EU probiotic and antioxidant health claim ban called “absurd”

EU health claim laws that have banned the use of terms like probiotics and antioxidants because they are deemed to be implied claims, are “absurd”, a pressure group has said.

Global adoption of Shieltron microwave packaging

Global adoption of groundbreaking Shieltron microwave packaging is happening across the course of 2013, according to Shieltronics, the company behind it.

diageo h1 2013 results

Diageo CEO bowled Cuervo ball, but hints at 'exciting' 2013 tequila entry

Diageo CEO Paul Walsh says he was ‘somewhat disappointed’ by the breakdown of talks to acquire the Jose Cuervo tequila brand, but hints his firm may make an ‘organic entry’...

Premium, value or bust, says Rabobank

Confectioners must position themselves in the premium or value segment or face sales meltdown as consumers alter spending habits, according to Rabobank.

Emerging market demand will drive EU dairy exports to 2022 – EC report

Emerging market demand for dairy products is expected to continue to drive European Union (EU) exports and sustain commodity prices in coming years, a European Commission (EC) report has claimed.

ASA rejects Weetos advertising complaints

The UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has rejected complaints that Weetos advertisements encourage poor nutritional habits and an unhealthy lifestyle for children.

Coke and Pepsi shifting bottling assets to build brands in 2013: Rabobank analyst

The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo are looking to shift bottling assets onto strong franchise partners in order to refocus in house efforts on brand building and marketing.

South African wine industry figure attacks Guardian editor for ‘shrill shallowness’

An influential South African wine industry figure has attacked UK national newspaper The Guardian for publishing an article carrying union claims that wine farm workers were sacked ‘in truckloads’ after ending strikes...

Euromonitor “shocked” by EU probiotic decline

After years and even decades of healthy to rampant growth in the European Union, the probiotics sector has entered decline, with a flat economy and health claim ban seen as...

Horse meat from Poland didn't come from our site, says ABP Food Group

ABP Food Group has stressed that the horse meat identified in beef burgers, which has been found to come from Poland, did not come from its plant in the country as the...

‘Scrap harmful sugar quota extension plan’: EU soft drinks industry cries

European soft drinks manufacturers have slammed a European Parliament (EP) push to extend sugar quotas within the bloc until 2020, and also insist that a HFCS production cap should be...

PepsiCo outstripping Coke in UK sugar-free cola sales share?

PepsiCo is significantly ahead of Coke in terms of the share of its UK cola sales in low or no calorie versions, the latest figures sent to BeverageDaily.com suggest.

Special edition: Innovations in minerals

Zinc benefitting from EU health claims game

Used in cigarette filters, as a corrosive, pigment and in the manufacture of rubber and concrete, zinc forms like zinc oxide and zinc suphate are also important nutrients for physiological...

‘Morphing’ wine regulations scare Russian importers: Wine Intelligence

Despite signs that the Russian wine market is recovering, market players remain scared by corruption, bureaucracy and shifting regulations.

The trend for flexitarianism: Consumers are reducing meat intakes, say Dutch researchers

For many Dutch consumers reducing the level of meat they consume is becoming normal practice, according to the findings of new research.

News in brief

Selfridges facing court over raw milk vending machines

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed its intention to prosecute department store Selfridges over its decision to install raw cow milk-dispensing vending machines at stores in 2011.

German confectionery exports sink to seven year low

Germany confectionery exports were at the lowest level since 2005 last year as the market was hit hard by EU sugar shortages, according to the German confectionery Association (BDSI).

Brussels conference blog

Botanical sabbaticals, special cases, and the EU's legal Eldorado

The ongoing imbroglio around botanical health claim regulation in the EU saw no sign of resolution in Brussels yesterday as the EC’s Basil Mathioudakis said any new regulatory framework could...

Industry making progress on public health goals, but more work to do, says UK minister

Industry members signed up to the UK government’s package of responsibility deals are making good progress, but there are far too many firms that are not playing a role, warns...

News in brief

ASA dismisses Kerrygold Irish butter marketing complaint

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has dismissed a complaint that challenged claims that Kerrygold was “pure Irish butter.”

‘Warning’ strikes start, Coca-Cola Germany confirms 450 possible job losses

Coca-Cola Deutschland has confirmed to BeverageDaily.com that up to 450 jobs could be lost in Germany this year, as it faces a ‘warning’ wave of union strikes this week over...

UK bakery ban after ‘blatant disregard for hygiene laws’ is an isolated case, says councilman

The owners of Meads Bakery in the UK have been banned from any future in food after persistent hygiene violations including pest infestations, mold and dead mice but a local...

Mold, expired label dates and rat infestation prompts UK cake recall

A range of cakes and confectionery has been recalled by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) due to mold, expired ‘best before’ dates and contamination due to a rat infestation...

GOED issues mixed review of EU’s omega-3 labelling plans

Mooted labelling changes in the European Union that will place warnings about omega-3 consumption have received a guarded welcome from the global group that represents the sector.

