remain outside the remit of FIC, the European Commission ruled [Pictured: Coeliac UK's crossed grain symbol]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/5/5/7/8/2878755-1-eng-GB/FIC-gluten-free-label-changes-AOECS-discusses.jpg)
