Breaking News on Industrial Baking & Snacks

Europe takes 'wait-and-see' stance on diacetyl flavouring

EU regulators and processors say they are examining the use of diacetyl for foods, following reports of hundreds of US workers falling ill from a deadly lung disease linked to the inhalation of the popcorn flavouring chemical.

Scientists warn against folic acid fortification

Researchers at the UK Institute of Food Research have warned that fortifying flour with folic acid may lead to a range of health problems, a finding that calls into question the Food Standard Agency's approval of the move earlier this year.

News briefs: Kraft, Kellogg and antioxidant nuts

Kraft signs the legal documents to acquire Danone's biscuit unit; Kellogg's will increase its advertisement spend; and new research suggests that boiling nuts retains their antioxidant properties.

Rising costs hit Kellogg's profits

Kellogg today said that high commodity costs led to a one per cent decrease in operating profit during the third quarter, despite a six per cent increase in sales.

Health products key to bakery success

The top three bakery companies in Europe - Barilla, Danone and Kellogg -dominate the market because of successful sales of products that tap the trends for health, functionality and convenience, according to Euromonitor.

French fibre source claim opens new markets for Nutriose

Roquette has obtained recognition from France's AFSSA for Nutriose's fibre properties, meaning that products containing the ingredient in its home market can now carry 'source of fibre' and 'rich in fibre' claims.

UK manufacturers commit to wide ranging environmental plan

The UK's food and drink manufacturers yesterday committed to ambitious new targets for reducing packaging, carbon emissions, water waste and transport distances.

Prepare for new bar code, says standards organisation

Manufacturers and retailers should start planning for the 2010 deadline for adopting a new smaller, international bar code that can help improve logistics, says the organisation that created the standard.

Russia increases wheat export tariffs

The Russian government has set wheat export tariffs at 10 per cent of customs value, over fears that rising global prices could affect the domestic supply.

Three clean label vanilla extracts launched

French supplier Euringus has developed three organic, clean-label Bourbon Madagascar vanilla extracts that retain the volatile flavours and vary in strength.

Briefs: Interstate Bakeries, GM bread, Duchy US

Interstate Bakeries Corporation files for bankruptcy, GMO bread is removed from shelves and Prince Charles's Duchy biscuits may expand to the US.

EU extends review of Kraft Danone deal

The European Commission announced it has extended the time limit on its inquiry into Kraft's proposal to purchase Danone's biscuit division, after both parties submitted new information relevant to the deal.

New glazing protects frozen doughnuts, manufacturer claims

BakeMark UK has developed a glazed ring doughnut which it claims is eye catching and stops the food product from deteriorating when thawed.

Golden apple extracts eyed as novel pectin source

A collaboration between researchers in Cameroon and France is exploring the potential of ambarella peel as a source of pectin, and could offer industry a novel ingredient with new properties.

News brief: European grains

Ukraine grain exports are no longer restricted, European millers are interested in UK wheat, and grains in cereals are good for the heart wherever they come from.

New digital decoration technology launched

A new decorating machine prints can print graphics and patterns on cookies, crackers and chocolate while they are still on the production line, the manufacturers claim.

Weekly Comment

The weather excuse

With all the threats facing food and beverage production -- from contamination in the food chain, to rising input prices -- there appears to be one menace that towers above the rest, namely 'The Weather'.

Specialty foods driven by quest for premium, says Mintel

Consumer demand for quality and taste as well as an increased interest in international food traditions are key drivers for the specialty foods market in the US, says a new report by Mintel.

Halal flavourings launched on market

Flavour firm SAFC today announced it has launched 350 halal-certified flavourings, many of which can be used in the bakery industry, as part of a bid to tap into booming Asian markets.

Traffic light labels adopted for Irish oats

Northern Ireland cereal company White's said Tuesday that it will adopt the UK Food Standard Agency's (FSA) traffic light labelling, as part of a drive to encourage healthy eating in the region.

Nanoscale particles designed to block UV light

Nanoscale titanium dioxide particles could be the next breakthrough in food and beverage plastic packaging, having the ability to prevent ultraviolet light from reducing shelf life.

CSM plans bakery supplies price hike

CSM today announced it would raise prices for bakery supplies by up to 20 per cent in 2008, estimating that increasing commodity costs have added €190m to the company's operating bill.

Crispy Green targets kosher snack market

Crispy Green, a low-calorie snack maker, has launched new freeze dried products, part of a strategy to enter the growing international market for kosher-certified foods.

Anuga fair focuses on health and convenience

Industry eyes will be on the Anuga food fair in Germany this week, as organisers focus on the growing health and nutrition market and the desire for novel products, such as fruit salami, chocolate surimi and sweet pepper baguettes.

SMEs fight to be reinstated in EU obesity platform

European food production SMEs argue they should be allowed to return to the EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health, because they have significant contributions to make in the fight against obesity.

