Latest Food Industry News
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As many as 900 jobs are to be axed from Diageo’s packaging operations in Scotland. The drinks giant, behind big name brands including Johnnie Walker, Guinness and Baileys, said 900 jobs would be lost over the next two years following a restructuring programme that would involve the closure of its sites in Kilmarnock and at Port Dundas in Glasgow. However, Diageo said some of the losses would be offset by the creation of 400 new jobs through the £86m expansion of its packaging plant in Fife. “We believe the plans announced today will help secure the sustainability of our business in Scotland,” said Diageo Scotland managing director Bryan Donaghey. “As Scotland’s largest manufacturing exporter, 85% of our output from Scotland is exported to over 180 markets worldwide. We therefore need to be competitive in a global context and the restructuring announced today is a key part of this.”
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=201173- 2nd July 2009
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced the appointment of Sandra Ziles as the new Director of the Potato Council. Sandra is passionate about food and farming and has a strong track record in developing and promoting British foods. Her role will be to lead the sector and champion the British potato industry by driving consumption and sales. Ziles will join from Somerfield where she is currently Product Innovation Director responsible for the complete overhaul and re-launch of the high street retailer's own brand ranges and driving a foodie culture across the business. Prior to this Ziles was Product Development Director for RHM-RF Brookes, a Senior Food Selector at Marks and Spencer, and Head of Food Intelligence for Campden and Chorleywood Food and Drink Research Association.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6806.asp- 2nd July 2009
Many people enjoy conserves and marmalades from the historic Tiptree farm, and now, thanks to a little help from Chalcroft Construction, the running of the production facilities has got a little easier. The Essex farm has been run by the Wilkin family for around 300 years, first producing conserves under the now world-famous Wilkin & Sons’ Tiptree name in the mid-1880s. As part of a planned consolidation of the business, Wilkin & Sons asked food industry specialists Chalcroft to construct a new cold storage facility at the site to store produce from the nearby farm ensuring that the fruit is kept as fresh as possible.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6796.asp- 26th June 2009
Cadbury plc issues regular trading updates ahead of its half year and full year results. The update follows the publication of the first quarter IMS on 30 April 2009 and reflects Cadbury’s performance through to the end of May 2009. Cadbury plc confirms that it has built on its good first quarter with improved trading in April and May. Growth in Chocolate remained robust, reflecting a good seasonal performance and the benefit of new product innovations. Gum and Candy both grew, helped by improved performances in a number of developed markets.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6787.asp- 22nd June 2009
Fresh evidence emerged recntly of a modest upturn in fortunes for the East Anglia economy as new figures showed the first drop in the number people claiming unemployment benefit since the beginning of the year. While the jobless total across the UK reached a 12-year high of more than 2.2 million people, the number of people claiming jobseekers' allowance in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire fell by 936 between April and May.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6788.asp- 22nd June 2009
After intense and challenging negotiations, the Agricultural Wages Board has reached a settlement for minimum wage rates to apply from October 2009. The agreement will see an increase in the Grade 1 rate from £5.74 to £5.81 per hour and for all other grades an increase of 2.2 per cent will apply. The Board also agreed to an increase of £10 in the birth & adoption grant from £50 to £60. Speaking after the negotiations, NFU employment spokesman Bob Fiddaman said: "This year's negotiations have been extremely tough and have taken place with the backdrop of a severe economic downturn, falling inflation levels, rising unemployment and uncertainty as to farm incomes.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6784.asp- 19th June 2009
The sell-by and best-before dates on almost all fresh produce and thousands of other food items are to be scrapped to prevent waste. Thousands of tons of perfectly good food is binned annually because critics claim the labelling system is misleading. Ministers say products should only have a 'use-before' date because it is the only way of giving consumers a safety cut-off point.
Source: - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1191725/Misleading-food-labelling-sell-dates-scrapped-stop-food-waste.html- 9th June 2009
Jane Kennedy, the previous Minister responsible for the Environment in DEFRA resigned on Monday 8th June. A new Minister has been appointed to replace her. Jim Fitzpatrick, who was born in 1952 in Glasgow and moved to London in 1974 to join the London Fire Brigade. He was elected Labour MP for Poplar and Canning Town in 1997. As a new Minister, Mr Fitzpatrick attended the Cereal event in Cambridgeshire on Wednesday on his third day in the job. The full list of Government ministerial appointments published by Number 10 on 9 June 2009 is: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP Minister of State - Jim Fitzpatrick MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Huw Irranca-Davies MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State - Dan Norris MP
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6771.asp- 12th June 2009
Bernard Matthews Farms has appointed a new UK Managing Director, Jeff Halliwell. With a career spanning more than 30 years in the food and fmcg industries, Halliwell joins Bernard Matthews Farms following a three-year period with the dairy co-operative, First Milk, where he was Managing Director of First Milk Cheese Company, the UK’s largest cheese manufacturing business. In his new role with Bernard Matthews Farms, Halliwell will be responsible for the leadership of the UK business. He reports to Noel Bartram, who has temporarily held the post of UK Managing Director, alongside his role of Group Chief Executive, for the past 18 months. “Jeff’s appointment aligns the group structure with Managing Directors in each country and gives us clarity of leadership here in the UK”, says Bartram. ”He has significant understanding of the food industry, with extensive experience both of brands and private-label, and of agricultural business. He is commercially driven, with a clear understanding of marketing and communications. He is strong at managing change and we are confident he will help take our business forward.” Halliwell began his career with Colgate-Palmolive, gaining classic marketing grounding on brands including Colgate toothpaste and Ajax household cleaners. From there he moved to Mars, working his way up over 13 years from Marketing Manager to External Relations Director. Other senior positions include Global Marketing Director for infant nutrition brands Cow & Gate and Milupa. He was then with Northern Foods for four years, initially as Managing Director of Fox’s Biscuits and moving up to Divisional Director for Bakery, before joining First Milk in 2006.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6766.asp- 11th June 2009
The Government has announced plans to scrap sell-by and ‘best before’ dates on most food labels in a bid to tackle Britain’s food waste mountain. The Government has announced plans to scrap sell-by and ‘best before’ dates on most food labels in a bid to tackle Britain’s food waste mountain. The Department for the Environment Farming & Rural Affairs claimed the labelling revamp would help reduce the 364,000 tons of edible food misguidedly binned by Britons each year because it has passed its ‘best before’ date
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=200535- 9th June 2009
Former Asda and HBOS executive Andy Hornby has been confirmed as the new boss of Alliance Boots. Former Asda and HBOS executive Andy Hornby has been confirmed as the new boss of Alliance Boots. Hornby, who spent three years at Asda including a stint as managing director of clothing label George, was named as the high street chemist’s new chief executive last night. Hornby, who turned down a chance to join Boots in 2003, told The Times: “Boots is a magnificent brand, retail business and international wholesale business, which was not the case when I looked at it years ago. “It is now fundamentally different – a much bigger business. I'll work alongside [executive chairman and major shareholder] Stefano Pessina on the growth plans for most parts of the business. He and his team have done an outstanding job in a very difficult economy.” Hornby was thrust into the media spotlight earlier this year, when the turmoil in the UK banking sector forced HBOS into a hasty merger with Lloyds TSB. Hornby was subsequently grilled by MPs over his handling of the lender.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=200531- 9th June 2009
Munch Bunch® is launching three new and unique products to bring innovation to the children’s dessert market. All Munch Bunch® yogurts and fromage frais are made with real fruit purée and contain as much as calcium as a glass of milk in every portion.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/06/munch-bunch-launches-new-products/- 1st June 2009
Responding to the announcement of an increase to the National Minimum Wage, Angela Coleshill, the Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) HR Director, said: “FDF is encouraged by the moderate increase in the National Minimum Wage to £5.80 per hour from £5.73 per hour - or 1.2% as it's an issue we have lobbied the Low Pay Commission directly on this year. This cautious rise will be welcomed by our members who are concerned to ensure that the sector remains competitive for its future sustainability. In the past we have seen the minimum wage rise faster than average earnings and inflation, so the move to a more prudent approach makes a lot of sense at this time.”
Source: - http://www.fdf.org.uk/news.aspx?article=4480&newsindexpage=1- 13th May 2009
People who work around open food while suffering from certain infections (mainly from bacteria and viruses) can contaminate the food or surfaces the food may come into contact with. The Food Agency has published revised 'Food Handlers: Fitness to Work' guidance to help prevent the spread of infection to other people through food. The guidance aims to help managers and staff to prevent the spread of infection by advising which illnesses and symptoms staff should report and what managers should do in response.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6715.asp- 18th May 2009
Tate & Lyle has appointed Javed Ahmed as its new chief executive. He will take over from current incumbent Iain Ferguson on 15 November. Iain Ferguson will continue in the CEO role until then to ensure an orderly handover, Tate added. Ahmed is currently Executive Vice President, Europe for Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB.L - news) and a member of the detergent maker's Executive Committee. He has held a number of senior leadership roles within the group over the last 17 years in both Europe and North America. "Following our earlier announcement that Sir Peter Gershon will succeed me as Chairman by the end of the year, Peter and I are delighted that we are able to announce the succession arrangements for Iain Ferguson," Tate chairman Sir David Lees, said.
