Europe must learn from the US on stevia, says Mintel

While stevia products have boomed in Europe, manufacturers should follow the US trend of blends if growth is to continue, a Mintel analyst says.

News in brief

CLA-based dairy drink seeks new Las Vegas Acclaim

Wisconsin firm LiveGreat Foods is launching a rebranded version of its Clarinol CLA-fortified milk Acclaim at the forthcoming Healthy Beverage Expo in Las Vegas (June 7-9).

'ELEPHANT COFFEE' ENTREPRENEUR SURPRISED BY JAPAN MICROBREW SALES

World’s priciest coffee brand Black Ivory Coffee seeks beer licensee

The world’s priciest coffee brand, Black Ivory Coffee, made using Thai Arabica beans predigested by elephants, tells BeverageDaily.com it is searching for a reputable microbrewer in Japan to license a beer made using the brew.

ABC hits back at report linking Ginkgo Biloba to cancers in mice

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) insists consumers should avoid gingko biloba, a tree-derived extract commonly used in teas, some energy drinks and supplements, after a US government report linked it to cancers in mice.

Berries may protect brain functioning, rat study suggests

A diet supplemented with berries could help to protect brain functioning during aging, according to new animal data.

Special edition: Superfruits - old news or still super?

Superfruits category still booming (but care is needed)

Are consumers experiencing superfruit fatigue? Depends on the fruit…and who you talk to.

Symrise backs sour cherry power for sports recovery

Symrise has launched what it says is the highest polyphenol concentration extract derived from European-sourced sour cherries. Sports recovery is the target market.

PepsiCo’s ‘unexpected’ discoveries about Reb-D… and why it’s the perfect natural sweetener for diet colas

A patent application filed by PepsiCo reveals some of the more “surprising” properties of Rebaudioside D (Reb-D) - the steviol glycoside claimed to have one of the best sweetness profiles of them all.

FIRMS SEE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL IN CLEAR, FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGES

Stepan Lipid Nutrition and Virun paint bold brushstrokes on clear beverage ‘canvas’

Virun and Stepan Lipid Nutrition have signed a letter of intent to exploit what both companies agree is untapped potential in the clear, functional beverage space.

Is Dr Pepper trying to ‘hide behind the law of federal preemption’? Lawyers in 7UP antioxidant case hit back

Lawyers for David Green - a California man who has accused Dr Pepper Snapple Group of making false and misleading claims about 7UP's (now defunct) ‘antioxidant’ drinks - argue it is attempting to “hide behind the law of federal preemption” in its bid to dismiss his lawsuit.

The 'all-natural' fightback? Judge throws out AriZona Iced Teas lawsuit and blasts 'dilatory' plaintiffs' counsel

A decision by a judge to throw out a class action lawsuit alleging that AriZona Iced Teas are not ‘natural’ because they contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and citric acid, should give hope to scores of firms facing similar legal challenges, say experts.

GSK jolts Lucozade with Champions' Choice caffeine variant

GlaxoSmithKline has debuted a caffeine-boosted version of its isotonic Lucozade Sports range with mental focus the central selling point.

News in brief

Nestlé opens new beverage systems technlogy center in Switzerland

Nestlé has opened a new System Technology Center in Switzerland that brings together on one site the expertise it uses to combine products, capsules and machines such as those used in its Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto beverage systems.

NTC: ‘We have a unique, sustainable and cost effective solution to mask stevia’s licorice taste’

Geneva-based Natural Taste Consulting (NTC) has developed a ‘unique, sustainable and cost effective’ solution to significantly reduce the undesired licorice taste of stevia extracts, and bring the taste closer to sugar.

Sirco sales up 300% as claims and taste receive makeover

Sales of Sirco – the UK juice containing an EFSA-approved, blood flow-benefitting tomato extract – have surged 300% in the past 12 months amid a formula, claims and distribution revamp.

Study hails eco-friendly synthetic colour test

Scientists have outlined an eco-friendly test for certain synthetic food colours commonly used in soft drinks and sugar and gelatin-based confectionery.

Swedish start-up backs pre-loaded satiety proteins

Swedish form Indevex Biotech is marketing low-GI, protein blends designed to be eaten about 30 minutes before meals to increase satiety.

Hain Celestial: ‘Chia is red hot… Coconut's been on fire’

Hain Celestial has unveiled a raft of new products utilizing hot ingredients from chia and quinoa to coconut pulp and almonds, including organic gluten-free chia seed corn tortilla chips under the Garden of Eatin' brand, and coconut almond butter under the MaraNatha brand.

WHAT'S TRENDING? HEALTHY BEVERAGE EXPO EXPERTS SHARE 2013-2014 INSIGHTS

'Healthy' alcohol-based beverages tipped as top trend in 2013-2014

Healthy Beverage Expo experts claim that 2013-2014 will see healthy alcoholic drinks emerge, including wines instilled with goji berries and ginseng, and lower calorie and more organic options.

NO EVIDENCE OF 'SIGNIFICANT' CHILD GI INTOLERANCE IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS: CARGILL

Cargill suffers bitter erythritol blow: EFSA rejects beverage use extension

Cargill has failed in its second attempt to secure EU approval for use of bulk sweetener erythritol in soft drinks, after EFSA published a negative opinion relating to its introduction on child safety grounds.