Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

EU spirits group lambaste Hong Kong duty cuts

The European spirits industry has slammed the Hong Kong government's decision to omit liquor from a recently announced exemption of duties on imported alcohol products.

Wrapper revamped for faster water packaging

Packaging firm Standard-Knapp claims that its integrated tray packing and shrink wrapping system for water bottles now operates at speeds of up to 70 trays per minute.

News briefs: Diageo, PepsiCo and Cott

This week, Diageo's Korean operations receive a boost, PepsiCo may look to improve ingredient sourcing for its Indian operations, and Cott hopes to maintain shelf space at Wal-Mart's US stores.

Healthy growth predicted for omega-3 beverage market

Sales of omega-3 enriched beverages are expected to maintain strong growth in the next few years from their position as a relative niche sector, according to a new report.

Enzymes designed to improve berry juice use

A new range of enzymes is designed to improve the juice volume and vitamin yield of blackcurrants for beverage use, in order to maximise the benefits of the superfruits, its manufacturer says.

Brewers aiming smaller in US craft beer drive

Seemingly small beer brands are becoming increasingly big business in the US, as a growing number of major brewers move to enter or consolidate their positions in the craft brewing category.

FSA opens contact material deadline talks

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has begun consultation with food and beverage manufacturers over their progress in bringing plastic packaging contact materials in line with health and safety rules.

Brewers cautious over EU traceability plan

New proposals designed to improve the traceability of consumer goods like beer have been cautiously welcomed by an association of European brewers, despite concerns over the exact cost of the system.

France suspects industry of fiddling food prices

French prime minister Francois Fillon has pledged to weed out food companies that are using current high commodity prices as an excuse to boost their own margins, even if they don't actually affect their products.

Dutch spirit producers face shrinking market, experts say

The market for Dutch spirits continues to shrink - and demand for the world famous jenever gin will halve over the next 12 years, a report has said.

Weekly Comment

Supplements - do we ask too much?

Taking a range of supplements from vitamin A to zinc is becoming part of everyday life. But as the latest study is published questioning their efficacy, people could be left wondering do they work?

ADM responds to HFCS obesity claims

Ingredients giant Archer Daniels Midland has criticised media reports linking the use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with the rise in US obesity levels, saying it is not the sole cause of the epidemic.

Briefs: SABMiller, Playboy, and whisky tax

This week, SABMiller declines to bid for S&N, Playboy makes a push into US energy drink market and The Scotch Whisky Association aims to maintain a freeze on spirits tax.

Profits up for S&N buyers; deal timeline set

The acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) by rivals Heineken and Carlsberg is expected during the second fiscal quarter 2008, it has been revealed, as all three parties this week announced organic profit gains over the full year 2007.

Omega-3 will flourish despite challenges, say analysts

A major challenge facing the lucrative omega-3 industry is the need to differentiate between the various sources of the fatty acid, analysts say.

Consumers shun nutrition info for recycling instructions

Consumers are more interested in seeing recycling information on food labels than fat, sugar and calorie information, according to a new survey from Mintel, adding further fuel to the debate on what info should be presented and how.

Drink makers face video sharing ad attack

A UK-based alcohol charity has expressed concerns that regulation and other frameworks designed to ensure responsible alcohol promotions are failing to keep up with developments in online advertising.

Cadbury scraps shareholder payout after profit drop

Cadbury today said the demerger of its beverage arm will no longer result in any capital return to its shareholders, as the company reported profit losses for the tax year 2007.

UK politician makes 'moral' bottled water stance

The UK environment minister has this week kicked off a war of words with the bottled water industry, claiming that it is acting in a "morally unacceptable" manner.

SABMiller to stick with Russian expansion plan

SABMiller has reiterated its ambitions to expand into the burgeoning Russian beer market, though says it will not stray from its current strategy of driving organic growth in the market.

Premium push lifts Foster's half-year profits

Australia-based Foster's posted half-year sales growth of 3.2 per cent in organic terms to AUS$2.3bn (€1.4bn) as growing demand for its premium brands partially offset a slowdown in its US wine segment.

Coca-Cola strengthens aluminium recycling initiative

Coca-Cola now plans to recycle 100 per cent of its aluminium cans sold in the US, the company announced last week.

Weekly comment

Making a meal out of saturated fat

The food industry across Europe needs to make a big effort to reduce saturated fat in food regardless of whether national agencies set targets - and it should not wait around for governments to do all the awareness-raising with its consumers.

Touch screen technology simplifies fill level inspection

Krones has introduced a new system called Checkmat 753 HF that it claims offers simple-to-use fill level inspection for bottles through touch screen technology.

Erythritol demand to grow with EU acceptance

EU member states must recognise erythritol as an approved sweetener by tomorrow, which is expected to increase its use in low-calorie products across Europe.

Coca-Cola profits from still and carbonated boost

Coca-Cola posted a 20 per cent improvement in operating revenues, amounting to $28.8bn during the full fiscal year as the company harnessed its international presence to drive growth in both its carbonated and non-carbonated brands.

Briefs: Diageo, Grolsch and Folgers Coffee

This week, Diageo posts half-year profit improvements thanks to Guinness and spirits, Grolsch continues to struggle with the UK premium lager market, and P&G reportedly hikes prices for its coffee brands.

Red wine heart benefits no different to other alcohols: study

The potential health benefits of a single glass of polyphenol rich red wine are no different to any other alcoholic beverage, according to new research.

Heat exchange tester steps up leakage sensitivity

A recent development in heat exchanger testing can offer brewers, soft drink makers and dairy manufacturers a practical and sensitive alternative to existing technologies with heightened sensitivity, according to its manufacturer.

S&N announces UK plant closure

Brewer Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) expects to close its Berkshire Brewery in England by 2010, in a bid to organise its production capabilities within the UK market to drive cost efficiency improvements, the company said.

Whisky group calls for greater health collaboration

Though the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) claims to be winning the fight to curb irresponsible consumption in its homeland, it has called for more cooperation between industry and government to meet responsible drinking aims.

Weekly Comment

The ethical cocoa confusion

While most consumers agree that ethically-sourced cocoa is no bad thing, an ever increasing number of different schemes risks muddying the issue and puzzling chocolate fans.

Lab study questions sweeteners for weight control

Sweetening foods with artificial sweeteners like saccharin may lead to increased body weight and fat build-up, suggests a study with rats that goes against intuition.

Healthy foods hold opportunities for starch, says Frost

High costs and market maturity make food starches a tough proposition, says analyst, but there are some clear opportunities since starch is critical in creating diet products with appealing taste and texture.

Coca-Cola takes Honest approach with innovation drive

Coca-Cola will acquire a 40 per cent stake in US-based organic beverage group Honest Tea, as part of an ongoing drive to focus on non-carbonated alternatives for its brands.

Diageo rules out Absolut move after Ketel deal

Diageo will not move for V&S' Absolut brand, after announcing this week that it will buy into a joint venture with a Netherlands-based premium vodka maker instead.

Gas Analyser launched for accurate data readings

A new multifunctional gas analyser can provide food packaging companies with accurate data storage and assure traceability for their products, according to its manufacturer Witt Gas Techniques Limited.

Briefs: Belvedere, Indian tariffs and Canadian Blue

This week, Canada-based Canadian Blue reveals merger discussions, Belvedere plans vodka consolidation and the WTO backs India over a tariff disagreement.

Fruit has potential for natural sports nutrition product

New Zealand fruit researchers are looking at the potential of a fruit extract to boost muscle function.

Ecolab buys into wastewater management

Ecolab, a global supplier of hygiene and safety systems, hopes to step up its focus on sustainable water and energy supply for the beverage and food industries with its latest acquisition.

Lycopene supplement aimed at skin protection

LycoRed has developed a carotenoid ingredient for supplements which is aimed at protecting the skin from sunburn - a move taking advantage of the rising beauty from within segment.

Pernod Ricard divests for key-brand drive

Spirit group Pernod Ricard is to sell off 14 sherry and brandy labels, excluding its Domecq brand, as it continues to focus on strong growth in the premium liquors segment.

Weekly comment

Branding Vs label info: who's the enemy?

Product branding and information provided to consumers on food labels are again at loggerheads, and industry doesn't seem likely to accept new EU labelling proposals without a fight.

UK prepares new standard on carbon emissions

A new standard for measuring embodied greenhouse gases in products and services could help food manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint, according to Campden Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA).

Folgers to go solo in P&G profit shake up

Procter and Gamble (P&G) has announced that it will look to operate its folgers coffee operations as an independent business in a bid to improve the value of the brand, which it says does not meet annual growth expectations.