Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Teagasc goes genomic to boost flavour in dairy

Irish researchers are working on using genomics to enhance flavour in dairy products - and enhancing the country's technological standing in international R&D.

Emmi buys up Italian yoghurt group

Swiss dairy group Emmi said it would expand its reach in Italy's fresh dairy sector by taking over yoghurt maker Trentinalatte, rounding off another week of consolidation on the European dairy market.

French scientists unravel genes in yoghurt

Scientists in France say they have unlocked the genetic sequence of bacteria in yoghurt, offering better insight to dairy firms looking to create added value dairy products.

EU to review dairy market in 2008

A review of the European Union's dairy strategy will take in place in 2008, with intervention prices, storage subsidies and milk quotas all up for discussion.

SIG cashes in on China's fast-growing dairy sector

Swiss liquid packaging group SIG has sold 14 new filling lines in one go to leading Chinese dairy Yili, reflecting the speed and scale of growth in the country's dairy sector.

Study shows milk protein can help clear teenage skin

Research carried out by Holland-based Campina Industrial Products, shows that a milk protein it has launched can lead to a 50 per cent reduction in acne within the space of two weeks.

Unilever fishing for low-fat ice cream

Unilever has developed a new genetically modified protein that it says will serve up low-fat ice cream without compromising on taste, as ice cream firms step up the race to please health conscious consumers.

Cereal drinks not a milk alternative, says FSANZ

Cereal-based beverages, such as those made from rice and oats, are not suitable as a complete milk replacement for young children, said the Australian and New Zealand food authorities today.

Unilever's Flora health claims unproven

Unilever must change its British television advert for Flora pro.activ margarine as it contains unsubstantiated health claims, said the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Dairy firms target growing international opportunities

The top dairy firms have become even larger due to continued acquisition, according to the latest report from Leatherhead International (LFI).

Production stoppage leaves bitter taste for Unilever

A breakdown in the processing method of Unilever's Flora Original Spread brand in the UK has led the company to recall some of the product throughout the country.

Arla signs speciality cheese deal

Arla Foods has bought up speciality cheesemaker Tholstrup in its native Denmark, as the group looks to expand its cheese export business amid rising competition.

Lamy puts pressure on global agriculture deal

WTO director general Pascal Lamy has told delegates that a deal on global agricultural trade must be achieved soon.

Meetings target trends in processing, food safety

Two meetings, one in Barcelona on emerging processing technologies, the other in London on food contamination, will focus on hot trends in an industry looking to cut costs, innovate and increase the safety of their products.

Kraft Foods in Danone takeover rumour

French dairy group Danone has seen shares rise after rumours again surfaced that the firm may be taken over by a foreign company, this time Kraft Foods.

Omega-3s may help depressive kids - pilot study

Increasing omega-3 intake from the diet or supplements may help depressive kids, reports a pilot study for the first time.

Dairy Crest misused omega-3 study, says ASA

Dairy Crest misused a clinical study on omega-3 in children to claim that its St Ivel Advance milk could benefit some children's ability to learn, says the UK advert watchdog in its report of the case.

Project would investigate processing, allergens relationship

A UK food research consultancy is looking for a partner to investigate the effects of processing techniques on reducing allergens.

UK milk supply too uniform, says MDC

Milk prices in Britain are being held down by commodity market weakness, suggests a new report.

New scheme offers cost savings to UK dairy firms

Britain's dairy industry is using government money to launch a new efficiency scheme, which could help processors in their battle against soaring costs.

Danone and Stonyfield create European organic dairy firm

Leading US organic dairy firm Stonyfield Farm and Danone have joined forces to create a European subsidiary, which the groups hope will duplicate Stonyfield's US success in Europe's organic dairy industry.

Omega-3 milk ads dropped in health claims row

Dairy Crest has criticised Britain's advert watchdog for telling the company to drop claims that its omega-3 milk could improve children's ability to learn.

FMC to launch fat reduction technology for ice-cream

FMC Biopolymer has developed new technology that allows ice cream manufacturers to slash the fat content in their products by more than half, without altering the ice cream's taste and texture.

Weekly comment

Litigation: a necessary cost of doing business?

In the US, the role of court action in defining limits not set by regulators is generating a flood of costly court cases for the food industry: much unnecessary, and all damaging.

Dairy by-product offers natural preserving alternative to chlorine

Whey permeate, a by-product of cheese production, could be a food preserver, suggests new research, as the industry looks to alternatives to chlorine solutions for preserving fresh-cut vegetables.

Association calls for more help for smaller food processors

The EU's small to medium sized food processors need more skilled workers in the industry and more access to research and development , according to a study released yesterday by the bloc's industry association.

Omega-3 added to yoghurt in China

The first yoghurt containing the fatty acid omega-3 has been launched in southern China, backed by labeling claims for its health benefits.

CP Kelco targets European hydrocolloid market

CP Kelco has appointed S Black to distribute its range of hydrocolloids for the UK food and beverage industry.