Source: - http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/090519/214/ilekk.html- 19th May 2009
Following success globally consumers in this country can now get their hands on the latest ice tea - Lipton Green Ice Tea - as it launches in the UK for the first time this Summer. Lipton Green Ice Tea, has 50% less sugar than most regular soft drinks and absolutely no artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners. Lipton’s says that Lipton Green Ice Tea is good for you, because it contains Green tea, a natural source of anti-oxidants. It is a deliciously refreshing soft drink made from a green tea extract which is brewed using real tea leaves, it is then blended with other ingredients such as water and fruit flavours.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/05/lipton-launches-green-tea/- 12th May 2009
Associated British Foods plc ("ABF"),owner of Peterborough based British Sugar, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Azucarera Ebro, the leading sugar producer in Iberia. The acquisition, which will strengthen the existing EU operations of British Sugar, was announced on 15 December 2008. The business comprises four well-invested beet sugar factories, a state-of-the-art packaging centre and a new refinery which is currently under construction.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6693.asp- 8th May 2009
The Hain Celestial, Group, Inc., a natural and organic food and personal care products company, and owner of the Linda McCartney® range, is to create 35 new jobs at its Fakenham factory after winning two new business contracts for meat-free and dessert products. The 35 new positions will be focused within production at the factory which already produces meat-free products under the Linda McCartney label as well as own label brands for retailers. Hain Celestial has created innovative and improved products, new lines and more sophisticated packaging since it acquired the site in 2006. David Matwij, Head of Operations for Hain Frozen Foods UK comments, “The fact that we have been able win these contracts and create new positions is great news for the local economy, and demonstrates our commitment to growing our business in the UK.”
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6697.asp- 8th May 2009
A decade ago three friends mashed £500 worth of oranges, bananas and pineapples together on their kitchen table to make a giant smoothie. Yesterday they made what could be described as a giant killing – they sold a small stake in their company to Coca-Cola for £30 million. Innocent Drinks, now Britain’s leading smoothie maker, was valued at up to £300 million in the deal, in which the American soft drinks giant bought a 10 to 20 per cent stake. The co-founders, Richard Reed, Adam Balon and Jon Wright, will not be taking any money out of the business as a result of the deal, but will use all funds raised by Coke to finance Innocent’s expansion into Europe, on which the American giant will also provide expert advice. Though the company is known for its idealistic stance, Mr Reed insisted that the business would not be compromised by getting into bed with Coke, which is seen by many as a symbol of US cultural hegemony.
Source: - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article6047695.ece- 7th April 2009
TESCO is buying British as the weaker pound makes homegrown suppliers better value. The UK’s biggest supermarket group wants to increase sales of UK-sourced food by £375?million to £1?billion over the next two years. Tesco, led by Sir Terry Leahy, has stripped £11?million in business from foreign food producers this month, awarding contracts to domestic suppliers instead. The company said it planned to reallocate more contracts in the weeks and months ahead. It sold £624?million in domestically?sourced goods last year. Most customers want more British-made goods but the switch to British has become as much a financial necessity since sterling’s slump. Among recent beneficiaries is Britannia Superfine Confectionery, of Polegate, East Sussex. It now makes Tesco’s own-label 100g value plain chocolate, previously from France. Tesco also moved production of own-label chicken nuggets and dippers from South America to poultry supplier Moy Park, in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. A Tesco spokesman said: “We are already a major customer of the British food industry. “Currency movements have provided the opportunity for us to place even more business with British companies, boosting their order books and safeguarding jobs. We expect this trend to continue in the months ahead.”
Source: - http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/97217/Tesco-decides-to-stay-at-home- 26th April 2009
Tesco announced yesterday that it would create 26,000 jobs this year, including 11,000 in Britain, after its annual profits passed £3 billion for the first time. The supermarket giant is now the world’s second-biggest retailer, in profit terms, after the US giant Wal-Mart, having overtaken Carrefour, its French rival. Outstripping the City’s predictions, it reported a 10 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £3.128 billion. This sent Tesco shares up by almost 5 per cent.
Source: - http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article6143972.ece/- 22nd April 2009
Northern Ireland based Ready Egg Products is a new joint venture between three long established and successful egg producers. Erne Eggs, Irish Eggs and Greenfield Foods which is now looking for major distribution gains. The new company, based at Lisnaskea on Ireland’s Lakeland specialises in the manufacture of high quality pasteurised egg products packaged either in bulk pallecons or bag in box formats. It started operations last year and sources shell eggs from its own flock which produces two million eggs per week. The plant can make 200 tonnes per week and currently produced peeled, hard-boiled and liquid eggs. It uses high-tech pasteurisation with the facility to customise mixes and is introducing new tempering technology. It deliver daily to food processing and food servic customers throughout Britain and Ireland. Charles Crawford, MD of Ready Eggs says “Our business is based on the experience, expertise and market knowledge of three established and successful companies in egg production and creates a critical mass for accelerated growth”. At the heart of the company is experience of the egg business stretching over 30 years. It creates an operation focused on the supply of quality egg products with a strong commitment to R & D. For instance, as well as peeled and liquid eggs, the plant will be able to separate and supply egg whites to the bakery sector.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/04/northern-irish-ready-egg-aims-to-crack-new-markets/- 21st April 2009
Frozen food is increasingly a good choice for Britons as they seek better value in the current economic downturn, according to the Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) Frozen Food Group. Research carried out for the Frozen Food Group by Insight Track Ltd shows that half of consumers (49%) believe that frozen food will help them through the credit crunch. The good news for frozen food in the current climate is that 70% of consumers understand the main tangible benefits of frozen food, which are that it minimises waste, and that they need to shop less often. Over 80% of consumers also value the key attributes of frozen food – storage, convenience and quality – while 75% agree that quality is better than it used to be. A total of 73% of consumers think frozen food offers a good range of premium products.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6646.asp- 15th April 2009
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2009 Community Partnership Awards. This year for the first time, the Awards will feature an Environment category, which will showcase the environmental projects being undertaken by companies across the food and drink sector. The Community Partnership Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise the contribution and dedication shown by the food chain to initiatives that have a positive impact on the communities and environment in which they operate. These include their contributions to local schools and hospitals; sponsorship of community sports activities; cultural and civic projects, and other community involvement.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/04/fdf-launches-2009-community-patnership-awards/- 14th April 2009
Cranswick, the Yorkshire-based food manufacturer, is to acquire the pork processing business of Bowes of Norfolk Limited for cash funded from existing bank facilities, subject to clearance from the UK Competition Authorities. The Norfolk-based family owned business has been involved for many years in arable farming, pig rearing and pig-meat processing. Certain members of the Bowles family will retain the arable farming business together with a portfolio of properties. The pig rearing business will be sold to a management buy-out team and a pig supply agreement will be entered into on completion covering the supply of pigs by the MBO to the Cranswick-owned Bowes. Cranswick Chairman, Martin Davey, said: “Bowes is a significant operator in pig-meat processing and the acquisition reinforces our position in that sector. The business will continue as a separate operation with its own management team reporting directly to Adam Couch, Cranswick main board director responsible for the Group’s fresh pork operations. “We look forward to the 620 employees who work for the pork-processing operation of Bowes joining us and to working with the MBO team in respect of the supply of pigs”.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/04/fdf-launches-2009-community-patnership-awards/ - 14th April 2009
The latest TNS Worldpanel grocery market share figures have been published, for the 12 weeks ending 22nd March 2009. Ed Garner, Director of Research, TNS Worldpanel comments: “ These figures confirm a strong growth rate of 5.8%. “Whilst slightly lower than February’s this is against strong comparatives from 2008 when the March figures included Easter seasonal spending, which will occur more normally in April this year. “This growth in consumer spending remains below the Grocery price inflation of 9.3% as shoppers continue to seek to manage the impact of higher prices which are still feeding through year-on-year in the Grocery Sector. Shoppers trading down to lower-priced products, especially within the retailers’ Own Label ranges, is the main way they are seeking to contain this. “Asda has once again shown its strength as an everyday low price champion with another record share of 17.5% (17.1% this time last year) & year-on-year growth rate of 8.5%. Morrisons continued its consistent improvement with a share of 11.8% & growth of 7.2% “Sainsbury’s growth of 5.7% was in line with Grocery sector average, giving them a constant share of 16.1% “Tesco’s growth rate was marginally behind the sector at 4.3%, resulting in a share figure of 30.4% (compared to 30.8% last year), influenced by stronger consumer purchasing of the economically-priced Value range. “Discounters (Aldi, Lidl, Netto) continue to enjoy strong growth with Shopper Spending up 13% giving them a combined share of 5.9% compared to 5.5% last year. However there are some signs of a slowdown in this rate of growth, suggesting that the Major Multiples are becoming more successful in containing this long-term challenge.”
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6621.asp - 2nd April 2009
Waitrose has teamed up with motorway services operator Welcome Break to develop two 2,500 sq ft food stores at Oxford Services on the M40 and South Mimms on the M25. The new stores are set open next month and will create 50 new jobs. Over 850 on-the-go and convenience lines including sandwiches salads, drinks, bread and milk and ready meals will be available in the stores, which will be run by Waitrose staff and open seven days a week from 7am-10pm. Waitrose commercial director Richard Hodgson said the retailer hoped to broaden its customer base by becoming more accessible to the 9 million motorists using the roads. “It¹s about giving people more opportunities to buy the best quality food and drink,” he said. “There are 24 Welcome Breaks so if they are a success, there is potential to open more.”
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=198783 - 2nd April 2009
Diageo is rolling out Jose Cuervo Authentic Margaritas nationally, following trials within selected ASDA and Tesco stores. Sales of the product, in test, have more than doubled over the last 12 months. Launched in 2007, the pre-mixed ready to drink product was intended to give consumers a more convenient way to serve this highly popular cocktail.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/04/authentic-margueritas-for-national-distribution/- 1st April 2009
Norman Soutar, Managing Director of William Jackson Food Group(1), has been appointed Chairman of the Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) Frozen Food Group, effective immediately. FDF's Frozen Food Group consists of senior representatives of frozen food and ice cream producers across all sectors, and aims to be the authoritative voice of the industry. It represents the specific interests of the frozen food manufacturing industry and acts as an interface with other organisations in the supply chain.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6618.asp - 30th March 2009
Unilever’s Iconic Bovril brand has just launched Chicken Bovril in a new hourglass-shaped pack “designed to help the nation fight-the-fridge” this spring. A drink made with the new product has 16 calories and is billed as Syn free on the Slimming World Plan. Chicken Bovril is asking women to stop..sit..sip and savour a warming mug of chicken loveliness to fight-the-fridge in the difficult cold months. This bold move is the first time the 123year-old brand has altered their jar. A number of jars have been produced and if popular, Chicken Bovril in a new jar could be rolled out across country later on in the year. Cheryl Claverley, Marketing Manager for Bovril, said: “Chicken has previously lived in the shadow of its beefier brother, but has stolen the spotlight this year with its new hourglass figure. Slimming is always harder in the colder months and can be expensive, but at 16calories a mug, Chicken Bovril can warm you up without burning a hole in your pocket!”
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/03/chicken-bovril-now-in-bikini-body-jar/- 27th March 2009
Northern Foods, the maker of Goodfella’s pizza, is on track to meet its profits targets after posting strong fourth-quarter sales at its chilled foods division. Sales for the past 13 weeks were up by more than 12% in the company’s chilled arm, contributing to an underlying rise of almost 9% across the group as a whole, while the bakery division also saw double-digit growth in the fourth quarter, driven both by price and volume growth. However, sales in frozen inched up by just over 2% for the period and volumes dropped, while overall sales for the full year rose by 4.7%. The company said it had made “continued progress in ready meals over the winter period, driven by strong repeat purchase rates,” while new value ranges, including chilled pizza and discount sandwiches, had enjoyed successful launches.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=198602 - 26th March 2009
ASDA's 165,000 colleagues were celebrating after the supermarket was named 'Innovative Employer of the Year' at this year's prestigious Retail Industry Awards staged in London. ASDA won the accolade for its “comprehensive suite of strategies and people innovations”, beating off strong competition from Sainsbury’s, Gap, Carphone Warehouse and Hotel Chocolat. As well as highlighting ASDA's low turnover and high retention rates, the award winning entry impressed judges with its “highly successful colleague based initiatives”, including its commitment to colleague health and its reward and recognition schemes – these include suggestion programmes and regular listening groups.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6600.asp/- 23rd March 2009
The new ‘Into the Garden’ Range of mueslis from Alara (based just behind Kings Cross Station) includes six fantastic flavours: Goji & Yacon, Date with Cacao, Fruit, Seed & Spice, Very Berry, Gluten Free with Goji and Yacon, and Active. Each has been formulated using ingredients that not only taste great but also have powerful health benefits. For example goji and cacao are thought to have the highest anti-oxidant content of any natural ingredient on earth, yacon is renowned for its strong prebiotic benefits, and amaranth grain, used in the Active brand, is higher in protein than the usual grains used in muesli.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/03/alara-launches-new-range-of-mueslis/- 24th March 2009
The Skills Commission has published a report ('Progression Through Apprenticeships') which offers recommendations to help secure the long-term success of the apprenticeship programme. Responding to that report, Angela Coleshill, HR Director at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “Demand for skilled workers in the food and drink manufacturing sector continues to rise, despite the economic downturn, and FDF believes that recruiting apprentices is a great way to ensure the sector has a skilled workforce for the future. More and more food and drink companies are taking on apprentices, and the industry's sector skills council, Improve, predicts food industry apprentice numbers in England will increase five-fold from just 400 in 2007 to 2,000 in 2012.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6592.asp/- 20th March 2009
Chartered accountant Peter Crick has joined agricultural purchasing group Anglia Farmers Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6587.asp/- 19th March 2009
Will Dehydrated fruits and vegetables ever take the place of crisps? The answer is almost certainly no, but a number of companies are having a good try at developing the market.
One of these is Urban Fresh Fruit showing at IFE09. A tiny company, set up in 2006, their tag line is “It’s sooooo not chocolate”. The packaging is more funky than mainstream and at 35g a bag they are definitely snack sized. They are packing Banana, Kiwi, Strawberry, Pineapple, Black Cherry and Mango.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/03/innovation-doesnt-dry-up-in-small-companies/- 15th March 2009
Del Monte has begun its assault on the own-label dominated frozen fruit sector with the launch of branded frozen lines.
The fruit specialist has developed a premium range under the strapline Only the Freshest Fruit...Frozen, which is being marketed by Dunuo Foods. The products went on sale in Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores last week.
Summer fruit and pineapple punnets have launched with a 25% off promotion in Sainsbury’s, while Tesco launched with a promotion on summer fruits and follows up with forest fruits, pineapple punnets and Fruitini pineapple sticks in April.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=198199- 13th March 2009
It might make a larger omelette but a bigger egg isn't necessarily a better one — and it certainly doesn't make the hen that laid it very happy.
That is the view of the chairman of the British Free Range Producers' Association, who says that if you want to be kind to hens, you should eat medium, not large or very large, eggs.
Source: - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article5884068.ece- 11th March 2009
The introduction of a new range from Waitrose is set to raise the bar on own label quality standards. Launching in stores nationwide from Monday 9 March, essential Waitrose is a range of over 1,400 lines comprising staple grocery items with the quality and welfare standards you would expect from Waitrose - at prices you wouldn't.
The range spans the majority of Waitrose aisles, from fruit and vegetables to household goods, grocery to meat, fish and poultry. As with all Waitrose own label products, the supermarket hasn't compromised on quality standards or sourcing integrity. All pork used in essential Waitrose is British and outdoor reared, all chicken is British and eggs are free range; bananas are Fairtrade, and UK fruit and vegetables are LEAF* accredited.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6564.asp- 9th March 2009
Cadbury, which is in the midst of a cost-cutting programme that will see production facilities outsourced to Eastern Europe and 15 % of its global workforce lose their jobs, now faces the threat that supplies of its favoured cocoa bean could run out.
Boateng, managing director of Cadbury's operations in Ghana, will launch a £44m investment programme for the country's cocoa industry designed to safeguard it and the UK company's future.
Cadbury, which imports 70 per cent of its cocoa beans from Ghana, is aiming to help an industry faced with falling crop yields and dwindling numbers of farmers.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6540.asp- 27th February 2009
The soft drinks company, Britvic, has appointed Murray Harris as its new Customer Management Director, GB. He will also join the company’s Executive Committee.
Harris brings considerable experience to the position, having been with Britvic for 15 years in a number of roles across Customer Management, most recently as Business Unit Director for Take-Home Grocery.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6536.asp- 26th February 2009
Walkers Baked is supporting the Food Standards Agency’s saturated fat campaign, which launches on February 9th. Walkers Baked will support the campaign with new messaging on packs of Walkers Baked, which contain 50% less saturated fat than ordinary Walkers crisps.
The FSA-approved messaging, which will be seen by a projected 4.5 million people, will highlight the importance of a balanced diet and refer consumers to the FSA’s website for information and tips on how to lower their saturated fat consumption.
Walkers, part of PepsiCo, has invested more than £12 million pounds to transform its portfolio, reformulating existing products to make them as healthy as possible without compromising on taste and launching new healthier snack foods.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/02/walkers-removes-more-saturated-fat/- 23rd February 2009
Kerry Group has announced a rise in like-for-like sales of more than 6% to rake in €4.8bn for the past year.
Total sales for 2008 were up by 6.3%, while operating profit is expected to be up by 8% compared to the previous 12-month period.
The Irish-owned group’s consumer foods business, whose brands include Mattessons, Bowyers sausages and Cheestrings, showed like-for-like growth of 5.4% over the year to contribute around €1.77bn. The increase was despite sales in the ready meals category remaining largely flat for the year.
The group said it had achieved a “robust all-round performance” in the UK, with the addition of the Wall’s Classics range to its portfolio boosting customer listings, while frozen also showed an upturn in sales.
Kerry’s ingredients division, meanwhile, performed better to show sales growth of 7.5% to €3.39bn.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=197718- 24th February 2009
PepsiCo has just opened a new Technical Centre of Excellence in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, which will drive forward the company’s innovation, productivity and sustainability programmes. The 92,000 sq ft facility will house the company’s core technical staff across R&D Engineering and Technical Services.
The flagship technical centre will be at the cutting edge of PepsiCo’s drive to develop new and healthier foods and snacks for the European market including leading brands, Walkers, Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, Wotsits and the Quaker range of cereals and cereal bars.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/02/pepsico-launches-new-r-d-centre-in-leicester/- 19th February 2009
Marketing Week Magazine reported that 70 year old Irish cider company Wm Magner, (Owned by C&C) is launching a new pear variety next month. The company says it has perfected a unique taste which will expand the market.
