Tetra Pak calls for further emissions solutions

Packagers and governments alone cannot successfully drive reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with a concerted joint approach the best way to succeed, packaging firm Tetra Pak has said today.

Cyrovac maker sees volume growth in emerging markets

Sealed Air, the producer of Cryovac food packaging, yesterday reported strong growth in sales to food customers over 2007, boosted by emerging markets as well as a favourable currency rate.

Labelling proposal could harm single market, warns industry

Food industry groups are concerned that the European Commission's proposal on food labelling, which leaves the way open for national voluntary schemes to co-exist alongside EU requirements, will damage the...

Rising costs threaten Kellogg margins

A double digit rise in advertising spend, as well as high energy and commodity costs, has led to declining margins for Kellogg's during the financial year, the cereal company reported...

Hot liquids release harmful chemicals in polycarbonate bottles

Pouring hot water on polycarbonate plastic bottles appears to trigger leaching of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) that could be harmful to consumers, according to a new study.

French retailers back eco-friendly and organic products

France's leading retailers yesterday pledged to reduce their impact on the environment under an ambitious plan backed by the government.

Coca-Cola arm keen on green plant plan

The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCH) has announced plans to cut its annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 per cent by the end of next year, with a new...

Commission calls for stricter, standardised labelling

The European Commission will vote on legislation to introduce mandatory regulations for food and drink labelling across Europe, putting an end to the current inconsistency.

Alcoa makes can recycle pledge

Packaging materials supplier Alcoa has committed itself to help raise the current recycling rate for aluminium beverage cans to 75 per cent by 2015, in a bid to further boost...

Bemis food packaging sales fall on weaker US economy

US flexible packaging maker Bemis reported a 3 per cent fall in sales for 2007, largely due to weaker consumer demand for packaged food in its core market.

Riggs launches new depositor for hand finished products

UK-based food equipment firm Riggs Autopack is introducing a spot depositor for ready meal, bakery and dessert products that require accurate hand finishing.

Sweet foods contain hidden salt risks

An industry body yesterday said consumers are unaware of the high salt content on some sweet products such as popcorn, cereals and hot chocolate, sparking calls for reformulation and improved...

Cranberry extracts show promise against gullet cancer

An increased intake of fruit and vegetables may cut the risk of Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer, suggests a new study form California.

UK food and drink makers to cut water use

A group of leading UK food and drink manufacturers is pledging to reduce water use under a new programme designed to improve their environmental credentials and cut costs.

Weekly comment

Probiotics, friend or foe?

The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those yoghurt shots away!

New SIG Combibloc machine speeds up filling

A new filling machine designed by SIG Combibloc can fill cartons 20 per cent faster than its predecessor, says the Swiss company.

ASA warns GM ban retaliation

The American Soybean Association has warned there could be "massive retaliation" on Europe if the bloc does not speed up a system for approving GM crops.

Cadbury to protect Ghanaian chocolate production

Cadbury today launched a fund to aid its cocoa suppliers in Ghana, after research suggested that average production in the region is now 40 per cent lower than the potential yield.

Key Technology sorter removes lettuce cores, boosts shelf-life

US-based Key Technology has developed a new sorter designed to remove the core from lettuce heads, saving on labour costs and increasing the product shelf life.

Salt reduction and labelling efforts need to go further

Reformulation in the food industry reduced British salt intake by 2,000 tonnes last year, says research, but specialists insist consumption continues to exceed recommendations.

Dannon stands up to 'fraud' probiotic claims

Dannon has said that it "categorically refutes" allegations of fraudulent claims made on its probiotic yogurts.

UK organic market stifled by supply problems

Growth of Britain's organic market is being hampered by supply problems, with local growers unable to meet surging demand, say analysts.

Challenges ahead for CHR Hansen sustainability

CHR Hansen says that investment in production equipment efficiency, and changing employee attitudes to natural resource use, remain the key drivers in its company-wide sustainability drive.

Healthy food cost impacts kids choices: study

Researchers from the UK have identified some of the main barriers to young people adopting a healthy lifestyle, including the cost of healthy foods, hunger satisfaction, taste, and peer pressure.

