Weekly Roundup: Boosting efficiency of microalgae processing in Singapore, Fake sourdough on sale

02 Sep 2022 --- This week in industry news, Coke Florida revealed that 75% of its manufacturing facilities are GreenCircle certified and the vegan KitKat test success has led to a Europe-wide launch. DSM completed its acquisition of Prodap, and 20 examples of “sourfaux,” have been exposed, being sold at premium prices. Meanwhile, red meat exports from the UK reached record levels.

In brief: Sustainability efforts
Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) and Swiss Bühler Group have deployed Bühler’s state-of-the-art Stellar Gemini system at SEC’s Urban Microalgae Protein project laboratory in Singapore. The Stellar technology, developed by Bühler, is based on nanosecond pulsed electric fields. It will be used to increase the efficiency of microalgae processing. The project aims to develop a sustainable, urban single-cell protein production platform and microalgae-based food concepts with taste and nutrition profiles that meet consumer preferences. 

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (Coke Florida) has revealed that its Broward Manufacturing Facility has obtained GreenCircle’s Zero Waste to Landfill certification. Coke Florida is the local Florida bottler with exclusive sales and distribution in 47 counties across the state. The Broward certification moves the company to have 75% of its manufacturing facilities holding a GreenCircle certification. 

In brief: Business moves
KitKat V is certified vegan and made from sustainably sourced cocoa.KitKat V, the vegan version of the iconic bar, is launching in 15 European countries as part of a rollout following a success in the UK. KitKat V is certified vegan and made from sustainably sourced cocoa through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, with Rainforest Alliance certification. The milk in the original KitKat is replaced with a rice-based alternative, which offers a good texture and flavor. 

BASF and Corteva Agriscience have revealed a long-term collaboration to develop new soybean weed control solutions for farmers worldwide. The two companies agreed to cross-license soybean traits while developing complementary herbicide technologies, enabling both companies to offer innovative soybean weed management solutions. 

DSM has completed its acquisition of Prodap, an animal nutrition and technology company in Brazil. DSM will strengthen and further develop its digital solutions to reach more markets globally, enabling smarter nutritional decision-making thanks to artificial intelligence and other tools. Prodap will complement DSM’s animal nutrition knowledge. Additionally, by supporting more efficient farming, the acquisition contributes to DSM’s commitment to enabling a double-digit reduction in on-farm livestock emissions by 2030 as part of its 2021 food system commitments.

Glanbia Co-operative Society and Glanbia Ireland have unveiled their new brand identity Tirlán, bringing another step in the evolution of both businesses. Glanbia retains the Glanbia brand exclusively in all markets globally, while Tirlán begins transitioning to its new brand identity. The company continues to evolve as a focused, purpose-led global nutrition company, having completed the sale of its 40% holding in Glanbia Ireland, to Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited earlier this year.

In brief: Appointments & retirements
Tim Smith has been appointed as the new industry chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council. He shares the chair with the Government chair, Food Minister Victoria Prentis. The Food and Drink Sector Council is a formal industry partnership with the Government which works to address challenges faced by the sector and build a more productive and sustainable food and drink system. 

In brief: NPD
Arla Foods Ingredients has developed a plug and play solution to help manufacturers create indulgent bars with high protein content in every layer. Protein bars are increasingly common in retail outlets, notes the company. However, most have a more uniform mass than indulgent confectionery options, which can offer a wider variety of layered textures. This is a challenge in the increasingly saturated bar market, where texture is a significant driver of consumer purchasing decisions. Now Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a protein bar concept that allows brands to raise the protein content of every part of their bars – including the mass, filling and coating – without increasing size or compromising on taste or texture. The new recipe is based on high-quality whey and milk protein ingredients from the company’s Lacprodan range. It ensures that rich chocolate mass retains its flavor and softness throughout its shelf life and offers 30% protein per bar, allowing for high-protein claims. As a “plug and play” solution, it can be used by brands as it is or as the basis for their formulations.

unMEAT has launched its new fish-free tuna via online retailers and select supermarkets across the US. As the next evolution in plant-based foods, unMEAT’s fish-free tuna offers three varieties – Tuna in Sunflower Oil, Tuna in Water and Tuna Hot & Spicy – perfect for flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans or those just looking to add more plant-based foods in their diet.

In brief: Other highlightsThe Real Bread Campaign has exposed more than 20 examples of what it calls sourfaux, typically being sold at premium prices.
The Real Bread Campaign has exposed more than 20 examples of what it calls sourfaux, typically being sold at premium prices. Each product on the list is what the Campaign calls sourfaux: named or marketed using the word sourdough, although manufactured by a fundamentally different process using baker’s yeast, chemical raising agents and additives. The Campaign reveals that some products are sold at least twice the price of comparable products from the same brand. They note that while customers might be charged a premium, lower unit production costs enable larger manufacturers to undercut small, independent, local bakeries simultaneously.

Red meat exports from the UK surpassed pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year, with the value of shipments at a record high – worth £858 million (US$993 million). The latest figures from HMRC show that from January to June, almost 314,000 metric tons of beef, lamb and pork were shipped to export markets worldwide – up from 268,543 metric tons during the same period last year. 

By Elizabeth Green