Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

New healthy drinks with fruit and veg in the pipeline

Beverages with added natural extras such as fruit, vegetables and cereal grains are planned by aseptic carton packaging company, SIG Combibloc.

Consumers want more private label products: Survey

More than 90 percent of American consumers say they are likely to continue buying store brands even after the economy improves, and nearly half would like to see more of them, according to a new survey.

Tetra Pak announces global launch of chilled liquid dairy products carton

Tetra Pak has announced the global launch of a carton for chilled liquid dairy products that it says is cost effective, facilitates stackability and boasts user-friendly features for consumers.

News in brief

FDA announces Reportable Food Registry discussion dates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced three public meetings to discuss the Reportable Food Registry, to explain its role and the responsibilities of those who are required to submit a report.

Australian heart health market ripe for education

The Australian market for heart-healthy foods or supplements could be a tough one to crack, but consumer signs indicate that it holds potential for manufacturers willing to make the extra awareness-raising efforts.

Comment

Confusion reigns in cosmeceutical name game

The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

Silliker buys French firm for more healthy food research

Silliker is building clout in the provision of food clinical studies with the acquisition of French CRO Biofortis, as the healthy eating drive and claims legislation demand top notch research.

Sweetness perception could vary with ethnicity: Study

Researchers claim to have discovered a particular gene variant that could affect sweetness perception among different ethnic groups, raising the possibility of more targeted flavor profiling of foods.

Water inefficiency costing UK food and drink companies up to ₤160,000 a day - report

Food and drink producers in the UK may be pouring up to ₤160,000 a day down the drain by failing to maximise the potential for water efficiency, according to Envirowise.

Coke opens two plants as part of $2bn Chinese investment

Coca-Cola has opened two bottling plants in central and western China as it attempts to cope with booming demand across one of its largest and fastest growing markets.

Guest article

EU health claims conversation must continue

Nigel Baldwin is one of Europe’s canniest consultants when it comes to the tricky business of European Union nutrition and health claims. He was at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stakeholder’s meeting in Brussels on June 15 and came away with mixed feelings.

Taxing new plastic would increase use of recycled material, says chemist

Taxing virgin PET is one of the best ways to get companies to move over to using recycled material for plastic packaging, according to a green chemist.

Use of bisphenol A threatening companies' shareholder value, says investor coalition

A coalition of investors has warned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that continued use of bisphenol A (BPA) in packaging may threaten the shareholder value of food and beverage companies.

Green tea’s anti-prostate cancer potential gains support

Consuming green tea may reduce levels of compounds linked to prostate cancer progression, according to findings of a small study with 26 men with prostate cancer.

Exclusive interview

Food technologists ‘under attack’, says former IFT chief

Food technology is a profession under attack – and both industry and government need to invest to ensure its future, says former IFT president Dr John Floros.

Plastic and paperboard big winners in China beverage packing growth

Rising income levels in China will fuel a robust growth in demand for beverage containers in the country over the next three years, a recent report has said.

BPA causes reproductive health defects at levels currently considered safe - study

Bisphenol A (BPA) causes significant reproductive health effects at levels equivalent to or below the dose that that has been thought not to produce any adverse results, new research has said.

News in brief

Baltic babies in world first probiotic baby bottle boost

Danish supplier, Chr Hansen, has launched what is believed to be the world’s first probiotic supplement aimed specifically at 0-2-year-olds in the Baltic states of northern Europe.

Thin wall packing performance boost as Borealis upgrades plant

Converters of thin-walled packaging will be able to increase line speeds as well as cut back on material and energy consumption thanks to improvements at its Austrian plastics plant, said Borealis

Husky targets quicker, lighter closure process

A beverage packaging manufacturer claims its latest development in high output closures can ensure more rapid processing without comprising quality or consistency.

Technical challenges to reducing sugar

Tate & Lyle’s manager of sweetener technology development gives insight into the role of sugar beyond providing sweetness, and how to pick alternative sweeteners that build back the properties.

Fake Red Bull under investigation

The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is investigating several companies that may be responsible for importing and distributing energy drinks into the US that breach trademarks and copyright of market leader, Red Bull.

