Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Weekly comment

Yesterday's food complacency proves hard to swallow

02-Jun-2008 - For too long, the developed world has taken food for granted. For years, ample food stocks, a well-supplied export trade and rapidly rising agricultural productivity have confined food fears, in the west at least, to history and the memories of older generations.

Study links milk farm chemical input to nutrient kick

30-May-2008 - Lower input non-organic and organically produced milk has been found to contain significantly higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants compared to higher chemical use sources, a new UK study claims.

Sales soar for Chinese potato starch supplier

29-May-2008 - There is evidence that European potato starch suppliers are losing out to Chinese competitors, as anti-dumping measures drive rampant growth for leading Chinese starch maker.

Heavy borrowing and investment hurting UK firms, says study

28-May-2008 - Heavy borrowing linked to an ambitious investment strategy has left some of the largest UK food processors in severe financial difficulty, claims a new report.

Weight and mood drive Euro functional food development

28-May-2008 - Foods that assist weight management, cognition and mood and that are high in antioxidants, fibre and whole grains are leading functional foods development, according to a UK-based market analyst.

Arla adopts local focus on global consumer markets

26-May-2008 - Arla has announced a reorganisation of its consumer operations in eight markets including simplifying its business model in the Middle East, where a second boycott of its products is in place.

Whey industry hoping for innovative future

23-May-2008 - Whey's days as being viewed as a simple by-product of food manufacturer appear to be over as the industry increasingly looks to tap into the potential health and functional benefits of the protein.

Erythritol use blossoms but regulatory, technical challenges remain

22-May-2008 - Manufacturers are getting more adventurous over erythritol use since it gained EU-wide approval this year, says Cargill, but the real boom will come when they can make a low-calorie claim in Europe.

Italians, women most interested in prebiotic health claims

22-May-2008 - Italians and women are the most interested western Europeans in digestive health claims while Dutch are the least, according to new consumer research funded by French fibre specialist Syral.

CAP proposals cut aid and maximise production

21-May-2008 - The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) health check proposals made by the Commission yesterday are directed at streamlining the policy and helping farmers respond to increasing demands.

Culinary inspiration crucial to Givaudan R&D

16-May-2008 - Givaudan's Chefs' Council demonstrates a significant part of the international flavour company's strategy to seek culinary inspiration for the development of future flavours.

Nestle and GE team-up to tackle nutrition-body composition issues

14-May-2008 - Understanding the associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits could be key to the struggle against obesity, and gaining an advantage in formulation.

UK milk output up amidst fragile future

14-May-2008 - UK dairy farmers remain committed to stepping up production levels amidst ongoing EU agricultural reforms, though further falls in their profitability could yet lead to significant output decline, according to recently published findings.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

12-May-2008 - Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Global dairy groups to follow UK green milk strategy

09-May-2008 - The global dairy industry could be set to follow its UK counterparts by adopting similar environmental commitments to those set out as part of the country's milk roadmap unveiled announced last week, an leading expert says.

More accurate data needed on dietary intake

07-May-2008 - Policymakers need to know more about actual dietary intake levels of nutrients before they make hasty decisions on recommended maximum and minimum consumption levels.

UK could lead milk eco-packaging potential

07-May-2008 - The UK is one of the most significant markets for the use of plastic packaging in milk bottles, and could lead the way for environmental innovation in the bloc, a new report says.

Milk processors outline eco-goals

02-May-2008 - UK dairy processors will be required to ensure that they do not send any factory produced waste to landfill sites by 2020 as part of a raft of new proposals to improve the industry's environmental impact.

Bush to determine status of Farm Bill as deadline closes

02-May-2008 - The current farm bill is set to expire today, though President George W Bush is pressing for a one-year extension on hammering out the new bill as Congress tackles restructuring traditionally heavy subsidy programs to farmers.

Fat replacers to spiral in US dairy and meat sectors

24-Apr-2008 - Demand for fat replacers is set to increase as health trends continue, with particular growth experienced in the meat and dairy sector, according to a new report.

Satiety feeds appetite for ingredient launches

22-Apr-2008 - Key trends for ingredient launches in 2007, such as products for satiety and weight management, will continue this year, though world economy will affect some areas of innovation, says LFI.

Low-fat dairy may help reduce blood pressure

21-Apr-2008 - Consuming high levels of low fat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables as part of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) may help lowed blood pressure in adolescents, says new research.

Egyptian weed may offer novel hydrocolloid for foods

18-Apr-2008 - A hydrocolloid extracted from the leaves of Corchorus olitorius, a relative of jute, can enhance the strength of gels made with kappa-carrageenan, suggests new research from Japan.

BASF to extend biodegradable focus

18-Apr-2008 - BASF is planning to significantly step up production of its biodegradable plastic materials amidst growing demand from various industries including packagers.