Breaking News on Dairy Processing & Markets

Consumers against nanotech in food, says BfR

The majority of consumers do not think that nanotechnology should be used in food applications, according to a survey from German risk assessor BfR, and they are more likely to trust information from consumer groups than politicians and businesses.

Whey encapsulation highlights 2007

Whey protein is increasingly hitting the mainstream. This year saw numerous studies published exploring the potential of the ingredient to encapsulate value-added ingredients. Here, FoodNavigator reviews the progress from 2007.

Friesland, Campina talk merger; CEO stands down

Friesland Foods and Campina revealed today that exploratory talks are underway to merge into a global dairy giant - and Campina CEO Justin Sanders is standing down "to give the talks more chance for success".

Further joint venture upheaval for Danone

Danone says it has terminated another Chinese joint venture, this time with local dairy group Mengiu, due to a lack of progress in the collaboration.

Lactose intolerant can still eat some cheese

Lactose intolerant Brits may be missing the high calcium health benefits of dairy goods due to the misapprehension that they cannot eat cheese, according to a new survey conducted by the British Cheese Board (BCB).

Chr Hansen strengthens probiotics with Medipharm buy

Chr Hansen has signed a conditional agreement to buy Swedish Arla Foods' subsidiary Medipharm, a deal which will strengthen the Danish firm's probiotic activities.

Wimm-Bill-Dann profits despite dairy cost crunch

Russian group Wimm-Bill-Dann posted a 40.4 per cent increase in sales to $1.75bn (€1.2bn) during the nine months of its current financial year, on the back of a strong performance from both its dairy and infant nutrition brands.

EBRD plans Ukrainian dairy investment

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is looking to tap growing potential in the Ukrainian dairy sector with a planned acquisition of a 17.5 per cent stake in one of the country's largest processing plants.

Irish government backs Glanbia's innovation aims

Glanbia has received government support to expand its R&D capabilities in Ireland, as the company moves to step up its focus on innovation within dairy processing.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

Cloned food postponed

Food from cloned animals looks likely to take longer than expected to enter the American food supply, following the passage of a provision in the Senate's Farm Bill that requires more testing.

Briefs: Arla Foods, Fonterra and Parmalat

This week, Arla Foods re-brands its cheeses in a profitability drive, Fonterra begins to experience the benefits of higher milk costs and Parmalat responds to an ongoing Italian antitrust enquiry.

Naturis seeks phytosterol permission for dairy

Naturis has asked the Food Standards Agency to approve the use of phytosterols - which have been linked to having a positive effect on lowering cholesterol - from soya bean seeds.

Kerry ingredient tackles ice-cream cost, output issues

Kerry Bio-Science is launching a new functional system called Sherex Enlite to improve creaminess, stability and shelf life of ice-cream - and which has proved particularly effective in low-fat ice creams.

EU mulls milk quota hike to please cheese needs

The European Commission has proposed a two per cent rise in milk quotas from April next year in a bid to drive down the price of the commodity.

Manufacturer caps convenience with carton opening

A new one-step-opening cap for both dairy and beverage cartons can offer greater convenience benefits for processors and consumers alike, according to the manufacturer.

Bodine targets space needs with expanded Pacesetter range

Bodine Electric Company's claims its new additions to the Pacesetter selection of inverter duty gearmotors aid food and beverage processing where space is limited, or high torque required.

Nestle, Kellogg et al sign junk ad pledge

Major global food companies have this week signed a pledge to stop advertising 'junk' food to children under 12, in an effort to self-regulate and avoid a ban being imposed by the European Commission.

Emmi expects dairy turnaround in 2008

Dairy group Emmi says it remains in line to achieve its full-year objectives despite falling short of earnings targets and expects greater stability in both milk prices and it owns operations in the year ahead.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

Court rules against Danone in Wahaha battle

Danone's right to the trademarks of joint venture partner Wahaha have been terminated after it lost an arbitration battle in a Chinese court, the group said today.

UK dairy groups admit price fixing role

A number of UK-based retailers and dairy processors have admitted involvement in alleged dairy price fixing for powdered milk, butter and cheese, resulting in combined fines of about £116m (€161m).

Halal certification opens new markets for UK cheese group

European Muslims could be about to develop the taste for regional cheeses like red leicester, lancashire and even the humble cheddar following the recent entry of UK-based processor Dewlay into the halal market.

Bisphenol A in infant formula at 'dangerous' levels, says group

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health, according to new research published yesterday by a US environmental group

Fonterra chairman defends split proposals

The chairman of New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra says its farmer shareholders are not in danger of losing their controlling stake of the company should a proposed restructuring and public offering go ahead.

Halal certification opens new markets for UK cheese group

European Muslims could be about to develop the taste for regional cheeses like red leicester, lancashire and even the humble cheddar following the recent entry of UK-based processor Dewlay into the halal market.

Briefs: Ecolab, Graham Packaging and ceremonious cheeses

In the latest briefs, Ecolab steps up its presence in diary hygiene, Graham Packaging targets dairy demand in Turkey, and UK cheese manufacturers get into the Christmas spirit.

New flow machine designed for zipper packaging

A new flow machine is designed for re-closure zipper packages used for products such as cheese, cold meats, breads and wraps.

Nestle, Vivartia fined in Greek milk price probe

European dairy giants Nestle and Vivartia are among a number of companies facing fines imposed by the Greek competition authority for allegedly fixing dairy prices in the country, press reports have said.

Long term fears over New Zealand dairy costs

New Zealand farmers continue to step up milk production following a bumper year for their exports, though the country's long-term status as a low cost dairy producer could be under threat, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Givaudan launches new natural cheese flavors

Givaudan Flavors has extended its natural flavors range with the introduction of a series of proprietary ingredients that provide a variety of unique cheese characteristics to food products.

Nutritek announces dairy divestment for profit push

Nutritek, a leading Russia-based manufacturer of infant nutrition products, is selling off its dairy and agro business operations in the country to focus on functional baby food production in Asia and Eastern Europe.

Debate ignites over dairy import fees

A battle over whether to expand fees on dairy imports to help pay for promoting dairy products has broken out in Congress, as states not included in the current fee system fear inclusion would deal a devastating blow.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.