Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Japanese car philosophy inspires process efficiency model

Researchers from Sweden have developed an evaluation model for food process systems to improve production flow and minimize waste that is based on a Japanese philosophy.

The science of stevia

There has been much excitement about the promise of stevia as a natural alternative to artificial zero-calorie sweeteners. FoodNavigator.com summarises the science so far.

Study favours dairy calcium over fortification for bone boost

New industry-funded research suggests that calcium from dairy products can help ensure stronger bones that when derived from fortified, non-milk based goods.

Chinese food companies should step up safety

Many Chinese food companies lag behind foreign firms in ensuring food safety, partly because consumers do not trust safety certification, said experts yesterday.

News in brief

“All of humanity under threat”

The World Health Organisation has delivered its direst warning yet about the implications of swine flu stating that “All of humanity is under threat.”

New food launches halve recession-stuck quarter, says Mintel

New data indicates that food manufacturers are opting not to invest in new food and drink product launches during the economic down turn, as budgets are cut from R&D to marketing.

Snack Size Science: Vitamin chips and mama's diet

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how chocolate-eating sheep may give us insights into childhood obesity, and how vitamins may protect against carcinogens hiding in your French fries.

Swine flu impacts global economy

The swine flu virus first identified in Mexico cannot be contained, warns Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), as the economic impact of the outbreak continues to spread.

Nestle drops national health logo for regional Milo push

Nestle says it will commit itself to less nationally focused health promotions on brands like Milo - an instant powdered chocolate milk - as part of a shake up of its New Zealand and Australian operations.

Weekly comment

Supplements: Time to change the nay-saying record?

As yet another TV show concludes that supplements are unnecessary, is the ignorance of the mainstream media few putting the health of the many at risk? Isn’t it time to change the record?

News in brief

Cocoa production on Ivory Coast to fall in 2009

Reports last week suggest cocoa production in the Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer of cocoa, may be one million metric tonnes this year, down from 1.36 million last season.

Japanese potential could boost global organic output - survey

Organic, lower sugar and reduced carbohydrate foods that have seen growing interest in Western European and North American markets are likely to become importantly popular in markets like Japan in coming years, says research.

Teenage brain power boosted by chewing gum: Wrigley study

Chewing gum could have a positive affect on the academic performance of teenagers, according to new research funded by the Wrigley Science Institute (WSI).

Textural analysis putting food into orbit, says SMS

Stable Micro Systems (SMS) said that NASA's Space Food Systems laboratory, located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, has recently enlisted its TA.XTPlus texture analyser in order to ensure that astronauts are provided with food with optimal appearance, colour, odour, flavour, texture and overall palatability.

Walnuts and fish affect heart health differently

Including both walnuts and fish products in the diet is required to reduce risks of coronary heart disease, says a new study funded by the California Walnut Commission.

News in brief

German scientists react to GM ban

The German science organizations on green genetic engineering has criticised the country's government for the ban on Monsanto's MON810 maize, noting that a ban on one crop will damage all GM in the country.

Gumlink-Yıldız deal spears Turkish B2B chewing gum market

Danish gum technologist Gumlink will team up with Turkish confectionery firm Yıldız in a new joint venture set to spear markets in Europe, Russia, Middle East and North Africa.

Consumer perception part of dairy’s cow methane battle

As stakeholders across the dairy supply chain look to put cows’ backsides at the forefront of efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, researchers suggest consumer acceptance will be a major factor in any successful solution.

Is stevia’s market potential limited by cost?

Stevia’s expense compared to other sweeteners is a major market limitation, according to a new paper on the stevia market, although industry players say they are working to bring its price down.

Middle Eastern herb shows potential against pancreatic cancer

An extract from the Middle Eastern herb Nigella sativa may not only stop the growth of pancreatic cancer, but inhibit the development of the tumours, suggest new results from the US.

News in brief

Symrise sets up in Dubai

Symrise has set up a new sales branch and applications lab in Dubai, in order to be closer to its Middle Eastern customers.

Consumers rank glass as most eco packaging material, says FEVE

Half of those surveyed in a European wide study said that glass has a more positive impact on the environment than other packaging materials such as plastics, metal cans and cartons, according to the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE).