It is estimated that the Pear & Fruit Cider category has quadruped over the last year to reach 25 million litres.
The cider said to have “a refreshingly light pear taste - crisp with plenty of fruit character” will come in a 330ml (1pt) bottle and will be distributed through grocers and the licensed trade.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/02/magners-launches-new-pear-product/- 18th February 2009
Fast food giant KFC is planning to step up its UK expansion in a push that could create up to 9,000 new jobs over the next three to five years.
The fried chicken chain hopes to open 300 new stores in the UK over the next few years in a £150m programme of investment.
The chain currently has 760 outlets in the UK and employs 22,000 staff. Just over a third of the outlets are owned directly by the chain itself, with the majority run on a franchise basis.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=197407- 16th February 2009
The traditional pickles category is set to grow with the launch of a premium range of Heinz Pickles. The launch is part of a wider move to refresh and contemporise the Heinz Pickles brand in response to growing consumer demand.
With the economy down and food prices on the up, there has been a marked increase in pickles sales as consumers look to spice up cold cuts of meats and last night’s leftovers. By the titles the pickles are obviously striking an up-to-date note.
The are: Silverskins in Dark Balsamic Vinegar; Rosebud Beetroot in Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar; and Silverskins in Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar; have an RSP of £1.99 and come in 300g glass jars.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/02/heinz-picks-the-pick-of-pickles/- 10th February 2009
Kellogg’s has launched a new brand of baked muesli with the aim of delivering a £6 million retail sales opportunity to retailers by growing the muesli category by 3.5 percentage points.
Called Nature’s Pleasure, the launch comes as Kellogg’s claims the muesli category needs a shake-up to turn around the five years of flat penetration it has experienced.
A staggering 37 percent of shoppers still see muesli as dusty and tasteless[1]. Kellogg’s believes this, and the fact the category lacks a sense of enjoyment and pleasure, are the key barriers to growth.
Kellogg’s says its new range of muesli will help the trade get over these category hurdles.
Nature’s Pleasure offers retailers and the shopper a differentiated product - a baked rather than raw muesli - backed by the marketing support one of the UK’s most well known grocery brands.
Kellogg’s plans to spend £3 million promoting Nature’s Pleasure including print advertising, sampling and digital marketing.
Source: - http://www.fdin.org.uk/2009/02/kelloggs-launches-new-baked-meusli-2/- 10th February 2009
The health secretary, Alan Johnson, yesterday called for manufacturers and retailers to produce and stock smaller, snack-sized portions in a bid to combat obesity.
Speaking to the Business4Life coalition of companies, which includes Mars, Britvic and Nestle, Johnson called for the sugar content in existing products to be reduced and urged local shops and c-stores to stock smaller portions alongside traditional sizes.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=197234- 6th February 2009
Around 4 million fresh Seville oranges from the orchards of Spain are heading for Tiptree where they will be made into Wilkin & Sons’ famous marmalades.
Customers’ demand for quality marmalade is increasing and this year an extra 1 million Spanish oranges will be arriving during January and February.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6486.asp- 5th February 2009
The Board of Bakkavör Group hf (‘Bakkavör' or ‘the Group') provides the following preliminary update to the market ahead of the publication of the Group's audited year-end results for the 12-month period ended 31 December 2008, which will be announced on Thursday 26 March 2009:
- Full year Group sales up approx. 10%. Q4 Group sales up approx. 11%.
- Profitability continues to be impacted by a tough trading environment.
- Significant one-off costs including restructuring in 2008 and particularly in Q4.
- Substantial part of cash deposit in Iceland now retrieved - full balance expected by mid April.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6487.asp- 5th February 2009
The UK’s supplier of fresh potatoes will soon have a new state-of-the-art and environmentally-friendly preparation facility, thanks to Chalcroft Construction.
Chalcroft, which has a Food Projects Division, is currently in the process of constructing a new £2.3m temperature controlled production facility at Branston Ltd’s Lincolnshire site that will house offices, intake and raw materials, assembly, storage, high-care packing and despatch facilities.
Branston will move its prepared and convenience potato-based products operation from rented premises into the new facility, with the creation of up to 60 new skilled jobs.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6483.asp- 2nd February 2009
Cathedral City cheddar maker Dairy Crest posted strong retail sales in its third quarter trading update, out today.
Sales of Cathedral City were up 14% year-on-year, Utterly Butterly was up 8% and Clover, Country Life and Vitalite also experienced double-digit growth. Total group sales were up 4%.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=197032- 3rd February 2009
Heinz, McDonalds and Tesco are among the first food and drink companies to sign up to a voluntary ban on six food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children, according to a new list published today by the Food Standards Agency......
The voluntary ban was agreed to by ministers late last year. Asda, Tesco, Iceland and Marks & Spencer have all removed all six colours from their whole own-label range, while Heinz has removed the colourings from its Heinz, Weight Watchers, HP and Lee & Perrins lines.
Vimto, Green Bay and Worldfoods are also among manufacturers participating in the ban. McDonald's is also complying with the ban.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=197035- 3rd February 2009
The US sandwich chain Subway has confirmed plans to open 600 new stores in the UK and the Irish Republic, which could lead to more than 7,000 new jobs.
Source: - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7858472.stm- 29th January 2009
Asda is to create 7,000 new jobs this year, becoming the latest supermarket to add new positions as their sales continue to rise despite the recession.
The firm, part of US giant Wal-Mart, said about 3,700 of the new jobs would be created by opening 14 new stores and the extension of 15 existing outlets.
Source: - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7855482.stm- 28th January 2009
Sainsbury's, which enjoyed a strong Christmas trading period, began the recruitment process some time ago, according to people close to the company who said last night that it had not been triggered by Sir Philip's appointment earlier this month as chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).
Source: - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/4332946/Sainsburys-goes-shopping-for-new-chairman.html- 24th January 2009
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC reports a pre close update ahead of its financial year end of 1 February 2009.
Trading
The Group continued to trade well through the Christmas period.
In the 6 weeks to 4 January 2009 total sales excluding fuel were up by 9.4% (7.7% including fuel), of which 1.2% was a contribution from new space.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6463.asp- 26th January 2009
From 5th February Sainsbury’s will be the first major retailer to stop selling eggs from battery hens; ensuring over half a million hens will no longer be kept in battery cages.
Sainsbury’s is the largest retailer to completely remove battery farmed eggs from its shelves and this announcement comes three years before government legislation prohibiting caged hens in their current format comes into force in 2012 and nearly a year earlier than the retailers own target.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6454.asp- 23rd January 2009
Northern Ireland snack group Tayto has snapped up struggling crisp maker Jonathan Crisp for an undisclosed sum.
Tayto announced yesterday it had agreed a deal to acquire the Staffordshire-based premium crisp manufacturer, whose hand-fried and vegetable crisps are produced by local business Glennan's.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196799- 20th January 2009
Premier Foods has accepted a €50m offer for French patisserie business Martine Spécialités.
Premier confirmed today that Martine had been the subject of an approach by French private equity group Cerea Capital and has begun a consultation with employees over a possible sale.
Martine employs 385 people and posted pre-tax profits of £4.4m for the nine months to 31 December against sales of £34.4m
Premier acquired the business in March 2007 as part of its £1.2bn takeover of RHM.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196672- 19th January 2009
It may be one of the cheapest supermarkets, but Aldi is offering this year’s biggest starting salary for graduates.
It pays university leavers £40,000 a year, plus a new Audi A4 car – nearly twice the £25,500 offered by upmarket rival Marks & Spencer.
Recruits spend a year learning about all aspects of the business with a view to becoming area managers responsible for three to five stores.
Source: - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1114712/Aldi-offers-graduates-40-000--throws-new-Audi.html- 14th January 2009
Morrisons has unveiled plans to create 5,000 new jobs this year as part of its programme to expand store space.
The UK retailer said the jobs would be created across the business and include positions in its "Market Street" in-store butchers, bakers and fishmongers.
"Morrisons is committed to hiring and training new people to keep retail as the engine room of the economy and support our continuing growth," Norman Pickavance, group HR director for Morrisons, said.
The company also announced that it is enhancing its training programme, with the establishment of the Fresh Food Academy, which aims to train 18,000 employees in its first year.
Source: - http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=104999 - 12th January 2009
Sainsbury's confirmed today (8 January) that it would look to create around 2,000 jobs in the next year after revealing its recent sales growth had continued during the autumn and Christmas.
Source: - http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=104968 - 8th January 2009
A 100% natural sweetener has proved so popular, manufacturers have demanded it come in larger quantities so they can use it as an ingredient in their products.
To accommodate this, Sweet Freedom is now supplying its natural syrup sweetener to outlets in 5 and 20 litre quantities.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18759436#18759436- FDIN - 31st December 2008
Birds Eye has posted a rise in sales and profits for the past year as frozen food continues to undergo a renaissance with belt-tightening consumers.
UK sales for the year rose by 5% in 2008 to £545m, contributing to overall income of €1.2bn for the year. Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, increased by 10% over the same period to £203m.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196430 - The Grocer - 6th January 2009
Heinz has unveiled its new-look Amoy range in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year and in an attempt to encourage shoppers to get creative with oriental flavours.
