Flavours Newsletter
FEB 2003 - What’s new in Flavours

Key Statistics Teenage girls choose to skip meals
A new survey claims that teenage girls are increasingly likely to forfeit meals in an effort to lose weight. In the last 20 years, the number choosing to skip meals has soared. Figures for 2001 show that over 40% of girls aged 14-15 and a third of those between 12 and 13 do not have breakfast. Those missing lunch has jumped 9-fold to 18%. The trend is not just confined to girls, with more boys missing meals as they seek to lose weight. Messages regarding healthy eating habits are not getting through to children, it is claimed. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Nearly a third of all schoolchildren regularly skip breakfast
According to a survey carried out on the NFU's children's website in the run-up to Farmhouse Breakfast Week, nearly a third of all schoolchildren regularly skip breakfast. Significant numbers of children of all ages from as young as 4 up to 14 years of age were failing to eat any breakfast at all. The main reason given for missing out on breakfast was "oversleeping" and lack of time. However, 11% skipped breakfast in order to get their weight down. Of those who did manage to eat breakfast, porridge featured relatively high at 30%, but real cooked breakfasts were eaten by only 13%. Cereals were the front runners at 43%. Poultry World, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Obesity could be cut by just 1 biscuit a day
US researchers have found that eating just 100 calories less each day could prevent the 2lb yearly gain in weight experienced by the average American. 90% of the US population is gaining up to 50 extra calories a day. This gap could be closed by cutting out one biscuit a day, or 3 bites of a hamburger or walking 1 extra mile each day. In Britain 39% of people are overweight and 19% are obese. In the US 1 in 3 people are obese. Daily Telegraph, on Headlines on Mintel

Key Statistics Global brands and the resurgence of Private Label
The food market is polarising between global brands and private label as industry consolidation at both processing and retailing levels accelerates to meet changing consumer demands. The article in Food & Drink Business considers the degree to which private labels will continue, despite the continued dominance of global brands. Of the world’s most food and drink brands are some very familiar names: Coca-Cola; 2. Nescafe; 3. Budweiser; 4. Heinz; 5. Kellogg’s; 6. Pepsi; 7. Wrigley’s; 8. Nestle; 9. Kraft; 10. Danone. Similarly within Britain’s top 20: Coca-Cola; 2.Wlakers Crisps; 3. Muiller Pot Desserts; 4. Nescafe; 5. Stella Artois; 6. Hovis Bread; 7. Robinsons; 8. Kingsmill Bread; 9. Warburtons Bread; 10. Bernard Mathews Cooked Meat Food & Drink Business, November/December 2002

Key Statistics Pre-mixed drinks market
Pre-mixed drinks have had a massive effect on the alcoholic drinks industry. Global sales have been growing an average of 33% over the past 3 years, compared with less than 2% for the spirits industry as a whole. The industry would love to replicate the success of Smirnoff Ice, a pre-mixed drink, but, finding another hit on that scale is proving difficult, so makers of spirits are starting to think smaller. Even so, the industry still thinks it can obtain some growth from the concepts by focusing on brands with strong local followings. To try to maintain at least part of that momentum, the industry has begun churning out new pre-mixed drinks in individual markets. Diageo has gin-based Gordon's Edge in the UK and fruit liqueur-based Safari Luna in the Netherlands. Allied Domecq has launched Presidente brandy and cola in Mexico and TG - a mix of Teacher's scotch and a soft drink called guaraná - in Brazil. In some national markets, the pre-mixed drinks are a big success. In Australia, their sales now account for 15% of the combined market for beer and other malt-based drinks. Wall Street Journal Europe, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Winter needs a speciality hot drink
With the advent of the winter weather, which products do you have to help your clients detox after their seasonal excesses, that will ward off a cold, or just be warming? Here is a list of tasty drinks to fulfil these needs. Chocolate is always a favourite. Although not as large as the tea or coffee sectors many will prefer chocolate/cocoa in the late evenings. Green Black's Hot Chocolate is the company's 2nd biggest selling product. In March 2003 it is launching a single-sachet drink format. Cafédirect has already launched a new product - Cocodirect - which is a 100% Fairtrade drinking chocolate. Data from Mintel states that although the UK coffee market is almost at saturation point, there is a growing market for ethical and organic coffees with fair trade coffee already accounting for 4.9% of total sales of coffee and amounting to circa £33m in 2000. The tea market is a mature one and is under pressure from almost every area of the beverages market, says Mintel. Nevertheless it still accounts for 45% of the total non-alcoholic drinks consumption in the UK - approximately 162m cups per day, says Mintel. Natural Products, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Britain's wine drinkers are becoming more discerning
According to a survey by Vinexpo, the wine exhibition organiser, Britain's wine drinkers are becoming more discerning. The biggest increase in demand among British shoppers has been for wine costing between £7.50 and £9.99 a bottle. Tastes are becoming more adventurous and more exclusive, with the sale of bottles costing £15+ increasing by 45% since 1997. Although most bottles of wine bought in British shops cost between £3 and £4.99, there has been a 63% increase in demand for those costing between £7.50 and £9.99. Overall, the amount of wine drunk per head in the UK increased by almost a 5th between 1997 and 2001 to 20.8 litres - or 28 bottles. The increase in consumption is predicted to continue well into next year; when Britons will add an extra 5 bottles of wine each to their annual consumption of more than £5.7bn. The UK is at the forefront as one of the countries where wine consumption is growing the fastest and it has probably the most varied imports on offer of any country. The International Wine and Spirit Survey found the most popular brand in the UK is Gab, followed by Jacob's Creek. Evening Standard, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Still water runs deeper than ever in pubs and bars, says new report
According to a report from Ashe Park producer Well, Well, Well, still water runs deeper than ever in pubs and bars. The sector is growing by 6% a year in a market that is now worth an annual £179m to the on-trade. Sparkling, though, is still marginally more popular among pub-goers. The report forecasts that volumes will double by the end of the decade, and double again by the end of 2020. That would mean a total market of 7bn litres. Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Christmas best-sellers, sales of PPS up
Statistics provided by ACNielsen for the Grocer show that compared with 2001, sales of FABs for Christmas 2002 were up 12%, second only in uplift to champagne, which was up 25%. However, only 2 brands made it into the top 20 brands for GB off-trade by value - Bacardi Breezer at number 13 (up 14%), and Smirnoff Ice at number 20 (= 20%). The Grocer

