Eating a diet high in ultra-processed foods causes weight gain because the natural food matrix has been changed to remove fiber, according to the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) in this area.
PepsiCo has patented a process to co-ferment oats and dairy milk, creating a drinkable or spoonable product with "unique" metabolites and a versatile taste profile.
Bioactive peptides found in a common microalga inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli bacteria by more than 90%, Colombian researchers have found.
Rappi, an on-demand food delivery service, has received an investment of "up to $1bn" from SoftBank and its 'Vision Fund', marking the largest technology investment made for a Latin America-based company to date.
Ecuadorian start-up Takay sources fruit that has been rejected by buyers for aesthetic reasons to create its healthy, ready-to-blend smoothie and ice cream mixes.
Argentina's food waste law, which encourages food businesses to donate surplus produce to food banks while protecting them from prosecution, has entered into force.
Costa Rica has pledged to emit zero net carbon emissions by 2050. “Costa Rica is ready for the challenge of decarbonization,” says its minister of the environment – but is its food industry?
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) will give over US$25 million to projects in Paraguay that combat deforestation, hunger and poverty, and build the country’s climate-change resilience.
The Cuban government wants more international investment in the country's food industry - a tempting proposition given there are few foreign competitors. But how easy is it to do business in a communist country?
Regenerative agriculture can be productive and profitable, according to Brazilian producer Rizoma, which aims to regenerate one million hectares of land in Brazil by 2030. “Simply sustaining is not enough,” it says.
One in 10 products is failing to meet mandatory maximum salt levels in Argentina, according to a survey, prompting health campaigners to call for stricter government monitoring.
The NOVA food classification bears "striking similarity" to the way ordinary Brazilians classify food, increasing its efficacy, according to a study. "This classification has introduced a new way of thinking about food," they write.
Nestlé Brazil's legal vice president Flavio de Souza, the new chair of Brazilian trade association ABIA, has slammed warning nutrition labels as misleading and alarmist.
Strict environmental regulations in the Brazilian Amazon under previous governments helped make farmers more productive, according to a study. "Bolsonaro’s intentions to loosen environmental protections in the Amazon are a no-win for society,"...
In price-sensitive markets such as Latin America, does clean label reformulation to make products healthier or more natural offer a return on investment?
Through a diverse portfolio of products, ranging from commodity-style basics to premium products, Grupo Lala ensures it appeals to Mexico's diverse population. 'We want to be the number one leader in dairy R&D and product development,'...
Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, has inaugurated a new production line at its Villa Nueva factory in the province of Córdoba, Argentina.
Adding the Nutri-Score to food and drink resulted in Colombians choosing more green-labeled products - not fewer red ones - and spending more overall in-store. “This is a potential financial incentive to stores,” say the researchers.
Danone’s La Serenísima brand is adding 0% fat and 2% fat milk to its range of fresh and long-life milk in Argentina, Paraguay, and beyond in response to "new trends".
Chile's strict food regulations are helping mothers - and even children - make healthier food choices for the family, according to a study. The findings are “overwhelmingly positive”, say the researchers.
With a healthy growth rate, boosted investor confidence and government commitment to innovation, Colombia is re-branding itself as a nation open to business - and, despite challenges, it is "well positioned to move forward", says a report by...
Young Argentinians' and Ecuadorians' perception of ultra-processed food is closely aligned with the original definition, recent research suggests, and the results can help manufacturers with successful new product development.
Most packaged food products in Latin America are meeting regional salt reduction targets, according to a first-of-its-kind survey - but this is probably because the targets were set too high, researchers say.
Neogrid's cloud-based supply chain management tools allow manufacturers to react to consumer demand in real-time, meaning fewer product shortages or excesses. "We allow companies to put the right product in the right place and in the right quantity,"...
Latin American manufacturers are interested in cleaning up food labels but the region's lack of harmonization is limiting uptake, says Chr. Hansen’s LATAM vice president.