Ball reports drop in earnings, new plant for Poland

US packaging firm Ball will spend more than $300 million on expanding its beverage can capacity in Europe and Asia this year, as it closes loss-making operations in the Americas.

Ishida Europe introduces x-ray for large food products

Japanese x-ray company Ishida has expanded its range of x-ray inspection systems for the food industry, launching a new machine suitable for large products and cartons.

BASF expands GM activities in competitive Asia Pacific

European restrictions on genetically modified (GM) crops have driven BASF Plant Science to intensify biotech cooperation activities in Asia Pacific with an agreement with China's National Institute of Biological Sciences...

Wal-Mart chief pledges higher prices for sustainable suppliers

The chief executive of the world's biggest retailer yesterday promised to favour suppliers providing high quality and ethically sourced products.

UK to spend ₤372m to combat obesity curve

The UK government unveiled the first steps it will take in its national strategy to fight obesity, earmarking £372m for the cause. Steps include addressing food issues, as well as...

Bitter taste discovery could lead to palatability boost

American and Japanese researchers have identified how peptides in food activate human bitter taste receptors, data that could have implications for the food industry and food formulators.

Industry consequences of rising prices - report

As the food versus fuel battle continues to rage, increasing competition for prices may prompt a consumer shift towards supermarket own-brand products instead of branded goods, according to a report...

Roller re-launched for improved cereal flakes

Baker Perkins has updated its hydraulics system for converting grains into cereals, claiming that the new technology improves product quality by processing more even and consistent flakes.

UK researchers tackle knowledge gap on norovirus

A new study is set to improve understanding of how food processing and handling can reduce the spread of noroviruses, one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis.

EFSA issues new advice on listeria

Europe's food safety watchdog has issued updated advice on reducing the risk of the food-borne bacteria listeria, urging food manufacturers to watch out for contamination during packaging, preparation and storage...

UK foods to follow single labelling system

The UK government will say today that the nation must adopt a single, consistent food labelling system.

Bosch opens India packaging plant to boost sales, sourcing

Bosch Packaging has opened a new manufacturing facility in Goa, India, to cater to its growing customer base in the booming emerging market and increase sourcing for its European headquarters.

Outsourcing pushes up Barry Callebaut sales

Barry Callebaut reported increased sales volume for the first quarter of this fiscal year as a result of a mounting trend for food manufacturers to outsource their chocolate needs.

Cost crises compounds organic milk lull

Organic milk production in the EU market could become increasingly constrained during 2008, as rising feed costs are forcing some farmers to quit the market, says an industry expert.

Biofuel targets likely to cause higher food prices, UK report

Biofuels are generally an expensive and ineffective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other policies and are likely to cause increasing food prices and insecurity, concluded a...

Compostable tray devised for meat packaging

A recent development in compostable packaging trays for fresh meat products can offer a sustainable alternative to existing tray materials, according to its distributor.

Weekly Comment

Exotic fruits or local berries? You choose

As consumer demand for exotic superfruits increases, so will the impact of transport on the environment. But as policy makers and green campaigners devise more ways of monitoring greenhouse gases,...

FMC trims calories and costs in frozen desserts

FMC BioPolymer has adapted its range of Gelstar products for Europe's frozen desserts market, to cut costs and fat content without compromising on the body and creaminess.

Scotland kicks off food policy debate

The Scottish government has published a new discussion paper setting out its vision for the country's food supply and industry, which will help set the agenda for its first ever...

New milk bottle design may cut down on packaging

One of the most ubiquitous items in every British kitchen, a plastic bottle of milk, is set for a re-design in a new project aimed at significantly cutting down on...

Tesco backs campaign to stop buying foreign veal

Leading UK supermarket Tesco is to phase out the sale of imported veal in favour of domestically reared calf meat, responding to growing concerns over the welfare of calves.

Cryovac launches printable top web for vacuum packaging

Global packaging brand Cryovac has introduced a co-extruded barrier top web for its Darfresh vacuum skin packaging range that allows manufacturers to use high quality printing to differentiate their products.

Cargill targets Middle East with new texturizing presence

Cargill is stepping up its sales capacity in the Middle East with a new base in Dubai for Texturizing Solutions that will allow it to collaborate more closely with customers...

