Topic “functional foods” — Exporter Magazine

The rise of protein as a nutrient that can assist weight management will drive the quality protein market to new heights, according to a new report, according to BeverageDaily.com. A new fragrance confectionery that claims to leave the consumer smelling like roses has hit the shelves recently, according to ConfectionaryNews.com. Two of the new functional systems under Cargill’s Asian ingredients brand, Protex CF 6205 and Protex CF 6206, are intended for use in Mochi buns and donuts, Japanese delicacies traditionally made from pounded and shaped glutinous rice but which can also be made from rice flour. A German company has patented its process for ‘nocturnal milk’ which it claims contains 100 times more melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep, than normal milk, according to Dairyreporter.com. Cleveland-based Ganeden Biotech and Agostoni Chocolate have come out with a functional snack that combines probiotics with artisan chocolate for consumers. UK sales of gluten and wheat free products soared 18% to GBP108.3 million (NZD$231 million) in the year to July 11, 2010, according to FoodManufacturer.co.uk, citing data from Kantar Worldpanel. The UK market for functional foods on a bone health platform grew 6.8% in the year to March 2010, but at just GBP38 million, it still represents a niche part of the GBP556 million (NZD$82 million) functional foods market, according to DairyReporter.com. Dairy, bakery and beverages account for 72.9% of functional foods in the world’s biggest markets with energy/mood enhancement, gut health and heart health the dominant claims, according to NutraIngredients.com.