Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - EuropeUS edition | Asian edition

NPD focus still a priority for UK food and drink sector

Investment in NPD and employee training remained strong in the UK food and drinks sector despite economic ill-winds, finds report.

2011’s top science under the microscope

It’s been a big year for science, with innovations, reformulation, and sustainability all under the microscope. In this festive edition, the FoodNavigator team highlights some of our favourite science stories from this year.

Our 2011 dairy digest: relive the stories that made a milk splash this year...

From killer ice cream to Nestlé and Danone cancelling or suspending local operations in China, 2011 was a roller-coaster ride for the world dairy industry. So fasten your seatbelts and enjoy our whirlwind tour of the year's top news tattle...

In Pictures: A Year in the Food Industry

FoodNavigator.com presents a photo gallery round-up of some of the biggest news stories of the year.

Naturex adds to pectin and juice concentrate portfolio with Polish acquisition

Continuing on its recent acquisition trail, French botanicals group Naturex has bought up Polish pectin and juice concentrates manufacturer, Pektowin, in a bid to strengthen its concentrates portfolio and expand into emerging regions.

Preference for salt may begin in the cradle, scientists warn

Early dietary exposure to foods containing added salt shapes a greater preference for salty tastes throughout infancy and childhood, suggests a new study.

Red Bull fights Pit Bull filler to EU court defeat

Simply filling a soft drink bearing a trademarked brand name does not itself violate an EU directive regarding use of that sign, according to the European Court of Justice (CJEU) in a high-profile ruling involving Red Bull.

‘Flavour map’ flags up connections between ingredients

New research revealing how food ingredients are interconnected by their flavour compounds could help industry formulators develop new flavour combinations, say researchers.

Wacker stabiliser said to deliver next generation mayonnaise and margarine

German ingredients supplier, Wacker, has released a new starch-based emulsifier, using alpha-cyclodextrin, for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions in products such as salad dressings, margarine and mayonnaise, reducing reliance on hydrocolloids.

Owner of bakery and cereal ingredients group LCI reports jump in profits

The co-operative owner of bakery and cereal ingredients supplier Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI) has reported a hike in net income of €23m in its full-year results.

Grease is the word for Swedish butter smugglers…

But it didn’t have groove and meaning for the two men when they were stopped by Norwegian police for trying to smuggle butter into the country.

News in brief

Thorntons issues profit warning

UK-based chocolatier Thorntons has announced that profits have been hit by weakened consumer demand and strong marketing competition ahead of its final year results due next year.

Exclusive interview

Beneo: Prebiotic health claim rejections have put prospects “on hold”

The second part of this exclusive interview sees Beneo executive board member, Yves Servotte, explaining the cooling but not crushing effect of EU prebiotic health claim rejections on its inulin-chicory business.

2012 set to see some heavyweight M&A activity? Definitely, say leading food market analysts

Is there appetite for M&A activity in 2012? Food market watchers reckon the sector could see some heavyweight deals next year despite the on-going credit lending challenges.

Researchers offer improved methods for carmine extraction

Optimised methods of extracting the food colourant carmine could offer industry lower allergenicity and higher stability than currently used extraction techniques, say researchers.

News in brief

Dutch salt policy makers eat too much salt, finds study

Health policy makers in the Netherlands have been found to consume more than double the recommended daily salt intake of 6 grams.

Asian suitors and Kraft may move for United Biscuits as split rumours rife

UK-based United Biscuits (UB) may have attracted bidders from Asia and major companies like Kraft and PepsiCo amid rumours the company has split its operations into a snacks and biscuit division, according to an analyst.

New Cloetta becomes biggest player in Scandinavia and overtakes Kraft in Sweden – analyst

Swedish confectioners Cloetta and Leaf have sealed a €753m merger making it the largest confectionery company in Scandinavia, according to an analyst from Euromonitor.

CCE catches Olympic fever but French soda tax dampens spirits

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) says it is focusing on the London 2012 Olympics to spur sales, but admits that any French soda tax could lead to retail price rises there of around 10 per cent.

Exclusive interview

Beneo board: “Let us not forget that functional food responds to a clear demand of the consumer”

In the first part of this exclusive interview, Beneo Group executive board member, Yves Servotte, explains how European Union health claim rules have informed strategic thinking at one of Europe’s biggest and most vocal ingredient vendors.

Gender and education play a large role in healthy convenience meal choices, study

Socio-demographic factors such as gender and education play a large role in consumer choice when it comes to buying health-orientated ready meals, but sensory appeal is still the dominant purchasing driver, finds a new study from Norway.

