Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

Special edition: Pricing social responsibility

Responsibility not cost dependant – spirit makers

In the first of a two-part series, BeverageDaily.com looks at the issue of pricing on alcoholic beverages, both as a tool for social responsibility drives designed to curb alcohol use, and in ensuring financial success for manufacturers.

Industry development roundups

A global roll out for probiotic straws and tea sticks, active sensors to ensure fluid levels and a new heat exchanger were among this month’s developments.

Demand for cranberries close to outstripping supply

Ocean Spray has opened what it describes as the largest cranberry processing facility in the world but it said that it could be expanded further, if only there was enough fruit to go round.

Comment

What to do when safety studies smell a rat

Using animals, and specifically rats, to build the science behind ingredients is vital, but dismissing conflicting studies just because a rat is not a human is not acceptable.

Plantextrakt hopes to infuse innovative tea demand

A German supplier of natural ingredients hopes to shake its presence in the Irish and UK tea-based beverage markets through a new distribution partnership in both countries.

Beverage ingredients follow taste of Africa trend

A range of African-inspired flavours for beverages are being introduced by Symrise as it taps into the growing popularity of African ingredients which offer the novelty factor as well as health benefits.

Splenda may damage gut bacteria, boost weight gain: study

Consumption of the sweetener Splenda at doses within the US FDA’s Acceptable Daily Intake may suppress beneficial bacteria in the gut, and cause weight gain, says a new rat study.

News briefs: PepsiCo, Refresco and Viking beer ban

This week, PepsiCo is reportedly India bound to boost its beverage sales, Refresco looks to expand into European juice making and a beer with a Viking heritage comes into trouble over its branding.

Closure demand boosted through drink pack development

Global beverage closure demand is expected to surge over the next five years as manufacturers attempt to add more value to their products through packaging innovation, according to a new report.

Energy drink demand may exacerbate caffeine intoxication - study

Surging global demand for high-caffeine energy drinks has led to increased reports of negative health impacts linked to the stimulant’s use in beverages, according to a new review.

New guide evaluates 'active' and 'intelligent' packaging

Active and intelligent packaging is the focus of a new review produced by the Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

UK set to get more food grade plastic from recoverable waste

UK-based Alternative Waste Solutions (AWS) said that it is set to become a major producer of food grade plastic, following a £14m upgrade to its plant.

EU seeks WTO aid over Indian state-imposed tax concerns

The European Commission is seeking talks with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over state specific taxing in India, amidst claims from wine and spirit makers that their exports are being damaged as a result.

TV attacks uncork Euro wine label debate

The wine industry has gone on the defensive over its labelling practices following the broadcast of a UK-made documentary claiming existing guidelines are misleading consumers on what is inside their bottles.

Sipa plays up full line PET energy efficiency

Adopting integrated full-line bottling systems that can provide blow moulding, filling and capping functions can help manufacturers to better meet their efficiency goals, according to a leading beverage pack supplier.

Comment

Consumers fear the packaging - a BPA alternative is needed now

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Luke Skywalker’s warning in the movie blockbuster Star Wars could equally be applied to consumers’ concerns about Bisphenol A (BPA).

Walmark builds sports nutrition presence

Central and Eastern Europe’s biggest food supplements manufacturer, Walmark, has taken 100 per cent control of fellow Czech sports nutrition specialist, Aminostar, in an undisclosed deal.

News briefs: Alcohol sales, Sara Lee and functional beverages

This week in briefs, BeverageDaily.com examines how alcohol beats recession, Sara Lee beefs up its coffee business, and Uruguay sees the launch of its first cholesterol-lowering drink.

New line could cut pomegranate production overheads

A new production line targeted at food and beverage producers that market pomegranate products automates the separation of the peel from the arils and wraps them in MAP packaging for long-lasting shelf life, says its developer.

Acai-rich juice may reverse inflammation

An antioxidant-rich juice containing açai may reduce levels of markers of inflammation linked to conditions such as heart disease, says a new study.

Functional straw deal targets probiotic juice boost

A leading packager is spying a global roll-out for a new development in straws that it claims can grant an additional probiotic boost to juices and dairy beverages.

EU project to reduce biogenic amines in fermented foods

The reduction or elimination of potentially toxic metabolites from fermented foods such as cheese and wine will lead to new formulations and starter cultures, if a new €3.4 million project delivers.

Boost for UK processors seeking food grade recycled plastic

UK food and drink manufacturers are set to gain from the opening of a new plastic bottle recycling facility in North Wales.

Corn fibre gum emulsifier edges closer to commercial beverages

USDA scientists are continuing to expand the potential of corn fibre gum as an emulsifier in beverages, with a new study pinpointing the emulsifying properties of the gum.