Business & Economics UK economic forecasts said to be over-optimistic
Economic forecasts for the coming year set out by Chancellor Gordon Brown are over-optimistic, claims The National Institute of Social and Economic Research. The think tank suggests that a recovery in the economy will be slow in 2003, with house prices set to tumble. According to NISER, the UK economy will show growth of just 2.2% in 2003, rising to 2.4% the following year. Gordon Brown's predictions suggested an increase of 2.5% to 3% during 2003 and 3% to 3.5% in 2004. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics UK retail growth expectations scaled back
UK economists were bracing for a slowdown in retail sales after a survey from the Confederation of British Industry showed only slight sales growth in January. Consumer industries briefing, on FT.com News by email http://tm0.com/ft/sbct.cgi?s=61423343&i=723040&m=1&d=3892470

Business & Economics Retail sales forecast
According to analysts at CSFB, the investment bank, retailers can expect a "very soft landing" this year. Like-for-like sales are forecast to increase by 3.2% on average this year. This is down on the 3.4% growth rate of 2002. Consumer spending is expected to slow during the year, but not dramatically. Tax rises are seen as the main damper on household incomes. Supermarkets will continue to exert significant pressure on prices, particularly in non-food categories, piling pressure on specialists. Retailers will also have to spend more on National Insurance payments, higher pension contributions and rising property costs adding to operating costs. Retail Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics Unemployment in the UK hits a 27-year high
Latest data by the Office for National Statistics reveals a drop in the number of people out of work, reaching a 27-year low. During the 3 months to December 2002, unemployment fell by 36,000 making a total of 1,506,000. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel
Business & Economics GDP forecast cut by the Bank of England A possible war with Iraq has increased pressure on the UK economy, with the forecast for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) cut from 3% to 2.5%, and a warning that UK house price growth will slow dramatically in the next 2 years. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

International Developments IRELAND:
Coca-Cola launches energy drink in Ireland Coca-Cola has launched a new energy drink on the Irish market, the company’s Ireland division announced. BPM Energy, which is so far exclusive to Ireland, differs from other products on the market in that it is designed to be a ‘daytime’ energy drink. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6899

International Developments SWEDEN: Bakery giant in the making
Swedish Cerealia has acquired the Danish bread company Schulstad from the conglomerate Schouw & Co and the Danish pension fund Lønmodtagernes Dyrtidsfond. Cerealia Bakeries develops, produces and markets a wide range of bread products around the world. Cerealia has a turnover of approximately €370 million and Schulstad a turnover of €286 million. The purchase will make Cerealia the biggest player in the Nordic bakery business. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/brief.asp

International Developments FRANCE: Increasing demand for soft drinks
in France Increasing awareness of the health benefits of fruit juice and other soft drinks is driving consumption in France, according to a new report. And manufacturers have not been slow to tap into this trend, with numerous new product launches. Foodanddrinkeurope.com http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/news/news.asp?id=1514 French hungry for healthier drinks Despite their reputation as wine drinkers, the French are expected to swig more than 7.9 million hl of fruit juice and 23.4 million hl of other soft drinks this year as demand continues to increase. Forecasts from French market research analysts Xerfi show that sales this year will grow at the fastest rate for 12 years, as French consumers become increasingly health conscious and opt for non-alcoholic drinks. This health conscious attitude has led not only to an increase in consumption of soft drinks in general, but in particular to growing demand for products which are low in sugar or with added vitamins and minerals. While new launches such as Coca-Cola’s line extension would continue in 2003, there would also be increasing competition from products which have until now been less present on the French market. These include flavoured waters, milk-based drinks, such as the innovative juice/milk blends Danao and Touche de Lait, or even ‘healthy’ versions of established mineral water brands (such as Perrier with added fluoride). Nutra Ingredients, on Drinks and beverage industries news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e59424601&e=6327

International Developments JAPAN:
Alcopops help lift Kirin figures. Kirin, the second main beer-maker in Japan, has announced a 40.7% rise in group net profits in 2002, boosted by cost-cutting measures, stronger trading in its pharmaceuticals division, and increased demand for alco-pops. The success of Kirin's low-alcohol cocktail, Chu-Hi Hyoketsu, is mentioned. Financial Times, reported on FoodlineWeb.com from LFRA

International Developments DENMARK:
Danish industry set to grow Denmark's food and drink manufacturing companies are expected to be the star performers in that country's economy this year, with growth of between 6-10 per cent. The growth will come from new product launches and international expansion. Food & Drink Europe, on nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=6507

International Developments USA: Coca-Cola Co. gained share during 2002 of a modestly growing US carbonated soft drink market According to annual soft-drink industry rankings, Coca-Cola Co. gained share during 2002 of a modestly growing US carbonated soft drink market, after 3 years of either no growth or share declines. PepsiCo Inc.'s share slipped. Coke gained 0.6 percentage points to reach a market share of 44.3%, its highest since 1998. Pepsi's share dropped 0.2 percentage points to 31.4%. The 3rd-largest marketer of soft drinks in the US, Cadbury Schweppes plc's Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Inc. division slipped 0.6 percentage points for a share of 15%. Growth at Coke was fuelled by strong sales of Vanilla Coke and Diet Coke. While new drinks pushed Coke, its flagship brand continued to struggle. Coca-Cola Classic lost 0.6 percentage points of carbonated-soft-drink market share. However, it remains the No. 1 selling soft drink, with a share of 19.3%. Wall Street Journal Europe, on Headlines from Mintel