The "major redesign" will support the idea of Amoy's "authentic oriental credentials" by using the distinctive red and yellow colours of China.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18759429#18759429 - FDIN - 30th December 2008
A 100% natural sweetener has proved so popular, manufacturers have demanded it come in larger quantities so they can use it as an ingredient in their products.
To accommodate this, Sweet Freedom is now supplying its natural syrup sweetener to outlets in 5 and 20 litre quantities.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18759436#18759436 - FDIN - 31st December 2008
The discounters are more expensive than all of the big four supermarkets, according to exclusive research carried out for The Grocer, with Asda the cheapest and Aldi charging the highest prices.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6389.asp-18th December 2008
Private polling by turkey giant Bernard Matthews suggests that consumers' faith in the company and its products is being restored in the wake of a multi-million pound brand revamp and advertising campaign.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6393.asp-18th December 2008
Ken Hanna, the outgoing chief financial officer at confectionery giant Cadbury, is to join Tesco as a non-executive director.
Hanna takes up his new role with the supermarket giant in April, having announced earlier this year that he was stepping down from Cadbury to become chairman of car retailer Inchcape.
Source: - The Grocer - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196256-18th December 2008
The scramble for Woolworths’ assets began in earnest last night as frozen food retailer Iceland snapped up 50 stores.
“We have been told we can buy 50 stores,” Iceland boss Malcolm Walker told The Grocer.
“It is not completed but we hope it will be by the end of the year. We have about 660 stores so it’s a good expansion for us,” he added.
Source: - The Grocer - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196065-12th December 2008
Robert Wiseman Dairies is to enter the FTSE 250 Index from 22 December.
The move comes 14 years after the dairy was first floated back in 1994, and more than 60 years after the company was founded.
Source: - The Grocer http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196066-12th December 2008
Food and drink manufacturers in the east of England are being invited to build a whole new approach to recognising the achievements of their workforce in a bid to boost skill levels and productivity in the workplace.
Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, is working to introduce a new suite of highly flexible occupational qualifications which it says will make it easier for companies to access appropriate training and reward staff development. Employers are being urged to join sector groups to offer advice and guidance on the content and structure of the new qualifications, which will cover all roles from production line operatives to senior management.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6372.asp-11th December 2008
Heinz is launching a new range of pickles to help thrifty consumers cope with the economic downturn.
The premium range of Heinz Pickles will combine classic ingredients with contemporary flavours to help spice up leftovers and cold meats.
As food prices have risen and the credit crunch has taken hold, consumers are looking for ways to reduce food waste and as a result the demand for pickles has increased.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18759370#18759370-10th December 2008
Martin Oakes has resigned as managing director of Dairy Crest’s dairies division.
Oakes, who joined Dairy Crest from Somerfield in February 2007, has stepped down from the board of directors with immediate effect but will leave the company on 31 January.
Dairy Crest said the position would not be replaced and CEO Mark Allen would take direct control of the division.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196055-The Grocer -11th December 2008
Vimto manufacturer Nichols has acquired a 50% stake in Dayla Liquid Packing for £2.78m to boost its dispensed cold drinks operations.
Dayla has been a major supplier to Nichols dispensed soft drinks range Cabana for a number of years and also operates a premium juice manufacturing site. It recorded sales of £9.2m in the year to September.
Nichols also has the option of purchasing the remaining 50% stake in Dayla in 2011 or 2012.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=196046-The Grocer -10th December 2008
Heinz has approached rival manufacturer Premier Foods over a possible deal for Sharwood's, the leading Asian sauces brand.
It emerged over the weekend that Heinz had first approached Premier several weeks ago and although the initial contact was rebuffed, more detailed talks are thought to have since taken place.
The news comes after Premier – which is under pressure to reduce a debt of £1.7bn – last month shrugged off a bid from United Biscuits for its Mr Kipling cake range.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=195887-The Grocer - 8th December 2008
Morrisons has snapped up 38 stores from the Co-operative Group in a £223m deal, the supermarket giant revealed today.
The announcement was made as Morrisons posted strong like-for-like sales growth of 8% for the past three months.
The Co-op deal adds a further 500,000 sq ft of retail space to the Morrisons empire and comes after the Co-op agreed to dispose of 133 stores in the wake of its £1.57bn takeover of supermarket rival Somerfield.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=195873-The Grocer - 4th December 2008
Gershon joins the board of the sugar giant as a non-executive director and will succeed current figurehead Sir David Lees as chairman before the end of 2009.
Gershon is a former chief executive of the Office of Government Commerce and has an extensive background in electronics and telecoms.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=195532-The Grocer - 28th November 2008
Charlotte Manwaring has been appointed as a Key Account Manager at Greenvale AP's Tern Hill Site, Shropshire. Charlotte's key responsibility will be looking after the Sainsbury's account. She will also be developing other new business accounts.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6336.asp-Food East - 27th November 2008
Greencore chief executive Patrick Coveney has hailed “a resilient response to a challenging year” after the convenience food giant announced a rise in sales of 13% to €1.31bn.
Average category volume growth in the UK business was 2%, although ready meals and ambient grocery performed more sluggishly.
The results include an 8% rise in sales at its convenience foods division to €864m, while the ingredients business performed even more strongly, with sales up by almost 30% to just over €414m.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=195414- The Grocer - 25th November 2008
Logistics company Wincanton is to merge its UK chilled operation with rival supply chain company Cullina Logistics.
The move unites Wincanton’s Trafford Park and Gloucester operations with Culina’s nine-site distribution network, with Wincanton taking a 20% stake in the combined business.
The deal, which will go live from 28 March next year, creates a business with combined annual revenues of around £205m.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=195207- The Grocer - 20th November 2008
Restaurants and other businesses in the hospitality industry are reacting proactively to the current economic downturn, it has been suggested.
Speaking to Recruiter magazine, Julia Fuell, managing director at New Frontiers, said many firms were doing whatever they could to increase the number of customers coming in through the doors.
"Buy one, get one free" offers were one way employers were seeking to attracting trade, something that could benefit jobseekers, she added.
Source: - http://www.gradplus.com/graduate-news/grad-jobs-news-hospitality-industry-set-to-recruit-18867144.aspx - GradPlus
10/11/2008
United Biscuits has tabled a £250m bid for rival brand Mr Kipling.
The bid, which has been turned down by owner Premier Foods, would bring Mr Kipling under the United banner alongside brands such as McVitie's, Jacobs and Penguin.
News of the bid comes amid mounting speculation last week that Premier could be forced into a sale as it wrestles with debts of £1.7bn.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194942 - The Grocer - Charlie Wright
17/11/2008
Président® has responded to the growing consumer interest in low-calorie alternatives, by increasing the distribution of its Président® Light Brie in the UK. With the same subtle, yet distinctive flavour and creamy texture of full fat brie but containing only 19% fat and 242 Kcal per 100g, customers can still enjoy their favourite continental cheese without the guilt.
“We know health is a growing concern for consumers, so a wider distribution of our Président Light Brie into the market will allow more people to enjoy a lower fat alternative without compromising on the authenticity, taste or quality of the cheese,” says Justin Alblas, Marketing Manager for Président.
The aim is to enable health conscious consumers to enjoy all the flavour of standard Brie yet with 1/3 less fat. Président® Light Brie can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet with oatcakes and grapes, as a sandwich filler or part of the cheeseboard at dinner parties.
Source: - BMA Communications November 2008
Sainsbury's is to become the first retailer and largest employer to offer its entire workforce of 150,000 colleagues the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications, equivalent to GCSE standard, which supports the Government's strategy to boost skills amongst the UK's workforce. The retailer has set a target for 25% of all colleagues to have a nationally recognised qualification within the next five years.
Source: - http://http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6277.asp
07/11/2008
Shares in food manufacturer Premier Foods rose 21% to close on 32.75p yesterday buoyed by strong results from rival Associated British Foods.
ABF said profits were up by more than a quarter (27%) at its grocery division, with an "enormously encouraging" improvement at its Allied Bakeries business.
And although Marks & Spencer unveiled a 5.3% drop in half-year food sales, analysts said the figures were better than expected and would boost Premier because M&S accounts for about 10% of Premier's supply business
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194748- Beth Phillips
05/11/2008
Birds Eye has signalled an attempt to move upmarket with the introduction of a wild salmon variety of fish-finger.
The frozen food giant will launch the new line later this month, with a pack of 10 set to retail at £2.49, compared to £1.79 for cod fish-fingers and £1.47 for the haddock variety.
Source: - http://http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194736- Charlie Wright 04/11/2008
An "enormously encouraging" improvement at its Allied Bakeries subsidiary capped a strong performance by manufacturing giant Associated British Foods - to offset increased costs at its European sugar business.
ABF said profits were up by more than a quarter (27%) at its grocery division. As well as Allied Bakeries, drinks division Twinings Ovaltine and ethnic foods business Westmill were also cited as strong performers.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194739- Charlie Wright 04/11/2008
Del Monte is to launch its new frozen fruit range range with a £1million marketing campaign.
The campaign, which will be handled by Yorkshire branding and design consultants The Spirit of, will air around the launch of the range next spring. The frozen fruit range will launch initially with seven different punnets of fruit and two smoothie mixes.
Source: - http://http://fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&news_article_id=18759189 - 30/10/2008
A £35m scheme to expand a Norfolk sugar factory allowing it to process imported cane sugar would safeguard thousands of jobs for the next two decades.
