Food & Food Equipment News

Food & Drink Product Launches Decline During 2009 Recession

 

The economic slump paid its toll on US food and drink manufacturers in 2009, according to a recent review of Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD). Food and drink product launches show a substantial decline of nearly 30% from 2008.

“We see that a number of small companies, which typically introduce a wide range of products, have been stopping or slowing their introductions due to the economy. Additionally, some categories have simply become so over-saturated that there is little room for new products.”

“In the last decade, Mintel GNPD has only tracked occasional, small declines in new product introductions for the US market, never a decline as strong as this,” notes Lynn Dornblaser, leading new product expert at Mintel. “We see that a number of small companies, which typically introduce a wide range of products, have been stopping or slowing their introductions due to the economy. Additionally, some categories have simply become so over-saturated that there is little room for new products.”

Despite this declining trend, there are some categories and claims that found a hidden niche in which to excel. Ethical and environmental claims increased from 9% of all product launches in 2008 to 17% in 2009. Specifically in this category, the environmentally friendly packaging claim nearly tripled, growing from 3% of all products launched in 2008 to 9% in 2009.

“The increase in ethical and environmental claims is less about companies introducing new products or changing their packaging and more about manufacturers communicating with their consumers and knowing what’s important to the people who purchase their products,” says Lynn Dornblaser.

Meanwhile, in clear correlation with the recession, products boasting an economy claim have increased by 72% from 2008 to 2009*.

In addition, side dishes was one of the few categories of food and drink that saw an increase in 2009, with 16% more launches than in 2008*. This increase is most likely due to more people eating in and the introduction of products that offer convenient solutions, such as vegetable steam bags.

Still, most categories saw decreases due to the down economy, notes Lynn Dornblaser: “Natural and organic products, which saw large increases in 2008, took a few steps back in 2009 due to their higher price points.”

Food and drink introductions with an all-natural claim decreased from 15% of all launches in 2008 to 13% in 2009. The organic claim, showed a similar decline of 12% to 10% in the same timeframe.

*These numbers are based on a percentage difference from 2008 to 2009, not based on a percentage of total launches.

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand.

For more information, visit Mintel.

Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. Unveils EcoPure PC Additive For Transparent Biodegradable Polycarbonate

 

Bio-Tec formulates the use of EcoPure™ for transparent polycarbonate that passes visual and optical specifications for manufacturers and brands. Bio-Tec continues to expand its EcoPure™ line of biodegradable additives.

Bio-Tec Environmental, a New Mexico company known for its EcoPure™ additive that accelerates the biodegradation of plastics, announces the release of EcoPure™ biodegradable additive for polycarbonate applications requiring totally transparent materials. In preliminary testing EcoPure™ treated Polycarbonate passes visual and optical specifications for eyewear and DVD applications. Bio-Tec has begun production of the EcoPure™ PC grade of their biodegradable additive. Samuel Adams, Senior VP of Bio-Tec, states, "This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave." Bio-Tec released its biodegradable G2 formulation for clear PET in June of last year and continues to expand the EcoPure™ product capabilities into a wide range of resins. Bio-Tec Environmental LLC. is on the brink of releasing another industry-changing additive, they plan on releasing further details by Q2 of 2010.

“This is a major step forward in the environmental industry; EcoPure™ PC additive opens up a whole new collection of industries that now can be stepping forward into the green wave.”

About Bio-Tec Environmental

Bio-Tec Environmental is the manufacturer of EcoPure™. It has been in business since 2003 and its entire focus has been on making plastics biodegradable. EcoPure™ is the newest generation of our extensive research and development. Bio-Tec Environmental, since launching the EcoPure™ additive in 2008, has formulated two other additives to work with PET and Polycarbonate. Bio-Tec plans on launching a third variation for the EPS Foam industry by 2010. In the words of Sam Adams, Senior VP, "We are more than just a collection of people running a business. Our vision is simple: to help our customers and the environment. We have combined great customer service with extensive technical and R&D expertise. We strive to 'raise the bar' for service, integrity and forthrightness when dealing with both our customers and our employees."

For more information, visit Bio-Tec Environmental.

Idaho Technology Inc. Launches High Volume Food Test Kits

 

Idaho Technology, Inc. (ITI) has launched their new high volume kits for foodborne pathogen detection. The new high volume kits feature 160 reactions per kit, a simplified protocol, and a competitive price, making them ideal for food labs with large testing capacities. The assays all use real-time PCR technology to identify the presence of Salmonella, Listeria or Escherichia coli O157:H7 in various food and environmental samples.