International Developments DENMARK:
Gumlink to focus on confectionery R&D Danish chewing gum manufacturer Dandy, which changed its name in October last year to Gumlink, is to establish a new research and development centre in Vejle, Denmark. Foodanddrinkeurope.com http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/news/news.asp?id=1732
Competitors & Supply Chain CANADA: Cott set to expand after record year The Canadian soft drinks company, Cott Corp., the world's largest supplier of own brand soft drinks, reported fourth quarter results ahead of analysts' forecasts and signalled its intention to expand in 2003. The company reported earnings of US$11.7m, or 17 cents per diluted share, for the quarter to December 28, 2002, representing a 27% increase from the US$9.2m, or 13 cents per diluted share, in the corresponding period the year before. Sales in the fourth quarter rose by 11% from US$253m to an all-time high of US$280m. Cott said it was looking to grow its business in North America and to a degree its international activities, in Mexico and the UK. The company is looking for acquisitions in North America but did not anticipate expanding its international operations beyond the US, UK and Mexico at this stage. In 2002, both US and Canada units grew, while UK business returned to profitability and Mexico was entered via a strategic investment. Just-drinks.com http://just-drinks.com/nd.asp?art=18881&dm=yes

Retail & Company News United Biscuits to cut 900 jobs
UK snack manufacturer United Biscuits is to cut up to 900 jobs when it closes its biscuit factory in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, at the end of 2004. The company said the decision arose from a need to move production to the company’s other biscuit sites, which are bigger and have greater capacity for growth. United Biscuits currently has three operations in Ashby de la Zouch and will retain its national distribution centre and snacks factory there. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/nd.asp?art=53063&dm=yes

Retail & Company News Asda to launch children's food range
Wal-Mart-owned UK supermarkets chain Asda is launching a children's food range, by the name of 'More For Kids'. The move comes as Asda overhauls its own label line-up, via a project entitled 'Asdaness'. The introduction of 'More For Kids', due Spring 2003, will signal a fight back against Sainsbury's Blue Parrot Café range. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Parmalat to close East Anglian dairy
Parmalat Dairies will close its Mildenhall dairy in Suffolk at the end of June resulting in 150 redundancies. Grocer.TodayAlerts http://www.grocertoday.co.uk/article.asp?s=1&a=252379

Retail & Company News The love affair with coffee shops may be over....
Mintel suggests that Britons' love affair with coffee shop culture may be over, with many believing the quality of product supplied to be poor. A survey of some 2,000 people found more than 60% to be unimpressed with the drink they received and customers unhappy over "rip-off" prices. Such has been the impact of high prices, that 16% of people will never visit a coffee shop again. Evening Standard, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Cadbury profits up,
US drinks to dip in 2003 Britain's confectionery and soft drinks group Cadbury Schweppes Plc reported a six percent rise in annual profits on Wednesday but added that 2003 profits at its U.S. soft drinks unit DPSU are unlikely to exceed 2002. The group, which makes Dairy Milk chocolate and Dr Pepper fizzy drinks, said 2002 underlying pre-tax profits were 935 million pounds ($1.51 billion) compared to analysts forecasts of 928-950 million pounds. 2003 is predicted to be a "year of transition" as the group instigated a "comprehensive management reorganisation". The overhaul will include the amalgamation of its North American beverage businesses - Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Mott's and Snapple. Forbes, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e60464514&e=6327 Cadbury Schweppes sees profits spark The Times, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e60470920&e=6327

Retail & Company News Sainsbury's own-label organic food is certified by IFOAM-accredited bodies
It has been announced from Sainsbury's that all of its own-label organic food will be certified by IFOAM-accredited bodies. It is claimed that this is unique among British supermarkets, and requires the suppliers of all Sainsbury's own-label organic food range to be licensed by accredited certification bodies. The Soil Association is reported to be thrilled that Sainsbury's is making this ground-breaking commitment. Natural Products, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Tesco grows lead in UK grocery retailing
Latest quarterly figures show that Tesco has grown its lead over rival UK supermarkets, with its market share rising 0.7% to 26% during the 3 months to 2 February 2003. Asda has closed on 2nd placed Sainsbury's, increasing its share to 16.7%, from 16.1%. The data suggests that Sainsbury's slice of the market has declined 0.3% to 17.3%. Safeway, the subject of a major bid battle, has 9.8% of the UK grocery market, down 0.4%. Morrisons meanwhile grew to 6%, from 5.9%. Grocer Today, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Non-carbonated boost for Coca-Cola
Along with rising sales of key carbonated beverages in 2002, Coca-Cola also saw a good return from juice drinks, sports drinks and water. For the period October to December 2002, juice drink sales jumped 21%. Powerade was up a quarter and demand for bottled water rose 68%. Coca-Cola says that sales of fizzy drinks rose by 2% in 2002, with Fanta witnessing an upturn of some 6%. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Reckitt Benckiser results
Reckitt Benckiser, the world's largest home cleaning products group, has beaten profit expectations for 2002, reporting a 22% rise in profits. Sales of its ever-growing product range, lifted profits to £408m and sales by 7% to £3.53bn. Profit growth is expected to remain in double-digits for 2003, although sales targets have been reduced slightly from 6% to 4-6%. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel Reckitt NPD Dettol and Lemsip maker Reckitt Benckiser will be launching a raft of new products into the UK under the Vanish, Calgonit, Veet and Airwick brands. The Grocer

Retail & Company News The price of pharmacy deregulation
The consumer watchdog's report on Britain's pharmacy network is in conflict with government health policy, according to John D'Arcy, chief executive of the National Pharmaceutical Association. Retailing & leisure briefing, on FT.com News by email http://tm0.com/ft/sbct.cgi?s=61423343&i=734144&m=1&d=3996816

Retail & Company News Diageo beats forecasts Drinks giant Diageo posted better than expected interim profits boosted by strong performances in the UK and North America. For the six months ended December 31 pre-tax profit before goodwill and exceptional items rose to £1.29bn from £1.23bn last year. The consensus of analysts’ forecasts was £1.26bn. Sales of Diageo’s top eight brands climbed 12% led by Johnny Walker Black and Smirnoff. Grocer.TodayAlerts http://www.grocertoday.co.uk/article.asp?s=1&a=252687 Diageo admits duty hike hurt Disappointing performances from Archers Aqua and Gordon’s Edge in Great Britain were offset by strong growth in Smirnoff Ice, Blossom Hill wine and Baileys in the first half for drinks giant Diageo. GB ready-to-drink volume sales were up 4%, however, increases in excise duty had hit margins. Although Gordon’s Gin performed well, RTD spin-off Gordon’s Edge sold only 20,000 cases since its May 2002 launch, and GB volumes in Archers Aqua fell by 19%. The Grocer

