Cross Category

Acrylamide: Young scientists receive grant to assess the risks

19 Sep 2017 --- A team of young researchers will examine a possible link between acrylamide and obesity, diabetes and fertility, thanks to a grant from the European Research Council (ERC). Investigating the possible health risks associated with acrylamide is the objective of the ERC Starting Grant, which has been awarded to young researchers at the University of Copenhagen. 

Mazza Innovation closes US$2.4m financing deal and expands PhytoClean capabilities

19 Sep 2017 --- Mazza Innovation Ltd. has raised Cdn$3.0 million (US$2.4 million) from existing and new shareholders to fund an expansion of operations at its Delta, BC PhytoClean extraction facility. The company has also announced the appointment of three highly experienced senior executives to manage rapidly expanding customer demand for its solvent-free ingredients and PhytoClean extraction process. 

Unilever predicts closer corporate and start-up collaboration

19 Sep 2017 --- Unilever Foundry has launched a global study into corporate and start-up collaboration at the Dmexco conference. The Unilever Foundry is Unilever’s platform for start-ups and innovators to engage, collaborate and explore business opportunities with Unilever and its 400+ brands.

Nestle youth initiative to develop next generation of entrepreneurs

19 Sep 2017 --- A new initiative from Nestlé aims to create the next generation of front-runners for the company, with the Swiss giant aiming to nurture successful agripreneurs, entrepreneurs and game-changers. Announcing a new ambition for its global youth initiative: Nestlé needs YOUth, the company says that by 2030 it will help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities.

IFF expands flavors facility in Egypt

19 Sep 2017 --- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has officially opened its fully renovated and expanded flavors facility in Cairo, Egypt. The investment supports both the company’s regional focus on growth in the Middle East and Africa, as well as its focus on key categories, providing enhanced services to customers and strengthening its presence in this key market. 

Stern-Wywiol boosted by Hydrosol vegan solutions innovation

19 Sep 2017 --- Hamburg-based Stern-Wywiol Gruppe experienced double-digit growth in 2016 with revenues of €464 million (US$553 million) and its Hydrosol subsidiary has made an important contribution to this continued positive balance. As a specialist in stabilizing and texturing systems, in recent years the company has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of stabilizing systems on the international market. In Europe, the company is in the top 3 in the category.

Global Franchise Group takes a slice of Round Table Pizza brand

18 Sep 2017 --- Strategic brand management company Global Franchise Group (GFG) has acquired the Round Table Pizza brand and all of its affiliated concepts (Round Table Pizza, Round Table Clubhouse and Round Table Pizza Wings Brew). The acquisition of this leading US pizza franchise increases GFG's systemwide sales to close to US$1 billion and expands the brand building company's footprint to more than 1,500 stores – domestic and international. 

Health risks of natural origin are frequently underestimated

18 Sep 2017 --- The findings of a representative study recently conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) on the risk perception of contaminants in food that was published in the public health journal Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung – Gesundheitsschutz suggests that “people feel most at risk from synthetic substances and heavy metals.” BfR President Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel says: “Appropriate risk communication on contaminants should take this subjective risk perception into account.” 

Vanilla enjoys an innovation resurgence, but supply chain challenges mount

18 Sep 2017 --- The adjective “vanilla” may have unexciting connotations, but it could be argued that the world of products with vanilla flavoring is currently very exciting indeed. Even though supply challenges are being faced in sourcing natural vanilla, new and innovative products continue to be introduced to the market at an exhilarating pace.

Kraft Heinz unveils new Capri Sun range with natural ingredients and no added sugar

18 Sep 2017 --- Kraft Heinz is unveiling four new Capri Sun product lines made with all-natural ingredients and no added sugar: new Capri Sun Fruit Refreshers, Capri Sun Organic, Capri Sun 100% Juice and Capri Sun Fruit & Veggie Blends. These products are claimed to offer options that fit the needs of parents concerned about sugar intake and artificial ingredients.