Study links zero tolerance alcohol stance to binge drink reductions

Parent’s adopting a zero tolerance policy on supplying alcohol to teenagers and children may cut the likelihood of college-age binge drinking later in life compared to more European attitudes on supervised access at restaurants or during family dinners, says new research.

Attorney general slams companies over apparent plot to blur BPA dangers

A host of packaging and food giants have been condemned by a leading US law official for apparently plotting to use deceptive and illegal fear tactics to blur the truth about the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA).

Dispatches from IFT

Superfruit success spawns Blue Pacific berry flavors

Blue Pacific Flavors has said it is focusing on traditional, authentic berry flavors as consumers have become more aware of ‘superfruits’ and their associated health benefits.

News in brief

Lotte considers South Korean brewery construction

Lotte, the South Korea-based retailer, is reportedly considering brewing brands at its own brewery in the country, despite dropping out of an potential acquisition for a leading national beer maker earlier this year.

Industry demands 'urgent' article 13.1 EU health claims dialogue

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) should shelve plans to publish its first batch of 1024 article 13.1 health claims by the end of July until a dialogue can be opened with an increasingly apprehensive industry to clarify key aspects of the scientific assessment process, trade groups have said.

Comment

IFT '09: In defence of trade shows

As the dust settles on another IFT the absence of several big players has left some questioning the relevance of trade shows in the 21st Century.

Coke Zero hit by Venezuelan sweetener snag

Coca-Cola is facing trouble in its Venezuelan operations after the country’s health ministry called to ban one of the company’s no calorie-brands Friday, alleging that an artificial sweetener in the formulation was not declared, according to new reports.

Chavez threat to disregard 'capitalist' patents could hit Tetra Pak

Packaging companyTetra Pak could become the next corporate giant to suffer at the hands of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez after he questioned the validity of patented products.

Synergy brings ingredients under Saporesse brand umbrella

Carbery-owned Synergy is re-launching its Saporesse range of yeast extracts in the US, bringing more of its ingredients under the brand so manufacturers can see what formulation tools are available to them.

Learning from functional foods failures

Eighty per cent of functional food product launches fail within 18 months, according to a new report that draws lessons from 15 high-profile failures from the likes of Danone, Emmi, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, Nestlé and Unilever.

EFSA HEALTH CLAIM OPINION

EFSA cans breast enlargement health claim

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected a health claim linking consumption of hops food supplements and “firmer and fuller breasts”.

Industry says creativity key to ensuring soft drink-sustainability

Representatives of the UK soft drink industry claim that ‘creative’ innovation across the industry is keeping manufacturers on track to meet their sustainability goals, though more must be done in the future.

Call for companies to pay towards packaging disposal costs

UK packaging companies and retailers should be forced to contribute towards the £100m annual cost of disposing of excess packing, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said.

Nestle pursues premium plans with Nespresso expansion

Nestle continues to spy growth for its Nespresso coffee machine system and brands with the inauguration today of its second production and distribution centre for the operations.

Beauty drink prototype, 'the crown jewel' for Frutarom at food trade show

A beauty drink prototype made with Frutarom’s new ingredient Collactive is the prize offering from the company at this year’s IFT trade show.

Omega-3 science review supports DRI for heart benefits

A comprehensive review of studies on the benefits of omega-3 consumption has led scientists to recommend the establishment of a Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for EPA and DHA to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Europe opts for blended rosé U-turn

The European Commission says it is responding to industry concerns by dropping proposed amendments that would have allowed rosé to be produced by blending red and white table wines.

News in brief

XXXX brand has had its day in the UK

Australia-based brewer Lion Nathan is reportedly set to cease selling its four XXXX lager brand on the UK market ending 25 years of its presence in the country.

Red Bull confirms energy drink is cocaine-free

Under-fire Red Bull has moved to clear up some of the confusion surrounding traces of cocaine being found by German authorities in one of its brands.

Tetley red-carded over UK green tea ad

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has told Tetley Tea to amend advertising for a green tea product that implied antioxidant-derived energy and health benefits.

Barry Callebaut buy targets instant-drink vending innovations

Barry Callebaut has extended its presence in the European market for vending machine beverage mixes to focus further on so-called gourmet chocolate and cappuccino products.

