Functional Foods Weekly Vol 5 No 01

Volume 5, Issue 01 Monday, 22 February 2010 ISSN 1837-7971

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
Business & Market Intelligence ............................................................................................................................... 2
Consumer & market Trends and Market Size.......................................................................................................... 6
Latest Market research Reports ............................................................................................................................ 10
Innovations, IP, New Products & Related News .................................................................................................... 11
Regulations, Labelling, Health Claims & Related News ........................................................................................ 13
Nutrition, Health Benefits & Related Research ...................................................................................................... 15
Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications .................................................................................... 19
Webinars Worldwide.............................................................................................................................................. 21
Conferences & Meetings Worldwide ..................................................................................................................... 21
Disclaimer.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Subscription conditions.......................................................................................................................................... 22

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ISSN 1837-7971 © 2004-2010 OzScientific® Pty Ltd 1

Business & Market Intelligence

Unilever 'may have to leave UK'
Food manufacturer Unilever has threatened that it may be forced to quit the UK under current financial
conditions. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Unilever chief executive Paul Polman said that current
business conditions, coupled with increasing taxes and regulations, meant the company could become
"non-competitive" in the UK. Mr Polman explained: "We do have choices where we put research
laboratories, choices for manufacturing facilities and choices where we put our senior management. Any
responsible businessman needs to continue to assess that within an everchanging global environment."
It is thought that increasingly rates of corporation tax are driving companies abroad. The news follows
the release of Unilever's end-of-year results which show sales growth of 3.5 per cent in 2009.
Commenting on the results, Mr Polman said that the company made progress in emerging markets and
strengthened its volume growth in Western Europe........ Read

National Foods MD dissatisfied with 2009 numbers
The head of National Foods has admitted the Australian dairy group is still ―some distance‖ off
generating ―acceptable‖ returns as the company integrates local firm Dairy Farmers. National Foods
managing director Andrew Reeves said the coming together of the two companies during 2009 had
created a ―leading branded dairy and juice business‖ - and he insisted the combined group was ―well-
positioned‖ to invest in its business. While Reeves said National Foods‘ 2009 results were a ―significant
improvement‖ on 2008 he also insisted that more needed to be done to improve returns. ―While the
results are a significant improvement against the prior year, much of this growth reflects the first-time
inclusion of Dairy Farmers. The business is still some distance from delivering an acceptable return on
invested capital,‖ Reeves said. Reeves was speaking after National Foods‘ 2009 numbers were
published by parent company Lion Nathan National Foods, the Australian food and beverage group.
National Foods sales stood at A$3.56bn (US$3.16bn), with underlying EBIT reaching A$164.6m. One-
time costs linked to integrating Dairy Farmers into the business helped lead reported EBIT to reach
A$74.6m........ Read

Kirin shakes up management team
Japanese food and drink group Kirin Holdings has shuffled its management pack as the company looks
to push on with plans to drive earnings. Kirin, which owns Australia‘s Dairy Farmers and National Foods,
said on 10 February that executive vice president Senji Miyake would become president and CEO from
next month. Current CEO Kazuyasu Kato will become Kirin‘s chairman. The promotion of Miyake is the
latest move from Kirin to establish ―a leading company‖ in food and health and to make the business
more international, with a focus on Asia and Oceania. Kirin‘s ―vision‖ was first developed in 2006 when
the company‘s management demanded a ―quantum leap‖ from the business by 2015. Since then, Kirin
has expanded overseas with acquisitions including those of Dairy Farmers and National Foods. A bid,
however, to take Kirin into the food and drink big league fell through this week when the company
announced merger talks with fellow Japanese group Suntory ended over disagreements on how a
combined company would be formed........ Read

Givuadan reinforces its leadership position
In 2009, Givaudan group sales totalled CHF 3,959 million, an increase of 1.4% in local currency and a
decrease of 3.1% in Swiss francs compared to the previous year. On a comparable basis (local
currencies and excluding the impact of divestments), sales increased by 1.6% versus 2008. Sales of the
Fragrance Division were CHF 1,824 million, an increase of 0.9% in local currencies and a decrease of
3.9% in Swiss francs versus 2008. ―Givaudan‘s overall performance in 2009, against the backdrop of a
difficult business environment, is a very satisfactory achievement. It is also a strong sign of our unique
capability to understand and deliver innovation to support our customers, demonstrating at the same
time a deep knowledge of the markets we serve. Givaudan fared better than the overall market because


of the solid base we have put in place through the integration of Quest International as well as the
exceptional efforts and dedication of our employees.‖, said Gilles Andrier, Givaudan
CEO.
 1.6% growth in local currencies on a comparable basis
 Sustained EBITDA margin at 20.7%
 Net income up 79% to CHF 199 million
 Free cash flow tripled to CHF 459 million
 Strengthened balance sheet, net debt reduced by CHF 939 million
 Cash dividend of CHF 20.60 proposed
.................... Read

Price Cuts Boost Danone Results
Price cuts on yogurt and water gave French food producer Groupe Danone SA a sales bounce at the
end of last year, helping generate a 3.7% rise in full-year net profit. Slashing prices more aggressively
than competitors, however, could end up hurting Danone this year as the cost of raw materials rises.
Danone, whose brands include Evian water and Dannon yogurt, said net profit rose to €1.36 billion
($1.87 billion) in 2009 from €1.31 billion a year earlier. Profit from continuing operations climbed 7.5% to
€1.41 billion from €1.31 billion. Sales slipped to €14.98 billion from €15.22 billion in 2008, but excluding
the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and disposals, sales rose 3.2% on a like-for-like basis. "The
group leveraged the crisis to reinforce our positioning," said Chief Executive Franck Riboud. "The
number that's the most important for us is volume, because the way to operate most efficiently is to
have volume growth." Price cuts helped the fourth quarter in particular; Sales volumes jumped 8.9%,
faster than the sales value dropped, leading to a like-for-like sales increase of 5.5% and giving the
company its strongest quarter of the year......... Read

Danone becomes active in India begins marketing flavoured milk
Groupe Danone has begun test-marketing flavoured milk in India, marking the French food
multinational‘s entry into the country after a prolonged two-year battle with the Nusli Wadia group,
played out in the boardroom as well as the courtroom. The brand, Danone Choco Plus milk, is priced at
Rs 15 for a 200-ml tetra packs and being tested in Hyderabad. Danone will now take on Amul‘s Kool,
Nestle‘s Milkmaid Funshake and its erstwhile joint venture Britannia‘s Actimind with its Choco Plus.
―Danone intends to undertake a national rollout and launches in other categories in phases. It is not in a
hurry,‖ an official with direct knowledge of the development said. An email query sent to Danone India, a
wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest fresh dairy producer, remained unanswered. The
company‘s operations in the country is now restricted to about 50 people. It has appointed creative
agency Rediffusion Y&R for its advertising. While the milk beverages category in India is small, though
growing, at Rs 200 crore, the owners of brands such as Danone yogurts, Evian mineral water and
Blédina baby food will bring in more brands into the country........... Read

