Volume 4, Issue 13 - Monday, 22 June 2009
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Market intelligence and innovations in functional foods & nutraceuticals Compiled from analysis of over 500 resources every week including media releases, Internet searches, news wires, RSS feeds, magazines, research journals, patent sites etc.
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Table of Contents Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................... 1 Business & Market Intelligence ............................................................................................................................... 2 Consumer & Market Trends & Market Size ............................................................................................................. 5 Recent Market Research Reports ........................................................................................................................... 9 Innovations, Intellectual Property, New Products and Ingredients........................................................................... 9 Regulations, Labelling & Related News................................................................................................................. 12 Nutrition, Health Research & Related News .......................................................................................................... 15 Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications .................................................................................... 16 Webinars Worldwide.............................................................................................................................................. 19 Conferences & Meetings Worldwide ..................................................................................................................... 19 Disclaimer.............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Subscription conditions.......................................................................................................................................... 20
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Business & Market Intelligence Dean Foods to acquire soy beverage company Alpro Dean Foods Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire the Alpro division of Vandemoortele N.V., Europe‘s largest branded soy beverage and food processor, for €325 million ($450 million). The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter. With its Alpro soya and Provamel brands, Alpro is a processor of branded soy-based beverage and food products with net sales of about €260 million in 2008. Alpro has five manufacturing facilities in Belgium, the United Kingdom, France and The Netherlands, and employs about 750. "We think this is a great deal that establishes Dean Foods as a clear global leader in the attractive soy beverages and related products category, with over $1 billion in combined annual retail sales," said Gregg Engles, Dean Foods chairman and chief executive officer....... Read Danone Plans to Acquire Argentine Dairy Firm La Serenisima Danone is understood to be interested in acquiring Argentine dairy company La Serenisima, owned by Mastellone Hnos. Sources in Buenos Aires believe that the French firm is in talks to takeover La Serenisima, which has been reporting losses for three years now mainly due to government-imposed price controls. La Sernenisma, which saw its 2008 revenues amount to ARS 2.3 billion pesos (USD 611 million), processes 4.8 million litres of milk per day....... Read BioGaia to market probiotic drops in Germany through InfectoPharm BioGaia has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for BioGaia's Probiotic Drops with the German pharmaceutical company InfectoPharm. The product will be sold under the BioGaia brand. "InfectoPharm has a strong position and recognition among pediatricians making them an ideal partner for our top selling BioGaia Drops, and we are now confident and eager to take on the challenging German market ", says Peter Rothschild, President, BioGaia AB. "We have closely followed the success of the BioGaia Drops in many other European markets and see a big need for this product also for the children in Germany" says Dr. Manfred Zöller, President at InfectoPharm. InfectoPharm is a German pharmaceutical company with a strong pediatric portfolio. The company with headquarters in Heppenheim, Germany, covers the whole area of infectious diseases, gastroenterology, dermatology and pneumology. They represent the market leaders in their particular market niches...... Read Viterra acquires canola crush operation Viterra Inc. announced on June 15 that it will acquire the assets of Associated Proteins LP (APLP) of Ste. Agathe, Manitoba, Canada. APLP has a canola crush capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day and, with immediate access to North America's major rail lines, is well situated to source raw materials domestically and supply North American end-use markets. Under the terms of the Purchase and Sales Agreement, Viterra will acquire the assets of APLP for C$64 million plus working capital. The agreement is subject to Canadian Competition Bureau approval. The transaction is anticipated to close on June 25, 2009. "This acquisition is an ideal fit for Viterra. It bolsters our presence in food processing and complements our position as Canada's leading canola exporter," said Mayo Schmidt, Viterra president and chief executive officer. "It is consistent with our overall strategy to grow our company's value-added capabilities."....... Read Andre Juice, Uni-President China Sign JV Agreement Andre Juice, Andre Juice BVI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Andre Juice, and Chengdu President, a wholly owned subsidiary of Uni-President have entered into a joint venture agreement, pursuant to which the parties agreed to establish the joint venture company in Shandong Province, the PRC to engage in the business of OEM processing and sales of various types of beverages, fruit juice, tea, dairy drinks, mineral water, jelly, flummery, cereal products, fruit puree, soybean milk, PET molding and stretching and other products. Reportedly, the total investment amount of the joint venture company is RMB200m. The registered capital of the joint venture company is RMB100m to which each of Andre
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Juice, Andre Juice BVI and Chengdu president will contribute RMB25m, RMB25m and RMB50m respectively.......... Read UK food and drink exports at record highs Favourable exchange rates have helped boost UK exports of food and non-alcoholic drinks, which have hit record levels according to the latest data. Research commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has revealed that exports were worth £9.23bn in 2008, up 20% in value terms on 2007. When alcoholic beverages – notably Scotch whisky – are included, exports hit £13.6bn. Star performers included biscuits (up 15.3%); breakfast cereals (up 12.5%); cakes (up 12%); cheese (up 16.7%); chocolate (up 10.9%); sauces and condiments (up 21%); soft drinks (up 30.7%); and tea (up 14.3%). Together, exports of these added value products were worth almost £1.9bn. The overall performance was also boosted by a buoyant red meat sector, recovering after the lifting of foot and mouth restrictions; strong exports of commodity cereals; and another strong year for fish and seafood companies, which recorded overseas sales of £1bn, despite tough market conditions. Central Europe proved a particularly strong market for exports, with growth fuelled by the demand for a wide range of UK food and drink products in the former Eastern Bloc countries. Exports to Hungary were up 74.3% to £40.2M; exports to Poland were up 53.6% to £116.4M; those to Latvia were up 51% to £8.6M; to Slovakia up 45.2% to £11.5M; and to Lithuania up 32.7% to £9.7M......... Read Tesco UK growth seen picking up Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, is expected to report a pick-up in underlying UK sales growth on Tuesday, but show it is still lagging growth at rivals such as J Sainsbury (SBRY.L), which reports a day later. Tesco, which accounts for almost one in every three pounds spent in British supermarkets, has been losing market share for months in an industry benefiting from higher food prices but also offering record levels of promotions. Much of Tesco's underperformance is due to customers switching to its cheaper discount brands range, which has boosted sales volumes but meant it has not benefited from food price inflation as much as rivals, the company says....... Read Supervalue rolls out a program to identify functional foods Supervalu is rolling out a labeling program for its independent retailers to help their stores identify products that meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for important health-related attributes such as low-fat, low-cholesterol and low-calorie. Dubbed ―Healthy Elements,‖ the program is piloting in several Supervalu-supplied retail locations this month, with a nationwide launch expected for later this summer. ―Consumers are becoming more selective about the food they eat because they are more knowledgeable about how it impacts their health,‖ said Brian Audette, VP of independent sales and marketing for Supervalu‘s Supply Chain Services organization. ―Healthy Elements is a ‗source to a healthier you.‘ It is designed to make it quick, easy and convenient for shoppers in our store to identify products that will support their lifestyle choices.‖ Backed with in-store brochures, posters, and shelf labels, the program may also be included in stores‘ advertising circulars as retailers begin adopting Healthy Elements, according to Audette....... Read Healthy drinks firm in Coca Cola talks HEALTHY drinks group Provexis is continuing to talk to global giants such as Coca-Cola about using its products. The Liverpool firm has developed Fruitflow, a tomato-based drink that thins the blood and helps circulation. It was initially manufactured as a demonstration product called Sirco, but has yet to make a profit. The company lost £4.5m in the year to March, 2009, compared with a loss of £1.1m the previous year. A goodwill write-off relating to an acquisition dating back to 2005 accounted for £3m of this year‘s figure. Stephen Moon, chief executive, said: ―While the very difficult economic climate is affecting us and all companies in our sector, we continue to make progress........ Read Danone to re-enter Indian market
