HAVER & BOECKER extends QUAT²RO AI suite with bag verification and seal detection systems

HAVER & BOECKER has expanded its QUAT²RO® AI product suite with two new systems targeting quality control at the start and end of automated packing lines. The additions – QUAT²RO BAGcheck and QUAT²RO SEALcheck – join the existing QUAT²RO MATEXcheck and QUAT²RO VALVEcheck systems, completing a four-component AI-driven inspection platform for the food industry, cement, […]

ofi’s deZaan brand launches single origin cocoa liquor range targeting fine flavour consistency at scale

ofi (olam food ingredients) has introduced three new single origin cocoa liquors under its deZaan brand, sourced from Papua New Guinea, Uganda and the Dominican Republic. The range is designed to deliver the complex sensory profiles characteristic of fine flavour cocoa – as defined by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) – at commercial production volumes.

FoodChain ID and CE-LAB launch war-land restoration certification programme in Ukraine

FoodChain ID and the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences, Agriculture and Bioingenuity (CE-LAB) have announced a strategic partnership to certify agricultural land and water systems contaminated by military operations in Ukraine, alongside a carbon claims verification programme for regenerative farming practices.

GTF Technologies turns brewer’s spent grain into plastic packaging

GTF Technologies, a manufacturer of innovative low temperature food drying systems based in Ada, Michigan, was a finalist in the Accelerator 100+ programme — a global initiative led by six major consumer goods companies aimed at scaling sustainable innovation across supply chains. Selected from more than 2,500 applicants, GTF was among 24 finalists to present […]

Tastepoint by IFF forecasts ten key flavour trends for 2026

Tastepoint by IFF has published its annual flavour trend predictions for 2026, identifying ten flavours expected to shape the North American food and beverage sector across retail, food service and related categories. The predictions are based on data-driven market analysis, food service menu tracking, social listening and observed shifts in consumer behaviour.

Univar Solutions and Ashland announce exclusive cellulose ether distribution deal for EMEA food and beverage sector

Univar Solutions has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with speciality chemicals company Ashland Inc. to supply cellulose ether derivatives and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) to food and beverage manufacturers across EMEA, effective 1 January 2026.

Pharmactive’s Affron saffron extract wins first stress relief approval from South Korean regulator

Madrid-based Pharmactive Biotech Products has secured a significant regulatory milestone after its Affron® saffron extract received individual licence approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for a stress relief health claim. The approval makes Affron the first saffron ingredient to receive this designation from the South Korean authority, and currently the […]

Denmark’s DTU National Food Institute designated as WHO collaborating centre for food risk-benefit assessment

The DTU National Food Institute in Denmark has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to host a new collaborating centre focused on evaluating the health impacts of foods and dietary patterns. Named the “WHO Collaborating Centre for Risks and Benefits of Foods and Diets”, the centre marks the first time WHO has established […]

Mondi and Prymat launch ultra-high barrier paper packaging for dried spices

A two-year collaboration between packaging manufacturer Mondi and Polish spice brand Prymat has resulted in a recyclable, paper-based packaging solution capable of meeting the demanding barrier requirements of dried seasoning products.

What is ‘permissible indulgence’, and what does it mean in 2026?

By Greg Holgate, Business Development Manager (Pharma) at ACI Group For decades, food indulgence was strongly associated with excess: larger portions, richer formulations, and bold flavour and colour systems designed to maximise shelf impact. In product development, indulgence often meant more sugar, more fat, or simply the ability to offer a more intense mouthfeel through […]