Mars and Barry Callebaut Sign Agreement, Align on Path Towards Increasing Consumer Availability &
Consistency of Beneficial Cocoa Flavanols
The unique and good-for-you cocoa flavanols - the natural compounds found in the cocoa fruit linked to
important circulatory and other health benefits - will soon be easier to identify and obtain when making
nutrition choices. Mars, Incorporated and Barry Callebaut AG recently signed a cross-licensing and
cooperation agreement that is expected to increase the availability and uniformity of cocoa flavanol-rich
chocolate products worldwide. The agreement between these global chocolate leaders is seen as the
beginning of a path leading to consistent standards for beneficial cocoa flavanol products. Decades of
research suggest cocoa flavanols can have a positive impact on circulatory health and related
conditions, but manufacturers have struggled with consistency, reliable measurement methods and
communication of the flavanol benefits and content of foods. Mars, the world's largest retail chocolate
manufacturer, selling seven of the world's 20 best selling chocolate snacks, with its pioneering scientific


know-how in flavanol analytics, preservation and health benefits, is partnering with Barry Callebaut AG,
the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products for the entire food
industry, to progress towards creating a commonly used standard for measuring useful flavanols in
foods, broadening acceptance and availability of flavanol-containing products with guaranteed flavanol
content. Cocoa flavanol containing products can be a part of a healthy diet. But simply having a higher
percent cacao, being a "darker" chocolate, or claiming antioxidants as the main benefit of cocoa, misses
the point and demonstrates the need for a means to measure and indicate adequate levels of flavanols
consistent with recent scientific studies.......... Read

Murray Goulburn 'disappointed' by failed second takeover bid for WCB (Australia)
Victorian milk company Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has rejected a second takeover bid by
Australia's largest milk manufacturer, Murray Goulburn. It earlier rejected another bid by an unnamed
milk processor. WCB's shares have been suspended from trade, but should resume trading on Monday.
Murray Goulburn says it's disappointed by WCB's rejection. MGC managing director Stephen O'Rourke
says it wanted to negotiate with Warrnambool Cheese and Butter. "I'm disappointed for WCB's
shareholders and for their milk suppliers," he says in a statement. "Our revised proposal offers WCB
shareholders a price which is more than double the WCB share price in early December, before WCB
announced the receipt of unsolicited proposals. "MG's offer also represents a price to earnings multiple
of over 20 times expected 2010 earnings, based on analysts' coverage."........ Read

NutraCea Announces Sale of Non-Core Cereal Ingredients Business
NutraCea (Pink Sheets: NTRZ), a world leader in stabilized rice bran (SRB) nutrient research and
technology, today announced that it has signed an asset purchase agreement to sell NutraCea's
existing cereal ingredients business and certain related equipment to Kerry, Inc. ("Kerry"), a global food
ingredients company in a transaction valued at approximately $3.9 million plus the actual cost of
NutraCea's inventory related to its cereal ingredients business. The assets to be sold include certain
equipment located in NutraCea's Phoenix plant as well as related customer and supplier lists and
purchase orders related to the cereal ingredients business. Neither the Phoenix plant nor any of the
manufacturing assets located in the Company's Dillon, Montana facility are included in the transaction.
At Closing, Kerry and NutraCea will enter into a Toll Processing agreement whereby until the earlier of
(1) the date Kerry begins production of cereal products using the assets purchased under the Purchase
Agreement and (2) October, 31, 2010, NutraCea will produce for Kerry cereal products at NutraCea's
Dillon, Montana plant. Completion of the asset sale is subject to a variety of customary closing
conditions, including, among other things, the absence of a material adverse effect on the purchased
assets between the date of the agreement and the closing date and the approval of the transaction by
the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The asset sale is also subject to the consideration of higher or better offers
which must be submitted and approved in accordance with bid procedures as approved by the
Bankruptcy Court........... Read

Growing Population Categories to Fuel Future Expansion at General Mills
General Mills has outlined an ambitious growth plan for the next 5 years. The company intends to grow
annual sales by 22.4% from USD 14.7 billion for FY09 to USD 18 billion in FY15. The company said it
would pursue several plans to fuel sales growth by focussing on growing consumer segments such as
baby boomers, Hispanics, millennial families, and the rising middle class in emerging markets around
the world. The company also said it will continue to follow its successful business model, which uses
holistic margin management (HMM) to protect margins and fuel investment in product innovation and
consumer marketing. HMM savings from supply chain initiatives alone are targeted at USD 1 billion over
the next three years, and USD 4 billion over the next decade. "We see key consumer trends and retail
customer developments that will shape our future. And we are developing the products and business
capabilities that will help us continue to thrive. We have a business portfolio built to deliver quality
growth in the years ahead", said General Mills' Chief Executive Officer, Kendall Powell, at an investor
meeting in Florida. The company's CFO, Don Mulligan, also told investors that the company generated


USD 9 billion in cash over 2005 to 2009. He said General Mills has a spending budget of USD 630
million this year and mentioned that some of the money would go towards boosting "Nature Valley"
granola bar capacity, as well as the company's cereal capacity. He said that the firm would also invest in
its yoghurt processing and in packaging improvement....... Read

Dean Foods reports organic milk sales ―sluggish,‖ fourth quarter sales loss
Dean Foods reported a 19 percent net income loss over 2008 and ―sluggish‖ organic milk sales in the
company‘s fourth quarter earnings report yesterday. Chairman and CEO Gregg Engles attributes the
loss to rising commodity costs, pressures from retailers and increased competition. ―Our fourth quarter
performance was below our expectations,‖ Engles said. ―As the year came to a close, several of our
businesses fell short of expectations. Morningstar profits were challenged by volume softness, steep
commodity inflation and a charge incurred to renegotiate a distributor contract." Fourth quarter net sales
for Dean Foods‘ WhiteWave-Morningstar division increased 8 percent over 2008, reaching $762 million
for 2009. Engles cited the acquisition of European soy company, Alpro Soya, and strong sales growth in
the WhiteWave creamer business as the reasons for the increase. As for Dean Foods‘ natural brands,
like Mountain High Yoghurt, Horizon Organic, Rachel‘s Organic, Oak Farms Dairy and Silk, sales
remain slow and steady, according to Engles. Horizon Organic increased fourth quarter category share,
and both Horizon and Silk netted essentially flat sales. ―The dairy processing industry is not immune to
the economic downturn,‖ Engles said. The company is cautiously optimistic for 2010 first quarter
earnings, predicting measured growth over the course of the year........ Read

General Mills Targets Three Groups to Fuel Growth
Package-Food Giant Will Tailor Products, Marketing to Hispanics, Boomers and Millennials. General
Mills spelled out its recipe for profitable growth: Hispanics, baby boomers and millennials. The
Minneapolis package-food company revealed products and marketing plans designed specifically for
those segments at the Consumer Analysts Group of New York conference this morning. "We think our
categories and our brands are well-positioned for strong future growth because they are on trend with
the evolving consumer needs," said Ian Friendly, chief operating officer and exec VP-U.S. retail. "We're
anticipating a rise in multicultural consumers, particularly Hispanics, plus a growing number of aging
baby boomers and the emergence of millennials as the next generation with significant influence in the
marketplace." General Mills also has its eye on U.S. Census data -- and is therefore aware that the
Hispanic market will be driving 53% of the population growth between now and 2015. The marketer
increased its Hispanic-targeted media spending 70% in 2009 and will boost support again in 2010.
Marketing to the group begins with reaching mothers looking for ways to nurture their children. The
marketer uses its "Que Vida Rica" marketing initiative to communicate with Hispanic mothers about the
benefits of its products.......Read

