EU probiotic and antioxidant health claim ban called “absurd”

EU health claim laws that have banned the use of terms like probiotics and antioxidants because they are deemed to be implied claims, are “absurd”, a pressure group has said.

NZ processor attempts to ‘allay’ customer DCD concerns

Westland Milk Products has attempted to reassure its customers about the safety of its products following the discovery of dicyandiamide (DCD) in samples.

Farmer coalition urges UK processors to increase milk prices

UK dairy processors are being urged to implement the Dairy Industry Code of Best Practice on Contractual Relationships and increase their farm gate milk prices – or face being named...

News in brief

Dannon extends Fellowship program to support next generation of probiotic researchers

A $25,000 scholarship is up for grabs from Dannon to support the next generation of researchers, with the company extending the focus for its probiotics fellowship program to include the...

In-home breakfast consumption has driven yogurt growth – research

Increasing in-home breakfast consumption and the popularity of yogurt among young adults has driven the product’s dramatic growth in the US over the last decade, market research firm the NPD...

Big interview: Drew Harrington and Amanda Klane, co-founders, Yasso

Get him to the Greek! The meteoric rise of Yasso

It’s a runaway success story that will either inspire budding entrepreneurs across the nation or have them seething with jealousy... But it’s hard to think of a better example of...

DCD concerns: Too early to predict NZ export fallout, says Rabobank

It is "difficult to say" if New Zealand dairy exports will suffer as a result of the on-going concerns surrounding dicyandiamide (DCD) contamination, Rabobank has claimed.

Produce and poultry top sources of foodborne illness, finds report

Produce was linked to almost 50% of foodborne illnesses and poultry to more deaths than any other commodity over a decade, according to a US Centers for Disease Control and...

Emerging market demand will drive EU dairy exports to 2022 – EC report

Emerging market demand for dairy products is expected to continue to drive European Union (EU) exports and sustain commodity prices in coming years, a European Commission (EC) report has claimed.

News in brief

‘Our products are safe’ – Fonterra attempts to reassure customers over DCD

Fonterra has attempted to reassure its global customers that New Zealand dairy products are safe - as concerns about dicyandiamide (DCD) residue in milk-based products from the country continue to...

Proposed milk supply management measures a ‘step backwards’ - EDA

The proposed adoption of supply management measures represents a “real threat” to the growth of the European dairy sector, the European Dairy Association (EDA) has claimed.

Foodborne disease outbreaks topped 1,500 in two years, reports CDC

Foodborne disease outbreaks led to more than 1,500 outbreaks and 23 deaths in two years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chemical contamination

New Zealand reassures Chinese consumers in wake of Fonterra DCD crisis

New Zealand’s government has started a PR offensive to limit the impact of last week’s revelations that low levels of chemical residue were discovered in dairy products from the country,...

Euromonitor “shocked” by EU probiotic decline

After years and even decades of healthy to rampant growth in the European Union, the probiotics sector has entered decline, with a flat economy and health claim ban seen as...

Flaxseed-fed cows produce omega-3-rich milk, US researchers claim

Lactating cows fed flaxseed produce milk containing more omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat, US researchers have claimed.

NZ reiterates safety of dairy as DCD concerns spread

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has moved to reiterate the safety of New Zealand dairy products and defuse “concerns” about the use of dicyandiamide (DCD), as reports emerge that...

Probi 2012 sales up 6%, but ProViva royalties set for dive

The European probiotic sector is bracing itself for tough times ahead in the wake of December’s  EU health claim ban for the sector, but the effects are yet to be...

Danone juice JV with Chiquita dogged by ‘mismanagement’: Industry source

With rumors emerging that Danone is selling its 51% stake in its fruit juice JV with Chuiquita Brands International, one industry source told BeverageDaily.com that the French firm was likely...

Parmalat Canada fined CAD$120,000 after worker suffers burns

Parmalat Canada has been handed fines totalling CAD $120,000 for violations that resulted in a worker suffering first and second degree burns while attempting to sanitise a piping system.

News in brief

‘International search’ begins to replace retiring Fonterra CFO

Fonterra’s chief financial officer Jonathan Mason will retire in the next six months, the New Zealand-based dairy exporter has announced.

Yogurt-driven NY rule change will risk human health - green coalition

A coalition of environmental groups has slammed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plans to support the state’s growing yogurt industry by easing regulations on large-scale dairy farming operations.

DCD use suspended in New Zealand after residue discovered in dairy

The sale and use of dicyandiamide (DCD) has been brought to a halt in New Zealand after low levels of the substance were discovered in samples of dairy products from...

EDITOR'S OPINION: DEAR DAIRY....

Chobani’s global ambitions: Too much, too young?

