Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

EFSA health claim opinion

EFSA pours cold water on glycaemia claim

An article 14 disease risk reduction health claim linking mineral water consumption and a reduction of glycaemia has drawn a negative opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Industry must look beyond 'non-green' pack notion - INCPEN

The food and beverage industry must move away from the notion of green and non-green packaging and accept that various materials, be they bio- or oil-based plastics, can have unique pack applications, says one research group.

MolsonCoors and Greene King play up name of the grain

As a growing number of brewers commit themselves to playing up the sourcing and quality of grains in their products, one multinational producer suggests the scheme could be rolled out globally in the future.

Packaging minimisation not enough, says DuPont

Rethinking package design as well as the materials used is the key to eliminating packaging waste through either recycling or recovery using methods like incineration, argues DuPont.

Beauty from within is going mainstream, says Euromonitor

Danone may have pulled the beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves but a Euromonitor analyst insists that the ‘beauty from within’ trend is still heading mainstream.

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Unit could drive food and drink industry sustainability

A new winery, brewery and food processing teaching and research facility will serve as a model for what the industries can achieve in environmental and energy efficiency, claims University of California (UC) Davis.

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Diana reports good preliminary data for cranberry ingredient

Brittany-based Diana Naturals is building the science behind its cranberry ingredients’ efficacy against urinary tract infections, according to preliminary results.

Rejected EU health claim challenged over mystery rewording

A health claim negative opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is being challenged by the company that submitted it on the grounds its wording was changed without its knowledge or consent.

Scotch makers eye Korean talks for Asian ambitions boost

Scotch whisky makers see trade talks taking place next month between Korea and the EU as another major step in its continued attempts to develop further into Asia’s spirit markets.

Diageo hits back at supplier shame claims

Suppliers of major drinks brands such as Smirnoff and Budweiser have hit back at claims that they are neglecting and, in some cases, endangering small businesses by extending payment times across their supply chains.

Blueberries may reduce childhood cancer risk: Study

Extracts from blueberries may reduce the size of tumours primarily found in infants and children, and improve survival, suggest new findings from a study with mice.

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Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

Low-alcohol sales are surging, says Mintel

The UK’s reputation as a nation of big alcohol consumers could be about to change, as Mintel reports booming sales of low-alcohol drinks (LADs) and better quality products.

Coffee may reduce women’s risk of stroke: Study

Increased intakes of coffee do not increase the risk of stroke, and may actually reduce the risk, according to new research from Spain and the US.

Swiss firm claims to crack tooth-friendly drink conundrum

A new beverage is claiming to be the first ice tea that can safeguard the health of teeth, thanks to the use of isomaltulose in place of sucrose and an aseptic process that prevents bacteria without the need for acids.

Controversial BPA study challenged

The findings of a study linking the packaging chemical bisphenol A (BPA) to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities could well be the result of chance rather than representing real health concerns, claims two scientists.

Yeast's genetic sequencing may improve brewing

Over seventy yeast strains have been genetically sequenced, allowing insight into their historical evolution and development, and pointing to future improvements.

Analyst sees sports drinks polarisation in mainstream push

As sports drinks continue to make inroads as a mainstream option for quenching consumers thirst, manufacturers are increasingly facing the challenge of catering for both the committed athlete and the casual shopper.

Doehler targets Middle East innovation with new Dubai centre

Doehler has opened a new applications centre in the Middle Eastern hub of Dubai, in a bid to tap the high-growth market and aid development of products to suit local tastes.

Hoodia finds life after Unilever

Phytopharm, the UK start-up Unilever dumped in November after spending more than €20m euros in a failed attempt to develop a hoodia-based weight management product, says it is in discussions with major food and food supplements players about the South African fruit extract.

Ginseng and guarana not up for energy drink-review

European safety authorities and regulators will not review the safety of ingredients such as ginseng and guarana in caffeinated energy drinks despite issuing a verdict on chemicals like Taurine and D-glucurono-γ-lactone last week.

Instant Starbucks won't herald consumer exodus – industry

As café chain Starbucks announces plans to offer instant coffee at its stores to diversify in the current economic climate, the European coffee industry says it does not expect a similar shift in consumer habits in the near future.

News in brief

Cow urine: The Hindu soft drink alternative

Researchers in India are putting the finishing touches to releasing soft drinks made from cow urine onto the market, a potential craze that one organisation hopes may sweep the predominantly Hindu notion, says new reports.

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Brewdog drops legal action over Speedball: Portman

Scotland-based beer maker Brewdog has dropped its legal action against struggle against industry regulator the Portman Group relating to its Speedball beer.

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Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Wealth concerns provide challenge in Euro soft drink-downturn

The importance of private label beverages and the impact of a consumer’s wealth on soft drink demand are key issues facing the industry in light of current concerns over future market growth, says a leading sector analyst.

