The first acquisition proposals for oranges from the 2018/19 crop have started to be reported in the market of São Paulo State. Occasionally, large-sized processors have demonstrated interest in trades around 20.00 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, harvested and delivered at the processor.

In general, according to agents from processors, these proposals may indicate the possible price level in the next crop, which should be smaller than the current season, that produced one of the largest volumes in all times. The first prices bid by processors, around 20.00 BRL per box, are higher than those traded in the spot market this season (17.00 BRL per box for prompt-delivery), but lower than those in the 2016/17 crop, when supply was low (averaging 22.02 BRL per box between July and December/16).

Citrus growers are concerned with the next orange crop in São Paulo. Although it is still early to measure the 2018/19 harvesting, some growers estimate the fruitlet drops of the main flowering event, between late August and early September and considered positive, may have reached 50 % (mainly for pera rio, which is more sensitive to the hot and dry weather in the last months).

BRAZILIAN MARKET – The demand for oranges was higher in the first fortnight of November in the domestic market, due to the beginning of the month, when sales usually increase. Besides, with lower supply of pear oranges with quality near that demanded by the segment, quotes of higher quality fruits pushed up the price average. Thus, from November 1 to 14, pear orange prices averaged 19.79 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, 2.2 % up compared to the average between October 2 and 13.

The volume of tahiti lime, in turn, increased in the in natura market. Besides the fruits that are reaching the size demanded by the segment, some growers were taking advantage of the firm prices to harvest and flow the variety, even before the fruits reach the ideal size and color. Thus, the availability of small-sized tahiti lime (which should be ready only this month) was increasing.

This scenario is hampering tahiti lime exportations as well, since the volume of fruits in the ideal size for shipment is low, and prices are still considered high. Besides, with the nearness of the holiday season, exportations should step up, concerning exporters regarding availability even more. Between November 1 and 14, tahiti lime quotes averaged 60.60 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, 25.9 % down compared to that between October 2 and 13.

EXPORTATIONS – In the 2017/18 season (July to October/17), exportations of FCOJ Equivalent continue 25 % higher than in the same period last crop, according to Secex, totaling 419.2 thousand tons. Revenue, in turn, increased 32 %, to 747.6 million USD. In Real, revenue rose 30 % in the same comparison, totaling 2.36 billion BRL. This rise was already expected by agents from the sector, based on the larger Brazilian production and higher demand from the United States.

Tahiti lime exportations, in turn, decreased, due to lower supply in Brazil in the last months. Thus, this crop (Jan. to Oct/17), shipments have totaled 81.4 thousand tons, 2.4 % lower than in the same period last season (Secex).

Demonstrating how the private sector can play a major role in mitigating climate change, the Forest Stewardship Council^TM (FSC^TM) announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23) in Bonn the support from IKEA of Sweden and SIG Combibloc aiming to document the positive impacts of wood sourcing and forestry.

The Bonn Initiative is a joint effort to develop scientifically rigorous methodologies that will help quantify the benefits, such as improved carbon sequestration, that FSC certified forests contribute to mitigate global warming and fight climate change.

This data will allow companies to specifically identify the climate benefits derived from sourcing forest products from FSC certified forests in the fight against global warming. It can also help governments with specific knowledge of the amount of carbon storage in responsibly managed forests, offering them better information on their progress towards meeting their UNFCCC Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement.

FSC will set up a task force based on earlier work to develop methods that will indicate through scientifically backed data the positive impacts of FSC certification as compared to conventional forest management practices.

“By protecting and restoring forest ecosystems and improving forest management practices, FSC has a direct positive impact on curbing global warming. Specifically quantifying these positive impacts will allow companies and consumers to better understand the importance of responsible forest management in helping to prevent global warming and eventually become a catalyst for increased demand of products that come from these sources,” says Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC International.

“We want to be net positive by contributing more to society and the environment than we take out. We call that going WAY BEYOND GOOD. An important part of our net positive commitment is supporting global action on climate change as well as on the regeneration of natural resources. Since 2009, SIG has led the industry in providing FSC-certified carton packs. Today, more than 80 per cent of SIG carton packs are carrying the FSC label. More than 60 billion SIG packs have now been sold with the FSC label. Showing the climate benefits of FSC-certified carton packs in a scientifically robust way will further support our target of 100 % FSC labelled packs,” says Udo Felten, Manager Product Related Global Environmental Sustainability & Affairs at SIG.

As important carbon sinks, forests play an essential role in reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Responsible forest management, as embodied by FSC, has the capacity to mitigate global warming through specific measures that aim, among others, to improve forestry practices, reduce forest damage, increase restoration and reforestation or avoid specific negative impacts such as forest fires.

A step beyond the Vancouver Declaration

The Bonn Initiative follows the Vancouver Declaration launched during FSC’s General Assembly held in Vancouver (Canada) in October this year and already supported by over 60 global companies. The Vancouver Declaration recognizes the importance of FSC as a responsible forest management certification scheme and commits the signatories to prioritize sourcing FSC certified forest products on a global scale.

This new initiative is a next step to specifically quantify the contribution that the signatories to the Vancouver Declaration have in reducing carbon emission through responsible forest management.

The Bonn Initiative will equally be open to companies willing to follow-up on their earlier pledge through the Vancouver Declaration.

Watch the Vancouver Declaration by SIG CFO Samuel Sigrist: signals.sig.biz

Young Scientist Award honours outstanding research at EFFoST International Conference

The GNT Young Scientist Award 2017 goes to Caroline Buvé of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. At the 31st EFFoST International Conference, which was held in Sitges, Spain, from 13th to 16th November, she stood out with her research on quantifying colour changes of pasteurized strawberry juices during storage by integrating analytical and acceptability data. Second and third place went to Marlies Geerts, Wageningen University, the Netherlands, and Cinzia Mannozzi, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria. They impressed the jury with their work on understanding functional properties of mildly refined starch fraction of yellow pea (Geerts) and the influence of pulsed electric field and ohmic heating pre-treatment on the enzyme and antioxidant activity of recovered fruit and vegetable juices (Mannozzi). The award honours students and PhD students with extraordinary achievements in the field of food science. It is presented by the GNT Group, leading global provider of Colouring Foods, for the eighth time already and includes prize money of 1,000 euros, 600 euros and 400 euros.

“At GNT, we are constantly investing in our innovation pipeline to lead the field of Colouring Foods and develop new solutions. Therefore, it is extremely important for us to encourage young scientist to engage in research related to Colouring Foods – and support their work”, says Marcus Volkert, Application and Development Manager at GNT and member of the award committee. “All winners presented creative, pioneering ideas in their respective fields and stood out with excellently conducted research. Their studies are of high relevance for the production and application of Colouring Foods and serve as an inspiration for the constant advancement of our EXBERRY^® portfolio of colour solutions.”

Poster and oral presentations by scientists from all over Europe entered this year’s edition of the GNT Young Scientist Award. They were evaluated by a committee of renowned academic and industrial representatives during EFFoST International Conference. The award has been organized since 2009 to support the scientific examination of approaches and solutions applicable to fruit and vegetable processing or colorimetric analysis.

On 25 October 2017, the Consortium and Refresco issued a joined press release in respect of the conditional agreement on a recommended, fully funded, public offer by the Consortium for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Refresco at an offer price of EUR 20 (cum dividend) in cash per Share.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 7, paragraph 1 sub a of the Decree, which require a public announcement containing a status update within four weeks following the announcement of an intended public offer, the Offeror and Refresco provide the following joint status update.

The Offeror and Refresco confirm they are making timely progress on the preparations for the Offer. The Offeror expects to submit a request for review and approval of the Offer Memorandum with the AFM ultimately on 8 December 2017. The Offeror will publicly announce the availability of the Offer Memorandum and commencement of the offer period, which is currently expected to commence in January 2018.

Tickle Water launches ORANGE MANGO at gathering of world’s most innovative new consumer brands, November 17-18 in New York City

Tickle Water presents the next generation of the first and only premium sparkling water created solely for kids to the press at the 2017 Consumer Discovery Show, taking place at Spring Studios in New York City on Friday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Since launching in 2016, Tickle Water has grown quickly, delivering honest, transparent, clean hydration that parents can feel good about and kids love. Now, with the launch of Orange Mango, there’s a flavor for grown-ups to love.

The Consumer Discovery Show (CDS), curated by FounderMade, builder of emerging consumer brands in the health, wellness, beauty, and food and beverage sectors, will feature an impressive lineup of consumer goods business pioneers, as well as more than 150 inspiring brands that are out to reshape the consumer goods market.

“We’re thrilled the new flavors in our product line strike a chord with adults. As a busy and health-conscious mom, my first goal was to create a trusted, healthy water brand for kids. It’s a fantastic evolution of the brand that adults want a clear and refreshing on-the-go drink that does double duty as a bright zero-calorie mixer for cocktails” said founder and CEO Heather McDowell.

Like all parents, Heather was always on the lookout for alternatives to sugar-laden juice boxes and carbonated drinks. The spark for Tickle Water came when she offered her toddler sparkling water for the first time. “It might tickle,” she told him. He took that first sip, laughed, and said, “Tickle water!” The name stuck. A year later, Tickle Water has become a breakout brand in the highly competitive beverage industry. The idea was simple: create a clean sparkling water experience for kids. It had to be just the right size with a super cool package, have the perfect amount of bubbles and, of course, it had to offer amazing flavors.

