Juice concentrates show anti-inflammatory potential

Concentrates of fruit and vegetables taken as capsules may reduce levels of markers of inflammation, and potentially reduce the risk of chronic disease, suggests a new study.

British manufacturers unveil energy drink code

The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) has published a code of practice on energy drinks requiring additional labelling to protect children and other people sensitive to caffeine.

Noni firm wins third EU novel foods approval

The status of the noni plant as a novel food ingredient has been boosted with the manufacturer, Tahitian Noni, last week receiving its third European Union Novel Food approval for...

News in brief

Organic Monitor plans Sustainable Foods Summit

Organic Monitor is hosting a summit on sustainable foods this summer, which will look at ways that market leaders are adopting ‘organic plus strategies’ like carbon offsetting to add value...

Tax on chewing gum sought in Ireland

Chewing gum manufacturers should switch to biodegradable alternatives or be subject to a levy in the interim in order to tackle the costly issue of littered chewing gum, claims a...

Snack makers pledge to cut out adverts aimed at children

The European Snacks Association (ESA) is playing up a commitment to help curb obesity in Europe with the announcement that it has joined an EU initiative designed to restrict advertising...

PepsiCo explores natural sweetener from oats

Patents filed by PepsiCo and Cargill reveal they are exploring new sources of natural sweeteners from oats and monatin, a naturally-occurring substance found in a plant grown in South Africa.

Nestle investigates reports of Russian import refusal

Nestle is investigating reports that the company has been denied permission to import baby food products into Russia from Finland.

Coca-Cola dismisses BPA criticisms as shareholder coalition vows to fight on

Some 22 per cent of Coca-Cola shareholders yesterday voted in favour of a resolution urging the company to disclose how it is responding to public fears over bisphenol A...

EU food exports drop as demand shrinks, says report

European food and drink exports saw a double-digit drop last year, reflecting a shrinking demand for most major food categories in foreign markets, according to a new report.

EFSA lowers ADI for food colour in re-evaluation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in adoption of opinions on three further food colours used in bakery and confectionery products, has confirmed intake levels for one colour, halved the...

Food leads EU manufacturing industries

The European food and drink industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the bloc, coming ahead of the automobile and chemical industries, but R&D investment remains “insufficient”, according to a...

Ash cloud halts certain food imports

The grounding of airplanes throughout much of Europe has put the brakes on imports of some fruit and vegetable products, although trade groups and supermarkets are downplaying the impact of...

Beetroot takes on Red Bull with ‘one-shot’ juice

The firm behind heart-friendly beetroot juice Beet It is aiming to complete its first production run of a ‘one-shot’ 70ml version this month to provide a healthy alternative to drinks...

Comment

Groundhog Day for European health claims?

“Many in industry are pinning their hopes on EFSA showing them the light at the meeting, including the likes of Danone, which withdrew three probiotic immunity/digestive health article 13.5 claims...

Biofuels to blame for palm oil deforestation, says Nestlé

Political decisions encouraging biofuel production from palm oil is causing deforestation in Indonesia and not the low tonnage sourced by Kit Kat maker Nestlé, according to the chairman of the...

Latest cocoa stats reveal ‘higher than expected’ increase

North American cocoa bean grindings revealed a double-digit growth in the first quarter of 2010, the first gain since 2008, according to the latest statistics released from the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

News in brief

UK food and drink exports surge on back of weak sterling

UK food and drink exports grew by 4.4% to a record £9.65bn in 2009, boosted by the weak pound, according to figures just released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Government finances pose a threat to alcoholic drinks sector

Moody’s has warned that recovery in global beverage volumes could be held back by governments turning to alcohol as a means of raising revenue.

Job cuts threatened at Mars UK production site

In a review of manufacturing operations as part of ongoing initiatives to remain competitive, Mars UK said that there could be potential job losses at its facility in Slough.

Consumers regard sweeteners with suspicion

Many British consumers still regard sweeteners with suspicion, although in practice, very few actively avoid products that contain them, according to research commissioned by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF).

Analyst sees 2011 recovery as European cocoa grindings rise

European cocoa grindings in the first quarter of 2010 rose 8.1 per cent on the year, the biggest first-quarter gain in four years, according to data from the European Cocoa...

