Exploring the Latest Developments: Loryma Introduces Plant-Based Egg Substitute for Bakery, Bühler's Innovative Food Hub

December 15, 2023 --- This week in the industry news, Loryma has introduced a plant-based egg substitute for baked goods, Bühler inaugurated its expanded food testing hub in Switzerland, and Olam Agri joined two global initiatives for a more sustainable agricultural future. Additionally, an ongoing multi-country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes is likely linked to salmon.

Launches and Innovation Ingredients specialist Loryma has expanded its wheat-based product range with a functional mix called Lory Stab, which is free of animal ingredients, artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. This vegan, wheat-based mix replicates the technological properties of eggs or milk in bakery products, providing a versatile solution for creating vegan dough with typical textures for various baked goods.

French bakery manufacturer Bridor has introduced the Intense Flavour Macarons to its Delights range, featuring flavors like Lemon-Lime, Morello Cherry, Pineapple & Coconut, Apple & Cinnamon, Vanilla & Yuzu, and Chocolate & Fleur de sel. These macarons merge traditional French pâtisserie with modern and vibrant flavors, meeting the demand for this popular delicacy across Europe.

Bühler has expanded its innovation center for food in Uzwil, Switzerland, with a new Food Creation Center, dedicated to product testing, production trials, training, and education for various food manufacturers. The facility will cater to companies in the fruit, protein, muesli, and nut bars, wafers, cookies, chocolate, baked products, spreads, or snacks sectors.

Sustainable Food and Farming Bühler has opened its Energy Recovery Center in Uzwil, Switzerland, for customer trials, aiming to generate sustainable energy and test biomass side streams from its global customer base. The platform explores ways to reduce the carbon footprint in the food industry by combusting by-products like wheat bran, rice husks, and cocoa shells.

Olam Agri has joined two global initiatives, the COP28 Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes and the First Movers Coalition for Food, to promote sustainable agriculture. These initiatives aim to decarbonize supply chains and encourage the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.

Consumer Health The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU reference laboratory's quarterly report highlight an increase in detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in Europe. Although the risk of infection with HPAI remains low for the general public, experts recommend avoiding exposure to dead or diseased seabirds or mammals.

An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes has affected Western European countries, resulting in 17 reported cases and two deaths. EFSA and ECDC recommend further investigations to identify the origin of the contamination. Consumers are advised to follow good manufacturing practices, hygiene rules, and maintain low refrigerator temperatures to inhibit Listeria proliferation in ready-to-eat foods.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has launched the Let’s Eat Balanced campaign, featuring TV adverts showcasing British beef, lamb, and dairy as natural protein and vitamin B12 sources. The campaign encourages consumers to adopt a sustainable, healthy, and balanced diet.

Other Highlights The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) concluded with an agreement signaling the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel era. The agreement establishes the world's first "global stocktake" to escalate climate action by the end of the decade, aiming to maintain the 1.5°C global temperature limit.

Mighty Earth, an environmental advocacy organization, emphasizes the urgent need to decarbonize agriculture, reduce emissions from the intensive livestock sector, and promote agroecology and regenerative food production systems in response to the COP28 agreement.