Understanding the Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods: A Scientific Perspective for the Food Industry
The rising prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases has put ultra-processed foods (UPFs) under scrutiny. As of 2024, nearly 40% of the global adult population is overweight or obese, and diet-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes continue to rise. The Nova classification system, introduced in 2009, categorizes foods based on processing levels, from minimally processed (1) to ultra-processed (4). This framework has influenced policy decisions, including Brazil’s dietary guidelines and discussions in the U.S. 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. However, despite growing research linking UPFs to health risks, the classification system presents challenges that businesses in the food industry must consider. Health Risks Associated with UPFs An umbrella
New Artificial Mouth Helps Researchers Understand Oral Processing of Foods
Discover how artificial mouth technology is reshaping food science to meet the nutritional needs of ageing populations with groundbreaking precision.
Strategic Expansion: Midas Foods Broadens Capabilities with Acquisition of J.M. Exotic Foods
OAK PARK, MICH. — Midas Foods International has announced its acquisition of J.M. Exotic Foods Inc., a well-established Alabama-based manufacturer specializing in spices, seasonings, blends, and sauces for retail and foodservice markets. This strategic move, unveiled in late December, represents a key milestone in
Invest in the Future! How HelloFresh Could Revolutionize the Stock Market
With technology reshaping industries, the food sector is no exception. Investors are keen to identify companies poised for future success, and HelloFresh, a leading meal kit delivery service, is gaining attention. But how could HelloFresh’s stock (“aktie” in German) transform the investment world?
Egypt’s Food Industry Exports Soar to $5.5 Billion in 2024: A Key Driver of Economic Growth
The Egyptian food industry has achieved unprecedented export milestones in 2024, cementing its position as a significant contributor to the country's economic development. Between January and November 2024, the sector’s exports surged to an impressive $5.5 billion, representing a 17% increase compared to $4.7 billion
How Tech is Revolutionizing the Food Industry
Did you know the global food tech market is set to hit $250 billion by 2022? Technology is changing the food industry in big ways. It’s making things more efficient, sustainable, and better for consumers.
Ingredients & Additives: Natural Ingredients – A Growing Opportunity for the Food Industry
In the rapidly evolving food industry, natural ingredients are becoming a critical focus, driven by consumer demand for transparency, health benefits, and sustainability. Labels like “natural,” “clean label,” and “eco-friendly” are no longer just marketing jargon; they represent a fundamental shift in consumer priorities. For businesses in the food industry, this trend offers both immense opportunities and notable challenges. The Demand for Natural Ingredients The global natural food ingredients market is experiencing robust growth, valued at around $4 billion in 2012, with an annual growth rate of 6-7%. This growth is fueled by increasing awareness about health and wellness, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, which account for approximately 60% of the global market
Food additive E551 could promote coeliac disease
A recent study has found that food additive E551, also known as silicon dioxide, can reduce oral tolerance to dietary proteins and could foster the development of coeliac disease. Born of a collaboration among researchers at INRAE and McMaster University in Canada, this pioneering work is the first to highlight the
The FDA proposes banning a food additive that's been used for a century
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering banning brominated vegetable oil, a food additive that was recently deemed unlawful to use in California because of its potentially harmful effects on human health. The FDA said Thursday it is considering reversing its approval of brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, in
Dairyland signs with SIG during Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 in Dubai
Dairyland first to bring an SIG aseptic carton filling machine to Pakistan providing operational flexibility and impactful shelf presence Dubai, UAE - December 20, 2024: Dairyland, the leading provider of premium UHT and fresh milk products in Pakistan, has made a significant move in the local dairy industry with the implementation of the first SIG XSlim 24 Aseptic filling machine for aseptic cartons in the country. Known for its quality products sourced directly from its own farms, Dairyland aims to expand its offerings while maintaining its high standards in nutrition and quality. As part of its growth strategy, Dairyland plans to introduce lines of more affordable products to the market, ensuring access to high-quality dairy options for a wider audience. The company has chosen SIG
EU-funded project recycles multi-layer plastic flexibles into new food-grade packs
Although MLCs have traditionally been used to package food and personal care products in line with stringent safety and hygiene requirements, it was previously considered impossible to separate the layers; thus, such packaging is difficult to recycle, and instead incinerated or sent to landfill at end-of-life.