General Mills also targets China for growth
Company officials told analysts Tuesday they expect international business to lead its growth in the next
five years, as the Golden Valley-based food maker pushes its familiar brands further overseas, beyond
the mature U.S. marketplace. China is the richest target. Already, company sales in China have tripled
in the past six years, to $300 million annually, said Chris O'Leary, chief operating officer-international.
They're forecast to triple again by 2015. Yet General Mills' best-known U.S. products — Big G cereals,
Yoplait yogurt and Pillsbury baking products — aren't at the forefront in Asia. Instead, the tip of the
spear into China is an eclectic mix of company offerings: Haagen-Dazs ice cream, Bugles snacks,
Wanchai Ferry dumplings and Trix fruit snacks. With Bugles, "We've built a great distribution system to
reach customers from large retailers to thousands of small stores and kiosks throughout China," O'Leary
said at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York analysts conference Tuesday. "We're now leveraging
this distribution network for Trix fruit snacks, and we believe it will work well for Nature Valley snack
bars, too. We expect to more than double snack sales by 2015.".......... Read


The Pepsi Bottling Group Approve Merger with PepsiCo
Shareholders of The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. have voted overwhelmingly to adopt the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of August 3, 2009, among PBG, PepsiCo and a wholly owned subsidiary of
PepsiCo. The Company has now received all necessary shareholder approvals to proceed with the
PepsiCo transaction. PepsiCo and PBG hope to complete the transaction, which remains subject to
regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, by the end of February
2010....... Read

PepsiCo India opens 'Smart Choice' cafes
Food and beverages major PepsiCo India is in the process of launching its own café outlets in New
Delhi and four other cities by the end of the year.
Christened ‗Smart Choice‘, PepsiCo launched the first such cafe in Chennai recently to promote its key
category —- the health segment — which was marketed under the name ‗Snack Smart‘. The café will
offer a range of choices for consumers — recipes like Quaker muffins, Quaker Idly (made from Quaker
oats, a PepsiCo product), Tropicana 100 per cent smoothies, Nimbooz (the company‘s lemon-flavoured
beverage), coconut mint mocktails — all of which will also be served at the café as a health alternative.
A gymnasium is also on the cards. PepsiCo has partnered with the Centre for Nutrition Counseling,
Research and Extension Activities at Women‘s Christian College, Chennai, for this project. The Smart
Choice Café will cater to students on the campus for healthy breakfast choices. The company hopes the
initiative would not only push its own products but ―also act as an incentive for its consumers to eat
healthy foods and stay fit‖........ Read

Agrana enters Egyptian market
The Austrian sugar and fruit processor Agrana is planning to build a milk processing plant in Egypt.
Agrana, which already has subsidiaries established in Turkey and South Africa, aims to open the new
creamery before the end of this year in a joint venture with Nile Fruits. Through its fruit processing, the
Austrian company already has close contact with dairy concerns in the booming Middle East and African
markets..... Read

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Consumer & market Trends and Market Size

Nestle reports strong top and bottom line performance in 2009
Organic growth +4.1%, EBIT margin 14.6%, +30 basis
points; Paul Bulcke, Nestlé CEO: ―With organic growth of
4.1% achieved in last year‘s challenging environment, we
were able to grow substantially faster than our industry.
Combined with the further significant improvement of the
EBIT margin, we delivered on our projection in line with
the long-term Nestlé Model. We stepped up investment in
our brands and the pace of our innovation, adapted our
products to the changing needs of consumers and further
accelerated efficiencies. These actions, together with the


disciplined alignment of our people behind
clear strategic priorities, allowed us to again
combine a strong top and bottom line
performance in 2009, coming on top of
excellent results in 2008. Our 2009
performance was broad-based across all
categories and regions and demonstrates our
ability to deliver in the short term whilst
continuing to invest for the long term. For
2010, I expect our Food and Beverages
business to achieve higher organic growth
than in 2009 and a further EBIT margin
increase in constant currencies. This
confidence is also reflected in our increased
dividend proposal as well as our share
buyback plans for the year........ pdf, 60
slides............ Read

Locally grown foods a hot trend nationwide
Again this past year, locally produced foods was one of the hottest nationwide trends in foods, one of
which is farm friendly or local foods. Indeed, this is good news that can have a positive impact on
farmers, consumers and even our rural communities. Ken Meter, an economist with a long history of
working on rural economic issues, suggests that local foods may be a more fruitful economic model for
rural communities to pursue. The traditional methods of economic development often bring jobs, but the
local food model can have a multiplier effect with our health by increasing the availability of fresh fruits
and vegetables. Improved access to these nutritious foods will help curb the spiraling medical costs
associated with our national propensity towards obesity........... Read

Outlook sweetens for Cargill's Truvia
Sugar substitute claims third place in $530 million market. One year after its debut, Cargill's Truvia-
brand stevia sweetener has overtaken Equal, and is gaining ground in the $530 million-a-year sugar-
substitute market, the Wayzata agribusiness company said Friday. Splenda remains the nation's most
popular low-calorie sweetener, capturing nearly half of all retail sales, according to data from AC
Nielsen. Sweet-n-Low was a distant second. But Truvia, a refined version of the stevia plant of South
America, is now in third place with 8 percent of the market, a year after the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration permitted its sale as a food ingredient. "This is above our initial projections," said Ann
Tucker, a spokeswoman for Cargill. "When we look at the numbers against the longstanding players,
we're very encouraged."...... Read

Australians abandon cooking for take-away
More than ever, Australians are reaching for the takeaway menu instead of the fridge door. Figures
from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a consistent growth in the Cafes, Restaurants and
Takeaway Food services category over the last three months; December‘s figures show a record
turnover of $2.9 billion dollars, an increase of 3.9%. Despite an increase in the purchase of household
cooking items, believed to be sparked by the widespread popularity of TV cooking shows, it seems
Australians are less and less interested in actually cooking. Speculation on the reason for the industry‘s
growth is widespread: financial concerns have been cited, and increased convenience may be a factor,
with Domino‘s Pizza‘s new iPhone application generating $2 million in sales alone. Ironically, TV
cooking shows may themselves be a reason, portraying every meal as a mouthwatering delight that
home cooks cannot live up to........ Read


Coca-Cola Amatil‘s record profits disappoint expectations
Despite posting record earnings, with a net income increase of 16%, up to $449 million, Australian
company Coca-Cola Amatil‘s share price dropped today. Stock market experts described Coca-Cola
Amatil‘s results as ‘solid‘, but not good enough to justify its share price. Developing markets Indonesia
and Papua New Guinea posted revenue growth of almost 22%, and the Food & Services Division
(including SPC Aardmona) reported earnings growth of over 20%. Strong performance by the Australian
beverage side of the business, particularly alcoholic beverages and Mother energy drink, contributed to
the company‘s record result. Sales of Jim Beam alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages were also high.
Coca-Cola‘s joint venture with SABMiller, Pacific Beverages JV, made a small loss, but the company
hopes that investment in building its brands and extending production facilities will lead to increased
profits in years to come. Pacific Beverages produces Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller
Chill and Pilsner Urquell as well as Australian brands Bluetongue and Bondi Blonde....... Read

The Impact of Food Away From Home on Adult Diet Quality
Food away from home (FAFH) has been
associated with poor diet quality in many
studies. It is difficult, however, to measure the
effect of FAFH on diet quality since many
unobserved factors, such as food preferences
and time constraints, influence not just our
choice of where to eat but also the nutritional
quality of what we eat. Using data from 1994-
96 and 2003-04, this study applies fixed-
effects estimation to control for such
unobservable influences and finds that, for the
average adult, FAFH increases daily caloric
intake and reduces diet quality. The effects
vary depending on which meals are consumed
away from home. On average, breakfast away
from home decreases the number of servings
of whole grains and dairy consumed per 1,000
calories and increases the percent of calories
from saturated and solid fat, alcohol, and added sugar (SoFAAS) in a day. Dinner away from home
reduces the number of servings of vegetables consumed per 1,000 calories for the average adult.
Breakfast and lunch away from home increase calories from saturated fat and SoFAAS on average
more among dieters than among nondieters. Some of the overall negative dietary effects decreased
between 1994-96 and 2003-04, including those on whole grain, sodium, and vegetable
consumption....... pdf, 24 pages......... Read

