Study suggests you can be addicted to chocolate

Scientists from the University of Oxford claim they have found similarities in brain activity between those addicted to drugs and those addicted to chocolate.

News Focus: Health and Wellness

Nestle pursues human nutrition through acquisition strategy

The third in a series of FoodNavigator-USA.com articles on the health and wellness approach of major US companies examines Nestlé's increasing focus on research and development as a means to...

China is still number one for expanding firms

China is still the number one location for manufacturers and retailers looking to expand their businesses in an effort both to tap into the fast growing China market and as...

Donut company develops new zero trans oil

US-based Dunkin' Brands has developed a new oil in order to create trans-free fat bakery products without sacrificing quality, flavour and taste, the company said this week.

Syngenta takes sugar beet back to the tropics

Syngenta has developed a variety of sugar beet for cultivation in tropical climates that is expected to boost output and farmer income, and has initiated two products to develop its...

Danisco's Litesse gains FDA approval for food use

Ingredient firm Danisco has said that its Litesse polydextrose ingredient has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in almost all food and beverage categories.

Cadbury's gum acquisition approved in Turkey

Cadbury's planned acquisition of the Turkey-based chewing gum manufacturer Intergum has been approved by the competition regulator, the company said today.

China still top for manufacturing investment, study

China remains the number one location in which manufacturers plan to expand their operations, according to a new study by service consultants, Deloitte & Touche.

Airport security measures boost confectionery sales

Confectionery sales are booming in the global duty free and travel retail sales market, faster than the market average growth, according to a new report.

Weekly comment

Is it harsh? Is it fair? No it's a consumer watchdog

In 1993, it seemed superheroes had reached their lowest peak when Superman was slain by an unstoppable monster known as "Doomsday".

ABF to shake up China sugar industry with joint venture

Associated British Foods (ABF) has forged an agreement with Chinese sugar group Hebei Tian Lu, which is expected to revolutionise beet sugar production technology and boost yields.

Polish confectionery producer plans expansions

Polish confectionery company Jutrzenka is planning acquisitions across Central and Eastern Europe, in a bid to expand into the emerging markets, according to the Polish media.

Syral's Tate & Lyle starch buy approved

The European Commission has approved Syral's acquisition of part of Tate & Lyle's Food and Industrial sweeteners and starches businesses in Europe it was announced yesterday.

Fat remains major baddie for healthy eaters, says Datamonitor

Reducing fat intake continues to be the main priority of consumers looking to improve their diets, according to a new report from market analyst Datamonitor.

New vending machine hot chocolate makes beauty claims

A new hot chocolate sold in vending machine is a novel addition to the growing market for drinkable and eatable beauty products.

Nickelodeon ends character licensing to junk food

Leading kids' entertainment brand Nickelodeon has said it will stop licensing its characters for use on 'unhealthy' foods and beverages, as part of its commitment to help slow the growth...

Danisco stands by for record sugar harvest

Danisco is expecting a record sugar harvest as climactic factors have stimulated growth, the year's first field samples indicate, meaning that any excess above quota will be channelled towards non-food...

Lindt plans price increase to cover raw materials

Lindt will increase product prices in order to cover the rising raw material costs, the company said yesterday.

Cocoa prices may stabilise, says ICCO

A positive outlook for the chocolate industry as cocoa prices could be stabilising, the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) said in its July review.

Organic labels are confusing, says consumer survey

Consumers remain confused about the use of organic product claims, which has led to people increasingly opting for locally grown food instead, according to a new survey.

Plants provide potent antimicrobial extracts

Natural antimicrobial agents derived from cloves, oregano, thyme and paprika can be used to block pathogens on food surfaces and packaging, according to new research.

Spiderman and The Simpsons are food baddies, says Which?

Consumer watchdog Which? has launched a new campaign to oust cartoon characters from unhealthy snack advertising, claiming that superheros are being exploited to encourage kids to clamour for foods that...

Internet campaign encourages a Cadbury re-launch

Cadbury last week said it will be re-launching its Wispa bar in the UK following pressure from social-networking sites.

Western diet linked to greater colon cancer recurrence

The high calorie, low fibre dietary pattern associated with the Western diet are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer recurrence, says new research from the US.

Nestle recasts its Black Magic recipes

In a bid to take advantage of the new consumer fad for dark chocolate, Nestle has re-written its Black Magic recipes.

Codex questions certain sweetener, color uses

The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) is calling for comments and additional information on uses of certain compounds, including sweeteners and colors, in order to assess their inclusion in...

