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 | | FOOD HYDROCOLLOID CONFERENCE SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 27-29, 2008 | | | IMR International | | 20/05/2008 | | | The 13th IMR Hydrocolloid Conference was held in San Francisco, April 27-29, 2008.
There were 13 speakers addressing a spectrum of issues in hydrocolloids from nutrition to regulations to consumer concerns. Some 100 high-level executive “Hydrocolleagues” gathered from over 20 countries to exchange views on global developments and trends in food texture.
The world food hydrocolloid market is valued at US$4.2 billion (Euro 2.8 billion at current exchange rates). Pectin ($443 million market), xanthan ($225 million market) and MC/HPMC ($57 million market); promise the most rapid growth rates in the next 5 year forecast period, (5.7%, 5.2% and 6.2% respectively). Some key trends that were first identified in last year’s conference in Lisbon continue to dominate discussion. Nutrition/health/wellness, labeling, innovation and safety are key strategic concerns.
Health, Wellness and Nutrition are product delivery concepts firmly adopted by major food companies such as Nestle, Kraft, Unilever and Del Monte, all of whom were represented as speakers at the conference. Hydrocolloids have a growing role to play in these aspects which extend beyond the traditional functions of gelling, viscosifying and stabilizing. Most hydrocolloids are soluble fibers with nutritional benefits. Nutraceutical properties are under investigation for use in cancer treatment, cholesterol reduction, glycemic index control and other physiological concerns. With more research comes better nutritional understanding of age old products. Not all fibers are equal, some are soluble some are not. Not all soluble fibers are equal; some have nutraceutical values some do not. Special, niche markets such as clinical foods were discussed by a speaker from Numico now a division of Danone. A speaker from the USDA presented positive health benefits from HPMC. The Australian research organization, CSIRO, gave an in-depth look into the future role of starches in health, wellness and nutrition. A major barrier facing all nutritional researchers is accurate and unequivocal communication of health benefits to consumers.
Food Labeling presents a challenge. There is a physical limitation to the amount of information which can be placed on a food label. The internet is likely to fulfill additional information needs. Matching a consumer’s personal profile with a food’s nutritional content on the internet was proposed as novel idea by IMR International. A conference attendee pointed out that at least one retailer, Safeway, is already offering something similar. A clear step towards a more distant goal of nutrigenomics.
Consumer Concerns remain a hot topic. Demand for GM Free, natural, organic, vegetarian, kosher or halal foods is growing. Several hydrocolloids are impacted. Cellulosics can be made from NON-GM wood pulp or from GM cotton linters. Most food cellulosics are produced from NON-GM wood pulp. Xanthan may be fermented on carbohydrates derived from GM crops or from NON-GM crops. Most xanthan is derived from NON-GM crops. Ingredient suppliers often talk of the need to “educate the consumer”. There is perhaps a need also to educate ingredient suppliers that: - “The perceptions of consumers are the realities of suppliers”.
Innovation and more specifically Open Innovation has gone from being a concept to reality. A speaker from the world’s largest food company, Nestle, spoke of the desire, indeed the need, of even giant food companies to seek innovative partnerships in product development. Competitors are finding that collaboration instead of confrontation in some areas provide better opportunities. The recent distribution agreement between National Starch and Avebe is an example. The need for ‘Hydrocolloid Lab Libraries’ presented by CSM drew on an existing concept in the flavor industry.
Regulatory & Safety Issues have made world headlines in recent food scares. Regulatory compliance will become increasingly difficult and onerous. Anti-terrorist measures add to the burden already faced by those moving foods and food ingredients. The role of global food distributors will increase in part to address the added complexity of food transportation. Legal developments were addressed by Keller & Heckman a leading law firm in food.
Prices are Up and are likely to continue to increase for most hydrocolloids. Raw material and energy increases are the main price drivers. A need for improved margins to allow for future investments is also driving prices up. Many hydrocolloid producer prices had been driven down below long term sustainability.
Emerging Markets represent much of the future growth for hydrocolloids both in production and consumption. Danisco addressed the future role of China in hydrocolloids, balancing the threat of increased competition with the opportunity of a rapidly growing market.
The 2008 conference received solid industry support not only in the form of high level executive attendance, but also through official sponsorship by Shemberg (Gold), Gelita (Silver), Alfred L. Wolff (Bronze), Gum Technology (Bronze). Visit www.hydrocolloid.com for a complete list of speakers and companies attending the San Francisco conference and for updates on the next one. | |
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