Tickle Water’s following among adults has happened organically, the brand quickly becoming a go-to sparkling water for young adults and millennials.
Since its inception in early 2016, Tickle Water has disrupted the flavored sparkling water segment by offering a healthy and enjoyable sipping option specifically for children that quite literally “tickles” their taste buds. Tickle Water is a naturally flavored sparkling water free of preservatives, GMOs, gluten, sodium, sugar, calories and artificial sweeteners. Additionally, all products are certified OU Kosher. The current lineup of all-natural flavors: Orange Mango, Green Apple, Watermelon, Grape, and Natural Sparkling Water are changing the beverage landscape with parents and children alike.

The CDS connects best-in-class consumer brands and product innovators with retailers, distributors, investors and influencers. It’s the world’s gathering place for the confluence of next generation brands looking to drive business, and for the consumer goods ecosystem looking to discover the latest in consumer product innovations.

The increasing demand from the European Union for fresh fruits might be an opportunity for the revenue obtained with Brazilian exportations to be a record in 2019. Cepea’s Hortifruti Brasil magazine evaluates how is the European market for eight fruits (banana, tahiti lime, apple, papaya, mango, melon, watermelon and grape) and explores opportunities to increase shipments to the EU or, at least, keep Brazilian participation in purchases of the bloc. In order to perform this, Hortifruti Brasil compared importation data outside the bloc from European Commission (through Trade Helpdesk data) in 2006, 2011 and 2016 and surveyed Brazilian exporters and verified data from other countries.

In 2017, Hortifruti Brasil estimates indicate that the revenue obtained with shipments might total 662.02 million dollars. Abrafrutas (Brazilian Fruit Growers-Exporters Association) says that Brazil might reach the goal of 1 billion dollars revenue with exportations in 2019. According to the Association, the strategy to reach this amount, in short-term, is to increase sales to solidified purchasing countries – however, the opening of new markets is also very important.

Among fruits presented in Hortifruti Brasil, mango (considered exotic not so long ago and more and more popular in the European retail market) can be highlighted. For more than one decade, Brazil continues as a major fruit supplier to the EU. The Brazilian melon increased its participation in the total that the bloc purchased outside EU (47 % in 2016 compared to 39 % in 2011). On the average of the last five years (2012-2016), between 70 % and 80 % of the volume produced by Rio Grande do Norte/Ceará) was sent to the international market, and 94 % of the amount was allocated to the European Union, according to Secex.

Watermelon exportations have also been registering a great performance, with a record in 2016/17. The Brazilian participation in the shipments to the European Union increased over the last 10 years, changing from 16.8 % to 21.4 % in 2016. There are still challenges for Brazil to consolidate its participation in sales to the EU and finally reach the goal, such as tariff barriers, quality improvements, production diversification and search for new purchasers.

Global demand for exotic fruit is rapidly increasing. Today, the worldwide fruit puree concentrate market is valued at more than US$400m (€332m) and is expected to grow to US$700m (€581m) by 2026.

Similar growth is expected in the exotic fruit puree concentrate market which is predicted to reach US$274m (€227m) by 2026.
What is causing this increase and how can exotic fruit processors meet the demand without compromising quality?

Consumer demands

The worldwide increase in consumption of baby food is a significant factor in the predicted expansion of the market. Alongside this, growth in the fruit juice industry, and the increasing demand for fruit smoothies and other products, is further encouraging development in the sector.

Currently, fruit juices tend to be made from juice concentrate. However, manufacturers are starting to use puree concentrate instead. This shift provides consumers with a thicker, better-tasting, smoother drink and exotic fruits are a key ingredient within many of them.

Exotic fruits include high quantities of fibrous material, which further increases its consumer appeal from a health perspective. As ‘better-for-you’ products become more popular, the demand for fruit puree concentrate is only going to increase and so are the varied ways in which it is processed.

For example, when it comes to juice processing, most fruits are crushed and the juice is then extracted. However, as consumers look for better taste, a thicker consistency and to keep some of the important nutrients intact, processors are responding by peeling the fruits, removing the skin, seed pockets and stones to achieve a high-quality concentrate and puree.

Advanced technologies

Fruit peeling is an important part of the juice and smoothie manufacturing process. Current methods involve certain fruits – such as peaches, apples and mangos – undergoing a lye peeling process. This sees produce pass through a boiling sodium hydroxide solution which burns off the skin. This process, however, uses large volumes of water, and can lead to high levels of food waste which makes the process inherently inefficient.

Technological advances in steam peeling have created significant advantages over lye peeling. These allow for reduction in water usage, limiting the amount of produce wasted and contributing towards an altogether more sustainable process.

Today, leading equipment manufacturers have delivered innovations which can steam peel and sort a range of fruits including apples, mango, peaches, nectarines and papayas. These innovations also help processors overcome problems found in particular fruits, such as the removal of seed pockets in apples and the pits in others. By helping in the removal of these issues, processors can provide a higher quality, smoother drink to consumers.

Using steam peeling to remove the skin, and to create a smooth consistent surface around the outer surface and inner core, means that high volumes of fruits can be processed to a very high quality and with reduced waste. These high quality peeled fruits form the basis of the concentrate and puree that can be used in many applications.

In recent years, TOMRA Sorting Food has worked closely with leading fruit processing companies in Europe and Asia to evaluate their steam peeling processes for use in high volume fruit processing lines. The companies’ system enables processors to peel quickly and efficiently, so that the heat absorption of the fruit is significantly lower, in turn protecting it and making for a superior product.

Joe Hutson, a consumer analyst from GlobalData reports that “The evolving market has enabled Schweppes’ rival Fever-Tree to experience vast growth in 2017”. UK revenues doubled to almost £33.6m, while Schweppes’ retail sales fell 6 %. Fever-Tree saw 76 % gross profit growth in the UK during this period, with sales split evenly between on and off-trade. With Fever-Tree already established as a premium product range, the success of Schweppes will determine the brand’s fortunes in the coming years.

Schweppes (Coca-Cola) has announced a new range of premium tonic water, Schweppes 1783, to combat declining sales in the face of competition from Fever-Tree, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Hutson commented “The new range will be of the same design that was formed by inventor Jacob Schweppe in 1783. It will be hoped that the golden sash and black livery will allow the product to stand out in both the on and off-trade, where Fever-Tree’s presence has been mounting.”

The launch will be accompanied by the largest marketing effort in the brand’s history at a price tag of £6.6m. Engagement at taste experiences, festivals and nationwide cocktail events will be seen alongside the sponsoring of The Jonathan Ross Show.

Traditional flavours Crisp Tonic Water, Light Tonic Water and Golden Ginger Ale will be available alongside distinctive tonic water offers Salty Lemon, Quenching Cucumber and Aromatic Floral. The new range has been designed with guidance from mixologists and drinks experts, appealing to a new age of mixer drinkers that are keen to discover new flavours.

This strategy will be executed with the hope of carving Schweppes out a segment of the rapidly growing premium tonic water segment. This market has seen been increasing in value in recent years. This is thanks to the increasing premium nature of spirits driving a concurrent interest in high-end mixers.

Promotional campaign will focus on boosting Chinese consumption of Chilean blueberries, cherries and other products during 2017-18 export season

The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has launched its 2017-18 export season for cherries, blueberries and other products in China with a workshop for importers at Shanghai’s Huizhan Fruit Market. At the event, the Chilean organisation presented the new season for fresh fruit exports, focusing special attention on table grapes, cherries, kiwifruit, avocados, plums and blueberries; exports that will be supported by promotions to encourage not only greater consumption, but also the positioning of Chile as the number one supplier of off-season fruits to China.

ASOEX’s Marketing Director for Asia and Europe, Charif Christian Carvajal, said: “We met with importers from the Huizhan Fruit Market in Shanghai, China with the aim of analysing last season’s Chilean fruit exports, and giving advance forecasts for the current campaign, focusing in particular on promotional work that we will carry out to encourage consumption of Chilean blueberries and cherries in China.”

As part of the 2017-18 season promotional campaign in China, ASOEX will hold meetings with fruit importers, buyers and distributors at the Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenyang and Chengdu wholesale markets, in addition to meeting with Shanghai-based importers.

Carvajal said that one of the aims of Chilean fruit sector was to gain access for Chilean fresh pears and citrus to China, as well as increasing consumption of cherries, blueberries, avocados and nectarines. He added that every one of the actions had been made possible thanks to the combined efforts of the Chilean fruit export sector and ProChile through the Promotional Fund for Agriculture Exports of Chile’s Ministry for Agriculture.

Chile is the leading exporter of fresh fruits to the Southern Hemisphere, explained Carvajal, having shipped more than 2.6 million tonnes of fresh fruits to different destinations during the 2016-17 season. Of this total, China accounted for 48.3 % of all Chilean fruit exports to Asia. In terms of products, table grapes were the most exported product to China from Chile during the season, accounting for 42 % of total exports to the country, followed by cherries at 23.5 %, plums at 11.7 %, kiwifruit at 7.6 %, avocados at 5.4 %, red apples at 5 % and blueberries at 3.2 %.

Planned promotions

The Huizhan event also included the participation of Steve Lee, Business Director of Publicis and Patti Sun, CEO of Publicis-partner BetterWay China who had the task of detailing the planned promotional actions for the campaign, including dates and locations. BetterWay China’s Patti Sun said that as well as including a continuing budget of US$5 million for its implementation, the campaign would increase the amount of cities involved.

