The European Commission is planning to set up a new forum on the effectiveness of the European food chain by the end of this month, industry Commissioner Antonio Trajani said yesterday, as part of efforts to improve the agri-food industry’s competitiveness. (foodnavigator.com) Food and drink make up the most important manufacturing sector in the EU in turnover terms, bringing in €965bn in 20098 – some 12.9per cent of total turnover – and providing... read more →
Intertek has launched a support program to help companies struggling to comply with increasingly complex EU rules on food packaging materials. (foodproductiondaily.com) The EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004 (EC) laid down requirements for packaging materials including plastics, paper, and board that come into contact with foods. This regulation has been built on with several directives, amendments, and guidelines, which together have made compliance more... read more →
An innovative concept in fish packaging that provides added barrier protection is now available to the whole market after the expiration of an exclusive two-year deal with one company, said Sudpack Verpackungen. (foodproductiondaily.com) The German firm said its Ecostar rigid foil film used for premium fresh fish packaging broke the mould in 2008 when it worked with Norwegian dairy firm Tine to develop the solution in place of the usual tubular bag and... read more →
Growing demand for retortable pouches in the food industry is creating a need for investment in new capacity in bi-oriented nylon film (BOPA) film production, according to PCI Films Consulting. (foodanddrinkeurope.com) BOPA film is used primarily for the packaging of fresh and processed meat products like bacon because of its superior oxygen barrier properties and its puncture resistance. But in recent years demand has grown thanks to the emergence of... read more →
Bakkavör, Kerry Foods or Premier Foods could all be in the running to produce Sainsbury’s Chinese ready meals following Northern Foods’ decision to close the factory that currently makes them, say City analysts. (foodmanufacture.co.uk) Given that Northern Foods plans to shut its Ethnic Cuisine factory in Swansea because it can’t make a profit from the Sainsbury’s contract, it might not at first glance appear like a very attractive tranche... read more →
Sion Roberts, chief executive of the English Food and Farming Partnerships, has warned that supplier and processor relations need to improve to prevent severe loss of business. (meatinfo.co.uk) Speaking at the Eblex/Bpex 2010 Outlook Conference, Roberts said: “The last 20 years has been about developing brands. The future will be about developing the supply chain.” Factors such as price volatility and the security of supply are increasingly influential,... read more →
Implementing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommendation that makers of soft drinks with added sugar should introduce 250ml cans and bottles could cost the industry upwards of £10m, according to the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA). (foodproductiondaily.com) At the end of last week, the FSA unveiled new proposals for the food and drink industry on saturated fat and sugar. For beverage manufacturers, the FSA said all soft drinks containing added... read more →
The food industry is one of the most well-respected industries in terms of social responsibility, according to a new survey from research-based consultancy Penn Schoen Berland. (foodnavigator-usa.com) The second annual Corporate Social Responsibility Perceptions Survey, conducted in partnership with brand consulting firm Landor Associates and strategic communications firm Burson-Marsteller, interviewed a nationally representative online sample of 1001... read more →