Report damns online junk food advertising to children

Inconsistencies exist in advertising regulations across different media, enabling companies to market high in fat, salt and sugar products (HFSS) to children online, claims new report.

New protein separation technology moves closer: Solae

A new process could help to selectively separate out high-value protein components in foods such as soy and thus produce higher purities and yields with high nutritional value, at cost-savings, says Solae.

News in brief

EC gives green light for Panrico takeover

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Spanish bakery supplier Panrico by US based investment manager Oaktree.

UK food industry comes together to answer big questions in salt reduction

Leading members of the UK food industry have announced a partnership to fund and deliver a new comprehensive report on reformulation and sodium reduction methods.

Dutch industry aims for 100% responsible soy by 2015

Members of the Dutch food industry have jointly announced an intention to move towards responsibly produced soy sourcing by 2015.

Leatherhead cites category overlap as ‘overriding’ soft drinks trend

There is an overriding trend within the world soft drinks market towards an overlap between categories, while economic unrest is expected to consolidate a trend towards cheaper products, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

‘Some growth potential’ for gum and fair trade chocolate in Belgium – Leatherhead

Any growth in the mature Belgian confectionery market lies in fair trade chocolate and chewing gum, according to an analyst at Leatherhead Food Research.

Premier Food’s Irish brands sale raises cash fears

The £34.7M sale of Premier Foods’ four Irish brands, Chivers, Gateaux, McDonnells and the Erin licence, to the Boyne Valley Group underline worries about the food giant’s ability to generate cash, one leading analyst has warned.

Ingredient innovation central to global soft drink growth, Leatherhead

Increasing use of innovative ingredients within soft drinks is one of the most notable trends witnessed by that industry over the past few years, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

Scottish firm Nisha acquires Millar Confectionery and plans new factory

Scottish-based Nisha Enterprises has acquired Millar Confectionery for an undisclosed fee and plans to open a new sweet factory in Livingston, Scotland.

SME entrepreneurs the lifeblood of the food sector, says former Unilever NPD expert

The difficult and rarely successful task of taking a food product all the way from idea-to-shelf, particularly in the current stagnant European market, is not deterring small start-ups or individual entrepreneurs from trying, claims an NDP expert at the recent FIE show in Paris.

EFSA head votes Yes in our poll - the agency should block its staff from taking up revolving door jobs

Poll results: 66% of readers say the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should block its staff from taking up ‘revolving door’ jobs …. and the head of the EU risk assessor agrees.

Swedish confectioners Cloetta and Leaf merge in €753m deal

Cloetta and Leaf have sealed a €753m merger as the companies eye market leadership in the Nordic region.

Chr. Hansen targets Eastern cottage cheese chic

Chr. Hansen claims its new Fresco 3000 culture series will increase customer’s cheese yield, reduce production costs and provide greater protection against bacteriophage attacks during fermentation, as the company targets growing consumption in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Bid for fat reduction, leaner labels and simpler techniques fuels Palsgaard innovation

New bakery emulsifiers and a stabilizer system for mayonnaises and dressing fulfil consumer demands for fat reduction, leaner labels and simpler production, claims developer Palsgaard.

Study shows cheese cuts cholesterol compared with butter equivalent

Cheese intake lowers LDL cholesterol when compared with butter intake of equal fat content, and does not increase said cholesterol levels compared with a normal diet.

Avocado seeds offer natural colour promise: Study

Avocado seeds could provide a new source of natural colorants, that would add significant commercial value to industry, says new research.

Weak demand and sluggish growth to keep lid on 2012 commodity prices, analyst

Weak economic growth in developed markets and plentiful stocks will prevent any strong recovery in the price of commodities such as grains, sugar, skimmed milk powder and cocoa prices over the coming 6 to 12 months, claims Euromonitor.

Warburtons coy on expansion plans as growth in gluten-free and Eastern Europe booms

British bakery firm, Warburtons, has announced plans to invest and diversify its business over the next ten years, both in the UK and abroad as it sees strong performance in gluten-free and eastern European markets.

News in brief

Callebaut improves credit rating

Barry Callebaut has announced that its credit rating has been upgraded.

FSA call for consultation on food additives regulations

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened its consultation period for stakeholders to provide comments on the provisions of new draft regulations on food additives and on the extraction of solvents.

‘Consumer friendly’ juice labelling rules approved by EU Parliament

The European Parliament (EP) has approved new labeling rules for fruit juices and nectars that it says aim to prevent ‘potentially misleading’ names for mixed juices and ‘no added sugar’ claims.