At just seven years old, Chobani is a poster boy in the eyes of some, a market-devouring monster in the eyes of others. The New York-based Greek yogurt giant’s expansion...

US highlights food fraud perils

Seafood, clouding agents and lemon juice are the latest categories targeted by food fraudsters flagged up by the US Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention’s Food Fraud Database.

Arla plans 2013 production capacity expansion to meet export demand

Arla Foods plans to invest more than DKK 2bn ($357m) over the next 12 months to increase its global dairy processing capabilities, boost efficiency, and reduce its impact on the environment.

News in brief

Selfridges facing court over raw milk vending machines

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed its intention to prosecute department store Selfridges over its decision to install raw cow milk-dispensing vending machines at stores in 2011.

‘Indulgence without guilt’ driving ice cream innovation – Cosucra

Increasing public concern about health and weight management has led to demand for ice cream products that allow consumers to “indulge without guilt”, Belgian ingredients manufacturer Cosucra has claimed....

Dairy Farmers of America agrees to $156.8m milk price fixing settlement

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has agreed to pay $158.6m to settle a 2007 lawsuit that alleged it conspired with Dean Foods and others to suppress raw milk prices across...

News in brief

ASA dismisses Kerrygold Irish butter marketing complaint

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has dismissed a complaint that challenged claims that Kerrygold was “pure Irish butter.”

Dairy proteins will be ‘major pillar of growth’ in 2013 - Volac

Dairy proteins will be a “major pillar of growth” in 2013 as consumers seek out more convenient ways to consume protein, British dairy nutrition giant Volac has claimed.

Greek-style yogurt proteins cut costs, but ensure quality - Arla

Arla Foods Ingredients has developed a range of proteins that enable traditional yogurt manufacturers to produce Greek-style yogurt using existing technology.

Trial Greek yogurt as high-protein school lunch option, politicians urge

The inclusion of Greek yogurt in the National School Lunch Program could save money, while providing students with a high-protein meal option, two leading US politicians have claimed

Chr Hansen backs fresh probiotic immunity trial

Danish probiotics leader Chr Hansen, which ditched a €4m immunity trial for some of its probiotic strains last year, is participating in a new trial to determine if probiotics can...

Nanotechnology delivers anti-fouling surface for food factories

Scientists have successfully used nanotechnology to create a contaminant-resistant surface for stainless steel, which they claim can increase production efficiency and productivity and safeguard food safety.

Mengniu brand value plummets in 2012 as the Yili brand soars

Mengniu saw its brand value plummet by more than 30% in 2012, as Chinese public concern over the safety of domestically-manufactured dairy products continued to turn consumers towards ‘safer’ international brands.

Chobani confirms then denies Canada pull-out

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has confirmed, then denied, that it is pulling out of Canada “for the time being” following the postponement of its nationwide launch in the country....

News in brief

Yoplait targets tweens with Pro-Force Greek yogurt

Yoplait is expanding its portfolio in the fast-growing Greek yogurt sector with a new product targeting tweens.

Canadian milk supplier in the dark over delayed Chobani construction plans

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) has been offered no “further details” of Chobani’s Canadian manufacturing plant construction plans - despite being lined-up to supply the Greek yogurt giant’s proposed new facility....

Australian cheese listeria outbreak linked to two deaths

A listeria outbreak from cheese in Australia has been linked to the death of two people and has led to 18 cases nationally.

Callebaut ups Scandinavian capacity with $36m Carletti acquisitions

Barry Callebaut has acquired Sweden’s ASM Foods from Carletti and has taken over additional operations from Carletti in Demark to up its production capacity in Scandinavia.

Unique beverage Gizmo ‘transcends technology’: CEO

The co-founder of Gizmo Closures boldly claims that his company’s patented closure and ingredient delivery system ‘transcends’ technology, as it stands poised to enter the US market.

News in brief

Mengniu clarifies that China Modern Dairy acquisition talks not in progress

Chinese dairy Mengniu has further extinguished rumours that it is in talks to acquire milk supplier China Modern Dairy in a clarifying statement filed with the Stock Exchange of Hong...

Wine by-product increases dietary fibre content of yogurt – US research

Wine grape pomace (WGP) – a by-product of the winemaking process - could be utilised to increase the dietary fibre content and shelf-life of yogurt, US researchers have claimed.

Global probiotics market to grow 6.8% annually until 2018

A new market analysis says the global probiotics market will surge by 6.8% a year for the next five years, driven by an Asia-Pacific, “expected to be the most prominent market...

US ‘on the road’ to becoming major global dairy exporter - USDEC

The US dairy industry is on the road to becoming a “consistent global dairy supplier” after maintaining its export market share in 2012, the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has claimed....

Müller Dairy UK reveals £17m butter processing investment

Müller Dairy UK has announced plans to invest £17m ($27.3m) in a new butter manufacturing plant at its existing Market Drayton site – marking its entry into the British butter...