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The government on Tuesday cleared 23 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth Rs 565 crore including Dubai-based Damas' plan to enter the retail jewellery business in India in partnership with Gitanjali Lifestyles. The Damas proposal is worth Rs 180 crore. The finance ministry also cleared Danone's plans to re-enter the food products business. The company had quit Britannia earlier this year. The proposed joint venture between Damas and Gitanjali Lifestyles is expected to see opening of about 100 stores in three years with a projected investment of over Rs 300 crore. The joint venture will sell jewellery under the brands of Al Zain, Aura, Boudoor, Diabla and others. France-based Danone will now be able to operate in businesses like biscuits, mineral water, cereals, dairy, baby food and medical nutrition products. There was, however, no clarity if Danone would go it alone or operate through new joint ventures in these sectors. The company had earlier this year sold its entire stake in Britannia Industries Ltd to the Nusli Wadia Group......... Read KKR into dairy deals in China Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. said it completed a series of investments in Ma Anshan Modern Farming Co Ltd, a leading dairy farm company headquartered in China's central province of Anhui. Modern Dairy is one of the largest operators of centralised large-scale dairy farms in China, according to the announcement. With KKR's investment, Modern Dairy aims to build another 20-30 large-scale farms in China and pursue acquisitions over the next few years in order to capitalise on the industry's growth, the private equity firm said. Reuters reported last December that KKR planned to invest $100 million in the Chinese dairy, taking a stake in a fragmented and troubled industry. Other investors may pour $150 million more into the company alongside KKR, said the source at the time. Monday's announcement did not include financial terms....... Read Infant Formula Maker Synutra Reports 'Most Painful and Difficult Year in Company's History' Synutra International, Inc., a leading infant formula company in China, and a producer, marketer and seller of nutritional products for infants, children and adults, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Revenues for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2009 totaled $72.7 million, down 32.8% from $108.2 million in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2008. The decrease reflected a significant drop in sales following the September 2008 discovery that 22 Chinese formula producers' products, including some lots of Synutra's U-Smart products, were contaminated with melamine, a substance linked to illness and a number of deaths of infants and children in China. Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 was $23.0 million, down 56.0% from $52.3 million one year earlier. The decrease in gross profit was due primarily to lost sales in the aftermath of the melamine incident, including the product recall and the recall-related costs........ Read Burcon raises $16.9 million, lists on TSX Burcon NutraScience Corporation has announced that it has completed its previously announced financing led by Paradigm Capital Inc., and including BMO Capital Markets and Haywood Securities Inc.. The Corporation issued an aggregate of 2,942,950 common shares (including 333,950 common shares pursuant to the partial exercise of the Agents‘ over-allotment option) at a price of $5.75 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $16.9 million. In addition, Burcon‘s common shares will now be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the ―TSX‖). The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for continued research and development of Burcon‘s soy protein isolate extraction and purification technology (CLARISOY™), further refining of Burcon‘s canola protein isolate extraction and purification technology (Puratein® and Supertein™), filing new patent applications and expanding Burcon‘s intellectual property portfolio, and for general working capital purposes, all as more particularly set out in Burcon‘s final prospectus dated June 10, 2009. ―We are pleased with the strong response from our new institutional shareholders, particularly at a time when access to capital remains difficult. The completion of this financing serves as a validation of the potential of our products and technologies,‖ said Johann F. Tergesen, President and Chief Operating Officer, adding, ―This financing greatly strengthens Burcon's balance sheet, providing important flexibility to entertain a broad range of potential strategic alliances arising from our recently announced soy protein isolate technology and CLARISOY™.‖.......... Read
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Tropicana Launches 'Get Your Fruit On!' Campaign to Help Narrow the Gap in the Nation's Fruit Consumption Seven out of ten American adults are not getting enough fruit in their daily diets, despite the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommendation to consume four servings, or two cups, of fruit a day as part of an overall healthy diet (based on an average 2,000-calorie diet).(1) Americans have long struggled to meet this goal as fruit consumption has remained stagnant since the 1980s.(1) For those who do manage to get some fruit in their diet, 100 percent orange juice represents one of the main sources of fruit,(2) as one nutrient-dense, eight-ounce glass of orange juice delivers two fruit servings.(3) To help narrow the fruit gap for kids in need and encourage Americans to increase their fruit consumption, Tropicana Products, Inc., a division of PepsiCo, Inc. [PEP], is rallying people to "Get Your Fruit On!" with Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice starting in June: National Fruit and Vegetable Month....... Read
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Consumer & Market Trends & Market Size Global Organic Market Slows: companies looking at Organic+ Strategies Global organic food sales have been increasing by over US $5 billion a year, exceeding US $50 billion in 2008. However, single digit-growth could occur for the first time this year because the global economic slowdown is impacting organic product sales. Organic food sales are being affected by the reduction in consumer spending power and declining investment levels. Consumers are curbing expenditure on food products because of rising price sensitivity, whereas investment from new entrants and financers has dwindled. The UK market has been the most adversely affected, with just 2 % growth reported in 2008. Organic Monitor finds another factor affecting market growth is increasing consumer sophistication. Consumers are demanding more from organic food products; they are increasingly looking at ethical sourcing, traceability, the carbon footprint, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Thus, the organic production method only partially meets rising consumer expectations. Recognising the change consumer behaviour, leading organic food companies are adopting ‗Organic Plus‘ strategies. Such companies are going beyond organic and adopting highly ethical, ecological and sustainable business practices. Increasingly, these companies are marketing their organic products on these values....... Read New study: Nearly three-quarters of U.S. families buy organic products Tightening their spending habits amid economic uncertainty, U.S. families, however, are not giving up their purchases of organic products. In fact, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of U.S. families buy organic products at least occasionally, chiefly for health reasons according to a new study to be unveiled this week. Findings from the 2009 U.S. Families‘ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study, jointly sponsored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and KIWI Magazine, also show that three in ten U.S. families (31 percent) are actually buying more organic foods compared to a year ago, with many parents preferring to reduce their spending in other areas before targeting organic product cuts. In fact, 17 percent of U.S. families said their largest increases in spending in the past year were for organic products. ―These findings reinforce the data collected in OTA‘s 2009 Organic Industry Survey that showed continued healthy growth in U.S. sales of organic products,‖ said Christine Bushway, OTA‘s executive director.......... Read 91% of Shoppers Will Keep Buying Store Brands After Recession Ends New consumer polling data shows that an overwhelming majority of U.S. supermarket shoppers will continue purchasing store brand products after the recession is over. A poll conducted this month by