“Clean label” continues to dominate at TIC Gums

18 Sep 2017 --- Late last year, TIC Gums and Ingredion entered into an agreement to offer the widest range of texture capabilities, superior formulation expertise and rapid response to customer needs. For Ingredion and TIC Gums, the acquisition has expanded their higher-value specialty portfolio and customer base in the fast-growing segment of food and beverage companies that are driving industry innovation. Since then, TIC Gums has been on their own journey to diversify their range of ingredient profiles so that they can provide solutions that match up with customers concerns.

“No deal” Brexit could lead to severe food price hikes, warns BRC

18 Sep 2017 --- As the clock ticks down to March 2019 when the UK officially leaves the European Union, the industry body representing the British retail industry has issued a stark warning that some food prices would seriously spike if negotiations aren’t handled correctly. In fact, more than three-quarters of the food imported onto UK shores from the EU will be subject to new tariffs – if the British government fails to reach an agreement on trade.

Lecithin: GEA process ensures higher added value in the crushing plant

18 Sep 2017 --- Vegetable lecithins are by-products of the production of soybean, sunflower and rapeseed oil. As natural emulsifying agents with first-class technological and nutritional-physiological properties, these lecithins are highly valued in the food industry in particular. Today, already more than 800 million people consume products daily which contain lecithin. More and more synthetic emulsifying agents and stabilizers are being replaced with lecithin. GEA process know-how ensures high lecithin quality and offers alternative pre-treatment for higher added value in the crushing plant. 

Corbion approved as highest bidder in sale of TerraVia

18 Sep 2017 --- Corbion has been approved as the highest bidder for algae-fueled company TerraVia, following an auction process for substantially all of the assets of the bankrupt company, in a deal worth US$20 million. Last Friday, September 15, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved Corbion as the successful bidder and authorized TerraVia to consummate the sale to Corbion.

“Dirty cocoa beans” getting into the supply chain

15 Sep 2017 --- UK national newspaper, The Guardian, has written an expose about what it describes as “dirty cocoa” following an investigation which involved the news organization visiting the Ivory Coast, where much of the world’s cocoa grows. The article – entitled “Chocolate industry drives rainforest disaster in Ivory Coast” says the world’s chocolate industry is “driving deforestation on a devastating scale in West Africa.”

Nestle acquires majority interest in Blue Bottle Coffee

15 Sep 2017 --- Nestlé has entered the fast-growing, super premium coffee shop segment by acquiring a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a Californian-based high-end specialty coffee roaster and retailer that has built a strong reputation among discerning coffee drinkers. 

Continental Grain Company to acquire 16 percent stake in RiceBran Technologies

15 Sep 2017 --- One of the oldest food and agribusiness firms in the world, Continental Grain Company, is making a significant investment in RiceBran Technologies (RBT) which has proprietary and patented intellectual property that allows it to convert rice bran into food and specialty ingredient products. Continental Grain Company has entered into an agreement to purchase 2.7 million shares of common stock from the company for US$2.9 million.

DuPont makes its Grindsted plant in Denmark carbon-neutral

15 Sep 2017 --- The DuPont Nutrition & Health plant in Grindsted, Denmark is switching to carbon-neutral production. Three-digit millions of Danish kroner have been invested in a new facility for the plant, bidding farewell to coal and heralding in wood chips. The facility will be officially opened on Monday, 25 September by Lars Chr. Lilleholt, Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate. 

India’s food segment on a fast track to growth

15 Sep 2017 --- India is the world's second largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Indian food and grocery market is the world's sixth largest, with retail contributing 70 per cent of the sales. Food has also been one of the largest segments in India's retail sector and is expected to reach a value of US$895bn by 2020.

Kellogg's and Mondelez named in Dow Jones Sustainability Index

14 Sep 2017 --- The Kellogg Company and Mondelez International have both been named in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, an independent validation of the important work the food giants are carrying out in the area of corporate responsibility. The DJSI serves as a benchmark for investors who recognize sustainable business practices as a critical component to generating long-term shareholder value.