Wild launches natural brown flavours for crème-filled chocolates

Ingredients firm Wild has launched a range of natural brown flavours that it has claimed can help confectioners seize on natural flavour trends

New flour said to boost clean label credentials and cut proofing time for Med-style breads

If a new food product does not carry a clean label, it will prove extremely challenging to launch in the current retail climate, said Kampffmeyer as it released a slow-fermented flour at FIE last month that it claims allows an additive-free label declaration in Med-style breads.

News in brief

Food allergy model for fenugreek developed

A new research model that can be used to investigate allergy to fenugreek has been developed by a team of Norwegian researchers.

Tereos Syral looks to extend portfolio through controlling share in potato starch producer

Leading European starch manufacturer Tereos Syral is aiming to extend its product portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in French potato flour producer Féculerie de Haussimont.

EFSA health claim opinions

EFSA issues mixed bag for sugar beet fibre as barley beta-glucan’s claim success

Barley beta-glucan’s have won two separate article 14 opinions for cholesterol lowering and heart health, while its mixed news for sugar beet fibre claims and digestive health in the latest round of EFSA claim opinions.

EFSA scientific reputation at stake? We want your opinion

Following the ruling of the EU Ombudsman that EFSA did not observe the relevant procedural rules and did not carry out a thorough review of the potential conflict of interests arising from the move of an ex-employee to a biotechnology firm, we want to know if you agree.

Shanghai fallout sees Danone suspend ops as Nestlé shuts Chinese site

French dairy giant Danone says it is refocusing its Chinese dairy operations after suspending operations at a yogurt facility in Shanghai, while Nestlé has closed an ice cream facility in the country.

Confectionery NPD ‘lacks quality’; health claims need to be specific – analyst

Confectionery sales in Europe dwindle as new product developments (NPD) have not met consumer preferences which demands more definite health claims, according to an analyst at Mintel.

Chickpea flour plugs nutritional gap in gluten-free products

A new long-life flour ingredient derived from chickpeas enables gluten-free ready meals, biscuits, pastry, bakery, snacks and cereals, claims developer Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI).

Chocolate replacer can reduce cocoa content 50%, says Muntons

UK-based Ingredients firm Muntons has scooped an award for its malt flour and extracts blend that it has said can replace cocoa powder in baked goods by 50% while preserving flavour and colour.

EU ombudsman finds against EFSA in 'conflict of interest' case

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is failing to ensure transparency in how it carries out its duties, claims a German non-for-profit group, after the European Ombudsman ruled in its favour over a complaint it filed against the Parma-based agency.

Food makers could benefit from new Asian sourcing alliance

A deal between Barentz Europe with Rewe Food Ingredients (RFI) will bring economics of scale and potential cost reductions on Asian sourced food ingredients such as tartaric acid, malic acid and sweeteners for European brand owners, claims the alliance.

Vitiva launches stevia ingredient line

Vitiva has announced the global launch of its high intensity stevia line, following the recent approval for the use of stevia across Europe.

News in brief

Six month rejected health claim transition period will cause stock shortages, says EHPM

The six-month transition period for rejected, article 13, general function health claims is too short to give companies’ the chance to change their labeling and...

Internally flavouring extruded products can halve costs - Culinar

Lyckeby Culinar AB has won an award for its small extruded crisp pearls that it has said can combine natural flavours and colours without affecting taste and slash costs in half when compared to using freeze dried fruit.

Comment

Lobbyists, start your engines: Can a new health claims formula be won in the European Parliament?

Five years ago the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR) became law. Around the bloc, hopeful EU healthy foods and supplements stakeholders submitted more than 44,000 health claim applications.

Harvard insight into emulsion process could aid development of functional or nano foods

Reaching a state of physical equilibrium has always been assumed to happen almost instantly in emulsions. However, researchers from Harvard have now shown that the process may actually take months, or even years.

Chinese expansion to more than double capacity at JK Sucralose

JK Sucralose’s upgrade to a facility in China, which will be completed by June next year, is set to more than double the sweetener supplier’s annual capacity in the short term, and narrow the gap with market leader Tate & Lyle.

Food industry warned against rushing into labelling changes under FIR

The food industry should not rush into making labelling changes to ensure compliance with the new Regulation on Food Information (FIR) as there is a fundamental lack of clarity on how to implement some of the mandatory declarations, claims a regulatory expert.

EU food industry slams food taxes as "not effective" for tackling obesity

EU based food and beverage manufacturers claim that food taxes are not an effective approach to tackle the complexity of diet and lifestyle-related problems.

European consumer favours consistent quality in bread brand choice – study

European consumers prefer bread with soft and springy qualities that deliver consistent quality, according to a study commissioned by bakery ingredients firm Novozymes.

