Flavours Newsletter
Nov 2002 - What’s new in Flavours

Key Statistics Trends in the consumption of dried fruit
An estimated 505m servings of dried fruit are expected to be consumed in 2002, a 50% rise since 1994. The largest growth has been in the last 2 years, from 407m servings to 505m in 2002. The key consumers of dried fruit are females aged 65+ who account for 25% of all dried fruit consumption. Young children aged 0-5 consume 8% of all dried fruit. Breakfast is the most popular meal occasion for dried fruits (62%). Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Mintel report on pet market
A report by Mintel shows that women are spending more on pets to compensate for not having children. 1 in 5 women aged 40 now has no children and the number of people living alone is forecast to rise by 11% in the next 4 years. Cats have become more popular than dogs, but ownership of fish, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs and mice has risen. The market for pet foods and services has seen a 25% growth rate over the past 5 years and is expected to reach £3.5bn in 2002. Daily Telegraph, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Fruit Juices & Health Drinks
Retail sales of fruit juices, fruit drinks and health drinks were valued at £1.88bn in 2001, having grown by 4.2% since the previous year. Household penetration is high and consumers are increasingly prosperous and able to indulge in non-essential but affordable pleasures. Grocer Today Daily Alert, on-line http://www.grocertoday.co.uk/resources/marketreport.asp?r=400

Key Statistics Citrus harvest in decline
Dry weather and citrus diseases such as Citrus Canker and tristeza have cut the Florida citrus crop for 2002/03 by 14.3% below production in the previous year. Production in the not-from-concentrate juice segment is expected to fall to 1.18bn gallons compared with 220m gallons in the previous year. Valencia production will decline from 102m boxes to 84m boxes and grapefruits will decline by 10% to 42m boxes. Financial Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Organic growth slows, but supermarkets, farmers still upbeat
Organic sales growth has slowed and a third of UK organic farmers are losing money. But British supermarkets remain publicly bullish about the prospects for organic food. And as long as the supermarkets have the customers, the market is going to be there, say the farmers. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/f_d.asp?art=674&app=1&fotw=sct Rapid growth in the UK organic food sector Sales of organic food and drink rose by 15% to around £920m (US$1.437bn) in the year ending April 2002, while almost 80% of households bought at least one organic item during the 12-month period. UK sales of organic food are now the second highest in Europe after Germany. The report also shows, however, that 70% of organic food is purchased by only 8% of households. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/nd.asp?art=51985&app=1

Key Statistics Organic juice market to hit Euro 90m Sales of organic juices in Europe are projected to reach Euro 90 million in 2002, according to a new study by Organic Monitor. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6216 Organic juice sales explode in Europe A new study by Organic Monitor finds that the European organic juices market has been expanding at over 20 per cent a year since 1998. Sales of organic juices in Europe are projected to reach Euro90 million by the end of 2002. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=5714