“During the last campaign, we included 37 cities that corresponded to Tiers 1, 2 and 3, and this year we want to reach 58, which will also include Tier 4 and 5 cities and the potential for consumption they represent,” she said. “As well as this, to better coordinate and control the campaign, we will be hiring an expert in China.”
Publicis’ Steven Lee added that some of aspects of the campaign that would be enhanced this season by actions focused on E-commerce and wholesale markets.

“Although the results of the last campaign were very positive, there are aspects we would like to improve, particularly after gathering feedback from the Chilean fruit sector,” he explained. “For this reason, we are expanding work at an E-commerce level by continuing what we are already doing with T-mall and JD.com, but also increasing our participation on other platforms at a regional level. We will also be increasing our promotional actions for wholesale markets.”

Blueberries

Looking at the blueberry promotional campaign, Carvajal said this would begin with online promotional actions in collaboration with Miss Fresh App and KOL to generate messages on social media, as well as launching advertising on vending machines. The campaign will also include appearances in Chinese media outlets, such as CCTV, Sina, Ifeng, DTV, and others.

“In terms of point-of-sale marketing, we will be carrying out activities in 10 cities, three retail chains, three wholesale markets, 22 hypermarkets and 200 Pagoda specialist fruit shops; actions which we be key to boosting consumption of Chilean blueberries,” added Carvajal. “The activities will kick off two weeks before Chinese New Year, with the aim of directly reaching 308 people per store.”

Central Washington fruit grower extends beyond premium dried fruit lines into beverage market

Royal Ridge Fruits announces, via its Stoneridge Orchards brand, the introduction of its Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, a new liquid twist on their popular dried Montmorency cherries.

The Montmorency tart cherry, grown largely in the U.S and Canada, are abundant in anthocyanin’s – a natural, flavonoid compound that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste. The fruit has become the source of over 50 studies supporting health benefits such as:

• Natural ant-inflammatory agent: targeted for general pain relief, reducing muscle soreness after exercise and easing arthritic or gout pain
• Natural sleep aid: through the presence of melatonin, a human sleep regulating hormone also found in certain plants.
• Natural immune system regulator: through the presence of vitamin C.

Royal Ridge Fruits is the largest West Coast producer of Montmorency tart cherries, through its farming settlement along Central Washington’s Columbia river basin – known for rich soils and a diverse climate. The product will be the first juice available among an extensive line of premium dried fruits, in whole, sliced and diced varieties.

“Responding to a growing body of research on tart cherries, and the popularity of our own tart cherry dried fruit snacks, adding the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate was a natural step for us,” says Mila Savella, Vice President of Marketing at Royal Ridge Fruits. “The Montmorency cherry has held a special place in our growing cycle for decades, and through our new concentrate we’re hoping more can enjoy it year-round.”

Each bottle of the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains up to 1,000 individual cherries, providing a rich source of the fruit’s natural nutrients. All ingredients in the drink are natural, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate will be available to consumers in select US markets through the company’s retailer network. For the initial launch, Stoneridge Orchards will offer the product for $2.00 off.

All Oranges 50.0 Million Boxes

The 2017-2018 Florida all orange forecast released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 50.0 million boxes, down
4.00 million boxes from the October forecast. If realized, this forecast will be 27 percent less than last season’s production and the least since the 1945-1946 season of 49.0 million boxes. The forecast consists of 21.0 million boxes of the non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 29.0 million boxes of the Valencia oranges. Regression data used are from the 2007-2008 through 2016-2017 seasons. For those previous 10 seasons, the November forecast has deviated from final production by an average of 7 percent, with 8 seasons above and 2 below, with differences ranging from 9 percent below to 19 percent above. All references to “average”, “minimum”, and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons unless noted.

Non-Valencia Oranges 21.0 Million Boxes

The forecast of non-Valencia production is lowered 2.00 million boxes to 21.0 million boxes. Current fruit size is below average and projected to be below average at harvest. Current droppage is above the maximum and is projected to be above the maximum until harvest. The Navel forecast, included in the non-Valencia forecast, is unchanged at 600 thousand boxes, and is 3 percent of the non-Valencia total. Current Navel size is above the maximum, and droppage is above the maximum.

Valencia Oranges 29.0 Million Boxes

The forecast of Valencia production is reduced 2.00 million boxes to 29.0 million boxes. Current fruit size is below average and is projected to be below average at harvest. Current droppage is above the maximum and projected to be above the maximum at harvest.

All Grapefruit 4.65 Million Boxes

The forecast of all grapefruit production is lowered 250 thousand boxes to 4.65 million boxes. If realized, this forecast will be 40 percent less than last season’s production and the least since the 1918-1919 season of 3.50 million boxes. The white grapefruit forecast is lowered 50 thousand boxes to 850 thousand. The red grapefruit forecast is lowered 200 thousand boxes and is now at 3.80 million boxes. Projected fruit size of white grapefruit at harvest is below average while projected droppage is above the maximum. Projected fruit size of red grapefruit at harvest is projected to be above average and projected droppage is projected to be above the maximum.

Tangerines and Tangelos 950 Thousand Boxes

The forecast for the tangerine and tangelos is reduced 50 thousand boxes to 950 thousand, 41 percent less than last season’s production. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties.

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov

Premium fruit and vegetable ingredients supplier, SVZ, has announced its commitment to 100 % sustainable sourcing by 2030 by signing the Sustainable Juice Covenant. Dedicated to sustainability and agronomy expertise since its very beginning, in the year of its 150th anniversary, SVZ has vowed to keep strengthening its sustainability credentials, reaching 75 % sustainable sourcing by 2025 before the ultimate goal of 100 % by 2030.

The Sustainable Juice Covenant is a global initiative, coordinated by IDH, the Sustainable Trade Initiative, and supported by AIJN, the European Fruit Juice Association. It aims to make the sourcing, production and trade of fruit and vegetable-derived juices, purees and concentrates completely sustainable by 2030. Sustainable sourcing is vital to protecting the planet and ensuring a brighter world for future generations.

Jobien Laurijssen, Sustainability Manager at SVZ, states: “By signing this covenant we have formalised our continuous commitment to make a positive contribution to sustainable production. This is a true milestone in our sustainability efforts. In order to achieve the formal targets outlined, we have already invested heavily in additional resources within our sustainability and agronomy teams. However, this is not something we can do alone and driving sustainability through the whole supply chain needs collaboration. Through this commitment, we aim to support our customers in their sustainability targets while also creating stability for our growers and setting up long-term projects that can make a real difference.”

Anouk ter Laak, SVZ CEO, adds: “For years we have built our practices on three pillars: sustainable sourcing and agriculture, environmental sustainability and valuing people. We are very proud of the work we have done so far, which have been made possible due to our stringent supply chain control and team of agronomy and sustainability experts. As outlined in the Sustainable Juice Covenant, all of our ingredients – for customers in juice and beyond – will be sustainability sourced by 2030 as we take the next step in our work towards a greener future.”

Prior to this, SVZ’s sustainability initiatives have included investing in a training programme that has promoted best practise among over 3000 farmers and water management initiatives. SVZ is also an active member of both the SAI Platform and Sedex, and has achieved a gold EcoVadis ranking.

The Fibre Evolution material processing facility, developed and patented by Model AG, has made it possible to recycle drink cartons and other papers that are not readily soluble in large volumes for subsequent use. After glass and PET bottles, carton containers are the third most common form of packaging for drinks, and up until now, they have ended up in rubbish heaps, where the valuable raw fibres are incinerated.

By recycling raw materials from drink cartons, new, high-quality corrugated board papers can be manufactured and then used in distinctive packaging and displays, which are then recycled again.

It is Models goal to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 48 % per tonne* by recycling 75,000 tonnes of drink cartons and not-readily-soluble papers annually at the Fibre Evolution processing facility.

The new plant has also significantly improved energy efficiency within the company’s recycling process. Read the entire report in the Model Box no. 103 here to learn more.

(*compared to thermal recycling, Source: Die Zukunft des Getränkekarton-Recyclings (The future of drink carton recycling), Carbotech AG)

TOP BV in Wageningen has now fully equipped her new FoodLab and makes the facility available to third parties. Customers of TOP can use the space free of charge, along with all present machinery and facilities for tomorrow’s food industry.

In the TOP FoodLab all necessities are present to conduct small scale trial productions for a broad variety of products. Machines like a filling line, a packaging line and a metal detector are available. Also TOP’s own innovations like PurePulse PEF2.0, Coldpresses and the AMAP packaging technology can be used. In a recently built trial installation practically all pasteurization and sterilization processes can be simulated under various process conditions.

The investment needed to open a new production line or to obtain a new process technique is often very high. This usually makes the risk insurmountable large. This phenomena – called “the valley of death” – is a negative factor which holds back innovation or even nips it in the bud. By making these facilities available in the FoodLab, TOP wants to build a bridge for innovative companies to overcome this valley of death. The lab is open for all customers of TOP, startups as well as multinationals in the food industry.

TOP BV, service supplier in food design, process development and innovation management, was the founding father of advanced food innovations over the past twelve years. TOP is strongly focused on open innovation, for which she cooperates with companies from all over the food chain, from farm to fork.

Public offer for all shares of Refresco and the acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities on track

On 25 October 2017, Refresco announced that it had reached conditional agreement on a recommended, fully funded, public offer by a consortium of PAI and bcIMC for all the issued and outstanding shares of Refresco for an offer price of €20 (cum dividend) in cash per share. Both the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of Refresco unanimously recommend shareholders to tender their shares. Based on the required steps and subject to the necessary approvals, Refresco and the consortium anticipate that the offer will close in Q1 2018.