‘We need to address the issue of colours’, says Chr. Hansen CEO

Danish ingredients company Chr. Hansen has reported increased profit and revenue in the first quarter, although lower carmine prices and volumes continued to hit its natural colours division.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Dairy prices down, but US market looking 'healthy' - Part two

In part two of his December 2012 US dairy commodities breakdown, MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gives DairyReporter.com the latest on whey, cheese and butter prices, as well as the "positive" impact of...

Arla intends to build on Mengniu interest, not invest elsewhere in China

Arla Foods has no plans to acquire, merge or partner with any other Chinese dairy industry players under its recently-unveiled five-year strategy, a spokesperson for the Denmark-based co-operative has revealed.

SIG Combibloc steps up Brazilian investment pace

Buoyed by 60% growth in Brazil, SIG Combibloc says it has brought forward a planned, phased investment project in a Paraná state plant to produce aseptic carton packs.

Mengniu and China Modern Dairy deny acquisition talks…..again

Chinese dairy giant Mengniu has denied that it is in talks to acquire farming company China Modern Dairy, after reports emerged that discussions regarding a deal were on-going.

Supplements and milk are most important for children’s vitamin D levels, say researchers

Consumption of cow’s milk and vitamin D supplements are the two most important factors determining a child’s vitamin D status, according to a new study.

US COMMODITIES CORNER

Dairy prices down, but US market looking 'healthy'

US dairy commodity prices dropped in December 2012, but low inventories and high exports have left the market still looking "healthy." US commodities expert and MilkPrice blogger John Geuss gave...

News in brief

Milk drinkers win Nobel Prizes, researchers claim

Nations that consume a lot of milk also tend to produce a lot of Nobel Prize winners, a letter published in Practical Neurology has suggested.

Chobani’s Canadian launch on hold as external ‘circumstances’ delay plant build

Greek yogurt giant Chobani has been forced to postpone its nationwide launch plans in Canada after external “circumstances” led to a delay in its plans to build a manufacturing facility in the...

News in brief

Neogen’s salmonella detection method gains food-type expansion

Neogen Corporation has received a matrix extension to cover foods in the bakery, confectionery and dairy industry for one of its salmonella detection methods.

EC backed project aims to recover Spanish dairy whey for functional formulations

A new initiative backed by the European Commission will encourage cheese making dairies in Spain to better utilise whey from cheese production as a value added ingredient.

Probiotic plus aloe shows cholesterol-lowering potential: Animal data

Combining probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplements with aloe vera may slash cholesterol levels by over 40%, suggests a new study with lab rats.

NHCR article 13 health claims fallout

Valio: How a probiotic firm exists in the “red ocean” of EU health claims

Finnish dairy and probiotics firm Valio says EU health claim laws are forcing it to add approved vitamins and minerals to products like probiotics that have failed to win EU...

Yakult brushes aside claims that poor management led to Yakult Argentina dissolution

Yakult has brushed aside claims by a number of former employees that its Argentinian business was dissolved as a result of poor management in recent years.

Chinese dairy Yashili announces New Zealand processing investment

Chinese dairy processor Yashili has announced plans to establish infant formula manufacturing operations in New Zealand – becoming the latest in a growing line of Chinese dairy processors to make...

News in brief

Former Milk Link CEO quits Arla Foods

Former Milk Link CEO Neil Kennedy has stepped down from his current position at Arla Foods.

Irish dairy export prospects 'positive' going into 2013 - Bord Bia

Irish dairy export prospects remain “generally positive” going into 2013 despite a fall in dairy and ingredients exports in 2012, research by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has found.

Arla Foods reveals five-year growth markets focus

Arla Foods intends to increase its focus on growth markets such as Russia, China, the Middle East and Africa over the next five years, in a strategic move away from...

Innoquest launches texture analyser for semi-solid food

Innoquest has launched a device for measuring the texture of semi-solid food ingredients on the production line.

Nestlé quiet on Pfizer Nutrition-driven Latin American assets sale rumour

Nestlé has refused to comment on reports that it is working with financial advisory group Rothschild to sell more than $1bn of Latin American assets in an effort to win...

Dean Foods clears $1bn long-term debt through Morningstar sale

The sale of Morningstar to Canadian dairy giant Saputo has enabled Dean Foods to reduce its long-term debt by almost a third, according to the Dallas-based dairy giant.

Dairy sector is next for dehydration technology

Dairy processing firm Gay Lea Foods is testing Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) dehydration technology from Canadian company EnWave to create dried dairy products.

Rokk’s robot boosts ice cream, cake capacity

A new robotic production line from Rokk Processing can deliver high production volumes for manufacturers of ice cream and cake makers who want to mimic artisinal designs.

