Two innovative new packaging machines from TNA are set to make
their debut at Interpack next month: a transfer and distribution
system and an automatic inserter.
Foods with a high glycemic index (GI), such as most white breads,
lead to a higher risk of certain health problems, according to
researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia.
UK bakery chain Greggs climbed back after a disappointing
performance in 2006 with its three-year plan helping it offset the
impact of rising raw material and energy costs.
Vivartia, Greece's largest food production company, yesterday
announced it is breaking into the US bakery market with its
acquisition of biscuit and cookie firm Nonni.
The global snack market will be worth almost $300bn (€197.8bn) by
2010, as manufacturers move towards healthier products as well as
developing markets, a new report predicts.
While the world's media is bemoaning rising food prices, the French
government is sniffing around the food industry for signs of
gleeful profiteering. If it is right, the long-term losses of the
nouveau cher will be far greater...
An increase in commodity and marketing costs led Heinz to yesterday
report slightly lower margins for the third quarter 2008, despite
sales and operating profit growth.
Associated British Foods (ABF) yesterday forecast that profits from
the grocery division, which includes bakery products, will be much
higher than the £20m loss posted last year.
In financial news, Canada Bread keeps profits steady through frozen
bread sales, Campbell suffers from high input and commodity costs,
and Barilla may be looking to sell its German bakery division.
Givaudan achieved savings by integrating Quest International ahead
of plan, increasing its product portfolio and allowing it to
refocus on higher value-adding ingredients.
Cadbury today said the demerger of its beverage arm will no longer
result in any capital return to its shareholders, as the company
reported profit losses for the tax year 2007.
While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad
thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks
muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.
Beverage and snack company PepsiCo last week posted a 10.3 per cent
increase in operating profit for the tax year ending 30 December
2007, but higher overall costs led to a slight decrease in
margins for the group.
Global confectioners Mars and Nestle have joined a sustainable
cocoa programme, which aims to establish a traceability system for
all farmers in the Ivory Coast.
US-based food and body care company Sara Lee yesterday posted
profit gains for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2008, with
particularly strong performances from the international beverage
and bakery divisions.
A panel of experts recommend that more countries be
recognised as fine or flavour cocoa producing countries in order to
provide new opportunities for trade.
Only one year after moving into Taiwan, US bakery firm Dunkin'
Donuts plans to open 100 new shops in Shanghai and the surrounding
provinces over the next ten years, the company announced last week.
The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a
probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those
yoghurt shots away!
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.
High saturation in the US sandwich market will force manufacturers
to focus on niche age and ethnic markets in order to boost market
share, predicts a new Mintel report.
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 increasing
education and encouraging physical activity.
UK-based confectionery and snack firm Zetar today said that
pretax profit fell to £1.09m for the half year from £1.3m
in the previous year, as losses incurred by the recently
established Baked Snacks group offset improved sales.
Cereal producer Kellogg has acquired the Russia-based United Bakers
Group as part of plans to expand its global footprint, the company
announced yesterday.
In bakery news from the other side of the Atlantic, Archer Farms
removes trans fats, Canada bread acquires a Quebecoise sandwich
firm, and Flower Foods buys one of its production sites back from
Schwan.
New research suggests that regular consumption of chocolate may
weaken bone density and strength, which in turn could increase the
risk of health problems such as osteoporosis and fracture.
Strains of probiotic bacteria can affect metabolism, says a new
study from Nestle and Imperial College London that could help the
development of new probiotic products tailored for individuals.
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.
Number one snack company PepsiCo yesterday said it has acquired
Bulgarian nuts and seeds firm Penelopa, targeting both the health
and wellness trend as well as the promising Eastern European
market.
Pork belly, watermelon and goji are amongst some of the more
unusual soup flavours predicted to be popular in 2008, according to
Campbell's Kitchen and Swanson Broth.
Crispy Green develops dried fruit snacks; US scientists adapt
blueberry crops for hot weather; and legal action is looms over
bread that doubles up as crockery.
Although the overall US cookie market has increased 14 per cent in
value between 2002 to2007, manufacturers will have to focus on
niche trends in order to boost individual consumption, according to
a new Mintel report.
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 with campaigners over a 9pm
watershed.
'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal
packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant
tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.
While 85 per cent of US consumers still eat dessert once a month or
more, healthier options such as fruit and yoghurt are an
increasingly popular choice, according to a new consumer trends
report.
Danisco has said it is reviewing the strategic direction and
priorities of its core ingredients business, as a result of its
decision to de-merge its sugar and ingredients operations.
Irish-based Greencore has moved to strengthen its position in the
convenience food sector by purchasing a UK cake manufacturer, after
exiting the sugar business because of EU reforms.
Cereal manufacturer Kellogg today revealed plans to invest $40m in
expanding its institute for food and nutrition research, claiming
that sales from innovation have doubled since it first opened in
1997.
US-based snack company Lance last week announced it has bought a
stake in Late July Snacks, as part of a bid to move into the
organic and healthy market.
Frito-lay, the snack arm of beverage group PepsiCo hopes to extend
its presence in the market for healthier snacks, announcing today a
new US-based joint venture with the Strauss Group.
Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its
own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues
to sweep a devastating toll.
Bakery manufacturers must be responsive to consumer demands for
health and convenient products, or risk losing out in an
increasingly competitive European market, according to a new
report.
Food and beverage processors will be fighting it out for an
increasingly dwindling supply of grains sourced at ever higher
prices, ING Group warned in a new forecast report for the sector.
A large number of global breakfast cereal manufacturers are failing
to take advantage of the potential for their products in markets
such as Eastern Europe and Asia, according to consumer analyst
Euromonitor.
Sales in the UK food ingredients industry are falling on average as
a result of increased competition, both domestically and
internationally, according to a new market report by analysts
Plimsoll.
US meat manufacturer Link Snacks has implemented an automated
information software system as part of a drive to streamline and
simplify logistics operations.