More children have chronic diseases; study cites obesity
The rate of chronic disease among children has doubled in the past two decades: More than half of
children ages 8 to 14 have had a long-term health problem at some point, such as obesity, asthma, a
learning disability or other ailment, a study shows. Researchers studied 5,001 children from 1988 to
2006 and followed each child for six years, according to a paper in today's Journal of the American
Medical Association. Though the percentage of children with a current chronic disease rose to 25% in
2000-2006, the percentage of kids who had ever had a chronic illness grew to 52% in the same time.
Much of the increase in chronic diseases was a result of obesity, says author Jeanne Van Cleave of the
Mass. General Hospital for Children in Boston....... Read

Nutrition Survey Points to Growing Market for Protein-Fortified Foods
A UK national survey conducted last month shows that over 20% of the nation recognise that adults
aged over 50 need more protein in their diet compared with those in their prime. The top four roles cited


for protein in the diet of the over 50s were correctly identified as: supporting the immune system
(selected by 51%), guarding against osteoporosis and bone fractures (47%), helping prevent muscle
wastage (46%) and protecting lean tissues and muscles (46%). Sponsored by Volac, suppliers of
nutritional whey protein to the food and beverage industry, the survey of 2000 adults conducted by the
independent researcher ICM sought to discover people‘s attitudes towards protein in the diet and
protein-fortified foods, particularly in relation to the over 50s market segment. ICM interviewed a
random sample of adults aged 18+ in GB from its online panel between 8th-10th Jan 2010. Surveys
were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. 43%
of the sample were aged 50 or above........ Read

Irish milk intake 3% lower in 2009
Irish milk supplies to creameries and pasteurisers fell by more than 3% to 4.8 billion litres in 2009
according to figures released by the CSO. This reflects a slowdown in production due to on-going low
dairy prices. There has been a shift towards producing more high quality product from the national milk
intake........... Read

Name-brands should prepare now for customer comeback
Branded food manufacturers should start preparing now to win back customers from store brands when
the economy improves, advises a new report from market researchers The Integer Group and M/A/R/C
Research. Private label, or store brand, products have seen a huge increase in popularity, with sales up
$12bn – 17 percent – over the past two years, according to figures from The Nielsen Company.
Opinions vary about whether the private label boom will continue after the recession, as store brands
have traditionally done well in times of economic hardship only to slump again when the economy has
improved. However, during this recession, there has been a concerted effort from manufacturers to not
only lower the cost of private label foods, but to target additional consumer expectations in terms of
overall value. This could provide additional challenges for manufacturers of name-brand products in
winning back consumers who turned to store brands in the midst of economic hardship.......... Read

Looking to the Future - Drinks Industry 2025 in Ireland
Given the importance for the Irish drinks industry of preparing for future consumer and lifestyle trends,
Bord Bia recently undertook a
research study entitled ‗Drinks
Industry 2025‘. The objective of this
study was to assist companies in the
alcoholic beverage sector consider
what the industry might look like in
the future. It also sought to identify
what industry and lifestyle trends
were likely to emerge and to
illustrate to Irish companies what
they need to take into account to
prepare their company and product
range to benefit from these
forecasts. Following several
working group meetings as well as
in-depth interviews with key contacts
in the Irish, UK and international
drinks industry, the report
highlighted that the industry should
consider the following ‗8 Forces of Change‘ that were likely to have a major impact on the industry.........
pdf, 68 slides....... Read



Latest Market research Reports

Title Price Publisher
Global market review of online grocery retailing – forecasts to UKP 595 Just Food
2014
The global online grocery retailing market is dominated by the
UK and the US, which together accounted for almost 75% of the
world total in 2009. At less than 1.5%, however, online and
internet channels still account for a very modest share of the
global retail grocery market. Furthermore, food and groceries
continue to lag well behind non-food items as far as the online
retailing market is concerned, with consumers using the internet
most frequently for booking travel and holidays, as well as for
financial-related tasks such as banking........ Read

Food Ingredients New Horizons In Technology UKP 147.05 Food
Several developments, including: Technology
* Pyrazine compounds that contribute to an earthy-bell pepper Intelligence
flavor.
* Plant extracts that minimize antioxidant activity.
* Toasted soy flakes that improve bread's nutritional value.
* An improved sweetener that is available for licensing.
* The nutritional and functional benefits of okara.
* Starch-lipid composites that strengthen yogurt gels.
* Fruit-flavored yogurts that are enriched with fish collagen.
* A whey protein isolate solution that reduces oil absorption.
* Dietary fibers and dairy proteins for a low-fat frozen dessert
.............. Read



Innovations, IP, New Products & Related News
Sara Lee introduces new Sara Lee® Soft & Smooth® Plus made with DHA omega-3 bread
First Nationally Distributed Bread of
Its Kind Provides New Way to
Incorporate DHA-Omega 3 into
Children‘s Diets. Sara Lee North
American Fresh Bakery today
announced the expansion of its
successful Soft & Smooth bread
line with the introduction of its new
Sara Lee® Soft & Smooth Plus
breads Made with DHA Omega-3.
Based on a growing body of
scientific evidence,
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega -3 helps to support healthy
brain development. Sara Lee Soft
& Smooth Plus breads provide
moms with a nutritious and simple
means to ensure their children
continue to receive the benefits of DHA Omega-3, together with other sources of DHA in their the diet,
beyond infant formula and jarred baby food. Available in 100% Whole Wheat and Made with Whole
Grain White, Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus Made with DHA Omega-3 breads are the first nationally
distributed breads of its kind in the United States. The new breads provide moms an option for their
little ones that contains a portion of their daily recommended whole grain intake along with the mild taste
and soft texture inherent in the Sara Lee Soft & Smooth line, now with DHA Omega-3. life'sDHA™, the
algae-based ingredient that provides Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus bread with DHA Omega-3 nutrient, is
produced by Martek Biosciences Corporation. Both varieties of Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Plus Made with
DHA Omega-3 breads contain 12 mg of DHA Omega-3 per two-slice serving, which is at least 10
percent of the Institute of Medicine‘s suggested daily amount for kids, depending on age, ranging from
1-13 years old
(Source: Sara Lee media release)

Gold Peg introduces new innovative and flexible 'dry' cooker stretcher for mozzarella.
The GPiCS produces sensitive natural Mozzarella and Pasta Filata varieties continuously with no cook
water. Gold Peg‘s innovative 'dry' cooker stretcher produces high quality natural Mozzarella and Pasta
Filata with identical composition, sensory & functionality to a traditional wet cooker product. The GPiCS
is a direct steam injection system that was specifically developed by Gold Peg for Mozzarella and Pasta
Filata varieties with the support of an Australian Government grant and extensive testing at CSIRO
Australia. Gold Peg specialize in direct steam injection cooking and processing technology. Gold Peg
identified a need for a more efficient continuous cooking system for sensitive Mozzarella and Pasta
Filata products that was also sensitive to the environmental / effluent pressures on food manufacturers.
The flexible GPiCS is the result....... Read