“We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.”

“Our goal with the high volume kits is to give high throughput labs a scientifically advanced food-testing product at the same price as less advanced technologies. This allows them to continue to be competitive in the marketplace during a time of slimming margins and increasing production costs,” states Rachel Jones, ITI vice president of Sales and Marketing. “We feel that our high volume kits not only accomplish this objective, but also result in more efficient operations.” These kits are now available for purchase and have been granted Performance Tested Methods Status by the AOAC Research Institute for use with the R.A.P.I.D.® LT Food Security System (FSS).

The validation of these high volume kits is an important development for all food manufacturers since foodborne pathogens are a major health problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The use of screening tools that are both rapid and accurate will permit earlier release of products without fear of potential outbreaks or possible food recalls. These assays are intended for use by trained laboratory personnel.

About the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS

Built upon LightCycler® technology, the R.A.P.I.D. LT FSS combines rapid air thermocycling and a real-time fluorimeter to reliably test food and environmental samples. In addition to the instrument, robust freeze-dried reagents have been designed and optimized to run on this instrument and provide precise results. Because of its sensitivity, accuracy and high speed, it is the ideal instrument for rapid foodborne pathogen identification and represents a significant improvement over traditional microbiology tests that currently require five to seven days.

About Idaho Technology, Inc.

Idaho Technology, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the originator of rapid DNA analysis with applications including DNA amplification, real-time PCR and mutation discovery. ITI’s systems include biothreat detection systems (R.A.P.I.D.® and RAZORTM systems), a biomedical research system for gene quantification and mutation scanning (LightScanner® system), and a food protection system (R.A.P.I.D. ® LT). Founded in 1990, ITI is a privately held company focused on worldwide applications in the defense, research, industrial and food testing markets.

About AOAC International

AOAC International is a not-for-profit scientific association committed to worldwide confidence in analytical results.

For more information, visit Idaho Technology, Inc or AOAC International.

Aleco Announces New ImpacDors: Featured in Updated Catalog

Aleco, the largest manufacturer in the United States of impact doors, strip doors and flexible barrier products for light to heavy duty industrial, commercial, institutional, and food service applications, announces that its new ImpacDor® catalog is now available. This new catalog features all of the company’s flexible and rigid impact doors including several new models. All of the doors are rugged, easy to install, custom made to exact size specification and available in a variety of colors to match any décor. 

The new Aleco ImpacDor XHD-175 is a continuously welded aluminum sub-frame with large vision panels and high bumpers allowing excellent visibility and maximum durability. The AIS-175 is the industry standard featuring a full thickness, flexible design for punishing applications.  The unique pliable construction flexes to absorb impact. The AIS-XHD takes it to the next level by offering two flexible internal beams that strengthen the door and two layers of flexible vinyl mount reinforcement along the spine to resist breakdown yet retain flexibility. In addition, the Aleco ImpacDor Steel-Lite™ is a heavy duty steel-faced, fire, vandal and shock-resistant door designed to offer a high level of security in a multitude of applications.  It exceeds stringent USPS standards for durability and penetrability

For more information, visit Aleco.

Del Monte Foods Achieves Platinum Level In The American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program

Del Monte Accelerates to Platinum Level After One Year

 

In recognition of Del Monte Foods’ commitment to improving the health and well-being of its employees, the Company was honored today at the American Heart Association’s Start! San Francisco Heart Walk Awards event for achieving Platinum Fit-Friendly status, a prestigious distinction attainable in the AHA’s Start! Fit Friendly Companies program. The program recognizes companies for championing the health of their employees and working to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

“Here at Del Monte Foods, we encourage our consumers to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and we are devoted to the same mission with our Del Monte team,” said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Del Monte Foods. “Our employees’ health and well-being is a priority, and we are proud to be recognized for our efforts. This notable achievement reflects the wellness culture we actively promote, which includes educating, enabling and supporting employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. Given that exercise and better diets can help prevent 80% of premature heart disease, we are strongly committed to helping our employees maintain good health.”

Platinum-level employers meet a number of criteria, which include offering physical activity and healthy eating options in the workplace, promoting a culture of wellness, and implementing at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

Del Monte rose to Platinum status after one year of participating in the AHA’s Start! Fit-Friendly program. One of 15 Bay area companies at this level, Del Monte has demonstrated a strong wellness culture through a multitude of initiatives including office health & wellness teams, weight-loss programs and fitness club discounts, healthy snack breaks, educational health seminars and annual Health & Wellness Fairs.

