Safety technology put on trial
EU funds rash of safety technology trials inthe chilled and frozen food supply chain
Archives for January 27, 2009
NPD In Brief
Adventures in ice creamIngredients firm Pecan Deluxe Candy has invested heavily in new product development to meet the growing demand for more...
Competition law is a minefield
Keeping on the right side of competition law is becoming "more and more tricky", according to the new boss of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF),...
Government moves to avert credit insurance catastrophe
Credit insurers' decision to slash cover threaten the whole food supply chain, warn bosses
EU decision may cast shadow on dairy
Most cheeses and many spreadable fats will not be able to carry health claims of any kind if the latest version of the nutrient profiling model...
Recycling gets a battering from the media and market
The recycling community says it is recovering from a media kicking delivered when depressed world markets meant it was already down. Indeed, brand...
Kombucha tea could be the 'next big thing' in drinks
Kombucha is predicted to be the "next big thing" when it comes to the UK's drinks market, according to a recently launched NPD service provider, Tim...
Restructure to help ride the economic storm, say key firms
Some of Britain's biggest food manufacturers believe the restructuring they have undertaken over the past year or so means they are better placed to...
Trade Talk
Motivation rather than legislation
New initiatives to cut carbon
The Carbon Trust is working closely with processors on a host of new schemes
Scannable 2D codes may be able to provide internal traceability
As more use is made of overprinted generic packaging, and concerns grow about cross-contamination and allergens, the use of scannable 2D codes could...
Health claims face rejection
Gloomy prospect for brain health claims
What a way to make a living
When you work in the food industry you are always working! But I wouldn't have it any other way.Each food shop you undertake, whether it is with a...
Growth at Ginsters
Cornish pasty manufacturer Ginsters plans to automate a third 'pick and place' production line this year as part of a growth strategy which predicts...
Red meat chain must become lean
UK red meat processors must apply the lean manufacturing techniques used by competitors elsewhere in Europe if they are to prosper in the 21st...
No slip-ups for Chivas Regal
Drink manufacturers can have slip problems associated with spillages. Many, such as whisky maker Chivas Regal, have installed large sections of...
Outside the box
With temperature indicators and radio frequency identification, today's packaging is boxing clever. Patrick McGuigan reports
Salads sliced and dried without damage or bruising
Food Technology Noord-Oost Nederland in Holland (FTNON) has developed a new system for slicing a large variety of salads. Until now salads were...
Breakfast cereal producer in Colombia buys British
A new breakfast cereal producer in Colombia has chosen Baker Perkins to supply its first production line. Congrupo, based in Bogota, has ordered a...
Keep the noise down please
In the Williams household, the amount of bread we consume is stable and predictable. Around Bank Holidays, we stock up beforehand. But even that...
Natural selection
As the drive towards natural colours gathers further momentum, manufacturers need to adapt their processes to the challenges this presents. Lou Reade reports
Nestle signs supply deal for LPR pallets
Nestle has elected to grant the pallet-pooling operator LPR approved supplier status for all its European divisions, including three based in the...
Hull University finds ways to make gains out of Total Loss
Hull University Business School is examining product loss in the supply chain in a cross-disciplinary project, dubbed 'Total Loss', in partnership...
Splat go the Jammie Dodgers
Burton's is expanding its children's biscuit brand Jammie Dodgers with a new out-of-home snack product entitled Splat Snacks. The crunchy, chewy...
Suppliers face tough times
In "preparation for the challenging economic outlook for 2009", The Real Good Food Company (RGFC) is streamlining its business by consolidating its...
Pea extract adds insoluble fibre to foods
The addition of pea fibre to foods can increase insoluble fibre content, while retaining the colour and flavour of products, according to ingredient...
Ready, steady grow
Despite a rash of recent closures in the ready meals sector, some manufacturers remain hopeful about the prospects for eventual recovery. Michelle Knott reports
To surf, perchance to learn
E-learning is a sensible option for food processors anxious to meet legal compliance issues in these cash-strapped times, discovers Rod Addy
Small chain sensor
Renold Chain has announced that its chain sensor, Smartlink, is now available for smaller pitch sizes down to 12.7mm. Smartlink can be used on a wide...
Fresh meat for cranfield's lean training
Cranfield University's Fellowship in Manufacturing Management for the Red Meat Industry has been a big success and it is inviting applications for...
News In Brief
Firms in dangerIndustry analyst Plimsoll has released its latest report into the UK food manufacturing market, which rates 295 of the UK's leading...
'Natural' needs to be defined
For my first column I can't resist ranting about the use of the word 'natural' to describe foods and ingredients.The Daily Telegraph reports that the...
Feed the world with less fear and ignorance of science
Former Unilever chief Scientist challenges Britain's suspicion of new food technology
Sensory analysis aids new process for mashed potatoes
Current industrial practice for the production of mashed potatoes involves energy intensive steps using water as the heat transfer medium to pre-cook...
Local makes good
After investing £400,000 in the business, Southover Foods is well placed to celebrate its 20th birthday, says Steve Pearce
Additives on trial: First the southampton six ...
Food processors may face further storms over additives following changes to EU regulations at the end of last year. The Food Improvement Agents...
Collagen cash cow
With BSE concerns subsiding, gelatine can look forward to a bright future in the food industry. Bill Lavers reports
Equal under the law
New EU rules affording agency workers the same rights as full time employees could have a major impact on the food manufacturing sector
When the going gets tough ... get automated
Can food manufacturers really invest their way out of recession? Paul Gander talks to suppliers about the motivations for automation
M&S accused over Vion
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has come under fire over its decision to phase out around 50% of the products that it sources from Vion's site in...
Pounds slide makes exports rise
Food processors consider exporting more goods to take advantage of sterling's demise
Industry's pandemic plans
supply chain prepares emergency measures
Chocolate makes teeth happy
Two Belgian chocolate makers have launched tooth-friendly products, which have been clinically tested and endorsed by dentists.The companies...
Stronger together
Every industry needs a collective point of representation and contact, new FDF president Ross Warburton tells Elaine Watson
Back to the future
Bright prospects for the food industry lie as much in existing as in new technologies, says Rod Addy
Corn and bred
The benefits of biotechnology for food production are too great to ignore, says Monsanto's Ben Kampelman
News In Brief
Snacks turn sourConfectionery and premium snacks maker Zetar posted a £4.2M first half loss amid falling consumer spending and higher input costs....
Refurbishing service gives new life to existing flow-wrap machines
After 32 years of manufacturing flow wrapping machines, Redpack Packaging Machinery's reputation for rugged equipment that 'just keeps on working' is...
Crack the pack code
On-pack labelling and coding is receiving more attention than ever. So how do manufacturers ensure they choose technologies that will not let them down? asks Paul Gander
Washing to save the environment
Tray washers supplied by Industrial Washing Machines are helping A F Blakemore & Son, supplier to Spar grocery stores, to minimise the...
Innovative solutions to product and pallet coding
Domino will premiere its new G-Series thermal inkjet printer and A-Series plus Duo range of continuous inkjet printers at this month's Packtech 2009...