Key Statistics US overweight
More than 30% of the US population has been classified as obese according to the National Centre for Health Statistics. Obese is defined as a body mass index of 30 or over. Results for 1999-2000 show that almost 2 thirds of the population are now officially rated as overweight with a body mass of 25 or more. Independent, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Adult soft drinks market Still soft drinks are increasingly popular because adult consumers are looking for a different range of flavours to children and generally steer towards more health-conscious choices in-store. Still soft drinks now comprise almost 50% of total soft drinks sales. Wines, beers and spirits remain at the top of the off-licence shopping list but makers, brand owners and retailers must work together to ensure that adult soft drinks are also on the list of 'must-haves'. Off Licence News, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics How much Britons spend on organic food The Soil Association has called on retailers to grow their support for UK producers. A new report highlights that Britons now spend £920m per year on buying organic food, placing us 2nd only to Germany in Europe. Organic production in the UK has risen, with nearly twice as many crops being grown in the UK against a year earlier, and 80% of UK homes now purchase organic products. Supermarkets are being urged by the Soil Association to "buy British first", rather than source from cheaper overseas producers. Grocer Today, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics The children's snacks market
The market for children's snacks is huge, valued in a Mintel report at more than £400m, a rise of 20% in 5 years. However this figure is only responsible for sales of crisps and other snack products so does not include drinks, confectionery and savoury-based items. Of particular popularity at the moment are pre-packed lunchboxes and breakfast cereals supported by branded characters. With the tastes of children changing all the time, the market is continually adapting and altering. Design Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Shoppers spend a massive amount to cheer themselves up
Winter is coming and the nights are drawing in, so what better way to cheer ourselves up than by spending more. According to a new survey, that is exactly what happens when people get down, they buy themselves holidays, clothes, food, alcohol and beauty treatments. In total an expenditure of some £41bn will be undertaken this Winter to lift our moods, working out as an average of £875 each nationwide, but slightly higher at £1,106 for Londoners. Evening Standard, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Biscuits and cakes market in the Republic of Ireland
It is considered that every household in the Republic of Ireland buys biscuit products and this creates a market valued at Euro245m. These products are an essential in the RoI shopper's repertoire. Their success is due to modest prices for a 'treat'. Cakes are also a popular household commodity. A recent report showed that the biscuit category is divided into 10 segments: 1 Chocolate Biscuits; 2 Chocolate Bars; 3 Mallows; 4 Rolls; 5 Creams; 6 Plain; 7 Health; 8 Rice Crackers; 9 Savoury; 10 Assortment/Gifting. The biscuit market in the Republic of Ireland grew by 8.7% in value in 2001 and is currently valued at Euro246.6m at rsp. Retail News, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Real ale is finding new favour among first-time drinkers
According to research commissioned by Dorset's Badger Brewery, real ale is finding new favour among Britain's first-time drinkers. The younger generation's thirst for new and different flavours is boosting sales of cask-conditioned beer. 46% of 18-24 year olds and 48% of the total sample surveyed said they were drinking more cask ale than in 2001. A greater choice of lighter beer-styles on the market was especially popular with women. Overall sales of cask ales dipped yet again last year. What's Brewing, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Organic beer production has boomed on the back of drinkers' demands for food without the use of agricultural chemicals
Organic beer production has boomed on the back of drinkers' demands for food and drink made without the use of agricultural chemicals. Such has been the growth in organic brews that there are believed to be 59 British beers that meet the accreditation requirements of the Soil Association, which checks that only truly organic ingredients are used. Britain is also the world's major producer of organic beer with a clear lead over the likes of France, which has 32 brews, Germany (14), US (11), and Belgium (3). Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics Top 25 Soft Drinks The Checkout/ACNielsen
Top 25 Soft Drinks Report shows there is plenty to celebrate in the category, with just 8 brands showing a decline in sales and the majority in strong growth. While the top 5 soft drink brands remain unchanged this year, there has been a considerable jostling for positions between 6 and 10. Irn-Bru and Ocean Spray have muscled their way into the top 10 to slots 9 and 10, while further significant sales gains have seen Fanta shoulder its way up to No. 6. Coca-Cola (1) has maintained its unstoppable sales growth with a 5% increase this year. Good news as well for cola rival Pepsi (3), which has turned last year's 12% decline into a 10% rise to July 2002. Independent Retail News, on Headlines from Mintel

