As food manufacturers around the world step up their focus on producing new products that can cater toward a growing demand for healthy products, an Australian company has become the first to create a fruit snack bar without using puree, juice or additives. Cheeky Chewz has devised a method to produce 100% dried fruit bars that, unlike most bars, are not made from fruit juice or fruit puree. Only the stones/cores of the fruit are removed, with the whole fruit, skin and all, naturally preserved as... ...Read more »

A high profile debate, organised by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the UK Government’s Foresight unit, was held overnight to discuss the role of convenience foods and their impact on obesity. The event brought together senior industry executives and key stakeholders to mark the first anniversary of publication of the Foresight report on obesity. That report is widely credited with having reframed the debate on the causes and management of obesity and for setting out a long-term vision... ...Read more »

PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has announced a ‘Productivity for Growth Intiative’ expected to provide the company with savings of US$1.2 billion. The expected savings are to be invested in brand building, long-term R&D, innovation and growth initiatives in key markets. Approximately 3,300 jobs will go worldwide as the American company seeks to improve on their third quarter net revenue growth of 11 per cent - which failed to meet expectations.... ...Read more »

Kellogg Company, the world’s leading producer of cereal, today announced that it has acquired NSW-based Specialty Cereals Pty Limited - a privately-owned manufacturer of natural ready-to-eat cereals. Founded in 1988, Specialty Cereals markets products under the Vogels, Wild Oats, and Cerevite brands. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Kellogg reports that the transaction will have no material impact on their 2008 operating profit. David Mackay, President and Chief Executive Officer... ...Read more »

Kellogg’s Australia has announced that it is to acquire Specialty Cereals, an Australian cereal and snacks manufacturer - subject to regulatory approval. The world’s leading cereal maker has had a relationship with Specialty Cereals for two decades with regard to manufacturing and packaging, and view the acquisition as an opportunity to expand their ‘health and wellness’ and ‘natural’ product lines. Specialty Cereals was founded in 1988 and was one of the first... ...Read more »

Cargill has expanded its capabilities with the opening of a new Snacks and Cereal Product Innovation Centre in Minneapolis. The company are hoping the new research centre will enable them to help food manufacturers create innovative new products that drive sales growth. “The new facility unites Cargill’s product formulation and pilot plant scale-up capabilities under one roof, enabling the company to help customers accelerate new product development and testing and increase speed to market,”... ...Read more »