Breaking News on Food & Beverage Development - EuropeUS edition | Asian edition

Dispatches from ProSweets 2012

Everyone's talking about stevia at ProSweets - director

The sweetener stevia is the hot topic of this year’s show following its approval as a novel food in the EU, according to the show organiser.

MEPs vote against amended nutrition claims, food sector rallies

MEPs have rejected the revised nutrition claims list recently adopted by the European Commission, a move which could be detrimental for reformulation efforts in the food sector says a trade body.

Europe must move to stamp-out cocoa child labour, MEPs tell Commission

A committee of MEPs is calling on the European Commission (EC) to consider legislating against use of child labour in cocoa plantations that fuel the EU's demand for chocolate, while the world's largest food firm Nestle has outlined its measures to safeguard against the problem.

News in brief

EFSA celebrates 10 years of “transparency, scientific excellence, independence and responsiveness”

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says it will continue to change and adapt to the risk assessment landscape as it celebrates 10 years of existence defined by, “transparency, scientific excellence, independence and responsiveness.”

Claims or pictures - what makes shoppers choose healthier options?

The role of on-pack health claims, images, information on how food is processed, health logos and nutritional labelling on the perceived healthiness of a food product has never been systematically evaluated but a new project, if funding is secured, could address that gap.

Givaudan to work with MIT researchers on ‘flavour algorithms’

Flavour giant Givaudan is working with scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to come up with a ‘flavour algorithm’ that could one day replace human taste testers.

News in brief

Belgian food industry mimics Dutch 2015 palm oil pledge

All palm oil designated for the Belgian market will be produced based on the sustainability criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) by 2015, claims a new pledge from the food sector in that country.

Premier Foods explores marketing beyond shoestring, Mr Kipling ‘category blur’

Premier Foods CEO Michael Clarke says he is pursuing a strategy of 'category blur' to revive the company’s disappointing trading performance, as he announces new marketing ammunition for the bakery and snack ‘power brands’ central to the approach.

Naturex founder: “After Asia, acquisitions will be European and North American”

Rampant acquisitionist Naturex will make 3-4 European and North American acquisitions in 2012, once it completes a deal with an unnamed Asian supplier by the end of March, CEO, president and founder, Jacques Dikansky has told this publication.

GMO honey ruling can be challenged, claims legal expert

Honey producers and importers in the EU and elsewhere face legal and economic uncertainty arising out last autumn’s European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) ruling, claims a legal expert calling for an amendment of the Regulation to exclude honey.

Pre-development research is key to success, say experts

Improving R&D to utilise the wealth of information known on flavours and target markets before developing or launching a new product can help industry better understand their chances of success, say researchers.

News in brief

Dutch coalition to drive sustainable growth in business

Major food players DSM and Unilever, dairy manufacturer FrieslandCampina and beverage giant Heineken form part of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC) set up to drive and promote sustainable growth in industry.

Food fraud – a greater public health risk than traditional safety threats?

Criminality, the global supply chain and the unpredictable nature of food adulteration for financial gain mean it can pose a greater public health risk than traditional safety threats such as pathogen contamination, according to new research.

Food firms back government export plan

Food manufacturers have backed the government’s new plan to boost UK food and drink exports to emerging markets such as India and China, which aims to help towards the drive for 20% industry growth by 2020.

Burden of ‘fat taxes’ questioned

Importers of food and drink to European countries that impose a ‘sin’ or ‘fat’ tax should pay close attention to how it impacts the market, according to one expert specialising in EU food law.

Animal fat and cholesterol may increase gestational diabetes risk: Study

A pre-pregnancy diet that is high in animal fat and cholesterol could almost double the risk of pregnancy related diabetes, says new research.

WHO debates industry’s role in child nutrition plan

The involvement of the private sector in child nutrition has proved contentious at a recent meeting of the World Health Organisation’s executive board (EB).

Naturex eyes Asian acquisitions as 2011 sales jump 12%

With 2011 sales jumping 12.3%, the world’s biggest botanical extracts specialist says it will acquire 4-5 companies in 2012, with negotiations advancing with an Asian target.

Researchers highlight opportunities for NPD in dietary guidelines and EU legislation

The food industry should look to new dietary guidelines and EU health legislation as an opportunity to develop a wide range of new and innovative products, say researchers.

Consumers seek Britvic fizz in flat financial times…

Fragile fiscal confidence amongst consumers in Great Britain (GB) and Ireland means they are turning away from Britvic’s stills to its lower-priced carbonates, according to an analyst who follows the firm.