Fruitology Unveils New Coffee Fruit Energy Shots
Fruitology, a maker of beverages and supplements, has introduced a new energy drink made with
KonaRed coffee fruit from Sandwich Isle Trading. The new Coffee Fruit Energy Shot comes in three
new flavors such as Orange Caramel, Chocolate Cherry and White Chocolate Raspberry, and will hit
retailer shelves in March 2010. The company claims that Coffee Fruit Energy Shot is 'all natural' and
preservative free with additional nutritional benefits such as 100% Daily Allowance of Vitamin C per
shot....... Read


Avure launches sub US$ 1 million, 100L high pressure processing (HPP) machine
High pressure processing offers sustainable
advantage to food processors today by eliminating
food borne pathogens such as E.coli, listeria and
salmonella, extending product shelf life and enabling
clean–label food production. As the leader in high
pressure processing equipment and technologies,
Avure is pleased to announce the newest member of
the Avure family of HPP equipment, the QFP100L–
600, offering excellent productivity and performance at
a price point — and footprint — that makes HPP more
accessible than ever. The QFP100L, though sized for
small and medium producers, can handle high throughput with reliability, adding just a few cents per
pound to your processing costs. Learn more about the Avure QFP100L and how to take advantage of
this affordable option for achieving the benefits of high pressure processing.
This is likely to further boost the HPP product launches by small to medium companies (Ed)
View the Webcast............ Read
Download the datasheet............ Read
(Source: Avure)

Super whey Protein Shot launched
Body Fortress® Super Whey* Protein Shot makes it easy and
convenient to get 26 GRAMS of protein, all packed into one
complete, concentrated shot. With its amazing Natural Fruit
Punch Flavor and a serving size of about 3 ounces, each
compact shot contains critical amino acids from protein,
including all three BCAA's - Isoleucine, Leucine and Valine.
Body Fortress Super Whey* Protein Shot is an ideal for way to
help support your protein needs for your active fitness lifestyle!.
This product is made up of a protein blend that contains
collagenic protein isolate, whey protein isolate and casein
protein isolate...... Read

Colored Chickpeas: The Next Functional Food
Colored chickpeas have significantly higher antioxidant qualities
than the regular cream and beige color varieties, according to a new study in the Journal of Food
Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists. Known to be high protein, chickpeas are the
second most important pulses in the world with crops grown in more than 37 countries. Legumes also
offer health-benefiting antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which positions them as a
functional food. Researchers from the Volcani Center in Israel looked at 17 lines of chickpeas ranging
from black, red, brown, green, rubiginous, gray, yellow, and beige. The chickpeas were separated into
seed parts and ground into a fine power for analysis. Results indicated that colored chickpeas contained
up to 13 times more polyphenols , up to 11 times more flavonoids and up to 31 times more antioxidant
activity than beige chickpeas............ Read


Effervescent Tablets as Brain Nutrition
Vova Duong Nao (Brain Nutrition Effervescent
Tablets) is a dietary supplement which quickly
revives cerebral circulation thanks to the
combination of four leading ingredients with
immuno strengthening and cerebro circulation
improving effects. Those ingredients are ginkgo
biloba, glutamic acid, caffeine and ginseng. This
product also improves central nervous system's functions, activates cerebral membrane, increases
memory. It retails in a pack that contains 20 tablets........ Read


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Regulations, Labelling, Health Claims & Related News

EU Passes Omega 3 Nutrition Claims
The EU has passed nutrition claims for omega 3s that will allow food products to claim they are a either
a ―source of omega 3 fatty acids‖ or that they contain ―high omega 3 fatty acids.‖ In order to make a
source claim, products must contain either 40 mg of EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 300 mg of ALA,
according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega 3s (GOED). Alternatively, to make a
―high‖ content claim, a product must contain 80 mg EPA+DHA per 100 g and kCal or 600 mg ALA.
―Overall this is a positive development for the omega 3 market because it will continue to grow both
consumer awareness and usage across Europe…even in countries where consumers already
understand the value of omega 3s,‖ said Adam Ismail, executive director, GOED. The levels for
EPA+DHA usage were based on an EFSA opinion that 250 mg of intake per day will reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease in the general population....... Read

GOED Seeks Further Clarification to FTC‘s Concerns About Children's Omega-3 Fatty Acid
The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids (GOED), has sought further
clarification from the Federal Trade Commission in response to its February 16, 2010 press release
concerning omega-3 claims about brain and vision benefits in children. Harry B. Rice, Ph.D., GOED‘s
Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, contacted the FTC for clarification on several points. It was
not clear if FTC was concerned about claims on products containing short-chain omega-3 fatty acid,
Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), compared to the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. According
to the FTC, the investigation did not target one or the other, but rather claims related to Omega-3 fatty
acids, in general, that were not substantiated. Second, when asked about product and population-
specific trials, Rice was told that the FTC does not require product-specific trials, rather claims about an
effect (e.g. brain development) need to be substantiated by science on that effect (e.g. brain
development). Third, with respect to population-specific trials, the scientific evidence in support of a
claim needs to be based on research conducted in the age specified in the claim. That is, if the claim is
specific to toddlers two years and above, the research substantiating the claim cannot have been
conducted in one year olds........ Read


USDA defines organic dairy & meat
The final rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based
system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season. The majority of organic
dairy and ruminant livestock producers are already grazing animals and maintaining pastures that meet
the requirements of this rule. These standards contain clear requirements that will provide greater
assurance that all producers are being held to the same standards. This final rule is the culmination of a
process that was initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board recommended that
ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake for at least 120 days. The proposed rule,
published on Oct. 28, 2008, received over 26,000 comments from producers, retailers, handlers,
certifying agents, consumers, trade associations, organic associations, animal welfare organizations,
consumer groups, state and local government entities and various industry groups.
The main components of the rule include:
-Animals must graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per
year;
-Animals must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture during
the grazing season;
-Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the
feed requirements for the grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality; and,
-Livestock are exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake requirements during the finish
feeding period, not to exceed 120 days. Livestock must have access to pasture during the
finishing phase.
The final rule becomes effective 120 days after publication, June 17, 2010. Operations which
are already certified organic will have one year to implement the provisions. Operations which
obtain organic certification after the effective date will be expected to demonstrate full
compliance.
.................... Read

Switzerland: Three more years of GM ban
The moratorium for genetically modified animals and plants that has been in force in Switzerland since
2005 is to be extended for a further three years. First of all, the results are expected of a national
research programme on the uses and risks of genetically modified plants. In a referendum in 2005, the
majority of the Swiss population voted to initially prohibit the use of genetically modified animals and
plants for a period of five years. During this moratorium the uses and risks of genetically modified plants
were to be investigated in depth. A national research program (NFP59) was commissioned in which
various projects such as consumer acceptance or assuring freedom of choice were promoted. Several
study groups were concerned with genetically modified wheat characterised by resistance to mildew, a
widespread fungal disease............. Read

Calls for UK alcohol labels to include health warnings
Alcohol producers in the UK could be forced to include health warnings on labels after it was revealed
there was widespread industry neglect in adhering to a voluntary code on labelling. Only 15 per cent of
alcohol bottles carry the five messages agreed under a protocol between the industry and the British
government three years ago. The agreement said most labels would comply by 2008, according a report
by the Department of Health. Campaigners have called for a mandatory code to be introduced and
government ministers have condemned the findings as "very disappointing" and launched a consultation
on future options. This includes forcing alcohol producers to place the warnings on bottles.......... Read

