In the December 2011 issue of Food Technology magazine, published by the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), contributing Editor A. Elizabeth Sloan writes about the latest whole grain trends in food: 1.     Food marketing claims relating to the benefits of whole grains are now the most sought after health claims on food packages, followed by claims about dietary fiber, according to the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI) 2011 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report. 2.      The number... ...Read more »

PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America snacks business plans to make 50% of its products from natural ingredients by the end of the year.The target, which includes Lay’s potato chips, Tostitos tortilla chips and SunChips snacks, will see the products made using ingredients without artificial or synthetic ingredients. This will include around six dozen varieties of Frito-Lay products. “Many of the unflavoured snacks in our portfolio are already made with all-natural ingredients, and we’ve... ...Read more »

PepsiCo is set to launch a portable children’s snack made from squeezable fruit in the US. The company’s Tropicana Products division said the product, Tropicana Tropolis, will be available in select stores in limited markets from next month. If successful, expanded distribution is expected in 2012. PepsiCo has set its sights on boosting global sales of “nutrition” products from US$10bn now to $20bn by 2030. “Moms have fond memories of Tropicana from their own childhoods,... ...Read more »

US snack maker Lance has signed an agreement to merge with pretzel firm Snyder’s of Hanover.The deal, announced last night, will combine the two firms in a stock-for-stock merger of equals that will create a company to be called Snyder’s-Lance. “This transaction allows us to create a stronger company in a highly competitive industry and simultaneously create value for our shareholders,” said David Singer, president and CEO of Lance. In addition to brands including Lance, Snyder’s... ...Read more »

Recent research from Mintel Menu Insights found that snacking is the new way to order at restaurants. Menu items that contain the descriptors “snack,” “snackable,” or “snacker” have increased by a staggering 170% since 2007 and growth is expected to carry on as restaurants continue to explore this new trend.”Snacks are providing a huge opportunity right now for restaurants ranging from quick service to fine dining,” notes Eric Giandelone, director of... ...Read more »

Australia’s Byron Bay Gourmet Foods’ has been awarded a prestigious Silver sofi for its Gluten-Free Rosemary & Sea Salt Crispbread Crackers.America’s National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) sofiTM Awards are the highest honour in the specialty food industry in the USA and this year’s competition was stiff, with 1,570 products submitted across 31 award categories. Chairman of Byron Bay Gourmet Foods, Gordon Slater, says “We are delighted that our... ...Read more »

US food giant ConAgra Foods  announced on Monday that it has bought Elan Nutrition, a formulator and manufacturer of snack and nutrition bars, from private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners. Financial terms of the transaction, which closed yesterday, were not disclosed. The Elan Nutrition business will be managed as part of ConAgra Foods’ Snacks platform and integrated specifically into its Store Brands business, which primarily makes cereal and snack bars sold under retailer labels. The acquisition... ...Read more »