Weekly comment

Who’s hoodwinked by a healthy halo?

What does health taste like? As a kid, I was encouraged to hold my nose and swallow down broad beans and cod-liver oil. If they tasted bad, it was only ‘cos they were good for me.

Talking organics to the occasional buyer

FoodNavigator talks to Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association, about communication efforts to help more consumers understand and engage in organics, and the all-important issue of climate change.

Ocean Spray to sell concentrates eBay-style

Ocean Spray's Ingredient Technology Group is to hold online auctions for its cranberry concentrate, which it claims will help customers ensure supply and protect against commodity fluctuations.

Food grade recycled PP may be on the horizon

A research project that aims to ascertain the feasibility of recycling polypropylene (PP) into food grade packaging is underway in the UK.

News in brief

Tate & Lyle rumoured to be seeking new chief

Unsubstantiated press reports have claimed Tate & Lyle is seeking a new CEO to replace Iain Ferguson, who has held the top job since May 2003.

Kellogg makes think-tank’s top ethical list

Countering the image of a corporate world knocked by the financial crisis, a US think-tank names the 'world's most ethical companies', among them breakfast cereal firm Kellogg.

China approves allergy-battling probiotics

Stock market-listed Taiwanese probiotics specialist, GenMont, has won “health food designation” from the Chinese Department of Health for two of its probiotics for use in food and beverage products.

X-ray protection against food contamination

Improved protection against the contamination of wrapped confectionery and other food products with metals and plastics is claimed for the new small-size version of Ishida Europe’s X-ray inspection system.

You are what your mother eats: High GI diets may give obese kids

Snacking on foods with a high glycaemic index like white bread and chocolate during the later stages of pregnancy may increase the likelihood of obesity in the offspring, says a new study.

Dairy potential remains for emerging market push - report

With a number of dairy manufacturers committing to emerging market growth, countries outside of the EU and US will continue to hold strong potential for processors, despite undergoing difficulties during 2008, says new research.

News in brief

Fenchem selects Canadian distributor for nutraceuticals

Chinese nutraceutical supplier Fenchem has selected Tempo Canada as the exclusive distributor for a range of its ingredients in Canada.

Research and marketing savvy vital for the rise of ‘superveg’

As manufacturers clamor to discover and make use of super fruits in their functional food formulations, consumer perception and limited research are currently preventing the advent of ‘superveg', according to some experts.

Weekly comment

Food supplements proving recession-proof

The ongoing slide of global capitalism is decimating industries, but the food supplements industry is not one of them as fraught consumers turn to its potential low-cost, anti-medical, wellness promise.

Older generations focus on eco packaging - study

A consumer’s age profile can influence whether they base their purchasing decisions on the eco-friendliness of packaging, according to a new US survey.

Barry C and Bunge team-up to extend Brazilian operations

Pod-to-pallet chocolate maker Barry Callebaut is set to extend B2B operations in Brazil's emerging market, with a new plant in the pipeline, and a distribution deal inked with agro-giant Bunge Alimentos.

Snack Size Science: Air bubbles and peanuts for all

FoodNavigator's Snack Size Science brings you the week's top science. This week we look at how air bubbles may mimic fat and help with weight loss, and how antioxidant compounds may neutralise the allergens in peanut butter.

News in brief

Bosch streamlines packaging businesses

Bosch Packaging Technology has reorganised its packaging and processing businesses.

Mars pledges sustainable cocoa only by 2020

Mars has pledged that its entire cocoa supply will be certified as sustainably produced by 2020, through a multi-year, multi-country deal forged with the Rainforest Alliance.

News in brief

Fonterra drops anchor deal in Egypt

Fonterra has reached an agreement with a leading Egypt-based dairy supplier for licensed production of its Anchor range of goods in the country.

Nestle sticking with cereal nutrition strategy

As breakfast cereal makers come under scrutiny this week following both clinical backing and criticism of their nutrition commitments, one leading manufacturer says it will stick to its strategy of providing a balanced range of products.