The consortium fully supports Refresco’s buy-and-build strategy going forward, including the acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities which was announced on 25 July 2017. Refresco expects the acquisition to close in Q4 2017.

Q3 2017 Highlights^[1]

• Volume including acquisitions increased 2.7 % to 1,853 million liters (Q3 2016: 1,804 million liters).
• Contract manufacturing volume comprised 36.9 % of total volume, up from 27.0 % in Q3 2016.
• Gross profit margin per liter increased to 13.9 euro cents (Q3 2016: 13.8 euro cents).
• Adjusted EBITDA amounted to €61 million (Q3 2016: €68 million).
• Adjusted EPS was €0.28 (Q3 2016: €0.39).

CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs commented:

“We had a challenging third quarter with weak market conditions. Volumes increased by 2.7%, driven primarily by the acquisition of Whitlock Packaging in the US in 2016 and the continued growth in contract manufacturing. Excluding acquisitions volumes declined due to poor summer weather in Western Europe and continued pressure on retailer brand volume.”

“In line with our strategy, contract manufacturing showed solid volume growth across most geographies as we are outperforming the contract manufacturing market. The outsourcing trend by international A-brands is clearly gathering pace with greater emphasis on innovation, more SKUs and different formats and therefore towards the ability to handle more complexity.”

“Gross profit margin per liter was better than expected at 13.9 euro cents compared to 13.8 euro cents in the third quarter of 2016. This reflects the decision to decline low margin contracts in the retailer brand market, mainly in Germany and Iberia. Adjusted net profit came in at €23 million compared to €32 million in the third quarter of last year. One-off costs in the quarter related to the acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities and the restructuring of the plant in Hamburg.”

“In October we announced the public offer made by the consortium of PAI and bcIMC for all the shares of Refresco. We firmly believe this is a good transaction for our stakeholders and represents a fair price for shareholders. The consortium fully endorses our buy-and-build strategy including the intended acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities which will create the world’s largest independent bottler with leadership positions across Europe and North America. Supported by the consortium’s track record, financial strength and understanding of our business we will be able to accelerate our growth plans and move forward on our journey to put our drinks on every table.”

Please open the link for the full report: http://bit.ly/2zI2ai8

¹ Change percentages and totals calculated before rounding.

A new edition of Tetra Pak’s Orange Book is now available free online.

Alongside the latest technologies and consumer insights, the book points to a recent Tetra Pak study that shows how small the impact of pasteurization is on the levels of vitamin C in orange juice. On average, the process reduces the amount of vitamin C by less than 2 %, the report notes.

Maria Norlin, Juice, Nectars and Still Drinks Sub-category Manager at Tetra Pak said, “Juice remains a significant part of the average consumer diet around the world. Our studies show that pasteurization causes minimal impact on vitamin C retention while securing a safer product with longer shelf life for the consumer. We hope this gives customers the evidence they need to communicate the nutritional values of orange juice with consumers.”

Drawing on the company’s 60 years’ experience in juice processing and its global expertise, the Tetra Pak Orange Book is the only book available that covers the entire orange juice production chain, from quality control of the fruits to regional consumer insights.
The book is free to read http://orangebook.tetrapak.com/.

Cannabis-infused drinks are set to become more widely available. Investment in the marijuana market is increasing as legal recreational use of the drug becomes more widespread, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The latest high profile investor is Constellation Brands, the distributer of Corona beers in the USA, which has just bought a controlling stake in a Canadian marijuana company in order to develop cannabis-infused alcoholic drinks.

A spokesperson from the GlobalData Consumer Analyst team, commented: ‘‘We believe that Constellation Brand’s investment in Canopy Growth Corp, a marijuana growing company, is a sign that the market has potential. Widespread legalization is making marijuana a trending ingredient, driving innovation in food and drink markets. As a result, the move to enable them to develop cannabis-infused drinks is a good one.’’

However, alcoholic drinks companies need to think beyond just flavor innovation when weighing up investments in the marijuana market. The legalization of recreational marijuana presents a threat, as drinkers may swap alcohol for cannabis. Drinks companies may therefore lose sales to cannabis brands.

Consumption occasions for alcoholic drinks and recreational cannabis products overlap, such as the desire to relax or to celebrate. Whilst this increases the likelihood that alcoholic drinks could be substituted by cannabis, it also means drinks brands can move into this space without diluting what their brand stands for. Cannabis is therefore a natural extension for many alcoholic drinks brands.

Alcoholic drinks companies need to see cannabis as an opportunity, and not a threat. Consumers are increasingly in favor of legalizing recreational use. Early investments in this category, such as that by Constellation Brands, will leave companies better placed to target this growing market.

Rains were below the average for October in three of the four main citrus regions in São Paulo State; therefore, growers were very concerned with the development of the 2018/19 crop. Although it rained in early October, the soil was really dry and the volume was not enough to recover moisture for flower settlement. This scenario, added to high temperatures, favored fruitlet drops.

Fruitlets had already dropped more intensely in the non-irrigated groves from central and northern SP, where the weather is usually drier and warmer – even before it rained in early October.

Agents do not expect significant sprouts in the plants with flower buds, even with the return of rains. Others, in turn, believe new flowering events may occur if rains are enough, but not as significant as the main event (from late August to early September).

On the other hand, in southwestern SP, the rain volume until October 19 had surpassed the average volume expected for the month, according to Climatempo (weather forecast agency). The only concern, according to growers consulted by Cepea, was with sharp temperature oscillations, which may lead to a higher rate of fruitlet drops.

CROP 2017/18– Regarding the current crop (2017/18), high temperatures led oranges on trees to wilt again, making it difficult for fruits to remain on the trees in the rainy period. The losses early in the month were estimated at around 20 % in older groves and at around 15 % in younger groves, mainly in the plants affected by greening.

In this scenario, the quality of in natura oranges was lower than that demanded by the segment, justifying price rises. In October, pear orange quotes averaged 19.24 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, 11 % up compared to that in September.

At this year’s Food Ingredients Europe, SternVitamin will show how manufacturers of foods, drinks and food supplements can generate new value-adding potential with special product concepts. At the exhibition in Frankfurt, the specialist in tailor-made vitamin and mineral premixes will present individualized micronutrient premixes for different target groups and to meet different requirements. The health and lifestyle concepts range from bone health through strengthening of the body’s defences and the cardiovascular system to beauty support.

One example of the company’s wide range of products and services is the new premix for “healthy bones and a healthy heart”, that visitors to the exhibition can try out on the spot. The micronutrient mix takes up one of the top trends in the beverage market: fortified products based on water. The growth potential in this drink category is the highest worldwide, greater even than in other beverage categories. The vegan premix contains the vitamins B1 and B12 and vitamin C, vitamin K2 and vitamin D3. Organic powdered agave juice concentrate lends the product mild sweetness, while natural flavouring gives the drink a taste of “dark berry fruits”. In addition, SternVitamin will show how the health claims authorized by the EU can be used effectively for marketing purposes on the retail packs of the finished drink.

The new micronutrient premix for drinks is one example of the greatly differing target group concepts geared to the individual phases of consumers’ lives – from the wish for a child, through schooldays, university and working life to old age. Besides trend drinks, the tailor-made micronutrient premixes enable teas, snacks, dairy products, baked goods and sweets to offer additional benefits. SternVitamin has also developed special premixes for fortifying vegan foods.

Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, announced five key trends set to impact the global food and drink market over the coming year.

In 2018, expect to see transparency and traceability for all, regardless of their income. From ingredient scares to political bombshells, self-care has become a priority for many and one that includes choosing food and drink that will address perceived nutritional, physical and emotional needs. Opportunities also will be plentiful for natural, tantalising and unexpected textures from chewy beverages to cookies with popping candy inside.

Meanwhile, the rapid expansion in the variety of food and drink retail channels will fuel the opportunity for recommendations, promotions and product innovations that are personalised based on individual consumer behavior. Finally, forward-looking companies are developing solutions to replace traditional farms and factories with scientifically engineered ingredients and finished products.

Looking ahead to 2018, Mintel’s Global Food and Drink Analyst Jenny Zegler discusses the major trends predicted to play out in food and drink markets around the world, beginning with the trends that will gain wider traction in the months ahead to emerging trends that are influential, but just on the fringe in many regions.

Full Disclosure

In our new post-truth reality, consumers require complete and total transparency from food and drink companies.

Widespread distrust places pressure on manufacturers to offer thorough and honest disclosures about how, where, when and by whom food and drink is grown, harvested, made and/or sold. The need for reassurance about the safety and trustworthiness of food and drink has led to increased use of natural as well as ethical and environmental claims in global food and drink launches. In addition to more specific product details, the next wave of clean label will challenge manufacturers and retailers to democratise transparency and traceability so that products are accessible to all consumers regardless of household income.

Self-Fulfilling Practices

As more consumers find modern life to be hectic and stressful, flexible and balanced diets will become integral elements of self-care routines.

The frantic pace of modern life, constant connectivity, pervasive distrust and contentious tones in politics and the media have caused many consumers to look for ways to escape negativity in their lives. Many people who feel overwhelmed are focusing on “self-care,” or prioritising time and efforts dedicated to themselves. Looking ahead, individual definitions of self-care and balance will reinforce the need for a variety of formats, formulations and portion sizes of food and drink that present consumers with positive solutions — and treats — that can be incorporated into their customised and flexible definitions of health and wellness. Going forward, more consumers will be looking for ingredients, products and combinations of food and drink that provide nutrition, physical or emotional benefits that advance their priorities for self-care.