Nestle nourished by health aims

Nestle's drive to be a major health and nutrition player resulted in a strong first half fiscal performance for the company.

Astaxanthin off the menu for Tate & Lyle

Production of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin at a plant in the UK has been called off after operating losses mounted to more than £3m (€4.4m).

Economy x-ray inspects and detects

A new economy inspection system uses x-ray to check products for contaminants and other defects, its manufacturer claims.

Masterfoods labelling move spurs new veggie debate

Masterfoods has announced plans to introduce a vegetarian labelling scheme for some of its chocolate products as of next year, but the Vegetarian Society says ingredients still do not meet...

Sugar demand to exceed supply says report

Sugar supply for the fiscal year 2008 is expected to be less than the demand, which could cause continual price pressures, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said last week.

Hormone regulates liking for food, say scientists

Scientists have identified that a hormone is responsible for people's fondness for food, findings that could lead to a better understanding of overeating and ultimately contribute to the prevention of...

Weekly Comment

A helping hand to the confused consumer

Consumers are bombarded with an overload of nutritional advice and product marketing - be it from magazines, television shows, and product advertising - and without a degree in nutritional science,...

Healthy chocolate drives US market

Sales of health and premium products are driving growth in the US chocolate market, offsetting poorer sales in other chocolate segments.

Fat replacement uses boost emulsifier market

The trend towards reducing the fat content in food products is contributing to growth in the emulsifiers market, as R&D produces new ingredients that can help healthier products taste as...

Campbell reviews Godiva chocolate business

Campbell Soup is considering selling its Godiva Chocolate business in order to focus upon its simple meals and healthier options, the company said yesterday.

Mars re-launches Galaxy brand under new trends

Confectionery giant Mars has said it will be re-launching its Galaxy brand in the UK this autumn, taking advantage of demand for luxury and 'healthier' products, the company said yesterday.

Barry Callebaut launches new aerated chocolate chunks

A new aerated chocolate ingredient claims to allow manufacturers of baked and dairy goods to cut costs and calories by reducing the total amount of chocolate in their products without...

New high-speed bagger can reduce waste, claims manufacturer

A new packaging machine can bag snacks and confectionery products at high speeds with minimal waste, according to the manufacturer.

New report could take bite out of confectionery industry

Hospitals and sports centres around the UK are contradicting Government health campaigns, according to a recent report from the Soil Association.

Organic candy the future of confectionery, says new report

Organic and healthy candy will sustain the future of the US non-chocolate confectionery market, according to a new report.

Process eliminates allergens in peanuts, claims scientist

Details remain unclear about the claims by a North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University researcher that he has developed a process to make allergen-free peanuts.

Taste of the orient could reduce acrylamide formation

Extracts of green tea and bamboo leaf could reduce acrylamide formation in foods, suggests a new study from China.

Weekly Comment

Reflections from IFT

As the dust settles on this year's IFT Food Expo 2007 in Chicago, health and wellness and food safety came through as the star performers, and drivers for the future...

New erector can improve confectionery packing performance

A new high-speed case packer and erector can pack up to 100 cases of products a minute, according to the manufacturers.

Barry Callebaut jumps on healthier bandwagon

Nine new chocolate ingredients are being released on the market, aimed at processors targeting the demand for funcional foods with health benefits.

Rising quality of life strengthens Chinese confectionery market

Greater demand, rising incomes and changing consumer habits make China a strong potential confectionery market, according to a new report.

Wild targets UK natural colours market with Fiske co-op

The UK and Ireland have been identified as a key market for Wild to intensify its activities with natural colours, after the company accounted a new co-operation with Fiske, the...

Food giants reveal milk supply concerns

A number of the world's leading food manufacturers have revealed their concern this week at the current high prices for milk supply, as they move to offset the adverse affects...

Severe heart attacks linked to bad fat intake

A diet rich in saturated and trans fatty acids increases the risk of severe heart attacks, research from Canada has found.

Danone restructures senior management

Danone yesterday announced a major restructuring of its senior management as it continues to refocus its operations towards being a leading player in health and nutrition.

New ingredient may reduce fat bloom in chocolate

A new multi-mineral ingredient can improve fat bloom resistance in chocolate, while boosting the mineral content of the products, according to the manufacturer.

Cadbury's reports decline in operating profit

Cadbury Schweppes today reported an operating profit decline of 6 per cent to £180m in the first-half of the year, particularly due to high input costs and restructuring costs.