Tetra Pak backs further Chinese dairy development

Tetra Pak hopes to encourage further growth and development in the Chinese dairy industry by overseeing the launch of a new research centre in conjunction with the People's University of...

Cloning animals for food not ethical, says EU body

Using cloned animals for production of food such as meat and milk is not justified, say experts on ethics reporting to the European Commission.

Alcoa to open up on gas emissions

Alcoa, a leading aluminium producer and packaging material supplier, claims it is one of the first companies to sign on to the Climate Change Registry in a bid to boost...

Internet traceability system launched for food processors

An internet-based interface that allows food processors to see which country every ingredient has come from and each process a product goes through in the factory is set to significantly...

Cargill meets hydrocolloid challenges with investment

Cargill is continuing its long-term investment in its hydrocolloids business with a €3m investment in its factory in Baupte, France, which is aimed at improving productivity and maintaining the highest...

Butter replacement launched for low fat baking

A new tapioca-based ingredient used to replace butter in cakes, breads and pastries cuts the fat content of the product by up to ninety-seven per cent, the manufacturers claim.

The simpler the better for food labelling, says study

Simple front-of-pack nutritional labelling and endorsement by health organisations are most efficient in informing consumers, according to a new Unilever study.

Swiss sausages suffer casing shortage under Brazil beef ban

Swiss sausage processors are gearing up to challenge the EU ban on Brazilian beef over concern that the rule will stop production of one of their best-selling products.

Salzgitter to buy SIG Beverages unit

Leading steel firm Salzgitter is buying SIG Beverages from the Switzerland-based SIG packaging group, expanding its share of the plastic bottle market.

No nano in organic foods, says UK certifier

The use of nanomaterials has been banned from organic foods by the UK's Soil Association, the leading certifier of organic products in the country.

Chr Hansen offers flexible soft cheese cultures

Chr Hansen has developed four new cultures to produce optimum acidification and texture for soft cheeses and allow manufactures to bypass the costly bulk starter method.

Plimsoll predicts exciting activity in UK food sector

Most of the UK food manufacturing sector is well equipped to deal with anticipated economic fall-out this year, according to a new analysis from Plimsoll Publishing, with a flurry of...

Environmental concerns dog Cadbury closure

Cadbury has this week confirmed it will continue with plans to switch some UK production to Poland, sparking accusations that the confectioner will be adding 12 million food miles to...

Avery Dennison expands self-adhesive wine labelling

Dutch group Avery Dennison is expanding its range of self-adhesive labelling for the wine sector, offering new products that cut down on waste and increase efficiency.

Sustainable manufacturers reaping consumer rewards

US consumers are becoming increasingly concerned over social and environmental implications when choosing packaged food and beverage brands, according to a new report by Information Resources, Inc (IRI).

United Biscuits unveils environment plan

UK biscuit and snack maker United Biscuits said yesterday it will cut its carbon emissions by more than a third by 2020 and reduce water and packaging use by a...

Industry postpones infant nutrition rules

A high court judge has suspended the implementation of new rules on infant nutrition in the UK after a legal challenge was made by the Infant and Dietetic Foods Association...

UK to test vitamins on inmate behaviour

A pilot program to test the effects of vitamin and mineral supplements on inmates at UK young offenders' institutes will be carried out to see if adequate nutrition helps curb...

Weekly comment

How natural is 'natural'?

The refusal by regulators to provide a formal definition of the term 'natural' will ultimately lead to confusion for consumers and a legal headache for manufacturers.

Food recalls: US beef in E.coli scare; cyanide in crackers

A US meatpacker has recalled about 188,000 pounds of ground beef and other products because of E. coli bacteria concerns; and higher-than-normal levels of naturally occuring cyanide were found in...

Food from cloned animals probably safe, says EFSA

Meat and dairy products from cloned animals are probably safe for human consumption, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in a draft opinion released on Friday.

Europe stalls again on ending GM restrictions

The European Commission has been given yet more time to bring member states in compliance with trade obligations on GM crops after failing to meet Friday's deadline, the same day...

Asian markets accelerate Irish dairy growth

The dairy sector dominated another record year for Irish food exports in 2007, as producers and farmers exploited strong demand from Asian markets to increase their sales by 13 per...

