R&D

The researchers used wearable technology to test emotional responses. Image Source: Getty Images/Surapap Maneechote

Consumer responses to coffee assessed through wearable technology

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks. While sensory questionnaires are a tried and tested way of assessing its quality, using technology to measure physical and mental responses can reduce biases and cut out the middleman. Now, researchers...

Differences in Arabica coffee beans are due to chromosomal mutations, the study found. Image Source: Getty Images/AnthiaCumming

Coffee’s chromosome mutations: The potential for industry

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Variations in the properties of arabica coffee, such as in taste, caffeine content and disease resistance, are determined by chromosome mutations, according to a recent study. But are these findings purely academic, or relevant to industry? And how could...

Pic:getty/sarahmason

Gin ‘fingerprinting’ could help futureproof the category

By Rachel Arthur

A new technique that takes a chemical fingerprint of gin in seconds could hold 'huge potential' for the industry: allowing producers to create better and more consistent gins; enable regulators to detect fraudulent products; and even help create...

Pic:getty/hiroshiwantanbe

Coca-Cola invests in new partnerships to upcycle CO₂

By Rachel Arthur

CCEP Ventures (CCEPV) has announced two new partnerships with European research groups at Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in Tarragona, Spain and the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands, to accelerate research into carbon capture technology....

Getty | Natalia Semenova

Natural solution developed to combat bacterial spores in beverages

By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Biotech start-up, Resorcix, and Israeli beverage manufacturer, Gat Foods, have developed a natural botanical to eliminate Thermophilic Acidophilic Bacteria (TAB) that reduce product shelf-life and affect the flavour of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages,...

The findings provide 'pause for thought about the contrast between unrestricted designs in alcohol packaging, and the plain packaging legal requirements for cigarettes'. Pic: getty/shablon

Study assesses influence of alcohol packaging on young people

By Rachel Arthur

With some young adults admitting they purchase alcohol solely on pack appeal, researchers from the University of Stirling in Scotland say further studies should consider the potential of stronger regulation of alcohol packaging.

Pic:getty/taramoore

From bright whites to brilliant blues: Color innovation in F&B

By Rachel Arthur

‘We eat first with our eyes’ – and the saying is all the more true in an age of social media. But color is not just about good looks: it’s also about meeting consumer demands for natural and sustainable alternatives. We take a look at some of the latest...