Beverage Industry Will Make Calories More Clear and Useable For Consumers
Answering First Lady Michelle Obama's call for innovative industry initiatives that contribute to her
healthy families program, America's non-alcoholic beverage companies are coming together to make
the calories in their products even more clear and consumer-friendly by putting the information on the


front of all their packages, vending machines and fountain machines. The voluntary commitment
contributes to Mrs. Obama's efforts to help families make informed choices as part of a balanced
lifestyle. The companies will coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to implement the calorie
initiative, which will go above and beyond what is required by the federal agency's food labeling
regulations. The industry will start implementing the initiative across the country this year with
completion in 2012. "The beverage industry is taking the extra step of making the calories on its
products more clear and useable for consumers so they can make balanced choices wherever they
purchase our products," Susan Neely said. "By contributing to the First Lady's initiative, our industry is
once again leading with a meaningful program to do its part in addressing social challenges. We
applaud Mrs. Obama for her common-sense, balanced approach to a tough issue like childhood
obesity, which will require contributions from all segments of society to fully tackle." ........ Read

No Consensus on Glucosamine Article 14 Claims – EAS
The fact that Member States‘ did not reach an agreement last week on EFSA‘s unfavourable opinion on
article 14 glucosamine claims illustrates that there is still no consensus on all the details of underlying
criteria for studies performed to achieve the EU‘s approval of claims, EAS has said. Deliberations in the
Standing Committee, on the Food Chain and Animal Health Section on General Law on Tuesday, 26
January, saw no agreement on the issue of the validity of article 14 claims (disease risk reduction)
relating to glucosamine and reduced cartilage degeneration. The lack of consensus came despite the
European Food Safety Authority‘s (EFSA‘s) opinion that it could not draw any scientific conclusions from
the submitted clinical studies, which were conducted on ―diseased people‖. EFSA has said it could not
establish that such studies were representative of the target healthy population. A similar conclusion
has been drawn by EFSA on a recent Article 13 claim for glucosamine....... Read


Nutrition, Diets, Health Benefits & Related Research

Project unlocks six decades of dairy knowledge
The Australian dairy industry now has online access to six decades of ground-breaking technical
research as part of a major project undertaken by the Dairy Industry Association of Australia (DIAA) and
funded in part by the Gardiner Foundation. The project involved digitally scanning and abstracting 219
issues of the Australian Journal of Dairy Technology, published by the DIAA. More than 1,500 papers
are now available free to all DIAA members and for a small fee to the wider dairy industry through the
DIAA website. The project will be officially launched at Government House on 15 February 2010, at a
function celebrating the Gardiner Foundation‘s 10th anniversary. DIAA Federal President, Doug Eddy,
said the project would be of enormous benefit to the Australian dairy industry. ―The journal archive is an
absolute treasure-trove of dairy knowledge. With the support of the Gardiner Foundation, every
technical or research article published from the journal‘s inception in 1946 is now available to the
industry,‖ Mr Eddy said. ―The benefits of this investment in the industry‘s future will begin to flow
immediately, and its value will continue to grow in the years to come.‖ The electronic journal archive will
be permanently housed on the DIAA website, at http://www.diaa.asn.au .
(Source: Dairy Industry Association of Australia)

Barley Beta-glucans on Appetite
"Dietary fiber consumption may help to control appetite and to reduce calorie intake. Underlying
molecular mechanisms were not fully investigated," scientists in Portici, Italy, report. "The aim of this
study was to evaluate the effect of barley beta-glucans on short-term appetite and on satiety-related
hormones in healthy subjects. Some 14 volunteers were selected and randomly assigned to have


isocaloric breakfasts including a 3% beta-glucan-enriched bread (beta GB) or a control bread (CB).
Post-breakfast individual self-records of appetite ratings and measure of calorie intake at an ad libitum
lunch as well as measure of blood glucose, insulin, ghrelin and PYY concentrations, were performed.
Beta GB determined a significant higher reduction of hunger and increase of fullness and satiety than
CB. "Accordingly, a 19% reduction of energy intake at lunch subsequent to beta GB consumption
compared to CB, was recorded. A 23% lower AUC(60-180) of plasma ghrelin and a 16% higher total
AUC of PYY response after beta GB than CB consumption, independent from insulin response, was
found. Glucose response was also blunted by beta GB versus CB. Barley beta-glucans were able to
control appetite in the short term by modulating sensations and reducing energy intake," wrote P.
Vitaglione and colleagues, University of Naples. The researchers concluded, "Data suggested for the
first time that satiety effect of beta-glucans are mediated by ghrelin and PYY............ Read

Low-carb Diet Lowers Blood Pressure
In a head-to-head comparison, two popular weight-loss methods proved equally effective at helping
participants lose significant amounts of weight. However, in a surprising twist, a low-carbohydrate diet
proved better at lowering blood pressure than the weight-loss drug orlistat, according to researchers at
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center. The findings send an important
message to hypertensive people trying to lose weight, says William S. Yancy, Jr., MD, lead author of the
study in the January 25 Archives of Internal Medicine, and an associate professor of medicine at Duke.
"If people have high blood pressure and a weight problem, a low-carbohydrate diet might be a better
option than a weight loss medication." Yancy added, "It's important to know you can try a diet instead of
medication and get the same weight loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects."
Studies had already indicated that a low-carbohydrate diet and prescription-strength orlistat combined
with a low-fat diet are effective weight loss therapies. However, the two common strategies had not
been compared to each other, an important omission now that orlistat is available over-the-counter. In
addition, few studies provide data on these treatments for overweight patients with chronic health
issues........... Read

Single espresso a day 'can damage heart'
Just a single espresso a day can have a potentially damaging effect on the heart, a new study shows.
Researchers found one cup of the caffeine-rich beverage was enough to reduce blood flow to the heart
by 22 per cent within an hour of being consumed. Scientists who carried out the latest research,
published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, said it confirms the high levels of caffeine found
in a single espresso do have unfavourable cardiovascular effects. The popularity of drinks like espresso
has risen sharply in the UK in recent years, in line with the greater variety of coffees on offer. However,
there have been concerns about the consequences of drinking too many at one time. In 2007, experts
issued an alert after a 17-year-old girl was rushed to hospital after overdosing on espresso......... Read

Cranberry juice boosts heart health
Researchers in London measured the cardio-protective potential of cranberry juice and found it may
help lower blood pressure and help promote heart health. Researchers at Queen Mary University of
London compared the cardio-protective potential of cranberry juice and that of red wine, cocoa and
green tea and found that oligomeric procyanidins were present in regular and light cranberry juice
cocktail. Dr. Roger Corder of Queen Mary University identified oligomeric procyanidins in cranberries
that can promote a healthy heart by inhibiting Endothelin-1 synthesis -- a blood vessel constrictor that
causes heart disease......... Read

ARS research finds anti-inflammatory components in oat
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists have reported new reasons for choosing ―heart-
healthy" oats at the grocery store. Nutritionist Mohsen Meydani, director of the Vascular Biology
Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in
Boston, Mass., led the research on the oat compounds, called avenanthramides. Meydani previously


has shown that phenolic antioxidants in oats obstruct the ability of blood cells to stick to artery walls.
Chronic inflammation inside the arterial wall is part of the process that eventually leads to a disorder
known as atherosclerosis. Meydani and colleagues have reported findings that suggest the
avenanthramides of oats decrease the expression of inflammatory molecules. The study showed that
forms of avenanthramides possess potential anti-inflammatory properties through inhibiting factors that
are linked with activating pro inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins released by cells
while seeking to protect and repair tissue. Some trigger inflammation, for example, while responding to
infection. Inhibiting inflammation through diet, drugs, or key nutrients is considered to be of great benefit
in preventing atherosclerosis. Details of this study can be found in the scientific journal Free Radical
Biology & Medicine........ Read

