Archives for July 15, 2004

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Geest streamlines Asda fruit business

The purchasing clout of the major British supermarkets is often criticised, not least for the apparently detrimental effect it has on suppliers. But the relationship between the retailers and their suppliers is not always one of squeezed margins,...

China economy 'not overheating'

Although the Chinese economy is showing definite signs of slowing, experts have said that it is not about to overheat. Investment, particularly in the food and beverage sector, is continuing apace, but this being coutnerbalanced by a steadier rise in...

Cargill-MGPI alliance for resistant starch market

As food makers continue to roll out new low carb food products to meet the rise in demand from consumers, starch supplier MGP Ingredients has agreed to link up with agri-giant Cargill to push a new resistant starch product aimed at this new market.

Confusing claims harm consumer trust

With food scares, health concerns and sustainability issues playing heavily on consumers' minds - and influencing their shopping habits - the humble food label has never played a more important role. But how can consumers be certain that what the...

Isoflavone impact linked to diet and weight

Factors such as a women's weight or calcium intake may play a vital role in the extent to which soy isoflavones can improve bone health among postmenopausal women, suggests new research.

Low-carb losing its sparkle?

Could the popularity of the much-vaunted - and much-criticised - low-carb diet fad already be on the wane? Manufacturers have invested heavily in new low-carb products to tap into the trend, and stand to lose a lot if, as one survey suggests, dieters...

UK egg production: sunny side up or still scrambled?

After years of bad publicity, UK eggs appear to be regaining popularity. Are producers witnessing the dawning of a golden age, or is the current trend just a flash in the frying pan? Anthony Fletcher reports.

Thai company launches vegetarian ready-to-eat meals

Nutrition House, part of the consumer goods group Pan Group, has expanded its frozen ready-to-eat meals line with the launch of a line of vegetarian meals, claimed to be the first product of its type on the market in Thailand. The company is also...

EU lifts two year ban on Chinese foods

The EU has lifted a two year ban on honey, together with a number of seafoods and products of animal origin. The move is expected to give a particular boost to the country's position as the world biggest honey producer.

UN denies granting coconut water patent to Philippines

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has denied reports that it has granted the first patent for processing coconut water to the Philippines. Patenting of the technology has been eagerly awaited as it is likely to provide a step...

Market share for cassava sourced starch set to rise

Faced with rising costs for starch ingredients sourced from stock-squeezed wheat and corn the global food industry is on the look out for better value alternatives. A recent report on the modified starch market suggests that the tropical starch...

Healthy living continues to drive food choice

Food marketers will find more evidence to support their ongoing drive to tempt the consumer with health conscious food products from a new report that shows Britain's tastebuds are shifting away and fruit is the number one snack.