IFT Daily News

Danone, Mengniu form joint venture to develop dairy products in China

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:12:00 -0500

COFCO, the state-owned largest food company in China, has signed an agreement with Danone, pursuant to which the two parties will form a joint venture.

Pepperidge Farm, Campbell’s win DuPont Packaging Award

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:09:00 -0500

DuPont has announced its 2013 Packaging Award winners, naming U.K.-based design firm pi global the top winner for its AidPod, which delivers life-saving medicine to remote sub-Saharan villages.

Menu labeling may have a small impact on calorie intake for women

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:23:00 -0500

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that menu labeling has made more people aware of how many calories are in restaurant meals and has reduced calorie intake for women.

African American students may drink more soda if sold at school

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:19:00 -0500

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that African American students may be the only ones who consume more soda when it’s available in schools.

U.S. House Agriculture Committee approves farm bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:05:00 -0500

According to The New York Times, on May 15 the U.S. House Agriculture Committee voted to approve a $940 billion farm bill, a day after the Senate passed its version, setting the stage for Congress to finally begin work on a new five-year bill.

BMI linked to fast food restaurant proximity

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:03:00 -0500

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that African American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant may have higher body mass index (BMI) than those who lived further away.

Bosch expands VFFS test facility in Wisconsin

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:02:00 -0500

Bosch Packaging Technology has completed the expansion of its vertical form fill seal (VFFS) test facility in New Richmond, Wis.

Citicoline may slow progression of glaucoma

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 -0500

A study published in Ophthalmologica shows that consuming citicoline as a supplement may slow the progression of visual acuity loss due to glaucoma.

Nestlé invests $29+ million to strengthen supply chain in Russia

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:58:00 -0500

Nestlé is investing more than CHF 29 million ($29.8 million) in new distribution facilities in Russia to meet growing demand for its products in the country.

Dairy supply chain launches guide for sustainability reporting

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy—established under the leadership of America’s dairy producers—has announced two new resources to advance the industry’s ability to track, improve, and communicate sustainability performance and progress across the supply chain.

Omega Ingredients to distribute Italian essential oils to the U.K.

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Omega Ingredients, the creator of natural flavors, ingredients, and aromas, has announced a new partnership with Misitano & Stracuzzi to explore new business opportunities to distribute their Italian citrus essential oils in the United Kingdom.

Wind Point to merge Hearthside Food, Ryt-way Industries

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Wind Point Partners, a Chicago, Ill.-based private equity firm, has announced plans to merge two of its portfolio companies—Hearthside Food Solutions and Ryt-way Industries.

Flagship Food acquires U.K.-based Atlantic Foods

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:46:00 -0500

Flagship Food Group has agreed to terms to acquire Atlantic Foods Group Ltd.

Mocon reorganizes to support global business

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:43:00 -0500

Mocon Inc., a manufacturer of package integrity instrumentation, has created four global business units to better support its international footprint.

Students complete TIC Gums’ ice cream class

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:41:00 -0500

Fourteen high school juniors from Harford County, Md., completed their fifth and final week of classes at the “Ice Cream University” May 11, at TIC Gums Inc. Texture Innovation Center in White Marsh, Md.

GCI Nutrients partners with Aloha Medicinals

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:37:00 -0500

GCI Nutrients USA, a worldwide ingredient supplier based in Foster City, Calif., has announced its new strategic partnership with Aloha Medicinals Inc. (AMI), a manufacturer of mushroom products based in Carson City, Nev.

American Egg Board offers academia, industry instructional materials

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:28:00 -0500

The American Egg Board (AEB) is offering academic institutions and food science professionals the latest version of its instructional Egg Science & Technology Lesson Plan, Volume 2.

Wrigley stops production & sales of caffeinated gum

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:26:00 -0500

According to a letter from Wrigley North America President Casey Keller, the company has decided to suspend the production, sales, and marketing of its newly launched Alert Energy Caffeine Gum.

Packaged food diets may spur more weight loss

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:23:00 -0500

A study published in the Journal of Obesity shows that people who eat a diet of portion-controlled packaged foods may lose more weight than those who only get nutritional advice.

USDA awards grants to study climate effects on beef, cattle

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:22:00 -0500

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $19.5 million to support research, education, and extension activities associated with climate solutions in agriculture aimed at the impacts of climate variability and change on dairy and beef cattle.

FDA may reexamine food additive rules

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to Reuters, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under pressure to reexamine its rules for the safety of additives.

McKee Foods updates Little Debbie logo

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

McKee Foods, the makers of Little Debbie Snacks, has given the Little Debbie logo a makeover.

Short-term food deprivation may lead to high-calorie choices

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A research letter by Brian Wansink and Aner Tal, of Cornell University, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests that hungry grocery shoppers tend to buy higher-calorie products.

Women remain the primary household shoppers

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

For retailers and manufacturers, it has become increasingly complicated to pinpoint who are today’s primary shoppers.

Deals don’t influence loyal restaurant consumers

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

More than 40% of consumers say they are loyal to their favorite restaurants and will go there whether or not the establishment has a promotion, reports The NPD Group, a market research company.