Chamomile tea may prevent diabetes complications: study

Drinking chamomile tea may prevent blood sugar increases and other complications associated with diabetes, suggests a new study from Japan and the UK.

Comment

Dietary supplements win Olympic gold

To coin a phrase oft-used by winning athletes, Beijing was 'a good games’ for an increasingly mature dietary supplements industry.

Global growth potential lies in milk and water drinks - report

Global consumption of bottled water and milk-based drinks continues to rise amidst burgeoning demand in Asia, despite a number of challenges facing both industries, according to consumer analyst Zenith International.

Energy drink big boys unfazed by Euro review

Red Bull says it is not concerned over an upcoming European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) review the use of ingredients like taurine and glucuronolactone in energy drinks and remains committed to EU expansion.

Ink innovation can cut packaging costs, says UK group

Manufacturers can cut costs throughout their brand range by reducing the number of colours used on their printed packaging, says design group.

Alliance aims to improve productivity in food and drink sector

A new partnership could help food processors isolate and eliminate the main causes of productivity loss on production lines.

Soft drinks continue Eastern European surge

The Eastern European market for fruit juices and nectars was up by 10 per cent to €6.4bn last year, an upward trajectory expected to continue in the coming years, says a new report.

Researchers say lager taste potential is all in the genes

Genetics is often charged as providing a brave new world for science and now it seems that new research into the makeup of brewing yeasts in lager could revolutionise the very taste of beer, new research claims.

Nestle expands further into beauty from within

Nestle has stepped into the beauty food and beverage market with a juice drink destined for cosmetics counters rather than supermarket shelves.

Companies poised for changes in stevia regulations with new deal

The march to bring stevia into the mainstream continues as GLG Life Tech Corporation has struck a deal with US-based Weider Global Nutrition to take the sweetener to mass markets around the globe.

New 'active' sensor has many food sector uses, claims ITW

New active sensors can help food processors gauge the amount of fluids in containers and are adaptable to each plant’s particular needs, says the developer.

Bud maker and Coca-Cola pursue soft drink expansion

Anheuser Busch has joined Coca-Cola over the last week in attempting to expand its presence in the global market for non-carbonated and functional beverages through their latest expansion drives.

Packager aims to bag up hot drink demand with tea stick

A supplier of a perforated stick shaped packaging is hoping to shake up the hot beverage market as both a rival to the humble tea bag, and as a means of providing drinks like coffee.

Frutarom targets elderly with ‘50plus’

Israeli supplier Frutarom has launched a ‘proactive concept’ targeting baby boomers that couples condition-specific ingredients with product templates and marketing assistance.

EU sugar woes are not yet over at ABF

While there has been more optimism hovering over the post-reform EU sugar industry this year, ABF cites the new regime as having an on-going effect on the profits of its sugar division.

Comment

Hurricane wake-up call for business and boy scouts

Louisiana was holding its breath when Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. It promised to be the mother of all storms as it roared towards the Gulf Coast but fortunately the region, along with the food industry it supports, was spared.

US scientists express concerns over Bisphenol A exposure

In its final evaluation of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has expressed concerns for potential exposures to foetus, infants and children.

EC powerless to push Scottish age limit proposals

As Scotland moves a step nearer to potentially adopting new proposals on raising the legal drinking age at off-trade retail outlets, the European Union says it cannot impose similar mandatory regulation across the bloc.

Research associations CCFRA and BRI merge to improve efficiencies

Two food and drink research centres, CCFRA and BRI, have merged to strengthen their resources and help companies in the industry innovate and ensure the safety and quality of their products.

Stevia is photo-stable in beverages, says Coca-Cola

Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, does not degrade in beverages on exposure to light, says a new study from Coca-Cola.

Global study spies functional soft drink shift

The global market for non-alcoholic beverages will remain dominated by more perceivably healthy soft drink options, amidst a growing population concerned with well being in what they drink, according to a new report.

Firm expects FDA approval for new heat exchanger

A German manufacturer of heating and cooling technologies says it has replaced the metal in its spiral plate heat exchangers with a high performance polymer in a bid to improve hygiene efficiency as well as reducing weight and costs.

Nestle, Danone, Highland team up to protect bottled water

The three leading UK suppliers of bottled water have created a new group designed to spread the word on the economic and social value of their product, amidst continuing pressures surrounding its alleged environmental impact.

More added to DSM Fabuless range

DSM Nutritional Products has added a spray-dried powdered version to its Fabuless weight management stable, with the growing meal replacement market being a particular point of focus.

Comment

Rising to the health claims challenge

Europe’s health claim assessment process kicked off with the rejection of almost 90 per cent of the first bunch. But industry must accept its shortcomings if credibility is to be the winner.