Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Far East plastics still a problem for formaldehyde: FSA

The migration of formaldehyde into foods from food contact materials manufactured in the Far East may still be a problem, according to a new FSA survey.

Nano trojan horse delivers antioxidant benefits

Australian researchers have designed a nanoparticle one thousandth the width of a human hair, which they say has demonstrated potential to protect antioxidants from destruction in the gut.

Neptune buoyed by yearly results

Quebec-based Neptune Technologies & Bioressources has recorded it sixth successive year of revenue growth as its krill ingredients draw greater consumer and business acceptance and its joint ventures prosper.

Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods opens Chinese emulsifiers facility

Bakery firms operating in the burgeoning Chinese market can tap into further local supplies of food emulsifiers, as Japanese ingredients firm Mitsubishi-Kagaku Foods confirms it will break ground on its first Chinese factory, scheduled to be online by spring 2009.

MSG linked to increased body weight: study

Consumption of the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) may increase the risk of gaining weight, regardless of energy intake, suggests a new study.

Aquentium deal boosts ozone sanitation technology

An ozone sanitation technology is receiving a boost in the US market, following an agreement signed between manufacturer Aquentium and Advanced Purification Systems International to market the equipment.

DSM shuts Chinese citric acid plant

DSM will quit its Wuxi, China-based citric acid plant after being told by the Chinese government its site is required for urban development.

Packaged foods boost nutritional profile with nuts

Nuts are becoming evermore popular ingredients in packaged food products as manufacturers continue to satisfy consumer demands for nutritious goods.

DuPont invests in sunflower and corn seed research

DuPont-owned Pioneer Hi-Bred has opened two seed research centres in Europe in an attempt to deliver higher yielding corn and sunflower hybrids to farmers and “meet growing demand for food and fuel”.

Brewer accused of eco-credential ‘green washing’

The fledgling market for environmentally friendly beer is becoming increasingly susceptible to allegations of false advertising, amidst further claims this week of corporate ‘greenwashing’ within the beverage industry.

Label regulation changes to hit US exports

New labeling legislation introduced in Hong Kong will affect hundreds of millions of dollars worth of prepackaged food and beverages exported from the US as nutrition claims will need to be re-written, according to a new report.

Industry still wary about nano in food: Leatherhead

Nervousness about nanotechnology in food in Britain may see the UK food industry left behind, warns an expert from Leatherhead Food International.

Nutrition bars do what they say, finds ConsumerLab

Recent testing of nutrition bars on sale in the United States has found that labeling has become more accurate, although the wide range in nutritional content means consumers must be aware of the different types of products within the category.

Industry claims festive focus vital to annual pack reduction

Confectionery groups are playing up their efforts to strike a balance between Christmas spirit and green packaging, claiming the focus reflects an all year round environment drive not just consigned to the festive period.

Sun damage may exacerbate skin penetration of nano-sunscreens

Nanoparticles may penetrate sun damaged skin causing concern about their increasingly widespread use in sunscreens, according to new research.

Study sheds light on bee decline threatening crops

Researchers may be a step closer to explaining the mysterious decline in the bee population in the US which has caused alarm in the food industry over honey supplies and crops dependent on bees for pollination.

Cargill weathers turbulent markets to report nearly $4bn profit

Agricultural giant Cargill has announced a 55 percent increase in profit over the last year, despite operating in what it describes as “the most volatile agricultural and energy markets in decades”.

DSM hikes Quali-Blends price as input costs surge

DSM Nutritional Products has announced an undisclosed double digit price increase across its Quali-Blends range that specialises in customised blends of key vitamins and minerals.

Price increases provide new marketing opportunities

AB Enzymes has adapted the focus of its baking enzymes range to focus on how they provide solutions to the rising raw material costs that dog the baking industry.

Weekly comment

False starting in the stevia race

The Greeks have a saying that goes something like this: ‘If you’re in too much of a rush, you’ll trip up’. The food and drinks industry could well benefit from the simplistic wisdom of such traditional advice as they race to bring the natural sweetener stevia to market.

Australian regulator pays Pan $55m after recall rethink

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will pay $55 million (€32.58m) to liquidated supplements manufacturer Pan Pharmaceuticals after inappropriately recalling the company’s entire 1600-product suite in 2003.

M&A round-up: July/August

The summer season is traditionally not a time when much ink gets spread along the dotted line. But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill working over time, with reports that Danisco may receive a bid from Apax and speculation over potential buyers of National Starch Food Innovation.

India to boost noni cultivation

The Indian National Bank for Rural and Agriculture Development (Nabard) is forming a farmers’ club to promote the cultivation of noni, according to reports.

Farmers over-reliance on antibiotics affects resistance, says UK organic group

UK farmers and veterinary surgeons are giving antibiotics to animals often to prevent rather than treat disease, which is contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance through food, claims a UK organic group.

Soy and colours hit the science headlines in August

Natural blue pigments from oyster-friendly bacteria and red pigments from prickly pear, and concerns for men over soy consumption have been the highlights of this month's science.

Asparagus waste investigated as new fibre source

A new study from Spain has found that portions of asparagus spears that are unused by vegetable processors could be tapped as a source of fibre, to bring both nutritional and technological benefits to food.

Italian flowers may give mushroom aroma for food

Essential oils from the flowering aerial parts of a plant from the mint family are rich sources of a compound that has a mushroom aroma, according to new research from Italy.

Barry Callebaut pursues growth in India with new academy

Swiss firm Barry Callebaut is continuing its strategy for growth in emerging markets with the opening of its first chocolate academy in India.

Dried fish stock may be salt enhancer for food

A dried stock made from the bonito fish – a stock used extensively in Japanese cuisine – may improve the palatability of reduced-salt products, suggests new research.

Calcium supply goes pearl-shaped for Galactic

Belgian lactic acid specialist, Galactic, is refining its presence in the calcium supply chain with a “pearl-shaped” ingredient it says delivers improved bioavailability, solubility and processing capabilities.

DSM supports Dutch Olympic athletes

As the Olympic Games kick off in Beijing today, Dutch athletes can expect to receive the support of sports recovery products shipped over by Netherlands-based DSM.

New Cargill center to focus on Asia markets

Cargill says it will create innovative new dairy and confectionery products and help bring them to a growing market in Asia with the opening of its new application centre.

Scientists put bergamot waste to use in juices

A study indicates that bergamot juice could be used to fortify fruit juice in place of synthetic additives, opening up a potential new use for a by-product of the essential oil industry.

Doha banana u-turn draws legal threat

Latin American counties are preparing to fight the EU decision not to implement the agreement over banana tariffs reached during the failed Doha talks in Geneva last week, according to the chief of Costa Rica’s banana organisation.

On your marks...snack makers target the 2008 Olympics

On the eve of the 2008 Bejiing Olympics opening ceremony, snack makers and bakeries seeking golden sales target the athlete-watching consumer with a range of product launches set to hijack the Olympic fever.

Is satiety the new salt, sugar and fat reduction?

Market researcher Leatherhead Food International (LFI) says satiety foods are growing in popularity but that manufacturers need to be careful not to alienate consumers.

China and Canada strike canola research deal

A deal has been signed between research centers in Canada and China to join forces and work on projects that could increase the yield of canola, as demand for healthy oils increases.

Enzyme designed for light beer brewing efficiency

A new development in brewing enzymes can improve cost efficiency within the production of light beers to tap growing demand in the category across the globe, according to its manufacturer.

Enhanced aseptic capper can handle larger bottles, says Krones

A redesigned aseptic capper enables the handling of larger bottles as well as improving cleanability and accessibility, claims its manufacturer.

Global dairy payouts to fall to stable levels - report

The ‘exceptional prices’ being paid for dairy products on the global market are expected to continue declining from recent peak levels, though robust demand will help stabilise costs, says New Zealand’s agricultural ministry.

Weekly comment

Bringing an end to the food waste shame

Have you ever scavenged through a supermarket bin looking for your next meal? It’s a strange question to put to business readers – and most would shrink at the thought. But that’s just how the ‘freegans’ decide what’s for dinner.

Australian CAM industry requires tighter rules

Australia’s complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) sector needs to be more tightly policed in line with pharmaceutical rules, according to critics.