Breaking News on Food Marketing and Retailing

Tetra Pak announces global launch of chilled liquid dairy products carton

Tetra Pak has announced the global launch of a carton for chilled liquid dairy products that it says is cost effective, facilitates stackability and boasts user-friendly features for consumers.

Healthy chocolate and candy products to beat the recession

Confectionery product ranges featuring new flavours, flexibility and variety will help manufacturers grow consumer purchases over the next five years despite economic uncertainty, according to the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) Confectionery Industry Trend Report 2009.

New NIZO tool to help fermented food development

NIZO Food Research has developed a new tool to predict the functionalities of different microorganisms based on their genomes, which will help speed the development of fermented foods and ingredients.

Weekly comment

Confusion reigns in cosmeceutical name game

The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

Silliker buys French firm for more healthy food research

Silliker is building clout in the provision of food clinical studies with the acquisition of French CRO Biofortis, as the healthy eating drive and claims legislation demand top notch research.

Sweetness perception could vary with ethnicity: Study

Researchers claim to have discovered a particular gene variant that could affect sweetness perception among different ethnic groups, raising the possibility of more targeted flavor profiling of foods.

Water inefficiency costing UK food and drink companies up to ₤160,000 a day - report

Food and drink producers in the UK may be pouring up to ₤160,000 a day down the drain by failing to maximise the potential for water efficiency, according to Envirowise.

Healthier mayonnaise passes consumer taste test: Study

Rice bran oil and soy protein concentrate could be used by mayonnaise manufacturers to cut fat levels while increasing consumer acceptability, according to a study on its sensory properties.

Consumer confidence in food manufacturers plunges, says survey

New research from the United States suggests that consumer confidence in food companies has plummeted after less than one in five said they trusted firms to develop and sell healthy products.

News in brief

Nestle joins group to sponsor bioplastics research for food packaging

Nestle has signed up to a joint venture to sponsor research into bioplastics with the aim of developing materials adapted to the food packaging segment on a large scale

Sainsbury’s to ditch cereal boxes as part of packing reduction drive

UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has unveiled plans to scrap cereal boxes in favour of plastic bags in a bid to cut down of food packaging.

New EU regulation on authorising food from cloned animals sparks heated debate

EU chiefs have been criticised for approving a draft regulation on food from cloned animals that could “keep options open” for its eventual authorisation in the region, claimed opponents.

Taste psychologist maps 'dialects' of flavour preference

The mapping of ‘taste dialects’ could help food firms develop products that appeal to the specific preferences of consumers in certain geographical locations, according to a taste psychologist.

Almonds take top spot for global new product launches

Almonds have usurped peanuts as the number one nut ingredient for new product releases, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database.

Nestle USA recalls all raw dough products on E.coli contamination fears

Nestle USA has issued a voluntary recall of its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough amid fears that it may be contaminated with the bacteria E.coli 0157:H7.

News in brief

ConAgra processing plant to reopen in August

The ConAgra food processing plant devastated by an explosion earlier this month will not resume production until August while its packaging section will be shuttered until further notice, the firm revealed.

Iodised salt to be mandatory for Australian bakers

Australian bakers have until October 9 to replace all regular salt with iodised salt when making bread products, as the Australian government attempts address an iodine deficiency that has been noticed among sections of the country’s 22 million inhabitants.

Could vinegar be natural fat fighter?

Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain, according to results of a study with mice from Japan.

US and Canada agree on organic equivalency

The US and Canada have come to an agreement on organic equivalency standards, expanding organic trade opportunities, US Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced on Wednesday.

MRSA infected foods safe to eat, says EFSA

The superbug meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is able to infect food but eating or handling tainted produce does not present an increased health hazard to humans, a new report has said.

Pecan Deluxe buys kit for chocolate beasts

Pecan Deluxe Candy has invested in new equipment for its plant in the UK that will enable it to make chocolate shapes like pigs and monkeys, and expand its fair-trade chocolate range.

News in brief

Just another Meat Free Monday…

The movement towards avoiding meat one day a week to help address the impact on the climate is gathering pace, as Sir Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and other stars launch a new campaign.

Fake Red Bull under investigation

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is investigating several companies that may be responsible for importing and distributing energy drinks into the US that breach trademarks and copyright of market leader, Red Bull.

France to intensify supermarket milk price scrutiny - report

As protests continue around Europe from dairy farmers concerned about covering their costs in the current market, French producers appear to have succeeded in speeding up government scrutiny of supermarket pay practices, according to reports.

Alpro-Dean deal to establish global soy giant

European soy products leader Apro is to be acquired by US-based Dean Foods in a deal expected to drive the soy sector into the future.

Weekly comment

IFT '09: In defence of trade shows

As the dust settles on another IFT the absence of several big players has left some questioning the relevance of trade shows in the 21st Century.

Industry demands 'urgent' article 13.1 EU health claims dialogue

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should shelve plans to publish its first batch of 1024 article 13.1 health claims by the end of July until a dialogue can be opened with an increasingly apprehensive industry to clarify key aspects of the scientific assessment process, trade groups have said.

Big hopes for EFSA’s big health claim day

Shane Starling reports from the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) much anticipated industry stakeholders’ meeting about health claims in Brussels today.

Dispatches from IFT

Take advantage of recession, says former White House director

Food firms can benefit from the downturn by taking advantage of lower advertising and input rates and positioning for recovery, said economic expert at IFT.

News in brief

Global flu pandemic declared

The first global flu pandemic of the century was declared yesterday after the World Health Organisation held an emergency summit.