Danisco bags British ice cream patent

Danisco has obtained a patent in Great Britain for a dairy replacement technology aimed at both the cost and health concerns of ice cream makers.

High prices continue to dog UK bakers

Two leading UK bakery firms are raising customer prices in order to combat high commodity prices, a strategy they say is now necessary to keep sales profits high.

UK poultry farmers hit out at battery hen ban

A pledge by the UK government to stick with a ban on farming of battery hens for their eggs has provoked fury among the country's farmers.

Bird flu found in dead swans in UK

Poultry farmers in the UK are being alerted to further cases of bird flu in the country, after the government revealed yesterday that it had identified the disease in three...

Concerns raised by sorbitol weight loss reports

Excessive intake of sorbitol, a widely used sweetener in "sugar-free" products such as chewing gum and sweets, may lead to weight loss and diarrhoea, German doctors report.

Rexam gets clearance to buy Russian can maker

Rexam has finally got the go-ahead from Russian competition authorities for its acquisition of can maker Rostar, paving the way for expansion into one of the largest growth markets.

Four-way x-ray designed for packaging

A recent development in x-ray detection for packaging leaves no place for contaminants to hide, whether in glass, metal and even stone or bone, according to its manufacturer.

Review backs oats' heart health benefits

An up-to-date review of the recent science behind oatmeal supports its cardiovascular benefits, and supports the FDA's decade-old conclusions.

Organic group funds 'seed to shelf' sustainability schemes

A leading organic dairy processor in the US has announced a new research initiative for reducing its carbon footprint, as part of a new funding program designed to improve efficiency...

Young's and Findus united amid market challenges

Young's Seafood and Findus will form a unified structure under their private equity firm owner CapVest to form a stronger organisation to deal with rising raw material costs.

Brewers switch to lighter bottles to cut carbon footprint

Leading brewers in the UK are switching to lighter glass bottles to reduce their impact on the environment.

News briefs: Barry Callebaut, Cadbury and Rocky Moutain

Swiss-based Barry Callebaut hopes to profit from China, Cadbury denies selling its Australian beverage arm, and Rocky Mountain focuses on franchises after poor Q3 sales.

France one step closer to extending GM ban

The French government declared yesterday that it is willing to apply an EU measure to implement a long term ban on genetically modified (GM) crops if a scientific panel decides...

Fingerprints could help stop fake food

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country are working on a way to develop a "fingerprint" using polyphenol groups to help cut adulteration in foodstuffs.

S&N detail joint venture arbitration ambitions

As the deadline ticks down for brewer Carlsberg to acquire joint venture partner Scottish & Newcastle, both companies are going for the jugular in a battle that may significantly shake...

US meat processor recycles waste into biogas

A US-based meat processor is the latest player in the food industry to start recycling waste into biogas, in order to reduce fossil fuels use and improve waste management.

ITW adds bakery equipment maker to food processing stable

US industrial machinery group Illinois Tool Works is to buy Peerless Machinery, a producer of mixers and other equipment for the bakery sector, adding to its stable of food processing...

Marel to offer more innovation with Stork merger

Iceland's Marel Food Systems is nearing completion of its acquisition of Stork's food processing systems unit, clearing the way for a firm with much bigger presence in food manufacturing.

Glanbia predicts positive year as milk markets evolve

Glanbia expects to report a positive performance for 2007 driven largely by its food ingredients, global nutrition businesses, and increased demand for dairy products on the global scence.

Demand strain drives SABMiller Polish expansion

SABMiller's Polish arm Kompania Piwowarska received the go ahead on Friday by competition authorities to acquire local brewer Browar Belgia to ease strain on its production for an undisclosed sum.

Retailers reiterate battery-farmed egg pledge

UK retailers have reiterated their efforts to remove battery-farmed eggs from their shelves and own-brand products on the back of new televised animal welfare campaigns from leading chefs like Jamie...

Record hikes for New Zealand dairy exports

New Zealand's reputation as a low-cost dairy exporter is further under threat from growing worldwide demand, according to official national statistics released yesterday.

