Americas: Hershey showcases 3D printing technology
The Hershey Company, in partnership with 3D Systems, announced the December 19 debut of its three dimension (3-D) Chocolate Candy Printing exhibit at Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction. “We are now using 3-D technology to bring Hershey goodness to consumers in unanticipated and exciting ways,” said Will Papa, chief research and development officer, The Hershey Company. “3-D printing gives consumers nearly endless...
Americas: Tyson Foods expands Kansas plant with US$3M
Tyson Foods has recently concluded a line expansion at its prepared foods plant in Emporia, Kansas, US. The expansion, which cost an estimated US$3 million, created an additional line that will make a product for a national foodservice customer. About 16 jobs were created as a result of the project. The project consisted of building a new room to house the line,...
Europe: IP, compliance important in natural ingredients, Frutarom tells FNI
Frutarom Switzerland Ltd. Health Business Unit has named Dr Matthias H. Kreuter as its new global chief scientific officer (CSO) from January 1, 2015. Dr Kreuter headed Frutarom’s Pharmaceutical Business Division from 1990 to 2003. He returns to Frutarom after performing a wide range of leadership responsibilities, primarily in phyto-pharmaceuticals, phytochemical product development and research and development (R&D). Dr Kreuter holds a...
Americas: Calorie, salt content remain high in fast-food, find researchers
Two new reports from researchers at the US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University show little change in fast food portion sizes and product formulation between 1996 and 2013. Led by Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA, the researchers analyzed the calorie, sodium, saturated fat and...
Americas: Restaurant operators upbeat about the future, says association
Buoyed by positive sales and traffic and an optimistic outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) remained in positive territory in November 2014. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the US restaurant industry – stood at 102.1 in November 2014, down slightly from its October level...
Americas: S&W Seed Company acquires DuPont Pioneer’s alfalfa production, assets
S&W Seed Company has acquired DuPont Pioneer’s alfalfa production and research facility assets, as well as conventional (non-genetically modified organism ) alfalfa germplasm, for a purchase price of up to US$42 million. “The combination of S&W’s leading ‘non-dormant’ alfalfa seed capabilities with Pioneer’s leading ‘dormant’ alfalfa seed operations is a natural fit that creates a powerful combination that will permit...
Europe: Frutarom to acquire Vitiva for US$10M
Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement to purchase the shares of Vitiva of Slovenia (Vitiva) for a cash payment of approximately US$10 million. The transaction will be completed over the coming weeks. Vitiva specializes in the research and development, production, marketing and sales of specialty natural extracts from plants exhibiting antioxidant activity or scientifically proven health attributes backed up by...
Americas: Functional foods market in US looks vibrant, says report
The market for functional foods in the US looks certain to be vibrant in 2015 and beyond as it addresses the diverse needs of various groups including health-conscious Millennials, aging Baby Boomers, exercise enthusiasts and several everyday consumers who want to avoid chronic illness, need help losing and managing weight or who are just trying to maintain enough energy...
Asia Pacific: Japan gives to WTO initiative
The government of Japan has contributed US$76,742 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) for 2014. The objective is to help developing countries and least-developed countries establish and implement sanitary and phytosanitary standards for health protection and expand their ability to gain or maintain access to global markets. “Japan’s new contribution reflects its continuous efforts to assist developing countries...
Europe: Ingredient containing propionate found to make people feel full, say scientists
Scientists have developed an ingredient that can be added to foods to make them more filling. In its first tests in humans, researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Glasgow found that the ingredient is effective at preventing weight gain in overweight volunteers. The ingredient contains propionate, which stimulates the gut to release hormones that act on the brain...