A new study into benzene levels in soft drinks sold in Belgium has
found that some still have higher levels than drinking water, and
more research is needed into several possible contributing factors.
Coca-Cola is calling on rival food and rink manufacturers to join
it in investing in carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration as part of
its commitment to improving energy efficiency within its
operations.
Canadian supplier Functional Technologies Corporation has
reinvented its wholly-owned subsidiary, Phyterra Yeast, as it moves
to the brink of bringing its premium yeast offerings to market.
Alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) particularly in smokers or those more genetically
predisposed to the disease, though further testing is required to
support such claims, says new research.
Energy drinks have the potential to cause liver damage, heart
failure and even death and should carry warnings for certain
population groups, according to a German body.
The European Union has slapped anti-dumping duties on Chinese
imports of citric acid after an investigation concluded two
European producers have been injured by unfair competition.
As speculation mounts over the future of US brewer Anheuser-Busch
amidst rumours of a possible takeover bid from rival InBev, it is
not the brewer, but the brands that are expected to drive
consolidation and growth in the market.
A new integrated, aseptic carton packaging line offers processors reduced costs, as well as increased equipment reliability and capacity, claims manufacturer Tetra Pak.
This week, Heineken announces a restructuring of its French
operations and Australian drinks group Lion Nathan hopes to give US
consumers a taste of leading wine brands.
Despite their dominance within the market, Bottled water
manufacturers are coming increasingly under pressure from
point-of-use (POU) water suppliers amidst recent environmental
criticism of the industry, according to a new report.
The Irish food industry and the Department of Environment have
together launched a training initiative to achieve a reduction in
packaging amid growing environmental concerns.
Food makers to see alternative supplies for sucralose as new
manufacturer for this booming sweetener hits European markets for
the first time, launching today in Amsterdam.
Ingredient group Sabinsa has adopted a new technology that allows
it to 'solubalize' a range of botanical extracts, thereby making
them easy to incorporate into beverage applications, said the firm.
Fresh evidence that supports the potential protective health
properties of wine with a US study suggesting a glass of red wine a
day could actually protect against liver disease.
Tetra Pak is stumping up €26m for an upgrade of its Italian
packaging materials plant that will significantly increase its
printing and lamination capacity, and boost the quality and speed
of its service.
Increasing consumer power in Russia is drawing food and beverage
manufacturers to set up base in the country - which, in turn, is
opening opportunities for ingredients suppliers to do more business
in the emerging market.
A recent review that casts a rosy glow on the trend for fruit
smoothies because they can help consumers meet five a day
fruit-and-veg targets has caused uproar amongst dentists, who say
the sugar and acid content can cause tooth erosion.
Robotics and automation will help food processors offset higher raw material and energy costs, claims the Centre for Food Robotics and Automation (CenFRA), as it prepares to open its new site in Doncaster, Northern England this week.
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.
A growing body of research is questioning the usefulness of
low-calorie sweeteners in stemming weight gain, according to an
editorial in JAMA, which could have an impact on diet food
development.
This week, news reports suggest that the Coca-Cola's new chief
executive may look to spend on his arrival, while production of one
of the UK's leading beer brands could be returning home.
Fermenting the fruit juice of prickly pear Opuntia stricta
could produce concentrated betalains for use as food colouring,
according to new research from Spain.
Post consumer recycled material (PCR) derived from recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles is fast replacing the polymer polypropylene in the rigid plastics packaging market, claims Finnish packaging firm Huhtamaki.
In the second part of our look back series on major developments at
this year's Interpack trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany,
BeverageDaily.com examines the importance of reforming labelling on
bio-packaging to the industry.
Guinness appears to be sticking to its roots with the announcement
today by parent company Diageo of a significant investment to step
up production as its Dublin-based St. James's Gate brewery.
Some food and beverage manufacturers may switch from high fructose
corn syrup (HFCS) to sugar as a result of high corn prices, but
this is only likely to be the case for relatively small scale
users, according to a consultant.
Sweeteners and colourings in food aimed at children should be
banned, while additives ought to be used in other products only if
they provide an advantage to the consumer, said the EU Environment
Committee.
Create Flavours has launched the first in a new range of natural
'fresh' spice flavours - ginger that is said to replicate the warm,
authentic taste of the real spice.
Ajinomoto Sweeteners Europe has launched a defamation law suit
against US supermarket Asda over labelling on own-brand products
that calls aspartame a 'nasty'.
Long term supplementation of antioxidant-rich apples and purple
grapes, particularly in juice form, may prevent artery hardening,
researchers from France have reported for the first time.
Supplements of the green tea compound EGCG may offset the signs of
physical and mental fatigue associated with modern stressful lives,
suggests research from Japan.
EFSA has undertaken to review its previous advice on safe levels of
bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging and provide updates on its
deliberations, following new assessments from Canada and the US.
This week, Cott posts declining profits for its first quarter,
S&N is finally split up by its new owners and Gatorade is
reportedly facing stiff competition within its domestic US market.
The growing prevalence of smoothies and other fruit based-beverages
in Britain's soft drinks market failed to prevent overall sales
volumes declines within the industry during 2007, according to the
British Soft Drink Association...
Drinking at least two to three cups of coffee a day may reduce a
woman's risk of developing breast cancer or delay the onset of
cancer, depending on her genes, suggests a new study.
A German member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called on the
European Commission (EC) to investigate claims that glass bottle
makers have been fixing prices.
This week, PepsiAmericas reports profit success following
developments in emerging markets, Adnams launches a green beer in
the UK, and InnoBev US forum plans to open its doors.
The US market for soy foods and beverages is poised for strong
growth as consumer awareness of the health benefits of soy
increases, according to a new report.
Functional foods have been one of the strongest sectors within the broader food industry for more than a decade but the good times may be coming to an end - at least in the UK, according to Mintel research.
Food companies wanting to swap plastic packaging for biomass
polymer-based alternatives to stress their green credentials still
face a number of barriers, according to a new report.
This week, Nestle could be set to team up with Japan-based Suntory
to distribute green tea drinks in the US and Coca-Cola kicks off
production at a new bottling line in Hungary.
This week, Coca-Cola and SABMiller expect further profit ahead
after recording sales improvements, while Cadbury Schweppes moves
nearer to its beverage-arm demerger.
Pressure is growing on the US Food and Drug Administration to set
new restrictions on the use of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in
food packaging following a new safety study.
Soft drink manufacturers have branded calls for the adoption of a
nationwide deposit scheme on bottles and beverage cans by a
UK-based environmental charity as unworkable.