Retail & Company News Pre-tax profit surges at Spendrups (Sweden)
The Swedish brewer, Spendrups, has reported a pre-tax profit for 2002 of SKr89m (US$10.5m/€9.8m), against SKr11m (US$1.3m/€1.2m) in 2001. Net turnover at the company, which is owned by the Swedish investment company, Spendrup Invest AB, rose by 18% to SKr2.08 billion (US$245.8m/€228.3m). Just-drinks.com http://just-drinks.com/nd.asp?art=19059&dm=yes

Retail & Company News Sweet Factory to open 30 outlets this year
Sweet Factory, the confectionery specialist, intends to open 30 outlets this year and 100 within the next 5 years. Sweet Factory currently has 7 UK outlets - a mix of traditional stores, railway station kiosks and shopping centre concessions. Internationally, there are 500+ Sweet Factory outlets in 24 countries. A loyalty card scheme will also be introduced. Retail Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Retail & Company News Price of love Money can buy you love, it seems.
The question of how much it costs is soon to be answered. Love International, a soft-drinks maker that owns the potentially lucrative trademark Love, is heading for liquidation. The company was set up in 2000 by a group of investors from the "Aberdeen mafia", including the Mackies ice cream family, to market a high-energy drink to rival Red Bull and Lucozade. While the venture failed because of high start-up costs, the company did succeed where more than had 800 failed in registering the Love trademark in the UK. It is thought applications are in for the US and Europe, too. Intriguingly, Love also applied in June for the UK trademark to be extended to alcoholic drinks, clothing, sweets and even baby food. consumer industries briefing, from FT.com http://tm0.com/ft/sbct.cgi?s=61423343&i=736669&m=1&d=4011358

Retail & Company News Disney wants a greater presence in food and drink
US entertainment giant Disney seeks a European FMCG head to help push it further into the arena of children's food and drink products. The company aims to develop licensing concepts and partnerships with food and retail businesses. During 2002, Disney launched Pooh Roo juice in the UK, and has linked with Kellogg in the US for Mickey's Magic cereals, which are able to change colour when combined with milk. With holidaymakers wary of travelling to and from the US, Disney is looking to generate new channels of revenue. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands World's first organic spiced rum
The world's first organic spiced rum goes on sale in Britain this week. The Organic Spirits Company spent 2 years developing Papagayo Organic Spiced Rum in partnership with a remote sugar-cane farm in Paraguay. The business was also behind the world's first organic gin and Britain's first organic vodka. Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands New Beverage From Snapple Seeks to Avoid Stigma of Dieting Trying to take some of the public embarrassment out of dieting, Snapple announced a new meal-replacement product that it hopes looks less like a weight-loss aid and more like, well, a Snapple. Snapple-a-Day, a fortified juice smoothie, is the beverage company's entry into the $1-billion-a-year meal-replacement business, which is dominated by Slim-Fast from Unilever and includes products like Ensure and protein-laden powder drinks associated with the Atkins diet. Snapple-a-Day has 210 calories - 10 fewer than Slim Fast - as well as vitamins and minerals including calcium, zinc, potassium and folic acid. New York Times, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e59115679&e=6327

Products & Brands For those with Coca-Cola quibbles
Following the lead of the successful Mecca Cola, a UK company is the next to launch a cola drink catering specially for the Muslim community. Qibla Cola will be available in UK supermarkets from today, said its makers this week. The product, which also has a diet variety, comes with the strap line ‘Liberate Your Taste’ and money raised from sales will go towards Muslim charities, according to the company. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=6366
Products & Brands Tropicana in ice cream move Tropicana, a leading UK fruit juice brand, is to grow its presence in the freezer cabinet with a 2003 push into the ice cream and lolly market. New Spring 2003 launches include 2 premium lines, Tropicana Orange Juice Lolly and Strawberries 'n' Cream. The brand also seeks to win sales in the impulse sector, which is dominated by Walls, Mars and Nestlé, and this will be done by marketing its 'healthier' lollies. Tropicana was named the UK's 6th fastest growing brand in Marketing magazine's Biggest Brand Survey recently. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands "Better for you" cakes from go ahead!
The healthy go ahead! brand from McVitie's is bringing out Lattice and Tartlettes, in a move to win sales in the "better for you" cakes market. According to McVitie's, "better for you" cakes are worth over £22m and increasing by a major 9.2% year-on-year. The go ahead! brand leads, with a 27% market share. Multiple Buyer & Retailer, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Pink Yorkie bar to be launched In time for Valentine's Day,
Nestlé is bringing out a pink version of its Yorkie bar product. (Not sure how this fits the current positioning for the brand - definitely not for girls - but Nestle know what they are doing) Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands T&T Beverages to re-launch its carbonated soft drinks brand
T&T Beverages, the independent drinks company, is to re-launch its carbonated soft drinks brand. The 4 T&T variants have been reformulated to ensure there is no added sugar and the packaging has been redesigned. Marketing Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Halewood International's Red Square spending £10m promoting a new "Pink" brand
Halewood International's Red Square is promoting a new "Pink" brand, which is aimed at the female market. The new flavour is a mix of grapefruit and citrus fruits with 5.1% Red Square Vodka, and follows on the heels of the last new flavour, Mexican Lime. Red Square enjoys universal popularity among both male and female markets in the 18 to 24 age group, although there is a slight bias towards men. The Red Square range now includes the flavours of loganberry, blueberry, tequila, cranberry, blueberry and lemon. Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Creations for women
Fox’s Biscuits is adding four new permanent lines to its previously seasonal Creations range. The Chocolate Fruit and Nut Crunch, Tangy Jaffa Viennese, Millionaire Caramel Shortcake and Marbled Chocolate Whirls are all rolling out. The newcomers are aimed at women looking for an indulgent treat. The Grocer

Products & Brands New look as Reef range hits five
Coors Brewers has unveiled a new look for Reef to maximise the impact of a £9.5m marketing investment already earmarked for the PPS brand. The updated bottles will be in store from March to coincide with the launch of a new flavour, blackcurrant and raspberry. Coors claim growth in Reef of 31%, three times faster than the category. The Grocer

