Breaking News on Food Marketing and Retailing

EU conference aims to challenge food crime ‘phenomenon’

Food control authorities, police forces and regulatory bodies have gathered in Brussels in the hope of boosting their efforts against food crime in the European Union (EU).

PepsiCo spots ‘unique opportunity’ to co-brand beverages and snacks

PepsiCo management has highlighted what it says is a ‘unique’ opportunity to co-brand leading snack and beverage brands such as Pepsi Max and Lay’s.

High cocoa and single origin fail to boost consumer expectations, says study

Higher cocoa percentages and single origin cocoa claims on dark chocolate labels fail to improve consumer expectations, according to a study.

News in brief

UK retailer recalls chocolate over metal contamination fears

UK retailer Morrisons has initiated a recall of its own-brand Whole Nut Milk Chocolate over fears that it may be contaminated with small pieces of metal.

Grolsch unveils new global beer packaging design

Beer brand Grolsch is set to launch redesigned packaging across its whole range, with the roll-out set to start from March 5, with one claimed benefit consistency of appearance across world markets.

Relief for Coke, Pepsi after UAE ditches can ban

Coca-Cola has welcomed a decision by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy to reverse its ban on the sale of 300ml cans, which also saw cans of other sizes stripped from shelves last week, after a row broke out last week about their illegal presence in retail outlets.

‘Global brand’ stardust rubs off across Arla during 'strong' 2011

Arla Foods has announced a strong set of results for 2011, and the company has told DairyReporter.com that this is due in large part tighter ‘global brand’ focus that is boosting its entire portfolio.

Nestlé promises UK Dolce Gusto recycling 'solution' update shortly

Nestlé plans to build a new Dolce Gusto factory in Germany to capitalise on one of its fastest-growing European businesses, with a growth rate of over 50%, and told BeverageDaily.com it is exploring 'solutions' that will allow UK consumers to recycle pods used by the system.

Stellar pod performance sees Nestlé build German Dolce Gusto factory

Nestlé plans to build a new Dolce Gusto factory in Germany to capitalise upon what it describes as one of its fastest growing European businesses, with a growth rate of over 50%.

‘Global brand’ stardust rubs off across Arla during 'strong' 2011

Arla Foods has announced a strong set of results for 2011, and the company has told DairyReporter.com that this is due in large part tighter ‘global brand’ focus that is boosting its entire portfolio.

Coca-Cola Enterprises tight-lipped on pending 375ml PET bottle launch

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has given a guarded reaction to a media enquiries regarding the planned launch a new 375ml bottle onto the UK market, despite its GB managing director informing journalists at a press conference that the firm intended to make this move.

Food and drink industry to open its doors

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) announced today that the UK food and beverage industry has been selected to participate in a government scheme to inspire children to consider careers in manufacturing.

US-EU trade deal could benefit organic manufacturers, stabilize prices

Last week’s organic equivalency agreement between the US and the EU is expected to have a significant impact on the trade of organic products – and many are likely to be finished foods rather than agricultural products, according to organic research firm Organic Monitor.

Bunge and Senwes target South African vegetable and protein market

Vegetable oil and protein demand is strong in South Africa driven by a burgeoning population and rising incomes, and global oilseed player Bunge will target these lucrative markets through a new joint venture crushing facility.

‘We can beat that 300ml feeling’: UAE raps Coke for ‘cheating’ consumers

Coca-Cola has sought to play down a row that has erupted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after the authorities pulled the soft drinks firm’s products from shelves for alleged violation of consumer protection laws.

First lab-grown meat moves one step closer, say researchers

The World’s first burger made entirely from laboratory grown test-tube meat could be ready 'by fall' say the team of Dutch researchers behind the project.

Ingredients and flavours strong for Kerry within ‘stable, unsurprising’ results

Favourable consumer trends for healthy formulations and natural flavours ensured steady growth in the ingredients and flavours segment of Kerry Group.

Germany calls for plant stanol-sterol safety review over heart health concerns

Plant sterol and stanol consumption by those like children who do not have raised cholesterol could itself lead to heart problems, the German foods safety agency has said.

Kraft cuts food manufacturing waste by half

Kraft Foods has cut manufacturing waste by half across its global business over the past seven years.

Policy must underpin Irish export growth in 2012

Growth opportunities in Ireland’s food and drink export market will continue amid volatile domestic conditions, but government policies need to align with and underpin industry growth strategies, according to Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII).

Ukrainian cheese producers must look beyond ‘unreliable’ Russian partner, analyst

Ukrainian cheese producers must look beyond their ‘unreliable partner’ Russia in an effort to secure new markets for cheese in regions such as the EU, according to a locally based analyst.

Kellogg becomes #2 global snacks firm with Pringles buy; analysts react

Kellogg’s $2.7bn deal to acquire Procter & Gamble’s Pringles will significantly boost its global snacks presence and open existing products up to new markets, according to analysts.