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GfK Custom Research North America for the Private Label Manufacturers Association reports that 91% of shoppers say they will keep buying store brand products after the recession ends. Conversely, only 8% of the consumer polled said they will stop buying these products. The quality of store brand products is a big factor in convincing shoppers to keep buying them. The GfK poll found that 9 of every 10 shoppers agree that the store brand products they buy are just as good as, or better than, national brand products. This positive experience makes shoppers eager for an even greater assortment of store brand products from which to choose. Nearly half of consumers polled said they wanted their supermarket to carry a greater assortment of private label products. GfK found that the recession is still having a big impact on shoppers: * More than half (54%) of them say the recession is an important factor in their decision-making and 32% say it is very important. * Well into the recession, shoppers are still switching to store brands. The poll found that 35% of shoppers are trying store brand products in categories where they had previously only purchased national brand items. * More than 3 of every 10 shoppers say they are now buying more store brand products than they were a year ago. ....................... Read Understanding ―Green‖ shoppers and their shopping behaviour towards sustainable products The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) enlisted Deloitte to conduct a study to examine the behavior of consumers related to the purchase of sustainable products. Deloitte conducted a direct study of more than 6,000 shopper experiences in 11 major retailers of varying formats to understand the characteristics of the green shopper and to examine their shopping responses to sustainability issues. ―Green Shoppers‖ may not fit the granola stereotype. Demographically, they are diversely spread along all income ranges, age brackets, education levels and various household sizes. On average green shoppers are a little older, tend to have higher income, and more education, but you will find substantial numbers of green shoppers can be found distributed across the consumer population. Green shoppers are a great customer target, representing a high value segment who buy more products on each trip, visit the store more regularly, and demonstrate more brand and retailer loyalty in their purchasing behavior. They are active consumers who buy more and shop more often as opposed to the image of an austere minimalist. They are less price sensitive than the average shopper and they are generally not bargain hunters. Sustainability considerations either drive or influence the buying decisions of more than half the shoppers interviewed in our study. However, for most green shoppers, sustainability considerations are an important purchase driver, but secondary to other dominant purchase drivers. For most shoppers sustainable considerations become a tie-breaker when other factors are in relative parity. Because of this effect, sustainability characteristics drive a relatively large amount of product switching. Once a more sustainable product has captured the shopper‘s commitment it tends to create brand stickiness by retaining the shopper‘s loyalty through repurchase. We found that green shoppers
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are still on a learning curve. They do not always understand the social and environmental benefits and they need help at the point of purchase. They are continuing to be educated by the media and the product information that is available to them. The study found the rate of green purchase was very sensitive to the use of in-store communication and information. A significant minority of committed and proactive green shoppers are willing to pay more for green products, however, the larger potential population of shoppers that lean towards green want price and performance parity for sustainable products because it is not their dominant purchase driver.......... pdf, 28 pages....... Read Supplements sales soar as Indians clamour for health fix Sales of vitamins and dietary supplements in India rose 55 per cent between 2003 and 2008 and will increase again by 33 per cent over the next five years, according to a new report from Euromonitor International. The market was worth 25.5 billion rupees ($500 million) last year, up from 16.5 billion rupees ($334 million) in 2003, and will hit 34 billion rupees ($688 million) by 2013, the researcher said in 'Vitamins and Dietary Supplements — India'. Dietary supplements represented by far the largest part of the market — 80 per cent in 2008, with sales driven by a desire to prevent disease. The report stated: "Due to rising urbanisation, a growing economy and hectic lifestyles, the average urbanite has become more prone to fall sick, due to a variety of problems, such as digestive issues, headaches, fever and muscle ache.......... Read NZ dairy industry tipped to keep growing despite increased competition New Zealand's dairy sector will face increased international competition as developing nations dominate production growth over the next decade, says a report by the OECD and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation. The Agricultural Outlook 2009-2018 report said average dairy prices, in real terms, were likely to be slightly higher for the period relative to 1997-2006 - driven by rising energy and vegetable oil prices......... Read Young Adults Not Drinking Enough Milk Calcium and dairy products play major roles in health maintenance and the prevention of chronic disease. Because peak bone mass is not achieved until the third decade of life, it is particularly important for young adults to consume adequate amounts of calcium, protein and vitamin D found in dairy products to support health and prevent osteoporosis later in life. In a study in the July/August issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, researchers report that young people actually reduce their intake of calcium and dairy products as they enter their twenties. Drawing data from Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a prospective, population-based study designed to examine determinants of dietary intake and weight status, the responses of over 1,500 young adults (45% male) were analyzed by investigators from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. The mean age of participants was 15.9 years at baseline and 20.5 years at follow-up.......... Read Dairy growth highlights future packaging challenges: Report Dairy product sales in the US have continued to rise during 2008, defying higher prices for consumers and creating a number of challenges and opportunities for packagers in the future, according to a new report. The survey compiled by trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) reveals demand for dairy products in the US alone was found to be up by two per cent, negating a nine per cent hike in pricing during 2008. The report suggests further growth potential for dairies over the coming twelve months amidst continuing volatility in milk and commodity prices, putting packagers under greater pressure to meet specific innovation needs amongst processors. Citing information from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the report suggests that with a retail value of about $50bn (€35.7) per year, the dairy industry is now the fourth fastest growing grocery segment in the US. ―However, the industry also faces challenges, such as uncertain availability for raw materials and price fluctuations, which are likely to intensify in the coming years,‖ states the report. According to the PMMI, the US dairy segment is currently dominated by 15 so called ‗mega dairies‘, suggesting further consolidation by a growing number of manufacturers........ Read
