The biggest food tech trends for 2025 and beyond
Robot use will increase, more food deliveries will be made and food waste will be consigned to the past… how food tech will evolve.
Sustainability
Insect protein buzz waning as patents slow
Insect protein’s predicted take off has been less than a flutter as market innovation stagnates, with worldwide patents sliding year-on-year again.
Algae, fungi and insects as alternative protein sources: Review
Proteins from algae, fungi and edible insects are as high-quality as animal proteins and demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides, according to a new study.
Behind the bacterium innovation "for more sustainable sun protection"
Italian microbiome startup Bacfarm just won Shiseido’s annual startup competition with an innovation that can have uses in both topical and nutra sun care products. We spoke to the co-founder to learn more about how it could disrupt the category...
Proteine Resources receives €1.36 million investment for insect biotechnology
Polish biotech company Proteine Resources has its sights set on the human nutrition industry, following a new investment that brings its total funding to €1.8 million.
Natac opens Spain’s largest omega-3 production plant
Natac announces the start-up of the largest omega-3 production plant in As Somozas, Spain, following an investment of over 18 million euros.
ADM expands non-GM capabilities in Hungary with acquisition of multi-seed and corn germ facility
ADM has announced an agreement to acquire Vandamme Hungaria Kft, along with its associated entities, which operate a 700 metric ton per day non-GM crush and extraction facility in northern Hungary.
Danone targets feed-related emissions reductions through new MoU
The dairy major aims to cut feed procurement-related emissions by leveraging a lysine supplement on farms across four continents.
How AI can slash indoor farming energy use
Integrating artificial intelligence into today’s environmental control systems could reduce energy consumption for indoor agriculture by 25% – potentially helping to feed the world as its population rises, Cornell University engineers have found.
Green Bioactives collects grants to expand biomanufacturing platform
Plant cell culture manufacturer Green Bioactives (GBL) has secured over £300,000 to advance plant metabolite production in response to the climate crisis.
Will consumers accept mycelium?
Mycelium can be a protein-rich alternative to animal products. But will consumers accept it? The interplay of disgust and naturalness perceptions is the key, a new study suggests.
How does the One Health concept apply to industry?
Symbiologist Nina Vinot urges nutraceutical industry to embrace One Health for a healthier planet and people, explaining that “no microbiome is an island.”
How manufacturers can source soy sustainably: The EUDR and beyond
Soy is under the spotlight due to the approaching enforcement of the EUDR. But how can soy manufacturers ensure that they’re sourcing sustainably?
Epax reduces carbon emissions with renewable energy transition
Norwegian marine ingredient manufacturer Epax is nearing its goal of 100% renewable energy use following its recent investment in hydroelectric power.
Sirio to unveil organic concepts for a growing market
Global nutraceutical manufacturer Sirio will debut its new PureOrganix range at the Vitafoods Europe trade show from May 14 to 16 to cater to growing consumer demand for organic formulations.
Full steam ahead for GC Rieber VivoMega sustainable operations
GC Rieber VivoMega’s omega-3 facilities are now fully supported with 100% renewable energy, with waste material diverted for use as aqua feed.
Sowing the seed: Start-up offers nutrition support for marginalized communities
Sow, a start-up that caters to the nutrition needs of Black, Asian and Arab women, launched last year in response to data revealing that certain demographics were affected by COVID-19 more harshly than others.
Innobio launches vegan vitamin D3 from pine oil
Chinese raw material manufacturer Innobio has introduced a new vegan vitamin D3 ingredient sourced from pine oil to meet the heightened demand for sustainable and effective plant-based supplement alternatives.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients launches microencapsulated algae DHA powders
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has launched two algae-based, microencapsulated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ingredients to offer manufacturers more options in catering to vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Succeeding in active nutrition: Innovating around the blueprint
The active nutrition category has a stable blueprint of trends, but consumers have fast-evolving needs so brands must focus on evolving their communication strategies to hit the right note with the modern customer.
PharmaLinea 2024 trends: From natural pain management to AI-powered ingredient discovery
There is a clear white space for pain management supplements in the market and significant opportunity to harness AI for innovation and discovery.
FrieslandCampina reveals 2024 trends report
Key trends to watch in 2024 will include next-gen alt protein solutions, sustainability with substantiation, medicines for the mind and active ageing solutions.
Lactalis unveils solar thermal power plant for sustainable whey production
Lactalis, the global dairy giant, has inaugurated the “largest solar thermal power plant in France” allowing it to cut CO2 emissions by 2,000 tons per year.
Mintel insights: Navigating the future of omega-3 fatty acids
“We need to find alternative sources of omega-3… we need to change our approach across the globe” Rick Miller associate director for specialised nutrition at Mintel told an audience at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) last month.
Consumers demand genuine sustainability: Euromonitor reveals greenwashing fatigue at FiE
“Greenwashed out” consumers are lethargic from a lack of transparency and distrust in some brand sustainability claims, market research company Euromonitor told the audience at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE).
Guest Post: Food businesses are walking blindly into greenwashing claims
'Bio', 'green', 'carbon neutral', 'eco' and 'nature friendly' are common claims on functional foods, but as we enter 2024 we will see the implementation of the Green Washing Directive (GWD) banning misleading green claims. Is your business ready?
