Adolescents, an often overlooked population, could also be reaping
the benefits of folic acid fortification of enriched grain products
with lower levels of a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD), says
a new study.
Ready-to-pour cereal products in packaging that has until now been
associated with juice cartons could be the new way to improve the
appeal of products and add consumer value, according to Tetra Pak.
Beer, bakery, confectionery, sweet drinks, pizzas, snacks galore,
and even dog food. The list of products with World Cup tie-ins is
dominated by junk food, while healthy food makers seem content to
pass up the marketing opportunities...
A major cereal brand is set to be re-launched in the US with new
scented fruity packaging that the manufacturer hopes will increase
the appeal of its product.
A new credit-card sized gluten testing kit that can be used on site
claims to provide food firms with a quick and cheap way to test for
both low and high levels of the allergen in their products.
The average UK citizen spends £34.31 per week on food and drink and
is increasingly spending this money on healthier foods, according
to a recent Defra report.
Cereals and snacks are at the cutting edge of the healthy eating
debate, as highlighted by this week's European Parliament Plenary
vote and a high-level industry conference on meeting consumer
demands.
Roquette, a global leader in starches, has developed new
ingredients designed to help snack makers tap the health trend, as
FoodNavigator discovered on a visit to the group's headquarters in
Lestrem, France.
Healthy eating is no longer motivated simply by self-interest.
Family welfare has become the overriding concern, and children have
become the real driving force behind the health trend.
Food firms must carefully target their health food products to
specific sectors of the population if they are to succeed,
delegates at this week's Vitafoods event learned.
Two of Australia's leading health bodies say the government should
introduce stronger regulation to restrict junk food advertising and
improve education about proper nutrition to fight the alarming rise
in childhood obesity.
Cargill is looking forward to exhibiting a range of new
health-focused ingredients at next month's Vitafoods exhibition
following its successful acquisition of Degussa Food Ingredients.
Nestlé has finalised arrangements for a new fund that will invest
in food companies producing for the health, well-being and
nutrition sectors, as part of the group's drive to stay on top of
consumer health trends.
Two companies have teamed up to provide a cup filling and packing
service for processors looking to quickly cash in on the public's
growing appetite for convenience foods.
The world's top 25 food companies are not taking the current
obesity crisis seriously enough, according to a report from The
City University in the UK.
Glisten, the UK-based confectionery and snack group, has reported
encouraging interim results and has set its sights on tapping
consumers' appetite for healthy eating.
Like other convenience food producers in the UK, Northern Foods is
struggling amidst sliding sales - issuing its second profit warning
in two months as consumers shun biscuits, pastries and pizza.
UK company Multiple Marketing has developed a new range of
functional cereal bars in an attempt to cash in on the increasing
demand for nutritionally beneficial and innovative wellness
products that deliver functional health benefits.
A diet plan, a beer and 'light' snacks have come top of the list of
best selling products for this year, according to Information
Resources Inc (IRI), which said its 2005 product ranking results
confirm that nutrition, taste...
Danisco has developed a new range of completely allergen-free
antimicrobials and protective cultures that could help food makers
achieve allergen-free products.
Associated British Foods has become the latest manufacturer to show
concern over rising energy prices and the competitive retail
environment - but insists half-year profits will be in line with
expectations, boosted by its clothing...
US manufacturer Kraft Foods has announced a "fewer, bigger, better"
policy, concentrating on crucial brands in key areas as the firm
suffers from lagging performance.
Food companies are facing a business conundrum in the wake of the
consumer stampede towards healthier eating, according to a new
report from JPMorgan: continue going against the grain with high
margin, not-so-healthy products or deliver...
New research may provide insight into how to reduce the allergenic
properties of peanuts through the use of an enzyme found in certain
fruit and vegetables, findings that could lead to the development
of "hypoallergenic peanut...
US Manufacturers of products containing barley are allowed to claim
that they may help reduce the risk of heart disease, according to
the Food and Drug Administration, which has approved the health
claim for immediate use.
ConAgra is to remove all trans fats from its whole grain microwave
popcorn snack lines starting February 2006, marking the next step
in the company's attempt to link itself with current health trends.
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has expanded its range of low trans
fats, which it claims will allow manufacturers of baked goods to
produce healthier formulations with good functionality.
Demand for fiber in the US is forecast to more than double in the
next six years, with food manufacturers set to "tap into regions
with very few competitors but with high product demand,"
according to new research by Frost...
US cranberry co-operative Ocean Spray is launching a low sugar,
high fiber sweetened dry cranberry product designed for use in a
variety of health positioned food applications including baked
goods and cereals.
From 25 November, the new rules, introduced by EC Directive
89/2003, will require pre-packed foods sold in the European Union
to show clearly on the label if they contain any of 12 listed
allergenic foods as an ingredient.
Kraft Foods has confirmed that it is increasing prices of many of
its products in the United States by an average of 3.9 per cent
because of rising energy and packaging costs caused by higher
global oil prices.
European food safety experts are calling for further safety studies
on the omega-3 rich seed chia, before it can be introduced onto the
European market.
Food companies do not yet face the ethical sourcing equation of the
clothing industry, where brands from Nike to Marks & Spencer
cannot afford a single claim of sweat-shop production. But the
moment is fast approaching for food,...
Health is a key driver for sales of food bars, which look set for
an annual increase of around 9.9 percent over the next five years,
according to new market research from Packaged Facts.
With the UK bagel market witnessing rapid growth in recent years,
BakeryAndSnacks spoke to two of the nation's bagel manufacturers at
the Anuga food show in Cologne last week to find out what most
appeals to consumers.
The production of gluten-free products could be the way for craft
bakeries to increase sales, which are suffering in the face of
lower priced mass-produced goods from industrial bakeries,
according to German company Hanneforth Food...
Leading US food manufacturer Kraft Foods has taken another step in
the direction of health and wellness, launching a new line of
wholegrain snack products under its Nabisco brand.
Leading cereal maker Kellogg is to introduce a programme in the US
designed to help families get fit and keep healthy. The programme
involves a daily bowl of cereal combined with a daily walk.
On the back of growing consumer interest in healthy eating, leading
US food maker Kraft Foods is focusing on its increasingly
successful health and wellness segment, announcing plans to further
limit products advertised to children...
Food ingredients giant Tate & Lyle has launched two new cereal
ingredient solutions designed to enhance the nutritive qualities of
food and beverages without compromising on taste or texture.
Ten mega trends stretching from age to individualism will determine
the success and shape of any new products to hit the market in the
near future, claims market analysts Datamonitor.
ADM's promotion of two innovative ingredients at the IFT conference
this week illustrates how health awareness and regulatory concerns
have shot up the industry's priority list, writes Anthony
Fletcher.
A new low-carb cocoa, being launched by Spanish firm Natraceutical
this month, will help confectionery makers lift the fibre levels
and lower the glycaemic response of their products, reports
Dominique Patton.