Study fails to link saturated fat, heart disease
The saturated fat found mainly in meat and dairy products has a bad reputation, but a new analysis of
published studies finds no clear link between people's intake of saturated fat and their risk of developing
heart disease. Research has shown that saturated fat can raise blood levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol,
and elevated LDL is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Because of this, experts generally advise
people to limit their intake of fatty meat, butter and full-fat dairy. The American Heart Association (AHA)
suggests that adults get no more than 7 percent of their daily calories from the fat; for someone who
eats 2,000 calories a day, that translates into fewer than 16 grams of saturated fat per day. But in the
new analysis, which combined the results of 21 previous studies, researchers found no clear evidence
that higher saturated fat intakes led to higher risks of heart disease or stroke. The findings, published in
the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, may sound like good news for steak lovers, but a past AHA
president cautioned against "over interpreting" the results. "No one is saying that some saturated fat is
going to harm you...people should enjoy their food," said Dr. Robert H. Eckel, a professor of medicine at
the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver....... Read

Seaweed extract shows joint health promise
An extract from brown seaweed may reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis by up to 52 per cent,
suggests results from phase I and II clinical trials from Australia. Improvements in measures of pain,
stiffness, difficulty with physical activity and overall symptom severity were recorded following 12 weeks
of supplementation with a blend of extracts from three seaweeds, vitamin B6, zinc and manganese,
according to findings published in Biologics: Targets & Therapy. The joint health market is dominated by
glucosamine, which is extracted from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps. Cargill also markets a non-
animal, non-shellfish derived product. The ingredient is often used in combination with chondroitin
sulphate, extracted from animal cartilage, such as sharks. According to the Nutrition Business Journal,
US sales for these combined supplements were $810 million (€563 million) in 2005........ Read

Soft drink doubles pancreatic cancer risk: study
A team of international researchers claim to have found a link between soft drink and pancreatic cancer.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota and the National University of Singapore have found that
consuming two or more soft drinks a week can nearly double the risk of developing the deadly cancer.
The study was conducted in Singapore and followed more than 60,000 men and women over 14 years.
Of those, 140 people died from pancreatic cancer. Dr Mark Pereira from the University of Minnesota
believes there could be a link to the amount of soft drink consumed. "We found that those consuming
soft drinks ... on a nearly daily basis ... their risk was about two, almost two times greater for dying of
pancreatic cancer compared to the Chinese men and women in the study who were not consuming
those beverages," he said. Dr Pereira says his research took into account other factors such as
smoking, age, weight and intake of red meat........ Read


Probiotics during pregnancy may reduce obesity in mother and child
An ongoing study by scientists at the University of Turku in Finland suggests that taking probiotics
during pregnancy may reduce the risk of adiposity - the most unhealthy form of obesity - after giving
birth; may lead to less diabetes during pregnancy; and reduce the risk of obesity later in a baby‘s life.
Probiotics are ‗good‘ bacteria that help to maintain a bacterial balance in the digestive tract by reducing
the growth of harmful ‗bad‘ bacteria. They are a natural part of the digestive system and help to control
inflammation. For years researchers have been studying the use of probiotic supplements in addressing
a variety of intestinal diseases. More recently, researchers have looked into the possible contribution of
bacteria balance in the gut towards obesity and diabetes. Kirsi Laitinen, a nutritionist and senior lecturer
at the University of Turku, said that results of the study presented at the European Congress on Obesity
last May were an encouraging sign of the impact on adiposity of a diet supplemented with probiotics.
Adiposity, or central obesity, is a form of obesity associated with fat bellies that is particularly unhealthy
due to its strong positive correlation with heart disease........ Read

Green Tea May Help Fight Glaucoma, Other Eye Diseases
Scientists have confirmed that the healthful substances found in green tea — renowned for their
powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — do penetrate into tissues of the eye. Their new
report, the first documenting how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances,
raises the possibility that green tea may protect against glaucoma and other common eye diseases. It
appears in ACS‘s bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Chi Pui Pang and colleagues
point out that so-called green tea ―catechins‖ have been among a number of antioxidants thought
capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Until now,
however, nobody knew if the catechins in green tea actually passed from the stomach and
gastrointestinal tract into the tissues of the eye. Pang and his colleagues resolved that uncertainty in
experiments with laboratory rats that drank green tea. Analysis of eye tissues showed beyond a doubt
that eye structures absorbed significant amounts of individual catechins. The retina, for example,
absorbed the highest levels of gallocatechin, while the aqueous humor tended to absorb
epigallocatechin...... Read

Science builds for cardiovascular benefits of dairy proteins
A combination of milk proteins may reduce hardening of the arteries, says a new study from Valio that
support the cardiovascular benefits of the dairy peptides. The combination of isoleucyl-prolyl-proline
(IPP) and valyl-prolyl-proline (VPP) were found to reduce arterial stiffness and enhancing the function of
the cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells) in people with hypertension, according to results
published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. About one billion people worldwide suffer from
high blood pressure (hypertension), defined as having a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP)
greater than 140 and 90 mmHg. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) - a disease
that causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and reported to cost the EU economy an estimated
€169bn ($202bn) per year.......... Read

Very high omega-3 intakes linked to big health benefits
Intakes of omega-3 exceeding levels consumed by the general US population may significantly reduce
the risk of chronic disease, suggests a new study with Yup'ik Eskimos. High levels of the omega-3 fatty
acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) were associated with lower levels
of triglycerides, as well as higher levels of HDL cholesterol, according to data from 357 Yup'ik Eskimos
published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Raised levels of the fatty acids were also
associated with decreased levels of markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which is
produced in the liver and is a known marker for inflammation. Increased levels of CRP are a good
predictor for the onset of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CVD causes almost 50 per
cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169 billion ($202
billion) per year...... Read




Reviews, Comments, Opinions and Full-text Publications

Sodium and Packaged Foods
Packaged food companies in the U.S. have been actively, though quietly, working on sodium reduction
for quite some time. On their websites, many large firms, such as Nestle and Unilever, have publicly
committed to reducing salt and sodium in their products. Others have quietly addressed this issue over
time, product by product, and continue their efforts to produce lower-sodium foods their consumers will
enjoy. Some companies are in the process of making near ―across-the-board‖ sodium reductions using
gradual, and sometimes nearly imperceptible, reductions in sodium-containing ingredients, as well as
their own scientific advances in sodium-reduction approaches that can lead to proprietary technologies.
Lucinda Wisniewski, vice president, Innovation Group for The National Food Labs, indicated that
industry requests for sodium-reduction programs to her company peaked about a year or so ago and
have declined since. ―Many companies have done a lot to reduce sodium as far as technology allows
them to, and they have boosted overall flavor, often utilizing culinary techniques.‖ She and Bob Earl,
vice president of Scientific Affairs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), the parent
organization of the National Food Lab, together believe that, overall, the development phase of sodium
reduction may have run its course for the time being, and the new or reformulated products are being
introduced now. ―Further sodium reduction is likely to remain an ‗eternal quest,‘‖ says Wisniewski, in
light of the sizable disparity from what people actually eat compared with the much lower amounts now
encouraged by health authorities. In fact, the American Heart Association has asked both the FDA and
the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Committee to reduce dietary sodium recommendations even further, down
from the current 2300mg/day in a stepwise fashion, to 2,000mg/day by 2013 and, ultimately, to
1500mg/day by 2020......... Read