Vitamin-producing bacteria could lead to cheaper fortified dairy

Adding riboflavin-producing bacteria to standard yoghurt could boost the nutritional value and cut costs of conventional fortification, suggests a joint Argentine-Dutch study.

Ireland dairy and beef supplies forge into EU markets

After achieving record exports in 2005, the Ireland's dairy and beef industry is expected to remain as an important source of supplies to the EU market, according to a government report.

Wild to develop aseptic pouch filling centre in Italy

Wild has acquired an Italy-based machine manufacturer and plans to leverage the purchase by developing a new plant for the aseptic filling of spouted pouches.

Fonterra sets new production records on world markets

Fonterra's suppliers have set a new record for the just-completed production year, bringing more dairy ingredients on to an already competitive market.

Weekly comment

Healthy food and the World Cup of missed opportunity

Beer, bakery, confectionery, sweet drinks, pizzas, snacks galore, and even dog food. The list of products with World Cup tie-ins is dominated by junk food, while healthy food makers seem content to pass up the marketing opportunities and let others grow fat on the rewards.

New approach to food risk unveiled

A new approach to risk and crisis management for food and drink companies has been unveiled at the UK's Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

France trumps UK in foreign investment food stakes

France held the top spot last year over the UK for foreign investments into the food sector, according to a new Ernst & Young report.

Nestlé confident that food prices will stabilise

Nestle doesn't expect raw material prices to rise further this year, despite a recent FAO report that forecasts an increase of over 2 per cent in the world food import bill in 2006.

Companies aim to score big at World Cup

If hell freezes over and Australia wins football's World Cup, then Scottish & Newcastle will be on the hook for splashing out a lot of Foster's beer in Germany.

Omega-3 drinkable yoghurt arrives in China

China's first drinkable yoghurt product, containing MEG-3 fish oil, is currently rolling out, and has received strong endorsement from the Guadong Dairy Association.

EU backs medicine milk from GM goats

European Union medical authorities have approved their first drug derived from the milk of genetically modified animals, offering an insight into potential alternative avenues for parts of the dairy industry.

Custard goes functional with bioactive ingredients

Custard could soon be going functional with soy isoflavones or antioxidants from olive oil, as research from the Netherlands shows that the popular dessert can easily be enhanced and release these bioactive ingredients.

Wiseman swoops for Milk Link in UK

Dairy processor Robert Wiseman has continued on the acquisition trail by agreeing to buy Milk Link's milk business, suggesting consolidation is picking up pace on the Uk dairy industry.

Machine targets growing demand for single serve creamers

A new aseptic packaging machine is designed to target what the manufacturer says is a growing demand for single serve coffee creamers.

Review examines current state of sealing technology

A review of hot heat and cold sealing methods emphasises the common problems food packagers face when applying technologies.

Arla, Danisco swallow Denmark's EU subsidies

International food giants Arla Foods and Danisco got more subsidies from the EU than anyone else in their native Denmark last year, says a new report, adding yet more controversy to Europe's farm support scheme.

EU food agency opens debate on common risks-benefit analysis

Europe's food safety agency will begin a debate with processors on formulating a common standard for assessing the health risks and benefits posed by their products.

Agency provides access to donated processing patents

A government-funded agency is helping small food firms develop their business by providing them with access to patented processing techniques donated by some of the industry's giants.

Arla UK under fire over milk price cuts

Arla UK announced it would make more controversial cuts to farmgate milk prices and fine producers for churning out too much milk, as cost pressures on the dairy industry intensify.

Kraft asks customers for new products

US food firm Kraft has launched a customer-led research and development programme, in a bid to re-engage with consumers and tap growing health and wellness trends.

Campina, Fonterra cleared over lactose deal

Dutch dairy group Campina is free to form a joint venture with New Zealand dairy Fonterra to sell lactose for use in fine chemical production and pharmaceuticals, says the European Commission.

Nutrition focus for osteoporosis prevention

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has heard damning reports of under-diagnosis and inappropriate care for sufferers of the devastating brittle bone disease, which also highlight the importance of communication about preventative measures.

Flora launches UK omega-3 awareness campaign

Flora, the Unilever-owned margarine brand, is embarking on a major campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of omega-3, following consumer research indicating that the message is not being heard by all family members.

Campina buys Argentine dairy ingredient maker Inovatech

Campina has bought dairy ingredient producer Inovatech Argentina, signalling the Dutch-owned company's desire to reach further into the global specialized ingredients market, with an particular emphasis on nutrition.

Dairy officials slam whole milk school ban

Plans to kick whole milk out of English schools as part of new nutrition standards sends the wrong message to consumers, warns the National Farmers' Union.

Health, WTO dominate EU dairy talks

World trade discussions and communicating the health benefits of dairy were the two main topics for discussion in a meeting between the European Dairy Association and European Commission this week.

Higher calcium needs to benefit dairy sales

Australian dairy producers are looking forward to a sales push from new calcium requirements published by the government last month.