Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Sugar and currencies blamed for Tate & Lyle profit drop

22-May-2008 - Tate & Lyle has reported an 11 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £244m (c €307.3m) for full year 2008, a result of troubles in international sugar trading and inclement exchange rates.

Candy Expo highlights gourmet, premium and organic products

21-May-2008 - The All Candy Expo currently taking place in Chicago is highlighting gourmet, premium and organic products, which organisers say is the fastest growing segment in the confectionery and snack market.

Acquisitions pay off for Frutarom

21-May-2008 - Frutarom has seen the benefits of its seven acquisitions of 2007 on its profits in its Q1 results, and is pledging to keep profits on an even keel by adjusting selling prices in line with raw material costs.

US group denies wrongdoing amidst milk price uncertainty

21-May-2008 - A leading US dairy cooperative has denied any wrongdoing over allegations that it may be involved in price fixing for some of its products, as yet another country finds its dairy markets under scrutiny.

Trade deficit means UK to suffer under rising food costs

20-May-2008 - The UK is badly positioned to cope with rising food prices because of its trade deficit causing concerns of a recession, according to a report by Ernst & Young.

News briefs: FSA bakery action

20-May-2008 - This week, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) announces a review of initiatives for salt reduction that could have a significant impact on baking, while one muffin manufacturer initiates a recall on some of its products over ingredient concerns.

Show to address soft drink and beer supply issues

20-May-2008 - The challenges facing raw material sourcing across the beverage market will be on of the key focuses for the Drinktec 2009 trade show set to place next September in Munich, according to its organisers.

Software systems target integrated distribution needs

20-May-2008 - 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.

Danisco aims to adapt to US cultures

19-May-2008 - Danisco is expanding the range of yoghurt cultures available to its US customers in order to exploit impressive growth within the market.

Institute proposes policies to tackle food prices

19-May-2008 - 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.

Mars to tap gas emissions to power plant

16-May-2008 - Mars Snack Foods initiated a project this week that enables it to tap emissions from the city landfill to power two furnaces that create steam for the plant's operations in Waco, Texas.

Legislative round-up

15-May-2008 - The UK's food agency highlights how industry could make cost savings in the event of food scares, and provides details about labeling of food allergens

Nitrate additives may protect stomachs from ulcers

15-May-2008 - Nitrites and nitrates, much maligned additives in processed and cured meats, may help protect the stomach from damage, suggests research from Sweden.

Online tool launched to address wine maker carbon concerns

15-May-2008 - The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) will next week launch a new online tool is says will allow the industry to better assess how much of environmental impact transportation has on their operations.

Developing a sustainable food supply for Scotland

15-May-2008 - Striking the right balance between environmental, economic and social factors in developing a sustainable food supply was the focus of a symposium held in Edinburgh earlier this week.

DuPont, Danisco join forces for non-food ethanol

14-May-2008 - A new joint venture by DuPont and Danisco aims to develop what could be the first large-scale non-food ethanol production, which could lighten the pressure of biofuels on the food industry.

Bakery industry event to focus on sustainability

14-May-2008 - Sustainability in the bakery industry will be the focus of an event to take place next month in the UK, which aims to bring together ingredients makers as well as manufacturers of finished products.

Premier recovers commodity costs through price rises

13-May-2008 - Premier Foods, the maker of Hovis bread, reports 'good progress' in recovering commodity inflation as price increases passed onto retailers offset high ingredient costs.

Wrigley Poland adopts pallet tracking solution

09-May-2008 - Wrigley Poland has adopted a WI-FI RFID pallet tracking solution designed to optimise the efficiency of the production process by reducing losses in time and material.

Green trend will boost RFID uptake

09-May-2008 - The trend towards greener packaging that is more easily recycled could boost sales of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, a global trade association has suggested.

Suppliers express concern about climate change regulations

02-May-2008 - The vast majority of large suppliers fear the impact of greenhouse gas regulations on their businesses, according to a survey by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Weekly comment

No quick fix to the food price crisis

28-Apr-2008 - The food crisis is neither new nor sudden. The several underlying causes have been independently, steadily gathering speed and have collided in a perfect storm not seen for generations. It is going to take a coordinated, long-term effort to untangle them.

FDF encourages best practice for greener supply chain

28-Apr-2008 - A one day conference organised by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the London Technology Network (LTN) was held last week to encourage food and drinks companies to share their knowledge and experience on making the industry greener.

Record world wheat production forecast in 2008/09

28-Apr-2008 - The International Grains Council (IGC) and Rabobank Group, a specialist in food and agribusiness banking, forecast that the prospect of a record world wheat harvest in 2008/09 could help to reduce wheat prices on global markets.