The centre of gravity in the economic world is shifting dramatically as the urbanisation of countries such as India and China continues apace and demand for consumer goods and food protein among their huge populations soars.

Loders Croklaan, supplier of oils and fats is saving 10% in steam consumption and achieving a 15% increase in production following the installation of GEM steam traps across its plant in Wormerveer, Holland.

Chilli-flavoured pastry and garlic pizza bases could soon be on the supermarket shelves thanks to new infused fat technology from Springthyme Oils. Springthyme currently produces intensely-flavoured infused oils.

An innovative and environment-friendly storage solution to storing solid edible oils has been launched by The Kerfoot Group. The company has harnessed technology used in the chemical industry to produce specialist bulk storage containers with an in-built heating mechanism.

German food company Raps launched a range of low-fat sausage products some years ago. Now this range has been complemented by a 3% fat sausage. Raps' Low Fat Max 3 Compound enables the production of sausages with a full-bodied typical sausage flavour but with only a 3% fat content. Consumers will hardly recognise any difference compared to a conventionally produced sausage, the company claims.