Key Statistics A nation of 'alcotots'
1 in 5 children aged 11-16 has a boozing session at least once a week and the number of women aged to 16-24 who regularly drink twice the recommended alcohol limit has increased by 17% in the past 12 months. Alcohol Concern has warned that irresponsible marketing by drinks companies has cultured a nation of 'alcotots' by making it easier for children to drink and encouraging young adults to drink to excess. High sugar alcopops are being blamed because they are easier to drink. Daily Express, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics UK manufacturing grows but pace slows
The UK manufacturing sector grew for a second consecutive month in September, although the rate of growth slowed and improvements seemed to be at the cost of profit margins, according to a closely watched survey published on Tuesday. Economists said the purchasing managers' index was a little better than expected following the surprisingly sharp drop in the Euro zone’s manufacturing index published on Tuesday and continued US weakness. But they warned the sector's outlook was still far from certain. FT in Brief (World News & Comment) http://tm0.com/sbct.cgi?s=61423343&i=652286&m=1&d=3179766
Business & Economics Retail sales in September According to the British Retail Consortium, September's total retail sales rose 6.3%, down from 7.6% in August 2002. Like-for-like sales rose 3.4% showing a continued strong sales growth during the month. The Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since December 2001
According to a study by Martin Hamblin GfK, consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since December 2001. 46% of consumers think the UK's general economic situation has worsened in the last 12 months. Drapers Record, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics US economy survey
According to the US Federal Reserve retail and manufacturing continued to struggle during September and October 2002, with job market remaining stagnant. Interest rates have remained at a 40-year low, however further cuts are on hold in case of a possible conflict with Iraq in which case the economy will probably need a boost. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics US consumer confidence dives
Under the weight of deteriorating job prospects, falling stock values and the threat of war with Iraq, US consumer confidence experienced its 2nd-biggest drop in the past decade in October 2002. Household spending is weakening sharply and adds to the case for a cut in US interest rates again. Wall Street Journal Europe, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics Growth forecasts cut
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research has cut its economic growth forecasts for 2002 to 1.4%, against the Treasury's budget forecasts of between 2% and 2.5%. The research group has also reduced the 2003 projections to 2.5%, compared to the Treasury's expectations of between 3% and 3.5%. As a result the UK Treasury may need to raise an extra £20bn in tax revenue by 2006. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

Business & Economics Rise in UK retail sales
According to the Office for National Statistics, Britons have continued to spend well on the UK high street, but they are becoming more cautious. During September 2002, retail sales grew by 4.6% over the year, an increase on the previous month. Department stores in particular enjoyed a good month, with sales rising 3.8%, their best in over 6 years. The month of September meanwhile saw clothing/footwear sales decrease by 1.1%, possibly due to the warm weather factor. Overall, some £21.3bn is said to have been taken at cash tills throughout the UK last month, up 4.5% on the same time in September 2001. BBC News Online, on Headlines from Mintel

International Developments FAR EAST: Biscuits offer a way into Asia-Pacific
The versatility, simplicity of manufacturing, and future prospects for biscuits in Asia Pacific make it a sector of key interest for smaller food companies looking to expand into the region. Combined with ease of product transportation, storage, and a long shelf life, the flexibility of biscuits makes them the ideal vehicle for smaller foreign companies to get a targeted foothold into growth regions. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/features_detail.asp?art=670&app=1

International Developments JAPAN: Sea water beer craze hits brewers
The craze for a cheap beer made out of sea water and raw malt is denting Japan's brewing industry. The country's biggest brewer Asahi said it was seeing a continuing slide in sales as more and more Japanese turned to the drink called happoshu. BBC, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e51017505&e=6327

International Developments Soft drinks up 5% a year as Asian growth kicks in
The global consumption of soft drinks is growing by around 5% a year, with Asia, the middle East and Asia the key growth drivers, according to a new report. In a report entitled Global Soft Drinks 2002, drinks consultancy Zenith International, said total volume reached 412,000m litres in 2001, equivalent to 67.5 litres per person. Just-drink.com http://just-drinks.com/nd.asp?art=18239&dm=yes

Retail & Company News Chinese wellbeing chain enters the UK
Hutchison Whampoa, the Far East business which created the Orange mobile phones brand, is launching an international chain of Chinese wellbeing stores, entitled Sen. The first will be located in South Molton Street, London, opening later this month (Nov. 2002). 'Sen' has been created to win sales in the growing market for wellbeing products, offering a wide selection of healthcare therapies that claim to keep illness at bay. By launching both standalone stores and concessions, Sen hopes to take business away from retailers such as Boots and Holland & Barrett. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Aqua Pura introduces new 500ml sub-brand called Mobile
Aqua Pura, the water brand, is launching a new 500ml sub-brand called Mobile with still sports cap, still crew cap and sparkling screw cap variants. (Nothing to do with the engine oil, it is assumed) Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Female toothpaste launch planned
In the US, scientists have created a toothpaste that incorporates hormone replacement therapy and may be used for women looking to counter the effects of the menopause. It is hoped that the toothpaste may come onto the market within 5 years, providing a HRT alternative to pills and patches. The Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Onken unveils single-serve Biowild yoghurts with health benefits
Onken Dairy (UK) has made its first foray into the competitive single-serve yoghurt sector in the UK with the launch of Biowild, a new range of low-fat bio yoghurts which combine fruit with natural plants, herbs and flower extracts. Biowild comes in six varieties, with some unusual combinations: Peach & Lemon Balm; Plum & Hop; Apple & Hawthorn; Pear, Rosehip & Marigold; Blueberry, Elderberry & Passion Flower; and Blackberry, Elderberry & Lavender. Just-food.com http://justfood.com/news_detail.asp?art=51878&dm=yes