Products & Brand Shape researches yogurt to update pack
Bloom has completed the research phase of its identity and packaging work for yoghurt brand Shape, is seeking to reposition from a dieting brand to a healthy eating product. This will include revamping the Shape logo and packaging structure and graphics, but the name Shape will remain. The dairy sector is being driven by new brands such as Onken and Benecol and research among Shape's target audience revealed that 'diet' products are becoming less relevant to consumers and are being repositioned as 'healthy' food. Thus for Shape the consideration is a move away from a 'language of denial' towards a 'language of lifestyle, choice and balance'. The revamp follows Shape's acquisition by Danone from St Ivel in August last year. Danone, which already counts 'friendly-bacteria' products Activia and Actimel among its portfolio, is a well-established healthy-eating dairy brand in mainland Europe. Industry News Alerts, from mad.co.uk alert service http://www.mad.co.uk/story.aspx?uid=65ce82c1-33eb-475d-a388-332700ed9dc3

Products & Brands Waitrose revamps its ambient juices range
A redesign and extension has been given by Waitrose to its range of ambient juices with the addition of 4 new fruit juices. The 4 flavours comprise: Orange & Mango, Apple & Blackcurrant, Orange & Passion fruit and Exotic. The drinks come in 1 litre Tetra Brik Aseptic cartons fitted with tamper-evident, easy-to-open, fully re-sealable SpinCaps. Soft Drinks International, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Lambrini in PPS drive
Aiming to win sales in the PPS market, perry brand Lambrini is to be launched in 275ml bottles. Aimed at female drinkers between the ages of 18 and 34, the new look Lambrini comes in packs of 4 and will be marketed as suitable for consumption direct from the bottle or through a straw. Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Umbro plans food and drink brand extension
England football team sponsor Umbro plans a new move, into branded confectionery and drink products, boosting its appeal outside of teenagers. Although already in the sports drink market through Umbro Hypotonic, it is a specialist drink and lies behind leading brands such as Lucozade Sport and Powerade. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Chocolate plus guarana (Australia & New Zealand)
Go into almost any convenience store in Australia and you’re likely to find amongst the confectionery a chocolate bar called Viking. Now its producer, Cadbury Schweppes, is producing a beverage version of the chocolate bar, selling. The candy line blends guarana with caramel, chocolate and nougat flavours. Cadbury claims that the Viking drink is the first dairy energy drink to reach market, describing it as the chocolate drink with horns. The primary target is young active adults aged 18 to 25, largely because of their familiarity with energy drinks and the crossover from confectionery. Soft Drinks International, February 2003

Products & Brands Price of chocolate to rise
The price of chocolate bars such as Cadbury's Dairy Milk are set to rise by 4%-5% during the year, as a result of worldwide cocoa problems. Grocer Today, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Liquorice Cream Rock introduced by Haribo
The 200g bagged confectionery range of Haribo is being extended, with the introduction of Liquorice Cream Rock, soft liquorice tubes that incorporate cream, fruit-flavoured centres. Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Pfizer introduces Benadryl Allergy - banana for children
A £250,000 press advertising campaign targeted at women's magazines from May 2003 and August 2003, from Pfizer it to support Benadryl Allergy Solution for children. It will be pharmacy only and will break on 15 April 2003. The Allergy Solution contains cetirizine and is formulated to provide non-drowsy allergy relief for children aged 2 and over. It has a banana flavour and is designed to be effective for hay fever and dust, pet and skin allergies. Research shows that 3m UK children aged 2-12 suffer allergies every year. This is growing by 4% per year. Chemist & Druggist, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Soft drinks curry favour as aperitifs
Curry has reached the soft drinks fixture in the form of Ethno Bar juice combinations from French company Tessiere. The improved varieties are Inde Orange Mangue Curry, a blend inspired by Indian recipes, Mexique Orange Lime Piment with orange, lime and pepper, and Orange Figue Coriander, which is based on Eastern Mediterranean flavours. The products are shelf-stable and preservative-free. The Grocer

Products & Brands The acid test - Chocolate till
Spring Water In a recent consumer trial reported in the Grocer (a regular feature), the new chocolate still spring water from Strathmore averaged 10 out of 25. This reflects the anticipation of Strathmore Water that the new product will generate a love-hate response from consumers. Comments included the view that it smelled of chocolate but the taste was not so strong, very sugary and probably sickly if you drank a lot of it. So the suggestion of a smaller bottle The Grocer

Products & Brands After Shock looking to diversify from the down-in-one sector with the launch of "shooter cocktails"
After Shock is introducing "shooter cocktails" in an attempt to diversify from the down-in-one shots sector. Owner of the cinnamon-flavoured brand, a leading player in the burgeoning shots category, Maxxium UK has devised a range of 15 "Shocktails" with different concoctions allocated to each After Shock variant - Hot and Cool Red, Deep Cool Blue and Thermal Bite Green. Over a 1,000 "Shocktail" kits have been issued to bars. The kits contain After Shock branded glassware, branded menus, PoS material and easy-to-follow instruction cards on how to perfectly prepare each cocktail in the new range. Publican, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Double Cream, ice cream to launch Double Cream,
the new chocolate bar from Nestlé, is being extended into the freezer cabinet with the launch of an ice cream stick version. Other new products include Milkybar ice cream on a stick, Jellicious ice lollies and tub-based Smarties with Soft Ice Cream. Nestlé is also introducing Nestlé Ice Creamery, producing soft ice cream and taking on the likes of Mr Whippy and Wall's Cornetto Soft. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel
Products & Brands 'Water in a box' product launched Following on from the wine trend, get ready for a 'boxed' water container appearing on supermarket shelves. The system is being trialled by Harrogate Spa Water in 120 Waitrose branches as from March 2003, with a 10-litre pack selling at £2.79. Harrogate says that the water is sealed inside a thermal foil bag, and released via a plastic tap system. Boxed water also has the benefit of not taking up as much space as traditional bottled versions. Grocer Today, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Simply Clear Fruit drink introduced
New from Barr Soft Drinks is the Simply Clear line-up of fruit flavoured soft drinks in 250ml re-sealable PET bottles. Looking to win sales in the lunchbox market and through impulse purchases, Simply Clear is available in 4 flavours: Cranberry & Passion Fruit; Raspberry, Blackberry & Blackcurrant; Strawberry & Kiwi and Luscious Peach. Grocer Today, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Bud Superstrong in UK launch High-strength brew
Bud Superstrong is set to be launched into the UK by Czech producer Budweiser Budvar. The new lager has an ABV of 7.2% and will be targeted for in-home consumption with food, or on special occasions. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Gabrielle & Andreu introduce Citadelle Vodka (USA)
After the success of its Citadelle gin that dated back to 1998, Gabriel & Andreu has introduced to the US market, 3 varieties of Citadelle Vodka. These are apple, raspberry and original. Drinks International, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Breast milk on the menu (China)
The owners of a restaurant in China which serves dishes prepared with breast milk have received a reminder from the government that such a practice is illegal. The restaurant in the city of Changsha in Central China's Hunan Province introduced its unusual menu early in January and included such dishes as abalone or fish heads cooked with breast milk. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/nd.asp?art=53157

