Food robotics and automation centre CenFRA (Centre for Robotics and Automation) has introduced new simulation techniques that can help food manufacturers ‘virtually’ evaluate the merits of automating aspects of their processes without disrupting production (foodmanufacture.co.uk). The simulation system, which CenFRA is currently targeting at the fresh produce sector, produces interactive 3-D computer models of factory layouts, which factor in existing... read more →
Branding and labelling have the most impact on consumers’ buying decisions, followed by blind tasting, concludes a study that used wine tasting as a model to determine the relative influence of different cues on purchasing intent. (ap-foodtechnology.com) When a consumer is making up their mind whether or not to buy a product they are not guided by its taste alone. A number of extrinsic factors also vie for their attention, such as awareness of the brand,... read more →
The hydrocolloids market has seen double digit growth rates between 2005 and 2009, with their fat replacer applications being boosted by the global health and wellness trend, according to a new Leatherhead report. (confectionerynews.com) Emulsion stabilizers, suspending agents, gelling agents, thickeners, fibre sources, mouthfeel improvers, fat replacers and processing aids all come under the umbrella of hydrocolloids, with the report Key Players in the... read more →
