Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Developing world to become food commodity hub

Global agriculture and trade for most commodities are set to centre on developing countries in the next ten years - a prediction that gives weight to food industry strategies to build a presence in emerging markets.

Sensible snacking benefits health

Sensible, nutritious, snacking twice a day combined with three small meals can form a healthy, balanced diet, claims Kellogg's Smarter Snacking Report published earlier this month.

Sales soar for Chinese potato starch supplier

There is evidence that European potato starch suppliers are losing out to Chinese competitors, as anti-dumping measures drive rampant growth for leading Chinese starch maker.

New hydrocolloid more viscous than guar gum: study

A new study from Japan into the rheological properties of a hydrocolloid from the leaves of Corchorus olitorius has found it to have even better viscosity than guar hum and locust bean gum, adding to evidence of its food industry potential.

Further uncertainty predicted for dairy markets

Global uncertainty over the price of milk and other dairy ingredients looks set to continue to compound processor fears, according to new findings published this week by UK association DairyCo.

Indian backing for Sabinsa resveratrol research

Sabinsa is looking to bringing innovation to its resveratrol manufacturing capabilities after receiving a grant from the Indian government to move ahead with two new pilot trails for both nutrition and cosmetic products.

Global sugar trends, FAO report

International sugar prices have risen by 30.7 per cent since last November despite a second consecutive year of surplus supplies in 2007/08, according to the Food Outlook report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week.

Cocoa flavanols show promise for diabetic cardiovascular health

A new study has indicated that cocoa flavanols could help improve blood vessel health in diabetes patients, potentially offering protection against cardiovascular complications that standard medication does not.

Arla adopts local focus on global consumer markets

Arla has announced a reorganisation of its consumer operations in eight markets including simplifying its business model in the Middle East, where a second boycott of its products is in place.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence of one or two skeletons rattling around in there.

Worldwide Fairtrade sales up 47 per cent

Worldwide consumers spent over €2.3bn on Fairtrade certified products in 2007, a 47 per cent increase on the previous year, according to figures from Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).

Rice bran approved as meat enhancer

NutraCea has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to supply stabilized rice bran as an enhancer for pulverized meat and poultry products.

Whey industry hoping for innovative future

Whey's days as being viewed as a simple by-product of food manufacturer appear to be over as the industry increasingly looks to tap into the potential health and functional benefits of the protein.

Too little salt may pose CVD risk, suggests study

Low sodium levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, say researchers in an observational study, contradicting recent evidence from intervention trials indicating the dangers of too much salt.

Erythritol use blossoms but regulatory, technical challenges remain

Manufacturers are getting more adventurous over erythritol use since it gained EU-wide approval this year, says Cargill, but the real boom will come when they can make a low-calorie claim in Europe.

Soft drink behemoths attacked over global ad pledges

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have come under fire this week for pledging to cut out promoting its beverage brands to children under twelve across the globe by the end of the year

Oil palm genome sequencing may aid sustainability

A US-Malaysian partnership has completed the first phase of annotating the oil palm genome in a process it hopes will enable increased oil yields and sustainability.

Volatility for cereal food prices continues as demand outstrips supply

Cost pressures continue for food makers as recent prices from the futures market reflect volatility in prices for wheat, soybeans and maize.

Software systems target integrated distribution needs

A new software distribution system for food and beverage manufacturers combines the latest software and development tools with in-depth industry knowledge to improve operational efficiency, according to its manufacturer.

Study deepens emulsion-flavour release understanding

Understanding how flavours and aromas are released from food is key to formulating successful products, and new research from Greece may deepen our understanding.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to bury their differences and concentrate on the benefits an alliance may bring.

Institute proposes policies to tackle food prices

Tackling the global food crisis requires emergency measures, including a possible freeze on grain-based biofuels - and a longer-term strategy to secure supply for the future and establish global trade systems, says institute.

Amino acids may extend sweet potato starch's gelling possibilities

As interest in potato starch increases due to clean label pressures, US scientists report that the gelling and paste-forming properties of starch from sweet potatoes can be controlled by using amino acids.

Suppliers react to Chinese earthquake

Western suppliers and manufacturers are contributing to earthquake recovery in China while trying to cope with the effect the quake has had on their operations.