Products & Brands A-B Launches Bacardi Silver 03 (USA)
Following the success of its Bacardi Silver brand, Anheuser-Busch is rolling out a new orange-flavoured malt beverage, Bacardi Silver 03. Adweek Online, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e61488079&e=6327

Products & Brands Diageo Launches Smirnoff Ice Triple Black nationwide (USA)
Diageo is attempting to bolster the success of Smirnoff Ice in the US with a new brand of flavoured malt beverage Smirnoff Ice Triple Black. Triple Black's dry, crisp flavour was designed to lure men between legal drinking age and 27 away from beer, and more variations on the theme are in the works. Just-drinks.com http://just-drinks.com/nd.asp?art=19053&dm=yes

Products & Brands Wet by Beefeater - pear-infused vodka launches in US (USA)
In an attempt to emulate its success with infused Stoli vodkas, Allied Domecq has launched a flavoured version its flagship gin Beefeater to boost grown in the US. It has been called Wet by Beefeater and is a pear-infused product at 25% ABV and comes in a litre bottle. It will be available in Europe and Asia Pacific later in 2003. Drinks International, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Ben & Jerry’s soft core
Ben & Jerry’s is reinforcing its passion for ice cream- with new flavour Karamel Sutra. To be available from April it has a thick core of caramel, surrounded by chunk0filled chocolate and caramel ice creams, and is pitched as the ultimate adventure for ice cream lovers. The Grocer

Products & Brands 70cl Breezer for off-trade Bacardi Breezer is introducing a larger 70cl bottle format into the of-trade. The new bottle will be available in the three most popular Bacardi Breezer flavours - orange, watermelon and pineapple. The Grocer

Products & Brands Fruit and Fresh
New from Carte d'Or are Fruit and Fresh ice cream, yoghurt and fruit sauce blends. Three variants are available in 450-ml tub. The three styles are Red Fruit, Yellow Fruit and Green Fruit. The Grocer, on FLAIRS FoodlineWebAgent, from LFRA

Products & Brands Muddy Pigs and Spotty Dogs
New from Wall’s are 2-litre family tubs of Muddy Pigs and Spotty Dogs ice cream products. These products combine ice cream, sauce and chocolate pieces or pig-shaped candy. The Grocer, on FLAIRS FoodlineWebAgent, from LFRA

Products & Brands Beer in a plastic bottle launched
Beer in plastic bottles may become a new trend, with news that Interbrew is to launch the first ActiTUF bottled beers into Russia, with plans to expand the concept into Europe. The benefits of such a beer container are the ability to reseal the drink after use, and it is lighter to hold than traditional glass bottled beers. Packaging Magazine, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands 'Herbal libido booster' PPS launched
A drink containing “horny goat weed” and cordyceps, a rare substance found on the heads of dead caterpillars, is the latest entrant into the premium packaged spirit sector. Roxxoff, a blend of vodka, passion fruit and what it calls “herbal libido boosters”, is aimed at the hedonistic club market but its name, packaging and marketing approach are likely to attract the attentions of The Portman Group. Brands newswire, from thePublican.com http://www.thepublican.com/item/8775/11/5d40E43/326

Products & Brands GBL pops open favoured bubbly
A new range of flavoured sparkling wines has been uncorked by ready-to-drink (RTD) specialists GBL International. Cavela, available in a 200ml single-serve bottle, marks the Chesterfield-based firm’s first foray into the bubbly sector and the latest addition to its portfolio is designed to reinvigorate the RTD sector. Brands newswire, from thePublican.com http://www.thepublican.com/item/8610/11/5d40E43/326

Products & Brands New flavours for Rani, the British Asian juice drink
Two new flavours of the British Asian drink, Rani Peach and Rani Pineapple Float, which contain 20% fruit juice and real peach or pineapple pieces will be launched at the 2003 IFE, 23-26 March, at ExCel. The products are bursting with vitamin C and have no artificial flavours or sweeteners. They provide a real fruit boost. Multiple Buyer & Retailer, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Britvic Soft Drinks is re-launching
Tango In an effort to effort to win back sales lost to Coca-Cola's Fanta brand, Britvic Soft Drinks is re-launching Tango with new packaging and a new flavour. The new flavour is called Tango Fruit Fling and it follows hot on the heels of Coca-Cola Great Britain's new Fanta variant, Zesty Berry. Tango's packaging will have a new design and the multi-litre plastic bottles will have new colours keyed to the Tango flavours, rather than the current black packaging. Britvic spent £3.32m on the Tango brand in 2002. Marketing Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands PepsiCo to market Pepsi X (Netherlands)
Soft drinks giant PepsiCo has chosen The Netherlands as the 1st country to market Pepsi X, a cola variant with extra caffeine. Marketing Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Coke and Pepsi to launch new carbonates
The world's two largest soft drink producers Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo have announced plans for line extensions to two of their leading carbonated brands as innovation continues to play a key role in wining market share on the US market. Coca-Cola has said that it will launch a tropical version of its lemon-lime offering Sprite, called Sprite Remix. The drink will be launched in late spring. Meanwhile, PepsiCo is to extend its Mountain Dew brand with an orange-flavour to be called Mountain Dew LiveWire. It will be available across the US through the summer. Both drinks will be aimed at the lucrative teens and young adult market. Just-drinks.com http://just-drinks.com/nd.asp?art=19093&dm=yes