Healthy food enzymes help Novozymes report 2012 growth

Increasing demand for industry to produce healthier foods helped Novozymes to a strong 2012 performance in its food and drink business, however the Danish enzyme specialist says growth was ‘below expectation’.

Phosphorus footprint? Shifting dietary habits are complicating a sustainable supply, warn researchers.

Increased use of phosphorus in food products since the 1960s is now putting pressure on the sustainable supply of the essential mineral, warn researchers.

European ingredient suppliers investigated after horse meat incident

ABP Food Group has vowed to step up DNA testing after UK and Irish beef burger meat from subsidiaries Dalepak Hambleton and Silvercrest Foods was found to contain horse meat.

Global probiotics market to grow 6.8% annually until 2018

A new market analysis says the global probiotics market will surge by 6.8% a year for the next five years, driven by an Asia-Pacific, “expected to be the most prominent market...

FSA calls for comments on aluminium-containing additive restrictions

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has called for comments on restrictions for the use of aluminium-containing food additives.

Tate & Lyle Sugars takes battle against EU to court

Sugar refiner Tate & Lyle Sugars will take its fight against the European Commission for alleged mismanagement of the European sugar market to court today. 

Support voluntary anti-obesity efforts, industry urges EC presidency

Opposition to food taxes and support for voluntary industry actions to tackle obesity feature on a wish list of food industry priorities for the Irish presidency of the Council of...

Irish food industry welcomes skyrocketing sales – but where are the brands?

The Irish food industry has boomed in the past few years but more growth needs to come from branded food manufacturers, says food specialist consultancy Bullseye Food Marketing.

News in brief

US antitrust issue could sink $20.1bn AB InBev, Grupo Modelo deal – report

Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) could walk away from its $20.1bn takeover of Grupo Modelo if US regulators insist it sell the latter’s newest bottling plant to win approval for the...

CSM slashes fat content in doughnuts by 40%

CSM has developed and filed a patent for a method to slash fat content in doughnuts by a minimum of 40% and end products are preferred by consumers, it says.

HEINEKEN WINNING VOLUME AT EXPENSE OF MARGIN IN RUSSIA: ANALYST

‘Goodnight Vienna’: Heineken confirms CEE leadership move to drive growth

Heineken has confirmed to BeverageDaily.com that it will move its Central and Eastern European (CEE) leadership team from Vienna to Amsterdam this summer, to better drive regional growth.

‘Commercial channel will become the biggest’ – Thorntons CEO

UK premium chocolate firm Thorntons has restored sales growth in its second quarter trading update as its focus shift from own-stores to commercial sales pays dividends.

Junk food linked to 40% rise in childhood asthma and eczema, say scientists

Eating more than three portions of junk food each week could lead to an increased risk of childhood asthma and eczema, say researchers.

Barr Britvic job fears persist in Scotland as OFT delays competition decision

As fears in Scotland persist over possible job losses if the AG Barr/Britvic merger goes through, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) tells BeverageDaily.com that its delay in publishing a...

Industry Insight from European Snacks Association director-general

Snack makers target legumes for healthy NPD

European snack makers want to cash in on the US legume trend and new product development (NPD) for 2013 is focused on lentil-based products, says European Snacks Association (ESA) director-general.

News in brief

Molson Coors sees US export potential with Irish craft beer buy

Molson Coors says its purchase of the Franciscan Well craft beer brand and microbrewery is a central step in its plans to build up a strong market share in Irish...

Fear of the new: The importance of storytelling in the meat-free market

It’s not enough to have a great-tasting product – manufacturers of meat alternatives must tell a positive production story, according to the maker of an award-winning product taking the Dutch...

Nutricia launches high dose 1.5g omega-3 Alzheimer’s drink

Danone’s specialist nutrition arm, Nutricia, has debuted a pharmacy-only formula for sufferers of early dementia containing 1500mg of omega-3s.

Affordability offers emerging market potential for PET

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has big growth prospects if manufacturers build on its potential to deliver affordability for consumers, especially in emerging markets.

Cutting the fat: Limiting omega-6 during pregnancy may be key to healthy baby weight

Limiting the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats plus boosting the intake of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy could lead to a healthier baby with less fat and more muscle, say...

Honey slapped for slow-release energy claims; but what about Nutella?

Rowse Honey cannot claim it gives “slow release energy” following a UK advertising watchdog ruling that has disappointed the Oxfordshire firm and left it wondering how spread rival Nutella can make similar...

ANH: "EC must face the music for separating botanicals and probiotics"

An article in ‘Nature’ magazine welcoming tough EU health claim laws has highlighted the conundrum facing EU regulators if the Union is to adopt different claim-substantiation criteria for about 2000...

VAT attack: UK trio birth “premium value” online sports nutrition brand

Three Myprotein.com directors have left the sports nutrition leader to launch a low-cost, premium supplements brand in the wake of the UK imposing a 20% tax on sports powder perennials...