Simpson Ovans, factory manager at the plant in Cantley, near Yarmouth, explained the reasons behind British Sugar's plans and responded to villagers' concerns about extra lorry traffic and noise at a special meeting of the parish council's planning committee on 21 October.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6241. - 24/10/2008
In spite of the wettest and latest harvest for 40 years, farmers have reported a bumper wheat crop.
Jane Kennedy, the Farming Minister, released figures showing that this year¹s harvest is up 32 per cent on last year, with 17.5 million tonnes in storage or destined for milling.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194380 by - The Times, 24/10/2008
Nestlé promised on Thursday to maintain the breakneck sales growth of the first six months for the whole of this year, in spite of a looming global economic downturn.
The world’s biggest foods group also forecast it would maintain the 30 basis point improvement in operating profit margins it reported in the first six months of the full year.
Source: - http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d525d70-a0d1-11dd-82fd-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1 by - Haig Simonian in Vevey | Source: ft.com
The former Marks & Spencer worker sacked by the retailer after leaking details of proposed changes to the company’s redundancy pay has lost his appeal against the sacking.
Tony Goode heard yesterday that M&S had thrown out his appeal against the dismissal. The case is now set to proceed to an employment tribunal, according to the GMB union, which has backed Goode throughout the controversy.
The news comes after it emerged in August that M&S was planning to cut its redundancy pay by up to a quarter, although the plans were subsequently downgraded.
Last month Goode claimed that M&S subjected workers to a culture of fear and surveillance – suggestions dismissed as “utter nonsense” by the high street heavyweight.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194201 - Published 16th October 2008 – Source: Charlie Wright, the grocer.co.uk
DRINKS company Britvic today reported like-for-like revenue growth of 29.3 per cent to £935 million for the 52 weeks to September.
The company, the UK bottler for PepsiCo Inc soft drinks, reported growth in key markets, including squash, juice drinks, water and sports drinks.
The stills market, up 4.8 per cent, saw strong sales of Fruit Shoot and Robinsons squash in the UK, as well as the launch of new products Gatorade and Drench.
Chief Executive Paul Moody said: "We have delivered a strong performance despite the disappointing weather."
Source: - http://business.scotsman.com/retail/Tonic-for-Britvic-after-sales.4597817.jp- Published 16th October 2008
Source: - http://business.scotsman.com/retail/Tonic-for-Britvic-after-sales.4597817.jp- Published 16th October 2008
Reacting to the latest inflation figures, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said it is clear food price inflation has peaked.
Stephen Robertson, Director General of the British Retail Consortium, said: "The good news is these figures show we have passed the peak of food inflation.
"By keeping prices down and offering a rash of discounts and promotions, retailers are making the biggest contribution to containing overall inflation.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6215.asp- 16th October 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
Northern Foods plc announced the appointment of Andrew Booker as Group Finance Director. Andrew joins the Group on 13 October 2008 from Japan Tobacco International Inc/Gallaher plc where he was European Finance Director, a role he held for the past three years. He will assume the role of Group Finance Director on 17 November 2008 and will join the Board at that time.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6214.asp- 16th October 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
City and Guilds and Food and Drink Qualifications have launched the new operational skills pathway for the new N/SVQ Level 2 in Food Manufacture. This qualification is now available as part of the Level 2 Apprenticeship Framework and is designed for individuals who are working in food manufacturing on a variety of processes. The qualification includes food safety and health and safety, as well as a range of units that cover many generic manufacturing processes.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6206.asp- 13th October 2008 | Source: Food East News
Premier Foods has confirmed that it is seeking ways to reduce its massive debt burden, amid mounting speculation that the manufacturer could turn to the private equity sector for assistance.
The food manufacturer, whose brands include Hovis, Oxo and Mr Kipling, revealed in August that its debt has escalated to £1.8bn.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=194115- 13th October 2008 | Source: thegrocer.co.uk
Duchy Originals, the UK food maker founded by the Prince of Wales, has appointed Michael Jary as non-executive chairman.
Jary, worldwide managing partner of OC&C Strategy Consultants, succeeds Andrew Cosslett, CEO of Intercontinental Hotels, who stepped down from the position earlier in the year due to heavy travel commitments.
Source: - http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=104034 - 10th October 2008 | Source: just-food.com
Workers at Asda have been handed stocks worth £2m after a share ownership scheme run by the supermarket giant reached maturity.
Around 15,000 Asda staff will receive shares in US parent Wal-Mart, worth a combined £2m.
The payout comes after 19,000 Asda staff received shares totalling £3m in August this year as part of its Colleague Share Ownership plan, which the supermarket has run since 1995.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=193976 - 10th October 2008 | Source: Charlie Wright, thegrocer.co.uk,
Food and drink manufacturers in the east of England have warned that a fall in numbers of migrant workers is threatening the stability of the region’s £8.8 billion industry.
A new study published by Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, reports that a quarter of food and drink companies in the east region now employ workers from abroad, with an average of 4 employed per company.
Source: - Charles Wright-The Grocer
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=193911- 8th October 2008 |
Ross Warburton, Executive Director of Warburtons, has been elected President of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) – the voice of the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. His term of office will start on 1 January 2009.
Source:
http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6179.asp- 3rd October 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
Waitrose has signed a surprise deal with supermarket rival Booths to pool their resources and share buying duties on a range of products.
Booths, which enjoys a similarly upmarket reputation to its larger partner, will co-operate with Waitrose on sourcing a number of products in a bid to lower costs.
The move follows the decision by Booths in July to end its buying alliance with wholesaler Nisa-Today’s.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=193363- Charlie Wright, thegrocer.co.uk, 23/09/2008
Sainsbury’s has been voted the UK’s greenest supermarket chain by a team of independent environmental analysts assembled by The Grocer.
Scoring the six leading supermarkets on their performancein 10 key environmental areas, as part of our ‘Green Issue’, Sainsbury’s came top or joint first in six of the categories, impressing the panel of experts with its commitment to sustainability, its store development plans and the way it sources its goods.
Source: - http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=193353 - Peter Cripps and Noli Dinkovski, The Grocer, 20/09/2008
A pledge by outside caterers to promote healthier eating at work has been welcomed by the Food Standards Agency.
It said moves by Aramark, BaxterStorey, Compass, Elior, Sodexo, and suppliers Brakes and 3663 is having a positive impact on more than 1.5 million meals served in workplaces every day.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18758996#18758996 - 16th September 2008 | Source: FDIN - The Food & Drink Innovation Network
A report compiled for the Government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reinforces the importance of seasonal migrant workers and the SAWS scheme to the horticulture sector, the NFU said.
The report, published by the University of Liverpool, provides an independent analysis and assessment of staff shortages and immigration in agriculture and finds that growers are heavily reliant on seasonal migrant workers but are finding it increasingly difficult to source this type of labour.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6130.asp - 15th September 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
Food and drink manufacturers in the east of England have warned that a fall in numbers of migrant workers is threatening the stability of the region’s £8.8 billion industry.
A new study published by Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, reports that a quarter of food and drink companies in the east region now employ workers from abroad, with an average of 4 employed per company.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6085.asp- 21st August 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
Cambs-based Greenvale AP has launched a brand new variety of salad potato. Called Sofia, the potato has been developed in conjunction with Tesco and will initially be available exclusively as part of the Tesco Finest range, at selected stores nationwide 17 from August 2008.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6068.asp - 14th August 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
Cargill has announced the development of new technology for powdered flavours.
The company claimed its Freshzone technology is safer than liquid alternatives, since it is non-flammable, thanks to a thermodynamically stable encapsulation.
Flavour is protected by holding components at a molecular level leading to a more consistent taste, Cargill stated.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18696309#18696309 -22nd July 2008 | Source: FDIN – The Food & Drink Innovation Network
An All Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry Group has been launched.
The new APPG aims to develop the profile of the UK's biggest manufacturing sector and promote its interests in Parliament. The group will also provide a point of reference for Parliamentarians who are not members but want to better understand topical issues such as increasing food prices; the impact of the food sector on the environment; or the work that the industry is doing to help consumers make healthier choices
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news6013.asp - 2008 | Source: Foodeast.com
A survey has found that processes adopted by food and drink manufacturers have prevented in excess of half a million tonnes of waste.
Released today by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the survey relates to 2006 and shows that of the 835,000 tonnes of food and packaging waste produced at 236 sites, 82 per cent was recycled or recovered.
Source: - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18692325#18692325 -18th July 2008 | Source: FDIN – The Food & Drink Innovation Network
A ten-month Strategy Unit project looking at food policy across Government has been published by the Cabinet Office. It concludes that rising demand, climate change, and trade and productivity restrictions must all be addressed.
Commissioned by the Prime Minister, the report focuses on food issues in the UK and puts them in a global context. It draws together evidence about long-term trends in food production and consumption, and how food safety and nutrition impact on the health of the UK.
Source: - http://foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5995.asp -10th July 2008 | Source: FoodEast.com
Brewer Adnams has warned that its half-yearly profits would be “substantially lower” than a year ago as the industry faced the “most difficult” trading conditions for years.
The Southwold-based business warned of “challenging and uncertain” times ahead at its annual general meeting in April - but revealed it expected a fall in half-yearly and annual operating profits for 2008 compared to the £1.2m half year and £4.2m annual profits declared the year before.
Source: - http://foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5980.asp- 3rd July 2008 | Source: FoodEast.com
Kaarin Goodburn, Chilled Food Association Secretary General, has been awarded an MBE for services to the food industry in the Queen's 2008 Birthday Honours List.