Cocoa prices bounce back, stay buoyant

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) monthly review of the cocoa market suggests that a decline of the monthly average ICCO daily price in April compared to the previous month could be misleading as far as futures markets are concerned.

Carbery throws weight behind nutrition business

Irish whey protein specialist Carbery is engaging in a major investment and recruitment programme in response to a whey market it says has "exploded".

Expert calls for crackdown on EU bootleg booze

While China continues to pose a significant copyright threat to Europe's spirit makers, the industry must also address the problem on its own doorstep, according to the director general of the European Spirits organization (CEPS).

Bumper rice harvest for 2008, FAO

World rice production is set to reach record levels in 2008, according to the UN Food & Agriculture organization (FAO) which has quelled fears that sharp price hikes will continue indefinitely.

Nestle and GE team-up to tackle nutrition-body composition issues

Understanding the associations between body composition, metabolic status, diet and lifestyle habits could be key to the struggle against obesity, and gaining an advantage in formulation.

Omega-3 EPA linked to less depression

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the severity of symptoms of depression, particularly in people taking antidepressants, suggests new research from France.

China takes big step forward in nutrition labelling

China has introduced new guidelines for nutrition labelling on packaged foods which, although not mandatory, will standardise presentation of information on products that already state nutrient levels.

Tate & Lyle secures seven year supply with Fiji

Ingredients firm Tate & Lyle has entered an agreement with Fiji Sugar Corporation for the supply of 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar per year till 2015, amid developments in the EU sugar regime.

Acrylamide linked to higher kidney cancer risk

Increased dietary intakes of acrylamide could raise the risk of kidney cancer by 59 per cent, says a new study from the Netherlands.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Pine bark extract may boost diabetics' heart health

Supplements of extracts from French maritime pine bark may reduce blood pressure and the use of blood pressure medication among diabetics, suggest results from a new study.

Major HFCS users unlikely to ditch it for sugar, expert

Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale users, according to a consultant.

Ancient grains on the rise, says Datamonitor

New food and beverage products featuring ancient grains are appearing on markets worldwide, reports Datamonitor's Productscan Online, bringing new opportunities for lesser known types of grain.

Solbar aids manufacturers with low-sodium soy isolate

Solbar is introducing a new isolated soy protein with about a quarter of the sodium usually found in isolates, contributing to manufacturers' quest to lower levels in finished foods.

Dairy foods not impacting on weight issue: study

Claims that consumption of dairy products and other high calcium goods may play a key role in weight loss or gain are not sufficiently supported by scientific testing, according to a new review of existing research.

News briefs: Green packaging initiatives

Pepsi reduces plastic in 500ml non-carbonated beverage bottle, Earthcycle expands its fresh produce compostable packaging line and the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition changes its name to Reusable Packaging Association.

India may ban food futures, reports

India is mulling a temporary ban on trading in food futures, according to reports, as it looks at ways to mitigate the effect of rising food prices on its population.

News briefs: Campbell, StarLink corn and Ebro

This week, Campbell announced a series of strategic moves designed to improve efficiency and profitability, the FDA withdrew its guidance for testing StarLink yellow corn, and Ebro Puleva's profits have increased in Q1.

Plant closure underway for CP Kelco

CP Kelco is exploring alternative uses for its UK xanthan gum plant having completed the first phase of its closure after cost pressures compromised its viability forcing it to cease production.

Edible oils may be upgraded with tomato peel waste

Enriching edible oils with tomato peel may enhance their bioavailability and upgrade their quality by increasing beta carotene and lycopene content and inducing better thermal stability, say researchers

Purac opens lactic acid plant in Thailand

Purac has officially opened its new lactic acid factory in Thailand, where it hopes to build on lactic acid growth in Asia as well as cutting production costs.

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success may not be quite as simple.

Unilever commits to sustainable palm oil

Unilever has pledged to use only palm oil certified as sustainable by 2015, while also supporting calls for a moratorium on further deforestation for palm oil in Indonesia.

Unilever commits to sustainable palm oil

Unilever has pledged to use only palm oil certified as sustainable by 2015, while also supporting calls for a moratorium on further deforestation for palm oil in Indonesia.

Barry Callebaut completes KLK acquisition

Barry Callebaut has successfully closed its acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Malaysia's KLK Cocoa - a strategic move expected to give the Swiss firm leverage to expand in the high-potential Asia-Pacific region.