Polish functional foods market open to all ages

The elderly and younger people are consuming functional foods at similar levels, despite differing expectations, health outcomes and education, according to researchers writing in a recent edition of Food Policy.

News in brief

UK’s dairy sector on “a knife edge”

The collapse of the Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) co-operative has the UK dairy industry teetering on “a knife edge”, according to the Press Association.

Beauty foods and drinks: In good taste?

Chocolates, jams and juices sporting beauty claims were showcased by market researchers Mintel at the In-Cosmetics show in Munich. NutraIngredients' Cosmetics Design cousins hit the show floor to put the latest beauty foods and drinks to the taste test.

Mars looks to UK kosher appeal in ongoing brand shake-up

Mars has obtained kosher certification at one of its UK production plants in attempts to ensurebrands like Mars bars, Snickers and Galaxy made at the site comply with the religious standards.

Learning from functional foods failures

Eighty per cent of functional food product launches fail within 18 months, according to a new report that draws lessons from 15 high-profile failures from the likes of Danone, Emmi, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Unilever.

UK plan to scrap ‘best before’ food labels dismissed by industry group

UK Government proposals to overhaul its food labelling system in a bid to help slash the ₤10bn worth of food wasted annually have been rubbished by a food industry body.

Nestle pursues premium plans with Nespresso expansion

Nestle continues to spy growth for its Nespresso coffee machine system and brands with the inauguration today of its second production and distribution centre for the operations.

Tetley red-carded over UK green tea ad

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Tetley Tea to amend advertising for a green tea product that implied antioxidant-derived energy and health benefits.

Red Bull confirms energy drink is cocaine-free

Under-fire Red Bull has moved to clear up some of the confusion surrounding traces of cocaine being found by German authorities in one of its brands.

News in brief

XXXX brand has had its day in the UK

Australia-based brewer Lion Nathan is reportedly set to cease selling its four XXXX lager brand on the UK market ending 25 years of its presence in the country.

News in brief

Cadbury mulls India cocoa supply strategy

UK-based Cadbury is hoping to extend its presence in India with the confectioner reportedly set to use the country as a major regional production centre for its cocoa supplies.

Weekly comment

A big day for European health claims

Next Monday, June 15, is a big day for the European healthy foods and food supplements industries. Let’s call it Big Monday. Or J15.

Healthier compounds cementing chocolate’s candy innovation dominance

The potential health benefits of certain compounds found in chocolate are helping to drive greater levels of innovation and product launches in the candy segment compared to sugar confectionery, according to recent research.

Authorities play down drink extract cocaine concerns

Decocainised coca leaf extract, which has been linked to the recent alleged discovery of traces of cocaine in some samples of Red Bull Simply Cola, will not face regulatory scrutiny regarding its wider use in formulations.

News in brief

Kellogg makes fiber commitment

Kellogg has pledged that by next year nearly 80 percent of its cereals sold in the US will be ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ sources of fiber.

News in brief

Cargill talks texture in Spanish

Cargill has launched a Spanish version of its texturising website, so it can share application and technical tips with professionals in the Spanish and Central and Latin American markets.

Unilever exerts further pressure on Sustainable Palm Oil Roundtable

Unilever’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman has re-stated the importance of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as a crucial measure in reducing deforestation.

Tangerine says modern additive needs are key to ‘classic’ candy push

In its strategy to revamp ‘cult’ sweet brands thought lost to bygone eras, UK-based confectioner Tangerine says it continues to focus on products that are seemingly classic, yet innovative in their formulation.

Carlsberg drops Asian investment hint amidst Russian concerns

Eastern Europe’s potential as an antidote to declining beer demand in more mature markets has taken another blow as Carlsberg reportedly prepares to step up its focus on the emerging markets of Asia to offset concerns about regional sales.

Tetra Pak spies further global packaged milk potential

Despite ongoing economic and supply uncertainty, consumption of milk and liquid dairy products continues to grow in both emerging and more established markets by meeting worldwide convenience needs, according to Tetra Pak.

Retailers still under pressure over milk price-role

British retailers are facing calls to increase support for the country’s dairy farming sector amidst wider European concerns about the role of stores in maintaining a profitable milk supply.

Weekly comment

Economic depression a stimulus for fresh business

The economic recession is biting across the globe, and bleeding casualties litter all industries, but now is not the time to cower. Those willing to spend may provoke a stimulation of their business that could set them up for years, if not decades, to come.

Nestle aims for lorry reliance reduction with co-pack rethink

Nestle this week commences operations at a new UK contract packing site it claims will offer more environmentally friendly distribution of its confectionery brands in the country.

News in brief

Stevia market development will ease price importance

The price of stevia sweeteners relative to sugar need not be an issue as the market develops, according to PureCircle, as supply chain investments are expected to encourage penetration.

Plastics confusion may mar sustainable consumer appeal - report

Less may seemingly be more for some soft drinks pack designs amidst consumer concerns over waste, though uncertainty about the recyclable properties of plastic may be setting back some industry sustainability commitments, says new research.

FoodandDrinkEurope.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of FoodandDrinkEurope.com and 16 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by UK business-to-business publisher William Reed Business Media.

Irish bakery supplier adopts US whole grain stamp

An Irish-based bakery supplier is to start using a well known US whole grains symbol on its products, which it says will help health conscious consumers easily identify the healthy grains.

News in brief

Supermarkets slammed for Amazon destruction

Greenpeace is demanding that companies refuse to buy products from companies that have carried out deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, following a three-year survey.

Red Bull wings clipped in Jordan over cocaine use

Austria’s health department has confirmed that Red Bull Cola contains traces of cocaine but at levels that do not pose a public health risk but Jordan has joined a major German retailer and banned the drink.