Ingredients & Innovation Long-term growth in antioxidant market predicted A report has said that the consumer shift to buying natural antioxidants may not be as great as the industry feels. Despite the fact that synthetic antioxidants hold a circa 40% this is put down to the fact that they use much lower products than natural antioxidants. The report predicts that by 2009 the total market for food antioxidants in Europe and the US will have grown from its current value of US$190m to in excess of US$240m. Natural Products, on Headlines from Mintel

Ingredients & Innovation Florida crop hit
Unseasonable weather in Florida has played havoc with grapefruit crop estimates. With temperatures fluctuating from 25 degree C to sub zero in the Indian River, estimates are for the crop to be below the 40 million cartons first forecast. Growers were reporting price increases, although according to the latest reports trees have not been damaged. The cold snap could even be beneficial as it will hold back fruit size which is already large, and could control pests. More worrying is the root disease tristeza which could become a serious long-term problem. The Grocer

Ingredients & Innovation Refreshing growth for oxygenated water
Sales of oxygenated water in North America, western Europe and Japan increased by 45 per cent last year, but the market still remains niche, according to Zenith International. Foodanddrinkeurope.com http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/news/news.asp?id=1686

Ingredients & Innovation Functionality set to shape soft drinks sector
Functional soft drinks are no longer confined to obscure avenues of soft drinks consumption and are steadily edging towards the mainstream, according to a new report from drinks consultancy Zenith International. Zenith International, on nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=6501

Industry Initiatives Diabetic confectionery overtaken by sugar-free
Despite growing numbers of diabetics, specialist diabetic confectionery will come under increasing competition from the growing market for sugar-free products, reports Euromonitor International. While specialist producers of diabetic foods need to innovate to survive, there are great opportunities for mainstream confectioners to extend into the sugar-free market. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/fd.asp?art=709&app=1

Industry Initiatives Clampdown on misleading food labels
The European Commission is planning to clampdown on food companies which make 'misleading' claims that products can better a person's health or improve their well-being. Such rules may even prevent food manufacturers from claiming that their products assist in slimming or weight control. References like "help support the body's natural defences", "boost the immune system" or "improve concentration" could all be outlawed. Financial Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Social trends set agenda for soft drink growth
Changes in consumer lifestyles and attitudes are affecting the way the soft drink market is developing. Societal trends drive changes in consumer needs, which could lead to changes in the market, and result in new sectors emerging and create opportunities for soft drinks producers. The following are four of the main societal trends believed will influence market opportunities in the soft drinks sector over the next few years. Acceleration - increasing pace of life and demand for 24/7 convenience; blurring boundaries between food and drink Survival Fix - preventing illness, or aiding quick recovery; tonics to look after oneself Great Expectations - more excitement, more interesting experiences, more fun; exotic, extreme, or unusual sources of materials New Philosophy - spiritual life seeking balance of mind, body and soul, with a need for environmental, ethical and ‘natural’ products Soft Drinks International, February 2003

Industry Initiatives Taste breakthrough - new findings suggest common pathway
Although sweet, bitter and umami (monosodium glutamate) tastes are different, researchers are finding that information about each of these tastes is transmitted from the various taste receptors via a common intracellular signalling pathway. A research team at the University of California, San Diego, claims that the identification of a common pathway counters a widespread belief among some researchers in the taste field that suggests different tastes require distinct machinery within the cell to transduce their signals to the brain - the area responsible for processing taste perceptions. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6944

Industry Initiatives 'Positive nutrition' claims top slot (USA)
While new product introductions launched on the back of key nutritional claims continue to decline significantly in the US, products with 'added value' could lead the way towards success, according to Mintel. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6945

Industry Initiatives 25% of drinks cartons to be recycled
A carton recycling plant has opened in Fife, Scotland. The 1st recycling plant of its kind will see 25% of the drinks cartons in Britain being recycled to produce high quality paper that can be used as stationery or packaging. Financial Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Confectionery: sugar free and innovation to drive growth in 2003
The International Sweets and Biscuits Fair (ISM) held in January in Cologne, Germany clearly illustrated the key confectionery trends. Particularly evident, the dichotomy between fun sugar confectioneries aimed at children, versus premium luxury chocolates aimed at more adult consumption. Product development - including new concepts, formats and packaging - was strong. Novel products from Asia Pacific included fun-size jelly tubs containing yoghurt and/or fruit-based confectionery, while southern Europe and Latin America continue to build on developments in pouches, sachets, rollers and squeezy tubes of liquid, paste and jelly sugar sweets. Interactivity and flavour innovation is especially prevalent in more developed markets where children have higher disposable incomes and a host of alternative demands on their spending money, with which sugar confectionery increasingly competes. Not only does this include chocolates and gums, but also baked goods and snack bars. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6955
Industry Initiatives German can ban opens up PET market Beer drinkers in Germany may soon have more opportunities to purchase beer in PET than any other European country, thanks in part to the recent introduction of a scheme to introduce hefty recycling fees for the use of aluminium cans. Foodproductiondaily.com http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/news.asp?id=2245

Industry Initiatives Are you a `super-taster`?
"Tell me what you eat, and I shall tell you what you are," wrote French gastronome Brillat-Savarin, in his 19th century tome, The Physiology of Taste. In the same spirit, scientists reported at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting that our biology plays a major role in determining our food choices. While specific food cravings are generally thought to be the product of temporary biological changes, such as hormonal fluctuations, our bodies may determine what we eat in other ways as well, the researchers report. Biological differences in our sense of taste have such an influence on our diets that they may help determine which diseases we might be susceptible to, according new research by Linda Bartoshuk of Yale University. In addition, new insights into how diet has adapted to the course of human evolution have emerged from McGill University researcher Timothy Johns' observations of how indigenous peoples use plants for food and medicine. The "neon taste world" of people who Dr. Bartoshuk calls "super-tasters" is roughly three times as intense as the "pastel world" of the non-tasters. This is because the tongues of super-tasters have a higher concentration of taste bud-containing structures than the tongues of less taste-sensitive groups. The ability to taste bitter substances has always been associated with poison detection, but now we have found all these health associations. We know people's whole diets are different, based on their taste sensitivity. Because taste buds also detect the sensations of touch and pain, super-tasters are also the most sensitive to the heat of chillies, for example, and the feel of fat. Super-tasters also tend to avoid very sweet, high fat foods, according to Bartoshuk, but are also generally averse to vegetables, which taste unpleasantly bitter to them. As a group, super-tasters tend to be thinner and healthier, but their veggie aversion may lead to a higher risk of certain cancers, Bartoshuk has found. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=7018

