GEA Group has forecast that China will become its leading market within the next few years as it highlighted growing demand from the emerging economic superpower as the driver behind a 12.7 per cent jump in orders. (ap-foodtechnology.com) The German-based processing machinery giant pin-pointed burgeoning demand from Asia, and China in particular, as the major factor in the significant increase in year-on year orders from €1.036bn in 2009 to €1.167bn... read more →
The European Commission is aiming to finalise the controversial nutrient profiling model outlined in the health claims Regulation by the end of this year, almost two years behind schedule. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) The model, which is being developed by DG Sanco (the European Commission’s directorate general for health and consumers), was supposed to be completed in January 2009, but as with all aspects of the health claims Regulation, the timetable has... read more →
Almonds were the most popular nut used in new products launched in the EU last year, Mintel data indicate, with over 50 per cent of almond-containing foods in the confectionery and bakery categories. (foodanddrinkeurope.com) Data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database and shared by the Almond Board of California suggest an 18 per cent increase in almond-containing products launched in the EU-27 in 2009. Nuts (all varieties) saw a 12 per cent increase... read more →
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 →
A breakthrough process that converts waste carbon dioxide into food packaging and coatings could also be used to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in the linings of food and drink cans, said Novomer, the company developing the technology. (foodproductiondaily.com) The eco-friendly method to produce polymers and polyols has been “fully developed at pilot scale” company vice president business development Peter Shepard told FoodProductionDaily.com. The polymers... read more →
Global demand for functional additives and barrier coatings for plastic packaging is forecast to grow by 4.3 per cent in the five years from 2009 to reach US$752m by 2014, according to Pira International. (ap-foodtechnology.com) he packaging consultants said growth in barrier coatings at 4.6 per cent annually would marginally outstrip that of functional additives at 3.9 per cent. Neverthess the combined 4.3 per cent growth rate is still “much higher”... read more →