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Finances Trigger American Reluctance to Spend More on Healthier Foods; Soy Remains a Favorite Ingredient for Families Seeking Affordable Meals Almost half (46 percent) of Americans are reluctant to spend more on healthier versions of food, the United Soybean Board's (USB) 2009 Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition survey reveals. This is not for lack of interest: Of those not willing to spend more, 52 percent confirm the reason is financial. However, nutritious foods don't always come with a hefty price tag. Nutrient-dense soyfoods are affordable and allow Americans to eat healthy for less. According to the sixteenth annual research study, 87 percent of Americans express concern about the nutritional content of the food they eat, a number that reflects Americans' interest in healthier foods. While consumers juggle nutrition and economic value, 88 percent still consider nutrition important when purchasing foods at the grocery store. Within price constraints, Americans are taking greater control of their health by choosing functional foods that provide specific health benefits. According to Packaged Facts' Functional Foods and Beverages study, U.S. retail sales for functional foods totaled $31 billion in 2008, an increase from $26.9 billion in 2006. Soymilk faired especially well in sales. USB's study demonstrates the heightened awareness of soyfoods' health benefits, as 84 percent of Americans rate soy as healthy, up 25 percentage points over the last 12 years. In fact, one-third of Americans purchase foods specifically because they contain soy.......... Read Windows of hope for global retailers – AT Kerney In a year when consumer spending and retail sales are declining in home markets, global expansion to emerging markets increases in importance as a strategy for growth. Unlike most developed markets, GDP in emerging markets is expected to continue to grow, albeit at a slower rate, and populations in many emerging countries are younger, increasingly urban and showing a growing interest in modern retail formats. The larger, more resilient emerging markets sit atop the 2009 GRDI as they are most likely to lead the economic recovery. India is ranked number one, followed by Russia and China in the eighth annual Global Retail Development IndexTM, a study of retail investment attractiveness among 30 emerging markets. The 2009 GRDI findings include: * India tops the list of most attractive emerging markets followed by Russia and China * The UAE climbs 16 places in the GRDI due to high retail spending per capita and Abu Dhabi's promise of retail opportunity * Vietnam falls six places due to declines in exports and the resulting decline in GDP, but long-term outlook is still positive * Leading the 2009 Apparel Index, Brazil is the most attractive emerging market for retail apparel driven by total clothing sales, young population and high annual clothing sales per capita .................. pdf, 24 pages...... Read UK breakfast cereals show strong popularity abroad, FDF report UK exports of cereals and bakery products last year rose by almost 30 per cent over the previous year, led by breakfast cereal exports, according to a recent report from the nation‘s Food and Drink Federation (FDF). Total exports in this category – which includes breakfast cereals, sweet biscuits,
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savoury biscuits, cakes and breads – reached £1.9bn in 2008. This was the second largest category of overall food and drink exports, making up almost 20 percent of total exports during the year, which were valued at £9.2bn. Breakfast cereals made up the largest part of the cereal and bakery goods export category, accounting for £353m. Exports of cereals rose just under 13 per cent in 2008. The largest market for UK cereals is Ireland, which is worth £103m. Exports to Ireland in 2008 were up almost 15 per cent on the previous year........... Read
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Recent Market Research Reports Title
Price
Publisher
2009 U.S. Families‘ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study This ground-breaking study sponsored by the Organic Trade Association and KIWI Magazine compiles results gathered from 1,200 families across the United States. This report identifies those who promote buying organic, the typical path of purchases, organic grocery shopping experiences, and consumers‘ understanding of organic product labels. Findings are available in a written report and accompanying CD providing a PowerPoint presentation of study highlights........ Read
USD 2495
OTA
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Innovations, Intellectual Property, New Products and Ingredients Nutricia Launches Nutra Neocate, Weaning Product Designed For Cows' Milk Protein Allergy Nutricia, the European market leader in advanced medical nutrition, has announced the launch of Neocate Nutra, the first and only weaning product made from 100% non-allergenic amino acids. Neocate Nutra has been specifically developed for weaning infants and older children with cows' milk protein allergy (CMPA) and multiple food protein intolerance (MFPI). Neocate Nutra represents a groundbreaking advance in the management of CMPA, a condition which affects between 2 to 7.5% of infants worldwide.1 With the launch of Neocate Nutra, parents of CMPA infants of a weaning age and above can, for the first time, choose with confidence a weaning product that is made from 100% non-allergenic amino acids, ruling out any possible allergic reactions caused by an exposure to any trace of cows' milk. Neocate Nutra contains key essential nutrients potentially missing from a dairy-free diet and contains a child's full dietary requirements of calcium and two thirds of their daily requirements for iron and vitamin D*. This helps to ensure valuable nutrition for healthy bones, growth and development throughout the weaning stage and beyond........ Read New probiotic dietary supplement for infants A new probiotic dietary supplement for infants is the latest result of the close working partnership between Chr. Hansen and the Latvian company Sagitus. Company Sagitus Ltd. is now ready with a line extension for babies of its successful ―LIVEO‖ probiotic dietary supplement. Since the company launched this product line for kids and adults in late 2007 it has gained so much popularity in the Baltic region that Dr Zvaigzne, Director of Sagitus Ltd, has decided to market a special product for infants from 0-2 years old. A medical doctor himself, Dr Zvaigzne, Director of Sagitus, knows how important a well balanced intestinal flora is to the immune system and the general wellbeing for humans - not least to babies, who often suffer from colic. The new ―LIVEO‖ satches for infants contain Chr. Hansen‘s well-documented health promoting strain BB-12. This
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bifidobacterium is a natural inhabitant of the infant flora and one of the best clinically documented probiotic strains in the world....... Read Burgundy launches spinach extract French supplier Burgundy has developed a spinach extract it says has a higher antioxidant payload than vitamin E and which trades for about the same price as its standardized grape seed extract. Its spincah extract, Spineol, registered the interest of about 30 food supplements companies at the Vitafoods trade show in Geneva in May, where it was launched. Gontran Gaillot, sales manager for Burgundy, told NutraIngredients.com the ingredient had been produced only today at commercial levels for the first time and research was ongoing into its health benefits. The sports nutrition and muscle recovery markets (including muscle fatigue in the elderly) were being targeted, and an in vivo study investigating the extracts ability to deliver in this area was due for completion by August or September. It does this by delaying the formation of hypoxy metabolites in muscles........ Read Endurance bar United States Patent Application 20090148584 A nutritional composition for enhancing endurance comprising one or more carbohydrates including galactose, fat, protein, fibre, and optional further ingredients, wherein the ratio of carbohydrates: protein is in the range of about 2:1 to about 4:1 and wherein at least 50% of the protein is selected from a group consisting of: whey protein, casein, whey protein hydrolysate, wheat protein hydrolysate and mixtures thereof........ Read New strains of lactobacillus paracasei United States Patent Application 20090148561 (Probi AB) New strains of lactobacillus paracasei which can be used as probiotics in dairy products and which are characterized in surviving the gastrointestinal passage and giving a palatable cheese product when used as an adjunct in cheese manufacturing. The invention especially refers to the new strains Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2, DSM 13434, and Lactobacillus paracasei 02A, DSM 13432. The invention also refers to dairy food products, such as cheese, containing said strains......... Read Jucara and acai fruit-based dietary supplements United States Patent Application 20090148390 The present invention relates to stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements. Specifically, the inventions relates to compositions of Acai fruit and Jucara fruit with high antioxidant capability and cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activity, and their uses. The invention further provides for methods of making stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements from Acai fruit and Jucara fruit....... Read Bakery product with white chocolate comprising fibre WO/2009/068248 – Barry Callebuet A bakery product comprises white chocolate in the form of one or more discrete pieces, wherein the white chocolate comprises an effective amount of fibre to reduce shape deformation and/or browning of the white chocolate during the production of the bakery product........ Read Protein-based probiotic encapsulates WO/2009/070012 (NIZO) The invention provides an encapsulate comprising a protein-based encapsulation matrix that envelops one or more probiotic bacteria, preferably Gram-positive probiotic bacteria; said encapsulate having a mass weighted average diameter in the range of 1-5000 &mgr;m, wherein the protein-based encapsulation matrix contains at least 10 wt.% of a protein that has been cross- linked by means disulfide cross-links, said protein-based matrix further being characterized in that: (i) less than 75 wt.%, preferably less than 40 wt.% of the protein contained in the protein-based matrix can be dissolved when 75 mg of the encapsulate is dispersed in 50 ml distilled water having a temperature of 5°C at any pH within the range of 3.0-7.0; and (ii) the weight percentage of the protein that can be dissolved is at least a factor 1.3 higher when in the procedure under i) the distilled water is