Snack sales soar at smaller stores

Sales of food products bought at US grocery and independent stores are on the up, and the impulsive nature of snack buying makes this category fastest growing segment, according to a new report.

Weekly Comment

Time to get serious on health claims criteria

The European Food Safety Authority's task to assess thousands of health claims is a headache in anyone's book - and one made worse through vague instructions to industry.

New logo for grain foods aims to convey vitality

The industry body Grain Foods Foundation has revamped its logo - used on the packaging of member products - in order to better convey the link between grains and vitality.

Metro dumps Kellogg over price hike

Germany-based retailer Metro has taken Kellogg's products off its shelves after the cereal company attempted to pass on higher commodity costs through price hikes.

New bill proposes stricter trans fat labeling

A new bill has been introduced in the US to require food manufacturers to adjust the labeling of their products in order to better inform consumers of their trans fat content.

Northern Foods feels commodity squeeze

Global food manufacturer Northern Foods this week warned that it faces price rises of up to ten per cent because of steep commodity price increases in the UK.

Cognis makes lauric acid-free whipping agent for snacks

Cognis has developed a new whipping agent under its Lamequick brand using vegetable oils that are free from lauric acid, thus avoiding the soapy taste that can result from interactions with herbs and spices.

News Brief: Romanian bakers, Irish biscuits and Dutch potatoes

While bakers in Romania look towards Austria for investment; Jacob's takes Mcvitie's to court over biscuit packets; and new potato snacks look like crisps but are better for the heart.

Weekly comment: Food prices

Will value-added lose out to the basics?

Food companies have been focussing on value-added products in a bid to reduce their reliance on commodities, which can fluctuate wildly and deliver slim margins. But now that prices of basic foods are at an all-time high, can value-added foods still compete for their share of the consumer buck?

Frito-Lay switches to solar

Snacks company Frito-Lay yesterday announced the dedication of its solar electric power system, as part of parent company PepsiCo's drive to be environmentally friendly.

ConAgra Mills promotes Sustagrain for fiber intake

ConAgra Mills is promoting what is says is the first commercially available whole grain product that is high in dietary fiber and low in starch.

DSM launches combo of natural cake ingredients

DSM has developed a new package of clean label cake ingredients, which promises fat reduction and quality benefits, whilst helping to keep costs down.

IBIE gets underway in Florida

Heavyweights in the bakery industry are this week showcasing their latest innovations in Orlando, Florida, at the International Baking Industry Exposition, where millions of dollars of deals are expected to close over the next four days.

Spruce mill waste could rival gums for food

Scientists in Finland suggest that carbohydrates released into process waters of softwood mills could offer the food industry with a novel source of mannans to rival guar gum and friends.

FSA calls for views on fusarium shakeup

The UK's Food Standards Agency Scottish arm has given the country's food manufacturers until 16 October to comment on latest amendments on regulations concerning the presence of fusarium toxins in their products.

News brief: sandwich spreads, bread and crisps

While a UK bakery turns to Italian expertise, British consumers are conducting a love affair with mayo and rumours of a Pringles crisps sale are rife.

Raisio finishes cash-saving shake-up

Raisio has finished the final round of this summer's codetermination talks which will see a total of 54 job losses and the closure of two mills to save some €4m.

Tate & Lyle woos Asia with R&D drive

Tate & Lyle has opened a new research and development centre in Shanghai, China to help manufacturers develop food products that are targeted to the preferences of Asian consumers.

Finsbury strengthens position in low-fat cakes market

Capitalising on the booming low fat foods market, Finsbury will now distribute Weigh Watchers cakes in the UK thanks to its acquisition of Anthony Alan Foods, the company announced today.

Kettle Foods waits on union vote

Workers at the Kettle Foods factory voted yesterday on whether to join a trade union, despite stiff opposition from their private equity bosses.

Yellow fats can still melt into market, Mintel

As the yellow fats market competes against products for consumers aspiring to healthier lifestyles, Mintel has highlighted how manufacturers of these goods should play up their taste attributes.

Wal-Mart rating system not a standard says industry

The Wal-Mart environmental scorecard rating system for packaging does not work and should not be allowed to become the standard for suppliers, according to an industry organisation.

Good, bad carb definitions misleading, says review

Dividing carbohydrates into 'good' and 'bad' carbs is misleading, and cannot be used as a measurement to prevent overweight and obesity, according to a review of scientific literature on the contentious topic.

Weekly comment

Ripping the red tape

They say that patience is a virtue. But when it comes to the regulatory process on both sides of the Atlantic, patience too often results in dust gathering in the "to do" box on some regulator's desk.

Kettle Chips fights workers over unionisation

Workers at the Kettle Chips factory vote today on whether to join a trade union, despite stiff opposition from their private equity bosses.