New research programme may boost algae ingredient supply chain

A new research project led by TNO could help to create a more robust and industrially viable algae ingredient supply chain, says the Dutch research group.

Naturex touts low PPM value of west African flavour

The newest, west African-sourced addition to Naturex’s whole flavours range can offer mask off-notes from constituents like potassium at less than five parts per million (PPM), the company says.

Confectionery industry converting to colouring foodstuffs, says Chr. Hansen

Leading confectionery and ice-cream brand owners are switching to colouring foodstuffs over natural colours, as consumer demand for clean label products continues unabated, and retailers acknowledge the potential they hold in terms of brand value, claims Chr. Hansen.

FHI "getting its act together" for positive EFSA opinions

A trial underway will provide the substantiation that EFSA needs in order to get a health claim for a protein mix used in combination with an exercise programme for improving muscle mass in the elderly, claims value-added dairy project Food for Health Ireland (FHI).

'Ground-breaking' designer dairy poised for lift-off with plant isolates, NIZO

Dutch-based food research firm NIZO has evolved a wild plant isolate of Lactococcus lactis (L.Lactis) that it says could open the floodgates to fermented dairy products with new functionalities.

High demand for clean label low sugar confectionery in Germany, says trade body

German consumers are turning health conscious and are looking to confectionery that is low sugar, fair trade and organic, according to investment group Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).

Premier Foods to sell Brookes Avana to 2 Sisters Group for €35m

UK-based Premier Foods has reached an agreement to sell its chilled bakery business Brookes Avana to the 2 Sisters Group as it focuses on eight ‘power brands’.

Puratos doubles production in China and announces two new sites

Bakery ingredients firm Puratos has announced plans to build a €22m site in China and production facilities in Spain and Mexico as it looks to seize upon strong growth in emerging markets.

Taura targets Asian and US markets with fruit and veg inclusions

Taura Natural Ingredients, which was launching is URC Inclusions range at FIE in Paris last week, is aiming to enter both the US and Asian confectionery, snack, breakfast cereal and bakery markets with fruit and vegetable pieces produced by rapid concentration.

Beneo’s technical business pillar unveiled

Beneo unveiled its new technology centres at FiE last week to focus on formulation projects around fibre enrichment, texturizing and clean labelling.

Gluten-free flour enhances dough hydration for premium bakery – National Starch

Ingredients firm National Starch has launched a gluten-free flour that it claims can boost dough hydration and improve functionality compared to gluten-free starches typically used in premium bakery goods.

Double layer microencapsulation may aid flavour retention

Modifying the permeability and stability of spray dried emulsion droplets by adding additional layers could provide a novel method of improving the retention of volatile flavour compounds in dry powders, according to new research.

News in brief

Nestle gets green light for Hsu Fu Chi takeover

Food giant Nestle has received regulatory approval to gain a majority share in Chinese confectioner Hsu Fu Chi.

Fruity cocoa range cuts bitterness to appeal to younger consumer - ADM

Ingredients firm ADM has launched range of mildly fruity cocoa powders; cocoa masses and chocolate that it has said can reduce bitterness in chocolate based products and appeal to more consumers.

Dispatches from FIE 2011

VP on Bio Serae and CNI merger: “It was difficult for the customer to understand who we were”

When French firm Iranex announced in November that it was merging Bio Serae Laboratoires and Colloides Naturels International (CNI) to form Nexira (an anagram of Iranex), some wondered about the wisdom of scrapping two established and recognised brands.

EU milk package threatens ‘fairer deal' for farmers, cries NFU

Opinion is split on the final text of the so-called EU Dairy Package, with the UK National Farmers’ Union (NFU) citing missed opportunities within the European Commission’s (EC’s) text, and Dairy UK stating its continued opposition to minimum contract terms.

Malaysia facility will bring Palsgaard closer to palm oil source, says CEO

Danish company Palsgaard said a US $30m emulsifier factory located in Malaysia will be operational in just over 12 months and will bring the company closer to the supply of its key raw material - palm oil.

Organic ketchup more nutritious than conventional, claims study

Ketchup made from organically grown tomatoes contain higher levels of beneficial antioxidant compounds – like polyphenols – than ketchup made from conventional tomatoes, say researchers.

Yeast extract producers defend ingredient against German backlash

European producers of speciality yeast products are defending the use of yeast extracts in food following claims from consumer advocates such as FoodWatch in Germany that the food industry’s use of such ingredients and labelling around them is deceptive.

News in brief

EC extends deadline on major sugar takeover

The European Commission has been given more time to investigate German sugar company Südzucker’s bid to acquire a 25% stake in British commodities trading company ED&F Man and the deal's impact on competition.