Dean Foods spins off WhiteWave Foods

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Dean Foods Co.’s board of directors has approved the distribution of a portion of its remaining equity interest in The WhiteWave Foods Co. to Dean Foods stockholders and has determined the approximate distribution ratios, record date, and distribution date for the spin-off.

Stevia product launches surge in Europe

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Following the European Union approval of stevia in food and drink applications, there has been a surge of new product innovations in the EU to capitalize on consumer demand.

The amount of vitamin D needed for babies

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

It is important that babies get enough vitamin D during the first 12 months of their lives when their bones are growing rapidly.

Top five healthy-aging related claims

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:06:00 -0500

Innova Market Insights has identified the top five health claims for functional foods and drinks marketed to older consumers.

B&D Nutritional Ingredients celebrates 20 years

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

B&D Nutritional Ingredients Inc., well known for marketing and selling products from global manufacturers, announces that it is celebrating its 20th anniversary in business.

Pearson Candy acquires Bit-O-Honey from Nestlé

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Brynwood Partners VI L.P. has announced that its portfolio company, Pearson Candy Co., has acquired the Bit-O-Honey confectionery brand from Nestlé USA Inc.

Weber receives WFFC Lifetime Achievement Award

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:38:00 -0500

The Women in Flavor and Fragrance Commerce (WFFC) has awarded Florence Weber with the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Auburn University Food Systems Initiative achieves institute status

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:43:00 -0500

An Auburn University initiative established in 2011 to promote interdisciplinary research recently reached a landmark by becoming an institute.

U.S. Dairy unveils sustainability research, tool

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:39:00 -0500

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy has announced new science-based resources available for dairy producers, processors, industry partners, and stakeholders.

Hershey announces leadership changes

Wed, 01 May 2013 10:36:00 -0500

The Hershey Co. has announced several changes to its global leadership team, effective May 13.

Nestlé to build new Nespresso production center in Switzerland

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:50:00 -0500

Nestlé Nespresso SA has begun construction of its third production center in Romont, Switzerland.

U.S. Congress considers GMO labeling bill

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:49:00 -0500

According to the Huffington Post, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) introduced bills to the Senate and House of Representatives on April 24 that would require food manufacturers to clearly label any product containing genetically engineered ingredients.

Mushrooms may provide as much vitamin D as supplements

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:47:00 -0500

A study published in Dermato-Endocrinology shows that eating mushrooms containing vitamin D2 may be as effective at increasing and maintaining vitamin D levels (25–hydroxyvitamin D) as taking supplemental vitamin D2 or vitamin D3.

Unemployment leads to fewer restaurant visits by U.S. Hispanics

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:46:00 -0500

While total restaurant visits increased by 1% in 2012 compared to prior year, visits by U.S. Hispanics declined by 1%, a loss of 86 million visits, reports The NPD Group, a global information company.

Clif Bar names Cleary CEO

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Clif Bar & Co., a maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks, has announced that Kevin Cleary, President and COO, has been promoted to CEO.

Diners’ attitudes, behaviors don’t align

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The latest research from The NPD Group shows specific food or beverage ingredients do not significantly influence consumer choices of restaurant and menu items although consumers express the desire for more nutritional information.

Hostess Brands reopening plants

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to ABC News, the bankrupt assets of Hostess Brands Inc., the company responsible for Twinkies, Ho Ho’s, Sno Balls, and Ding Dongs, are being put back to work by a buyout firm.

Symrise opens new research center in Holzminden

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Symrise has moved into its new research center at its headquarters in Holzminden, Germany.

FDA cautions against EWG antibiotic-resistant bacteria findings

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:26:00 -0500

An analysis of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found high percentages of supermarket meat containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

DSM savory production sites receive food safety certification

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:20:00 -0500

DSM Food Specialties’ savory production sites in the Netherlands and China have been awarded the FSSC 22000 food safety certification.

JBS USA opens Arizona ground beef facility

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:17:00 -0500

JBS USA, an animal protein processor in the United States, Canada, and Australia and a wholly owned subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., has announced the opening of a ground beef production facility at the JBS beef processing plant in Tolleson, Ariz.

Eggs may increase good cholesterol, provide satiating effect

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:16:00 -0500

Studies presented at Experimental Biology (EB) 2013 looked specifically at the role of whole egg consumption in high-risk groups, including those with metabolic syndrome and heart disease, as well as the satiating effects of high-protein breakfast consumption for overweight adolescents.

Key ingredient in mass extinctions could boost food production

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:20:00 -0500

Hydrogen sulfide, the pungent stuff often referred to as sewer gas, is a deadly substance implicated in several mass extinctions.

Campylobacter, vibro incidents rose significantly in 2012

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) report, which shows that 2012 rates of infections from two germs spread commonly through food have increased significantly when compared to a baseline period of 2006–2008, while rates of most others have not changed during the same period.

Feeding a family will cost $4 more per week in 2013

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Feeding a family of four at home will cost about $4 more each week this year than in 2012, according to The Food Institute.