With a background in biochemistry, applied molecular biology and food science, Kaarin has worked with CFA since its launch in 1989, much of the time as a consultant to the Association. She is responsible for the development of CFA, its policies, activities and relationships with members, Government and the media.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5938.asp - 16 June 2008 | Source: FoodEast.com
McCain Foods has been praised for its commitment to sustainable power and eco-friendly operations by the Minister for Energy, Malcolm Wicks.
The UK ’s largest producer of frozen oven chips installed three wind turbines six months ago at its factory in Cambridgeshire and these now provide up to 60 per cent of the annual electricity used at the plant. When the factory is not operating, the power produced is sold to the National Grid. The turbines have lowered CO2 emissions by 7,500 tonnes.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5931.asp - 12 June 2008 | Source: FoodEast.com
Up to 44 jobs are being axed at George Adams and Sons' Spalding factory and another 112 could follow. Adams Pork Products announced its intention to make up to 44 night shift roles redundant in the frying department at its Fulney Lane site.
The company will now enter into a consultation period with employees at risk of redundancy, and warned that a further consultation over the future of 112 frying plant jobs will start next month.
Source: - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5923.asp - 12 June 2008 | Source: FoodEast.com / Spalding Today
Premier_Foods is ploughing GBP2m (US$4m) into a TV advertising campaign for Branston Relish. The UK food group said the ad, which features an ice cream-style fan selling the relish, would "capture the spirit of summer".
Source: - http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=102504
- 23 May 2008 | Source: just-food.com
The increasing focus on the environment by the British public has served to boost the popularity of British food, it has been claimed. Consumers are more concerned about the origins of the food products they are eating, organiser of British Food Fortnight Alexia Robinson has said.
Source: FDIN - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18608470#18608470
- 23rd May 2008
A new packaging innovation has been devised by Dorset Cereals, which is aimed at keeping children entertained at the breakfast table.
The company's new Breakfast Projects are filled with a novel cereal offering combined with fun and educational activity kits, Talking Retail reports.
Source: FDIN - http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18606592#18606592
- 22rd May 2008
Milky Way is to extend its offering and enter the drinks sector, parent company Aimia Foods has announced.
A chocolate flavoured drink called the Milky Way Milkshake is aimed at encouraging more kids to drink milk, Talking Retail reports.
The powdered beverage is to be launched with sampling sessions to help it succeed in the milkshake category - which has a growth rate of six per cent year-on-year.
Source: FDIN -
http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18606575#18606575
- 22rd May 2008
Barr Soft Drinks has announced the launch of a new range of traditional carbonated drinks.
Barr's Originals will come in four timeless flavours – Real Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Dandelion and Burdock, and Cream Soda with a twist of Raspberry.
Source: FDIN - (http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18573501#18573501)
- 29th April 2008
A brand new range of premium-quality burger mixes will soon be available to butchers.
Manchester Rusk Company (MRC) has announced the release of the product, which will be available as three variants - premium beef, premium lamb and premium pork or poultry.
Source – Source: FDIN - (http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18571010#18571010)
- 28th April 2008
About 90 jobs are under threat at Bernard Matthews following "a review of the current production processes and staffing levels" at the poultry producer
Source: Eastern Daily Press - (http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5798.asp)
- 1st April 2008
A natural protein ingredient has been highlighted as the way forward for companies seeking to keep costs under control the global amid food price crisis.
Nutralys pea protein from Roquette is free from genetically modified (GM) products and is a good alternative to more expensive soya and caseinates, the manufacturer claims.
Source: FDIN - (http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18569195#18569195)
- 25th April 2008
A popular chicken snacks range has been extended with the introduction of two new flavours, according to its manufacturer.
Mattesons has added Sweet Chilli and Southern Fried flavours to its Fridge Raiders snack selection, which is aimed to appeal to young snackers between the ages of 16 and 34.
Source: FDIN - (http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18567338#18567338)
- 24th April 2008
About 90 jobs are under threat at Bernard Matthews following "a review of the current production processes and staffing levels" at the poultry producer
Source – Source: Eastern Daily Press - (http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5798.asp)
- 1st April 2008
Waitrose has announced the appointment of celebrated chef, Neil Nugent.
Neil, who has many years experience as a head chef in award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as in the food retail industry, will take on a newly created high level role of Executive Chef.
Source – http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5795.asp
- 1st April 2008
UK crisp manufacturer Walkers has withdrawn a television advert after the Advertising Standards Authority received a number of complaints claiming that it was "offensive".
Source – https://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101727
- 31st March 2008
A new product development (NPD) is to be brought out be kid's favourite Ribena.
Ribena 100% Pure Juices will be the first innovation for the fruit drinks brand in three years, Talking Retail reports.
Source – http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18530019#18530019
- 31st March 2008
Potentially harmful bacteria found in some foods could be stamped out by a new packaging innovation in the US, it has been suggested.
Bugs such as Listeria would no longer be a problem if wrapped in a biodegradable polylactic acid film, Tony Jin at the US Department of Agriculture has said, the New Scientist reports.
Source – http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18527335#18527335
- 28th March 2008
The ready meal category will soon have a new competitor, pastry maker Ginsters.
Real Meals is a new range from the company that aims to provide consumers with convenient meals, Talking Retail reports.
Launched today, three varieties are to be sold initially: Beef & Peppered Dumplings, Pasta Bolognese and Chicken Tikka & Rice.
Source – http://www.fdin.co.uk/news/index.php?type=related&generate=yes&news_article_id=18525299#18525299
- 27th March 2008
Cadbury_Schweppes has looked to end speculation over the planned demerger of its US beverage wing from its confectionery business and said the move will go ahead in May.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101535 - 11th March 2008
Snack brand Doritos is set to be advertised in space, as part of the latest marketing campaign for the PepsiCo product..
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101524 - 10th March 2008
Coldwater Seafood, a UK seafood processor, has started talks with workers over plans to restructure its business.
Source –http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101499 – 6th March 2008
Premier_Foods, the UK's largest food manufacturer, has slashed its dividend after posting a loss for 2007 due to rising commodity costs and mounting debts.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101462– 4th March 2008
Morrisons, the UK's fourth-largest retailer, has seen its sales continue to grow in the first weeks of 2008, building on its strong showing over Christmas, according to data published today (5 February).
Source –http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101149 – 5th February 2008
Foods is to launch a TV push for its Anchor cheddar cheese range, the company has announced.
Arla relaunched the range last year under to focus on the portfolio's free-range credentials and the company has earmarked some GBP5m (US$9.9m) to support the brand this year.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101133 – 4th February 2008
The UK's United Biscuits is launching a GBP5m (US$9.9m) TV campaign to support its biggest brand, McVitie's Digestives.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101132- 4th February 2008
UK meat processor Cranswick and local food group Duchy Originals have decided to end the licence agreement between the two companies.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=101109 - 1st February 2008
Leading UK food and drink group Princes Foods is extending its canned food range in a bid to create a premium tier in the category. This month, Princes will launch a new premium canned range with a distinctive silver label, the first of which will be Alaskan skinless and boneless salmon. A premium deli ham is also planned, with further product development on the way during 2008.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100796 – 7th January 2008
UK organic dairy firm Yeo Valley has introduced two additions to its fat-free yogurt range. The move follows the company's decision last month to relaunch its entire portfolio. The fat-free probiotic yogurts, Organic Sicilian Lemon and Organic Madagascan Vanilla, have been launched in a bid to boost Yeo Valley's range in a buoyant sector. In addition, from January, all Yeo Valley Organic wholemilk and fat-free yogurts will contain 60% more fruit.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100778 – 3rd January 2008
Arla Foods is to launch a TV advertising push in the UK for dairy drink Lactofree. The campaign is part of a GBP3m (US$5.9m) marketing investment behind the brand, which is aimed at consumers who are intolerant to lactose.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100771 – 3rd January 2008
UK retail giant Tesco has reported an acceleration in sales growth during the third quarter of its fiscal year.
The UK's leading supermarket operator said sales had grown by 11.8% during the three months to 24 November, outstripping first-half growth of 9.2%. The company added that the growth had been driven by all parts of its strategy.
Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100568 – 4th December 2007
Lees Foods, the UK-listed confectionery and baked goods group, has acquired specialty desserts and cakes producer Patisserie UK for GBP2.5m (US$5.1m).
Source –http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100570 – 4th December 07
Food producer Hain Celestial Group is creating 65 new jobs at its factory in Fakenham, which is best known for manufacturing the Linda McCartney meat-free range.
The move, which will double the number of production staff, follows a successful relaunch of the Linda McCartney range.
Source – http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5492.asp - Source: Eastern Daily Press
Dairy_Crest has reported rising half-year profits after managing to pass on higher dairy costs to its customers. The UK firm, which makes brands including Cathedral City cheese and Utterly Butterly, booked underlying profits of GBP37.1m (US$78.1m), a rise of 21%, for the six months to the end of September.
