Top Headlines

Make way for the 'incredible bulk', fuelling wine sales explosion

An astonishing rise in bulk wine exports over the past decade has led to ‘democratisation, commoditisation, innovation and over-supply’ of products that has changed the industry for good, according to Rabobank.

Related news

News in brief

Souped-up packaging to extend ease of use can’t reach all brands at once, says Nestlé

Nestlé says it is investing in further training for its industrial designers in the Cambridge University ‘Inclusive Design’ approach, to accelerate packaging modifications across its brand portfolio to ensure ease of use for consumers of all ages.

Consumers seek Britvic fizz in flat financial times…

Fragile fiscal confidence amongst consumers in Great Britain (GB) and Ireland means they are turning away from Britvic’s stills to its lower-priced carbonates, according to an analyst who follows the firm.

Alcohol pricing bill could sabotage Scotch whisky, warns academic

A Scottish-based academic has warned BeverageDaily.com that plans by the country’s legislators to introduce minimum alcohol pricing would be a ‘massive shot in the foot’ for the nation’s top global export Scotch whisky.

MWV highlights packaging positives as it posts Q4 loss and forecasts tough 2012

Tough economic conditions in the fourth quarter of 2011 will spill over into this year, said MeadWestvaco (MWV) as it posted a fourth quarter loss of US$9m (€6.8m).

World organic food sales shine, but dairy in doldrums

The overall global market for organic food and drink is in good shape but dairy sales in the sector fell during the recession, due to high 2008 milk prices in particular, according to Euromonitor International.

Global Industry News

Naturex eyes Asian acquisitions as 2011 sales jump 12% from NutraIngredients.com

With 2011 sales jumping 12.3%, the world’s biggest botanical extracts specialist says it will acquire 4-5 companies in 2012, with negotiations advancing with an Asian target.

Market opportunities in medicated confectionery – Leatherhead from ConfectioneryNews.com

Medicated confectionery such as cough and throat sweets has enjoyed an upsurge in recent months and there is scope for new products to enter the category, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

Revising food packaging standards will reflect industry practices - USDA from FoodProductionDaily.com

The revision of US food container inspection law has been proposed, with the aim of bringing the regulation up to speed with 21st century food packaging technology.

Californian ‘downer’ euthanasia law overturned – Supreme Court from FoodQualityNews.com

A Californian state law that would require euthanising “downer” livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses has been ‘reversed and remanded’ by the US Supreme Court.