Dispatches from Vitafoods Europe 2013

Trend-spotter: The rise of slow-energy

There are two speeds when it comes to energy products: Slow and fast, says Mintel trend-spotting guru David Jago.

Breast Cancer UK issues BPA ban rallying cry but FSA remains unmoved

Breast Cancer UK has claimed there is a “wealth of peer reviewed, scientific evidence that raises serious concerns” over the safety of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) but the UK...

Horse meat scandal boosts UK organic sales

UK year on year sales of organic food have increased for the first time since 2009, according to new figures from Kantar Worldpanel - an increase that the Soil Association...

‘Loyal consumers see brands as a reflection of themselves’: Kellogg

Consumers want to invest in a product that aligns with their values - and they do care about corporate responsibility, says Kellogg.

Kids’ cereal challenges: Do not underestimate pester power, says analyst

Kids’ cereal brands must target parents but pester power from their children must not be underestimated or ignored, says an analyst.

Emerging markets more open to chocolate innovation, says R&D chief

Consumers in emerging markets are more receptive to new chocolate products than counterparts in established markets because they don’t have a point of reference, according to ADM Cocoa’s innovation chief....

UK government rejects “inadequate response” claims in horse meat crisis

The UK government has rejected a suggestion that the response to the horse meat crisis was inadequate, insisting it was “swift and effective” with co-operation throughout Europe.

Butchers are the ‘mistress’ of the high street, says sausage manufacturer

Small, high quality meat suppliers and the butchers which sell their products are like “a mistress” in the mindsets of many consumers.

‘Al-desko’ breakfast: Consumers want packaging innovation, says Mintel

The ‘al-desko’ breakfast trend has hit Britain and prompted consumer demands for re-sealable, easy to open cereal packs, says a Mintel analyst.

Is food truly addictive? New journal series investigates

Are the mechanisms behind binge eating and other addictive behaviours such as the taking of illicit drugs the same? Or does drawing such similarities oversimplify the issues with 'food addiction'?

Convenience and indulgence the secret to pacesetting confectionery sales

Launches from Hershey, Mondelez and Nestlé were among the top 100 bestselling new food and drink items in 2012 having filled consumer needs for convenience, indulgence and functionality, according to...

‘Overvalued’ currency harms Swiss chocolate industry

The chocolate industry in Switzerland has reported a value sales decline in 2012 as the strong Swiss franc harmed exports and warm weather damaged consumer sentiment at home, according to...

‘Spice is a way to bring nuts and seeds mainstream’: Analyst

European consumers have got a taste for exotic flavors and a desire for healthier snack alternatives which means spiced nuts and seeds have enormous potential, an analyst says.

SPECIAL EDITION: RIDING THE HEALTH CLAIMS WAVE

The hunt for that ‘added extra’: Pushing beyond a health claim

The health-conscious yet frugal consumer is increasingly difficult to convince, even when presented with a plethora of health and nutrition claims on pack. So, just how can manufacturers prompt that...

Study highlights consumer reaction to carbon monoxide use in MAP

German consumers’ are willing to pay more for bright red coloured ground beef even when told it results from treatment with carbon monoxide in modified atmosphere packaging (CO-MAP), according to...

FSA agrees to external review into horse meat scandal

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has agreed to an external review in response to the adulteration of processed beef products with horse and pig meat and DNA.

Speed is paramount in the UK bread market, says Allied Bakeries

Making quick business decisions is crucial in the UK bread market because it is a highly competitive space, says the sales director of Allied Bakeries.

Now non-food plants can help feed the world

Researchers have produced starch from plants not usually used for food purposes, potentially opening up whole new sources for foods and packaging materials.

Smaller soda sizes may actually increase sales: Study

Consumers tend to buy more soda when offered it in packs of smaller sized servings than when offered a single large drink, according to new research.

DAIRYREPORTER.COM SPECIAL: DRIVING UP QUALITY, DRIVING DOWN COST

‘Quality’ dairy nutrients could slash US healthcare costs by billions: DRI president

Dairy products play an vital role in disease prevention, and could save the US healthcare system billions if consumers ate them at recommended levels, according to the Dairy Research Institute...

Mondelez to innovate in premium French chocolate market

Mondelez has reported growth through innovation in the atypical French market that favors premium and dark chocolate more than most places in the world.

Phosphate study prompts EC request for safety reassessment

The European Commission has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to reassess the safety of phosphates as food additives, after researchers suggested excessive phosphate consumption could be damaging to...

There’s no such thing as a ‘miracle food’ warn experts

Researchers and global media should better consider the validity of single scientific studies that report on supposed ‘miracle foods’ in addition to considering that people do not eat foods or...

9TH INNOBEV GLOBAL BEVERAGES CONGRESS ADDRESSES KEY ISSUES

‘Health, Environment, Choice’ hold sway in soft drinks: Zenith International

Health, the environment and consumer choice are the three main issues facing today’s soft drinks industry, according to InnoBev Global Beverages Congress 2013 organizer Zenith International.

EU food and drink production flat in Q4 2012

Food and drink production in the EU remained flat in the fourth quarter of last year as some raw materials became costlier, according to data from FoodDrinkEurope.