New Sensations

Texture is the latest tool to engage the senses and deliver share-worthy experiences.

In 2018, the sound, feel and satisfaction that texture provides will become more important for food and drink companies and consumers alike. Texture is the next facet of formulation that can be leveraged to provide consumers with interactive — and documentation-worthy — experiences.The quest for experiences will provide opportunities for multi-sensory food and drink that uses unexpected texture to provide consumers, especially the teens and young adults of the iGeneration, with tangible connections to the real world, as well as moments worth sharing either in-person or online.

Preferential Treatment

A new era in personalisation is dawning due to the expansion of online and mobile food shopping.

As technology helps to make shopping as effortless as possible, an era of targeted promotions and products is emerging. Motivated by the potential to save time and ideally money, consumers are sampling a variety of channels and technologies when shopping for food and drink, including home delivery, subscription services and automatic replenishment. Companies and retailers can leverage technology to establish new levels of efficiency, such as customised recommendations, cross-category pairings and resourceful solutions that save consumers time, effort and energy. Opportunities exist for companies to tempt consumers by creating products, suggesting combinations of goods and other options across consumer categories that make shopping more efficient and affordable for customers.

Science Fare

Technology is being used to engineer solutions for our stretched global food supply.

A technological revolution is playing out in manufacturing as some forward-looking companies are developing solutions to replace traditional farms and factories with scientifically engineered ingredients and finished products. In 2018, technology will begin to disrupt the traditional food chain as enterprising manufacturers aim to replace farms and factories with laboratories. While lab, cultured or synthetic food and drink is only just emerging, technology could eventually be used to design food and drink that is inherently more nutritious, which could extend the consumer audience for scientifically engineered food and drink beyond environmentally conscious shoppers to reach consumers who are concerned about ingredient consistency, efficacy and purity.

Jenny Zegler, Global Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, said: “In 2018, Mintel foresees opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to help consumers regain trust in food and drink and to relieve stress through balanced diets as well as memorable eating and drinking experiences. There also is an exciting new chapter dawning in which technology will help brands and retailers forge more personalised connections with shoppers, while enterprising companies are using scientific engineering to create an exciting new generation of sustainable food and drink.”

A digital platform aimed to inspire healthy breakfast habits became the winning concept when the students at Bergh’s School of Communication competed on how Arla Foods should reach out and engage young consumers through digital interactivity based on packaging as a platform. Among many strong contributions, Breakfast Stories stood out as an idea and design with potential to bring about true behavioral change. PackChallenge is arranged annually by Billerud Korsnäs and Bergh’s School of Communication in Stockholm, Sweden.

Through September and October, the students in the Communication Design Program at Bergh’s School of Communication in Stockholm have competed on ways for one of the world’s largest dairy producers, Arla Foods, to produce the best packaging solution to reach out and engage young consumers.

A total of ten groups presented their solutions and the winning concept, “Breakfast Stories”, considered the problem that 20-30 percent of teenager’s skip breakfast almost every day. The idea behind the concept is to use Arlas’s different product packages and through a QR code give teens and parents access to a digital platform where they can share stories and facts about healthy breakfast habits. The team behind the winning concept consists of Daniela Röstlund and Sukena Tran.

The jury, consisting of among others Jon Haag Director Consumer Insights at BillerudKorsnäs and Maria Tornell Director Innovation at Arla Foods, assessed the contributions according to idea height/originality, relevance, feasibility and finish. The motivation behind the winning contribution reads: A societal problem that is too little talked about. The insights have guided the concept development through digital, campaigns, product range, design originality and target group focus. Therefore, this is the strongest concept according to this year’s brief. It is useful for many product groups within Arla, it is based on a community that is truly digital and it connects to packaging and the situation of use just as Arla wanted. What we see in this concept is the beginning of a long-term work where community problems can be solved with product, packaging and brand.

“Packaging can contribute so much more to a sustainable development than just being made of a more or less sustainable material. Packaging could interact with consumers and have a more direct impact on consumer behavior. The students at Berghs have worked hard and presented concepts with a high creative level and consumer insight. We are impressed,” comments Jon Haag.

“The winning team has shown a great understanding of the Arla brand, our market position and at the same time pinpointed a important societal issue. However, there was tough competition with lots of amazing contributions. PackChallenge has given us lots of valuable input to our own product development and I’m sure we will continue with several of the ideas,” says Maria Tornell.

“At Bergh’s, we often work in conjunction with business and brand owners, which is a natural part of our education. Action Based Learning gives the students real challenges and becomes the best way to train their professional role. The long standing cooperation with BillerudKorsnäs is one of our most successful projects during the academic year,” says Pål Pettersson, Program Director Communication Design at Bergh’s School of Communication.

Ball Corporation’s board of directors has elected Cathy D. Ross, retired executive vice president and chief financial officer from FedEx Express, and Pedro Henrique Mariani, chairman of the board of Banco BBM to serve as directors of the corporation.

Ross, 59, worked at FedEx Express, FedEx Corporation’s largest operating unit, in financial roles of increasing responsibility for 30 years. She most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to her career at FedEx, she worked at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Procter & Gamble. Ross currently sits on the boards of directors of Avon Products, Inc. and Steelcase, Inc.

Mariani, 64, joined Ball’s board of directors as advisory director in July 2010 and has been chairman of the board, president and CEO for Banco BBM, a leading Brazilian financial institution. Mariani has served at BBM Group for 36 years and was appointed as chief executive officer in 1991. He also sits on the board of directors at FEBRABAN (Brazilian Federation of Banks).

“We are pleased to welcome Cathy to our board and to have Pedro move into a new role on Ball’s board of directors,” said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Their financial acumen, international consumer products and banking expertise, values and ethics will complement our diverse board of directors as we continue to pursue our Drive for 10 vision.”

This independent human study was the first to examine Meriva^® potential on system-level physiology responses during exertional heat stress.

A new double-blind placebo-controlled human study^I reveals that a short-term dietary curcumin-based supplementation may be helpful in the maintenance of the gastrointestinal barrier integrity and physiological strain responses during exertional heat stress. The study has been conducted independently by a team of American researchers at the High Point University (NC).

The study examined an acute supplementation regimen, where participants ingested 5 tablets (500 mg each) of Meriva^® curcumin or placebo for three days prior to exertional heat stress (EHS). This dosing strategy was selected with reference to those used in two recent clinical studies demonstrating the positive effects of Meriva^® on healthy inflammatory responses to endurance cycling^II and on reducing inflammatory cytokines in circulation.^III

EHS was performed in a Darwin chamber (37 °C/25 % RH) where the participants completed 1 hour of treadmill exercise. Before the test, subjects were supplemented with the same daily dose of Meriva^®. There were two major findings in this study. First, it demonstrates that dietary curcumin supplementation may reduce the rise in core temperature (Tc), mean body temperature (Tb), Heart Rate (HR) and Physiological Strain Index (PSI) during exertional heat stress. Second, it shows that these changes are accompanied by maintenance in GI barrier integrity and associated cytokine responses, as indicated by the lower circulating concentrations of Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I- FABP) post-exercise in subjects supplemented with curcumin (58 % vs 87 % in the placebo group, p = 0.002). These data suggest that short-term dietary curcumin supplementation may help to lower EHS risk in non-heat acclimated individuals. This study was the first to examine curcumin for potential benefits on system-level physiology responses during exertional heat stress.

^I Szymanski MC et al., Short-term dietary curcumin supplementation reduces gastrointestinal barrier damage and physiological strain responses during exertional heat stress J Appl Physiol, September 2017. Doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00515.2017.
^II Sciberras JN et al., The effect of turmeric (Curcumin) supplementation on cytokine and inflammatory marker responses following 2 hours of endurance cycling. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 12:5, 2015.
^III McFarlin BK et al., Reduced inflammatory and muscle damage biomarkers following oral supplementation with bioavailable curcumin. BBA Clin 5:72-78, 2016.

With reference to the press releases of Refresco Group N.V. on 3 October 2017 and 17 October 2017, PAI, bcIMC and Refresco today jointly announce that they have reached conditional agreement on a recommended, fully funded, public offer by a consortium of PAI and bcIMC, acting jointly through Sunshine Investments B.V. (“the Offeror” or the “Consortium”) for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Refresco (the “Shares”) at an offer price of EUR 20 (cum dividend) in cash per Share (the “Offer”).

The Offer Price represents a premium of approximately 22 % to the Average Share Price, a premium of approximately 41 % to the April Share Price, and a premium of approximately 38 % to the Refresco IPO price. The Offer Price values 100 % of the Shares at EUR 1.623 billion and equates to an Enterprise Value of approximately EUR 3.3 billion, which implies an EBITDA multiple of 8.5x post Cott TB synergies for the twelve-month period ending 30 June 2017.

The Offer provides Refresco’s shareholders with a fair price for their Shares including an attractive premium. The Consortium has fully committed financing in place on a “certain funds” basis and has completed its due diligence, providing high deal certainty and facilitating a swift and efficient transaction process to completion.

Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco: “This Offer represents a fair value for our shareholders and is yet another milestone for the Company. The Consortium fully supports our strategy and with its track record, financial strength and understanding of our business, they can support the Company whilst we accelerate our growth plan going forward.

Obtaining a public listing in 2015 was a well-considered decision and it has brought the Company many opportunities. However, we have also grown and prospered under private equity ownership. Our ownership structure is never a goal in itself. Rather, our focus remains on being in an environment that allows us to continue executing our proven strategy of buy-and-build.

