Greek Yogurt Sales Soaring Despite Higher Prices

Despite being more expensive, Greek yogurt is gaining in popularity among health-conscious consumers because it has fewer calories and more protein and calcium than regular yogurt, and no saturated fat. In addition, Greek yogurt is strained, eliminating whey, leaving a healthier balance of yogurt and cheese, a thicker texture and richer flavor. Major brands in the sector include Chobani, Fage, Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt and Dannon. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, sales of Chobani Greek Yogurt increased 200 percent in the past 12 months, a performance that matches the sector overall since October 2010, according to a report by Nielsen. Meanwhile sales of regular yogurt rose only one percent.

"Greek Yogurt: A new trend", Daily Titan, Voice of California State University, March 08, 2011

Scientists, Vegans Contribute To Coconut Oil’s Burnished Image As A Health Food

Coconut oil, once vilified as an artery-clogging fat to be avoided at all costs, has now become the “darling” of the natural foods community, according to a New York Times article. Whole Foods says annual sales growth for the oil has been at the double-digits level for five years. Among the reasons for the shiny new image: scientific evidence that virgin coconut oil, which isn’t partially hydrogenated, isn’t really bad for your health after all. And vegans have discovered that coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature, is a great substitute for butter in baking.

"Once a Villain, Coconut Oil Charms the Health Food World", The New York Times, March 01, 2011

Food Manufacturers Change Packaging Because Of Concerns Over Tainted Recycled Cardboard

Health worries over boxes manufactured from recycled cardboard have led food manufacturers in Europe to change their product packaging, the BBC reports. Toxic chemicals known as mineral oils, used in printing inks in recycled newspapers, were discovered in some boxes by researchers who said the chemicals had contaminated the food they contained. Some firms have stopped using recycled cardboard completely, while others are making sure the boxes they use are not tainted by mineral oils, which have been associated with inflammation of internal organs and cancer. Swiss government scientists who analyzed pasta, rice and cereals sold in cartons manufactured from recycled cardboard found mineral oil levels ten to 100 times higher than recommended limits.

"Food sold in recycled cardboard packaging 'poses risk'", BBC News, March 08, 2011

General Mills Connects With New Ideas Via Innovation Portal

"General Mills connects with more than 1,000 innovators", General Mills press release, March 02, 2011

CPG Manufacturers Try Out Quick Response Codes Mobile Web Marketing

"CPGs Prep for Growth of QR Code Promotions", CPG Matters, March 01, 2011

General Mills Eyes Global Expansion Of Cereals Business

"General Mills Sees Growth in Global Cereal Business", Food Ingredients First, February 24, 2011

Consumer Commitment To Fair Trade Grows As More Products Become Available

Mainstream consumers are becoming more committed to Fair Trade, according to third-party certifier Fair Trade USA. Sales of Fair Trade Certified products increased 24 percent at grocery stores during 2010, the group said. Fair Trade products are now widely available: more than 700 companies offer certified products. Sales of Fair Trade Certified products at mainstream channels grew faster (26 percent) in 2010  than those of specialty grocers (22 percent) and natural grocers (16 percent). Coffee, the flagship Fair Trade category, grew 33 percent, while aromatherapy and  body oils increased 19 percent and skin care/body care grew by 32 percent. Data excludes sales at Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Markets, Walmart, cafes/restaurants and private labels.

"Mainstream Consumers Drive Fair Trade Certified Sales Up 24 Percent", News release, Fair Trade USA, March 07, 2011

Researchers Question Health Canada’s Plan To Allow Fortification Of Junk Foods

Researchers warn that Canadian consumers may reduce their intake of fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods if food products with low nutritional value are allowed to be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Health Canada has proposed the change, which the U.S. and Europe adopted in the early 1990s. According to the researchers, as concerns about obesity grow, fortifying questionable foods “is coming into question.” Many of the foods that would be fortifiable under the proposal are considered “foods to limit:” salty snacks, soft drinks, cakes and pastries, cookies, chocolate and candies, ice cream and fruit-flavored beverages. “Health Canada’s proposed discretionary fortification policy is at odds with national dietary recommendations,” the researchers wrote.

"Discretionary addition of vitamins and minerals to foods: implications for healthy eating", European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 01, 2011

Production-Line Imaging System For Bakeries Assures Perfect Sandwich Buns

Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a production-line imaging system for bakeries that assesses the quality of sandwich buns exiting the oven and automatically adjusts oven temperatures if buns are unacceptable. The researchers worked with Georgia baking company Flowers Foods and Baking Systems Technology to develop the prototype system, which is made of stainless steel, is dust and water resistant and mounts to conveyor belts as wide as 50 inches. The automated inspection-adjustment system would replace cumbersome manual procedures currently in place. The researchers say the system could be adapted to control the quality of other bakery products, such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, bread and pies.