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replaced by an aqueous solution of 2 wt.% dithiothreitol (DTT). The encapsulate according to the present exhibits high survival rate when digested, and can be produced via a robust and relatively simple manufacturing process. The invention also provides a process for the manufacture of the aforementioned encapsulate........ Read Lipid emulsion for human consumption WO/2009/068651 - DSM An oil-in-water emulsion suitable for direct human consumption as a dietary supplement and for adding to food products, including functional foods, comprises a triglyceride oil having a solid fat content in the range of ambient to body temperature, galactolipid, an a cholesterol-lowering amount of a sterol of vegetable origin selected from phytosterol, phytostanol, campesterol, campestanol, ester of phytosterol, ester of phytostannol, ester of campesterol, ester of campestanol, and their mixtures. An oil-in-water emulsion comprises a triglyceride oil having a solid fat content in the range of ambient to body temperature, galactolipid, a cholesterol-lowering amount of a sterol of vegetable origin selected from phytosterol, phytostanol, campesterol, campestanol, ester of phytosterol, ester of phytostannol, ester of campesterol, ester of campestanol, and their mixtures, and water. Also disclosed is a food product or dietary supplement comprising the emulsion, a method of producing the emulsion and uses of the emulsion........ Read Live Young Launches New Enhanced Water In Alumi-Tek Bottles A blend of vitamins and the EGCG antioxidant which claims to stimulate thermo genesis, a process critical to weight loss and fat burning Live Young Forever Health and Wellness (LYF), Alberta, Canada based company has introduced Live Young Forever Citrus, a vitamin enhanced water, in 16 ounces Alumi-Tek aluminum bottles from Ball Corporation. According to LYF, the beverage is a blend of vitamins and the EGCG antioxidant which stimulates thermogenesis, a process critical to weight loss and fat burning. The beverage is 100% natural, using fruits and vegetable juice for color, said the company. Reportedly, it is the first enhanced water to be packaged in the Alumi-Tek bottle, which is currently used for a wide variety of other beverages including beer, energy drinks, coffee drinks and nutraceutical beverages. Ball Corporation said it leverages its two-piece aluminum beverage can manufacturing process to produce the Alumi-Tek bottle because the manufacturing technology for both packages is very similar. Alumi-Tek bottles have the same graphics found on cans and are decorated with the same printing process. Ball's aluminum beverage can plant in Monticello, Indiana, makes all three sizes including eight ounces, 12-ounces and 16-ounces bottles.......... Read Abbott Launches New Sports Nutrition Shake Developed by sports nutrition scientists, EAS Myoplex Strength Formula shakes claims to offer 25 grams of high quality protein and mix of 23 vitamins and minerals designed to help in post-workout replenishment. The company said, EAS Myoplex Strength Formula shakes complement the existing line of Myoplex powders, bars and ready-to-drink shakes, such as Myoplex Original shakes with 42 grams of protein, that help meet the nutrition requirements of other types of athletes. EAS Myoplex Strength Formula shakes are currently undergoing the certification process, said Abbott. The experts at elite athlete training facility Athletes' Performance exclusively serve EAS sports nutrition products at the facilities. EAS Myoplex Strength Formula shakes are available in four flavors such as Chocolate Cream, Vanilla Cream, Strawberry Cream and Banana Cream and are available are available in grocery stores, drug stores and mass stores. Monica Hysell, general manager of Abbott Nutrition and division vice president, Healthy Living, said: "It can be difficult to get the proper nutrition to refuel the body after working out. That's why Abbott made it easier than ever to drink an EAS Myoplex Strength
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Formula shake, not only does it have a delicious new taste, it also has an easy-to-handle shape and reclosable top. It's just one more way Abbott is making it convenient to get proper nutrition after exercising."........ Read Sirco launches new heart health drink Sirco is a new heart-health fruit juice drink which the manufacturers claim has been scientifically proven to help keep hearts and circulatory systems healthy. Multiple Marketing, which has launched Sirco has positioned it as a ―healthy heart‖ drink and the active ingredient is ―Fruitflow‖ which is a unique bioactive extract from ripe tomatoes that has been proven to ‗smooth‘ blood platelets, benefit circulation and so maintain a healthy heart. Dr Chris Steele, MBI and resident GP on This Morning TV Programme stated ―Fruitflow is an interesting scientific discovery from tomatoes that has the ability to help smooth platelets so they don‘t stick together and blood can flow freely which contribute towards a healthy heart and circulation. Simple lifestyle changes can make an incredible difference to our cardiovascular health and drinks such as Sirco offers people the opportunity to look after their heart health as part of a daily healthy diet.‖........ Read
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Regulations, Labelling & Related News EFSA's scientific experts meet applicants on health claims process EFSA's scientific experts meet applicants on health claims process Experts from EFSA's Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA) met health claims applicants and industry experts in Brussels on 15 June for an exchange of views on the presentation of applications for health claim authorisations. Experts from EFSA's Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA) met health claims applicants and industry experts in Brussels on 15 June for an exchange of views on the presentation of applications for health claim authorisations. The meeting was an opportunity to further explain the claims evaluation process to applicants and provide additional guidance in the light of
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experiences gained so far with the assessment of claim applications related to Article 14 and 13(5) claims of the Regulation on nutrition and health claims. Professor Albert Flynn, Chair of EFSA's NDA Panel said: "This has been a very successful public consultation on EFSA's evaluation of health claims. Our discussions with industry on guidance and new communications procedures will help applicants for the authorisation of claims and will also benefit the overall efficiency of EFSA's evaluation process."........ Read EU Groups Want Review of Article 13 Claims Process As the July deadline for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to release its first list of health claims evaluated under the new Article 13 regulation approaches, three European trade associations are asking the European Commission (EC) to head back to the drawing board and reassess the review process. The European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers (EHPM), the European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA) and the European Botanical Forum (EBF) issued a joint statement on the situation, pointing out EFSA has sent back about half of the 4,000 claims initially submitted by the EC for clarification, despite several rounds of meetings among the member states and EC. ―We fear that the current process will lead to dismissal of a majority of the article 13 entries, not because of insufficient substantiation but because of a lack of clarity on an important number of issues that should first be addressed,‖ said Gert Krabichler, chairman of ERNA. ―Therefore we believe that the EC should take the time to carefully clarify all issues in a formal dialogue with stakeholders.‖ Peter van Doorn, chairman of EHPM, added: ―The nutrition and health claims regulation is of crucial importance for our member companies as food supplement products need to indicate their effect and intended use in order to allow consumers to make an informed choice. These indications are considered as health claims and the vast majority are based on generally accepted scientific evidence, covered by the Article 13 claims list. Many of these have been on the market for decades. We have entered a crucial phase now with the publication of the first EFSA opinions on these claims expected by the end of July, and we are extremely concerned that the process followed is not working.