In addition, the Company is taking its dedication to employee wellness to the next level, via the introduction of a new, comprehensive wellness program that will empower employees to reach their health potential. Consistent with Del Monte’s vision of Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day., the new ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ initiative provides employees with valuable wellness tools and resources, better equipping them to make smart lifestyle choices at work and at home. ‘Living Healthy…Every Day’ launched in late October.

For more information about the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program, visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country’s largest and most well-known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3.6 billion in net sales in fiscal 2009. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in eight out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products.

For more information, visit the Del Monte Foods.

USDA Report Reveals Highest Rate Of Food Insecurity Since Report Was Initiated In 1995

Economic Research Service Report Demonstrates Need for Action

 

USDA's Economic Research Service's (ERS) released its annual report on Household Food Security in the U.S., which revealed that in 2008, 17 million households, or 14.6 percent, were food insecure and families had difficulty putting enough food on the table at times during the year. This is an increase from 13 million households, or 11.1 percent, in 2007. The 2008 figures represent the highest level observed since nationally representative food security surveys were initiated in 1995. The full study is available at www.ers.usda.gov/features/householdfoodsecurity/.

"The Obama Administration has put in place unprecedented measures to promote job creation and combat hunger in our Nation, a problem that the American sense of fairness should not tolerate and American ingenuity can overcome, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The Department of Agriculture's nutrition assistance programs provide a safety net that improves food access to those with critical needs, but addressing the root of hunger requires a broader strategy. By improving access to federal nutrition programs and working with our partners at all levels of government and society, we can make progress in our effort to reduce and eventually eliminate childhood hunger."

This year's report also reveals that one third of food insecure households had very low food security (food intake of some household members was reduced and their eating patterns disrupted at times during the year). This is 5.7 percent of all U.S. households or about 6.7 million. This is up from 4.7 million households (4.1 percent) in 2007, and the highest level observed since nationally representative food security surveys were initiated in 1995.

Even when resources are inadequate to provide food for the entire family, children are usually shielded from the disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake that characterize very low food security. However, children as well as adults experienced instances of very low food security in 506,000 households (1.3 percent of households with children) in 2008, up from 323,000 households (0.8 percent of households with children) in 2007.

The fundamental cause of food insecurity and hunger in the United States is poverty - marked by a lack of adequate resources to address basic needs such as food, shelter and health care. The Obama Administration has taken aggressive action on these fronts through the expansion of critical services for Americans most in need. The historic investments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, with a focus on long-term job creation, are a major part of this effort. The Recovery Act provides tax relief for working families, job training, unemployment insurance, income support and affordable housing to needy Americans and their children.

A central part of the Recovery Act included a significant increase in nutrition assistance benefits for the 36.5 million people (half of whom are children) who participate in USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program. It also provides resources to the state agencies that administer the program, helping them to deal efficiently with increased caseloads.

"As the Obama Administration works to foster a robust recovery for all, it's important to recognize that we have another opportunity to improve the health and nutrition of our children when Congress begins to debate the Child Nutrition Reauthorization," said Vilsack. "It is vital that we make it easier for families and administrators to bring eligible children into the program and to eliminate gap periods when children struggle to find the nutrition assistance they need - at breakfast, during summer, and in after-school settings."

USDA's National School Lunch program serves 31 million children a healthy meal each school day - for some children in need, this is their most important meal that day. USDA is working with states to increase the use of technology to make low-income children whose families already receive SNAP automatically certified for free school meals and to promote policies that make it easier for eligible families to participate in SNAP. Also, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC program, ensures mothers and their children have access to nutritious options as well. Nearly half of all infants in this country participate in WIC.

"During challenging economic times, the pool of those in need of vital food assistance expands," said Vilsack. "USDA's role - along with our partners - is to ensure individuals do not fall through the cracks, and can access nutritional services with dignity and respect."

For more information, visit the USDA.

PerkinElmer To Provide Gilson With New Mass Spectrometry Technology

Two chromatography leaders collaborate to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers with new enhanced solutions for fraction collection and liquid chromatography

 

PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and the environment, and Gilson, Inc., an industry leader in purification systems for liquid chromatography (LC) and solid phase extraction (SPE), announced a mass spectroscopy (MS) collaboration to support pharmaceutical and biotech scientists. This collaboration will enable the two companies to provide new and enhanced solutions for fraction collection and liquid chromatography.

As part of the agreement, PerkinElmer will develop a dedicated single quadrupole mass spectrometer to be incorporated into Gilson’s preparative chromatography systems, enabling scientists to use the specificity of MS to improve the efficiency of their purification processes.