Princes invests in new tomato processing business

Princes is to become part-owner of its first tomato processing plant in a move expected to bring closer links with growers and suppliers.

Zetar establishes French subsidiary

UK-based confectionery and snacks firm Zetar has established a French subsidiary to leverage its position in continental Europe.

DSM’s outsource service sees demand grow

DSM BioSolutions has seen increased demand for its outsourcing services from the food industry, with a growing number of larger companies realising the benefits.

New strategy will monitor potential conflicts of interest, says EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in its newly released scientific strategy 2012-2016, said it has put in place a comprehensive system to record and evaluate the declared interests of scientific experts and to manage any conflicts of interest.

Brookes Avana deal: little competition referral risk

Premier Foods’ £30M Brookes Avana deal with food group 2 Sisters is unlikely to result in complications with the competition authorities, according to city analysts.

World organic food sales shine, but dairy in doldrums

The overall global market for organic food and drink is in good shape but dairy sales in the sector fell during the recession, due to high 2008 milk prices in particular, according to Euromonitor International.

Frying with ‘healthy’ oil not linked to heart disease, research finds

Consumption of food fried in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Danisco acquisition provides bright spot for DuPont in 2011

DuPont benefited from last year’s acquisition of Danish specialty food ingredient company Danisco in the fourth quarter of 2011, as revenue more than doubled in its nutrition and health business – although the chemical group’s overall profit fell slightly.

Incremental reformulation will have greater public health impact, DG Sanco

Stepwise fat, salt and sugar reduction may be more successful than a drastic decrease that would not meet consumers’ expectations in terms of taste, claims DG Sanco.

CSM strengthens in-store and out-of-home position with Cook Man acquisition

Ingredients firm CSM has acquired UK bakery firm Cookie Man for an undisclosed fee as it looks to make gains in in-store and out-of-home bakery.

Consumer group slams 'contains less' nutrition claims, MEP vote imminent

European consumers group, BEUC, claims the proposed “now 15% less” nutrition claim on foods, which is set to be debated by MEPs next week, is confusing and misleading for consumers.

Surimi ‘waste water’ could provide source of additional fish protein ingredients

Recycling protein from that is usually discarded in surimi processing water could provide an additional source of fish protein ingredients for the food industry, say researchers.

News in brief

Ajinomoto to invest 2bn yen (US$26m) in Brazil seasoning plant expansion

Japanese ingredients giant Ajinomoto has begun construction work on a 2bn yen (US$26m) expansion of its flavor seasoning plant in Brazil.

Mafia grip on Italian food sector putting industry at risk, report

Mafia involvement in the Italian food industry is rife, with revenue from the agriculture and food sector generating 5.6% of the entire organised crime business in the country, finds a new parliamentary report.

We helped create new Chinese beverage category that's going global: SIG Combibloc

SIG Combibloc says the runaway Chinese success of its drinksplus technology is ‘going global’, with top food firms impressed by its premium beverage applications.

Convenience key for Vika’s cheese customers, as Dutch firm enters partnership

‘Convenience’ is the watchword within cheese ingredients for Dutch firm Vika Food Ingredients, with the company focusing its R&D efforts on products with this benefit, having just signed a new co-operative partnership with A-ware Food Group.

Tight supply and high prices in guar gum look set to continue

Tight supply and high prices in guar gum are set to continue until at least the end of 2012, and probably beyond, claims a leading hydrocolloid industry analyst.

Sweetness does not influence food choice or intake, study suggests

The way in which we perceive the sweetness of a food or drink is does not affect dietary choices or energy intake, reveal researchers.

Export boom boosts growth for Finsbury Foods

UK-based bakery firm Finsbury Foods has announced improved sales in a first quarter (Q1) trading driven by significant gains in its export business, but high commodity prices continue to squeeze profit margins.

News in brief

Barry Callebaut and Unilever in global cocoa partnership

Cocoa giant, Barry Callebaut will become a first choice source of cocoa and chocolate for ice cream manufacturer Unilever under a new long-term global partnership.

‘Cheese makes you chubby’ New York billboards scream

The US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has taken shock tactics to consumers by posting two huge billboards in New York warning of what it claims are the obesity-related dangers of eating cheese.

Danish meat group claims 'fat tax' violates EU law

A Danish meat lobby group is suing the Danish government over the country’s recently introduced 'fat tax' on foods, claiming the levy fails to comply with EU legislation.