Products & Brands New energy drink
A new energy drink from Cadbury Schweppes is being launched, called Pink Fish. It will initially be sold in Spain, but may roll out to other European countries. The drink seeks to win sales away from Red Bull, by adopting a similar taste. Design Week, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Soya-based drinks range launched
The first fresh soya-based drinks selection for the UK has been launched, under the name MangaJo. It sees MangaJo Soya Essentials capitalise on the growing demand for healthy adult drinks Packaging Magazine, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Healthy chocolate range from SoBe
HVC Lizard Chocolate has joined up with PepsiCo subsidiary South Beach Beverage Company to develop a range of 'good-for-you' chocolate bars with added taurine, ginseng and guarana to boost energy levels. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=5588

Products & Brands Sobe Beverage Co. jumping on the kids' beverage craze with new Lizardade juice drink pouches
Sobe Beverage Co., the PepsiCo unit, is jumping on the children’s' beverage craze with a 2-market test of new Lizardade juice drink pouches. The drinks' group entrée into the fast-growing, $800bn aseptic juice drink sector is an attempt to encroach on Kraft Foods' $400m Capri Sun brand. Early test results reveal the 4-flavour Lizardade line - which features 25% less sugar than Capri Sun and is fortified with vitamins, calcium and zinc - has been well-received. PepsiCo has been trying unsuccessfully to break into children's beverages via its Tropicana unit, which has faltered with tests of a single-serve line called Drenchers and child positioning for Twisters. Advertising Age, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Beverages or functional foods?
US maker of herbal and medicinal teas Flora is introducing Bija Healing Teas to the American market. The company said the new teas, which come in nine different formulas, will create a new category - functional teas. The formulas include Rooibos Antioxidant, made with the South African rooibos herb, Double Ginseng, Double Ginger and Echinacea and Elderberry. They are also double bagged for optimum extraction. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=5719

Products & Brands Health benefits of tea in a pill
Tea, particularly green tea, has a relatively high content of natural antioxidants that are associated with positive health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and autoimmune diabetes. Now, the government-funded Taiwan Tea Experiment Station has developed a pill that is claimed to provide all the nutrients of tea. It is made from freshly harvested tea leaves and has a slightly bitter taste Foodlineweb.co.uk, from LFRA http://www.foodlineweb.co.uk/foodweb/displaynews.asp?newsid=938

Products & Brands Pfizer sells medicine lollies to kids (Canada)
Drug manufacturer Pfizer has introduced cough syrup into child-friendly freezer pops in Canada. It claims they will help soothe throats as they melt, as well as tasting attractive to children. Benylin Freezer Pops are packaged in colourful kiddie packaging, featuring a little yellow mascot with one of the pops in his hand. Each ice pop contains 7.5mg of the cough suppressant Dextromethorphan and Pectin and they come in Icy Orange and Glacier Grape flavours. Every individual pouch is an exact portion of medicine, which must be cut open with scissors to discourage children from biting them open, as they do with the medicine-free version of the popular frozen treats. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/nd.asp?art=52060&app=1