Acrylamide: Young scientists receive grant to assess the risks

19 Sep 2017 --- A team of young researchers will examine a possible link between acrylamide and obesity, diabetes and fertility, thanks to a grant from the European Research Council (ERC). Investigating the possible health risks associated with acrylamide is the objective of the ERC Starting Grant, which has been awarded to young researchers at the University of Copenhagen. 

Mazza Innovation closes US$2.4m financing deal and expands PhytoClean capabilities

19 Sep 2017 --- Mazza Innovation Ltd. has raised Cdn$3.0 million (US$2.4 million) from existing and new shareholders to fund an expansion of operations at its Delta, BC PhytoClean extraction facility. The company has also announced the appointment of three highly experienced senior executives to manage rapidly expanding customer demand for its solvent-free ingredients and PhytoClean extraction process. 

Unilever predicts closer corporate and start-up collaboration

19 Sep 2017 --- Unilever Foundry has launched a global study into corporate and start-up collaboration at the Dmexco conference. The Unilever Foundry is Unilever’s platform for start-ups and innovators to engage, collaborate and explore business opportunities with Unilever and its 400+ brands.

Nestle youth initiative to develop next generation of entrepreneurs

19 Sep 2017 --- A new initiative from Nestlé aims to create the next generation of front-runners for the company, with the Swiss giant aiming to nurture successful agripreneurs, entrepreneurs and game-changers. Announcing a new ambition for its global youth initiative: Nestlé needs YOUth, the company says that by 2030 it will help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities.

IFF expands flavors facility in Egypt

19 Sep 2017 --- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has officially opened its fully renovated and expanded flavors facility in Cairo, Egypt. The investment supports both the company’s regional focus on growth in the Middle East and Africa, as well as its focus on key categories, providing enhanced services to customers and strengthening its presence in this key market. 

Global Franchise Group takes a slice of Round Table Pizza brand

18 Sep 2017 --- Strategic brand management company Global Franchise Group (GFG) has acquired the Round Table Pizza brand and all of its affiliated concepts (Round Table Pizza, Round Table Clubhouse and Round Table Pizza Wings Brew). The acquisition of this leading US pizza franchise increases GFG's systemwide sales to close to US$1 billion and expands the brand building company's footprint to more than 1,500 stores – domestic and international. 

Health risks of natural origin are frequently underestimated

18 Sep 2017 --- The findings of a representative study recently conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) on the risk perception of contaminants in food that was published in the public health journal Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung – Gesundheitsschutz suggests that “people feel most at risk from synthetic substances and heavy metals.” BfR President Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel says: “Appropriate risk communication on contaminants should take this subjective risk perception into account.” 

Vanilla enjoys an innovation resurgence, but supply chain challenges mount

18 Sep 2017 --- The adjective “vanilla” may have unexciting connotations, but it could be argued that the world of products with vanilla flavoring is currently very exciting indeed. Even though supply challenges are being faced in sourcing natural vanilla, new and innovative products continue to be introduced to the market at an exhilarating pace.

Kraft Heinz unveils new Capri Sun range with natural ingredients and no added sugar

18 Sep 2017 --- Kraft Heinz is unveiling four new Capri Sun product lines made with all-natural ingredients and no added sugar: new Capri Sun Fruit Refreshers, Capri Sun Organic, Capri Sun 100% Juice and Capri Sun Fruit & Veggie Blends. These products are claimed to offer options that fit the needs of parents concerned about sugar intake and artificial ingredients.

“Clean label” continues to dominate at TIC Gums

18 Sep 2017 --- Late last year, TIC Gums and Ingredion entered into an agreement to offer the widest range of texture capabilities, superior formulation expertise and rapid response to customer needs. For Ingredion and TIC Gums, the acquisition has expanded their higher-value specialty portfolio and customer base in the fast-growing segment of food and beverage companies that are driving industry innovation. Since then, TIC Gums has been on their own journey to diversify their range of ingredient profiles so that they can provide solutions that match up with customers concerns.

