The European public's dislike for genetically modified foods shows no sign of waning, but Denmark's ingredient firms aren't letting a little thing like overwhelming public distrust stop them. In November, a group of the country's food industry companies outlined a strategy that envisioned a future in which biotechnology played a bigger role in the food industry. Among other things, they foresaw genomics and proteomics being used to create more flavorful foods.
The 10-year strategy was put together by several companies: Danisco, Chr. Hansen, Arla Foods, and Novozymes. Peter Olesen, executive vice president for research and development at Hansen, says it was developed in the context of a planned boost to research funding in Denmark. As the country lives up to EU expectations that it spend 3% of GDP on research, the food industry hopes that some of the extra cash generated will be funneled in its direction. "But for us, ...
