Indian spice producer Vallabhdas Kanji Limited (VKL) has received
unspecified investment from Argonaut private equity firm, which
will let it pursue acquisition opportunities on a global scale and
further boost its manufacturing capacity.
A panel of experts recommend that more countries be
recognised as fine or flavour cocoa producing countries in order to
provide new opportunities for trade.
Trehalose, a sugar found naturally in mushrooms, honey, lobster and
shrimp, improves the fruity aroma and the levels of healthy
polyphenol compounds in strawberry cream, suggests a new study.
Gum Technology has launched a new natural, cold soluble carrageenan
blend said to offer an instant rich texture for products ranging
from smoothies to frozen pizza crust.
Probiotic supplements may ease the suffering from diarrhoea and nausea amongst people with HIV and AIDS, suggests a joint study by African and Canadian researchers.
The application of modern horticultural techniques could revive
cultivation of traditional fruits in Africa like baobab,
butterfruit and tamarind, according to a new report.
The unstable political situation surrounding the cultivation of
genetically modified (GM) crops is restricting university research
and pushing small companies out of the arena, thereby restricting
competition, said a GM expert.
Canadian dairy cooperative Agropur has set its sights south of the
border with its acquisition of Trega Foods to enable company
growth, impossible in Canada where competition is stifled.
A new bill on milk labelling standards up for consideration in the
Indiana House of Representatives has come under criticism this week
by some organisations and producers, which claim it would prevent
informed consumer choice if passed.
Leatherhead Food International (LFI) intends to tap into a very
pressing technical challenge for manufacturers looking to produce
low fat foods that maintain an indulgent appeal.
The European Food Safety Authority is expecting to complete its
evaluation of the safety of 2,800 flavouring substances by April to
allow for a positive list to be established, but is seeking for
more information from industry.
Frutatom has announced new investment in its US flavor operations,
this time radically expanding its New Jersey facility to house new
R&D capabilities.
A diet rich in polyphenol-rich fruit like apples, oranges and
bananas may protect against oxidative stress linked to loss of
cognitive function and Alzheimer's, suggests a new study.
Beta-carotene, used in foods and beverages as colourants and health
ingredient, can be stabilised by novel nano-scale carriers,
suggests innovative research from Germany.
Trends are set to combine in 2008, with Americanized ethnic flavors
and healthy but indulgent products steering the market, while
locally, ethically sourced food will continue to grow in
popularity, says a new report.
Radical changes consumer behaviour, especially in rich countries,
is crucial to averting a crisis in food supply in the coming
decades, attendees at the City Food Lecture in London heard this
week.
Genistein, an isoflavone from soy, may stimulate the expression of
an enzyme linked to better blood flow, suggests a new animal study
that my have implications for high blood pressure in humans.
Using an antioxidant-rich extracts from bamboo leaf and green tea
could reduce the formation of acrylamide in an asparagine-glucose
model system heated by microwave, according to a new study.
Dairy processor Saputo intends to acquire the activities of
Wisconsin-based Alto Dairy Cooperative, saying it hopes to increase
its presence in the fragmented US cheese market.
New legislation passed in Germany on Friday has paved the way for
increased biotech innovation and easier cultivation of genetically
modified (GM) crops.
Hydrocolloid ingredients commonly used as gelling agents,
emulsifiers and stabilizers may also have benefits for diabetics,
suggests new research from the Dow Chemical Company.
Cadbury today launched a fund to aid its cocoa suppliers
in Ghana, after research suggested that average production in
the region is now 40 per cent lower than the potential yield.
The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a
probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those
yoghurt shots away!
Finnish food group Raisio and Swedish firm Lantmännen have
dissolved joint ownership of a number of food businesses, which the
firms hope will drive focus and profitability.
Flavour compounds with a low solubility may form complexes with
high-amylose maize starch, offering innovative encapsulation and
cost-saving benefits, says a new study.
California aims to protect its consumers from the possible unknown
risks of consuming food from cloned animals and their offspring by
proposing a bill requiring such products to display clear and
prominent labels.
The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris could be a rich source
of extractable antioxidants, and provide potent alternatives to
synthetics like butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT), suggests new research form Spain.
NutraCea has filed for provisional patent protection for its
technology to stabilize wheat bran, which the company says can make
it a commercially viable ingredient for use in foods.
A lawsuit has been filed against the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) over the approval of a herbicide resistant
genetically engineered sugar beet.
Bell Flavors and Fragrances has responded to concerns over the use
of diacetyl in popcorn by developing butter flavors that are free
from the additive.
American and Japanese researchers have identified how peptides in
food activate human bitter taste receptors, data that could have
implications for the food industry and food formulators.
The UK government unveiled the first steps it will take in its
national strategy to fight obesity, earmarking £372m for the cause.
Steps include addressing food issues, as well as increasing
education and encouraging physical activity.
The food industry can expect to see progress in novel foods
regulation, the Food Improvement Agents Package (FIAP) and the
labelling regulation during Slovenia's presidency of the European
presidency, according to an advisor.
Europe's food safety watchdog has issued updated advice on reducing
the risk of the food-borne bacteria listeria, urging food
manufacturers to watch out for contamination during packaging,
preparation and storage of food.
A simple structured emulsion system could correct for flavour imbalances in reduced and low-fat products, scientists at Nestlé Research Center (NRC) have reported.
Extracts from pomegranate peel can stabilise sunflower oil and
protect it form deterioration associated with heating, suggests a
new study from Pakistan.
As the EU debates retaining national bans on genetically modified
(GM) crops, one industry expert believes that failure to adapt
could grant foreign rivals using the technology an upper hand, not
least in terms of brewing a good beer.
Organic milk production in the EU market could become increasingly
constrained during 2008, as rising feed costs are forcing some
farmers to quit the market, says an industry expert.