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All news articles > February 2009

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27-Feb-2009

Eye on carbon intensity in supply chain brings cost savings to snack firms

Food firms are increasingly working to reduce their carbon footprint, reaping cost savings in the process and plugging into new business opportunities, says the UK's Carbon Trust.

Consumers look to health and wellness in recession

Focusing on health and wellness and building brand awareness are the most successful strategies for weathering the global economic storm, according to a Frost and Sullivan analyst.

Milk board unmoved by Euro retailer ‘concern’

European retailers are failing to support dairy production and processing, despite continued pledges from leading chains in the bloc about price commitments, claims one farmers’ lobby group.

26-Feb-2009

Thorntons cuts Easter egg packaging weight

Efforts by industry to slash Easter egg packaging continue with UK confectioner Thorntons announcing savings of 22 per cent across its core product range.

Chaucer sees freeze dried future for snacks, nutrition

Chaucer Foods is seeking to extend the use of freeze dried ingredients into new snack and nutraceutical concepts, leveraging the technology’s ability to preserve flavour, colour and nutrient content in a range of foodstuffs.

News in brief

Recession-hit consumers turn to Cadbury's chocolate

Evidence that people do turn to chocolate during an economic downturn as number one UK chocolate maker Cadbury reports worldwide global chocolate sales were up 6 per cent in 2008, and the group's British chocolate market share rose by 0.5 percentage points to nearly 30 per cent.

MolsonCoors and Greene King play up name of the grain

As a growing number of brewers commit themselves to playing up the sourcing and quality of grains in their products, one multinational producer suggests the scheme could be rolled out globally in the future.

Multinationals adding more fiber to their food, says Datamonitor

New data released today from Datamonitor finds that food manufacturers are increasingly adding fiber to their products, in a move described as going “back to basics”.

25-Feb-2009

Brussels quells fears from German bakers on salt levels

The Commission is not prohibiting any bread and has no intention to regulate the salt level in bread, says EU spokesperson in a bid to stem reports that German bread is under attack from 'Brussels'.

News in brief

Unit could drive food and drink industry sustainability

A new winery, brewery and food processing teaching and research facility will serve as a model for what the industries can achieve in environmental and energy efficiency, claims University of California (UC) Davis.

Beauty from within is going mainstream, says Euromonitor

Danone may have pulled the beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves but a Euromonitor analyst insists that the ‘beauty from within’ trend is still heading mainstream.

24-Feb-2009

New snack from PepsiCo targets women

US snack and drink firm PepsiCo targets women with a new low-calorie popcorn snack, free of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Nestle cuts plastic packaging for Easter eggs

Confectionery giant Nestle has removed plastic packaging from around 80 per cent of its shell Easter eggs in a move to further its green credentials.

Diageo hits back at supplier shame claims

Suppliers of major drinks brands such as Smirnoff and Budweiser have hit back at claims that they are neglecting and, in some cases, endangering small businesses by extending payment times across their supply chains.

Half of all consumers ignore food labels

About half of consumers never read the nutrition label before purchasing pre-packaged food, according to a new survey which adds weight to the Guidline Daily Amounts (GDA’s) debate.

Scotch makers eye Korean talks for Asian ambitions boost

Scotch whisky makers see trade talks taking place next month between Korea and the EU as another major step in its continued attempts to develop further into Asia’s spirit markets.

23-Feb-2009

Weekly comment

Turning the key on new food technologies

Consumer concerns about a synthetic growth hormone used in milk production have prompted two leading food producers in the United States – General Mills and Dannon – to reformulate their dairy product lines. It is a decision that will have immediate implications on the dairy market as a whole, but could also mark a turning point in the use of new technologies in food production in general.

News in brief

Hershey non-exec chairman resigns

Non-executive chairman Kenneth Wolfe has stood down at chocolate giant Hershey following a request from the company's controlling stockholder, the Hershey Trust.

19-Feb-2009

MEPs reject inclusion of food in Eco-label amendments

European Commission proposals to include food products in an extended Eco-label scheme have been rejected by MEPs this week.

Nestle uncowed by economic outlook

Nestle expects to carry on seeing growth in earnings over 2009 despite the global recession, using its strong 2008 results as a springboard for growth.

18-Feb-2009

Analyst sees sports drinks polarisation in mainstream push

As sports drinks continue to make inroads as a mainstream option for quenching consumers thirst, manufacturers are increasingly facing the challenge of catering for both the committed athlete and the casual shopper.

Dispatches from FDF labelling debate

What consumers make of food labels

Recent research has shed new light on how consumers understand food labels - and use them to inform their shopping decisions. But questions still remain over what will make them switch to healthier food choices.

Kraft: probiotic cheese is a disappointment

Kraft US has confirmed what many market analysts have been saying for some time – probiotic cheese is not winning over the public.

17-Feb-2009

Walkers crisps cut carbon footprint to retain carbon label

Improving its green credentials, Walkers' crisps becomes the first company in the UK to retain a carbon reduction label, after cutting its carbon footprint by 7 per cent in two years.

Excessive packaging hindering war on waste, says LGA

A new survey has found that almost 40 per cent of supermarket food packaging in the UK cannot be easily recycled.

Instant Starbucks won't herald consumer exodus – industry

As café chain Starbucks announces plans to offer instant coffee at its stores to diversify in the current economic climate, the European coffee industry says it does not expect a similar shift in consumer habits in the near future.

16-Feb-2009

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Functional foods can buck recession

The global functional foods market will be worth about €175 billion by 2012 – a 25 per cent jump over 2007 levels of €120bn, according to Euromonitor International data.