"Imaging System Controls Baking Process on Production Line to Improve Sandwich Bun Quality", News release, Georgia Tech Research Institute, March 08, 2011

Kraft's High-Tech Kiosk Helps Consumers With Their Grocery Shopping

"Kraft Meal-Planning System Tailors Recipes, Grocery Lists to Shoppers", Advertising Age Digital, February 28, 2011

Organic Trade Show Spotlights New Flavors And Exotic Ingredients

A wide array of food products on display at the recent Biofach World Organic trade Fair in Germany were notable for their great flavor rather than innovation. From yogurts to spice mixes, manufacturers exhibited food products enhanced with “outstanding taste” and “new flavors,” according to NewHope 360 blogger Nancy Coulter-Parker. Examples of this trend include Stevia organic yogurt with “orange sallow thorn and passion fruit banana” flavors; sparkling water flavors like pear rose and cassis, elderberry, and ginger orange; and a spice mixture – Grandma’s Flash – for muffins. But new ingredients were also evident in organic personal care products. Aronia Original Naturprodukte, for xample, exhibited a line of facial lotions and products containing aronia berries, also known as “chokeberries.”

"Biofach's new natural and organic products and flavors", NewHope360 Blog, February 24, 2011

Trends Are Positive For The CPG Industry, But Companies Still Need To Market Carefully

After a recession-driven lull in 2009, consumers began to spend more in 2010, a trend that has benefited the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, which has shown signs of improvement, according to SymphonyIRI group. Declines in unit sales have slowed considerably, for example, while some departments and categories are reporting positive sales trends for the first time in five quarters. But not all consumers have leapt back into the malls and car dealerships. Many are still on the fence, “wondering if it’s a bit premature,” says John McIndoe of SymphonyIRI. With competition for consumer spending intensifying, McIndoe advises CPG companies, including food and beverage firms, to base marketing strategies on an understanding of the changing attitudes, needs and behaviors of shoppers and target segments.

"Times & Trends: CPG 2010 Year in Review: Out of Turmoil Rises Opportunity", Report, SymphonyIRI, March 03, 2011

TCI Gums Unveils Organic Stabilizers For Yogurt Products

Food industry texture and stabilization specialist TIC Gums has developed a couple of ingredients that it says make yogurt smooth and stable while meeting USDA organic certification guidelines. YG Cup Set is a 100 percent organic stabilizer made from an extract of red seaweed and designed for cup set organic yogurt products, while YG Vat Set is a specialized blend of certified organic ingredients designed for stirred yogurts. TIC Gums also provides organic agar, the latest addition to its line of certified organic gums.

"Building a Better Organic Yogurt", News release, TIC Gums, March 01, 2011

Prince Charles Encourages Fellow Britons To Pursue Organic Gardening

Great Britain’s heir to the throne Prince Charles says that organic gardening of fruits and vegetables, even if only a tiny patch, can make a difference to the environment because the plants absorb carbon, provide food and create a living area for birds and butterflies. The Prince is encouraged by the sight of people cultivating their own food, be it in gardens, allotments or containers. Himself a major landowner and gardener, the Prince says that organic gardeners especially are “key players” in tackling environmental problems because they use fewer, if any, chemicals and encourage the growth of beneficial wildlife. He hopes his own huge and successful garden at Highgrove “provides inspiration to show what can be done in a mere few decades.”

"Prince Charles says organic allotments can save the environment", Telegraph, UK, February 24, 2011

Food And Grocery Manufacturers Launch Online Direct Sales Channels In The UK

"Brands turn to direct selling online", Marketing Week, March 10, 2011

Popular Characters Affect Children's Taste For Cereals

"Influence of Licensed Spokescharacters and Health Cues on Children's Ratings of Cereal Taste", Archive of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine , March 01, 2011

Women Lead Four U.S. Organic Food And Farming Groups

"Women Now Lead Four Key U.S. Organic Food and Farm Groups", OTA, March 07, 2011

Sen. Sherrod Brown To Be Honored By Organic Trade Group

First-term Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio), chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee, will be honored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) next month with its highest award for a public servant as a “true friend and supporter” of the organic industry. Brown will receive the 2011 Public Servant Award from the organization for his support of the Organic Pilot Program and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which authorized $10 million for competitive grants for schools to incorporate organic foods in their meal offerings. According to the OTA, Brown and his staff also worked to ensure that organic interests were included in the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.