Comment

A big day for European health claims

Next Monday, June 15, is a big day for the European healthy foods and food supplements industries. Let’s call it Big Monday. Or J15.

News in brief

Connecticut bans BPA from 2011

The US state of Connecticut has signed into law a bill banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and infant food containers.

Authorities play down drink extract cocaine concerns

Decocainised coca leaf extract, which has been linked to the recent alleged discovery of traces of cocaine in some samples of Red Bull Simply Cola, will not face regulatory scrutiny regarding its wider use in formulations.

Carlsberg drops Asian investment hint amidst Russian concerns

Eastern Europe’s potential as an antidote to declining beer demand in more mature markets has taken another blow as Carlsberg reportedly prepares to step up its focus on the emerging markets of Asia to offset concerns about regional sales.

Cyvex launches flavonoid line for supplements and drinks

Cyvex Nutrition has launched its first line of flavonoid ingredients, in a bid to expand its antioxidant range into more purified forms.

Lightweight foamed PET process boosts performance of bottles and jars

Enhanced performance capabilities and a broader range of container aesthetics are two benefits claimed for outputs from a new lightweight foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blow molding process.

News in brief

Symrise appoints new CEO as Linzbach steps down

Heinz-Jürgen Bertram will become the new CEO of the fragrance and flavours supplier Symrise on July 1 2009.

BeverageDaily.com joins William Reed Business Media

Don’t miss this video interview with Robert Marr, chief operating officer of William Reed Business Media which recently acquired Decision News Media, publisher of BeverageDaily.com.

EU health claim rules blamed for R&D brain drain

At a health claims meeting attended by regulators, politicians and regulators, held in Brussels yesterday, one of the major concerns voiced was the stifling effect on innovation the process was having.

Stevia reference standards developed for Food Chemical Codex

US Pharmacopeia (USP) has developed a set of new reference standards for stevia-derived sweeteners Reb A and stevioside for inclusion in the Food Chemical Codex (FCC).

News in brief

Stevia market development will ease price importance

The price of stevia sweeteners relative to sugar need not be an issue as the market develops, according to PureCircle, as supply chain investments are expected to encourage penetration.

Plastics confusion may mar sustainable consumer appeal - report

Less may seemingly be more for some soft drinks pack designs amidst consumer concerns over waste, though uncertainty about the recyclable properties of plastic may be setting back some industry sustainability commitments, says new research.

Comment

Economic depression a stimulus for fresh business

The economic recession is biting across the globe, and bleeding casualties litter all industries, but now is not the time to cower. Those willing to spend may provoke a stimulation of their business that could set them up for years, if not decades, to come.

BeverageDaily.com acquired by William Reed Business Media

Decision News Media, publisher of BeverageDaily.com.com and 16 other websites serving the international food, nutrition, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, has been acquired by UK business-to-business publisher William Reed Business Media.

News in brief

Mexican drinks groups face further competition scrutiny - report

Mexico’s competition regulator has opened an investigation into allegations that leading soft drink groups like the Coca-Cola Company may have engaged in unfair practises in the country, according to news reports.

Nanotechnology under the microscope

Nanotechnology is opening up opportunities in food formulation, food packaging, and food safety. Stephen Daniells talked to Kathy Groves, principal microscopist from Leatherhead, on how the industry is facing up to the challenges and potential.

Red Bull wings clipped in Jordan over cocaine use

Austria’s health department has confirmed that Red Bull Cola contains traces of cocaine but at levels that do not pose a public health risk but Jordan has joined a major German retailer and banned the drink.

France and rest of Europe prepare for stevia approval

Manufacturers in France are gearing up to start using high purity stevia extract Reb A as soon as approval is signed off, according to a supplier, making use of an anticipated two-year window before full European approval.

Parents have ‘weak’ influence on children’s diets: Study

Parents may have less influence on their children’s eating habits than commonly believed, according to new research published in the Journal of Social Science and Medicine.

News in brief

Supermarkets slammed for Amazon destruction

Greenpeace is demanding that companies refuse to buy products from companies that have carried out deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, following a three-year survey.