A technique based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification
of DNA sequences may help food companies by providing a rapid and
inexpensive method of identifying microorganisms.
The DöhlerGroup has developed a range of sports beverages featuring
Palatinose, a new type of sugar that is claimed to add nutritional
value to finished foods.
The UK ranks second behind Canada in the level of productivity of
its food, drink and tobacco products work force, but Austria,
Finland and the Netherlands are on the way to overtaking the
island, according to an international study.
Yesterday's launch of the EU-funded Yeast Systems Biology Network
could eventually help European yeast producers fight off the
growing challenge from China.
The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) has agreed to relax maturity
standards for oranges and grapefruits processed for juice in a move
to help growers impacted by Hurricane Wilma.
A UK cooked meat processor is fighting in court to reopen after it
was closed down in the wake of an outbreak of E. coli 0157 that
resulted in the death of a five-year-old boy and caused sickness in
scores of schoolchildren.
Aldi, the world's largest discount supermarket chain, is now
stocking premium brand-name product lines to compete more
effectively against discount rivals, as financial results indicate
a profit slide.
Supermarkets are seeking to exploit the underdeveloped fuel
retailing sector in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), claims a new
report by market analyst Datamonitor.
Britain's 'big four' supermarket chains may face pressure as the
Office of Fair Trading (OFT) withdraws its previous ruling
protecting the grocery sector from investigation by the Competition
Commission (CC).
Advitech is embroiled in discussions with potential partners to
bring its XP-828L product to market, targeting sufferers of mild to
moderate psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
Tate & Lyle's European food and industrial ingredients division
proposed increase of 10 to 15 per cent on new contracts for certain
products highlights again the impact of rocketing energy prices on
the ingredients market.
Ingredients giant Cargill has launched a new line of sweeteners
designed to reduce the number of calories in frozen dairy desserts
and sweetened bakery products such as cake, muffins and brownies,
without altering the taste.
Continual productivity improvements are behind Novozymes' solid
performance since it was floated on the stock market in 2000,
according to CEO Steen Riisgaard.
The imminent assault on the over-priced Swiss grocery market by
discount retailers Aldi and Lidl has prompted supermarkets to mimic
UK-style price wars to marginalise the threat.
Blue Pacific's new functional flavor system offers health-minded
beverage makers the promise of shelf stability without the threat
of ringing or separation.
Swedish probiotic biotech company BioGaia is making headway in its
short-term mission to attain profitability, reporting a 39 percent
increase in sales to SEK 16.4 million for 3Q 2005.
Proposed regulatory changes in the Italian market has led a
Canadian machine maker to team up with two other companies in
developing what they say is a cheaper way of making a lighter
single-servebottle.
An ambitious Italian gourmet food promotion programme could
transform the fortunes of a revitalised sector - as long as EU
bureaucracy doesn't ruin everything.
Good food may stimulate our senses, but it also reflects centuries
of culinary culture, customs and unique aspects of life, as
highlighted in a recent Slow Food exhibition in Montpellier.
Two new companies in the supplements market, one each on either
side of the channel, are looking to launch an organic selenium
yeast in Europe after gaining derogation from the supplements
directive.
National Starch's plan to increase the cost of its European
starches by up to ten per cent reflects growing industry concern
over rocketing energy prices.
A UK survey of contaminant levels in fish and fish oils should help
back up health claims and ease fears over the safety of consuming
fish-based products.
International Flavors & Fragrances saw a further drop in sales
in its third quarter, as it still struggles to overcome the impact
of the sale of one of its businesses last year.
A dairy peptide shown to protect liver health is also an effective
cosmeceutical ingredient, says innovative ingredients firm DMV
International, which is exploiting milk fractions to build a new
skincare range.
Tesco has been cleared to acquire 21 former BP/Safeway petrol
stations from Wm Morrison after the UK's Office of Fair Trading
(OFT) chose not to refer it to the Competition Commission.
Britain's biggest retailers are responsible for the indiscriminate
destruction of fish stocks according to Greenpeace's latest report
revealing a list of the top-offending supermarket chains.
Potato waste could offer the food industry a cheap, renewable and
as yet underutilised source of chitin and lactic acid, according to
a university scientist.
A European Commission programme designed to promote EU food
products outside the bloc has been welcomed by the food industry,
though criticism over European bureaucracy remains a recurrent
theme.
The European Court of Justice's feta ruling may give sole rights to
Greece, yet one of Europe's leading dairy producers has been
preparing for years to find a way round the new rules.
Processors will not have to change any of their large scale holding
tanks or pipe fittings covered with novolac glycidyl ethers (NOGE)
after the EU's food safety regulator ruled that the epoxy coating
is safe as a coating.
International food retailers pile on competitive pressure as they
show interest in an Italian supermarket chain - forcing smaller
local franchises to consolidate their efforts to survive.
The UK's Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has referred Heinz'
acquisition of HP to the Competition Committee (CC) after growing
concerns that the merger will distort the grocery market.
A new fruit ingredient claimed to have all the attributes of fresh
fruit - but with the added benefit of retaining its texture in both
dried and frozen form - has been developed.
Retailers may have to do more to reassure consumers of the safety
of their poultry products as the fears surrounding avian flu lead
to heightened awareness of the dangers of uncooked meat.
Processors making products like mayonnaise, mousse and icing will
be looking for a consumer reaction to the latest bird flu advice
from the EU's food safety regulator, which yesterday called
onconsumers to avoid eating raw eggs.
Butter is making a comeback on lower fat margarine as UK consumers
trade up to treat themselves, but the overall fats market is
shrinking and imported brands are taking the biggest winnings.
ConAgra's attempt to inextricably link itself with current health
trends is evident in the launch of its latest range of products
under the "Eat Well, Live Well, Choose Well" slogan.
Europe's food industry will significantly benefit from a
satisfactory WTO agreement, but for this to happen the EU must
maintain its multilateral approach and issues such as export
support must be addressed.
EuropaBio has slammed the EU Agricultural Council's decision to
uphold a Greek ban on genetically modified (GM) corn, claiming that
the judgement flies in the face of EFSA advice on biotech crops.
Up to 15 percent of Florida's citrus crop was destroyed when
Hurricane Wilma hit the southern part of the state on Monday,
according to preliminary estimates by Florida Citrus Mutual, the
state's largest citrus grower organization.
Budget supermarkets and premium retailers are rejuvenating
Britain's mature grocery sector by responding to new consumer
trends - while the stale supermarket centre-ground has reached full
saturation point.
Innovation must be a priority for microencapsulation and food
ingredients companies to meet the challenges in today's competitive
market, says a new study.
The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) has condemned government
plans to introduce the "Tesco law", which would allow UK
supermarkets to offer legal services.