Industry Initiatives Diet industry looks set to slide
The diet industry has been warned that the 93bn euros industry will suffer unless manufacturers and retailers stop bombarding consumers with “confusing information”. According to market analyst Datamonitor dieters are losing their faith in the authenticity of claims of effectiveness as they fail to keep the weight off. Grocer.TodayAlerts http://www.grocertoday.co.uk/article.asp?s=1&a=252685

Industry Initiatives Food Innovation: why new is not always better
General Mills and International Multifoods have stressed the importance of innovation. Ceaseless innovation is often seen as the lifeblood of growth in the otherwise mature and stable food and drinks industry. That was certainly the message at a recent meeting of US corporate leaders and key industry analysts. But effective innovation marries trend spotting to real consumer insight. Although companies must innovate to accumulate, there is a danger in rushing to jump on the bandwagon of the latest consumer trends. Spotting consumer trends is one part of the innovation game, but manufacturers also need insight into consumers' behaviours and attitudes to understand how to proceed with new product development, if at all. First understand the consumer insight, and then understand whether it is applicable to the trend. Food Digest, from Datamonitor http://www.datamonitor.com/other/productlocator.asp?pid=8C47CF98-DC75-4C7C-93AB-C9141D8D43D7

Industry Initiatives Many thought the budget duty hike on
PPSs would seriously hurt the sector. Not a bit The rate of growth of PPSs/FABs has slowed, but, the resilience of makers has not been dented. Nor, too, has the demand among the 18-30 year old, predominantly female, consumer group, which is the core market for most PPS/FAB manufacturers. Since the duty changes, there has been some major launches into the PPS sector. These include WKD Silver and Smirnoff Black Ice. This level of innovation proves that the market is by no means stagnant. PPS brands spent £33.6m on media last year in addition to strong trade promotions. Although PPSs only account for around 3%-4% of the total on-trade drinks market, compared with beer's 59%, there is no shortage of suppliers willing to try to establish a foothold. It is estimated that around 300 PPSs, either new entrants or different flavours to existing ranges, were launched onto the market in 2002. Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Plastic linings inside food tins may contaminate product Quite a number of food cans are lined with a plastic coating that is there to stop the product tasting tinny and to stop the metal corroding and contaminating the product. However, this coating may contain Bisphenol A which has been shown to have hormone disrupting properties, as it mimics female hormones, and this has been a target of campaigns by Friends of the Earth and the WWF. Research in 2001 revealed that most canned food was contaminated by Bisphenol A. The Food Standards Agency study found that the liquid in some cans of tinned vegetables contained Bisphenol A and a related chemical. Highest levels were in cans of peas, however, they were also in cans of beans, artichokes, mixed vegetables and corn. Ethical Consumer, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Fruit juice decisions
A consultation from the UK Food Standards Agency will seek comments on proposed Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars (England) Regulations 2003. They are needed to implement Council Directive 2001/112/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption, and must be brought into force by 12 July 2003. The new legislation will replace the Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars Regulations 1977 (as amended) which currently apply to the whole of Great Britain. The legislation will assist consumers by requiring a clearer distinction between juice obtained directly from fruit and that obtained by the dilution of concentrated juice. This will be achieved by the use of the product name ‘fruit juice’ for juice produced directly from fruit; and the use of the name ‘fruit juice from concentrate’ for that made by diluting fruit juice concentrate. In future, the wording ‘from concentrate’ will be an integral part of the product name, thus drawing the attention of consumers more readily to the method of production. Juices made by mixing fruit juice and fruit juice from concentrate will be labelled as ‘fruit juice’ with the additional wording ‘partially made from concentrate’. An explanation of these terms is given separately. These product names will be used in the labelling of juice and also to describe juice where it is included in the ingredients listing of other foods. When so used in labelling, the word ‘fruit’ will be replaced by the name of the fruit or fruits in question, for example ‘orange juice’. The legislation will also permit the addition of vitamins and minerals to fruit juice (with prescribed labelling), whilst maintaining existing rules on the addition of sugar, acidifying agents and ascorbic acid. In addition, the new regulations will bring methods permitted for the production of concentrated citrus juices (e.g. orange, grapefruit) more in line with those allowed in some major producing countries, such as the USA, where water-extracted juice can be incorporated in juice pressed from the fruit. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/brief.asp
Industry Initiatives Pharma to target women Women are becoming the most attractive target audience for healthcare companies, claims a new report from market analysts Datamonitor. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=6485

Industry Initiatives Take-up of new drink brands slow in UK
Innovation in the UK soft drinks market is being stifled by the nation's reluctance to experiment with new brands, according to latest research. A report by market analyst Datamonitor, found that while consumers in the UK are willing to try new flavours of drinks that they are already familiar with, they are reluctant to try different types of drinks, particularly the so-called new-age drinks such as Iced Tea and herbal drinks. The European soft drinks market is relatively stagnant at the moment, and the introduction of new-age drinks represents a strong potential growth area. However, many European countries are showing little interest in such products. In the UK, new-age drinks account for only one per cent of the overall soft drinks market, with Ice Tea the most popular beverage in this category. Mad.co.uk http://www.mad.co.uk/story.aspx?uid=383d2982-d982-4819-a9b8-ae3a23a17bc3

Industry Initiatives Standard approved
The EFSIS Standard has been approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This is one of four safety standards now approved by the GFSI aimed at food manufacturers worldwide. Food Marketing & Manufacturing, February 2003

Flavour House Ireland Disclaimer: no liability for accuracy of statistics; without prejudice; views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Flavour House Ireland Limited.