Plastics recycling firm targets food grade packaging

UK-based Alternative Waste Solutions (AWS) is set to become a major producer of recycled plastic for use by British food companies, allowing them to meet demands for cutting down on...

Weekly comment

Back to tap: bottled water's enviro-woes

It looks set to be a vintage year ahead for Chateau Eau De Source Public - or as it is more humbly known, tap water - as consumers find themselves...

Kenyan riots hit tea supplies

Anglo-Dutch food group Unilever is facing disruptions to its tea supplies from Kenya, after looters in one of country's major tea-growing areas caused workers to flee and led to the...

Celery extracts offer flavour-enhancing properties

Volatile extracts from celery can enhance the flavour of chicken soup, and could offer novel flavour enhancers for food formulations, suggests new research.

French government to debate GM policy

France's environmental policy will be discussed in a hearing at the Senate tomorrow in the lead up to a vote on whether or not to extend the country's temporary ban...

New tray sealing machine cuts down on waste

UK-based Packaging Automation Ltd is to launch a new tray sealing machine at the Foodex Meatex show in April, which promises to cut costs for food producers and also reduce...

Hundred dollar oil to hit soft drink makers hard

As petrol prices temporarily rose above the dreaded $100 per barrel mark for the first time this week, beverage manufacturers have revealed their concerns over the possible cost implications for...

Health, safety and food origin main issues for UK policy

The UK government has set in motion a review of food policy and strategies with the publication of an analytical study on current and emerging food trends.

Organic beef prices too low to support growth, cut food miles

Prices paid to Britain's organic beef producers are too low, claims organic certifier the Soil Association, hampering growth of local food production and leading to higher food miles.

Sprayer launched for chocolate enrobement

A new pressure spray system, that uses precise temperature settings, gives confectioners better control when coating products with chocolate and other viscous liquids, the manufacturer claims.

US dairy linked to listeria deaths

Four cases of listeria contamination in the US are increasingly thought to have come from a Massachusetts dairy although officials say they still have not found a source of the...

CCL enters Russian label market through joint venture

Canadian packaging and label firm CCL Industries is expanding into Russia and neighbouring markets through a new company jointly owned by Russian entrepreneur Ilgar Mamedov.

Industry prepares to fight junk food ad watershed

As phase two of the UK's new rules on TV advertising of unhealthy foods targeted at children came into effect this week, the food industry is preparing to lock horns...

Eco-friendly boxes could see polystyrene phased out

Re-usable plastic boxes could replace polystyrene boxes for transporting fish and other foods, offering suppliers significant environmental and product quality advantages.

Nestle, Fonterra to milk Brazilian dairy demand

Nestle has confirmed that it will work with New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra in constructing and running a new dairy in Brazil as part of a joint $40m (€27m) investment...

Global cocoa deficit increases, says report

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) estimates that the world's current cocoa shortfall is now 55 per cent larger than previously thought, after adverse weather conditions led to crop reductions over...

Cargill, Coca-Cola prepare to bring stevia to global markets

Coca-Cola and Cargill will move to introduce their stevia sweetener product in countries where the ingredient is already approved, the firms have confirmed.

Wine polyphenols may reduce effect of fatty food: study

Polyphenols from wine may reduce the negative impact of high-fat foods, according to a small study from Israel that suggests a role in the formulation of healthier food products.

UK body opens new year whisky consultation

It is not resolution, but regulation driving New Year optimism in Scotch whisky production, as the UK government this week opens consultation on new rules to protect the liquor's reputation...

Rank expands in food packaging with Alcoa deal

Aluminium giant Alcoa has agreed to sell its packaging and consumer businesses to New Zealand's Rank Group Limited for $2.7 billion in cash, it announced late last month.

Ulker makes Turkish delight out of Godiva

The Campbell Soup Company is set to sell its luxury chocolate brand Godiva to the Turkey-based Yildiz, parent company of confectionery and snack firm Ulker, for $850m (€580m).

Cognis announces natural carotenoid price increases

Cognis Nutrition & Health has announced the first price increase in three years for its Betatene natural mixed carotenoids, as the company offsets escalating production costs.

Poultry workers may spread antibiotic-resistant E. coli

Poultry workers may be spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to those who do not work in the sector, say researchers in the US.