Dutch MEP questions reliability of EFSA aspartame review

An MEP has questioned the validity of the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) review of aspartame following what she claims was support from the agency’s scientists for a statement backing the safety of the sweetener.

Dairy Crest could be next, analysts hint, as fat of Wiseman deal chewed over

Dairy Crest could be the next UK processor to find itself the subject of a takeover approach, while Müller will have to leverage its stronger market position to secure stronger growth in the country, analysts have suggested.

Natural alternative to phosphates for poultry processors

An all-natural, clean label brine system has been developed through a collaborative project with three major UK and Irish ingredients companies to offer an improved solution to phosphate replacements in poultry applications.

Retailer consultation urged for effective nutrition labelling research

Retailers need to work with manufacturers and regulators to track the impact of systems such as traffic light labelling on consumer purchasing behaviour of food and drink products, stresses a Brussels-based consumer information group as it releases a new report.

Cut-throat, cut-price European competition sees SABMiller beer sales stall

SABMiller said today that ‘intense competition’ within European lager led to a fall in beer volume sales during the last quarter, but the brewer told BeverageDaily.com that it didn’t think there was a fundamental problem with the category in this market or the US.

Sugar keeps things sweet for ABF

Exceptional sales growth for sugar will fuel expansion at Associated British Foods (ABF), say food industry analysts, even if Q1 continued to highlight struggles for the food ingredients side of the business.

Plant ‘nourishing’ gene could help boost global crop yields

The discovery of a 'nourishing gene' that controls how nutrients are distributed in plants and crops could offer hope for improved crop yield and increased food production, say researchers.

News in brief

European Cocoa Association becomes Primary Food Processors member

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has joined the association of Primary Food Processors (PFP).

Choppy waters still ahead for Premier Foods on debt talks, analysts

Recent trading momentum does not favour Premier Foods’ bid to get the upper hand in pending refinancing talks, claim market watchers.

Steppe change for Arla with first ever Russian facility to double local turnover

Arla Foods has signed an agreement with Russia’s third-largest dairy concern, Molvest Group, to establish its first production site in the country, which will produce yellow cheese.

LycoRed touts natural red as carmine replacer in surimi products

Israeli supplier LycoRed is touting its tomato lycopene-based natural red colour as a replacement for carmine in applications such as surimi.

Barry Callebaut growth dented by European shortfall

A downturn in sales throughout Western Europe has seen Barry Callebaut fail to meet its projected growth for the first quarter. However the Swiss chocolate supplier said it is still outperforming the market.

IFF sets up scientific advisory board to speed innovation

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has set up a scientific advisory board, with the aim of broadening its scientific knowledge and accelerating innovation at the firm.

Analyst suggests Catch-22 for big beer brands in one bid to boost sales

Big beer brands face something of a double bind in trying to stem the tide of declining UK beer sales and entice new consumers to the category, in a market where simply taking over small, successful craft brands risks diluting their appeal, according to a Mintel analyst.

End to soft drink ‘parity pricing’ could help ease obesity epidemic: expert

A UK expert claims that a suggested 10% tax on sugar-sweetened soft drinks in the UK would be an ineffective means of tackling a rising obesity epidemic, but that an industry-led end to ‘pricing parity’ between sugared and sugar-free soft drinks could have a positive effect.

BASF pulls out of European GM market

Ingredients and chemicals giant BASF has announced it will pull the plug on its European operations in genetically modified plant development due to a lack of acceptance in the market.

Slowly digested carb switch may aid disease risk in obese people

Switching to a diet rich in slowly digested carbohydrates could help to reduce markers of inflammation in overweight and obese people, say researchers.

News in brief

600 jobs to go at Premier Foods

UK-based Premier Foods has announced that 5% of its 12,000 man workforce will be axed as the company sets larger cut targets.

Frutarom continues recent spate of acquisitions

Israel-based flavours, botanicals and speciality ingredients player Frutarom has acquired 56% of Slovenian flavour company Etol for US$24.9m (€19.6m) and will bid for the full takeover in the coming weeks.

Swedish and Danish bread sales hit by changing consumer habits, says analyst

Industrial bread sales in Sweden, Denmark and Finland will decline in the next five years as a result of a low-carb trend and changing consumer habits, according to an analyst from Euromonitor.

Customised chocolate batons to meet intricate customer demands, claims Herza

Ingredients firm Herza Chocnology has launched a range of bake-stable chocolate batons for baked goods that can be tailored to meet manufacturers’ precise size, shape and flavour requirements.

