Breaking News on Confectionery & Biscuit Processing

Ulrick & Short adds to tapioca starch fat replacement range

Ulrick & Short has launched a clean label tapioca-based starch for fat replacement in cakes and muffins.

Mixing modern and traditional Christmas flavors

GSB Flavor Creators continues to tap into the trend for more adventurous flavor combinations with the launch of three new pairs of ‘shuffled flavors’ for the Christmas holidays.

Video season's greetings from Decision News Media

The Decision News Media team would like to bring you its seasonal greetings in person and show you around the offices.

EFSA to investigate bee colony collapse

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is launching a 9-month project to investigate the causes of honey bee ‘colony collapse disorder’, and is encouraging all parties to share any data on the problem.

FSA to publish list of additive-free brands

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called on food manufacturers to come forward if they wish their company or brands to be included in a list of those that are free from the so-called ‘Southampton six’ colours.

Prepare for higher calorie count for fibre, say scientists

Scientists have warned that food manufacturers should move quickly if they wish to reformulate their products befor the official calorific value for fibre goes up next October.

News in brief

ACF accredits Barry Callebaut chocolate courses

The American Culinary Foundation (ACF) has approved 15 Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy courses as part of its chefs’ recertification process.

Calls to reverse FDA action over stevia sweetener

More stevia sweetened products are lining up for launch but campaigners are calling for the FDA decision that signaled that the sweetener could be used in food and beverages to be reversed.

Cadbury’s crushes Heroes' white chocolate Dreams

Cadbury has changed the mix of chocolates in its Heroes selection but denies cost-cutting.

Stevia sweetener gets US FDA go-ahead

The FDA has given the long-awaited green light for Reb A, the sweetener made from the stevia leaf, to be used in food and beverages - opening the flood gates for new product launches.

Scientists set on busting the sugar-hyperactivity ‘myth’

An article published in the British Medical Journal today has dismissed the commonly held belief that sugar causes hyperactivity in children as a ‘medical myth’.

News in brief

Russian confectioner Landrin moves into premium confectionery

Russian confectioner Landrin, best known for its chocolate eggs containing children’s toys, is attempting a move into the premium confectionery market for adults.

Food manufacturers mislead parents, claims BHF report

Manufacturers of children’s breakfast cereals and lunchbox snacks have been accused of misleading parents about high levels of salt, sugar and fat in a British Heart Foundation report.

Explosion costs impact on Imperial Sugar’s full year results

The rebuilding of Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery following an explosion in February is expected to total $200m-$220m, taking its toll on the company’s full year results, despite stronger sugar prices.

Cadbury reports overall growth, North American slowdown

Cadbury has reported continued profit growth in a trading update, although it said growth in North America has ‘softened’.

Weekly comment

Why is food science the ‘baddie' for consumers?

It sometimes seems as if life is a pantomime, and food science is the baddie, complete with boos and hisses from the audience.

DSM cuts 1000 jobs in economic rough patch

DSM is introducing stringent cost-saving measures to withstand the economic slump despite a good performance from nutrition, including slashing 1000 jobs from across its businesses.

Dark chocolate more filling, say researchers

Dark chocolate may be more filling than milk chocolate, according to researchers at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Human Nutrition.

ABF reaches acquisition agreement on Ebro Spanish sugar business

Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced that it has reached an agreement with Ebro Puleva for the acquisition of its Spanish sugar business, Azucarera Ebro, for €385 million.

Cut cocoa-butter for beta-glucan hydrocolloid, suggests study

Beta-glucan-rich hydrocolloids may be able to replace cocoa-butter in chocolate products, according to new research from the US.

Colours pose no health risk to Australians, says FSANZ

A survey into the levels of colourings in food products in Australia showed usage far below the maximum permitted levels (MPL); FSANZ says this shows there is no public health risk associated with their use.

News in brief

Undeclared milk prompts Life chocolate bar recall: Canada

Two Life-brand chocolate bars have been recalled from shops in Canada after it was discovered that they could possibly contain milk, which is undeclared on the label.

Animal study suggests existence of sugar addiction, says scientist

Researchers at Princeton University claim that they have laid down the final pieces of evidence necessary to prove the existence of sugar addiction in animal studies.

Saharan wind whips up cocoa supply fears

Troubles for West African cocoa supplies look set to continue following reports that the harmattan, a harsh, crop-damaging wind, has begun to sweep in from the Sahara.