Gilson will integrate PerkinElmer’s MS technology with Gilson’s LC and fraction collection technology through Gilson’s proprietary Trilution software, bringing laboratory professionals enhanced signal specificity in their data. The use of MS detection provides additional sample insight as well as a high level of specificity that enhances the preparative system’s efficiency.

“PerkinElmer’s expertise and commitment to MS, combined with its well-established reputation in chromatography, makes the Company a strong partner of choice,” said Dennis Claspell, senior vice president sales and marketing, Gilson, Inc. “Our pharmaceutical and biotech customers demand expertise, reliability and performance. Through this reseller agreement, we will continue to provide Gilson customers with the best purification solutions on the market.”

“By fostering and developing collaborations with other technology leaders such as Gilson, PerkinElmer is able to provide scientists with the newest technologies and solutions they need to meet their most stringent analysis requirements,” notes Eric Ziegler, vice president, chromatography and mass spectrometry, PerkinElmer. “These collaborations are also a critical component of our long-term strategy to continue to expand PerkinElmer’s mass spectrometry offerings to key global market segments.”

PerkinElmer, a leader in chromatography, expanded its product and intellectual property portfolio in 2009 with a significant investment in MS technology through its acquisition of Analytica of Branford, Inc. (AOB). Development and execution of AOB’s single-quad and Time of Flight (TOF) technology is a critical strategic initiative for PerkinElmer and will support the Company’s efforts to meet the needs environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and energy customers.

About Gilson, Inc.

Gilson, Inc. manufactures high-quality, dependable purification solutions for today’s demanding liquid chromatography, solid phase extraction, liquid handling and gel permeation chromatography clean-up requirements. Gilson’s innovative products will provide the durability, flexibility and ease-of-use to revolutionize your lab that the industry has come to expect from Gilson, Inc.

About PerkinElmer, Inc.

PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2 billion in 2008, has around 8,500 employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 Index. 

For more information, visit Gilson or PerkinElmer.

Biopack Updates United States Sustainable Product Launch

Biopack Environmental Solutions Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of 100% biodegradable packaging products, is pleased to provide the following update on its expansion strategy in the growing United States sustainable packaging market.

Biopack America, the Company's recently announced United States distribution partner, has initiated a multi-faceted strategy to enhance sales of sustainable packaging. Biopack America's strategy includes direct sales of “to-go” containers and catering products, participation in industry trade shows and conferences, and the identification and selection of sub-distribution partners throughout the United States, as more fully described below.

Direct Sales -

Biopack America has successfully introduced Biopack’s sustainable products into the United States, initially focusing on the restaurant industry. Biopack America's customers, which can be found in many states across the country, include:

• Smoque BBQ, a famous BBQ eatery in Chicago which has been featured on the Food Network's popular television show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives."
• Maya’s Restaurant in Seattle Washington
• Old Fisherman’s Grotto in Monterey CA
• Big Fish Branding in Erie, CO.

Tradeshows and Exhibitions -

Biopack’s products have been showcased at several tradeshows, most recently at the Produce Marketing Association ("PMA") show in Anaheim, California. With more than 19,000 attendees, the PMA is one of the largest international events solely dedicated to fruits, vegetables, and floral. Of particular interest at the PMA was the Company's innovative moisture, grease and water resistant trays or “coated” trays. In addition to the PMA, Biopack participated at the Taste of Atlanta, a food festival showcasing restaurants and foods throughout the Southwest.

Sub-distribution -

Biopack America has secured sub-distribution partnerships in Atlanta and Puerto Rico to service the catering product markets. Biopack America has entered into a letter of intent with G4 Packaging, a leading provider of eco-friendly containers which is dedicated to supplying EPS foam alternatives in the packaging market. G4 Packaging has long standing relationships with retail chains, supermarkets and processors throughout the United States.

“Biopack places a high priority on our growth in the United States, which is the largest single market for packing in the world," commented Mr. Gerald Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Biopack. "We feel strongly that we are on the correct path following our multi-faceted strategy to introduce our biodegradable and compostable products. Our experience has led us to believe that it takes a lead time of about 6-12 months to break into new markets and develop new products on a case by case basis, so we are excited about the pace at which we are moving in the US. Our early results have shown that we have a product that has been easily accepted into the market, and we believe our efforts will result in larger orders and establishing a diversified and lasting customer base. The interest for our new spray coated products is also much higher than we originally anticipated. I am very encouraged with the amount of inquiries we have had in such a short period of time, and now that we have tested the market, Biopack will move forward aggressively in our expansion initiatives.”

