Mariann Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for agriculture, said Monday
that the commission could consider putting limits on the Single
Payment Scheme if it is found that the scheme is not efficient.
Trade in organic products in France is now valued at almost $2
billion dollars and imports from non-EU countries continue to
increase, according to a USDA GAIN report.
The UK's Premier Foods is believed to have offered United Biscuits
an initial £1bn bid for its northern European snack food operations
- even though City analysts claim the business is worth £2.3bn.
People with a 'sweet tooth', a strong preference for sweet tastes,
associate the taste with mood improvements and have impaired
control of eating more sweets, says research from the US.
Some words are powerful enough to activate parts of the brain
dedicated to smell, suggesting that food companies should pay
closer attention to what they put on their labels.
Scientists from Germany report that they have identified how
curcumin helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, findings that could
extend understanding of the spice extract.
Natural and organic food chain Wild Oats has set up a program that
will promote locally grown organic products in all its stores
throughout North America.
The Internet is offering a wealth of information to more and more
people, but also an avenue for irresponsible businesses to exploit
consumer health concerns.
The US government has patented varieties of yeast and bacteria
found naturally on wheat heads, as a way to control a costly
disease of cereal crops worldwide.
US packaged meats giant Tyson Foods has announced plans to axe 420
jobs and execute a tough $200m savings plan, as it struggles to
offset sliding profits caused by a worldwide slump in beef and
chicken demand.
Casino, the ailing French supermarket chain, has sold its Polish
operations to Tesco and Metro Group as it strives to repay debts in
excess of €2bn euros.
With demand for organic foods continuing to strengthenacross the
globe, organic meat supply shortages and price hikes are expected
to continue, according to a new report.
PL Thomas has launched a new carrageenan product in partnership
with Spanish firm Ceamsa, which its claims cuts costs in half and
eliminates the need for gelatin or locust bean gum.
A group of scientists has claimed that Unilever's genetically
modified (GM) fish antifreeze protein for ice cream should not be
approved without further comprehensive tests.
Dutch supermarket Royal Ahold is today facing strikes across its
domestic Albert Heijn distribution and supply centres as workers
dispute pay and contracts.
French retail giant Carrefour yesterday announced an 8.5 per cent
rise in second quarter like-for-like sales, as the firm strengthens
its domestic position through in-store makeovers and competitive
pricing.
Huge swathes of California's wine areas may disappear by 2050 if
world temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, warn two
separate studies on wine and global warming.
Nottingham University researchers have reported improvements to the
method of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain
to give scientists a more "natural" insight into the perception of
taste and aroma.
ReGen Therapeutics is poised for the first launch of its
Colostrinin neutraceutical for early stage cognitive decline, with
the signing of a licensing agreement with Metagenics in North
America.
Swiss food giant Nestlé has announced plans to open a $359m
(€281.9m) factory and distribution centre in Indianapolis, to cater
for rising demand for its ready-to-drink beverages.
PL Thomas has launched a new carrageenan product designed for use
in gel sets, which claims to cut costs in half and eliminate the
need for gelatin or locust bean gum.
University of Birmingham researchers have reported that caffeine
can boost nerve cell activity in the brain, potentially protecting
against memory loss.
Fat and calorie content remain at the top of the list when it comes
to checking food labels, according to a recent poll, which reveals
that although most consumers check labels they are still likely to
purchase 'unhealthy'...
The use of hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) ingredients is on the
rise, according to the Association Internationale de l'Industrie
des Bouillons et Potages (AIIBP).
Kellogg, the world's biggest breakfast cereal maker, is in talks to
buy a Chinese food company as part of its plans to boost sales in
Asia, according to a report.
A combination of specific packaging films, cleaning chemicals and
modified atmospheres can lengthen the shelf life of fruit and
vegetable varieties, according to studies by the US Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
Adding soluble fibres, guar gum and pectin, to skimmed milk could
speed up the coagulation time, improving cost efficiency, and
impart nutritional benefits, say Irish researchers.
Member states now have 18 months to approve erythritol as a food
additive, after the approval process was finalised by the EC
Council of Health Ministers last month.
Speculation is mounting that France's number two supermarket Casino
is planning to sell its Polish operations - with Tesco and
Carrefour vying to snap up the unwanted stores.
An online consultation on the revision of novel food regulations,
designed to take into account changes to the status of GM food in
the EU, is nearing completion.
An entry level X-ray inspection system offers processors a
cost-effective way of meeting the EU's food safety requirements,
its UK-based manufacturer claims.
Protient is launching a goat milk protein concentrate for the
sports nutrition and weight loss industries, following demand from
formulators for rapidly absorbed, less allergenic protein.
Leading food manufacturer Kraft has paid £575m (€829.6m) for United
Biscuit's southern European snack business. The deal was signed off
over the weekend, said British daily The Financial Times.
Leading Russian supermarket Pyaterochka has posted a like-for-like
sales rise of 10 per cent for the second quarter of 2006, as it
moves to expand store space.