Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Enhanced microencapsulation for probiotic strains reported

Double encapsulation of bacterial strains with potential probiotic activity may enhance the shelf-life and offer protection against harsh stomach conditions, says a new study.

Sustainability Roundtable to reduce green label overload

The priority of the new Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Roundtable is to reduce the confusing array of different labels and statements appearing on food packages but fostering agreement on scientific assessment of environmental impact.

Yakult: probiotics may boost brain health

Probiotics pioneer Yakult says preliminary research indicates the interrelationship of the nervous systems of the gut and the brain could confer cognitive benefits when probiotics are consumed.

Study suggests chocolate milk exercise recovery boost

Chocolate milk has taken first place in a post-exercise energy recovery trial in competition alongside both a fluid- and carbohydrate-replacing beverage, according to new clinical research.

Milk board unmoved by Euro retailer ‘concern’

European retailers are failing to support dairy production and processing, despite continued pledges from leading chains in the bloc about price commitments, claims one farmers’ lobby group.

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Ice cream targeted in peanut recall

Wells’ Dairy says that it has expanded a voluntary recall of a number of its ice cream brands across the US over fears they may have been contaminated with Salmonella from peanuts.

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Arla profits fall after 2008 disappointment

European cooperative Arla Foods said that the 2008 financial year ended was not satisfactory after it reported net profit was €46m below budget for the period as consumers look to cut their spending.

Packaging minimisation not enough, says DuPont

Rethinking package design as well as the materials used is the key to eliminating packaging waste through either recycling or recovery using methods like incineration, argues DuPont.

Calcium may slash colorectal cancer risk: Study

Increased intakes of calcium from the diet and supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 23 per cent in women, says a new study from the US.

Enzyme targets profitable lactose application extensions

Testing is underway on global demand for an enzyme claimed by its manufacturers to ensure greater profitability from lactose, both in terms of food and non-food based applications.

Dannon removes growth hormone from dairy products

Dairy giant Dannon has said it is phasing out milk from rBST-treated cows, a commitment that parallels the move announced by competitor General Mills earlier this month.

More work needed on organic legislation says EU agriculture head

Mariann Fischer Boel, member of the European Commission responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, said the organic food sector needs the support of good legislation, which would help build consumer awareness and trust.

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Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

Glanbia works weight management market

Irish dairy and ingredients group, Glanbia, will expand its weight management offerings“to address the rising incidence of obesity by creating products that are low fat, healthy and taste good.”

Packaging firm aims to look good and cut waste

Sudpack said that a growing demand from its food manufacturer customer base for the optimal use of raw materials, a reduction in waste and packaging that gives product shelf stand out appeal is driving its current developments.

Gen Mills listens to consumers on rBST milk hormone

US food giant General Mills has committed to reformulating its category-leading Yoplait yoghurt brand with rBST-free milk – a move it says was prompted by consumer demand.

EC funds energy efficiency programme for dairy

The European Commission has funded a project that provides information to dairy farmers on achieving energy efficiency – which could ultimately also bring down costs for dairy product manufacturers.

Give (probiotic) cheese a chance, says probiotic big cheese

One of the world’s leading probiotics specialists says consumers are interested in probiotic cheese products but cheese manufacturers and probiotic suppliers need to get their scientific house in order and clarify their marketing messages.

Commission says dairy may gain from sustainable commitments

While no one sector should bare the brunt of European initiatives to drive sustainable energy, the Commission suggests that the dairy industry could be one area to benefit in the medium and long term from green initiatives.

Tainted formula passed tests pre export, says manufacturer

Health and safety officials in South Korea said that they found a meningitis causing bacteria in a French baby formula product but the company in question said the product was deemed safe following tests.

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Dairy aids Dean Foods profit push

US-based Dean Foods has posted a 10 per cent increase in operating profit over the 2008 fiscal year, amounting to $608m on the back of what it claims has been one of the strongest fourth quarters in the group’s history.

Chr Hansen makes new culture blends for mozzarella

Chr Hansen has developed a new collection of freeze-dried cultures for use in pasta filata cheeses like mozzarella and provolone, which are billed as bringing cost savings to cheese makers and optimising consistency between vats.

Consumers going off probiotic cheese

Probiotics have had a rapid rise to public prominence in North America since Danone launched probiotic drinkable and spoonable yogurts on the US market in 2005, but probiotic cheeses have won little favor, according to Euromonitor research.

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Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Study links higher dairy consumption to teen weight loss

Adolescents eating higher amounts of dairy goods, within the recommended daily guidelines, generally have lower levels of fat to those with a reduced intake, says a new study.

Healthy drinks dominate dairy sector

Dairy drinks promoted with a health benefit in tow now account for more than 70 per cent of global launches, according to food market analyst, Innova Food.

News in brief

Organic trade fair honours high value Danish market

The organic trade fair Biofach has hailed Denmark as its ‘country of the year’, as organics account for 6 per cent of food spending there.