Concentrating on Whey Protein Isolate
Not so long ago, whey was considered a valueless cheese byproduct that was used as animal feed.
However, food researchers have discovered the protein component has a high nutritional value and
provides a range of functional properties that prove valuable in a number of food applications: dairy,
bakery, meat, snack, confectionery, beverages, and other food and nutritional products. Cow‘s milk
contains approximately 3.5% protein, about 18% of which are whey proteins, mainly lactalbumin (about
12% of the whey protein) and lactoglobulin (about 50% of the whey protein), and about 82% are
caseins. During cheesemaking, the casein proteins precipitate out in the acidic environment and/or are
coagulated by rennet to form the cheese while the whey proteins stay in solution. This liquid whey
contains proteins, peptides, lactose, milkfat and other lipids; mineral salts and ions, such as sodium,
potassium and calcium; vitamins; and water........ Read

Does red meat give you bowel cancer?
A bitter row has broken out between members of the British meat industry and the World Cancer
Research Fund over whether red meat increases the risk of bowel cancer. What do we know about this
link? The WCRF says the evidence that red and processed meats increase the risk of colorectal cancer
is "convincing", and since 2007 - when it published a major report on lifestyle and cancer - has urged


the public to limit their consumption of steak and sausages. These conclusions, claim an array of
organisations representing meat producers, are flawed. They point to a number of independent
scientists who have questioned the conviction with which the link between red meat and cancer was
presented in the report. The WCRF has published a list of "minor errors" with the report - some relating
to the findings on red meat and bowel cancer - but says it has no intention of altering the conclusions
based on an expert panel's review of the scientific literature......... Read

Organic Dairy Sector Evolves To Meet Changing Demand
Despite being more costly to produce, organic milk production more than tripled in 5 years, but, more
recently, growth has slowed in the wake of the weaker U.S. economy. Organic milk production has been
one of the fastest growing segments of
U.S. organic agriculture. Between 2000
and 2005, the number of certified
organic milk cows increased an average
of 25 percent each year to more than
86,000 in 2005. The number of farms
specializing in organic milk production
more than tripled between 2002 and
2007, to more than 1,600. Many of
these are small dairy operations that
have switched to the organic approach
to help improve farm profitability.
Organic milk cows comprised only about
1 percent of all U.S. milk cows in 2005.
USDA estimates that organic milk‘s
share of U.S. fluid milk sales increased
from 2 percent in 2006 to 3 percent in
2008. Rapid growth in the sector has recently slowed, however, as a weaker U.S. economy dampened
demand for organic food products. Certified organic milk production systems rely on standards that
prohibit the use of antibiotics and hormones in the cow herd and the use of synthetic chemicals in feed
production. Certified organic milk production systems are also required to accommodate the animals‘
natural nutritional and behavioral requirements, ensuring, for example, that cows have access to
pasture. These requirements add to production costs and create challenges for widespread adoption of
organic practices, such as higher managerial costs, risks of shifting to a new way of farming, and
significant time and costs associated with the transition to organic production....... pdf, 6 pages...... Read




Webinars Worldwide
Webinars or Web seminars often provide a free or cost effect way of enhancing knowledge or help stay
on top of market trends and opportunities.

This Section is continuously updated. Please recommend a webinar to Functional Foods Weekly
Date What Presenter Timing* Price
Feb 25 Global Drinking Habits........... Read Euromonitor 9 AM CST Free
Feb 25 Understanding and selling one of the fastest Natural Foods 2 PM ET Free
growing natural product ingredients, xylitol.... Read Merchandiser
Mar 23 Gluten-free products: Market Trends and Prepared Foods 3 PM EDT Free
Regulations........ Read
Mar 24 From Babies to Baby Boomers – What You Should IFT 12:45PM USD 79
Know About DHA and Cognition.......... Read CST
* 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


Conferences & Meetings Worldwide
This Section is continuously updated. Please recommend a food-related conference to Functional Foods Weekly
When What Where

2010
Feb 23-24 Financial Risk Management for the Dairy Industry......... Read Chicago, US
Mar 2-3 12th Annual Dairy Ingredients Symposium......... Read San Francisco, US
Mar 2-3 ABARE Outlook.......... Read Canberra, Australia
Mar 9 Food for Kids Conference........ hRead London, UK
Mar 9-10 Grain Foods: Sustaining the Future, Sydney, Australia
the Inaugural Go Grains Health & Nutrition Industry Conference............
Read
Mar 9-11 InnoBev Global Soft Drinks Congress...... Read Istanbul, Turkey
Mar 9-11 US Ireland Functional Foods Conference 2010.............. Read Cork, Ireland
Mar 10-11 Nutracon.......... Read Anaheim, US
Mar 10-11 Soyfoods2010: Anticipating Potential for Growth........ Read Anaheim, US
Mar 11-14 Natural Products Expo West........ Read Anaheim, US
Mar 17-18 Food & Beverage Innotech Asia 2010............ Read Bangkok, Thailand
th
Mar 19-21 The 8 China Nutrient and Healthy Food & Organic Products.......... Read Guangzhou, China
Mar 23-25 Food Ingredients China............ Read Shanghai, China


Mar 29-30 Australian Obesity Summit......... Read Sydney, Australia
Apr 16-17 IPA (International Probiotics Association) World Congress......... Read Miami, US
Apr 20-21 Food Futures – An Australian Approach......... Read Canberra, Australia
Apr 26 Antioxidants 2010 – Science, Testing and Regulations.......... Read Brussels, Belgium
Apr 27-29 Fourth Global Dairy Congress........ Read Salzburg, Austria
Apr 29-30 Natural Health Conference and Expo.......... Read Brisbane, Australia
May 18-20 Vitafoods 2010.............. Read Geneva, Swiss
May 25-26 Beverage Forum 2010.......... Read New York, US
May 25-27 Food Ingredients Central and East European....... Read Warshaw, Poland
th
May 27-29 Dietitians Association of Australia 28 National Conference.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
May 30-Jun 2010 CIFST/AAFC Conference...... Read Winnipeg, Canada
01
Jun 1-10 3rd International Symposium on Propionibacteria and Bifidobacteria: Oviedo, Spain
Dairy and Probiotic Applications.......... Read
Jun 11 Probiotics: From Bench to Market....... Read New York, US
Jun 15-17 International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics - IPC Kosice, Slovakia
2010............ Read
Jul 17-21 IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo.......... Read Chicago, US

Jun 20-25 NanoAgro 2010........ Read São Carlos, SP, Brazil
Jul 25-27 AIFST Annual Conference – Creating the Future of Foods.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
Aug 11-12 Dairy Microbiology - the good, the bad, the issues.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
Aug 18-19 Higher Valued Foods – FIESTA 2010; 5th Innovative Foods Melbourne, Australia
Conference........ Read
Aug 22-26 IUFOST 2010 CONGRESS........ Read Cape Town, South Africa
Sep 7-9 The 3rd Australian Food Safety Conference.......... Read Melbourne, Australia
Sep 12-15 ABIC 2010: Bridging Biology and Business........ Read Saskatoon, Canada
Sep 22-24 InterBev 2010............. Read Orlando, US
Oct 28-29 6th International Symposium Probiotics and Health: Key Findings and Montreal, Canada
New Directions........ Read
Nov 8-11 IDF World Dairy Summit 2010 …….. Read Auckland
Nov 16-18 Hi Europe……. Read Madrid, Spain


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