About Biopack

Biopack manufactures 100% biodegradable consumer packaging products from locally available sugar cane waste called Bagasse. Based in Hong Kong with manufacturing facilities in Jiangmen, China, Biopack has earned the “premium brand” label in the biodegradable packaging market in Europe. Distributed under the “Roots Biopack” trademark, Biopack’s unique line of compostable packaging is sold in 12 European countries, North America, Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

For more information, visit Biopack.

Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. Introduces New Pump Program

 

Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. has introduced their new Pump Program. The program is as reliable as the Ashman Manufacturing name.

Distributor pricing or warehouse pricing will be $179.20 per case or $22.40 per ½ gallon container. Regular wholesale on the case is $224.00 or $28.00 per ½ gallon - $56.00 per GAL. The pricing of the new Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co. Pump Program matches McCormick’s pump program which has been discontinued. 

The following is a list of the available flavors:

• House Mango Key Lime                                  8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 
• House Citrus Wasabi                                       8 quantity ½ gallon per cs
• House Red Wine Dijon                                    8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 
• House Sweet & Spicy (new flavor)                  8 quantity ½ gallon per cs 

Each product case has 1 pump enclosed which is to be used for that case.  Any additional pumps may be ordered at $1.50 each.

About Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co.

Ashman Manufacturing and Distributing Company is celebrating its 20th year in business as a specialty food manufacturer and distributor. In fact, Ashman manufactures over 200 different specialty food products including the Virginia Gentleman Bourbon Sauce Line, the Classic American Specialty Sauce Line, the House Seafood Marinade and Dry Blends Lines as well as many unique restaurant retail concepts for Pierce’s Pitt BBQ Hill Country Barbecue Market (NY), Blue Smoke (NY), Tabla (NY), Union Square Hospitality Group, Rockland.s BBQ and Grilling Company (Washington DC), and for Chili Peppers Restaurant (Outer Banks, North Carolina).

For more information, visit Ashman Manufacturing & Distributing Co.

DELTA TECHNOLOGIES DEFEATS TIME THIEVES!

 

Quality expenditures can be summarized as the cost of implementing a quality program and the cost of rectifying defects. Organizations must balance the two. Going light on prevention will result in higher rectification costs later, but overspending on a quality program impacts margin. What’s an organization to do? And are there ways costs can be trimmed without sacrificing quality?

At the heart of most quality programs is testing. Famed quality guru W. Edwards Deming says, “You cannot inspect quality into the product.” Very true, but testing does have an important role verifying the effectiveness of an implemented quality program. It’s the feedback that any good closed-loop system needs. And the amount of testing performed by fresh produce organizations is increasing.

A recent study conducted by Delta Technology of 10 representative, U.S. fresh produce companies shows the amount of microbiology tests conducted has grown in excess of 500 percent over the last five years. Additionally, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 may compel organizations to increase testing as a means for monitoring required preventive controls. But what is the state of testing programs today, and can they be sustained or even expanded without impacting costs?

The challenge facing many fresh produce organizations is a fragmented sampling program. Programs are typically procedure-based and managed on paper. There is a lack of consistency in the entire supply chain, and even more commonly a gap between the data collected and tools used to decode it. Specifications can be difficult to manage and new regulations will only aggravate the situation. The result is often only partial coverage, leading to a higher risk of rectifying defects after the product has reached the customer.

Wasteful quality costs can be managed in five simple steps:

• Reduce Variability—standardize a sampling program. Variability is the mother of inefficiency. 
• Make the Data Work for the Company—results naturally feed continuous improvement efforts—analyze a way to lower costs.
• Eliminate Paper—the average organization spends $20 in labor to file each paper document. This results in U.S. organizations spending $360 billion annually, turning data from paper documents into something they can use to run their businesses.
• Monitor Expenditures—Delta has learned from the energy sector that actively monitoring usage lowers energy costs 10 to 30 percent. The same is true for quality—monitor spending in real-time.
• Focus on the Company’s Core—On-premises quality applications can burden IT resources, and involve substantial implementation and maintenance costs.

Fortunately, one company has found a solution that addresses each of these areas. Delta Technology’s alert™ is the industry’s preeminent testing management solution. alert, an on-demand software solution, allows companies to enforce standardized processes. alert is equipped with a powerful Analysis Engine and Spend Management module. The alert Software as a Service (SaaS) model allows organizations to focus on core operations, while Delta takes care of managing the servers and software.

Delta Technology invites you to learn more about Cost Savings and to see the alert solution live. Visit Delta Technology or call 919-379-3420.