The FOOD REVIEW website and journal is aimed at decision makers in the manufacturing processes of food, beverages and related industries. It offers incisive and authoritative reports on all aspects of the process, from raw material sourcing, to manufacturing and packing, right down to the distribution and marketing of finished goods.
FOOD REVIEW informs readers about the introduction of new ingredients, equipment, products and packs and provides objective commentary on local and international market trends and issues, as well as relevant processing and packaging technologies.
Transpaco Specialised Films recently installed and commissioned a seven-layer cast film line, worth R24 million, at its Ekandustria site, Bronkhorspruit. According to Ken Harris, managing director of the company, this confirms the company's position as the largest cast film manufacturer in SA, and has boosted its technological ability to compete against imported stretch films.
The new line, supplied by Italian company Dolci Extrusion, can produce 2000mm wide films at up to 1500kg an hour. The machine uses five extruders (1x180mm, 1x105mm and 3x65mm) to produce the seven layers. The FCL 7-2000 machine – from Dolci's Stratocast range – is designed for the production of multi-layer film structures, referred to as 'plywood' stretch films, and are exceptionally strong, confirms Harris.
Advances in mobile technology are increasing the number of consumer products with smart barcodes. Although this development is encouraging more sustainable products, Organic Monitor believes the implications are far reaching and could eventually lead to the demise of some eco-labels.
Eco-labels currently play an important role in marking sustainable products. Indeed, green symbols and logos are becoming ubiquitous on foods, cosmetics, household cleaning products, textiles, furniture and even toys. However, some consumers are becoming disillusioned with eco-labels because of the shortcomings of many standards and the lack of transparency. According to Organic Monitor, a growing number of consumers are now turning to mobile technology applications to meet their informational needs.
As we head into 2012, many of us will be resolving to lose those few extra pounds, save more money, or spend a few more hours with our families and friends. But there are also some resolutions we can make to make our lives a little greener. Each of us can make a commitment to reducing our environmental impacts.
The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Broadening access to sustainable energy is essential to solving many of the world's challenges, including food production, security, and poverty. 'With so many hungry and poor in the world, addressing these issues is critical,' says Danielle Nierenberg, director of Worldwatch's Nourishing the Planet project. 'Fortunately, the solutions to these problems can come from simple innovations and practices,' says Robert Engelman, president of the Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental research organisation based in Washington DC.
Energy drinks are all the fad, according to our in-house beverage guru Claire Hu. 'The recession has put a dent in such buoyant confidence and growth has been slower than many would have predicted – but energy drinks still represent a big opportunity in SA,' she says.
Las Vegas is home to Rockstar, a very powerful energy drink. Vegas is known for its glitz, glam and the edgy high-life of the young and beautiful. Rockstar Pink has zero sugar and zero carbs and is a great guilt-free energy drink for girls and guys who hit the extreme.
Whether it's hard partying, active sport or climbing the career ladder, when an extra energy boost is craved, Rockstar Pink hits the spot without the sugar and carbo load.'Everybody is interested in alternative soft drinks, with less sugar and more benefit from the product,' Hu goes on to say.
Over three-billion people worldwide are afflicted with micronutrient malnutrition, caused largely by a dietary deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Zinc deficiency is endemic amongst developing countries, and Ethiopia is no exception. Zinc deficiency triggers many health problems in children, many of which can become chronic, such as weight loss, stunted growth, weakened resistance to infections, and mortality.
Eragrostis tef (teff) is a small seeded millet-like cereal grain indigenous to Ethiopia. Teff, a high-iron cereal crop, is one of the staple cereals in Ethiopia and is used to prepare starchy fermented foods such as injera (fermented sourdough flat bread), porridge and alcoholic beverages. Nutritional iron deficiency is not a serious problem in Ethiopia but zinc deficiency remains highly prevalent, especially in children.
The Prophet.com survey of corporate reputation winners and losers in the US for 2010/2011 saw a strong shift towards ethical behaviour, fairness, and openness featuring as primary drivers of reputation above economic performance.
The report stated that people expect 'businesses to do more and to walk the responsibility talk as that is what will make or break a reputation.' This growing global trend has been recognised by South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry (SAAFFI).
'We believe that organisations that follow high ethical standards will better serve their stakeholders and will be greatly valued as business partners,' said Michael Gristwood, executive director of SAAFFI.
Consol celebrated the official launch of the new Nigel plant, on 17 November, now the largest, and one of the most environmentally friendly, as well as energy efficient glass manufacturing facilities in Africa.
Eighteen months ago, Consol Glass, began construction of an environmentally efficient, modern, world-class glass manufacturing plant in Nigel, South of Johannesburg. An incredible 1,2 million man-hours were invested into the project, and with the first phase of the factory complete, this is one of those rare instances of a mammoth project completed on time and within budget. The full scope of the project is valued at R1,90 billion and allows for future expansion, while meeting immediate market demands.
Largely as a result of Woolworth's commitment to free-range products, one of its main egg suppliers has invested R20 million in a new facility to produce liquid egg from free-range eggs.
This latest step in the journey to producing and selling all free-range products, began more than five years ago and by March 2012, approximately half of all Woolworth’s products containing egg will be made with, and labelled, ‘made with free-range eggs’.
Sappi Limited, the global pulp and paper group, has announced that Mark Thompson, the current chief financial officer, will retire from Sappi in August 2012 having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60. In order to ensure a smooth transition in this important role, Sappi is pleased to announce that Steve Binnie, currently the chief financial o…
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a leading global creator of flavours and fragrances for consumer products, has established a new scientific advisory board (SAB).…
Transpaco Specialised Films recently installed and commissioned a seven-layer cast film line, worth R24 million, at its Ekandustria site, Bronkhorspruit. According to Ken Harris, managing director of the company, this confirms the company's position as the largest cast film manufacturer in SA, and has boosted its technological ability to compete ag…
The Beneo-Institute has announced its second European Scientific Symposium. The symposium, this year, will focus on prebiotic fibres and functional carbohydrates in science and regulation and will be held between the 12 and 13 March in Heidelberg, at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Following the success of the first European Sc…
In a strategic move that offers significant growth opportunities for both parties, Sharon Bolel Chemical Marketing (SBCM) has been wholly acquired by CJP Chemicals, effective from 11 November 2011. On hearing this last year, Food Review spoke to someone from SBCM, however they declined to comment until now. SBCM will retain its name and continue…
