Breaking News on Confectionery & Biscuit Processing

Sugar not to blame for kids behaving badly: review

A new review of studies investigating the role of sucrose in children's behaviour has concluded that it is not the root cause of behavioural problems such as ADHD.

Tereos confirms interest in Danisco sugar

French sugar and food solutions company Tereos has confirmed it is hoping to acquire Danisco's sugar business, and that it is bidding against Germany's Nordzucker.

DEFRA agrees allocation of compensation for sugar growers and contractors

The allocation of aid between UK sugar beet growers and contractors will remain unchanged from the original proposal made in British Sugar's application, despite suggestions it could have been re-negotiated, said the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Organic chocolate fans unlikely to switch to cheaper options

In recent years organic confectionery products have become increasingly popular but are consumers willing to stick by their principals in the face of rising food prices or will they turn towards a cheaper alternative?

Salt reduction reaches limit for biscuits and cakes

Many UK biscuit and cake products have reached their salt-reduction limit, thanks to bakers' efforts to cut salt components, according to Barbara Gallani, manager of the Food and Drink Federation's Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery section (BCCC).

Wrigley takeover renews pressure on Hershey

Last month's surprise takeover of gum maker Wrigley by confectionery giant Mars has led to renewed speculation over the future of arch rival Hershey.

New sucralose supplier enters European market today

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.

Global sugar trends, FAO report

International sugar prices have risen by 30.7 per cent since last November despite a second consecutive year of surplus supplies in 2007/08, according to the Food Outlook report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week.

EFSA gives green light to six flavouring agents

Six flavouring agents used in a variety of foods are cleared by Europe's risk assessor but industry is still awaiting the outcome for seven other agents evaluated at the same time.

News briefs: healthy and premium chocolate launches

In recent years there has been an increasing trend towards healthy and premium confectionery products, aimed at making consumers feel better about the treats they eat and giving them a taste of luxury and sophistication.

Weekly comment

The GSK weight loss wake-up call

GlaxoSmithKline's petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban dietary supplements from making weight loss claims, has opened a cupboard and only the deluded would deny the presence of one or two skeletons rattling around in there.

Worldwide Fairtrade sales up 47 per cent

Worldwide consumers spent over €2.3bn on Fairtrade certified products in 2007, a 47 per cent increase on the previous year, according to figures from Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO).

Make additive removal usual for hyperactive kids, says professor

Cutting out colours and preservatives from the diets of hyperactive children should be standard part of dealing with the disorder, says a professor who takes a more stringent view than the FSA following the Southampton study publication.

Cocoa deficit forecast to fall but prices remain high

Latest figures from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) suggest that there will be a rise in world production of cocoa compared to last year and a rise, though smaller, in world grindings.

Erythritol use blossoms but regulatory, technical challenges remain

Manufacturers are getting more adventurous over erythritol use since it gained EU-wide approval this year, says Cargill, but the real boom will come when they can make a low-calorie claim in Europe.

Sugar and currencies blamed for Tate & Lyle profit drop

Tate & Lyle has reported an 11 per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £244m (c €307.3m) for full year 2008, a result of troubles in international sugar trading and inclement exchange rates.

Candy Expo highlights gourmet, premium and organic products

The All Candy Expo currently taking place in Chicago is highlighting gourmet, premium and organic products, which organisers say is the fastest growing segment in the confectionery and snack market.

News briefs: American tastes, Abbott Nutrition and Cadbury

Research suggests that Americans prefer foods high in solid fats and added sugars whilst Abbott Nutrition aims for the health conscious with a new chocolate nutrition bar and Cadbury announces board changes and predicts strong first half results.

Weekly comment

Time for an organic-GM peace treaty

The war between the GM and organic movements has been bitterly fought. However in the midst of a global food crisis the time has come for these old enemies to bury their differences and concentrate on the benefits an alliance may bring.