The first time PAI approached us was prior to our public listing in 2015. They have always been impressed by our business and performance, and the agreement reached today reflects the important steps Refresco has realised since the IPO. Our latest acquisition of Cott TB, creating the world’s largest independent bottler with leadership positions across Europe and North America, is a truly transformational acquisition right at the heart of our buy-and-build strategy.

We are convinced that this is a good transaction for the Company and all stakeholders involved and we therefore recommend our shareholders to accept the Offer. Our focus of growing alongside our customers in the markets where we currently operate and expanding geographically remains unchanged. I look forward to this new phase of private ownership, and for all our employees and customers to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.”

Frédéric Stévenin, Managing Partner, PAI: “Refresco is a high-quality business and an attractive consolidation platform in the beverage industry which we intend to fully support using PAI’s wealth of experience in the European food and beverage industry. We share the Refresco management team’s overall vision for the group and we are excited by the opportunity to work with them and the team at bcIMC to realise its potential.”

Jim Pittman, Senior Vice President, Private Equity at bcIMC: “bcIMC has followed Refresco with interest for several years. We feel its scale, global presence, and track record of growth are a good fit for our clients’ portfolios. We are keen to work with PAI, a long-term strategic partner, to support Refresco and management in the execution of its strategic plans over the coming years.”

The IFU (International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association) has awarded one company from the juice industry for innovation and one person for his long standing active support of the juice industry: Erbslöh received the “IFU Award for Innovation” for their FloraClair^® technology, Mr. Paul Zwiker received the “IFU Award for Significant Contribution”. Both awards were presented during this years` Juice Summit Gala Dinner in Antwerp, Belgium.

For the second time in a row, IFU received several excellent nominations for their annual innovation and significant contribution awards. The executive committee had the difficult, but rewarding task of deciding the final winners. Finally, the awards could be presented at the Gala Dinner of the Juice Summit held at De Zuiderkroon on the 4th October, 2017. They were introduced by IFU Vice-President Kees Cools and presented by Maria Schlaffer (Marketing Director) and John Collins (Executive Director) .

The “IFU Award for Innovation” was awarded to Erbslöh Geisenheim AG for their FloraCLair^® method: FloraClair^® and Tannivin^® Galléol are used as the optimised fining combination to facilitate a technology free from animal products for fruit juice or fruit-based beverage production. The fining combination of a specially selected quality phyto-protein from peas with a select precipitation tannin is a successful and reliable concept for vegan fining and stabilisation of fruit juices and fruit-based beverages. The completely plant-based fining concept, which not only dispenses with animal products compared with the conventional gelatine-silica sol fining, but also avoids mineral precipitation partner silica sol and the associated potential source of aluminium discharge, is particularly innovative. Combined use of FloraClair^® and Tannivin^® Galléol is a fully fledged, practical replacement for customary fining methods as with gelatine and silica sol, and the good news is, in addition, that existing technological facilities can be used.  The award was accepted by Dr. Robert Könitz, Business Manager Fruit Processing at Erbslöh Geisenheim AG.

The “Award for Significant Contribution” was awarded to Mr. Paul Zwiker for his long standing active support for the juice industry, associations, summits, workshops and seminars. Paul Zwiker has received his Diploma as Food Engineer 56 years ago at the Federal Technical University Zurich. Following that, he worked at Obipektin, became General Manager for Obipektin in 1970 and CEO of the Obi Group in 1979. He has held this position until his retirement. He has volunteered in various associations and organizations: The Swiss Association for Food Science and Technolog, FIAL (Federation of the Food Industry), Swiss Ministry of Trade, International Pectin Producers Association and Swiss Fruit Union. Most importantly for IFU, he has also been IFU President for many, many years and in this position started to establish international contacts also outside Europe, travelled through various countries and has been a true ambassador of IFU. Not only could IFU always count on his outstanding expertise, but also on his entertainment abilities: at IFU social events he has for example taken over the piano and given the official piano player a rest. It was a big honour for IFU that Mr. Paul Zwiker could come himself to Antwerp to receive the award on stage.

This month, a special kind of sliced apple will go on sale at select US supermarkets, and thanks to CSIRO research these apples won’t turn brown when they’re cut, bitten or bruised.

Arctic^® apples, have been developed by Canadian biotech company, Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (OSF).
OSF is the first company to license CSIRO’s non-browning technology.

Their first product will be snack-sized bags of fresh Arctic^® Golden apple slices, with more non-browning varieties expected in future years, including Granny Smith and Fuji.

While there may be other sliced apple products already on the market, these are often coated with vitamin C and calcium to prevent browning and to preserve crispness, and this can change their taste.

Apples and other fruit and vegetables turn brown after they are cut or damaged because of a naturally occurring enzyme (polyphenol oxidase or PPO) that reacts with other components in the fruit cells when these cells are ‘broken’, producing a brown pigment. CSIRO scientists constructed an anti-PPO gene which, when inserted into plants, blocks the production of PPO and therefore stops the browning.

Spoilage due to browning costs food processing industries worldwide millions of dollars each year in wastage and costly chemicals to prevent the reaction.

This non-browning technology has potential to reduce waste not only in apples and potatoes but also in other important horticultural crops, such as beans, lettuce and grapes where produce with only small injuries could still be sold.

Ocean Spray, an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry farmers, announced that it has added two beverage lines to its extensive product portfolio: Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends and Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice.

Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends are the perfect combination of organically grown North American cranberries from family farms, with other organic fruit juices. Organic 100 % Juice Blends contain no added sugars¹, preservatives or artificial flavors and are available in three delicious flavors: Cranberry, Cranberry Apple and Cranberry Blueberry. All Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends are non-GMO² and feature the USDA Organic seal (certified organic by QAI). Each flavor has 100 % Vitamin C per serving and each 8-ounce glass is equivalent to one cup of fruit. An 8-ounce glass of these blends contains 100-130 calories, depending on the flavor.

For the pure, authentic taste and unique health benefits of the cranberry, Ocean Spray’s Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice contains no added sugars1, artificial flavors, preservatives or colors and is non-GMO². Each one-liter bottle provides the health benefits from the juice of more than 900 cranberries! An 8-ounce serving is only 60 calories and is equivalent to one cup of fruit to support daily nutritional needs. The juice can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies or sparkling water for an extra health boost.
“By adding Organic and Pure (unsweetened) beverages to our line up, we’ve rounded out our portfolio of “good-for-you” juices and juice drinks,” said Patrick Cramb, Ocean Spray’s Director of Beverage Marketing. “We continue to develop innovative products to deliver the cranberry’s healthy attributes in formats that fit the lifestyles of consumers around the world.”

Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blend and Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (Unsweetened) 100 % Juice are available nationally in the US. The suggested retail price of Ocean Spray^® Organic 100 % Juice Blends is $3.99 per 1 liter bottle, while Ocean Spray^® Pure Cranberry (unsweetened) 100 % Juice is $5.98 per 1 liter bottle.

¹ These products are not low calorie foods – see Nutrition Facts for sugar and calorie content.
² These products do not contain genetically engineered ingredients.

RPC Massmould in conjunction with RPC Astra Plastique (Global Expert Centre for Flip Top Sports Closures) have developed and industrialised a next generation sports cap that breaks new ground with its combination of enhanced consumer convenience and maximum product safety and integrity, along with a contemporary design.

The new Secure Flip Sports Closure features intuitive one-handed opening via an ergonomically designed Thumb Tab. The cap opens to a full and stable 180°, providing easy and comfortable access for the consumer to drink from the closure spout. An audible click confirms that the cap is either fully open or re-closed.

The Sustainable Tamper-Evident Band within the closure breaks on first opening. Importantly, unlike other sports caps that feature a detachable tab which then has to be thrown way or in many instances simply dropped on the floor, both parts of the Secure Flip tamper-evident band are retained within the closure.

A second tamper-evident Tuck Under Band on the base of the closure features a series of individual upstands that are revealed when it is unscrewed from the bottle. Some of these are pushed outwards when the closure is replaced to provide a visual indication that the bottle has been opened. This overcomes the problems usually associated with creating effective tamper evidence for lightweight neck finishes. The Tuck Under Band design also aids alignment with the capping machinery for optimised efficiency on filling lines.
A further safety device is the unique Triskeles, a three-legged feature within the mouth of the closure that prevents items being dropped into the drink or small fingers getting stuck in the opening.

High-tech, high speed manufacturing at RPC Massmould has enabled the Secure Flip closure body to be moulded in the closed position, allowing it to incorporate an innovative IP protected hinge for a more compact overall design and enhanced aesthetics on-shelf.

Secure Flip is currently available in 29.25 and 18.81 neck finishes and can be customised to individual customer requirements with unique colours associated to particular brands and products.

With reference to the press release dated 3 October 2017, Refresco Group N.V. announced it has entered into negotiations with PAI Partners SAS (PAI).

On 3 October, Refresco received an unsolicited, indicative and conditional proposal from PAI, which was carefully reviewed by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board in line with their fiduciary duties. Since, interaction has taken place with PAI on a number of topics, including the financial and non-financial conditions. Following this interaction, the company has now entered into negotiations with PAI.

The Boards will take the interest of all stakeholders into account, and will continue to focus on the closing of the transformational acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities.