News in brief

Frozen food could slash food waste

Putting more frozen food on UK dinner plates could help slash household food waste, according to the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF).

Chr. Hansen bids to ‘change winemaking landscape’ with new cultures

An extension of its FroZen Viniflora range of malolactic starter cultures range for smaller scale red wine makers is set to revolutionise production through the faster rate of fermentation, claims Denmark based Chr. Hansen.

Processed meat linked to pancreatic cancer, suggests study

Researchers have again suggested a link between the consumption of processed meats and cancer. Scientists from Sweden claim that consumption of manufactured meat is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Lindt sales behind expectations with Nestle takeover possible – analyst

Swiss chocolatier Lindt has recorded sales below market expectations and could be subject to a takeover from Nestle, according to an analyst from Kepler Capital Markets.

Low fat mayo - soy milk and gums could be the answer say Iranian researchers

Soy milk can act as an egg yolk substitute in low-cholesterol low-fat mayonnaise, finds new research from Iran.

Fatty taste receptor may explain fatty food preference: Study

Scientists claim to have discovered a fatty taste receptor in humans, which could make people more or less sensitive to the fat content of food and influence food preference, according to a new study published in the Journal of Lipid Research.

New Spanish confectionery association formed: PRODULCE

Five segments of the Spanish sweets market have come together to form the new Spanish Confectionery Association (PRODULCE).

FrieslandCampina told to remove healthy foods logo from pack

Dutch dairy manufacturer FrieslandCampina has been cautioned about the use of a healthy foods logo from packs of its reduced fat ham and cheese.

Robert Wiseman agrees multi-million Müller takeover deal: analysts react

Robert Wiseman Dairies says it has agreed the terms of a £279.5m takeover deal by Müller UK (a wholly owned subsidiary of the German dairy giant) and is recommending the offer unanimously to shareholders.

EU scientific experts dismiss safety concerns over aspartame, sweeteners

There are no health risks from the use of aspartame and other low-and-no calorie sweeteners, claimed a gathering of Italian and European food safety, health and nutrition experts this week.

Awareness of organic logos must increase to drive sales, argue researchers

Industry should put effort into increasing awareness of organic logos because “very few” consumers trust generic labels with the prefix ‘organic’, say researchers.

Carr’s Milling surprises analysts in first quarter

Carr’s Milling Industries has reported solid Q1 results in a trading update as improved flour sales driven by new customers led to results that have surprised market analysts.

Tyrrells acquires rival UK veg crisp maker Glennans

UK-based vegetable crisp manufacturer Tyrells has acquired fellow UK veg crisp maker Glennans for an undisclosed sum.

EFSA should review ’growing up’ milks before regulations change, says EU infant foods group

The European Union should put the brakes on any mooted changes to rules governing milks targeting 1-3 year olds until a scientific review can be conducted, according to the EU group that represents infant food makers.

Bakery firms can seize on Scandinavian low-carb trend, says analyst

Bakery manufacturers can capitalise on an emerging Scandinavian dietary trend with new low-carb offerings, according to an analyst from Euromonitor International.

Irish food and drink exports up 12% in 2011

The value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by €1 billion, representing a 12% surge in 2011 and driving the country’s overall export revenue, according to Irish food board.

Strong Q1-Q3 for Agrana driven by sugar and starch segments

Favourable market trends and successful business strategies have driven strong profits in Agrana’s sugar and starch segments, creating 20.2% growth for the first three quarters of 2011|12, the CEO said.

Global food preservatives market to grow at CAGR of 2.5% in next five years

The global food preservative market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% in the next five years, according to a new report from Markets and Markets.

News in brief

DuPont reaches settlement in refrigerant patent protection action

DuPont confirmed it has reached a settlement with an Italian company after launching legal action to protect a patented refrigerant product used in commercial applications.

Dutch start-up secures funding for egg lutein and peptide R&D

Dutch firm Newtricious has won undisclosed funding from a local investment consortium that will advance its egg-focused R&D to drive products to shelves in, “two to three years”.

Mars France expands M&M production capacity with €40m investment

Mars Chocolat France has announced plans for a multimillion investment in its Haguenau plant that will boost the site’s production capacity by 20%.

Groupe Lactalis lift-off looms for Swedish dairy co-op Skånemejerier

Groupe Lactalis’ bid to take over Sweden’s second largest dairy player fits with the French firm’s strategy of reducing its reliance on cheese, and would give it further brands with which to pursue milk product growth in emerging markets, according to Euromonitor International.