‖......... Read Europe to get omega-3 food content claim A draft amendment to the 2006 nutrition and health claims regulation will see omega-3 content claims permitted across the European Union for the first time, possibly by year‘s end. The draft recommends levels of EPA, DHA and ALA products must contain if they are to carry either "Source of omega-3 fatty acids" and "High in omega-3 fatty acids" label claims. Those levels are 300mg of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) per 100g [and per 100kcal], or 30mg of the sum of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) per 100g/100kcal for the ‗source of‘ claim. For the ‗high in‘ claim, the levels are double. DHA and EPA are backed in many studies to boost brain and heart health, while ALA's benefits are more related to general health. While many welcomed the amendment for being a step in the right direction because it demarcates between ALA and DHA/EPA and formalises levels, others questioned the method used to determine those levels. Adam Ismail, the executive director at the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED), said establishing an EU-wide level was a step in the right direction, but stressed the wider need to establish a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI).......... Read US Senate looks at taxing on carbonated and sweetened beverages The Senate Finance Committee, looking for ways to pay for health reforms, has been considering the possibility of attaching a federal excise tax for the first time to soda and other drinks sweetened with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners. Increasing the taxes on alcoholic beverages has also been on the congressional table. It seems unlikely that these ideas will make it into the health-care legislation that Congress will tackle this year. In an interview with CNBC, committee chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said they're "on life support." Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, described them as "nuisance taxes." However, some leading health experts applaud the ideas, saying these kinds of taxes could cut consumption of high-calorie soda and help obese Americans lose weight; and they argue that more taxes on alcohol could reduce drinking and pay for some of the costs of alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver....... Read
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FSANZ issues a fact sheet on cereal-based beverages including rice and oat drinks Cereal-based beverages are made from cereals such as rice and oats, and are mainly used as a milk or soy beverage substitute. Cereal-based beverages are used by people who are allergic/intolerant to dairy and/or soy foods, or by those who choose not to consume dairy products either for health or ethical reasons. For those people with allergies/intolerances to dairy and/or soy foods, cereal-based beverages can be used to replace milk or soy beverage as a drink and in baking and cooking. For those wishing to avoid dairy products for other reasons, such as vegans, cereal-based beverages extend the range of milk substitutes available. Is the nutritional composition of cereal-based beverages comparable to milk? No, the composition of cereal-based beverages is different to the composition of milk. The amount of protein in cereal-based beverages is much less than in milk, as cereal-based beverages generally only contain about 10% of the protein found in milk. Some cereal-based beverages now contain added protein, however their protein content is still not equal to milk. The vitamin and mineral content also differs between milk and cereal-based beverages. Milk naturally contains higher levels and a broader range of vitamins and minerals compared with cereal-based beverages. Cereal-based beverages are permitted to contain added selected vitamins and minerals, including calcium, riboflavin and vitamin D, according to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These added vitamins and minerals allow cereal-based beverages to better reflect the nutritional content of milk. It is important to note that these permissions are voluntary, and therefore each manufacturer of cereal-based beverages may choose to add none, some or all of the permitted vitamins and minerals........... Read Manufacturers in Australia sign up to AFGC‘s Responsible Children‘s Marketing Initiative Sixteen major food and beverage manufacturers have now signed up to the Australian Food and Grocery Council‘s Responsible Children‘s Marketing Initiative, as the AFGC announced full details of the compliance program. The companies have publicly committed not to advertise to children aged under 12, unless the product promotes healthy dietary choices and a healthy lifestyle consistent with scientific standards. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said the initiative, which came into effect at the start of the year, is underpinned by a rigorous and transparent compliance program with complaints administered by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB). The George Institute for International Health, a research institute focused on chronic disease, would assist in arbitrating issues surrounding the compliance of the advertisement with the Company Action Plans put forward by the participating food companies............ Read European health claim adoption for Provexis FUNCTIONAL food company Provexis has become the first company to have the health claims of its Fruitflow anti-thrombotic technology adopted by the European Food Safety Authority. The EU has introduced regulation aimed at harmonizing and approving nutrition and health claims on food, and, following review by the EFSA panel, it has confirmed the beneficial health claims made by Provexis relating to the consumption of Fruitflow. Final authorisation is expected to be completed within the coming weeks....... Read Fenchem Seeking AIB Approval for Inulin Product Fenchem, a producer of inulin, is working to receive the GMP stamp of approval from the AIB (American Institute of Baking). Following their successful organic certification, Fenchem is now aiming to deliver safe and high quality In-fibre inulin to food manufacturers, which will further demonstrate Fenchem's commitment to safety and hygiene. AIB International's audit involves an evaluation of the company‘s food safety and hygiene programme, the manpower required to make it effective, cleaning schedules, methods and training of hygiene operatives and management's involvement in food safety. Fenchem expects to achieve the ‗superior rating‘ from AIB........ Read
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Nutrition, Health Research & Related News Moderate consumption of red wine may have protective benefits against all-cause mortality A new study published in the September issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research reveals that moderate consumption of red wine may have protective benefits against all-cause mortality because of the presence of polyphenols—particularly resveratrol. The therapeutic potential of resveratrol, firstly in cancer chemoprevention and then later for cardioprotection, has stimulated many studies on the possible mechanisms of action. Further indications for resveratrol have been developed, including the prevention of age-related disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the study, the improvements are remarkably similar yet there is an important dichotomy—low doses improve cell survival as in cardio- and neuro-protection yet high doses increase cell death as in cancer treatment. Fewer studies have examined the responses to other components of red wine, but the results have, in general, been similar to resveratrol........ Read Diet foods encourage overeating, study finds Researchers offer an answer to the conundrum of why sticking slavishly to low-calorie meals often still fails to shift the pounds. It is every dieter's nightmare: hopping on to the scales after weeks of forgoing steak for salad, only to find they haven't lost an ounce. Now researchers at the University of Bristol claim to have found a simple explanation for this phenomenon: when people choose lower-calorie dishes, they just compensate by eating bigger portions. These findings are sure to come as a blow to the diet industry, which makes millions selling low-calorie foods, but should make cheering reading for any dieters sworn off their favourite fatty foods. The study also showed that when faced with foods they liked, participants did not pick bigger portions of them than of any other food. "A person's perception of how full a meal will make them feel will no doubt affect portion size," said Lisa Miles, a nutritionist at the British Nutrition Foundation. "It's so important to be aware of behavioural triggers for over-eating." The researchers, who studied the responses of 76 people to 18 different foods, found that people quickly learnt if food offered fewer calories per serving and upped their portion size to compensate. "We know from experimental studies that eating large portions does not necessarily mean that you eat less at a subsequent meal, so this can lead to an increase in calorie intake overall," Ms Miles said......... Read New study refutes link between obesity and fast-food locations A new study by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) researchers contradicts the theory that children living near a fast food outlet are more likely to be overweight and those living near a supermarket, which sells fruit and veg, would be less likely to be overweight. The IUPUI investigators in economics, pediatrics, geography and urban planning compared children‘s weights over time before and after one of these food purveyors moved near the children‘s residences. Living near a fast food outlet had little effect on weight and living near a supermarket did not lower it. The IUPUI researchers also report that residing near certain recreational amenities - fitness areas, gyms, and sporting facilities - lowers children‘s body mass indexes (adjusted for normal childhood growth). Reducing obesity in children is a high priority in health care and public policy, yet its causes and, consequently, what medical interventions might be effective, are not well understood. ―This study contradicts anecdotal information and provides scientifically verified insights into a wide range of variables that we hope will help physicians and public policy makers fight childhood obesity more effectively,‖ said the study‘s first author Robert Sandy, Ph.D., professor of economics and assistant executive vice president of Indiana University........ Read Severe Obesity Increases Risks of Health Problems During Surgery Healthcare providers must carefully consider the unique risk factors related to severe obesity in patients undergoing all types of surgery, according to an American Heart Association scientific advisory published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Heart problems in particular are often underestimated during a physical examination in the severely obese patient, according to the advisory. ―A severely obese
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patient can be technically difficult to evaluate prior to surgery,‖ said Paul Poirier, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the advisory and associate professor at Université Laval Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie Hôpital Laval in Québec, Canada. ―For example, severely obese people might feel chest tightness that could be a symptom of their obesity or of an underlying cardiac problem. Doctors need to carefully evaluate severely obese patients before they have surgery.‖........ Read Oligofructose Product Shown to Support Body Weight Loss A new independent study published this month, led by Dr. Reimer from the University of Calgary in Canada, shows for the first time that oligofructose (OraftiP95) supplementation allows to decrease body weight and energy intake in overweight and obese adults, and this, without any lifestyle or dietary change. Results of this study come as a breakthrough, and add to the earlier findings supporting the potential of inulin-type fructans in promoting body weight management. An investigation has previously shown that supplementation of the diet of healthy adolescents with oligofructose enriched inulin (OraftiSynergy) during 1 year supports appropriate development of body weight and body mass index (BMI) during the growing phase. Adolescents showed lower body fat mass when receiving OraftiSynergy, compared with the control group1. In a former human intervention study, the intake of oligofructose (OraftiP95) by healthy adults resulted in a lower daily energy intake together with reported feelings of prolonged fullness and reduced hunger perception........ Read Could vinegar be natural fat fighter? Ordinary vinegar – acetic acid – may prevent the build up of fat, and therefore weight gain, according to results of a study with mice from Japan. Animals fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with acetic acid developed about 10 per cent less body fat than mice just eating the diet, according to findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. If the results can be repeated in further studies, particularly in human studies, it could see vinegar establish itself in the burgeoning weight management category, estimated to be worth about US$0.93bn (€0.73bn) in Europe in 2005 and $3.93bn in the US, indicating that call to slim down or face the health consequences is being heeded by a slice of the overweight population at least, according to Euromonitor International. The Japanese researchers, led by Tomoo Kondo from the Central Research Institute of the Mizkan Group Corporation, found that vinegar was working at a genetic level, by influencing genes linked to fatty acid oxidation and heat-generating (energy burning) proteins........ Read Back to the Table of Contents
Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications Fortified Foods: How Healthy Are They? Food companies are getting more creative with the products they're enhancing -- collagen-infused marshmallow, anyone? But can they really deliver on the health benefits they claim? Care for a dose of probiotics in your salsa? Or some omega-3 fatty acid -- derived from Peruvian sardines -- with your orange juice? In recent years there's been a boom in the number of foods enhanced to have health benefits, and consumers' appetite for the trend has been large. Shoppers can now buy pasta that's enriched with calcium, ketchup that boasts probiotics for digestive wellness and soda that's host to an array of daily vitamins. Japanese exporter EIWA Confectionery is marketing marshmallows infused with skin-boosting collagen, and Canada Dry has introduced a heart-healthy ginger ale pumped with green tea, thought to reduce the incidence of heart disease. In development are even more combinations: cheese made with cholesterol-lowering plant sterols, a calorie-free probiotic sweetener and amino-acid energy drinks to target joint health. The function foods market has skyrocketed in the past few years, and even more enhanced products are in the pipeline. In 2008, functional foods -- defined as foods believed to possess health benefits beyond the basic function of providing nutrients -- made up a $30.7 billion market, according to research firm Packaged Facts, and that figure is predicted to grow by 40% over the next five years. Between 2006 and 2008, the number of omega-3 fortified products alone increased by 68%, reported Mintel's Global New Products Database.
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The heart-healthy fatty acid found in fish turned up in well over 1,550 items, ranging from orange juice and cereal to bread and peanut butter. Consumers seem to be eating it up: 83% have expressed interest in products with added health benefits, according to a 2008 International Food Information Council survey............... Read UK soft drinks industry continues to cut emissions Soft drinks manufacturer AG Barr is making substantial progress on environmental initiatives, according to the British Soft Drinks Association‘s (BSDA‘s) 2009 sustainability progress report. It has submitted a planning application for the erection of a two-megawatt wind turbine with the potential to generate more than 60% of the electricity for its Cumbernauld site. The project could reduce annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2,800t. AG Barr is also introducing a utilities monitoring system at Cumbernauld. A similar system at its Mansfield factory has cut energy use by 7%. The firm diverted nearly 83% of its waste away from landfill in 2008 and its packaging suppliers aim to reduce the weight of its plastic packaging by up to 139t in 2009–2010. In addition, it is trialling the introduction of recycled polyethyl terephthalate on specific products. The company has saved 388,000 vehicle miles per year and achieved a further 12% reduction in road miles since 2006 through vehicle re-routing and investment in a transport planning system. It claims the acquisition of a warehouse facility next to its Cumbernauld site will save an extra 80,000 road miles annually. The BSDA‘s report Sustainability in Practice: The Soft Drinks Industry Sustainability Strategy: One Year On follows the launch of the soft drinks industry‘s Sustainability Strategy in June 2008. The document was unveiled at the BSDA‘s annual lunch in London. Included in the document were other case studies from a range of BSDA members. They charted Britvic‘s progress in cutting 511t of GHG emissions since last year and Princes‘ work to take 46% of packaging weight – 470t of plastic annually – out of its supply chain....... pdf, 16 pages....... Read Is the conventional food and beverage market going natural? A convergence of factors points to a shift within the conventional food world that natural, nutritious and sustainable should be on the corporate dashboard of any successful or wannabe successful food company. A chain of recent events points to a realignment of the supply chain that could facilitate changes in the near future and allow manufacturers to better meet consumer demand for products that are eco-conscious and healthy. The first signal came on June 3 at the Organic Summit held in Stevenson, Washington, where organic policy makers, farmers, manufacturers and media experts watched a video statement from Kathleen Merrigan, USDA deputy secretary. Watch here. Merrigan pledged that organic will be integrated across all agencies at USDA. She stated that, "here is where I'd like to fulfill a promise I made to many of you \[citing her history in writing the organic standards\]… and that is, organic should be integrated across all the agencies, not just the NOP, but each and every agency at USDA should have some engagement with the organic sector," adding that "Organic can no longer be stove-piped at USDA."