Archives for December 1, 2011

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Local food demand growing faster than infrastructure, USDA finds

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

Local food infrastructure needs to deepen to ensure production can grow in line with consumer demand, which may be greater than previously thought, according to a new report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS).

Chinese functional beverage market growing by 29%

By Jennifer Phang

Impressive growth in the Chinese functional beverage market looks set to continue as some national experts predict China to become the largest functional beverage market in 2012.

FSANZ body calls for submission on GM corn line application

By Ankush Chibber

The trans-Tasman food standards watchdog has called for submissions on an application to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from a genetically modified (GM) corn line to be sold in the region.

Dispatches from FIE

Consumer pressure over biodiversity in food chain growing, says UEBT

By Jane Byrne

Companies that have been championing biodiversity in their supply chain were recognised at the BioDiversity Awards at the FIE trade show in Paris this week, with an ethical biotrade organisation claiming that only 39% of consumers it polled are confident...

Galam offers bespoke stevia blends

By Mike Stones

Sweetener firm the Galam Group has combined different stevia extracts to offer what it claims are “optimal taste-profiles to suit all applications needs”.

A&B Ingredients introduces natural antimicrobial ingredient

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

A&B Ingredients has introduced a new natural antimicrobial ingredient, which it claims is effective against a wide range of foodborne contaminants in ready-to-eat meat products, refrigerated foods and prepared salads.

Ralcorp suffers big loss in fourth quarter

By Oliver Nieburg

Ralcorp has announced a $370m (€274m) loss in its fourth quarter earnings due to substantial non-cash impairment charges, details of which it has not yet disclosed.

Training scheme to boost Shanxi vinegar industry

By Jennifer Phang

The vinegar processing industry in Shanxi province has implemented a new training scheme to nurture more qualified vinegar practitioners in a bid to improve the industry.