Chr. Hansen results beat expectations, colours providing improved ROI

Chr. Hansen’s first quarter results for financial year 2011/12 are a notch stronger than analysts had expected.

Plentiful supplies of CSPO in Malaysia, but low demand

There is currently an oversupply of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) in Malaysia due to a lack of demand from industry players, according to leading politician in that country.

Enzyme technology may provide value-added extracts from peanut waste

Advances in enzyme technologies, coupled with new technologies to remove aflatoxin, may offer a way to produce value-added ingredients from potentially contaminated by-products, say researchers.

Callebaut eyes European leadership for nut products with La Morella acquisition

Barry Callebaut has acquired a 100% stake in Spanish company La Morella Nuts for an undisclosed sum as it aims to be the European leader for nut products.

News in brief

Sensient invests £13M in UK flavour facilities

Global flavour, colour and fragrance firm Sensient is to invest £13M ($20M) in improved UK production facilities.

Premier Foods won't speculate on jam and pickle disposal rumours

Premier Foods has refused to comment on media speculation that it is set to sell off its jam and pickles brands to reduce its debt burden.

Modified probiotics may protect against food borne illnesses: Study

Modified probiotics could help to reduce the risk of food borne infections such as Listeria by blocking the bacteria from entering the body in the gut, say researchers.

Chocolate giant submits cocoa flavanol-blood health claim to EFSA

Barry Callebaut has submitted an article 13.5 health claim dossier to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) linking cocoa flavanols and healthy blood flow.

Warburtons cuts 73 jobs following plant closure

UK bakery firm Warburtons has announced that it is to axe 73 jobs at its Oldham bakery after closure of the site.

New mechanism reveals link between maternal diet and diabetes

Mothers who consume a poor diet through pregnancy risk leaving their children less able to store fats correctly in later life, leading to a higher risk of diabetes, according to new research in rats.

No increased disease risk by eating refined grain foods - study review

Consuming up to 50% of all grain foods as refined grains will not lead to any increased disease risk, according to a study reviewing all relevant literature from the Noughties.

Giant multi-nationals to dominate food production

The balance of power in global food production is shifting away from national governments to multi-national firms and from western economies to emerging nations, warns a new report from SAC’s Rural Policy Centre. In the first of a two-part series, we focus on the growing power of trans-national corporations (TNCs).

Unilever strikes inevitable as pension row continues

Only a last minute change-of-heart from consumer giant Unilever will prevent hundreds of its workers hitting the streets of London tomorrow to demonstrate over changes to their pensions.

Uncertainty ahead as maize market to dictate wheat prices in 2012 – analyst

Wheat prices in 2012 are likely to be volatile and will be dictated by the global maize market and weather conditions, according to an analyst at the UK’s Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Industry lobbyists urge Danish presidency to bin food taxes and tighten up trade

A Brussels-based food industry body, setting out what it sees as priorities for the new Danish Presidency of the EU Council, again calls for an end to food taxes, greater support for SMEs, tighter trade relations and a more transparent commodities market.

Tangerine Confectionery acquires Smith Kendon brands

UK-based Tangerine Confectionery has added two Smith Kendon brands to its portfolio as it continues to expand through brand acquisitions.

'Smart barcodes' to replace eco labels as consumers become more information savvy

Industry must embrace and provide for mobile technologies, as ‘smart barcodes’ look set to replace the confusing mass of eco labels currently found on food products, says Organic Monitor.

Gum derived from cress seed could have thickener potential

Cress seed gum (CSG) could be an interesting and promising thickener in food formulations, finds a new study from Iran.

News in brief

Sales ban lathered on chocolate doppelganger

The European Commission has ordered a sales ban on a bar of soap deemed to be too similar to a chocolate bar.

Starch intake may raise breast cancer recurrence risk: Study

High consumption of starchy foods may be linked with an increased risk of breast cancer tumours returning in women who have already had breast, according to a new study.

External influences likely to keep sugar prices high, says USDA

World sugar prices are likely to stay high in 2012 due to external factors such as government policies, oil prices and instability in the Eurozone, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

‘Undervalued’ lactose doesn’t deserve bad dairy rap, study

The role milk sugar lactose and its derivatives play in the human diet is often ‘misunderstood, underestimated and undervalued’, according to a new paper in the International Dairy Journal (IDJ).

Europeans do not achieve fruit and vegetable consumption recommendations: EUFIC

The majority of European consumers do not attain the fruit and vegetable intake levels recommended by the Wold Health Organisation, according to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC).