Nut allergy fears becoming hysterical: BMJ

Fears over the dangers of peanut allergy, a potentially deadly allergy for certain people, are becoming sensationalist and hysterical, according to a Harvard professor.

WHO sets new tolerable daily intake for melamine

International experts have established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for melamine, the chemical found recently in contaminated milk products.

Avebe launches vegetarian gelatine-replacer for jelly sweets

Avebe has extended its Etenia range of potato starches with two new applications, including a vegan alternative to gelatine for soft jellies and wine gum-type confectionery.

News in brief

Kinnerton Confectionery updates its business software package

Global sweet manufacturer Kinnerton Confectionery Company Ltd has updated its computer software package in order to increase user efficiency and reduce operational costs, according to the company.

Enzyme launched for low-lactose taste saving

The development of a new enzyme for low-lactose milk and dairy products can cut out the formation of off-flavours following processing, according to its manufacturer.

Fazer eyes expansion in Swedish confectionery market

Newly de-merged Finnish confectionery company Fazer Konfektyr has announced plans to expand into Sweden while underlining its environmentally friendly credentials.

Craft confectioners unite to preserve chocolate traditions

Five US-based chocolate producers have collaborated to found Craft Chocolate Makers of America (CCMA), a body to represent issues facing the craft end of the chocolate industry.

Weekly comment

Coping with health claim hurt

One of the most fiercely debated and amended pieces of European Union food law history is playing out before our eyes, and its effects are beginning to be felt.

News in brief

Ferrero fined $65,000 for safety slip

Chocolate maker Ferrero Canada has been slapped with a $65,000 fine after a worker was injured at the firm’s plant in Brantford.

A new belt can help recycle product waste, claims Habasit Rossi

The belt manufacturer said its new Habasit LINK M0870 Micropitch Flat Top 0.3” pitch system is most applicable to the conveying of delicate small footprint food products such as baked goods or confectionery between conveyor systems as the extremely tight transfer, enhanced tracking and product stability of the belt reduces gaps in nose bar transfers.

Could consumers suffer from green logo overload?

Food and beverage manufacturers are adopting more sustainable practices and seek to communicate these to consumers. But are well-meaning consumers confused by the many different green and ethical logos in use?

Premium chocolate sales predicted to remain buoyant

The global market for premium chocolate looks set to remain strong despite a worsening economic climate, according to new market research.

News in brief

CMA announces 2009 confectionery industry events

Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia (CMA), the main industry body for confectioners in Australia and New Zealand, has announced the dates of its two main events for 2009.

Packagers should go green to keep profits in the black

Food packaging companies must implement sustainable environmental strategies or risk income falls of more than 30 per cent by 2013 and nearly 50 per cent by 2018, warns a new study from the environmental think-tank World Resources Institute and management consulting firm AT Kearney.

First chocolates released with tooth-friendly sugar

The first chocolate products endorsed by Toothfriendly International as harmless to teeth have hit the market in Belgium, despite containing a sugar.

Nestle junk food ad pledge approved

Nestle has agreed to a raft of restrictions on the promotion of its products to children as it switches from advertising its “best-selling” Wonka candy to 100 percent juice and low-fat chocolate milk.

Potential impact of antidumping on citric acid

The prospect of antidumping measures for citric acid looms in the US after an investigation found Chinese companies selling products below market value. But one industry player says the duties would have a limited impact.

News in brief

DeMet’s acquires Nestle confectionery brands

DeMet’s Candy Company has acquired two confectionery brands from Nestle USA: Stixx, chocolate covered cream-filled wafer sticks, and Treasures, dark chocolate truffles.

Zetar's share price dragged down with Woolworths collapse

UK confectionery and snack food group Zetar has seen its share price dive following the revelation that Woolworths owed it nearly £1 million when it went into receivership last Wednesday.

Weekly comment

Why farm support puts food on plates

“Four legs good, two legs bad.” When the pigs take over the land in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, they have no hesitation; any creature with four legs is beyond reproach and any human is bad, mad and dangerous to know.

Bringing an end to food allergy: New EU study

Food allergies could be a thing of the past, if new Europe-wide project achieves its goals of developing treatments for a condition that affects around 10 million EU citizens.

Gauge reduces downtime and boosts product yield, claims NDC

A new food gauge can reduce downtime and improve process control through continuous online measurement, claims the manufacturer.

Cadbury research tool combines efficiency with green credentials

Cadbury has added another string to its eco-friendly bow by introducing a mobile computerised system for its market research data collectors, cutting down on paper and travel while improving efficiency.