Dairy farmers hit hardest by new South Australian wine planning laws

A recent decision by lawmakers in South Australia to protect Adelaide’s two main wine regions from urban sprawl has quite literally stepped on the toes of angry dairy producers.

DAIRYREPORTER.COM 2013 PREDICTIONS

What to expect in 2013 – DairyReporter.com predictions for the year ahead: Part two

In part two of our 2013 industry forecast, we ponder whether Greek yogurt giant Chobani can make it big outside of the US, and if dairy processors can reinvigorate demand...

FrieslandCampina eyes speciality cheese growth through Dutch acquisition

FrieslandCampina has entered into an agreement MYWO Food Group to acquire Dutch speciality cheese manufacturer Zijerveld and its packaging business unit, Den Hollander Food.

Dairy Crest processing plant to close under restructuring plans

Dairy Crest has called time on production at its Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire plant – the latest in a long line of efficiency-driven restructuring efforts by the British dairy processor.

Dairy alternative drinks move into the mainstream

Dairy alternative drinks are moving out of the specialist health food sector and into the mainstream – and it’s not all about soy anymore, according to market research firm Innova...

Emmi eyes improved sheep, goat product market position through deal

Dairy processor Emmi has acquired a 70% stake in the goat’s and sheep’s milk products trader AVH Dairy Trade BV – a move it hopes will strengthen its position in...

News in brief

Dairy UK partners with WRAP to promote water efficiency

Dairy UK has signed an agreement to become an official partner to the Federation House Commitment (FHC) – a voluntary commitment to reduce water use.

US dairy co-operatives slam Congress ‘dairy cliff’ deal

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Land O’Lakes have slammed Congress’ recent decision to extend the government’s current milk-buying programme.

Unipetrol develops resin to boost thermoformed rigid packaging

Unipetrol RPA has launched a resin which it claims significantly boosts the aesthetics and processing performance of thermoformed rigid packaging, such as beverage cups and yogurt pots.

‘Intriguing’ study shows heart health benefits of omega-3-rich yogurt

Daily consumption of omega-3-fortified yogurt may help boost heart health, says a new study that may ‘intrigue CPG companies to begin or continue their formulation efforts’.

Beverage firms must ‘redefine age’ to boost 2013 growth: Leatherhead Food Research

Food and beverage companies need to ‘redefine’ the concept of age in 2013 to seize specific growth opportunities presented by older consumers, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

DAIRYREPORTER.COM 2013 PREDICTIONS

What to expect in 2013 – DairyReporter.com predictions for the year ahead

Well…..wasn’t 2012 an eventful year for the dairy industry. Milk prices were up and down, Western dairy processors were forced to look East for growth opportunities, and even Coca-Cola tried...

Exclusive interview

Food shoppers are women, marketers are men: Houston, we have a problem…

It is well known that most food shoppers are women, but does the food industry get that in its marketing? Not really, says female marketing expert, author and CEO of...

UK government emphasises flexibility in health claim wording

The UK Department of Health (DoH) has issued health claims guidance that makes it clear official European Union  wordings are flexible but warns companies not to go too far.

Protein co-precipitate advances offer industry benefits

Advances in protein co-precipitation technology offer powerful ways to improve the use of protein rich raw materials, oil seed meals and byproducts, according to a study in Food and Bioproducts...

FrieslandCampina to close Hungarian plant

FrieslandCampina has said it intends to restructure its operations in Hungary, with the closure of its Debrecen plant and possible job losses.

Chinese formula grab leaves Australian shelves empty

Stores in Australia are fighting to replenish stocks of infant formula following an unprecedented surge in demand from Chinese customers wary of the safety of products at home.

News in brief

Researchers pinpoint ‘smelly’ component of blue cheese

UK researchers claim to have pinpointed what exactly it is that makes blue cheeses, such as Stilton, so smelly.

Saputo completes $1.45bn Morningstar acquisition

Saputo has completed its $1.45bn acquisition of Dean Foods’ Morningstar dairy division – a move the Canadian dairy giant hopes will help to expand its US manufacturing and distribution footprint.

News in brief

IPS launches tamper evident cap for paper containers

Intelligent Packaging Systems (IPS) has unveiled a tamper-evident cap which can be used for paper containers.

BWAY Corporation on track for further growth

BWAY Corporation, which acquired Ropak Packaging for $265m last month, has reported positive full-year results and targeted further growth through acquisitions and in-house initiatives.

US Congress backs deal to avert ‘dairy cliff’

US Congress has cleared a bill that will extend the government’s current milk-buying programme - effectively preventing a steep increase in the price of dairy products.

Researchers claim cheese-shape symbolism effect discovery

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of a number of shape symbolism effects - known as cross-modal correspondences - between round and angular shapes, and cheese.