Products & Brands Fanta Berry
Fanta Berry is about the closest product that Coke has to Pepsi's 'Blue'. The flavour is actually quite similar as this is a 'naturally flavoured berry soda'. Of course, it doesn't taste anything like real berries -- just lots of flavours and colours, which is exactly what we would expect from Coke. Overall, we really don't like the taste of this product and we think that the overall quality is low. Included in the list of ingredients are natural flavours. Fanta Orange Soda, which is a Coca-Cola product imported from Holland, is a fine soda made with orange juice. This soda is very refreshing -- it's just too bad that Coca-Cola doesn't make products like this in the United States. This beverage is very refreshing and full of real orange juice flavour. Orange Fanta is an easy sipping gourmet soda with a low level of carbonation. In addition, the packaging is very nice -- it has a thick green moulded glass bottle. This is truly a top-notch product. Definitely try this product if you can! With artificial flavours!! BevNET.com, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e50336718&e=6327

Products & Brands Dog food range expands
The dog food line-up from Butcher's Pet Care is being extended with 2 new variants: 100% Complete and Butcher's Choice. The first offering is a dry-food nutritional meal, coming in re-sealable compact packaging, with 2 recipes. Butcher's Choice meanwhile comes into the premium side of the market, and is sold in 4 meat recipes. Marketing, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Ocean Spray introduces grapefruit range
Ocean Spray, the company best known for its cranberry juices, has launched a new grapefruit juice which it claims can give drinkers an energy boost and meet all their vitamin C requirements. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=5765

Products & Brands Vanilla Coke hits Europe Grocer
Today Daily Alert http://www.grocertoday.co.uk/article.asp?s=2&a=250102 A successful launch of Vanilla Coke in Europe is important Coca-Cola Co.'s Vanilla Coke made its debut in the US 5 months ago and has fared well, helping the soft drinks giant boost overall sales and attract new drinkers to the Coke brand. Coca-Cola is now relying on a heavy sampling campaign to sell the flavour to European consumers. Vanilla Coke will launch 1st in Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Sampling in trendy bars will be an important element of Coca-Cola's game plan. It is compiling a list of hot spots in Oslo and Stockholm, and will place trendy-looking people there to pass out free samples. Coca-Cola is targeting bars that have had strong sales of vanilla-flavoured vodka, which has been a growing trend in the Nordic countries. A successful launch of Vanilla Coke in Europe is important now; sales growth in the region lately has trailed that in North America. Wall Street Journal Europe, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Mike's Hard lemonade arrives in the UK
Mike's Hard Lemonade, a drink that has taken Canada and the US by storm, has arrived in the UK. The Canadian thirst quencher is a blend of vodka and home-made style lemonade. It is less sweet than most other premium packaged spirits and as such it tends to appeal to young male drinkers as an alternative to lager. Morning Advertiser, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Dressing for popcorn
Those who already enjoy the sweet, salty mix of kettle corn might delight in this new product launch in the US. Kettle corn popcorn glaze from Back to Basics Products, available in Blue Raspberry, Sweet Butter, Strawberry, Grape, Red Hot Cinnamon, and Caramel, is supposed to dress popcorn up in flavour. It is likely to be enjoyed by adults looking for a twist on an old snack, and by kids, who love anything sweet. Food Industry News, October 2002

Products & Brands Brand extensions for chocolate
The addition of new flavours (limited edition and other-wise) and formats to well established brands have done much to innovate the chocolate confectionery market. These developments help maintain interest in a brand, and sometimes even add an element of fun. Past successes have included chunky formats (notably KitKat Chunky), crunchier formats (e.g. Snickers Cruncher), and simply the addition of different flavours (e.g. KitKat mint and orange Crunchie). The most recent interesting extensions have been picked up in Asia. In Japan, the KitKat brand from Nestlé has now appeared in a banana variety. And in Singapore Mars’ Snickers brand is now available in an Almond variety. Food Industry News, October 2002

Products & Brands Touch of Milk ready for UK shelves
PepsiCo subsidiary Tropicana is set to launch its Touch of Milk range in the UK next week. The products, aimed at health-conscious consumers, are 13 per cent milk and mixed with fruit juice. They are available in red fruit, exotic fruit and summer fruit flavours. The product contains vitamin C and has no added sugar. Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/brief.asp

Products & Brands Lip plumping gel being launched in the UK
An Australian lip plumping gel is being launched into UK pharmacies by Skindoctors Dermaceuticals. Perfect Pout, which contains L-arginine, is formulated to open the capillary matrix of the lips, allowing blood to engorge them and increase the lip size. The lips remain full for up to 5 hours. The product also contains palmitate to help improve the condition of the lips and add a glossy sheen. Chemist & Druggist, on Headlines from Mintel

Products & Brands Arla tests milk drink samples on workers
Arla Foods is aiming to extend its share of the competitive dairy foods industry by launching a new milk drink, Café Met, aimed at taking advantage of the growing impulse-purchase market. Café Met, in choc 'o' latte and mocha 'a' latte flavours, is an addition to Arla Foods, responsible for Anchor butter and Cravendale PurFiltre. Nationwide sampling is taking place in streets, health clubs and selected concert venues, where consumers are offered money-off coupons in return for their details. In addition, office sampling is taking place in 600 offices from Newcastle to Cardiff to promote the product as a 'take-to-work' drink. Office sampling was chosen because it's fun and guarantees a hit with our target audience. Industry News Alert, from mad.co.uk

Ingredients & Innovation A drink with a difference
In Finland, Ilmajoen Osuusmeijeri has adopted a more health-oriented approach for its new product. New under the Avidus brand is Hedelmäcockail, a chilled fruit cocktail drink based on whey, with 2% alcohol by volume. In this case, the company claims that the product’s whey content is almost 90%, but by fermenting whey lactose to alcohol, the typical whey flavour has been removed. It is low in lactose (0.2g per 100g), has 0% fat, and contains antioxidant vitamins A, C & E plus flavonoids. The alcohol content is mentioned in the nutritional statement, but the front of pack is flashed more prominently with the antioxidant message and 0% fat. Apart from whey, added ingredients include fruit sugar and fruit concentrate (orange, pineapple, pear, apricot and passion fruit). Food Industry News, October 2002

Ingredients & Innovation New hydrocolloid for baked fillings
The pace continues for US manufacturer of hydrocolloids TIC Gums with the company this week announcing the launch of a further product. TIC Pretested Ticacel 42-BC Powder and TIC Pretested Ticacel 824 MP Powder are modified cellulose products that can be used for water binding, thickening and gelling applications. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6345

Industry Initiatives Call to ban soft drinks in British schools
The British Soft Drinks Association has attacked a call by Milk For Schools for the banning of carbonated drinks in schools. MFS claims that by offering children milk, water and fruit juices, childhood obesity could start to be tackled. The BSDA hit back claiming that the key to a healthy lifestyle is an adequate fluid intake, along with an active lifestyle and balanced diet, so any drinks can form part of that plan, including soft beverages. Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Waitrose guides its shoppers
An in-store audio guide for shoppers is being trialled by Waitrose. To run for 9 weeks, it allows people to listen to product information, both in its wine department, and also its cheese counter. Products taking part include a ticker number, which is then inputted into the small audio device, allowing more information to be gained about the possible purchase e.g. ideas for usage, storage and production. Grocer, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Eating curry may protect skin from radiation burns
Cancer researchers at the University of Rochester have found that curcumin, a substance in curry long believed to have health benefits, seems to protect skin during radiation therapy... Nutraingredients.com http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news.asp?id=5602

Industry Initiatives Cheaper chocolate? New research from the US claims that new, high-yielding selections of Theobroma cacao, may offer new hope to the world's cacao growers - and to chocolate manufacturers and chocolate lovers across the world. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6101

Industry Initiatives Process berries and boost the benefits
Research into the coloured compounds, called anthocyanins, found in strongly coloured berries will provide new insights into the role of these compounds in the prevention of cardiovascular disease... Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6165

Industry Initiatives Fussy consumers forcing orchards out of business
The consumer aversion to apples that are too red means that tonnes of apples are being dumped. Apples are also rejected for being too big or small and pears are accused of being the wrong shape. Supermarket demands like this mean that more than 60% of apple orchards and 50% of pear orchards have been lost in 30 years, and land used for orchards is down 13% in 2 years. 599,000 apples and pears worth £300m were imported in 2000. UK growers produce 231,300 tons a year worth £68m. The English Cox apple accounts for 55% of dessert apples. The Times, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Ethical chocolate, a buyers guide
The success of Dubble shows that consumers are willing to buy ethical chocolate, happy in the knowledge that producers are rewarded properly for their efforts, and that child labour is cut out. As a whole, the chocolate industry aims to be seen as more 'green', through the launch of the Global Industry Protocol, ensuring that cocoa is grown "under appropriate labour conditions" by July 2005. In a 2-page guide, Ethical Consumer takes a look at how major suppliers of chocolate e.g. Mars, Thornton's and Nestlé shape up. Ethical Consumer, on Headlines from Mintel

