Greencore, the ingredients and food service group, said EU sugar
reform would force it to pull out of the sugar sector this year,
effectively spelling the end of sugar processing in Ireland.
European consumers are increasingly skipping meals at home and
instead opting to snack or eat in restaurants, a trend that is set
to continue on the back of hectic lifestyles, says a new report by
Datamonitor.
The standards for infant formulations, a topic of continued
discussion with the Codex Committee, is being driven by commercial
interests and not science say two paediatricians, claims that have
been refuted by the industry.
The EU's food safety authority has found that allergens in molluscs
are not reliably reduced by processing techniques, paving the way
for the bloc to impose labelling requirements on a variety of
foods.
Rhubarb, the favourite of granddads and school dinners across the
country, has seen sales more than double after recent endorsements
from celebrity chefs in the UK.
Europe has no time for national champions if it is to compete in
the world, warned the European Commission president Wednesday, as
French president Jacques Chirac dismissed claims that France was
protectionist.
A low-sodium, high-potassium salt substitute formulated to be
flavourful and effective has significantly reduced blood pressure
among high-risk subjects, scientists reported yesterday.
Leading agribusiness Syngenta could be set to introduce the world's
first genetically modified wheat seed by early next decade, a move
fully supported by American wheat industry organizations.
Consumer confidence in food safety in the UK is recovering from the
low levels it had reached last year after the Sudan 1 food scare,
according to a new survey.
Like other convenience food producers in the UK, Northern Foods is
struggling amidst sliding sales - issuing its second profit warning
in two months as consumers shun biscuits, pastries and pizza.
UK company Multiple Marketing has developed a new range of
functional cereal bars in an attempt to cash in on the increasing
demand for nutritionally beneficial and innovative wellness
products that deliver functional health benefits.
French food giant Danone is set to announce plans for a new dairy
plant in Bangladesh to provide nutritious foods to low-income
consumers, following successful entry into a number of similar
emerging markets.
The world's second largest supermarket has announced disappointing
year-end results amid restructuring and an ambitious growth
strategy - causing the firm's retail ratings to tumble.
National Starch Food Innovation has introduced a range of natural,
grain-based ingredients, which it claims maintain the positive
attributes of traditional flours while expanding and improving the
ways they can be used in packaged...
Marks & Spencer has announced it is converting all its coffee
and tea to Fairtrade, a decision that again underlines the growing
significance of the ethical consumer.
Olive oil prices in Spain rose by 6.8 per cent between January and
February 2006 and increased by 37.2 per cent during the last 12
months, as a result of the shortfall in the country's production.
Tate & Lyle has formed a joint venture to build and operate a
sugar plant in Israel, a move that will partially replace
traditional sugar imports from the European Union.
Brain-power foods, portion control and products targeting the
senior population are likely to be the food sectors to look out for
in 2006, according to Mintel.
Danisco says that the finalisation of the new EU sugar regime and
the recently announced transitional measures will not affect the
firm's planned efficiency drive.
Fears for Western Europe's food processing industry have been
raised following revelations that firms are cutting back on jobs
and R&D spending in the face of cheap foreign competitors.
The European Commission looks set to endorse the use of promotional
material in television programming - fuelling the debate that junk
food marketing is contributing to rising EU obesity levels.
Those demanding quicker CAP reform should bear in mind the current
speed of change and take into account the successful legacy of the
EU's food policy, argues the European agriculture commissioner.
Voluntary food labelling schemes could lead to greater confusion
among consumers at a time when the EU is debating how best to
harmonise regulations across the bloc, argues an industry lawyer.
Leading manufacturer Heinz has reported a 24 per cent drop in
third-quarter net income as downsizing, restructuring and increased
commodity costs take their toll.
Parmalat's chief executive Enrico Bondi has pointed the finger at
the company's creditors, accusing them of having knowledge of the
disgraced dairy giant's finances.
Associated British Foods has become the latest manufacturer to show
concern over rising energy prices and the competitive retail
environment - but insists half-year profits will be in line with
expectations, boosted by its clothing...
The UK's fifth supermarket has confirmed it will sell the main bulk
of underperforming soft discount chain Kwik-Save to an
entrepreneurial consortium, ending months of speculation.
The dust is settling on the WHI trial. First came the news that
low-fat diets didn't reduce the risk of breast or colorectal cancer
or cardiovascular disease, then came news that vitamin D and
calcium supplements don't protect...
America's soft drinks association said it would have to look again
at benzene in drinks, after new tests revealed to
BeverageDaily.com suggest it and food safety authorities
failed to stamp out a problem.
Declining numbers of graduates entering the food industry is
seriously threatening the sectors ability to meet the needs for
further growth, warns the IFST.
Dutch infant food and nutrition company Royal Numico has achieved
full-year double-digit growth for the first time, as strong sales
in Eastern European and Asian markets deflect rising costs.
EFSA's acting director claims that this weeks meeting with
environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was a success,
despite a huge gulf in opinion.
The announcement that Mauricio Graber will take over as head of
Givaudan's flavours division comes after the firm reported modest
flavour results for 2005.
Britain's Competition Commission (CC) has granted provisional
clearance for Heinz' acquisition of HP's leading sauce and canned
goods brands - and looks set to give full consent in April.
US manufacturer Kraft Foods has announced a "fewer, bigger, better"
policy, concentrating on crucial brands in key areas as the firm
suffers from lagging performance.
Consumers are demanding more fair trade food products than ever
before, but can the food industry adapt its free market sourcing
policies in time to maintain brand respect?