Reducing bran compound can help make a tastier whole wheat loaf, say researchers

Controlling levels of a bran compound known as ferulic acid could help to improve the taste and smell of whole wheat bread products, researchers suggest.

FSA survey: Majority of UK consumers back GM labelling

Two-thirds of UK consumers think it is important that genetically modified (GM) foods are labelled, although only 2% actively look for GM content when buying foods for the first time,...

EFSA opens public consultation on aspartame review

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation on its safety assessment of aspartame and has found no safety concern at current intake levels, following studies that...

Wrigley wants to reinvigorate declining German impulse channels

Gum titan Wrigley is modernizing its strategy in impulse channels such as gas stations to rekindle falling sales in the German market.

Food price inflation to stabilise, Sainsbury sales up

Food price inflation is expected to stabilise over the next few months – despite recent reports of big food price increases from Waitrose – according to market research organisation BRC-Nielsen.

EFSA verdict on food of non-animal origin

Germs from food of non-animal origin (FoNAO) were responsible for almost half the number of deaths caused by food-transmitted pathogens, according to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) analysis.

Heineken winning Facebook drinks race but Smirnoff spirits rising

Dutch lager Heineken is the leading alcoholic drinks (AD) brand on Facebook but Smirnoff proved the fastest growing alcoholic drinks brands in December.

Lidl confectionery-free checkout trial affects own-label only

Lidl UK is trialing replacing confectionery at checkouts with fresh fruit and juices, but branded goods won’t be affected since it was only stocking own-label candy at its check-outs anyway....

Amazonian omega-3 Inca oil wins EU approval

An omega-3 rich oil from the Peruvian Amazon has won EU Novel Foods approval in all foods and food supplements and is being distributed in the European Union by French...

RPC engages in spicy spooning

Packaging firm RPC is rolling out a spice jar for UK firm Bart Ingredients Company with a dual feature cap that enables consumers to spoon or sprinkle spices much more...

Economic crisis threatens Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is under threat as cash-strapped consumers in southern European countries are spending less on fresh foods and more on cheaper packaged foods, according to new research.

Beverage firms must ‘redefine age’ to boost 2013 growth: Leatherhead Food Research

Food and beverage companies need to ‘redefine’ the concept of age in 2013 to seize specific growth opportunities presented by older consumers, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

Pernod Ricard will splash cash on global brands after €103m sale

Pernod Ricard has finalized the €103m sale of Danish akvavit brands Aalborg and Brøndums to Norway’s largest spirits producer Arcus-Gruppen following regulatory approval, and reaffirmed its focus on 14 international...

Exclusive interview

Food shoppers are women, marketers are men: Houston, we have a problem…

It is well known that most food shoppers are women, but does the food industry get that in its marketing? Not really, says female marketing expert, author and CEO of...

UK government emphasises flexibility in health claim wording

The UK Department of Health (DoH) has issued health claims guidance that makes it clear official European Union  wordings are flexible but warns companies not to go too far.

Novel, green and healthy products to profit from food celebration: Analyst

Food celebration is a very strong trend for 2013 and novel, green and healthy bakery and snack products are set to benefit from this sentiment, an analyst says.

UK joins prestigious food innovation competition

Campden BRI and the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) has launched a Europe-wide Dragons Den-style food innovation competition in the UK to inspire students pursuing a food industry...

Sweet Outlook 2013: Part Two

Healthy chocolate and the future for commodities

Chocolate will gain more traction as a health food in the coming year as cocoa grinds shift to Asia and the sugar deregulation debate rages on. ConfectioneryNews.com’s 2013 predictions part...

Sweet Outlook 2013: Part One

Future gazing in the confectionery industry

ConfectioneryNews.com takes a look at what to expect from the industry in the year ahead in this two-part article series.

Too much food can kill you? Overeating and obesity now a bigger global problem than lack of food

Chronic diseases linked to obesity and overconsumption of food are now a bigger global healthcare burden than illness and disease caused by malnutrition, according to the most comprehensive disease report...

UK consumers sceptical of diet foods, says Mintel

January is typically seen as a boon time for manufacturers of foods marketed as diet-friendly – but a majority of UK consumers actively distrust foods labelled as diet, low fat...

Beverage firms can seize control of retail channels: Euromonitor

A growing number of global beverage firms will follow the example of Starbucks and FEMSA in seizing control of retail channels, to boost margins and accelerate new product development, Euromonitor...

Exclusive interview

New global chocolate firm sets 2013 ambitions

Chocolaterie de Bourgogne, a new company formed from Barry Callebaut’s sale of its last consumer goods factory, speaks exclusively to ConfectioneryNews.com about the firm’s inauguration, its priorities for 2013 and a...

Deo Perfume Candy enters Europe

Body fragrance candy has hit stores shelves in Europe after DG Imports reached an exclusive sales and distribution deal with Deo Perfume Candy over the Christmas period.