"Organic Trade Association honors Senator Sherrod Brown", News release, Organic Trade Association (OTA), March 07, 2011

Danisco Responds To Global Demand For Fiber With Increased Production Of Litesse

Responding to strong global demand for polydextrose fiber, Danisco says it is increasing production of its proprietary fiber Litesse over the next 12 months. Food industry analysts predict annual growth rates for functional fibers to exceed the food industry average, reaching up to 10 percent a year over the next five years. Danisco says its increased investment is an opportunity to boost its presence in the $1 billion market. Litesse is a low calorie, soluble fiber and prebiotic that the company believes can improve the nutritional profiles of foods and beverages through fiber enrichment, sugar reduction or replacement, calorie reduction or fat reduction.

"Danisco invests in the future of Litesse® polydextrose", News release, Danisco, March 03, 2011

Lingonberry Extract Found To Have Marked Antioxidant Effects

French researchers, including scientists from Danish food ingredients company Chr. Hansen, have found that red Nordic lingonberry extract may be used as a dietary supplement to improve antioxidant activity. A study in rats found that 23 mg per kilogram of body weight of lingonberry extract prevented a decrease in glutathione levels. Glutathione is a co-factor in the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Relatively small amounts of the extract decrease total oxidation in the body. The extract tested was introduced by Chr. Hansen in 2008. Lingonberries are rich in  phytonutrients such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Supplements are sold for their heart health, immunity and anti-aging benefits, and also as a treatment for urinary tract infection.

"Food Grade Lingonberry Extract: Polyphenolic Composition and In Vivo Protective Effect against Oxidative Stress", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, March 04, 2011

Royal DSM Closes Acquisition Of Martek, Adding PUFA Dimension To Ingredient Offerings

Materials sciences company Royal DSM N.V. says it completed the acquisition of U.S.-based food ingredients manufacturer Martek Biosciences Corporation in December 2010 for $1.1 billion. According to Royal DSM, the acquisition adds microbial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to the ingredients of its infant formula and other food and beverage applications. The company believes Martek will open up “extensive new opportunities in the infant nutrition segment” for DSM, in addition to the food, beverage and dietary supplement markets. “DSM instantly will become a leading player in the field of microbial PUFAs,” the company says. Martek’s annual sales are $450 million.

"DSM completes acquisition of Martek; adding new Nutrition growth platform", News release, DSM BV, February 28, 2011

U.S. Department Of Agriculture Forecasts Higher Food Prices For 2011

"U.S. Food Prices are Stable, But for How Long?", Nielsen Blog, February 25, 2011

Transition To Natural Food Colorants Is Plagued By Problems

Food and beverage manufacturers are beginning the transition from synthetic to natural dyes, but the switch is complicated and costly, and the results are not altogether esthetically pleasing, experts say. The impetus for major changes comes from Europe, where the European Commission responded to concerns over the safety of synthetic food colorants by imposing new requirements, including warning labels on packages, that have pushed food manufacturers to reformulate their products. The movement has spread to the U.S. Products from companies like Frito-Lay and Pepperidge Farm now contain no artificial ingredients, including synthetic dyes. But besides cost and complexity, reformulation with natural dyes has another downside: in some cases the quality of the product, color-wise, just isn’t the same.

"Natural color market seeing green as demand grows", New Hope 360, February 25, 2011

Meta-Analysis Of 50 Studies Finds Many Health Benefits From Mediterranean Diet

Researchers from Greece and Italy have confirmed in a meta-analysis of 50 studies involving half a million people that the Mediterranean diet has a beneficial effect not only on metabolic syndrome, but also on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels, blood pressure levels and glucose metabolism. The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids from olives and olive oils; fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals; low-fat dairy products; fish, poultry, tree nuts, and legumes; low consumption of red meat; and moderate consumption of alcohol. “This dietary pattern can be easily adopted by all population groups and various cultures and cost-effectively serve for primary and secondary prevention of metabolic syndrome and its individual components,” the researchers observed.

"The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome and its Components A Meta-Analysis of 50 Studies and 534,906 Individuals", Journal of the American College of Cardiology, March 15, 2011

HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol Linked To Lower Risk Of Bowel Cancers

An analysis of dietary data on 500,000 people being studied in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) has found an association between higher levels of HDL (“good”)  cholesterol in the blood and a lower risk of bowel cancers. Also associated with a lower risk was another blood fat known as apolipoprotein A (apoA). According to the researchers, each rise of 16.6 mg/dl in HDL and of 32 mg/dl in apoA reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 22 percent and 18 percent, respectively, after adjusting for diet, lifestyle, and weight. No similar association, however, was found in the case of rectal cancers.

"Blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition ", Gut, March 07, 2011

Bioactive Ingredients In Vegetables And Other Foods Can Prevent Cancer

U.S. researchers present evidence in a review article that certain foods contain bioactive ingredients that regulate molecular targets involved in the onset of cancer. Over time, changes in human gene expressions – known as epigenetic changes – can cause cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. But the good news is the changes are often reversible, and foods rich in bioactive ingredients bring about those reversals. Among the beneficial ingredients in ther "epigenetic diet" are curcumin (turmeric), genistein (soybean), tea polyphenols (green tea), resveratrol (grapes), and sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage). According to the researchers, “bioactive components and their epigenetic targets are associated with cancer prevention and therapy which should facilitate novel drug discovery and development.”

"Epigenetic targets of bioactive dietary components for cancer prevention and therapy", Clinical Epigenetics, March 07, 2011

Consumption of Tomatoes And Tomato Products Offers Many Health Benefits

"Tomato Consumption and Health: Emerging Benefit", American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, March 01, 2011

Some Gut Bacteria Appear To Influence Liver Metabolism

A multinational team of researchers has found that some intestinal bacteria are not only important to food digestion, they also appear to exert some influence over the metabolic functions of other organs. For the study, researchers observed germ-free mice who had been exposed to mice with normal gut microbiota. Over five days the exposed mice gained weight, but the gut bacteria also triggered several processes in the liver in which sugars are converted into starch and fat for storage. The researchers said this was the first time that an association has been found between a family of bacteria (Coriobacteriaceae) and hepatic liver metabolism.

"Colonization-Induced Host-Gut Microbial Metabolic Interaction", mBio, March 01, 2011

Bread Baked With Vitamin D-Fortified Yeast Could Solve Significant Deficiency Problem

Vitamin D-fortified bread could help make up for the deficiency in the vitamin caused by a lack of exposure to sunshine, according to a new study. Bread made with vitamin D2-enriched yeast was tested in the laboratory among rats and found to be just as beneficial to health as the form produced by the sun (vitamin D3). Most people are unable to get sufficient amounts of sunlight, a fact that has led to a significant vitamin D deficiency among as many as 70 percent of the U.S. population. The deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and childhood allergies.

"Bioavailability and Efficacy of Vitamin D2 from UV-Irradiated Yeast in Growing, Vitamin D-Deficient Rats", Journal of Agriculture & Food Chemistry , February 18, 2011

Prunes Are A More Effective Treatment For Constipation Than Psyllium Fiber

Noting that there is an unmet need for natural and safe treatments for constipation, U.S. researchers found in an eight-week clinical study that dried plums (prunes) are a more effective treatment than psyllium fiber. Forty patients suffering from chronic constipation consumed either 50 grams of prunes a day (fiber content six grams) or 11 grams of psyllium a day (also six grams of fiber). The treatments were rated as equally palatable, safe and well tolerated. However, “the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week and stool consistency scores improved significantly with dried plums when compared to psyllium,” the researchers concluded.

"Randomised clinical trial: dried plums (prunes) vs. psyllium for constipation", Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, February 15, 2011

Researchers Find That Different Protein Sources Have Unique Effects On Metabolism

A team of researchers from the Nestlé Research Center (Switzerland) has determined that proteins derived from whey (milk), casein (milk) and soy (soybeans) act very differently on human metabolism, but all three “could be used to modulate metabolism and subsequently energy balance.” Healthy adults consumed three different meals of equal calorie content consisting of 50 percent protein from whey, casein and soy protein respectively (with 40 percent carbohydrate and 10 percent fat), and a fourth, high-carbohydrate meal (95 percent carbohydrate). The protein-rich meals led to a greater energy expenditure and thermic effect than the high-carbohydrate meal. The effects of whey were significantly greater than those of casein and soy and were accompanied by a trend toward greater fat oxidation.

"Protein choices targeting thermogenesis and metabolism", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 12, 2011

Researchers Discover New Tomato Allergen

Researchers in Spain have identified a new allergen found in the peel of tomatoes. The discovery of the allergen is important, especially for food manufacturers who need to be aware of product ingredients that may prove harmful to consumers. The researchers screened tomato peel DNA and from the data they identified sequences of allergens that provoked immune reactions. The allergen they subsequently identified contains 34 amino acids on a specific region of the acidic ribosomal protein 60S, which is 85 percent similar to fungal allergens and 93.8 percent similar to almond allergens. The researchers said further study is needed to determine the relevance and clinical importance of the allergen under native conditions.

