Breaking News on Beverage Technology & Markets

Cranberry not just for Christmas

Cranberry is no longer just for Christmas as growth in consumer demand has helped the little red berry find its way into some 900 brand new products this year - a staggering rise from the 2006 position of 54 launches, according to Mintel.

Drinks manufacturers turn to emerging markets

Emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe continue to attract beverage manufacturers, as this week Carlsberg increased its presence in Lao and Coca-Cola said it is looking for acquisitions in central Europe and Russia.

Peltz threatens Cadbury, pushes for change

The Trian investment group, led by Nelson Peltz, yesterday called for Cadbury to make a raft of improvements to its operations, threatening to take matters out of management's hands if the requests are not met.

Constellation Brands' buy targets finer US wine

Constellation Brands has consolidated its presence within premium wine production by acquiring the US winery portfolio of Fortune Brands for $885m, amidst growing demand for higher quality products in the country.

Deadline imposed on S&N acquisition

UK trade authorities have given a consortium formed between Carlsberg and Heineken a four-week window in which to outline a "firm" intention to acquire brewer Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) or cease any further action relating to the deal.

Pernod shortlists Absolut or Stolichnaya for acquisition

Pernod Ricard has says it will purchase either Absolut or Stolichnaya in its attempts to add an premium vodka label to its portfolio, though it has not yet finalised any acquisition plan.

EFSA budget swells amid increasing industry innovation

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) agreed at last week's management board meeting that next year's budget, set by the European Union, is sufficient to align to the growing legislative demands without losing focus elsewhere.

European parliament passes spirits regulations

European Commission amendments designed to shake up and protect spirit production within the bloc were yesterday adopted by the European parliament, outlining new requirements for manufacturers in the bloc.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

Eastern promise for European water sales

Bottled water consumption continues to rise drastically in Eastern Europe, increasing by 15 per cent during 2006, new research has found.

Moderate beer intake may cut Alzheimer's risk: study

The silicon content of beer may protect against the deleterious effects of aluminium on brain health, suggests a new study with mice from Spain.

Briefs: Coca-Cola, Absolut and Pepsi

In this week's briefs, Coca-Cola Enterprises lifts sale expectations for the year ahead, the Absolut vodka brand will go the highest bidder at an upcoming auction, and Pepsi consolidates its bottling presence in the US.

EFSA group formed to evaluate Southampton study

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has put together a working group to provide the European Commission and EU member states with scientific advice on the effects of food additives on behaviour by the end of February.

Renamed Cadbury beverage arm faces brighter future

Cadbury Schweppes says that its American Beverages division is defying the increasingly challenging conditions in the global carbonated soft drinks market by performing above the company's expectations for the year.

Wild taps clear fruit-juice trend with Refresher concept

Beverage innovator Wild has come up with a new concept for clear fruit-juice drinks called Refresher, to help manufacturers tap demand for near water, spritzer and water-plus products.

Wine enrichment dominates pre-vote EU talks

EU Agricultural commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel will continue to work towards driving greater innovation in EU wine production, though she vowed yesterday to get tough on wine enrichment as part of industry reform in the bloc.

New machine claims to eliminate bottle line jams

A new bottle packaging machine claims to allow for efficient and consistent packaging lines that remain jam-free, according to its manufacturer Standard-Knapp.

Carlsberg stands by S&N offer

Carlsberg and Heineken will stand by a rejected joint-offer made last month for British-based rival Scottish and Newcastle (S&N), despite recent research suggesting that an improved bid would likely be accepted by shareholders.

Producers need to 're-think' responsible drinking ads

Drinks groups may stepping up their efforts to promote responsible alcohol consumption, but some of their latest advertising campaigns have been labelled as "catastrophically misconceived", according to new research.

US gives kick to global energy drink sales

US consumers drank 990m litres of energy drinks during 2006, a 47 per cent increase over the previous year, making the country the largest global market for the product.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

Sugary drinks linked to Alzheimer's, says study

Researchers in the US have found that mice given a sugar solution as part of their daily diets showed increased signs of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Revised Carlsberg offer may sway S&N shareholders - survey

Up to 20 per cent of Scottish & Newcastle's (S&N) shareholders may be ready to support Carlberg and Heinekin's bid to buy the UK-based brewer, according to an independent survey.

New techniques added to acrylamide reduction handbook

The food and drink industry has added more techniques to its handbook advising processors on how to reduce acrylamide formation, a bid to help smaller companies voluntarily reduce the potential carcinogen in their products.

Drink banned for using alcohol reduction technique

An attempt to introduce a new technique for producing a low-alcohol sparkling wine has backfired for one UK processor, which received a decision yesterday confirming the ban of the product as it is now marketed.

Coca-Cola makes Aussie beer buy for profit push

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA), a major soft drinks producer in Australia and Asia, has acquired the country's Bluetongue brewery brand to extend its premium beer focus in a bid to further diversify its revenue stream.

Codex will look again at health claims science

Codex has agreed its draft rules on health claims needs further work following concerns over what evidence should be required for scientific substantiation.

Briefs: Anheuser-Busch, Nestle and cannabis booze

In the latest news roundup, Anheuser-Busch will continue to step up pricing in the US, Coca-Cola is considering Indian expansion, Nestle take a controlling stake in bottled water group Henniez, and the number could be up for cannabis gin.

Software offers visual pipe maintenance testing

Software designed to analyse piping for the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries has been upgraded to make it easier for processors to visually test flows through their systems.

Education and enlargement behind EU spirits concerns

Effectively educating consumers about alcohol misuse in an enlarged EU is one of the main issues facing spirits companies in the year ahead, according to an industry report.

Health concerns dominate Australian beverage boom

Despite a sharp increase in beverage consumption amongst Australians over the last decade, sales of sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks have fallen "dramatically", according to a national trade association in the country.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.

Industry calls for new UN climate change agreement

Major food and drink companies such as Nestle are part of an industry group calling on the world's leaders to forge a binding UN agreement to tackle climate change.