Survey Reveals Finnish Consumers Willing to Pay More for Sustainable Packaging, with Over-65s Leading the Charge
A recent survey commissioned by Huhtamaki, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, revealed significant consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging in Finland. Conducted by Aula Research in March 2024 with 1,483 Finnish participants aged 18 and older, the survey found that over one-third of consumers are
The Rising Threat of Foodborne Illnesses: A Wake-Up Call for the Food Industry
The latest EU One Health Zoonoses Report unveils alarming trends in foodborne illnesses across Europe, with fatalities in 2023 reaching a decade-high. These findings call for immediate action from the food industry to address safety gaps and protect public health. Key Findings: Fatalities Surge: Deaths: 2023 saw the highest foodborne illness fatalities in a decade. Top Offender: Salmonella caused 16 deaths out of 1,115 outbreaks, highlighting the pathogen’s severe impact. Infections by Pathogen (2023): Pathogen Cases Hospitalizations Outbreaks Deaths Salmonella 77,486 1,726 1,115 16 Campylobacter 141,181 90 N/A N/A Listeria monocytogenes 2,952 84 19 11 STEC 10,217 N/A 66 N/A Food Sources: Listeria monocytogenes: Found in 0.78% of tested ready-to-eat (RTE) food samples, with fermented
Advancements in Outbreak Response and Cluster Detection: The Impact of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in Canada
The implementation of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in Canada has significantly transformed the landscape of cluster detection and outbreak response, particularly for enteric pathogens. The transition from traditional subtyping methods, like Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), to WGS has had a profound impact on
The Role of RFID Technology in Modernizing Food Safety and Supply Chain Management
As consumer demand for transparency and high-quality food continues to rise, the food and beverage industry is undergoing a significant transformation. One of the key drivers of this change is the adoption of RFID technology, which enhances various aspects of food safety, supply chain tracking, and inventory
Revolutionizing Food Processing Efficiency with LayerPak: The Future of End-of-Line Automation
In the fast-paced world of food manufacturing, efficiency, hygiene, and precision are paramount. Forpak Automation has unveiled a groundbreaking solution, LayerPak, designed to transform end-of-line production processes for products requiring stacking or paper insertion. This innovative equipment sets new benchmarks in automation, catering to the increasing demand for high-volume production in constrained spaces while maintaining stringent food safety standards. A New Standard in Automation LayerPak combines advanced engineering with user-centric features to optimize production efficiency. The system integrates servo grouping, automated paper insertion, machine vision inspection, and rapid multi-layer stacking to deliver unmatched performance. Engineered for durability and ease of
Vietnam's Food Processing Sector Attracts Global Investors
The food processing industry in Vietnam continues to exhibit robust growth in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), driven by its significant development potential and appeal to foreign investors. Nguyen Van Thu, chairman of G.C Food—a leading producer of aloe vera and coconut jelly in Vietnam—highlighted the strong export
Meyn Celebrates 65 Years of Innovation in Poultry Processing
On September 9, 2024, Meyn, a global leader in poultry processing solutions, will proudly celebrate its 65th anniversary. Since its founding in 1959, Meyn has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, revolutionizing the poultry processing industry with cutting-edge technologies and solutions.A Legacy of
Panso Launches as Hospitality Industry's First One-Stop-Platform for Customer Experience Management
Panso, the first all-in-one hospitality management platform and customer relationship management system (CRM), debuts today, positioned to revolutionize how operators manage their business. With its integrated platform, Panso provides hospitality businesses – restaurants, hotels, social clubs, food halls, and more – with a 360-degree view of their operations and customers, enabling them to enhance guest experiences both online and in-store. By providing businesses with tools to centralize operations and leverage actionable insights, Panso elevates operators' capability to strengthen customer engagement, increase efficiency, and achieve long-term growth. At the helm of Panso is Founder and CEO Britney Ziegler, a recognized trailblazer in the food and hospitality industry. A semifinalist for
Menu Engineering: Driving Success Through Strategic Menu Development
In the competitive food industry, a menu is far more than a list of dishes. It serves as a strategic tool that can elevate customer experiences, optimize operational efficiency, and significantly boost profitability. Crafting a successful menu demands more than culinary creativity—it requires a combination of strategic
