Processor installs whey testing to aid customer development

Niro has installed it latest whey ingredient technology at its Copenhagen testing site in a bid to aid manufacturer development and marketing of new product compositions from the protein.

Study links milk farm chemical input to nutrient kick

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...

Fuel costs must be swallowed by manufacturers - hauliers

As truck drivers from around the UK gathered in London to protest against rising fuel prices this week, a leading haulage group claims that food manufacturers, and consumers should bare...

Tate & Lyle inks 'bran' new gut health deal

UK-based ingredients giant Tate & Lyle has dipped into its independent €30+m venture capital fund to the tune of €3.5m to partner with a Belgian start-up researching the gut health...

Sales soar for Chinese potato starch supplier

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

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.

Further uncertainty predicted for dairy markets

Global uncertainty over the price of milk and other dairy ingredients looks set to continue to compound processor fears, according to new findings published this week by UK association DairyCo.

Vitamin D levels should be multiplied by ten for children: study

Raising current vitamin D levels from 200 International Units (IU) to 2,000 IU could boost bone health amongst children and have long-term health benefits, says new research.

Weight and mood drive Euro functional food development

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.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence...

Arla adopts local focus on global consumer markets

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...

Whey industry hoping for innovative future

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...

Conveyor belt designed for hygiene needs

A new conveyor belt designed specifically for food manufacturing allows for more user-friendly maintenance without reducing the product's strength, its manufacturer says.

Process development targets dairy cholesterol cutting

A proprietary processing development for natural dairy-based ingredients can offer a lower cholesterol alternative to regular milk, while maintaining the same taste profile, according to its manufacturer.

Erythritol use blossoms but regulatory, technical challenges remain

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...

Italians, women most interested in prebiotic health claims

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.

Tetra Pak invests in Italian packaging materials plant

Tetra Pak is stumping up €26m for an upgrade of its Italian packaging materials plant that will significantly increase its printing and lamination capacity, and boost the quality and speed...

CAP proposals cut aid and maximise production

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.

US group denies wrongdoing amidst milk price uncertainty

A leading US dairy cooperative has denied any wrongdoing over allegations that it may be involved in price fixing for some of its products, as yet another country finds its...

News briefs: Dairy Crest and Designer Whey

This week, Dairy Crest says cost pressures have failed to derail its full year expectations and a supplier of whey-based products moves to step up its global retail presence.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to...

Danisco aims to adapt to US cultures

Danisco is expanding the range of yoghurt cultures available to its US customers in order to exploit impressive growth within the market.

Culinary inspiration crucial to Givaudan R&D

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.

Arla UK deal targets process push

European cooperative Arla Foods says it will form a new joint venture with its UK arm to step up investment in its processing operations within the country.

Package seal designed to cut cheese rejects

A new ultrasonic sealing system for grated cheese and salad packing can provide a cost efficient, lower reject seal packaging, according to its manufacturer.

Bericap expands light weight plastic closure range

Bericap's range of light weight closures save their customers money and offer a greener alternative, according to the company.

Carbery throws weight behind nutrition business

Irish whey protein specialist Carbery is engaging in a major investment and recruitment programme in response to a whey market it says has "exploded".

News briefs: Glanbia, Fonterra speculation

This week, Glanbia says it expects to offset dairy cost pressures by meeting full year growth, and Fonterra is expected to target expansion in Australia.

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

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

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...

New label applicator offers optional RFID encoding

Weber has modified its label printer applicator for the food and drinks industry to ensure maximum flexibility and versatility for end users as well as offering optional radio frequency identification...

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

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.

Infant milk panel formation targets industry action

An independent panel has been formed by the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) to scrutinise whether the advertising practices of infant and follow-on formula makers are in line with new...

FrieslandCampina may be operational by end 2008

Members of Friesland Foods and Campina have voted in favour of the proposed merger, marking a major step forward in bringing the two dairy cooperatives and companies together.

Global dairy groups to follow UK green milk strategy

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...

Irish foods low in trans fats, high in saturated: survey

The results of a survey by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on the fat content and fatty acid composition of pre-packaged food products reveal that generally, levels of...

Green trend will boost RFID uptake

The trend towards greener packaging that is more easily recycled could boost sales of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, a global trade association has suggested.

Gut microflora and obesity - Nestle expands the possibilities

Modifying the population of bacteria in the gut may improve the regulation of glycemic control and reverse the insulin resistance that occurs with obesity, suggests a new study from the...

Dairy foods not impacting on weight issue: study

Claims that consumption of dairy products and other high calcium goods may play a key role in weight loss or gain are not sufficiently supported by scientific testing, according to...

More accurate data needed on dietary intake

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

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...

News briefs: Danone and organic schooling

This week, Danone continues to divest operations required to seal its Numico purchase, while an organic dairy cooperative heads for the playground with a new campaign about its operations.

Pregnancy group call for BPA labels over bottle fears

The use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in bottles and other food packaging continues to stir controversy, with calls this week from a UK-based pregnancy charity for mandatory labelling of the...

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success...

Drink pouches opened up for wider food pack push

While most famous for producing the pouch packaging of its parent company's Capri Sun fruit drinks, Wild Indag is continuing to work on extending the packaging for use in various...

Enzymotec launches cut-price krill oil

Israeli phospholipids specialist Enzymotec has debuted a modified krill oil it will sell at a "significantly lower price" to its existing high-grade version.

Milk processors outline eco-goals

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...

Bush to determine status of Farm Bill as deadline closes

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...