............. Read The ORAC of organic and the promise of phyto-alexins The organic 'better-for-you' message rests upon the value proposition of what they do not contain, namely chemicals. But that's about to change with the identification of phyto-alexins. Mark J Tallon, PhD, says these phytonutrients will change the future of organic brand building. What was once considered a rock-solid category, organic is now feeling the pressure as consumers become ever more price sensitive. High-priced organics are being down-traded in a category often defined by its disciples' loyalty to the organic mantra of good for you and good for the environment. Despite sales of $21 billion in 2008 and 12 per cent growth, the category began showing signs of a slowdown in the order of five per cent over 2007-08, with some suggesting a 10 per cent fall. A cloudy issue for organic is that the category has limited science behind its health benefits beyond those achieved with foods produced through conventional farming methods (ie, using pesticides). In this case, health benefit means a specific health impact not possible when comparing organic and nonorganic foods or beverages headto-head in a randomised, controlled clinical trial — meaning a benefit by commission, not omission........... Read
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Organic: Where functional and sustainable meet A recent study shows that, when it comes to plants, a little stress is good, which may be a boon to the organics' and functional foods' industries. Apparently pampered plants from conventional farms that use modern pest-control measures are lower in phyto-alexins, naturally occurring antibiotics and antioxidants that fight off pathogens. Conversely, organically grown plants are forced to develop a stronger defence system, which boosts phyto-alexin levels. Phyto-alexins do their damage by puncturing pathogen cell walls, which delays maturation, disrupts metabolisms and prevents reproduction, essentially cutting the pathogen off at the knees before it can invade the plant's normal functions.............. Read Probiotics and gut health Although a variety of bacteria have been commonly consumed through our food supply for millennia, it wasn't until the turn of the century that ingested bacteria were proposed to have a positive influence on the normal microbial flora of the intestinal tract, which in turn would affect the health of humans. Researchers have now estimated that microflora in the adult human body consist of an enormous biomass of >100,000 billion bacteria of >400 different species, which generate metabolic activity and play an important physiologic role in humans. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are the two genera of greatest research and use regarding human health. These two groups of 'friendly' bacteria live symbiotically in our bodies in a beneficial relationship that enhances our health in a wide variety of ways. Lactobacillus organisms reside mainly in the small intestine, bifidobacteria in the large. The lactobacillus genus contains dozens of species, including such organisms as L acidophilus, L plantarum, L casei, L rhamnosus, L paracasei and L reuteri. Some of the most important members of the bifidobacteria genus include B longum, B bifidum, B breve, B lactis and B infantis. Scientists are now formulating products that contain one or more species from both genera to improve the colonisation of probiotics in both the small and large intestines............. Read Plant-Based Hypertension Management A modifiable factor in heart attacks and stroke, high blood pressure is a great candidate for natural products intervention, as many nutrients and herbs have been studied for management of prehypertension and hypertension. Blood pressure management is about the numbers. Normal blood pressure, the force blood exerts on vessel walls, is less than 120 mmHg systolic (heart beating) and less than 80 mmHg diastolic (heart relaxing). Pre-hypertension is 120-129/80-89 (systolic/diastolic). Stage 1 hypertension begins above 140/90, with stage 2 hypertension starting above 160/100. The numbers get scary when you consider the death rate from high blood pressure rose 25.2 percent from 1995 to 2005, with the actual number of deaths rising 56.4 percent during that time frame, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Add to this about one in every three Americans has high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also reported an estimated 90 percent of middle-aged adults will develop high blood pressure in the remainder of their lifetime......... Read The Medical Foods Market What is a medical food? According to FDA‘s Web site and section 5(b) of the Orphan Drug Act, ―the term ‗medical food‘ means a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.‖ Sandy Bigelow, Ph.D., principal at Vanguard Global Associates, said, ―Medical foods are supposed to be developed for the dietary management of a disease; they need to provide nutritional sustenance, necessary macro and micronutrients, and vitamins and minerals.‖ Esra Ogru, Ph.D., chief operating officer, and Jeremy Cottrell, Ph.D., research scientist, Phosphagenics, said: ―Medical foods differ from normal foods in that they have substantiated health-promoting or disease-preventing benefits beyond the basic delivery of nutrients. And, they differ from nutritional
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supplements in that they are not designed for use by healthy people, but rather as a therapy for a particular medical condition under the guidance of a medical practitioner.‖........ Read Back to the Table of Contents
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Webinars Worldwide Date
What
Presenter
Timing*
Price
Jun 25
Direct-to-Consumer Selling in the Nutrition Industry ........ Read
NBJ
11 AM MDT
USD495
Jun 30
Cultural Trends You Need to Know....... Read
Hartman Group
10 AM PDT
Free
Jul 8
Cold, Dry Package Sterilization with Electron Beams: The Evolution of Aseptic Packaging...... Read
Advanced Electron Beams
3 PM BST
Free
* For your local time, please check the US Time Zones or US Live time (for US based seminars) and then use the Time Zone Converter Back to the Table of Contents
Conferences & Meetings Worldwide When
What
Where
Jun 22
New Product Development 2009 - Driving Value in NPD…… Read
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jun 22
The Inaugural Plant & Food Research Functional Foods Symposium 2009…… Read
Christchurch, NZ
Jun 22-23
Global AgInvesting 2009………. Read
New York, US
June 23-25
NZIFST Annual Conference - Food Elements - Putting the pieces together……. Read
Christchurch, NZ
Jun 25-26
Food Ingredients – Asia-China……. Read
Shanghai, China
2009
th
Jul 1-3
4 Internal Dietary Fibre Conference…… Read
Vienna, Austria
Jul 13-16
42nd Annual AIFST Convention 2009…….. Read
Brisbane, Australia
Aug 26-28
3rd International Conference on Fermentation Technology for Value Added Agricultural Products……. Read
Bangkok, Thailand
Aug 27-29
The 7th Natural Products Expo Asia…….. Read
Hong Kong
Sept 7-10
Fine Food Australia……. Read
Sydney, Australia
Sep 10-13
SANA 2009…….. Read
Bologna, Italy
Sep 14-15
Industrial Workshop on Microencapsulation of Flavors and Bioactives for Functional Food Applications…….. Read
Minnesota, US
Sep 14-19
Drinktec….. Read
Munich, Germany
Sep 17-19
19th Workshop of The European Childhood Obesity Group……. Read
Dublin, Ireland
Sep 19
Global Dairy Platform: delivering the benefits of global collaboration… Read
Berlin, Germany
Sep 24-26
BioFach North America………. Read
Boston, US
Sept 27-30
2009 World Congress on Oils and Fats & 28th ISF Congress….. Read
Sydney, Australia
Sept 30-Oct2
6 NIZO Dairy Conference - Dairy ingredients: innovations in functionality ……. Read
Papendal, The Netherlands
Oct 4-9
19th International Congress of Nutrition…….. Read
Bangkok, Thailand
th
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Oct 7-9
BioFach Japan…………. Read
Tokyo, Japan
Oct 9-11
Healthy Food Show Healthy Weight………… Read
Melbourne, Australia
Oct 10-14
ANUGA…… Read
Cologne, Germany
Oct 14-16
Health Ingredients Japan…… Read
Tokyo, Japan
Oct 17-18
4th Practical Short Course on Functional Oils: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Market Trends, Nutrition & Health, Utilization in Food Systems…… Read
Graz, Austria
Oct 24-28
Obesity 2009……… Read
Washington DC
th
Oct 28-30
5 Nutraceutical Summit…….. Read
Mumbai, India
Oct 28-30
BioFach Latin America………… Read
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Oct 28-31
Worldwide Food Expo…… Read
Chicago, US
Nov 3-5
Soya & Oilseed Summit…… Read
New Orleans, US
Nov 9-11
Food Ingredients Asia 2009….. Read
Bangkok, Thailand
Nov 9-11
MPOB International Palm Oil Congress 2009…….. Read
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nov 11-13
2009 EFFoST CONFERENCE: New Challenges in Food Preservation: Processing - Safety – Sustainability……… Read
Budapest, Hungary
Nov 11-13
SupplySide West……. Read
Las Vegas, US
Nov 17-19
Food ingredients Europe 2009…… Read
Frankfurt, Germany
Nov 8-11
IDF World Dairy Summit 2010 …….. Read
Auckland
Nov 16-18
Hi Europe……. Read
Madrid, Spain
2010
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