Naturex has reported solid revenue growth for Q4 2008, closing a year of integrating new acquisitions into its business and developing a network with new offices around the world.
As Chr Hansen marks ten years of activity in Russia, regional director Jacob Paulsen explains how the market has changed and offers some advice for anyone exploring opportunities there today.
The recent contraction of raw material supplies to the food industry, that arguably tipped the delicate balance in the cereal supply chain, may have created a climate for better 'partnership building', suggests the UK's Home Grown Cereals...
A new range of functional soy protein concentrates has been launched in Europe by Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) to provide nutrition, emulsify fat, bind water and give structure to emulsified meat products.
Danisco is now offering sustainable options on its palm-based emulsifiers, as palm oil produced at certified sustainable plantations enters the marketplace.
National Starch Food Innovation is making available its Q-Naturale emulsifier in Europe, and expects it could rival gum arabic in certain sparkling beverages, waters and juices.
Ungerer has developed a new range of flavoured oat fibre powders that are imbued with natural flavour that can add both a fruity taste and health benefits to baked goods, dairy, desserts and smoothies.
Dansico says it has strengthened its hand within the market for polyphenol-rich ingredients through a new cooperation to globally supply a range of grape extracts.
PureCircle has appointed Jordi Ferre to its senior management team in the US to spearhead the commercial development of the all-natural, zero calorie stevia-derived sweetener, Rebaudioside A (Reb A).
Shareholders are increasingly looking for evidence that a food company has green projects ingrained in the management strategy, says Nizo Food Research, which is organising a workshop on how to make sustainability profitable.
The Real Good Food Company has announced it is consolidating two of its businesses which serve the baking industry to stream-line its management team and build on innovation capabilities.
Political and economic stability in Eastern Europe makes an attractive proposition for food and drink manufacturers, according to Leatherhead, especially as Western European markets are marked by maturity and recession.
Associated British Foods looks to be dealing well with the economic downturn, especially in its ingredients division which, with the bulk of its business outside the UK, has benefited from the weak pound.
‘Natural’ was the most popular claim made on new food and beverage products around the world in 2008, according to Mintel, as wholesome and pure become new ideals of healthy eating.
The sale of Danisco Sugar to Nordzucker now looks unlikely to close this month as planned, as more time is required for the competition authorities to address important questions.
The manufacturer of a new range of starter cultures designed to offer white brined soft cheeses such as feta with consistent texture that can meet the needs of both traditional and industrialised producers.
International Flavors & Fragrances is looking to extend its customer base in the UK and Ireland through a new distribution deal with Barentz focused especially on small and medium manufacturers.
A Japanese bid to introduce a new black bean extract to Europe to block the absorption of carbohydrates has received a boost, as the FSA has issued a draft positive opinion.
Rice prices could rise again in the near future as farmers find it more difficult to secure credit and lower grain prices cause them to plant less, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
There are fears that in the economic crisis consumers will put on “recession pounds” by eating unhealthily. Rightly or wrongly, food manufacturers may suffer the blame but “unhealthy” and “recession proof” do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.
As beverage groups increasingly look to launch soft drinks that can shake their often child orientated image, analysts suggest that premiumisation, packaging and health claims will be key factors in meeting this demand.
Ingredient firm Ulrick & Short added the talents of a chef to its team, to create food samples and advice on correct use of ingredients in products to maintain flavour.
A new agreement has been signed by the FAO and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies to protect traditional foods from the region, as well as manage sustainability and plant disease management.
The Lancet has attacked the UK’s new Change4Life anti-obesity campaign on the grounds that it allows sponsorship from food companies whose products it says are contributing to obesity.
Cargill Texturizing Solutions has set up the global corporation’s first office in Algeria, as it spies growing opportunities for its ingredient range in the high growth North African market.
National Starch Food Innovation (NSFI) is launching a new specialty starch derived from tapioca, which is said to enable a 75 per cent reduction on the butter, margarine or shortening used in cakes.
Bread manufacturers are being encouraged to take advantage of recent changes to regulations by introducing new loaf sizes to the UK market to help cut down on waste.
The UK’s Food Safety Authority has launched a new consultation on the advice it should give consumers on eating fish, with a view to balancing sustainability issues alongside nutrition and food safety issues.
The frozen foods market is showing signs of a revival in the tough economic climate, with indications that consumers are switching back from higher-priced chilled foods to frozen alternatives in order to save costs and reduce waste.
London cocoa prices hit a 23-year high at the end of December, but emerging questions about consumer demand could see prices fall in 2009, according to the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO).
As time-pressed Italians and Mediterranean interest from abroad are driving growth in the Italian food sector, DSM Food Specialties is positioning to grow sales of its bakery enzymes and savoury ingredients with the appointment of Azelis as its distributor.
DSM and S Black are extending their distribution arrangement in the UK to cover beverage enzymes, which are now being offered to targeted customers or alongside other ingredients in S Black’s beverage portfolio.
Frutarom has made a confident start to 2009, putting its rapid growth strategy into action once more with an agreement to acquire UK flavour and fragrance ingredients firm Oxford.
The UK’s nationwide New Year’s Resolution, to curb obesity, swung into action over the weekend; the health minister has hinted at drastic actions for the food industry if it proves unsuccessful, say reports.
British dairy groups are proving to be particularly sensitive to the bleak new year outlook facing European processors, though the falling value of Sterling may cushion the nation’s producers ahead of an expected long-term pickup.
Market analysis have expressed concern that demand for organic food will shrink in the tight economic situation, as consumers become less willing to part with a premium.
UK organic certifiers are in early stage discussions over whether it could be feasible for organic farmers to feed some animals conventional feed for a limited period, without compromising their organic certification in the long term.
The UK is set to have its first Own Label Show next November, billed as a forum for sourcing new product lines, finding partners and tracking developments.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned the food sector to be on alert regarding a bogus letter which falsely identifies the sender as an agency official demanding payment for alleged breaches of food safety regulations.
Salt reduction targets for food products sold in Australia are expected to be set in October 2009, subject to development and agreement between the government and the food industry.
The impact of this year’s melamine dairy crisis has rumbled through the food chain and although quality assurance measures can benefit responsible firms, downturn in Chinese dairy has still led to lost of ingredients sales.
As 2008 draws to a close, FoodNavigator has been reviewing which articles generated the most interest amongst you, the readers. Interest in sweeteners has been intense – from new science and market entrants in sucrose, to new possibilities for the market.
Novozymes is introducing the first new technologies to be born out of its acquisition of Indian enzyme-maker Biocon, such as a new enzyme to increase apple juice yield and overcome apply supply issues.
Dairy co-ops Campina and Friesland are to become one at the end of this year, following competition clearance subject to conditions, and a favourable final vote by the councils of both.
Chr Hansen has introduced a new yoghurt culture specifically designed to meet taste and texture preferences of Middle Eastern consumers, and help producers make cost savings.
The popularity of spelt has rocketed in recent years, leading to a 130 per cent increase in European product launches containing the ancient grain over the past three years.
Margin pressure in its sweeteners and Genencor business divisions has caused Danisco to lower its bottom-line outlook and take a long hard look at its production set-up for xylitol and other products.