“No deal” Brexit could lead to severe food price hikes, warns BRC

18 Sep 2017 --- As the clock ticks down to March 2019 when the UK officially leaves the European Union, the industry body representing the British retail industry has issued a stark warning that some food prices would seriously spike if negotiations aren’t handled correctly. In fact, more than three-quarters of the food imported onto UK shores from the EU will be subject to new tariffs – if the British government fails to reach an agreement on trade.

Lecithin: GEA process ensures higher added value in the crushing plant

18 Sep 2017 --- Vegetable lecithins are by-products of the production of soybean, sunflower and rapeseed oil. As natural emulsifying agents with first-class technological and nutritional-physiological properties, these lecithins are highly valued in the food industry in particular. Today, already more than 800 million people consume products daily which contain lecithin. More and more synthetic emulsifying agents and stabilizers are being replaced with lecithin. GEA process know-how ensures high lecithin quality and offers alternative pre-treatment for higher added value in the crushing plant. 

Corbion approved as highest bidder in sale of TerraVia

18 Sep 2017 --- Corbion has been approved as the highest bidder for algae-fueled company TerraVia, following an auction process for substantially all of the assets of the bankrupt company, in a deal worth US$20 million. Last Friday, September 15, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved Corbion as the successful bidder and authorized TerraVia to consummate the sale to Corbion.

“Dirty cocoa beans” getting into the supply chain

15 Sep 2017 --- UK national newspaper, The Guardian, has written an expose about what it describes as “dirty cocoa” following an investigation which involved the news organization visiting the Ivory Coast, where much of the world’s cocoa grows. The article – entitled “Chocolate industry drives rainforest disaster in Ivory Coast” says the world’s chocolate industry is “driving deforestation on a devastating scale in West Africa.”

Nestle acquires majority interest in Blue Bottle Coffee

15 Sep 2017 --- Nestlé has entered the fast-growing, super premium coffee shop segment by acquiring a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a Californian-based high-end specialty coffee roaster and retailer that has built a strong reputation among discerning coffee drinkers. 

Herza launches purple chocolate range in line with latest nutritional trends

15 Sep 2017 -- Purple colors in foods is one of the strong trends this year. Cupcakes, ice cream and waffles in vivid lilac are just as much on trend as violet fruit and vegetables. In line with these colorful trends, Herza Schokolade has introduced a new purple range of chocolate consisting of white chocolate enhanced with concentrated fruit and vegetable powders. 

Continental Grain Company to acquire 16 percent stake in RiceBran Technologies

15 Sep 2017 --- One of the oldest food and agribusiness firms in the world, Continental Grain Company, is making a significant investment in RiceBran Technologies (RBT) which has proprietary and patented intellectual property that allows it to convert rice bran into food and specialty ingredient products. Continental Grain Company has entered into an agreement to purchase 2.7 million shares of common stock from the company for US$2.9 million.

GoodMills Innovation set to launch gut-friendly, ancient wheat for bakery produce

15 Sep 2017 --- GoodMills Innovation is set to introduce its new product 2ab Wheat, an ancient grain that is very well tolerated. This grain innovation is easy to process and allows both artisan and industrial bakers to produce wholesome bakery products with a convincing texture and taste. Therefore, 2ab Wheat is a real alternative to modern bread wheat as well as to well-known ancient grains such as einkorn or emmer, which score neither with their sensory properties nor technologically when processed on their own.

DuPont makes its Grindsted plant in Denmark carbon-neutral

15 Sep 2017 --- The DuPont Nutrition & Health plant in Grindsted, Denmark is switching to carbon-neutral production. Three-digit millions of Danish kroner have been invested in a new facility for the plant, bidding farewell to coal and heralding in wood chips. The facility will be officially opened on Monday, 25 September by Lars Chr. Lilleholt, Danish Minister of Energy, Utilities and Climate. 

India’s food segment on a fast track to growth

15 Sep 2017 --- India is the world's second largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Indian food and grocery market is the world's sixth largest, with retail contributing 70 per cent of the sales. Food has also been one of the largest segments in India's retail sector and is expected to reach a value of US$895bn by 2020.