Source – 8 November 2007 | Source: just-food.com
The UK food and drink industry has unveiled a five-point plan to tackle the impact its businesses have on climate change. The move, launched by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), sets out five areas in which food and beverage manufacturers can "have the biggest impact", according to the trade association. Source – http://www.just-food.com/article.aspx?id=100145
Dated : 25th October 2007
Brand valuation consultancy, Intangible Business, has published its annual league table of the 100 most valuable grocery brands in the UK. 150 of the country's leading grocery brands were analysed using historical sales data and qualitative expert panel data - providing unique insight into each brand's financial contribution and strength in the eyes of the consumer. The Top 10 Source - http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5460.asp
The Bakkavör Group has further strengthened its UK business with the acquisition of Welcome Food Ingredients Ltd, a UK flavourings and sauce producer. The consideration price, which remains confidential, was financed through and paid by the Group's own cash resources.
Source – http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5416.asp
Spalding-based pork products firm George Adams and Sons is being taken over by the world's largest meat exporter Danish Crown.
The Fulney Lane company, which was founded in Spalding in 1910 and employs about 1,000 people, will retain its name as a division within Tulip Ltd, the UK branch of Danish Crown.
http://www.foodeast.com/news/newsarchive/news5408.asp
Robert Wiseman Dairies has been able to juggle suppliers, pricing and higher input costs in the first half of this year, while increasing margins, according to a trading statement released today.
The UK-based company's experience in a tumultuous market is typical of the extreme cost and supply pressures dairy companies are facing worldwide.
Source –www.foodanddrinkeurope.com - By Ahmed ElAmin - 27/09/2007
Warburtons opens a new factory in Wales, General Mills gets a new CEO, and letting the snack out of the can for Halloween.
Warburtons opens its new bakery
UK bakery company Warburtons opened its £10m factory in Newport, Wales this week, to cater for an increase in demand for its products.
Source –www.foodanddrinkeurope.com - By Karen Willmer - 26/09/2007
Upmarket UK retailer Waitrose has reaffirmed its plans for expansion - but dismissed claims of an GBP800m (US$1.6bn) war chest as "speculative".
Source – just-food.com
Date – 24th September 2007
US moves to redefine chocolate have come under further criticism by some of the leading players in the industry.
Mars said yesterday that it would continue to produce all its chocolate with cocoa butter, rejecting proposed changes that would allow the name to be included on products made using cheaper vegetable oil.
The reaction by one of the world's leading confectioners could encourage others to pressure the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to scrap the plans, preventing processors from possibly cutting supply costs for their chocolate.
Source – foodqualitynews.com
Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Bluetongue in one cow on a premises near Ipswich, Suffolk. Bluetongue is a very different infection to Foot and Mouth Disease and the strategy to control it is therefore also different.
The strain of Bluetongue virus has been identified as Serotype 8. This is the strain found in Belgium, France Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands since August 2006.
Source – foodeast.com
Heinz has created a new premium range of low-calorie frozen food products under its Weight Watchers diet brand.
The new WWfH Taste Temptations range of meals and desserts is part of efforts by Heinz to drive the brand forwards and is a response to consumer demand for more indulgent diet-friendly food.
Heinz claims that WWfH Taste Temptations marks the first entry of low-calorie premium foods to the frozen category and the range combines rich ingredients, flavours and sauces with fewer calories.
Source – readymealsinfo.com
Food safety recommendations made by a panel investigating one of the largest industry-wide recalls ever made in the UK could lead to tougher regulatory scrutiny of the way processors manage their supply chain.
The recalls not only cost companies millions of euros, but was also a blow against the food industry's attempts at regaining public trust in the food supply chain
.
Source – foodqualitynews.com
Associated British Foods has moved to buy a 20% stake in UK natural cereal business Jordans.
ABF, the maker of brands including Kingsmill bread and Ryvita, declined to reveal how much it paid for the stake from the Jordan family
.
Source – foodeast.com
The European Commission has banned UK export of livestock and raw meat and dairy products to the EU following the discovery of foot and mouth disease (FMD)at a farm in Egham, Surrey.
The decision was made yesterday afternoon. The ban will remain until at least October 15, depending on how the situation develops.
Source – www.foodmanufacture.co.uk
Food giant Nestlé is pushing ahead with its plans to share standardised product data in the UK, despite supermarkets being slow to adopt this technology.
Nestlé took advantage of its 1Sync global data synchronisation (GDS) system to speed the launch of its Polish Winiary subsidiary’s range of soups, seasonings and desserts into the UK earlier this year. Demand was anticipated from a growing Polish population accustomed to this leading brand at home.
Source – foodmanufacture.co.uk
The latest research from Mintel reveals that in France, Germany, Italy, the UK and Spain the market for ready meals rose by 5% between 2006 and 2007 to reach sales of €8.4 billion.
The UK is the biggest consumer of these products, with the market worth a total of €3 billion between 2006 and 2007, with the British being the likeliest nation in Europe to tuck in to them more than once a week.
Source – theretailbulletin.com
Associated British Foods has insisted that full-year profits will be in line with expectations with rising earnings from its sugar operations offsetting problems from its grocery business.
ABF, the maker of Kingsmill bread and Twinings teas, said in a trading update this morning (10 September) the acquisition of its Illovo sugar operations had helped compensate for losses from Allied Bakeries and charges from its ACH and Blue Dragon businesses.
Source – foodeast.com
Glisten has posted rising annual profits on the back of growing demand for healthier snacks and confectionery, the UK company said today (10 September).
The London-listed firm booked an 18% jump in underlying pre-tax profits to GBP5.7m (US$11.6m) for the year to 30 June. Turnover rose 5% to GBP58.6m.
Source – foodeast.com
Iceland's Bakkavör Group – owners of Geest - have further strengthened its UK business with the acquisition of Lincolnshire-based Exotic Farm Produce Group, a produce and fresh prepared foods company from the John Rannoch Group. The consideration price, which remains confidential, was financed through and paid by the Group's own cash resources.
Source – foodeast.com
A £5 million investment programme by potato supplier Branston Ltd has been completed this month and the company now boasts one of the industry’s most revolutionary cold stores.
At an impressive 5,000 square metres and a cost of £2.1m, Branston’s new cold store sets new milestones in efficiencies and emissions.
Source – foodeast.com
Arla Foods has installed antivirus protection on all its production and processing networks, in a bid to protect its computer systems from viruses and hackers, the dairy company said.
Source – foodproductiondaily.com
Cadbury Schweppes has resurrected the Wispa chocolate bar after a grass-roots consumer campaign on social networking sites.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 22nd August 2007
Kellogg's has been named as the leading grocery brand in the UK, according to a survey.
The report, carried out by analysts TNS Worldpanel and Marketing magazine, also found that brands that have met consumer demand for healthier products have enjoyed strong UK sales in the past year.
Kellogg's saw off competition from the likes of Heinz, Walkers and Cadbury to become the best-selling grocery brand in the UK, according to the study. Kellogg's take-home sales are projected to top GBP550m (US$1.1bn) this year, a rise of 4% on 2006.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 21st August 2007 McCain Foods looks set to axe around half the jobs at a key production site in the UK.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 21st August 2007 UK supermarket retailer Sainsbury's has denied breaching food safety regulations by offering food for sale after it had past its use-by date at one of its stores in Central London. Source – just-food.com
Date – 16th August 2007 UK-based ingredients group Tate & Lyle has snapped up a minority stake in a sugar venture in Lao. Source – just-food.com
Date – 16th August 2007 Cadbury Schweppes has denied reports that it has chosen to demerge its US drinks business as opposed to selling it outright.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 15th August 2007 Mars UK has moved to defend its marketing strategy in the country after coming under fire for targeting children with online campaigns.
Source – just-food.com
Date –1st August 2007 The owners of UK biscuit maker Burton's Foods will tomorrow (26 July) meet worker representatives to hear details of a plan to stop the company ending production at a key manufacturing site.
Source – just-food.com
Date –25th July 2007 UK confectionery and snacks group Zetar has praised a year of "good progress" after reporting a leap in sales and earnings over the last 12 months.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 24th July 2007 Dairy_Crest has claimed a "strong" start to its financial year, highlighting "good performances" from brands including Cathedral City cheese and Petits Filous yogurts.
The UK company said a "strong trading performance" during the first three months of the financial year has left it on track to meet its expectations for the full year.
Dairy Crest pointed to growing market share for its St Hubert business in France and an "encouraging" start for "healthy" cheese Cathedral City Lighter.
The company added that sales of Clover butter are "are returning towards normal levels" after a product recall in May.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 19th July 2007 UK supermarket Morrisons warned today (19 July) that sales had slowed in recent weeks as the company lapped comparisons with trading during last year's football World Cup.
Morrisons said sales had slowed "slightly" since May, when it said first-quarter sales had risen by 4%.
In an update today ahead of its interim results, Morrisons said like-for-like sales for the 23 weeks to 15 July were up by 3%.
Chairman Sir Ken Morrison said the company is "satisfied" with its progress. "Sales volumes are lower than we would like, but the company's new marketing and store programme will commence later this month," he added.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 19th July 2007 Nestlé has sought to play down reports that it will speed up any streamlining of the business in the face of a rise in commodity costs.
Source – just-food.com
Date – 13th July 2007 UK retail group Marks & Spencer said that trading conditions in its first quarter had been volatile because of rising interest rates, extreme weather conditions and uncertainty over consumer spending Source – just-food.com
Date – 10th July 2007 Heinz has revealed plans to enhance its core soup brands, building on the recent £7m investment to drive soup category growth.
The company's strategy includes expanding the number of varieties on the market introducing larger can sizes to increase usage occasions and new marketing support….. Source – just-food.com
Date – 10th July 2007
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