"Acidic ribosomal protein 60S: A new tomato allergen", Food Chemistry, January 09, 2011

A Person’s Genotype Determines Whether Cocoa Helps Improve Blood Pressure

The genetic makeup of a person can be a deciding factor in whether the phenolic compounds in cocoa can reduce blood pressure, according to research from Sweden. The study measured the metabolic effects of a 75-gram serving of dark chocolate containing 72 percent cocoa on 16 healthy individuals. Researchers measured the impact of the cocoa on the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), finding that the enzyme was inhibited in varying degrees, depending on the subject’s genotype. An ACE inhibitor suppresses conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Blood flow is therefore increased, and blood pressure decreases.

"Effects of Cocoa Extract and Dark Chocolate on Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and Nitric Oxide in Human Endothelial Cells and Healthy Volunteers–A Nutrigenomics Perspective", Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, January 01, 2011

Inhibiting Activity Of One Protein Results In Leaner Mice With Lower Blood Sugar - Study

U.S. scientists have found that inhibiting the function of a transmembrane protein known as Klotho in obese mice with elevated blood sugar resulted in lean mice with lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, mice whose Klotho function was reduced gained no body weight, even after eating a high-fat diet. According to the researchers, the findings may have important implications for obese people, because Klotho is also found in humans. If a way to selectively target Klotho in humans is found, it could lead to development of drugs that reduce obesity and possibly Type 2 diabetes.

"Dietary and genetic evidence for enhancing glucose metabolism and reducing obesity by inhibiting klotho functions", The FASEB Jourrnal, January 01, 1996

DiversityInc Lists Top 50 Companies Committed To Cultural Diversity

DiversityInc magazine’s latest ranking of corporations committed to cultural diversity includes several big food and personal care companies. Kraft Foods, Colgate-Palmolive Co., Coca-Cola Co., Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson and General Mills all made the 2011 list. The rankings for “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” were based on company responses to a survey that probed four topics: CEO commitment, human capital, supplier diversity and corporate and organizational communications. An above-average score across all four areas is necessary to make the list. Kaiser Permanente, Sodexo, PricewaterhouseCoopers, AT&T and Ernst & Young made the top five spots.

"SC Johnson Ranks 33 on the 2011 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® List", News release, SC Johnson, March 07, 2011

“EcoAware” Moms Add Sustainability To Their Wellness Priorities

A study of more than 4,000 Americans ages 18-65 years has found that today’s mothers are embracing a new dimension of wellness: sustainability, putting them squarely in the category of “EcoAware Moms.” The Global Trend Survey conducted by EcoFocus Worldwide says these new moms – all 51 million of them, 69 percent of the total – control $1.45 trillion in buying power. According to EcoFocus CEO Linda Gilbert, EcoAware Moms believe that the eco-friendly choices they make now – reducing waste, recycling, conserving water and energy – will lead to healthier families. Some of these moms “express regret and remorse” about letting their teenagers grow up in a lifestyle of disposability and “don't want to make the same mistake with their younger kids.”

"Toops' Scoops: Is the Food Industry Ready for EcoAware Moms and Dads?", Food Processing, March 01, 2011

Exotic Superfruits Are Making Their Way Into Health Foods

Food and beverage ingredients experts see a bright future for three exotic botanicals that offer an array of potential health benefits. The purple berry maqui, found in Patagonia, is rich in antioxidants – more than four times the amount in blueberries – and is already being used in superfruit juice blends because of its creamy taste and hints of dried fruit flavor. The green, velvety fruit of the baobab tree has six times the antioxidants of blueberries, more calcium than dairy products and six times the potassium of bananas. The red berry camu camu, harvested from a bush that grows along the Amazon River, has 60 times the vitamin C of an orange and is packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals, polyphenols and amino acids.

"3 exotic ingredients emerging in the grocery aisle", Natural Foods Merchandiser, February 26, 2011

Sports Nutrition/Weight Loss Market Is On The Upswing

The sports nutrition and weight loss market rebounded from a dreary 2009 by showing a $2 billion increase in sales and nine percent market growth in 2010. Several key trends are at work in the market, all contributing to a rosy outlook for the sector. The nutrition bars, gels and chews market  grew by 12 percent to $2.5 billion, thanks to new delivery formats. A slew of new bars and beverages have entered the mass market arena to do battle with PowerBar and Gatorade. Mergers and acquisitions are picking up speed in the sports nutrition market. Geranimine’s active compound has been red-flagged by the World Anti-Doping Agency and, on the downside, regulatory issues continue to hover over the weight loss space.

"Top 5 market trends in sports nutrition & weight loss", Nutrition Business Journal, February 23, 2011