French flavour house gains local hold in China with Shanghai JV

French flavour manufacturer, Aromatech, has formed a joint venture with a large Chinese flavour and fragrance company in a bid to better access China’s domestic food and beverages sector.

Probiotics and stevia extracts among new FCC proposed standards

US Pharmacopeia has drafted new ingredient quality standards for inclusion in the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), for probiotics, steviol glycosides, benzoates, infant formula and flavoring ingredients, and is seeking industry comments.

Nestle UK moves HQ from Croydon to Gatwick

Nestle UK has announced today that it is to move its head offices from Croydon to a site near Gatwick by the end of 2012.

Frutarom snaps up Savoury Flavours for €4.6m and eyes further acquisitions

Ingredients firm Frutarom has acquired British company Savoury Flavours in a €4.6m ($5.8m) deal.

No rise in food prices, but expect volatility in 2012: FAO

Current volatility in food markets is likely to continue however prices could begin to ease into 2012, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

European SME association oppose ‘sin taxes’

The European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME) has stated its support for industry members opposed to ‘burdensome’ food taxes introduced by some European nations.

New research combats technical challenges for lemon oil emulsions

Research into the production of colloid systems with lemon oil could have “important implications” for the production of more economical emulsions in the food and beverage industry, say researchers.

Revolymer seeks collaborators as Rev7 degradable gum base gets EU novel foods approval

UK-based polymer firm Revolymer has gained novel foods approval in the EU for a gum base that degrades faster than conventional bases and is seeking commercial partners to launch chewing gum products in the EU.

News in brief

‘Surprising combinations’ feature on Comax Flavors’ 2012 trends list

Comax Flavors has released its predictions for 2012 flavor combination trends under four categories: Ethnic Fusion, Pickled Paradise, Wine Whimsy and Regional Reverie.

Better knowledge of natural sugars could lead to ‘designer sweeteners’, say researchers

Better defining the relationship between chemical structure and digestibility of under-used natural sugars could help industry to produce a new generation of “designer” sweeteners, say researchers.

Savena and Sfinc merger creates new ingredients group

European food ingredient manufacturers Savena Group and Sfinc Group have agreed a merger deal that will see the new group become a leading provider of food ingredient mixes, say Savena.

Calories alone, not protein, responsible for body fat increases, says research

Calorie consumption alone is responsible for increase in body fat, whilst protein intake may contribute to changes in energy expenditure, according to new research.

Gelatine giant Rousselot grows with North American acquisition

The world’s foremost supplier of gelatine to the confectionery industry Rousselot has acquired North American gelatine manufacturer Eastman Gel.

Lupin flour can improve nutritional value of muffins, study finds

Replacing wheat flour with lupin flour by up to 30% can increase protein and dietary fibre content without affecting taste, colour, texture and flavour, according to researchers in Australia.

MEPs back PARNUTS amendments to prompt EU baby milk law reforms

Pro-breast feeding advocates and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are throwing their support behind mooted amendments to the European Union PARNUTS Directive they believe can improve the safety, quality and marketing transparency of infant formulas and other products.

News in brief

Fray Bentos sale alleviates Princes-Premier merger concerns

The acquisition of the canning business of Premier Foods by Princes will not be referred to the UK Competition Commision after the company addressed concerns by selling its Fray Bentos brand.

Rabobank forecasts mixed outlook for European meat industry

The outlook for the European meat manufacturers and processors will be positive for most players in 2012, although significant differences exist between sectors, says Rabobank.

French authorities approve soda tax legislation

French lawmakers have approved legislation for the proposed tax on sugar sweetened beverages in the country – effective from January 2012.

Ethanolic extracts from herbs can boost antioxidant levels in cookies – study

Supplementing cookies with a mixture of the ethnologic extracts of medicinal herbs can raise antioxidant activity in cookies and reduce chemical spoilage, according to a study from Serbian researchers.

EC gluten-free labelling regulations enter full force

A European Commission regulation requiring products labelled ‘gluten-free’ to contain below a maximum gluten content level came into full force yesterday.

Natural flavours ‘identified in nature’ to have major industry impact – report

EC regulations implemented last year that require natural flavouring substances to be identical to something found in nature will greatly impact the industry, according to a report assessing the new regulation.

Sugar beet extract may stabilise natural blues: Study

Pectin isolated from sugar beet could boost industry use of natural blue colours by improving the formation and stability of blue hues from anthocyanins, say researchers.

Trans fats and nutrient intake linked to Alzheimer’s brain shrinkage

Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research.