Enzyme formulation can double shelf-life in cakes and muffins – DSM

Speciality ingredients firm DSM has launched two enzyme texturisers that it has said can double-shelf life in cakes and muffins.

Greencore talks with bidder fail; but sandwich maker poised for 'future growth'

Greencore has ended talks with an anonymous bidder for the food group with the Irish firm citing the financial crisis as the reason for the deal to have fallen through.

Wild launches natural exotic fruit flavours

Ingredients firm Wild has launched a range of exotic fruit flavours for jelly gums as it claims there is potential for firms to offer products that are distinct from competitors.

Kraft’s snacks spin-off targets Asia and Latin America as Rosenfeld appointed head

Developing markets are to make up almost half of revenues for Kraft’s global snacks business as the spin-off business announces Irene Rosenfeld as its head.

Use of nano-materials in foods must be openly debated, warn experts

The use – and regulation – of engineered nano-materials in foods must be openly debated in public, otherwise they risk facing the same fate as genetically modified (GM) foods in consumer perceptions, according to a leading group of UK experts.

News in brief

John Wanvig becomes new CEEREAL president

The European Breakfast Cereal Association (CEEREAL) has appointed its former vice-president John Wanvig as its new head.

Additive-free formulation stays top of National Starch agenda

National Starch continues to innovate along clean label lines, with the launch of new pulping agents at FIE for cost savings in pasta sauces or fillings.

Sugar prices to fall for 2012 amid volatility - Rabobank

Sugar prices for the coming year are forecast to fall by 12% as the market records a surplus for the first time in three years, according to financial service provider Rabobank.

DSM flags up natural declaration claim for new yeast extract range

New flavouring legislation was the spur for DSM’s new yeast extract range, which it claims delivers salt reduction as well as clean label advantages for meat and other savoury products.

News in brief

Global warming may impact walnut supply, warn scientists

Warmer, drier summers and extreme weather due to climate change would be troublesome, if not fatal, for walnut trees, say researchers.

WOW double emulsions move closer to food applications, say researchers

The inclusion of a gelling agent and electrolyte in double emulsions could be used to control the release behaviour of incorporated compounds, offering promise for the use of Water-Oil-Water emulsions in food applications, say researchers.

Kerry seals deal for Cargill Flavour Systems

Kerry Group has confirmed it has completed the acquisition of Cargill’s global flavours business.

Food firms look to sensory claims

Frustrated food and drink manufacturers are considering sensory claims in preference to health claims; few of which have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Monthly Career Insider

Why is a risk worth taking...? Leading Unilever R&D expert reveals all

FoodNavigator launches a new series - Monthly Career Insider - whereby we profile leading industry lights, asking them how they got to where they are, their key insights into the sector and advice they can impart for anyone wanting to move into their particular field.

Is dairy ready to steal some of the stevia limelight from beverage?

Cargill is looking beyond beverage to dairy as it flags up pending product launches for Truvia in both table-top and as an ingredient on the EU market next year.

News in brief

Greggs ups production but large manufacturers still dominate

UK bakery retailer Greggs has opened a £16.5m (€19.2m) production site in North East England, but this is likely to have limited impact on large bakery manufacturers that produce around two thirds of bread for the UK market.

Niche bakery potential in Germany for small scale manufacturers – investment agency

Small scale manufacturers could capitalise on high consumer demand for niche bakery products that purport to give health benefits, according to an investment agency for the Federal Republic of Germany.

Dispatches from FIE

Consumer pressure over biodiversity in food chain growing, says UEBT

Companies that have been championing biodiversity in their supply chain were recognised at the BioDiversity Awards at the FIE trade show in Paris this week, with an ethical biotrade organisation claiming that only 39% of consumers it polled are confident that the food industry pays serious attention to ethical sourcing.

Galam offers bespoke stevia blends

Sweetener firm the Galam Group has combined different stevia extracts to offer what it claims are “optimal taste-profiles to suit all applications needs”.

Cancer link leads researchers to request reassessment of zinc oxide

Researchers have called for a reassessment of the health impact of nano-sized particles of zinc oxide in consumer products, after research suggested the ingredient could potentially lead to the development of cancer.

Consuming non-dairy calcium alone does not fill nutrient gaps, US study

Consumers can meet intake requirements for nutrients such as calcium via non-dairy sources, but these are not a ‘nutritionally significant equivalent’ for dairy foods, according to a new US study.

FiE 2011 Live - As it happens

NutraIngredients and FoodNavigator team bring you the lates news and views and tweets from the Food Ingredients Europe conference and expo. Throughout the 3 day event we will keep you updated with the latest updates from the Twitter-sphere.