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Special Edition: Plant Efficiency

Consultant reveals the secrets behind water efficiency

Food and drink processors can achieve savings of up to 30 per cent on their water and effluent bills without even having to resort to major capital investments.

Danone backs probiotic juice with ProViva investment

Global probiotics leader Danone has paid an undisclosed sum to Swedish dairy Skånemejerier for a 51 per cent stake in its probiotic juice brand, ProViva.

Danone sells stake in Coca-Cola courted, Chinese juice firm

Danone has agreed to sell its stake in China Huiyuan Juice Group for significantly less than what Coca-Cola offered before its acquisition bid was blocked last year by Chinese competition authorities.

Special Edition: Plant efficiency

Computer modelled heat recovery could slash processors' energy bills

In the first part of a special edition on plant efficiency, we look at the results of a recently published Australian project, which found that a combination of computer modelling and dehydrator redesign can cut energy bills in half in dried fruit manufacture.

How brand and labelling impact purchasing decisions

Branding and labelling have the most impact on consumers’ buying decisions, followed by blind tasting, concludes a study that used wine tasting as a model to determine the relative influence of different cues on purchasing intent.

Krones reports H1 recovery in sales and profits

Krones claims to have achieved “turnaround” as orders start to flow in after a tough 2009; described by the company as the most difficult in its 59 year history.

Alcohol may reduce arthritis risk and severity

New research suggests that drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis - the first time such an effect has been observed in humans.

Corn Products sales surge in Q2; to finalize National Starch deal in Q3

Corn Products International has said it expects to finalize its National Starch takeover by the end of the third quarter, as it reported a ten percent rise in sales compared to the previous year.

Rexam posts continued recovery in can volumes

Rexam has reported a continued improvement in beverage can volumes in H1 helped along by strong growth in demand for energy drinks.

EFSA lowers amaranth ADI and questions standards

The European Food Safety Authority has established a new, lower acceptable daily intake for the food colouring amaranth after re-evaluating the scientific evidence for its safety, a suggests that new specifications also be set.

Medical journal editors urge energy drink rethink

An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has called for more regulation and initiative from industry to protect children from the potential health threat posed by energy drinks.

Comment

Nanotechnology in food: What’s the big idea?

Let's get talking about nanotech. The science of the very small has filled the food industry with big ideas – but industry is torn on how to present nanotechnology to consumers, stalling product development.

Pernod Ricard reorganises to push vodka and wine brands

Pernod Ricard is grouping together its vodka brands under one roof and creating a new business group to build up its wine portfolio.

Coca-Cola fails to dismiss Vitaminwater lawsuit

Coca-Cola is to face a lawsuit challenging the health claims on its Vitaminwater drinks, after a US federal judge denied the firm’s request to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Nestle to focus on coffee mixes at Asian innovation hub

Nestle is setting up an innovation hub in Singapore that will focus on the development of coffee mixes in the Asia Pacific region.

News in brief

Monster energy drink launches in Germany

America’s Monster beverage brand is entering the Germany market, distributed by Eppenheim-based Trend Beverages.

EU wine project seeks better waste treatment options

Bremerhaven is confident that the EU project Sustavino will deliver sustainable and economically viable solutions to deal with wastewater and residual materials from wine production.

Nestle Waters opens new Polish factory

Nestle Waters has opened a new water bottling factory in Poland to support the development of its Dar Natury brand in the country.

Energy-saving one-step blow molder boosts production capacity

Increased production capacity, significant energy savings, versatility and a compact machine footprint are benefits claimed by Nissei ASB for its new one-step stretch blow molding system for PET containers.

News in brief

Refresco Iberia pursues diversity with new canning line

Refresco Iberia has installed a new canning line at its production plant in Marcilla, Spain, to diversify the packaging formats available.

Nestlé reveals challenges in fibre satiety drink R&D

A Nestlé research scientist has spoken of the challenges involved in formulating a consumer-friendly, fibre-rich, low-calorie yoghurt drink that promotes satiety.

Spanish strike hits Crown profitability

Crown has resolved a strike at a plant in Seville but the disruption caused has had a negative impact on the profitability of its European drinks can business.

