Chinese energy and steel consumption hits global packaging prices
Chinese consumption is a major factor behind potential steel price increases in Europe, something that could hit food and beverage packagers globally, writes Anthony Fletcher.
Archives for October 13, 2004
European can makers fear knock-on effect of steel prices
EU fruit and vegetable canners are concerned that major European steel producing companies such as Arcelor, Corus, Rasselsein and US-steel could be about to increase steel prices by 20 to 30 per cent. Anthony Fletcher reports.
Commission rules against jelly agents
Gel-forming additives used widely in jelly mini-cups have been permanently banned within the European Union following a ruling in the summer by the European Food Safety Agency that they constituted a choking hazard.
Danisco breaks ground on pectin plant in Brazil
Risk assessment and market predictions translate into new pectin opportunities for Danisco that will break ground on a new pectin plant in Brazil, to be up and running by 2007, reports Lindsey Partos.
Danone shows steady growth
French food group Danone has reported steady if unspectacular growth for the third quarter of the year, with poor weather in much of northern Europe impacting sales compared to last year's heatwave-boosted performance.
War in trans fats spears new product development
The battle for market share in the growing zero trans fats oil marketplace has gathered pace after a small US co-operative joined the large commercial players by rolling out its first batch of trans fat-free soybean oil.
French equipment sector booming on back of exports
France has become the world's fifth largest exporter of food processing equipment according to ANVAR, the French agency for innovation that operates under the aegis of the French Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry.
More evidence of chocolate's heart-healthy credentials
Research published this month suggests that some cocoa and chocolate products have a very high flavanol content, a factor which makes them good at protecting the body against cardiovascular disease. But all chocolate products do not offer the same...