Sensor designed to sustain frequent cleaning

A new inductive proximity sensor designed for metal object and machine part detection is high temperature, washdown and detergent resistant and is targeted specifically at applications in the food and beverage industry, claims Omron.

BPA levels in soft drinks are low, claim researchers

Consumer exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) from consumption of canned soft drinks is low, claims a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

EFSA backs energy drink ingredients

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has for the first time backed the safety of the popular energy drink ingredients, taurine and D-glucurono-γ-lactone.

Absolut comes a cropper over promo fears for teenyboppers

The advertising practices of a number of leading alcoholic drink makers have again been called into question this week after allegations they are targeting underage drinkers through events like the US Grammy Awards.

Sidel service to test PET 'sensitive' beverage compatibility

Adopting Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials designed to better protect ‘sensitive beverages’ such as milk, juice and tea products from factors like light and oxygen is the aim of a new package testing service.

Sports drinks scratching surface of mainstream potential - Powerade

Sports drinks may be breaking through the niche beverage wall, but their future will lie in meeting a variety of consumer trends across the entire beverage market, says the senior brand manager of Powerade.

US hearing on packaging chemical imminent

The US food safety regulator is set to provide more information to the public later this month about its safety review of Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical found in packaging.

News in brief

Coke shakes up US Dasani operations

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has announced it will be closing its Dasani mineral water production plant in Washington, Pennsylvania, as part of an efficiency drive in its operations.

Brewer says cost key hurdle for biofuel aspirations

Cost will remain the key setback in adopting greener brewing initiatives like using spent yeast, brewing waste and even vegetable fats as alternative fuels, claims one brewer hoping to pioneer such technologies.

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No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

Brewer battles regulator over responsibility concerns

A battle of biblical proportions is being pitched in the UK between a leading independent brewer and a national social responsibility group that could impact industry policy on self regulation of drinks promotions.

Packaging line monitor could help save costs

Less downtime and faster changeovers are claimed for a new tool that monitors, controls and measures single or multiple food and beverage packaging lines.

Use bioplastics with caution, says professor

Green marketing of sustainable packaging materials can be a boomerang that comes back to hit brands in the face, says professor.

News in brief

Blue California notifies FDA of GRAS for its stevia ingredient

Blue California has notified the FDA of GRAS for its stevia-based Reb-A sweetener and has said that it is confident of receiving a letter of non-objection after two other companies received FDA non-objection last month.

Keep in your suppliers' loop, urges new report

Close monitoring of suppliers will help mitigate supply chain risk for food and drink manufacturers in a volatile trading environment, claims a new report.

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Enzymotec secures new funding

Israeli phospholipids specialist, Enzymotec, has raised $11 million (€8.54m) from its three major shareholders as well as a new investor – Arancia International, a privately owned Mexican ingredients developer with expertise in biotechnology and enzymes.

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Suntory completes Frucor acquisition

Danone says it has completed the sale of its Frucor drinks subsidiary for €600m to Japan-based Suntory.

US to lead global wine consumption

The US will dominate global wine demand within the next three years as the country’s drinking habits shift increasingly towards spirit and vintages, says new industry research.

Alcohol sport sponsors agree to Scottish restrictions

Scotland continues to drive ahead with proposed crackdowns on alcohol promotion and sales through new guidelines on how the industry must sponsor sports teams and other cultural events in the country.

Constar pledges cost savings through faster pack design

Software customized by Constar can accelerate the packaging development process and help avoid costly pitfalls such as packages that do not meet performance, sustainability or cost requirements, claims the global supplier of food and beverage containers.

Alternatives and innovation sought with Danisco enzymes move

Danisco says it is will be shifting its UK-based brewing enzymes operations to Denmark as part of a global shake up of the group’s beverage business designed to strengthen innovation in the segment.

Is water neutrality the new industry green goal?

Water is the new carbon and companies are starting to engage in water strategy planning, measuring and managing of its use for greater efficiency, according to a new report.

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SABMiller lays stake in Transylvanian brewer

SABMiller says it will further sink its teeth into the Romanian beer market by acquiring a 72 per cent interest in Transylvania-based brewer Bere Azuga.

Packager thinks in the box over mineral water challenges

Amidst some criticisms of bottled mineral water, bag-in-box packaging could be a vital development in offsetting consumer concerns about health and the environment, says one material supplier.

Drinking yoghurt sector slows

Sales of drinking yoghurt are showing signs of a struggle as growth slowed down in Europe at the end of last year, according to a new market report.

FSA lists products free of Southampton colours

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a list of food products that have been voluntarily reformulated to remove six food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children.

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Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

Fruit juices beat vitamin E for artery health: Study

Juices of blackcurrants and oranges may reduce levels of compounds linked to inflammation and heart disease, says a new study from Denmark.