Europe: Consumers demand natural confectionery, finds GNT survey
Naturalness is a key factor when choosing fruity gums and lollies, according to a survey of 5,000 people aged 18-65 in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, says GNT. About 37% of Europeans surveyed specifically look for confectionery free from artificial additives such as colorants. At the same time even the most critical candy lover seeks appealing sweets with vibrant...
Americas: Cornell University, institute create anti-bacteria nanoscale surface
Just as the invention of nonstick pans was a boon for chefs, a new type of nanoscale surface that bacteria cannot stick to holds promise for applications in the food processing, medical and even shipping industries. The technology, developed collaboratively by researchers from Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, uses an electrochemical process called anodization to create nanoscale pores that...
Europe: GEA to provide turnkey system to Polish potato starch company
GEA Barr-Rosin is to supply Pepees in Poland with a turnkey potato starch drying system to meet the anticipated increase in production following the elimination of production quotas on sugar and potato starch in line with the European Union’s (EU) new Common Agricultural Policy. GEA is working with its Polish market company, GEA Process Engineering Sp. Z o.o. to supply...
Asia Pacific: Vietnamese children received milk supply under fund, says Vinamilk
The Vietnam Children Sponsor Fund (VCSF) has handed milk supply of three months to schools, care centres for children with disabilities, and families of children affected by toxic chemical Agent Orange in Thai Binh, Vietnam last month. VCSF is formed under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk). The program has been...
Americas: Asian, kosher food, unhopped beers trending in the US, says Sterling-Rice Group
Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) has identified its top 10 culinary trends that will stand out on restaurant menus, expand onto grocery shelves, and attract consumer attention across the U.S. in 2015. It says consumers' food preferences will be driven by a continued interest in global cuisines, balanced nutrition, community connections, and a desire for adventurous eating experiences. The culinary trends to expand...
Asia Pacific: China’s cold chain logistics sector grows with demand, standards
Since Cold Chain Logistics Development Plan of Agricultural Products was introduced in 2010, China's cold chain logistics industry has entered a rapid development stage, according to marketresearchreports. In October 2014, the State Council issued Medium and Long-term Development Plan of Logistics Industry (2014-2020) to boost the cold chain logistics industry toward large scale, standardization and modernization. China's cold chain logistics industry...
Asia Pacific: Rabobank advises on growing in China’s animal protein market
China's demand for foreign animal protein products shows great growth potential. However, the path to success for western animal protein companies in China will remain complex and challenging. In its latest report entitled Bulls in a China Shop, Rabobank foresees that the path to success can be navigated with a relentless focus on adding value to the supply chain, and by...
Americas: Hershey exceeds sustainable cocoa goals in 2014
The Hershey Company says 30% of its globally sourced cocoa was independently certified and verified, which reflects its progress in achieving its goal of sourcing 100% of its cocoa supply from certified and sustainable cocoa farms by 2020. The announcement follows the company’s 2013 achievement of sourcing 18% certified cocoa globally, nearly double its original goal of 10 percent for...
Asia Pacific: Indonesia gets carbon dioxide-powered cold chain warehouse
GAC Samudera Logistics started a cold chain warehousing service in Indonesia, in the Bekasi area, approximately 30km east of Jakarta. The company says the carbon dioxide-powered cold chain distribution center is more environmentally friendly compared to conventional technology, which uses ammonia or other common refrigerants, which are toxic and consume more energy. The facility is built to meet all international standards...
Europe: Valio sells plant-based packaged products in Finland
Finnish dairy producer, Valio, is selling its products to consumers in carton packaging made entirely from plant-based materials from Tetra Pak in Finland from this week. The package, Tetra Rex Bio-based, is manufactured solely from a combination of plastics derived from plants and paperboard. Valio will trial the package with Valio Eila lactose free semi-skimmed milk drink in retail outlets across...