Gen Y, the largest demographic group in history, is passionate about big flavours that pack a punch, according to new research. They are drawn to bold and complex flavours that turn mealtime into a culinary trip around the world. According to a recent study by the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) exploring Gen Y’s attitudes and eating behaviors, more than 50 per cent eat global foods and 46 per cent like to layer flavours and customise recipes. For the well-cultivated palates of this influential... ...Read more »
A unique “healthy halo” is driving the flourishing global market for food and beverage products enhanced with omega fatty acids, according to new research, published overnight. The ‘halo’ is characterised by enhanced public awareness of omega fatty acid compounds, their proven scientific and health benefits, consumer willingness to purchase products that contain them, and positive media exposure. In the report, Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets,... ...Read more »
In 2008, food and beverage claims classified as “Natural” - including all natural, no preservatives, organic and wholegrain - were the most frequently featured on new products globally, according to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). Claims of ‘fortified products’, on the other hand, took a hit, while declarations of “low” (e.g. low-fat) stagnated. Almost one in every four (23%) launches last year had “Natural”, a nine per cent rise... ...Read more »
New Zealand scientists have reported that heavily processed foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) could be addictive in a similar way to drugs. Simon Thornley, from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service, noted that foods with a high GI caused blood-sugar levels to escalate suddenly, with the resultant sugar rush stimulating the same areas of the brain associated with addiction to drugs such as nicotine. Low-GI foods, on the other hand, provide a more steady release of sugar. He believes that... ...Read more »
In a sign of the times, South Australian Premier Mike Rann has announced a new campaign encouraging South Australians to buy and spend locally. The promotion follows on from the ‘Buy South Australian, it’s better for you’ campaign and is indicative of a growing trend towards ‘local’ food in many other regions across the world. “Now that the frenzy of Christmas is over, we have a chance to catch our breath and really consider the impact of our purchasing,”... ...Read more »
British Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has called on supermarkets and food companies to give shoppers clearer information on where their food comes from.He made the call as he urged people to buy more local produce and stressed that protecting the environment is vital to increasing food production. “When you buy a car you know its service history. When you buy a house you get a detailed survey. So why do we accept knowing so much less about what we are putting into our bodies?” Mr... ...Read more »
‘G’Day USA’ Australia Week 2009 has commenced with gourmet Australian food and wine from more than 35 Australian food businesses enticing American palates during the annual month-long supermarket promotion being held in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco (1-31 January). Entering its sixth year, G’Day USA is the largest foreign country promotion held annually in the US. This year’s supermarket promotion has been expanded to include San Francisco’s renowned... ...Read more »
The Food Standards Agency has moved to promote brands that have rid their products of certain artificial ingredients in the wake of an agreement of Ministers to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommending a voluntary ban on certain food colours. The colours (listed below) were linked to hyperactivity in children by the ‘Southampton Study’ in the UK in 2007. Australia’s food regulator, FSANZ, has since carried out tests of food products in Australia and suggested a ban on the colours... ...Read more »
An appetite for internationally infused tastes, a desire for all-natural foods and a craving for favourite ingredients are a few of the influences behind the McCormick Flavour Forecast 2009. The report, released by the US-based spices and seasonings company, takes an in-depth look at 10 emerging flavour combinations poised to transform America’s, and international, menus in the coming year. “Our passion for flavour is the inspiration behind the ‘Flavour Forecast’,”... ...Read more »
Every third child of school age prefers soft drinks which are not sweet. Children and young people love fish and do not think of themselves as being fussy eaters. Girls have a better sense of taste than boys. Boys have a sweeter tooth than girls. And teenagers taste differently. All this has been discovered by new Danish research. In September, 8,900 schoolchildren from all over Denmark took part in a large-scale experiment conducted by Danish Science Communication and The Faculty of Life Sciences... ...Read more »