Zsweet finding favour with confectioners

A sugar substitute launched in the UK and Ireland in March is starting to find favour with confectioners.

Nestle aims for growth in Central and Eastern Europe

Nestlé announced at a meeting held in Moscow last week that it is aiming for accelerated growth in Central and Eastern Europe.

Cargill names stevia brand on back of new science

Cargill yesterday gave a name to its stevia brand, further to the publication of an overview of the science supporting the use of rebiana as a sweetener.

Culinary inspiration crucial to Givaudan R&D

Givaudan's Chefs' Council demonstrates a significant part of the international flavour company's strategy to seek culinary inspiration for the development of future flavours.

Cocoa prices bounce back, stay buoyant

The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) monthly review of the cocoa market suggests that a decline of the monthly average ICCO daily price in April compared to the previous month could be misleading as far as futures markets are concerned.

Sweet tooth in the genes: study

A specific genetic variation may help explain why some people consume more sugary foods than others.

JAMA questions sense of sweeteners for weight loss

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.

Europe finds lycopene safe for foods

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found the carotenoid lycopene to be safe in a number of new applications.

Consumer awareness of Fairtrade increases, says survey

Recent research commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation suggests that the UK public is increasingly aware of Fairtrade chocolate.

Tate & Lyle secures seven year supply with Fiji

Ingredients firm Tate & Lyle has entered an agreement with Fiji Sugar Corporation for the supply of 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar per year till 2015, amid developments in the EU sugar regime.

Callebaut links origin chocolates to wine varieties

Barry Callebaut has linked its origin chocolates with different wine varieties, in an effort to tap into a growing premium chocolate market by highlighting the 'sophisticated' connection.

Weekly comment

Innovation: the fast before the feast

Last week's Vitafoods trade show highlighted a drop in ingredient innovation with many companies placing the blame at the door of Europe's evolving health claims legislation.

Nestle collaboration to target genes and taste perception

A better understanding of how genes affect a person's sensitivity to taste could enhance the development of foods that meet specific consumer preferences and individual nutritional needs.

Wrigley Poland adopts pallet tracking solution

Wrigley Poland has adopted a WI-FI RFID pallet tracking solution designed to optimise the efficiency of the production process by reducing losses in time and material.

MEPs vote for ban on unnecessary colours for kids

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.

Major HFCS users unlikely to ditch it for sugar, expert

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.

FDA looks to improve safety with 1,300 new staff

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is beginning a multi-year hiring scheme that could ease strain on its ability to react in times of crisis, though the initiative does not likely go far enough for detractors both within and outside the agency who say it is dangerously under funded.

India may ban food futures, reports

India is mulling a temporary ban on trading in food futures, according to reports, as it looks at ways to mitigate the effect of rising food prices on its population.

Fibre-rich chews could join healthy confectionery market

Cargill has filed a patent application to the US Patent and Trademark office for a fibre-filled confectionery chew.

Chocolate may help reduce pre-eclampsia risk

Confectionery makers will welcome the latest study to proffer the potential health benefits of chocolate as US researchers report that pregnant women who consume ample servings of this popular confectionery may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Ajinomoto and Asda draw battle lines over aspartame

Ajinomoto Sweeteners Europe has launched a defamation law suit against US supermarket Asda over labelling on own-brand products that calls aspartame a 'nasty'.

Weekly comment

Adjusting to Mars' centre stage ambitions

While in the Hollywood stratosphere, it seems that you are not anyone these days unless you're a duo, in the glamorous world of food manufacture, the team-up route to success may not be quite as simple.

Barry Callebaut completes KLK acquisition

Barry Callebaut has successfully closed its acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Malaysia's KLK Cocoa - a strategic move expected to give the Swiss firm leverage to expand in the high-potential Asia-Pacific region.

Cadbury Plc starts trading, upbeat about future

Cadbury Plc started trading today as a standalone confectionery company and said it was optimistic for the future.