Green for good? Green labels increase perceived healthiness of foods

The use of green colours on nutritional labels is enough to convince many consumers that food products are healthier, according to new research.

Inaugural Food Vision heralded as success by global food industry – organisers commit to return in 2014

Following a highly successful inaugural summit last week, organisers William Reed Business Media have confirmed that Food Vision will become an annual event, returning to Cannes, France, in March 2014. 

Peanut butter ‘the rising star’ in UK sweet spreads market – Mintel

The UK is demonstrating a healthy appetite for peanut butter as sales for the nutty spread have grown 20% in the last two years while jam sales have remained flat,...

‘Mindless eating’ in Britain spells opportunity for industry, says National Obesity Forum

Research that suggests Britons consume 43% more than they should each year spells opportunity for dietetic products, the National Obesity Forum chair says.

Organic brands with ‘hero’ status excelling in UK, says Soil Association

The UK organic food sector remained flat in 2012, but branded goods enjoyed a sales boost as supermarkets shrank their organic private label portfolios, according to the Soil Association.

New EU-backed project takes aim at diet and disease

A new European Union backed project will to optimise research into diet and health by pulling together scientists and research tools in order to make realistic recommendations in the area.

Standardised CSR guidelines drive credibility: EC report

CSR – corporate social responsibility – is becoming increasingly coherent across the globe due to greater uptake of internationally recognised standards, according to a new European Commission report.

News in brief

Pre- and Probiotics 2013: Yes, let’s call it unmissable

Seven webinars. Brand and supplier insights. Regulatory analysis. Market analysis. Marketing analysis. Science. You had better put this in your diary...

Sugary drinks linked to greater high-calorie food intake, study finds

Soaring intakes of sugar-sweetened drinks are associated with increased calorie consumption of other foods such as sweets and pizza in children, warn researchers.

Study: 12% of adult Europeans consume energy drinks at ‘chronic’ levels

A 52,000 person survey has found 30% of adult Europeans consume energy drinks at least once a year, but 12% are “high chronic” users.

Food image database aims to boost validity of consumer preference research

A new image database will offer food scientists the fundamental tools they require to complete important studies on consumer preference and understanding, say the researchers behind the new database.

Junk food consumption in pregnancy may lead to childhood junk food addiction: Study

Tucking in to lots of junk food during pregnancy might help to ease those pregnancy pangs, but consumption of an unhealthy diet can pre-program unborn children’s preference for junk food...

Oxfam thanks food industry for ‘bland’ and ‘complacent’ response to damning CSR report

Oxfam will step up its campaign to improve the treatment of people and resources that form part of the supply chain of the world’s biggest food conglomerates, after it cast...

Unilever & Nestlé tell Oxfam to bring other stakeholders to food ethics table

Unilever and Nestlé say Oxfam missed an opportunity for a wider and more comprehensive debate about food ethics after the NGO published a damning report on the supply chains of...

Consumers will pay more for local foods: Study

Consumers are willing to pay more for foods that are grown and produced locally rather than having travelled extensively during production, according to new research.

The International Year of Quinoa Launched

Ancient quinoa has future value in food security, says UN

The United Nations has hailed the ancient grain quinoa as a valuable and extraordinary crop that can help in the push forward on food and nutrition security.

The Stella Cidre sensation – Where AB InBev went right: Mintel

Mintel analyst Chris Wisson tells Ben Bouckley how Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) hit the bull's eye with its £62m Stella Artois Cidre brand in the UK, sucking beer drinkers...

Consumer insights: Convenience and quality, not price, are driving purchase decisions

The convenience, quality, and ethical considerations of a product are all more important than a low price for more than 75% of consumers, according to new market data from the UK.

Nestlé dragged into horse meat controversy

Nestlé has become the latest company to be dragged in to the horse meat scandal with the firm recalling two products due to traces of horse DNA.

Opportunities and bottlenecks for sustainable food

Carnivorous Flemish unwilling to pay more for sustainable meat

Flemish people are reluctant to pay more for sustainable meat and meat alternatives, according to new research.

Horse meat controversy on agenda in Brussels

EU ministers will hold a meeting in Brussels tomorrow (13 February) to take “whatever steps may be necessary” to address the implications of horse meat in beef products.

Majority of Europeans believe food and drinks contain chemicals - study

More than three-quarters of Europeans believe that food and drinks contain chemical substances, according to a survey.

Shed confectionery’s industrial image with authenticity – GDI

Confectionery can overcome its unhealthy and industrially-produced image by marketing the authenticity of products and doing more to engage consumers, says the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI).