Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

News Briefs: Britvic, German ale and gourmet beer

This week, Britvic posts European revenue growth, German beer demand dips and Carlsberg aims its latest beer brand at Denmark's big spenders.

Nanostructures tested as beta-carotene carriers in beverages

Beta-carotene, used in foods and beverages as colourants and health ingredient, can be stabilised by novel nano-scale carriers, suggests innovative research from Germany.

Hot liquids release harmful chemicals in polycarbonate bottles

Pouring hot water on polycarbonate plastic bottles appears to trigger leaching of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) that could be harmful to consumers, according to a new study.

Pepsi Bottling Group captures full year sales growth

Full year sales were up seven per cent for the Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) to $13.5bn, with the company expecting further growth ahead in 2008.

Coca-Cola arm keen on green plant plan

The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCH) has announced plans to cut its annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 per cent by the end of next year, with a new production strategy.

Diageo expands with premium US wine buy

Diageo is to expand its presence within the high growth US market for premium wines with the acquisition of national producer Rosenblum Cellars for $105m (€71m).

UK food and drink makers to cut water use

A group of leading UK food and drink manufacturers is pledging to reduce water use under a new programme designed to improve their environmental credentials and cut costs.

Weekly comment

Probiotics, friend or foe?

The headlines are sensationalist: twenty-four people have died in a probiotic trial. Therefore, probiotics may be fatal. Throw those yoghurt shots away!

New SIG Combibloc machine speeds up filling

A new filling machine designed by SIG Combibloc can fill cartons 20 per cent faster than its predecessor, says the Swiss company.

EU spirit makers question Thai import charges

The European Spirits Organisation (CEPS) yesterday welcomed moves by the EU to open talks with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over its concerns regarding Thailand's custom charges.

Brewers' war ends as S&N agrees to sale plan

It seems a case of third time lucky for Carlsberg and Heineken after the board of UK-based brewer Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) today agreed to an 800 pence per share deal for its operations.

News briefs: Pernod, Tata and Efes Breweries

This week, Pernod Ricard lifts its full year profitability expectations, Tata Tea is brewing expansion plans for entering retail, and Efes brewery posts sales volume growth.

Wal-Mart chief pledges higher prices for sustainable suppliers

The chief executive of the world's biggest retailer yesterday promised to favour suppliers providing high quality and ethically sourced products.

Pepsi announces responsible water funding

PepsiCo is teaming up with the Earth Institute and the H2O Africa Foundation in a bid to encourage sustainable use of non-industrial water supplies in developing countries.

Bitter taste discovery could lead to palatability boost

American and Japanese researchers have identified how peptides in food activate human bitter taste receptors, data that could have implications for the food industry and food formulators.

Exporters and watchdogs question US booze labelling

Proposals for new mandatory labelling requirements on alcoholic beverages in the US have come under criticism this week from foreign manufacturers and watchdogs for offering no benefit to the consumer.

Alginate encapsulation could expand probiotic applications

Encapsulating probiotic bacteria in alginate-coated gelatin microspheres could protect the friendly bacteria against the harsh conditions of the stomach and upper intestine, allowing for greater delivery of these value-added ingredients, suggests new research.

Coffee linked to lower ovarian cancer risk

Drinking three or more cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by over 20 per cent, according to a new study.

Euro GM reluctance could hit beer innovation

As the EU debates retaining national bans on genetically modified (GM) crops, one industry expert believes that failure to adapt could grant foreign rivals using the technology an upper hand, not least in terms of brewing a good beer.

Weekly Comment

Exotic fruits or local berries? You choose

As consumer demand for exotic superfruits increases, so will the impact of transport on the environment. But as policy makers and green campaigners devise more ways of monitoring greenhouse gases, who will win the environmental tug of war?

Charity says game over for drink maker promotions

Despite growing pressure on beverage and food manufacturers to curb marketing junk food to children, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says that some groups are still using online and label-based games for promotion.

S&N sales discussions kicks off amidst uncertainty

Scottish & Newcastle has today begun talks with Heineken and Carlsberg over a potential 800 pence per share sale, though an imminent deadline and possible interest from competition authorities could yet endanger the deal.

Briefs: Heineken, C&C and Foster's

In the latest briefs, Heineken steps up its presence in Algeria, The C&C Group continues to be hit by a weak UK cider market, and Foster's goes brand mad by extending an exclusive deal to push Corona Extra in Australia.

Lager volume gains keep SABMiller on target

Sales volume growth across SABMiller's regional markets, increased pricing and a favourable exchange rate over the US dollar are helping to keep the brewer on track for its full year targets, the company said today.

Salzgitter to buy SIG Beverages unit

Leading steel firm Salzgitter is buying SIG Beverages from the Switzerland-based SIG packaging group, expanding its share of the plastic bottle market.

Coffee costs soar into 2008

Coffee prices continued to rise into 2008 on the back of increased costs at the end of 2007, according to new figures from the International Coffee Organisation (ICO).

Report pinpoints functional food niche with most potential

Foods and drinks developed to address the specific health needs of consumers are expected to exceed category growth in the US functional food segment, according to a new report.

Avery Dennison expands self-adhesive wine labelling

Dutch group Avery Dennison is expanding its range of self-adhesive labelling for the wine sector, offering new products that cut down on waste and increase efficiency.

Irn Bru maker thinks functional for purchase plan

Soft drink maker AG Barr is to expand into the burgeoning market for functional beverages and waters with the acquisition of the Vitsmart and Vitaminsmart labels from Chartered Brands.

Sustainable manufacturers reaping consumer rewards

US consumers are becoming increasingly concerned over social and environmental implications when choosing packaged food and beverage brands, according to a new report by Information Resources, Inc (IRI).

Weekly comment

How natural is 'natural'?

The refusal by regulators to provide a formal definition of the term 'natural' will ultimately lead to confusion for consumers and a legal headache for manufacturers.

Nutrition key to turnaround for kids' drinks - report

Sales of children's beverages in the US declined by four per cent last year to $4.6bn over the same period in 2006, as concerns over obesity and child health increasingly shape the market, research has found.

S&N rejects improved Carlsberg and Heineken bid

The board of brewer Scottish & Newcastle has today rejected yet another attempt by Carlsberg and Heineken to jointly acquire its operations with an improved 780 pence per share bid, though it may yet be forced to sell.

Briefs: Anheuser Busch, San Miguel and Rexam

In the latest briefs, Anheuser Busch continues to profit from its increasing focus on export brands; not to be outdone San Miguel also continues to enact cost savings in South China; and Rexam hits Russia.

Four-way x-ray designed for packaging

A recent development in x-ray detection for packaging leaves no place for contaminants to hide, whether in glass, metal and even stone or bone, according to its manufacturer.

Superfruit taste, health will over-ride sourcing worries

The superfruits trend is set to endure for the long term, according to a Datamonitor analyst, as consumers will prioritise their own health over environmental concerns like food miles and carbon footprint.

Western innovation drives ready to drink coffee growth

Rising demand for ready to drink (RTD) coffee in both Western Europe and North America is expected to drive global growth in the market as the industry meets consumer demands for taste and functionality, new research says.

S&N detail joint venture arbitration ambitions

As the deadline ticks down for brewer Carlsberg to acquire joint venture partner Scottish & Newcastle, both companies are going for the jugular in a battle that may significantly shake up the status quo of European brewers.

Demand strain drives SABMiller Polish expansion

SABMiller's Polish arm Kompania Piwowarska received the go ahead on Friday by competition authorities to acquire local brewer Browar Belgia to ease strain on its production for an undisclosed sum.

Health the key for UK coffee industry

Promoting the potential health benefits of coffee remains one of the foremost challenges ahead for manufacturers of the product in 2008, according to a newly formed industry trade association within the UK.

Plastics recycling firm targets food grade packaging

UK-based Alternative Waste Solutions (AWS) is set to become a major producer of recycled plastic for use by British food companies, allowing them to meet demands for cutting down on waste.

Weekly comment

Back to tap: bottled water's enviro-woes

It looks set to be a vintage year ahead for Chateau Eau De Source Public - or as it is more humbly known, tap water - as consumers find themselves encouraged to shun the mineral variety of the product to reduce packaging waste.

Kenyan riots hit tea supplies

Anglo-Dutch food group Unilever is facing disruptions to its tea supplies from Kenya, after looters in one of country's major tea-growing areas caused workers to flee and led to the deaths of eight of the firm's employees.

Hundred dollar oil to hit soft drink makers hard

As petrol prices temporarily rose above the dreaded $100 per barrel mark for the first time this week, beverage manufacturers have revealed their concerns over the possible cost implications for their operations.

Industry prepares to fight junk food ad watershed

As phase two of the UK's new rules on TV advertising of unhealthy foods targeted at children came into effect this week, the food industry is preparing to lock horns with campaigners over a 9pm watershed.

Briefs: Heineken, Coca-Cola and US energy drinks

This week, Heineken goes shopping in Belarus; Coca-Cola remains tip-lipped on Honest Beverages deal; and a US energy drink brand steps up its distribution in the country.

Molson Coors forms Canadian import venture

Molson Coors and Mexican-based brewer Grupo Modelo have formed a new joint venture to tap growing consumer appetite in Canada for imported beer brands.

Wine polyphenols may reduce effect of fatty food: study

Polyphenols from wine may reduce the negative impact of high-fat foods, according to a small study from Israel that suggests a role in the formulation of healthier food products.

UK body opens new year whisky consultation

It is not resolution, but regulation driving New Year optimism in Scotch whisky production, as the UK government this week opens consultation on new rules to protect the liquor's reputation internationally.