News
Study finds high pesticide levels in school fruit
A study by the Soil Association has found over 25% more pesticides in samples of fruit and vegetables supplied to school children than in those on sale in shops. The fruit is supplied to children under the official School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. According to the Soil Association, nearly 30% more instances of multiple pesticides […]
Heinz and Unilever to exit frozen foods
Both Heinz and Unilever have announced preliminary plans to divest their frozen food businesses. Unilever said it was undertaking a study into ‘strategic options’ for the future of its frozen foods business in western Europe. This encompasses the main brands – Iglo, Findus and BirdsEye – and will cover the 11 countries in Europe where […]
Warning labels
Manufacturers of sugary foods and beverages could be forced to put warning labels on their products as, like cigarettes and alcohol, these are increasingly considered damaging to health. Soft drinks, in particular, are blamed for a nationwide increase in obesity, diabetes, tooth decay and osteoporosis. Michael Jacobson, director of the Center for Science in the […]
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging
Aimia Foods celebrates new identity
Aimia Foods Limited, formerly known as Nichols Foods, has a new corporate name and brand identity. The company’s co-pack/co-manufacturing division in the UK will also now be called Aimia Foods, replacing the name Stockpack. In the past nine months, the company has invested more than £400,000 (£587.800) to regain its independent status from Nichols plc […]
Asda price claim dropped – and that is official
Asda has been forced to abandon its ‘lowest-priced supermarket’ claim after rival Tesco store complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The lowest priced claim was advertised on television and in the press, following a price survey by The Grocer comparing the price of 33 products sold by eight retailers each week, over a year. […]
Rajah powder doesn’t curry favour
Curry powders sold by Somerfields, Budgens and Kwik Save had to be removed from sale after they were found to contain illegal dye Sudan 1. The dye was found in batches of Rajah Premium Hot and Mild Curry Powders. The contaminated products, sold by BE International Foods, had a best-before date of June 2007 and […]
Skills council at Liberal meeting
Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, will be joining the Liberal Democrats at their annual party conference in Blackpool this month. Paul Wilkinson, the chairman of Improve, is joining a panel organised by the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA), which will present a fringe event at the conference on 19 September. Similar events […]
Sugar production forecast
In the past few months, growing conditions in all Danisco’s production countries have offered strong potential for the growth of sugar beets up to the September to December harvesting period. With recent favourable growing conditions, the sugar beet harvest is expected to yield a sugar production slightly above Danisco’s European Union quotas in Denmark, Sweden, […]
Soft drinks sales continue to soar
Nichols, the soft drinks group, has announced improved profits for the first half of 2005. Highlights for its two principal operations – soft drinks and beverage systems – included a 12% rise in profit before tax at £2.25 (£3.30) million. Turnover was up 24% from last year at £30.54 (£44.76) million. International markets for Vimto […]
Salt is no secret, says FDF
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has refuted allegations that manufacturers conceal salt in food. “Claims that the industry hides salt in food are inaccurate, misleading and unhelpful to consumers, said FDF deputy director general Martin Paterson. “The food manufacturing industry is committed to continuing to reduce levels of salt in products and providing lower […]
Global growth for Kerry Group
Sales revenue has risen to £2,117 million according to Kerry Foods’ latest half yearly statement despite surging energy costs. The report, which showed an increase of 8.3%, also reveals a 6.2% rise in trading profit to £160 million. Kerry Group chief executive, Hugh Friel, said,“In a highly competitive trading environment, the group performed well in […]
Training for Chilean workforce
Workers in Chile are to receive improved training in the agricultural and fresh fruit industry. In addition, producers and processors will be able to take advantage of the tax exemption awarded by the Chilean government for training schemes. Agrocap, the training division of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (ASOEX), has signed an agreement with BSI […]
Costa opens first coffee shop India
Costa Coffee is opening its first coffee shop in India. The new 1,200ft store in Connaught Place, central Delhi can accommodate 60 customers, and is part of a franchise contract to open more stores across India. The franchise, negotiated by Costa’s commercial director Nick Williams with Ravi Jaipuria, leader of a large corporate business with […]
British Cheese is a favourite
Since the British Cheese Board (BCB) was established a decade ago, cheese consumption has increased by 12.5% – equating to approximately 60,000 tonnes more cheese being eaten in Britain annually. Looking back over the decade the BCB notes the number of named British cheeses has also grown. There are now more than 700 different types, […]