Startup Spotlight
Wine industry by-product startup offers upcycled gut health support
WellVine, the functional ingredient manufacturer utilising Chardonnay Marc, has been chosen as a NutraIngredients ‘Probiota Pioneer’ for its zero-waste ingredient designed for gut health.
Unused MyProtein repurposed into fish feed in trailblazing sustainability drive
MyProtein has reprocessed over 150 tonnes of unused product into fish food through THG’s sustainability initiative in partnership with waste processing company MYGroup.
Grøntvedt biotech achieves 'Friend Of The Sea' recognition for sustainable fish oil
The Norwegian marine ingredients producer Grøntvedt biotech has achieved the 'Friend Of The Sea’ certification from the World Sustainability Organisation, which recognises the company’s significant sustainability efforts within its production and...
Startup sees demand for insect protein creep up
Divaks, the insect ingredients start-up, is scuttling to meet fast-growing consumer demand for alternative protein sources with its mealworm plant expansion.
Start-up’s technology can save food businesses money by preventing heat waste
Sweden-based green-tech startup Enjay produces technology which can prevent heat waste. This can not only help businesses save a great deal of money, but reduce their carbon dioxide emissions as well.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients doubles production of whey protein isolate and MFGM
FrieslandCampina Ingredients, the diary company focused on nutrition solutions, has announced a significant expansion of its production capacity for whey protein isolate and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
Regulation
European Union set to ban goods, including cocoa, using forced labour in supply chain
Law provides a framework to investigate the use of forced labour in companies’ supply chains. All goods made using forced labour to be halted at EU borders and withdrawn from the market.
Consumer survey reveals top picks in European sports nutrition preferences
New consumer research reveals vitamins, minerals, and plant protein as preferred sports nutrition ingredients.
Headline news roundup: September 2023
From WHO fighting infant formula marketing to enhanced botanical bioavailability with fermentation, September’s news roundup covers the latest developments in health, nutrition, and regulatory changes.
Future of farming: Robertet first to acquire AI 'BioPod' for sustainable ingredient production
French natural ingredient specialists Robertet has become the first commercial partner to acquire a newly created AI 'BioPod' to accelerate production, optimise plant composition, and minimise environmental impact of its crop growth.
How can fisheries withstand climate change? The many aspects of climate resilience
With the impacts of climate change posing a significant threat to fisheries on a physical, ecological and social level, their operational health is vital to protect. A new study has created a framework for climate resilience for fisheries, which can be...
Whole-milk infant formula by Organic company claims first in Germany
Löwenzahn Organics launched their range of baby milk products crafted from whole cow's milk earlier this year, offering an alternative to conventionally used skimmed milk, and the first to offer this in Germany.
Fundraising regulatory uncertainty leaves CBD brand high and dry
The grassroots hemp and CBD brand ‘Hempen Organic’ looking to fundraise for greater exposure has had its crowdfunding campaign pulled due to CBD regulatory risks.
Healthy Ageing Trends: Consumer preferences and the evolving landscape
In a conversation with NutraIngredients, Mike Hughes, head of research and insight at FMCG Gurus, explains the changing landscape of consumer preferences for products that promote healthy ageing.
News
Seaweed start-up investing in major factory and operations improvement project
Newly founded Seaweed Enterprises has announced its entry into the market by unveiling plans to invest in scaling up its factory and operations.
News roundup: July 2023
This month, the industry has encountered environmental campaign concerns, regulatory hinderance, nutrition recommendation improvements, and an abundance of research.
Professor warns of micronutrient deficiency risks in sustainable diets
Plant-focused diets, such as that recommended by EAT- Lancet to address environmental sustainability, may place consumers at risk of various micronutrient deficiencies, according to professor Sarah Bath from the university of Surrey.
Beneo introduces barley beta-glucans for heart health
Beneo, the producer of functional fibre ingredients, has announced the launch of its first barley beta-glucans ingredient, Orafti β-Fit, for heart health.
Probiotics offer promise in reducing microplastic toxicity, review concludes
A new review has concluded probiotics may overcome the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics in humans.
A plant prickling with health benefits: The promising components of cacti
A research review has highlighted the numerous beneficial components found in cacti, including dietary fibre, minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants
Rhodiola rosea: Adjusting to life as an endangered species
The global demand for Rhodiola rosea – also known as "golden root" or "roseroot" – has been increasing steadily since the late 20th century, so much so that it now faces restrictions in international trade brought on by exploitative practices along the...
Natac receives €14million grant for zero carbon facility
Natac, the botanical extracts manufacturer, has been awarded a €14 million grant from the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) for its bioeconomy advancement project ‘Sustainext’.
Growing consumer pressures driving sustainability in the nutrition industry
Consumer and legislative pressures, and scarcity of ingredients will be the three main drivers for nutraceutical companies to become more sustainable, according to Monique van der Vijve, innovation manager at Solidaridad, the global sustainability...
Aligning mindsets for sustainable supplements
Players within the health and supplement sector must come together to achieve united agreements on health policies and sustainability goals, agreed experts during the IADSA World Supplement Forum last week.