News in brief

Nestle seeks packaging design advice

Nestle Confections and Snacks in the US are turning to the consumer for design advice with the firm launching a competition to ask consumers to vote for the latest packaging for its Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! brands.

News in brief

Brewdog drops legal action over Speedball: Portman

Scotland-based beer maker Brewdog has dropped its legal action against struggle against industry regulator the Portman Group relating to its Speedball beer.

13-Feb-2009

Wealth concerns provide challenge in Euro soft drink-downturn

The importance of private label beverages and the impact of a consumer’s wealth on soft drink demand are key issues facing the industry in light of current concerns over future market growth, says a leading sector analyst.

12-Feb-2009

News in brief

Cadbury spears buoyant liquorice market

Cadbury, the UK’s number one confectionery manufacturer, compounds its presence in the buoyant liquorice market, launching Bassetts Red Liquorice Allsorts this month.

Sports drinks scratching surface of mainstream potential - Powerade

Sports drinks may be breaking through the niche beverage wall, but their future will lie in meeting a variety of consumer trends across the entire beverage market, says the senior brand manager of Powerade.

Unilever in supply standoff with major retailer

Tension between Unilever and a major supermarket chain has resulted in the de-stocking of 250 of the manufacturer’s products because it was making strict demands over what the retailer should sell.

Absolut comes a cropper over promo fears for teenyboppers

The advertising practices of a number of leading alcoholic drink makers have again been called into question this week after allegations they are targeting underage drinkers through events like the US Grammy Awards.

11-Feb-2009

Tesco boss hints at GM backing

Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy has signalled that the retailer is willing to back genetically modified (GM) foods, saying consumer attitudes have changed and it has a vital part to play.

UK food and drink sales resist recession pressures (so far)

While the recession bites in the UK, and consumers tighten their belts, food and drink retail sales were up 5.1 per cent, on a like-for-like basis from January 2008.

News in brief

Dorset Cereals enters cereal bar market

UK muesli producer Dorset Cereals enters the booming area of cereal bars with the launch of a new range of bars based on their muesli recipes.

10-Feb-2009

Swiss chocolate sales resilient at home and away in 2008

Swiss chocolates proved resilient in 2008 with sales easing forward despite a challenging economic climate.

09-Feb-2009

Weekly comment

No room for functional foods gloom

Last week’s withdrawal of a high-profile functional food in France is disappointing for the company concerned and maybe for the healthy/functional foods industry, but you may be led to think differently if you happen to be a reader of the UK broadsheet, The Financial Times.

Brewer battles regulator over responsibility concerns

A battle of biblical proportions is being pitched in the UK between a leading independent brewer and a national social responsibility group that could impact industry policy on self regulation of drinks promotions.

News in brief

Chocolate-covered immigrants in lorry headed for Mars

The UK's Daily Mail newspaper reports that fifteen illegal immigrants were arrested last week after they were found hiding in a lorry filled with around 20 tonnes of cocoa powder.

Weekly comment

Failure of Danone beauty yogurt is a learning opportunity

Danone pulled beauty yogurt Essensis from French shelves last week and left behind a lesson in how not to market edible cosmetics.

06-Feb-2009

High salt intakes in Switzerland may lead to federal action

A salt strategy to involve collaboration with food manufacturers is underway in Switzerland, as evidence mounts the Swiss population is consuming levels above current recommendations.

New ruling in Cadbury’s battle for the colour purple

Cadbury has lost its latest attempt to defend the use of its distinctive colour purple as a court has dismissed the first stage of its appeal.

05-Feb-2009

Ready meal group welcomes waste clarification

The Chilled Food Association (CFA) said that it welcomes the decision by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to alter its definition of food waste so that waste from ‘store bought’ ready meals is kept separate from waste from ‘take-aways’.

Alcohol sport sponsors agree to Scottish restrictions

Scotland continues to drive ahead with proposed crackdowns on alcohol promotion and sales through new guidelines on how the industry must sponsor sports teams and other cultural events in the country.

News in brief

Suntory completes Frucor acquisition

Danone says it has completed the sale of its Frucor drinks subsidiary for €600m to Japan-based Suntory.

UK's health secretary challenges snack makers 'to cut portion sizes'

Pressure continues on snack makers to reduce portion sizes as the UK's health secretary Alan Johnson challenges the industry to design healthy snacks in smaller portions.

04-Feb-2009

Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ ads misleading, says ASA

The UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has upheld complaints that adverts for Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ cookies were misleading and implied that the snacks were healthier than they actually are.

Organic exec spies UK dairy resilience

The organic dairy market remains resilient in the economic downturn amidst ongoing diversification drives, but more most be done to improve profitability in supply, says the new vice-chairman of a leading British cooperative.

03-Feb-2009

FSA lists products free of Southampton colours

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a list of food products that have been voluntarily reformulated to remove six food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children.

Is water neutrality the new industry green goal?

Water is the new carbon and companies are starting to engage in water strategy planning, measuring and managing of its use for greater efficiency, according to a new report.

Beauty yoghurt turns ugly for Danone

After little more than two years, Danone has pulled its beauty-from-the-inside spoonable yoghurt, Essensis, from French retail shelves, despite a re-launch in 2008.

News in brief

SABMiller lays stake in Transylvanian brewer

SABMiller says it will further sink its teeth into the Romanian beer market by acquiring a 72 per cent interest in Transylvania-based brewer Bere Azuga.

02-Feb-2009

Weekly comment

Nut so good - tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof?

Italy not labelling allergens properly, says EC

The European Commission has sent a second warning to Italy that it must step up to new allergen labelling requirements.

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