PureCircle gains FDA GRAS for Reb D and F

Major stevia player PureCircle has won a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) letter of no objection from the Food and Drug Administration for a blend it is aiming at products seeking partial sugar and calorie reduction.

EC: Energy drinks don’t need warning labels

The European Commission has rejected a German motion to enforce energy drinks to carry warning labels.

Vietnam beats China on soft drink growth rates

Vietnamese soft drinks consumption has held up in the face of the global recession with growth levels higher even than neighbouring China, according to new market research.

FSA stripped of nutrition and labelling responsibilities

The UK government has ended speculation about the future of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), announcing that the body will retain its food safety remit but be stripped, in England, of responsibility for nutrition policy and country of origin (COOL) labelling.

European PET collection rate nears 50 per cent, while Far East exports fall

PET bottle collection in Europe rose by more than eight per cent to1.363m tonnes last year while exports to the Far East plummeted, said the regional trade body.

Study sheds light on Alicyclobacillus spoilage in juices

A new study has investigated how Alicyclobacillus spoilage occurs in juices in an effort to help companies chose the right processing option.

Pulsed light in bid to revolutionise soft drinks production

A firm pioneering the use of pulsed light to kill bugs is preparing to run the first industrial trials of the technology to decontaminate sugar syrup.

Opinion

Functional foods at a crossroads

Do functional foods work?

Gum rosin not safe as food additive, says EFSA

A stabilising and emulsifying ingredient derived from gum rosin has received a negative safety opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

French soft drink makers adopt internet marketing guidelines

Leading soft drinks companies in France have agreed to new guidelines to restrict the exposure of young children to internet marketing.

Akzo Nobel buys Swedish can coating firm

Akzo Nobel has agreed to acquire a Swedish metal packaging decorator to strengthen its position in beverage cans and target new growth markets.

Excessive tea drinking linked to skeletal fluorosis

New research conducted on four advanced skeletal fluorosis patients suggests that the fluoride in their tea could have been responsible for the condition.

GLG Life Tech finalizes Sugar Australia deal

Stevia supplier GLG Life Tech has signed a five-year deal with Sugar Australia for distribution and marketing of its stevia-derived sweeteners for the Australian and New Zealand food and beverage markets.

BASF hikes beta-carotene prices

Ingredient firm BASF has implemented a double-digit price increase on its entire range of beta-carotene ingredients as a result of higher costs faced by the company.

Ball offers digital printing for beverage cans

Ball Packaging Europe is now ready to offer customers the option of digital printing on cans to open up new beverage marketing possibilities.

BENEO research explores functional drinks trends in Spain

Ingredients supplier BENEO has conducted research into the functional beverage market in Spain which pointed to particularly strong consumer demand for products giving energy that can be scientifically substantiated.

Krones founder Hermann Kronseder passes away

The founder of Krones, Hermann Kronseder, who built his first labelling machine from a shed in Neutraubling, has passed away at the age of 85.

Juice makers optimistic despite dip in consumption

Total fruit juice and nectar consumption in the EU dropped slightly last year as consumers reduced their spending and switched to cheaper products, according to a new report.

Solbar launches calcium boosting soy ingredient for drinks

Solbar is launching an isolated soy protein to help formulators boost the protein and calcium content of beverages.

Nano whey protein may extend beverage innovations

Taking whey proteins down to the nano-scale may boost their stability to heat as well as help produce clear whey beverages, suggest new developments from the University of Tennessee.

EFSA finds erythritol safety margin for beverages too slim

The use of erythritol in beverages at a proposed level of 2.5 per cent could cause a safety concern for small children, EFSA says, as the margin between estimated daily intake and the no-observed-adverse-effects-level (NOAEL) is too small.

Comment

Don't shoot the watchdog - food industry needs a tight leash

Watchdogs provide much needed protection in an uncertain world. So why is the UK government determined to kill off the Food Standards Agency?

SPECIAL EDITION: SHELF LIFE

New guide eases challenges of challenge testing

Demand for shelf-life evaluation procedures such as challenge testing is on the up as food processors come under increasing regulatory and financial pressure to ensure safety and minimise waste, said Campden BRI.

Special Edition: Shelf Life

Marketing trends force brands to consider light damage

The latest trends in beverage and dairy are forcing companies to consider the potentially damaging effects of light on product quality.

SABMiller unveils sustainability strategy

SABMiller has introduced a series of projects and schemes in a new sustainability report as it aims to reduce emissions on beer by 50 per cent by 2020, cut water use a quarter by 2015, and take advantage of lightweight packaging.

Guala boosts Eastern Europe presence with Danik takeover

Guala Closures Group has said its takeover of Bulgarian company Danik had been carried out as part of its expansion strategy in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

High-flavanol cocoa repairs blood vessels in CVD patients - Mars

Cocoa flavanols could improve poor blood vessel function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), according to research by a team of researchers, including scientists from confectionery maker, Mars Inc.

Unilever: Slim.Fast brand name is not a health claim

Dutch-British food company Unilever says Slim.Fast, the brand name for its highly popular weight management product, is not under threat of being construed as an unauthorised health claim in the European Union.

SPECIAL EDITION: SHELF LIFE

Fraunhofer develops nano-thin coating to enhance shelf life

A breakthrough technology that coats polymer films with an ultra-thin clear barrier layer to enhance product shelf-life has been unveiled by the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology.

News in brief

Kievit signs creamer deal with Egyptian baby food firm

FrieslandCampina Kievit has signed a collaborative agreement with an Egyptian baby food company for the production of tea and coffee creamers.

News in brief

InterHealth signs powdered drink deal

Innovative Food Processors and InterHealth Nutraceuticals have announced they are working together to develop powdered beverage products.

Special Edition: Shelf Life

CO2 process could herald new dawn for heat sensitive liquids

Carbon dioxide (CO2) under pressure could rise to the top in terms of alternatives to conventional heat treatments for liquids but must be used in unison with stress inducers such as modified atmosphere packaging and lower pH to render microbes ineffective and extend shelf life, claim researchers.

Indian beverage industry sets up new trade association

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Tetra Pak are among the big beverage industry names to come together to form the Indian Beverage Association (IBA).

Heineken UK appears in court following worker death

Heineken UK has been accused of breaking health and safety regulations after a worker died from carbon dioxide poisoning at one of its breweries.

USDA says soda tax would reduce obesity

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added its voice to the debate on soda tax and the prevalence of overweight and obesity, saying that a 20 percent price increase would make a significant difference.

Comment

The quest for a radical new world for antioxidants

Here’s a radical thought for the marketers - the benefits of antioxidants may not be related to antioxidant activity. Last week’s NutraIngredients Antioxidants Conference suggested some tough choices are ahead.

Lightweighting and cost saving potential as Mocon upgrades WVTR line

Converters and manufacturers will be able to measure the real-life performance of packaging barrier products with greater speed and accuracy thanks to an enhanced water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) instrument, said Mocon Inc.

News in brief

EU glass federation appoints new president

The EU association for container glass, FEVE, has elected Ardagh Glass CEO Niall Wall as its new president.

Soft drinks firm labels Coca-Cola's production plant 'a disgrace'

Andrew Cawthray, boss of soft drinks maker Cawingredients, has challenged competitors' commitment to efficient, eco-friendly processing.

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice may lower blood pressure

A small glass of nitrate-rich beetroot juice may help reduce blood pressure to the same extent as nitrate pills, says a new study from London.

Ecolab and DuPont poised to launch new anti-microbial film

Ecolab and DuPont have said their new non-food contact anti-microbial coating for processors will reduce the risk of contamination from mould and a range of pathogenic bacteria on a wide range of surfaces for up to 30 days.

Which? picks holes in tea bag biodegradability

Tea bags sold in the UK are only 70 to 80 per cent biodegradable, according to a report published by Which? - a consumer rights watchdog.

New angled x-ray beam targets blind spots in glass and metal containers

Mettler Toledo said its new beverage inspection system can meet high speed filling requirements, and includes new beam geometry to ensure beverage makers are regulatory compliant.