Focus:
Soft gels with inhomogeneous distributions of sucrose could be used to develop low sugar foods, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Major American soft drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola is planning to invest $2bn in India over the next five years in order to expand its non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverage business.
American packaged foods company ConAgra Foods has agreed to acquire National Pretzel, a US-based pretzel producer, from Brookstone Holdings, as part of its strategy to expand its private-label food business.
Russian meat producer Cherkizovo has started production at three new greenfield pork sites in the regions of Tambov, Voronezh and Lipetsk in central Russia.
UK-based asset management company Silk Invest has announced plans to launch a €150m ($206.2m) private equity fund to invest in food processing, storage and distribution in Africa.
Brazilian beef producer Marfrig has posted a net loss of R$540m (US$308.61m) for the third quarter of fiscal 2011, compared with a loss of R$68.6m (US$39.20m) year-on-year.
US-based beverage and snack company PepsiCo has acquired the leading Brazilian cookie and cracker manufacturer Brazil Mabel to strengthen its presence in Latin America's emerging markets.
Smithfield Packing, a subsidiary of US-based pork processor Smithfield Foods, plans to invest $85.5m in the expansion of its meat processing plant at Kinston, North Carolina, US.
American dairy company Dean Foods has reported a loss in its third quarter of 2011 despite increased sales, mostly due to impairment charges at its Fresh Dairy Direct business.
The consumption of food containing poppy seeds can lead to health risks, according to a new report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