Frutarom Industries Ltd., one of the world’s 10 largest companies in the field of flavors and natural specialty fine ingredients, continues its momentum of acquisitions and the implementation of its rapid and profitable growth strategy by announcing that it has signed an agreement for the purchase of 60 % of the shares of the Thai company The Mighty CO. LTD. (including the activity of Maharaj Food Co. Ltd. and Mighty International Co. Ltd., and hereinafter collectively: “Mighty”) for approximately THB 393 million (approx. US$ 12 million) (not including debt) and at a valuation of THB 655 million (approx. US$ 20 million) (not including debt).

In the framework of the transaction Frutarom will initially acquire 49 % of Mighty and, subject to a number of conditions precedent and regulatory approvals in Thailand, will raise its holdings to 60 %. The transaction includes a mechanism for future consideration subject to Mighty’s future performance and an option for the purchase of the balance of holdings in Mighty in two stages in periods beginning three years and five years from the date the transaction is completed. The first part of the transaction will be completed in the upcoming weeks and Frutarom estimates that raising its holdings to 60 % will be completed within several months. The acquisition will be financed by independent means and through bank debt.

Mighty’s sales turnover in the 12 months ended August 2017 totaled approx. THB 500 million (approx. US$ 15 million) after having registered average annual growth of 12 % over the past four years.

Mighty, which was founded in 1989, engages in the development, production and marketing of flavors, including savory taste solutions (the non-sweet spectrum of flavors). The company has a leading position in Thailand’s flavors market where there are very few producers of taste solutions, and is among the most innovative flavors companies in Southeast Asia based on independent R&D. In recent years Mighty has won a number of prizes as an innovative and leading flavors manufacturer in Southeast Asia. The company’s broad portfolio of solutions includes flavors, seasoning blends and marinades as well as specialty functional raw materials for the food and beverage industry with emphasis on the field of convenience foods, snacks, noodles, fish, meats, baked goods, beverages and dairy, and it has a portfolio of unique products and solutions adapted to Asian tastes based on the vast knowledge and experience of its managers. Mighty’s activity also includes unique solutions for producing raw materials for the fields of infant nutrition and elderly nutrition, and Frutarom intends to continue developing this activity in Thailand and in the countries of the region.

Approximately 60 % of Mighty’s activity consists of manufacturing taste solutions, with market leadership in the field of savory taste solutions, while 40 % is trade activity in specialty raw materials for the food, beverages and nutrition industries.

The Brazilian exportations of Frozen Concentrate Orange Juice (FCOJ) Equivalent have been at higher levels in the 2017/18 season (July to September/17) compared to the same period last crop. This scenario, already expected by agents from the sector, is due to higher Brazilian supply and firmer demand from the United States.

According to Secex, this season, Brazil has shipped 50.4 thousand tons of juice only to the United States, 12 % up compared to the same period last year. Brazilian juice exportations to the United States are expected to remain firm this crop. In the first official estimates regarding the 2017/18 season, released on October 12, the USDA confirmed production should be 21 % lower than in 2016/17, totaling 54 million boxes.

Besides problems with greening this season, citrus production from Florida, the main citrus producing state in the United States, was damaged by Irma hurricane, which hit groves in September, causing fruit drops and floods.

The smaller crop in Florida should lower the global orange juice supply even more. In Brazil, although productivity is almost 53 % higher than in the 2016/17 season, according to Fundecitrus (Citrus Defense Fund), the weather conditions this year may still affect the total volume. With the drought and high temperatures observed in September, many fruits wilted and crystalized at groves. In October, however, rains have dropped fruits of weak varieties, causing losses to growers from São Paulo State.

Besides, despite recovery of inventories in the 2017/18 season, estimated at 207.6 thousand tons, the low supply at Brazilian processors should only be softened. Therefore, Brazil should be aware of that scenario, mainly if production in the 2018/19 season is affected by the current weather.

EXPORTATIONS – From July to September this year, according to Secex, Brazil shipped 305.4 thousand tons of FCOJ Equivalent, 12 % up compared to the same period of 2016. Revenue rose 19 %, totaling 537.5 million USD. In Real, revenue totaled 1.69 billion BRL, 16 % up in the same comparison. For the European Union, sales totaled 200.9 thousand tons of orange juice, 5 % up compared to that in the same period last year. Revenue totaled 349.8 million USD, 11 % up in the same comparison. In Real, it totaled 1.10 billion BRL, 8 % up in the period.

DOMESTIC MARKET – The demand for oranges was low in the domestic market in the first fortnight of October. According to growers consulted by Cepea, the Brazilian Holiday on October 12, as well as the large volumes sold in the first week of the month, which reduced the supply needs from purchasers, may have affected sales. With lower supply of fruits with quality standards demanded by the in natura market, however, prices increased. Between October 1 and 13, pear orange quotes averaged 19.37 BRL per 40.8-kilo box, on tree, 19 % up compared to the first fortnight of September (1 – 15).

TAHITI LIME – Tahiti lime quotes reached 100.00 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, in the first fortnight of October, pushed up by the replenishing needs of growers, since harvesting was interrupted by rains, reducing availability in São Paulo State even more. Between October 1 and 13, tahiti lime quotes averaged 81.75 BRL per 27-kilo box, harvested, a staggering 63.5% up against that in the first fortnight of September (1 – 15).

Exportations of tahiti lime from SP State continued limited by high domestic prices, which reduced fruit competitiveness in the international market. Thus, Cepea collaborators believe shipments may intensify again only in November – as local supply should increase.

SVZ, a leading supplier of premium fruit and vegetable ingredients, is celebrating 150 years of expertise at this year’s Fi Europe. The company will be showcasing its premium portfolio of high-quality, natural fruit and vegetable purees, juices and concentrates.

SVZ’s wide range of ingredients, from raspberry and strawberry purees to spinach and carrot concentrates, is cultivated in the world’s finest growing regions for a variety of applications, from beverages and baby food to dairy products and baked goods. Visitors to the stand can sample SVZ’s natural and nutritious ingredients, either on their own or in the form of a specially-made cocktail, while accessing the agro supply chain, sustainability and applications knowledge of the SVZ experts.

An increasing number of consumers demand healthy and clean label products that are traceable too. “At FiE 2017 we will not only be discussing our passion for and dedication to premium fruit and vegetable ingredients and our long-standing sustainability credentials, but also how our portfolio and expertise can help food and beverage manufacturers today. From clean label, natural and minimally processed to healthy and reduced sugar, consumers have more demands than ever before and we are well-placed to help our customers meet these needs with innovative, natural formulations.” explains Johan Cerstiaens, Sales Director at SVZ.

SVZ, stand 08.0L50, Fi Europe, 28-30 November 2017, Frankfurt, Germany

Export and innovations are the growth drivers of the worldwide food industry

The 34th Anuga was the best trade fair in a long time for many of the exhibitors. More than 7,400 companies from 107 countries, a new record, presented products from all over the world and all categories over the course of five days. Around 165,000 trade visitors from 198 countries took advantage of this unique offer for sourcing, information and ordering at top level. In addition to the high level of internationality, which characterised the picture of the trade fair on all days, the quality of the visitors was once again outstanding. For example, Executive Directors and top buyers from leading global trading companies were registered. The out-of-home market was also represented by international teams in Cologne as well as decision-makers from the major online trading companies.

They were all there: The registration data of Anuga shows that the entire trade was present in Cologne, both from Germany and abroad. They included Aeon, Ahold, AlbertHeijn, Aldi, Auchan, Carrefour, Coop, Costco, dm, Edeka, Globus, Hofer, Jumbo, Kroger, Metro, Migros, Müller, Norma, Rewe, Rossmann, Sainsbury, Sams Club, Schwarz Group, Sobeys, Spar, Target, Tesco and Walmart. Amazon and JD.com were present from the online trade. Furthermore, buyers from numerous specialised online platforms were also among the visitors of Anuga. Important importers and international wholesalers also travelled to Cologne to attend the trade fair.

Important buyer groups from the out-of-home market (food service, communal catering, system gastronomy companies) were also welcomed at Anuga, among others Autobahn Tank & Rast GmbH, CHEFS CULINAR, Gourmet International, Ikea, LSG (Supply Chain Sarl), Sysco (USA), SPCgroup (Korea), Transgourmet and YORMA’S AG.

Furthermore, it became evident again at Anuga that the trade fair is an indispensable sourcing platform: Many exhibitors were able to address their customers from the processing industry directly and conclude important contract transactions.

The share of foreign participants was high both among the exhibitors (90 % foreign exhibitors) as well as among the visitors. The foreign share of visitors increased up to 75 percent (2015: 68 percent). As usual the attendance from the EU countries and Switzerland was high. An increase in the number of visitors was particularly recorded from Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands. More visitors also attended from the USA and Canada. The attendance from China, Japan and the partner country, India, was also very good. More visitors were counted from South Ameria too, especially from Brazil, Peru and Uruguay. There was also an increase in the number of visitors from the Near East and states of North Africa, i.e. from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Tunisia. More people visited Anuga from South Africa as well this year.

The export-oriented food industry was thus able to reach an international and first-class trade audience at Anuga. The innovations, which as always were a key focus of Anuga, contributed towards providing the industry with new impulses and ideas. These trend themes included food and beverages that are rich in protein, new products on the theme “superfoods” and numerous new ready-to-go/ready-to-eat ideas. Sustainable concepts as well as organic products were still high in demand, vegetarian and vegan themes were also a major focus. Alternative sources of protein like insects were a theme of intense discussion among the media.

The next Anuga will take place from 5 to 9 October 2019.

