Weekly Digest: Calls to end wasteful EU overfishing, Russian spice blends trend in World Cup run-up

In brief: Sustainability
Nine global ocean conservation leaders have urged the European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, to use his “power, position, and responsibility” to end destructive and wasteful EU overfishing. This is ahead of the 2020 Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) deadline, and before his mandate expires in 2019. In a letter received by Commissioner Vella on May 22, the nine ocean advocates expressed support for the Commissioner in his efforts to end overfishing in European waters, while acknowledging the challenges in overcoming the current status quo – where many stocks continue to be fished above scientific advice. The letter’s signatories warn that the EU’s reputation as a global fisheries leader on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) has generated an expectation that the EU will get its own house in order – and that correspondingly, failure to end EU overfishing will undermine the success of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy.

In brief: Product & ingredient launches
EHL Ingredients is launching a new Russian herb and spice blend in the run-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia this summer. The new Shashlik seasoning will spice up meat dishes – ideal for summer dishes, barbeques and outdoor dining. Bringing Russian flavors to British consumers, the new Shashlik seasoning contains a blend of spices, chili, paprika, nutmeg and ginger combined with rosemary and basil, creating a versatile flavor profile, ideal for crafting lamb, beef and chicken shashlik kebabs. Kath Davies, New Product Development Manager at EHL Ingredients, says: “With the World Cup taking place in Rus

sia this summer, we anticipate that there will be an interest in foods from this part of the world. Food manufacturers can tap into the sporting celebration by experimenting with Russian ingredients and flavors and create themed dishes for supermarket shelves and foodservice outlets using our new Shashlik blend.”
 

The latest export statistics from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) revealed that Q1 2018 exports of food and drink have grown by 5.5 percent to £5.2bn (US$6.9bn), from £5.0bn (US$6.6bn) in Q1 2017. Total exports to EU markets (+8.2 percent) grew faster than those to non-EU markets (+1.2 percent). Each of the top ten product categories saw growth apart from salmon and beer, which were down £40.7m (US$54.3m), and £16.1m (US$21.4m) respectively when compared to Q1 of 2017. Of the top ten product categories, breakfast cereals saw the fastest growth, up 30.3 percent to £111.2m (US$148.4m).

 

The Hochdorf Group has signed an agreement to acquire Bimbosan AG in Welschenrohr, Switzerland. With the takeover of this long-established Swiss infant nutrition company, Hochdorf says it is moving another step closer to the end consumer in the area of baby care. The takeover will take place retroactively to 30 April 2018. The company has produced infant formula since 1908. It manufactured products mainly for the Swiss market until 2006, operating essentially as a private-label producer until the end of 2016, when it acquired a 51 percent share in the Pharmalys Group in its first step towards the end consumer. The 100 percent acquisition of traditional Swiss company Bimbosan AG is another important move in this direction.
 
In brief: Other highlights

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has announced its partnership in Amkiri’s Visual Fragrance Technology. Amkiri’s patented Visual Fragrance is applied to the skin using specially designed applicators, allowing the user to adorn themselves with individual multisensory body art. The formula is long-wearing and can work with any fragrance or color. The innovative product’s launch was announced on March 22, 2018, by Amkiri, an Israeli-based start-up that was founded in 2014. “This is a significant innovation in the fragrance category, merging strong and deeply personal visuals with the resonance and emotion of fragrance,” says IFF Chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig. “The Visual Fragrance technology creates a new platform from which IFF can showcase our capabilities, including naturals, molecules, and cosmetic actives. The potential for innovative applications are nearly endless and the possibilities truly inspire our teams.”

 

Also this week, with consolidated revenues of €520 million (US$608 million) last year, the Hamburg Stern-Wywiol Gruppe once again enjoyed double-digit growth. One of the group’s growth drivers is Hydrosol. In recent years the subsidiary has become one of the leading international suppliers of stabilizing and texturing systems and is now among the top three in its category in Europe. It exports about 85 percent of its products to over 100 countries. Recently the company presented the cornerstones of its success at an International Sales Network Event in Hamburg. Intensive research, careful monitoring of the market and advanced, broad-based applications technology are key to the development of trending foods. Accordingly, over 20 percent of Hydrosol’s approximately 150 employees work in R&D. Close cooperation with local sales partners is just as important for worldwide success and is the only way that the company’s scientists and technologists can develop profitable product concepts for diverse customers around the world. This was once again evident at the two-day International Sales Network Event, where some 110 attendees from 51 countries discussed key topics for future developments. At Vitafoods Europe 2018 in Geneva, earlier this month, FoodIngredientsFirst spoke to Stern-Wywiol CEO Torsten Wywiol about the outlook and opportunities that exist in the nutrition sector. You can view a video interview with him here. 
 
By Elizabeth Green