Industry Initiatives Fortified drinks - fighting poverty
More evidence to suggest that fortified drinks could contribute to aiding dietary deficiencies in developing countries emerged this week when a US scientist reported that a cheap, fortified, orange-flavoured drink could reduce deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron, iodine and vitamin A. Food Navigator, on Drinks and beverages industry news http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e50885212&e=6327

Industry Initiatives Pepper prices to rocket
Pepper prices are soaring due to poor rains in the major producing nations of India and Indonesia, industry experts have warned. Growing consumption in India is further supporting the price of the spice. India is the world’s biggest grower of peppercorns, followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. The rainfall shortages are expected to lead to a 7.2% smaller global harvest in 2003 when compared to this year’s estimated crop of 305,462 metric tons. India's crop is likely to be 22% lower in 2003, while Indonesia's output will decline by 7% and Malaysia's by 8.3%. Prices in Malaysia are at a 16-month high of $142 per metric ton compared to 2001 when prices averaged $130. The poor rains are the result of an El Nino weather pattern in South East Asia that largely dried up the 2002 monsoon. Price rises have been exacerbated by farmers switching to other produce after a glut last year pushed pepper prices to a seven year low. Food Industry News, October 2002

Industry Initiatives Developing products for the European taste-bud
About half of Western European shoppers always or usually select foods for health reasons. This level of health activity is less than in other regions of the world, such as the US, China or Australia. Data from the HealthFocus Trend Survey, collected from more than 2000 'primary grocery shoppers’ (mostly women) in Western Europe - the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands - shows that the European is lagging far behind the US, Australia and Chinese consumer in terms of health shopping. They are also more confident that they can be overweight and still healthy - particularly French shoppers. But Western European shoppers are also concerned with the pleasures of food, and want emotional rewards. Europeans therefore, despite being less proactive consumers than the Americans, should be a key target for manufacturers of functional food. Foodnavigator.com http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/news.asp?id=6318

Industry Initiatives Future Innovations in Food 2001:
Forward-focused NPD and Maximizing Brand Value Future Innovations in Food 2001, from Reuters Business Insights, looks at the changing trends in innovation and the effect these will have on the product launch landscape, small and large manufacturers and the food market and suggests new product development in the food sector is as innovative as ever. Selected findings include: 1. The NPD cycle will decrease, on average, from 2.1 years to 1.3 years in the next five years. This will place more pressure on many manufacturers to introduce greater efficiency into the NPD process and necessitate ingredients and packaging suppliers to play a more central role in developing new products. 2. Senior citizens are still under-represented by new product launches in all regions. Some manufacturers have achieved success through the marketing of health benefits, but there are still huge opportunities for those companies that can target senior consumers specifically on the basis of other features and benefits. 3. Unilever is rated as the most innovative food company, followed by Nestle. US manufacturers occupy four of the top ten leading places in the table of the most innovative companies. McVitie's is ranked in the top ten, despite its reduction in NPD spend, proving that efficiency and focus, rather than straight investment provide the key to NPD success. Just-food.com http://just-food.com/pd.asp?art=13376&lk=ewh142

Industry Initiatives Children refuse to eat the food prepared by their parents
Getting children to eat foods prepared for them at mealtimes has become increasingly difficult for parents, claims a new study. It was discovered that half of children between the ages of 5 and 11 refuse to eat the food on offer at least once a week, and more than a quarter of these refuse on a daily basis. Vegetables are what children shun the most, followed by meat and spicy dishes. Parents attempt to change this attitude amongst the young however, by withholding treats, disguising foods and even using bribery. Evening Standard, on Headlines from Mintel

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