Unilever buys sustainable palm oil certificates for European business

Unilever has bought enough sustainable palm oil certificates to cover the requirements of its European, Australian and New Zealand businesses.

News in brief

Tata Tea and PepsiCo ponder healthy drink venture

PepsiCo and India-based Tata Tea have announced their intention to set up a joint venture to make healthy, non-carbonated beverages.

EFSA to host June health claims summit

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is inviting stakeholders to its Parma, Italy, base for an “open meeting” to discuss health claim developments in the European Union.

Coke investment may force Innocent to grow up

Coca Cola has upped its stake in healthy smoothie maker, Innocent, to 58 per cent in a non-disclosed move one analyst said followed the gradual erosion of Innocent’s once vibrant...

Comment

Time for Europe to send bisphenol A into the sunset

Bisphenol A (BPA) is living on borrowed time. And not just in the United States but now in Europe too where mounting consumer hostility and scientific concern over its...

Soil Association predicts growth for organics despite sales slump

UK sales of organic food fell 13 per cent last year but some categories still bucked the trend, according to a new report from the Soil Association on the state...

Juice brand Pomegreat says ethical sourcing behind Afghan project

Ethical sourcing and developing the potential of the Afghan pomegranate market are the factors informing a decision by leading UK pomegranate juice brand Pomegreat to accelerate its involvement in a...

News in brief

Raisio finalises UK snack food acquisition

Finland’s Raisio has announced it has finalised the acquisition of British snack foods manufacturer Glisten PLC, as the Finnish food manufacturer eyes opportunities for growth.

Segregated palm oil to hit European market

Segregated sustainable palm oil will be available on the European market in the coming months, as IOI-Loders Crokaan and New Britain open dedicated refineries. The news marks the latest...

Irresponsibilty claim for Kellogg's breakfast cereal ad rejected

A claim that an advert for Kellogg’s Coco Pops was irresponsible because it directly targeted school children and encouraged them to eat a snack that was high in sugar has...

Food retail prices stubbornly resist the recession

New data has revealed that food price inflation remains a reality despite the global recession and the spike in prices that preceded it.

Food innovation driven by vertical integration and networks

The more food companies work with different levels of the food supply chain and network with external partners, the more innovative they are likely to be, a study of the...

Kraft acted 'irresponsibly' in Cadbury takeover, claims UK report

Kraft’s reputation in the UK has been badly hit by its behaviour during the acquisition of Cadbury and it should be subject to continuous scrutiny over its subsequent pledges, claim...

'Ground-breaking’ meat quality project launched

A break-through research project to develop a system as part of a meat processing line that will determine its eating quality has begun this week.

Comment

Slimmer cans could lead to bigger waistlines

Soft drink makers could end up swallowing a £10m bill for no good reason by embracing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommendations for new slim-line 250ml drinks.

Verification scheme to develop Allanblackia supply chain

A new initiative is underway to develop to supply chain for oil from the African Allanblackia tree oil in food and personal care products by devising a verification scheme for...

Dairy Crest on track despite spreads and cheese softness

Dairy Crest has revealed that it is on track to meet its profit targets despite weakness in its spreads and cheese businesses.

Illegal dioxin levels found in 8 per cent of foods

Excessive levels of dioxins were detected in eight per cent of thousands of foods sampled over a nine-year period, said EFSA. But the food safety watchdog has challenged the significance...

News in brief

New organic logo becomes official

The new European organic logo has been published in the EU’s Official Journal and registered as a collective trademark by the EU. It can now be used on organic products...

News in brief

Tetra Pak reaches eco-packing agreement with Carrefour

Tetra Pak will supply more than 100 million FSC-labelled carton packages to Carrefour stores across France during 2010.

Special edition: CSR

Top line responsibility messages from manufacturers

Corporate responsibility is now accepted as a major part of doing business, even when the economic climate is less than ideal. FoodNavigator.com rounds up the main messages of some of...

High cola consumption linked to lower fertility in men

A Danish study has found a link between high consumption of cola drinks and reduced semen quality but the research suggests caffeine may not be to blame.