Published on Jan 13, 2026
It's the new year and we've all made some resolutions and have hopes of achieving them. Here are some resolutions at IMR regarding our work in hydrocolloids:
a) Make the Quarterly Review of Food Hydrocolloids even more well established as THE goto source for realistic and objective information on all commercial aspects of hydrocolloids.
b) Act as an independent advocate, with NO commercial activity in hydrocolloids, to defend and promote the value and safety of hydrocolloids.
c) Act as a liason, between suppliers users and even regulatory bodies that impact the use of hydrocolloids
d) Evaluate the impact of AI on the world of hydrocolloids and inform our clients of the advantages to benefit from and pitfalls to avoid.
e) Last but not least, and maybe most important, work on informing consumers of the safety and long history of safe use of hydrocolloids.
The Quarterly Review of Food Hydrocolloids is a neutral and objective source of information about hydrocolloids. Our small but extremely powerful list of clients include major producers along with global food companies using them. We believe there are many more in the supply chain, that could benefit from this information. More marketing needed.
IMR has taken part in debates, lobbied for and strongly promoted the socio-economic benefits of several hydrocolloids, eg the concept developed by IMR; "Employment Factor of Hydrocolloids". We will continue to defend the long history of safe use of these critical ingredients. Recently we wrote letter to legislative bodies to point out fundamental errors in their justification of actions affecting hydrocolloids.
TRUST is probably the most important asset which IMR has established with numerous producers, consumers and other players in the world of hydrocolloids. We are in contact with all these close connections on a regular basis. Trade associations sometimes need to be prompted to act more assertively in the interest of the hydrocolloid industry which they represent. IMR acts as a channel of communication between parties that may not wish to be in direct contact or may not even be allowed to be in direct contact.
The whole world, or nearly the whole world is enthralled with the advent and potential impact of AI in every human activity. We at IMR are cautious about the 'overpromotion' of AI in this highly specialized field. Hydrocolloids are dramatically impacted by technical, socio-economic and even political considerations. One aspect of AI which IMR hopes to implement this year is uploading the mass of historical data in our 135 issues and be able to query this unique and highly detailed database. Each issue of the Quarterly Review is roughly 65 pages long. A total of 135 x 65 (8,775) pages. Not to mention as many pages of interview notes by Dennis and Nesha. We'll report on this project at the end of 2026.
Lastly and per the admonition at every one of the IMR global conferences on hydrocolloids; we must remember that : "The perception of the consumer is the reality of the producer" IMR will continue efforts to inform and correct consumer influencers such as Yuka which often have sensational and inaccurate portrayals of many ingredients including hydrocolloids. A speaker at the forthcoming hydrocolloid conference in Valencia, April 26-28, 2026 will focus specifically on this aspect. Conference details and registration information below. We hope to see you there.