‘Innovation’ key to powdered and liquid beverage strength, Nestlé CFO

With a nod towards strong double-digit growth in powdered and liquid beverages for 2011, Nestlé CFO Jim Singh attributed the firm’s 2011 success to innovation within the marketplace.

Kellogg buys Pringles from Procter & Gamble

Cereal maker Kellogg has agreed a £1.7bn ($2.7bn) deal with consumer goods group Procter and Gamble (P&G) for its Pringles canned crisp business after it was revealed that the firm had ended its previous deal with Diamond Foods.

Tereos claims protein-rich wheat gluten gives added chew for healthy cereal bars

Using wheat gluten as a texturiser in cereal bars can produce products high in protein that are fit for the healthy snacking market, according to ingredients firm Tereos Syral

Thorntons plans store closures as profits slump

UK chocolatier Thorntons has suffered a 63% decline in profits in its half yearly report and intends to close almost half of its own stores and focus on commercial retail sales.

'Percentage less' claims veto shows lack of trust in the industry; FDF to press for regulatory action

The recent veto of 'percentage less' claims by MEPs is indicative of a lack of trust in the food industry, said the UK trade group, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which is intent on continuing to push for such amendments to the health claims regulation.

French BPA ban will ‘jeopardise’ US exports – USDA

A French ban on food packaging chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) will “jeopardise” US exports to the European country, according to a US government report.

Scottish salmon firm invests £40M to create 100 jobs

Rising demand in the Middle East and Russia is prompting the Scottish Salmon Company to invest £40M in 10 new fish farms that will create 100 extra jobs within five years.

Diageo pours cold water on P.Diddy tequila rumour, but toasts stellar Scotch performance

Diageo said today that super premium Scotch had been a stellar Chinese performer in the first half of 2011/12, but the firm poured cold water on press reports that US rap star P.Diddy planned to launch his own tequila brand.

Nestlé defends Nesquik website as CFC demands ASA action on ‘cynical’ child marketing

Nestlé has leapt to the defence of its Nesquik milk-based drinks brand, after the Children’s Food Campaign (CFC) lodged a ‘super complaint’ with the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), complaining that well-known beverage and food brands were targeting children with 'cynical junk food marketing' practices online.

‘Our business was built for (volatile) times like these’, Coke CEO

Coca-Cola Company CEO Muhtar Kent says the company fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2011 growth – despite economic volatility, volatile commodity markets and natural disasters – testifies to the strength of the business.

Asia-Pacific and Americas to underline Kerry Group growth, predicts analyst

Kerry Group is set to continue to reap the benefits from health and wellness trends, and, in particular, can continue to leverage the industry’s ongoing salt, fat and sugar reformulation efforts, claims an analyst.

News in brief

Robert Wiseman confirms ‘unconditional’ Müller deal

Müller’s takeover of Robert Wiseman dairies is now complete after the firm announced that the £280M offer from the German yogurt maker was “unconditional in all respects”.

Dispatches from Probiotic Summit

Danone: “Probiotics category could disappear”

Global probiotics leader Danone continues to prepare for the worst under the European Union’s uber-strict health claims regime that may this year deliver a barren, claimless landscape to the world’s biggest-selling functional food category, an official said today.

Dietary salt intake linked to gastric cancer risk

A new study investigating a link between high salt intake and risk of gastric cancers could add to increasing pressure for industry-wide sodium reduction, researchers have said.

News in brief

BIP strengthens UK position with What Next Candy acquisition

Dutch confectionery firm BIP Candy & Toy has acquired British-based What Next Candy for an undisclosed sum.

Natra establishes chocolate subsidiary after reorganisation

Spanish firm Natra has announced a new international chocolate subsidiary as it attempts to improve efficiency and explore new markets.

Exclusive interview

Stevia and mint flavours a winning combination, says Cargill consultant

Mint confectionery products containing the sweetener stevia could appeal to EU consumers, but each country has its own preference, according to a consultant to Cargill

Kellogg records modest growth driven by Latin America and Asia-Pacific

Cereal and snacks giant Kellogg has announced growth in its fourth quarter (Q4) full-year results led by gains in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Nestle ups stake in Israeli firm Osem with €75m investment

Food giant Nestle has increased its stake in Israel-based food manufacturer OSEM by around 5% in a deal worth €75m (ILS 371.7m).

Cocoa can be the new cranberry, says food marketing guru

Cocoa and its extracts have the potential to rival the success of cranberries as healthful powerhouses, especially if a recently applied for European Union health claim is approved this year, says a leading consultant and author.

Monsanto scraps GM maize in France

Agriculture and biotechnology giant Monsanto has announced it will scrap plans to sell genetically modified maize in France this year, or anytime in the future.

Dispatches from ProSweets 2012

Stevia chocolate bags ISM innovation award

Stevia chocolate firm Cavalier has scooped an award for innovation at this year's International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM).