Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Prebiotic-fortified fruit juice passes formulation test: Study

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can be used to partially replace sucrose in fruit juices without detrimentally affecting physical characteristics of the juice, says new research from India.

Barclays downgrades US packaged food sector

Barclays Capital has adjusted its outlook for the packaged food sector in the US as it is not expected to see the benefits of lower commodity prices in the near future.

Rosehip extract developed for new product opportunities

Afriplex has launched a new rosehip extract which it hopes will take the ingredient beyond typical applications such as tea and tablets to products such as cereals, fruit bars and smoothies.

Garlic and onions may reduce cholesterol gallstones: Study

Consumption of garlic and onions may reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by as much as 40 per cent, says a new study from India.

News in brief

New food safety initiative in Asia welcomed

The US Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has welcomed moves to improve food safety in Asia Pacific with the launch of the APEC Partnership Training Institute Network.

Australian dairy eyes functional focus funding

The Australian dairy industry continues to target product innovation with a new grant specifically designed to encourage innovative new ways of thermal and non-thermal processing and producing fermented foods and cultures.

PepsiCo ready for stevia product launches

PepsiCo said it is poised to launch two drinks sweetened with stevia in the US as soon as it is given the green light by the FDA over its GRAS status.

Aseptic line goes global after market testing phase

The Tetra Pak A3/Flex for the Tetra Gemina Aseptic range of packaging targeted at juice and milk-based products is now available to customers worldwide, according to the company.

Amino acid may ease symptoms of fatigue: Study

Daily supplements of the amino acid l-ornithine, found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs, may have anti-fatigue effects, says new research.

Study backs oral HA for joint and skin health

High molecular weight hyaluronan from oral supplements does reach skin and joint tissues, supporting a role for the compound in such products, says a new study.

Nano-based polymer could enhance bioplastics and adhesives

A new process involving the layering of a polymer with silica-based nanoparticles has the potential to enhance the properties of pressure sensitive adhesive labels, water-borne coatings and biodegradable materials, claims a UK research team.

News in brief

Baker Perkins offers services to Vietnamese firm

Bibica, one of the largest Vietnamese confectionery manufacturers, is hoping to expand by installing a Baker Perkins cooking and depositing plant.

China and Canada found guilty of citric acid dumping

Ongoing US Department of Commerce investigations have found Chinese and Canadian companies are dumping citric acid and citrate salts into the US.

Round table: Gut health and obesity

Modifying our gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotics may be a new weapon in the fight against obesity. Three experts active in this field discuss the current state of play, and what the future may hold for weight management with probiotics and prebiotics.

Dairy price won’t settle soon, says Fonterra

Volatile dairy prices are likely to continue in the mid term at least, New Zealand Fonterra has warned, signaling a need for on-going margin vigilance for food makers using dairy derivatives.

Unilever drops hoodia

Unilever is severing a multi-million euro arrangement with UK-based hoodia supplier, Phytopharm, after concluding the South African plant extract did not meet both safety and efficacy requirements.

Curry spice may blunt acrylamide’s harm: Study

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow colour, may reduce the potential detrimental effects of acrylamide, says a new study from China.

FDA cracks down on Chinese imports

The FDA has stepped up its import controls for dairy products from China following the melamine scare and extended its investigation into non-dairy protein products.

Research boost for allergen-free ginger

A manufacturer of confectionary ginger is developing a new processing system that eliminates the need to use sulphites as a preservative, making its ginger products allergy-free.

GOED prepares omega-3 authorized health claim submission

An omega-3 trade association is preparing to apply to the FDA for an upgrade of the heart health claim linked to omega-3s from a qualified health claim to an authorized health claim.

Brain link to mother’s high fat diet and offspring’s obesity: Rat study

A high fat diet during pregnancy may bring about changes in the offsring’s brain that makes them more prone to over-eating and obesity throughout their lives, according to a new rat study that may help explain the rise in childhood obesity.

Codex drops gold standard approach

The World Health Organization’s food supplements regulation guideline body, Codex, has broadened its definition of what can be considered worthy scientific evidence to back health claims.

Online system aims at brew efficiency

Getting the most from the brewing process is the key aim of a new online-tool designed to maximize productivity by analysing the unique qualities behind individual beer brands, says its designer.

Round table: Food policy under Obama

President-Elect Barack Obama has pledged to bring change to his country. Three food industry executives discuss what his election could mean for food regulation and trade, and policy interplay with healthcare and energy.

Milk facing soybean innovation battle

The dairy industry will have to step up to the challenge of matching ongoing developments in soybeans as a replacement for a number of milk-based products and ingredients, according to one New Zealand dairy supplier.

Fairtrade a key part of sustainability drive

The fairtrade phenomenon is benefiting from the trend for sustainability reporting as fairtrade foods as well as ingredients can boost corporate credentials, according to an analyst.

Taiyo expands green tea range

Green tea supplier, Taiyo, is adding active ingredients with weight management, taste and stress relief benefits to its green tea range.

Yoghurt drink makers wary of soft drink challenge

As drink manufacturers strive to provide innovative functional products to increasingly health focused consumers, dairy goods such as yoghurt may be an emerging route able to help bridge demand.

News in brief

C&E extends deadline for whole grain abstract submissions

Cereals and Europe has extended the deadline for receiving submissions of abstracts for the Whole Grain Global Summit meeting in Spring 2009 to November 7th.

Dispatches from Health Ingredients Europe

Peanuts provide cheaper alternative in economic downturn

The American Peanut Council is expecting that the current economic climate will prompt an increase in demand for peanuts as manufacturers look to them as a potential replacement for more expensive tree nuts.

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FAO chief appeals to Obama to help end world hunger

The director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Jacques Diouf, has called on US President-elect Barack Obama to make the eradication of world hunger a priority.

Herbalife sees strong international sales, weak outlook

Strong international sales contribute to 20 per cent growth in third quarter earnings for Los Angeles-based nutritional supplement firm Herbalife, but a weak fourth quarter forecast disappoints Wall Street.

Multivitamins and minerals help children's brain function: study

Daily supplements of multivitamins and minerals may improve the brain function of children, says a new study from British and Australian researchers.

Disptaches from HiE

Fortitech fortification initiative targets underdeveloped markets

Fortitech is coordinating its efforts to provide nutritional premixes to malnourished populations, through targeted partnerships in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Price volatility setting back lactose and whey value - report

While the availability of whey and lactose products continue to climb during 2008, price volatility has managed to hamper hikes in profitability of the segment as manufacturers hunt for cheaper ingredients, says a new report.

News in brief

Major rice trade publications to merge

The weekly trade publication for the rice industry, The Rice Trader, is to merge with Rice Today, the quarterly magazine of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).