Global Catering-Equipment Market Forecast: Projected to Reach USD 224.66 Billion by 2031 Driven by Technological Advancements and Growing Demand
The global Catering-Equipment market, valued at USD 99.03 billion in 2024, is projected to experience significant growth, reaching USD 224.66 billion by 2031. This growth is expected at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.63%, driven by technological advancements, expanding industry applications, and increasing
CEPA Programme: UAE Global Trade Ties Grow With 26 Strategic Alliances
The CEPA programme is playing a pivotal role in the UAE’s broader economic strategy, accelerating progress toward the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision The UAE’s ambitious comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) programme continues to reshape its trade landscape, with 26 agreements signed with key global partners as of Q1 2025. The initiative, launched in September 2021, underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its regional and international economic influence. In 2025 alone, the UAE secured five new CEPAs with Malaysia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic, further expanding its trade network and unlocking opportunities for the country’s private sector across some of the world’s most dynamic economies, according to a WAM report. Of the 26 agreements,
Kuwait, Brazil Plan to Expand Trade Exchanges
Trade between Brazil and Kuwait remains centered on Brazilian food and commodity exports and Kuwaiti oil. However, a Brazilian delegation visited Kuwait from February 2-4 to diversify trade and attract Kuwaiti investments in logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainability, aviation, and food. The mission,
Russia's Thriving Food Industry: Growth, Investments, and Market Trends
The Russian food industry has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, with key developments in production, processing, and retail. In 2024, the industry's turnover in Moscow increased by 10.3% to ₽807.1 billion, marking a record-high performance. This trend reflects the expansion and modernization of food
IEG: SIGEP WORLD SPEAKS THE LANGUAGES OF THE GLOBAL MARKETS
The 46th edition of Italian Exhibition Group’s event, to be held at Rimini Expo Centre from 18th to 22nd January, will be attended by foreign delegations from all over the world and more than 3,000 buyers A show under the banner of technological innovation with over 40 talks and round tables and 60 international speakers
IEG: SIGEP WORLD 2025 SOLD OUT
The 46th edition of SIGEP becomes Sigep World - The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence and opens two new halls, arriving at 138,000 square metres. Stands are sold out and the internationalisation strategy has been enhanced: 3,000 buyers from over 90 countries expected. “SIGEP WORLD, the IEG - Italian Exhibition
Vinitech-Sifel PR
The date has already been set: Vinitech-Sifel will be held at Bordeaux Exhibition Centre from 26 to 28 November. The world's leading event for innovation and exchange in the wine, arboriculture and vegetable production sectors, the 24th edition of this biennial event will be held under the new presidency of Bernard
Strategic Insights: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Personalized Nutrition
The personalized nutrition industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer expectations. However, this growth has not been without its challenges. Many companies have entered the market with promising innovations, only to struggle or fail due to operational, financial, or strategic missteps. For businesses aiming to thrive in this dynamic sector, understanding the lessons from past failures is key to crafting sustainable strategies. Narrowing the Focus for Greater Impact One recurring challenge for personalized nutrition businesses has been targeting too broad an audience. Nard Clabbers, founder of NCNC Nutrition Consultancy, shared insights from his work on an app that sought to connect users with tailored nutrition services. The ambition to serve
Referendum Rejects Plan to Boost Switzerland's Biodiversity
Environmentalists wanted stronger safeguards put in place to protect Switzerland's biodiversity, but they were defeated by voters who thought it too expensive. The proposal would have boosted public funding to encourage farmers and others to set aside lands and waterways to let the wild landscape develop. It would also
Expert Reaction to Study on Food Processing and Type 2 Diabetes Incidence
A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe examines the relationship between food processing levels and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As the food industry grapples with the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, these findings offer important insights into how different categories of