All Oranges 54.0 Million Boxes

The 2017-2018 Florida all orange forecast released today by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 54.0 million boxes, 21 percent less than last season’s final production. The total includes 23.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 31.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges. The Navel orange forecast, at 600 thousand boxes, accounts for 3 percent of the non-Valencia total.

The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 48.9 million. Trees planted in 2014 and earlier are considered bearing this season. Field work for the latest Commercial Citrus Inventory was completed in June 2017. Attrition rates were applied to the results to determine the number of bearing trees which are used to weight and expand objective count data in the forecast model.

The citrus growing region was drought-free at the start of the 2017-2018 citrus growing season. In January, the region started showing abnormally dry conditions. By February, bloom had begun and was full in some areas. Other areas held off and showed only light and scattered bloom. In March, the Southern citrus growing area was in moderate drought conditions, while the Northern area remained abnormally dry. During these times of dry weather, citrus groves required the use of irrigation systems. Temperatures were above average for the majority of the season. Precipitation returned for the summer months to keep all areas drought-free. In September, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida at Marco Island and went up through the Western side of the citrus belt. The hurricane left some areas flooded and extremely wet.
A 10 year regression has been used for comparison purposes. For those previous 10 seasons, average actual production is 124 million boxes. The initial forecast has deviated from final production by an average of 6 percent, with 8 seasons above and 2 below, with differences ranging from 2 percent below to 19 percent above.

The procedures used in this forecast are the same as used in past seasons. The methodology is described on page 5 of this report. All references to “average,” “minimum” and “maximum” refer to the previous 10 seasons. Average fruit per tree includes both regular bloom and the first late bloom.

Non-Valencia Oranges 23.0 Million Boxes

The non-Valencia forecast of 23.0 million boxes is 30 percent lower than last season’s production. The estimated number of bearing trees (without Navels) is 19.6 million. The estimated fruit per tree for early-midseason oranges is 741, a decrease of 3 percent from last season. Projected fruit size is below average, requiring an estimated 289 pieces of fruit to fill a 90-pound box. At 48 percent, droppage is well above the maximum.
Based on fruit population, the prorated forecast shows a decrease of 4.21 million boxes in the Western area compared to last season. The combined other areas show a decrease of 5.79 million boxes.

The Navel forecast of 600 thousand boxes is 25 percent lower than last season’s production. If realized, this will be the lowest in a series dating back to 1979-1980 when separate Navel forecasts began. The estimated number of bearing trees is 913 thousand, down 2 percent from the previous season. The estimated fruit per tree is 252, an increase of 15 percent from last season. Projected fruit size
is slightly above average, requiring an estimated 139 pieces of fruit to fill a 90-pound box. Projected droppage is well above maximum at 49 percent.
Valencia Oranges 31.0 Million Boxes

The Valencia forecast of 31.0 million boxes is 13 percent lower than last season’s production. The estimated number of bearing trees is 28.4 million, down 2 percent from the previous season. The estimated fruit per tree is 510, an increase of 13 percent from last season. Projected fruit size is below average, requiring an estimated 237 pieces of fruit to fill a 90-pound box. Projected droppage is well above the maximum at 45 percent.
Based on fruit population, the prorated forecast shows a decrease of 3.20 million boxes in the Western area compared to last season. The combined other areas show a decrease of 1.55 million boxes.

Please download the full citrus crop production forecast: www.nass.usda.gov

Central Washington fruit grower extends beyond premium dried fruit lines into beverage market
Royal Ridge Fruits announces, via its Stoneridge Orchards brand, the introduction of its Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, a new liquid twist on their popular dried Montmorency cherries.

The Montmorency tart cherry, grown largely in the U.S and Canada, are abundant in anthocyanin’s – a natural, flavonoid compound that contributes to the ruby-red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste. The fruit has become the source of over 50 studies supporting health benefits such as:

• Natural ant-inflammatory agent: targeted for general pain relief, reducing muscle soreness after exercise and easing arthritic or gout pain
• Natural sleep aid: through the presence of melatonin, a human sleep regulating hormone also found in certain plants.
• Natural immune system regulator: through the presence of vitamin C.

Royal Ridge Fruits is the largest West Coast producer of Montmorency tart cherries, through its farming settlement along Central Washington’s Columbia river basin – known for rich soils and a diverse climate. The product will be the first juice available among an extensive line of premium dried fruits, in whole, sliced and diced varieties.
“Responding to a growing body of research on tart cherries, and the popularity of our own tart cherry dried fruit snacks, adding the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate was a natural step for us,” says Mila Savella, Vice President of Marketing at Royal Ridge Fruits. “The Montmorency cherry has held a special place in our growing cycle for decades, and through our new concentrate we’re hoping more can enjoy it year-round.”

Each bottle of the Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate contains up to 1,000 individual cherries, providing a rich source of the fruit’s natural nutrients. All ingredients in the drink are natural, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate will be available to consumers in select US markets through the company’s retailer network. For the initial launch, Stoneridge Orchards will offer the product for $2.00 off.

Fi Europe & Ni, from 28 to 30 November in Frankfurt, bundles innovation, market knowledge and expert know-how to meet Clean Label demands

What started as a trend is now the standard: Rising consumer demand for Clean Label ingredients has been a huge influence on the food industry for several years now. In order to offer suitable solutions for this growing market, producers of colours and flavours have committed major investments in creating natural alternatives to synthetic materials. Food ingredients Europe & Natural ingredients 2017 offers a clear overview of a sector that has developed like few others in the food and ingredients industries.
Solutions for an expanding and complex market

What began in the ‘80s with initial concerns about synthetic colours in food has led to today’s dominating demand for natural colours. As a result, nearly 60 per cent of the total food colours market is now comprised of natural solutions, according to Future Market Insights.

In parallel, Clean Label has affected the global flavours market, and both colour and flavour producers have responded with innovation and investments in R&D . “Consumers are highly sceptical about artificial additives, especially those carrying E-numbers. They avoid products with long, complex ingredient lists and have a strong wish for greater naturalness in food”, says Guido de Jager, Head of Group Marketing at GNT. For suppliers, natural colours and flavours today are part of their standard portfolio. Nevertheless, achieving successful results while reverting back to all things natural, is far from simple. Attaining Clean Label status requires standardised raw materials of the highest quality – a challenge when it comes to ingredients made by Mother Nature. In addition, stability concerns still exist around long-term or high temperature warehousing. Paul Janthial, director of the Food & Beverage Business Unit at Naturex, says: “Every natural pigment has its own specific properties in terms of heat or pH sensitivity, light stability and solubility. In order to find the right solution efficiently, the most important thing is not to focus only on the desired shade or color intensity but to share from the very beginning all relevant details about the application matrix and the process applied to it.”

With thousands of products presented in the colours and flavours categories and a high quality conference program, Fi Europe & Ni is the roadmap for the whole natural solutions sector. Barbara Lezzer, European Marketing Director at Sensient Flavours, says: “Consumers nowadays shouldn’t have to accept a compromise between health and taste – they want it all. This is why the focus of all of our research and development is to offer natural solutions based on our proprietary extraction and taste modulation technologies. FIE gives us the opportunity to share our latest developments and capabilities, to bring new product concepts to life in various sweet beverage categories.”

Fi conference and exhibitors: innovation at a glance

During the four-day Fi conference, visitors can experience concentrated knowledge and market insights. On 28 November under the headline “Clean Label & Natural Ingredients”, experts from university and industry as well as market analysts will explore subjects such as the consumer’s view of Clean Label, and technical topics from stability issues in natural colours to reformulation. “Reduction & Reformulation” on 30 November will cover sugar reduction with case studies and speeches focusing on innovative solutions without loss of flavour or functionality.
Fi Europe & Ni organiser UBM has announced a record number of exhibitors for 2017, with 1,500 suppliers. More than 350 of them will present over 2,500 products in the colours or flavours categories. The exhibitor list ranges from flagships like GNT, SVZ, Naturex, Sensient and Symrise as well as innovative newcomers such as La Tourangelle, FoodSolutionsTeam and Aroma’s Lecocq.

Global initiative for responsibly managed forests

The Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSC^TM) has launched an ambitious new initiative to increase the use of materials from responsibly managed forests. The Vancouver Declaration allows businesses who use these natural products to pledge their commitment to responsible sourcing.

The Vancouver Declaration is part of the FSC’s wider ambition to help businesses achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The declaration has now been presented at the FSC General Assembly 2017, which took place from 8 to 13 October in Vancouver, by Samuel Sigrist, SIG CFO designate.
Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC: “It’s fantastic to see so many great businesses supporting this declaration. Our forests are a wonderful yet delicate natural resource, and a lot of people’s lives depend of their sustainable and responsible use. By committing to using FSC-certified wood and forest products, our partners are helping to protect our forests – and the planet – for future generations.”

Samuel Sigrist: “It was a great honour for me to present the Vancouver Declaration at the FSC’s 2017 General Assembly. We believe that this initiative, with its commitment to FSC certification, is a key tool in achieving parts of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are the first in our industry to be able to display the FSC label on 100 % of our packs. This is a major milestone for SIG on its journey to become a ‘net positive’ business, helping to create more natural resources than we use.”

In addition to SIG, other well-known companies such as IKEA, H&M, Marks and Spencer, Carillion, Jysk, Mitsubishi Paper Mill or Fuji Xerox have already signed the Vancouver Declaration. For example, IKEA has committed itself to only use wood from more sustainable sources by 2020 and promote sustainable forest management beyond their own needs to make it an industry norm. The aim of the FSC is to bring companies on board across the entire supply chain.