Bioplastic switch for Easter egg packaging to power 350,000 homes

Switching Easter egg packaging to a biodegradable plastic made from corn starch could save enough energy to power 350,000 homes, claims a developer of a corn-based plastic.

Talking Point

Is the food industry following in tobacco’s footsteps – your views

FoodNavigator-USA.com asked readers for their views on a recent joint study from Yale University and the University of Michigan that compared the food industry’s marketing strategies to those of the tobacco industry.

Pernod drops Wild Turkey for refinance plan

Spirit group Pernod Ricard says it has offloaded its Wild Turkey branded bourbon operations to rival Gruppo Campari as part of a billion dollar strategy to offset debt through refinancing plans.

Consumer group slams breakfast cereal formulations

The levels of salt and sugar in breakfast cereal formulations targeted at children are slammed in Australia after consumer group finds key 'cereal' offenders are "heavy on marketing spin and light on good nutrition".

Asian melamine fears hits global dairy drink growth - report

The impact of last year’s contamination of certain Chinese dairy products with the industrial chemical melamine continues to be felt across the industry with new research suggesting global interest in milk-based drinks has slowed.

Martek’s space award takes firm back to NASA origins

Martek Biosciences, the leading algae-sourced omega-3 producer, last week had its supplement product inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame, in recognition of the nutritional benefit that has grown out of early NASA work.

PCs a necessity – not a luxury – in tight economy, says Beckhoff

Investing in automation technology in the food manufacturing industry could enhance productivity by around 10 percent, according to Beckhoff Automation, which recently presented its technology to industry.

News in brief

Australian industry deems traffic lights simplistic

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has criticised traffic light labelling on foods as “too simplistic”, while the industry has already rolled out a Daily Intake Guide system on around 1100 products.

Sucralose supply set to expand as Tate & Lyle loses patent case

Tate & Lyle has lost its sucralose patent case as the International Trade Commission gave its final ruling on Monday that Chinese manufacturers did not infringe the sugar giant’s patents.

Packagers seek water-pack alternatives amidst bottle gloom

Environmental criticisms over the impact of bottling mineral water is expected to lead to stagnant growth in the segment over the coming year, potentially forcing manufacturers to rethink their packaging, suggests new research.

Weekly comment

Could clones be hiding out in ice-cream?

Ben & Jerry’s campaign to ensure produce from clones is detectable in the food chain shows that bundling biotech in with conventional produce remains unacceptable – but lessons from GM do not seem to have been learned.

Infant formula contamination could harm brain development, finds study

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that a range of commercial infant formula brands are contaminated with perchlorate, a chemical that may interfere with brain development.

Supplier offers space age sorting for vegetable safety

Buhler Sortex claims that it can provide vegetable processors with satellite inspired sorting equipment that distinguishes between the textures of desirable and foreign materials during packaging.

Fonterra optimistic over milk price rises

Fonterra says it has recorded a second consecutive monthly rise in the prices being paid to its member farmers for their milk, reflecting possible stabilisation in the supply chain.

Declining chocolate market felt by Mars and Barry Callebaut

Clear signs that falling consumer demand for chocolate is starting to impact the supply chain with Mars' chocolate business in France announcing contracted production in Alsace.

Amaranth may extend gluten-free bread shelf-life: Study

An extract from amaranth may extend the shelf-life of both gluten-containing and gluten-free breads, according to new research from Italy.

News in brief

National Starch launches Resistantstarch.com

National Starch Food Innovation has launched a new website to communicate the health and nutrition benefits of resistant starch to health professionals, academics and consumers.

Snow-ed in: Domestic success drives Chinese beer domination

Bud Light may no longer be the world's heavyweight beer brand in terms of sales, with reports suggesting that it has lost ground to the regionally sold, China-based Snow, according to news reports.

Carbery announces whey protein flavour profiling project

Carbery is investing in a two-year research project to identify the molecular and flavour profiles of whey protein to help improve on formulation.

Functional foods: What they mean around the world

Functional foods are continuing to grow in popularity around the world, but there is currently no universal definition of the category. NutraIngredients-USA.com looks at the way global markets classify this class of foods and beverages, both in the regulatory and marketing arenas.