Dispatches from FDF labelling debate

What labelling scheme(s) should Europe allow?

Debate is heating up about the best way to present nutrition information on food labels throughout the EU as lawmakers hammer out the details of new legislation. The Food and Drink Federation gives a view from industry.

EDA says natural trans fat-stance backed by parliament

European Parliament findings on the health impacts of consuming naturally occurring trans fatty acid (TFA) supports calls from dairy groups that their goods should be exempt from legislation limiting their presence, claims one trade group.

UK dairy groups couple-up to tackle supply chain issues

A number of UK dairy associations believe that the industry will be better equipped to lobby over issues of nutrition, the environment and farm welfare as a result of joining forces.

Vitamin D may be critical to reduce multiple sclerosis risk

Supplements of vitamin D at ‘critical time periods’ may be key to reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, according to a new study from the UK and Canada.

Sidel service to test PET 'sensitive' beverage compatibility

Adopting Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials designed to better protect ‘sensitive beverages’ such as milk, juice and tea products from factors like light and oxygen is the aim of a new package testing service.

Probiotics and prebiotics boost ‘quality of life’ for IBD sufferers

A combination of probiotic and prebiotics may improve the ‘quality of life’ for sufferers of a type of IBD, says a new study from Japan.

Carbery coy over DSM rennet battle outcome

Carbery today declined to confirm whether a court dispute with DSM, which alleged that rennet supplied through the Netherlands-based company was ‘defective’, has been settled.

China faces up to melamine legacy as dairy exports fall

The impact of last year’s melamine milk-contamination in China continues to be felt after dairy exports fell by 10.4 per cent on a year-on -year basis in 2008, creating growing interest for imported brands, claims state media.

Nutrition mission at heart of UK dairy week

The impacts of dairy consumption on health and nutrition remains the key focus for the UK dairy industry following this month’s inaugural National Dairy Week.

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No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

EFSA reveals milk protein safety conclusions

A new European review of the safety of proteins used in milk and dairy product formulation has found no link between their consumption and an increased risk to health, which could bring an end to an historic dispute.

News in brief

Pizza group suggests cheese is the topping of love

One Canadian Pizza retailer is relying on cheese to grab a share of Valentine’s Day spending, claiming the product leads a number of toppings as a key aphrodisiac, according to news reports.

Tetra Pak says customisation is key in downturn

Investing in custom-designed production equipment will be increasingly important to dairy manufacturers during the current economic downturn, claims a major supplier of aseptic processing technology.

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Fonterra issues milk price warning

Fonterra warns that current prices on the global market are not sustainable for suppliers at their current level.

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Enzymotec secures new funding

Israeli phospholipids specialist, Enzymotec, has raised $11 million (€8.54m) from its three major shareholders as well as a new investor – Arancia International, a privately owned Mexican ingredients developer with expertise in biotechnology and enzymes.

Constar pledges cost savings through faster pack design

Software customized by Constar can accelerate the packaging development process and help avoid costly pitfalls such as packages that do not meet performance, sustainability or cost requirements, claims the global supplier of food and beverage containers.

Protein maker extends dairy commitment with solid launch

Protein manufacturer Proliant continues to push ahead with its re-entry into the dairy sector through the global launch of a new ingredient it says can provide added value in food formulation, whilst cutting costs compared to other dairy solids.

Nestlé refines probiotic weight management project

An ever tighter focus on the ability of gut microflora to affect metabolism and control weight is the result of a new agreement signed between Nestlé’s northern France-based Research Centre and Imperial College London.

Sweet whey targets ‘scaly skin community’

PL Thomas has launched a whey-based ingredient clinically proven to benefit psoriasis sufferers, although its marketing will feature a broader skin health sell that doesn’t venture into the territory of disease reduction.

Valio spreads probiotics into new category

Unilever has teamed up with Finnish dairy and ingredients supplier, Valio, to launch a probiotic spread in Germany and Sweden with “strengthening natural defences” as the central selling point.

Rock paper may offer packaging alternative

Limestone derived paper offers food manufacturers an environmentally responsible packaging material for a range of products, as not being sourced from timber, it helps to preserve the earth’s forests, claims its distributor.

Organic exec spies UK dairy resilience

The organic dairy market remains resilient in the economic downturn amidst ongoing diversification drives, but more most be done to improve profitability in supply, says the new vice-chairman of a leading British cooperative.

Declining milk supply could open UK to Euro rivals

A continuing decline in the number of UK milk cows and flagging confidence among the country’s farmers may serve to setback overall efficiency for processors compared to their European and international competitors, say new industry findings.

Beauty yoghurt turns ugly for Danone

After little more than two years, Danone has pulled its beauty-from-the-inside spoonable yoghurt, Essensis, from French retail shelves, despite a re-launch in 2008.

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Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?