Brazilian start-up Plasticor's patent-pending, biodegradable plastic changes color when food begins to perish, reducing food waste without compromising food safety, it says.
There is a high level of public support for front-of-pack nutrition warning labels among the Uruguayan public, according to a 1,400-strong survey. “In the Latin American context, the Chilean scheme seems particularly appropriate," write the researchers.
Brazil's beverage market has been declining for the past three years, according to Kantar Worldpanel. "The market in Brazil is significant, complex and experiencing challenging times. However, there are opportunities to grow," it says.
From jabuticaba-flavored yogurt to guacamole mayonnaise, processed food firms are catering to Latin Americans demand for natural, healthy, and authentic foods, according to a survey by ingredient supplier Kerry.
ConMéxico reacts: 'Our lobbying is legal, legitimate and transparent'
Mexico's lack of action to tackle its obesity crisis over the past six years may be due to policymakers' close ties with the food and drink industry, according to a report by consumer rights group El Poder del Consumidor.
Brazilians are confused about which food and drink is good for gut health - but this is an opportunity for manufacturers to offer premium solutions, according to health consultancy New Nutrition Business. 'Focus on value rather than volume,'...
Argentinian start-up The Food Market is an e-commerce platform for local and regional brands, giving producers "an unthinkable growth opportunity" and consumers the chance to buy "honest, transparent" brands.
Many critics of the NOVA food classification are biased due to close ties to the food industry, according to Brazilian researchers - but are the lines between criticism of NOVA and support of food processing becoming blurred?
Danone has given its Argentinean yogurt brand La Serenísima a sustainable packaging revamp to make it easier to recycle. “We have the opportunity to be the first yogurt in Argentina to speak about the circular economy," it says.
There may be deficiencies in hygiene procedures during the production and storage of cheese in Brazil, with a new study finding viral and bacterial contamination of fresh and ripened semi-hard cheeses.
Dairy giant FrieslandCampina Ingredients is aiming to capitalize more effectively on the growing demand for high-quality ingredients in Latin America with its new new sales office in São Paulo, Brazil.
Mexico’s market is primed for products offering prebiotic benefits as consumer research shows that consumers in the region are more knowledgeable and interested in digestive health than those in North America and Europe, according to ingredient supplier...
As the desire to attain a healthier, longer life through diet expands beyond niche groups focused on wellness into the mainstream population, consumers increasingly are looking for functional ingredients they recognize across categories – including in...
Arla Foods Ingredients is launching a whey protein ingredient solution to reduce the cream cheese manufacturing process from up to 20 hours to just 30 minutes.
US dairy producer Darigold, Inc. has expanded its operations to new international markets including Mexico City to develop a stronger presence in the country, an “incredibly important market” for the company, says Jonathan Spurway, senior vice president...
Latin American consumers are looking for more flavor options when it comes to cheese, representing an untapped market opportunity for manufacturers as just 12% of new cheese introductions in the region between January 2017 and April 2018 were flavored...
Aloe vera ice cream with microencapsulated probiotics has strong viability and a 44% higher shelf life, presenting huge opportunities for industry to develop functional varieties economically, a study finds.
Butter can have a bright future in Brazil but the category needs clever flavor and packaging innovation to tempt consumers who traditionally prefer margarine, says a Mintel analyst.
Just over 60% of shoppers in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia are willing to pay extra for a food and beverage products that are higher in protein, according to a new survey.
Difficult economic conditions and rising unit prices in Brazil are seeing consumers move away from yogurt and move to less expensive dairy products, says Euromonitor International.
Dairy-free 'milk' alternatives remain modest in Latin America with consumers being priced out, following years of economic strain, says the executive director of dairy at Rabobank.
Latin America consumes large amounts of unpackaged artisanal dairy products but brands can innovate and sophisticate consumption to grasp new business, and the success of cheese is a good point of inspiration, according to Euromonitor International.
