News
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, […]
Heineken buying up Russian breweries
Heineken is taking over all of the Ivan Taranov Breweries, based in Cyprus and in Russia, and Baikal Beer Company in Irkutsk, Siberia. The Russian beer market is expected to grow by more than five per cent to over 89 million hectolitres this year. Since August last year, Heineken has acquired several breweries in Russia. […]
Lax laws loom as boozy Brits drink on
Soaring alcohol sales in the UK are causing concern among health ministers as imminent changes in licensing laws could allow the beverages to be sold round the clock in pubs and shops. The new licence laws, due in November, have been proposed despite reports that alcohol sales have increased by almost ten per cent in […]
Early deaths warning from fats
Health experts have warned that the nation is eating too many foods containing high amounts of fat, saturated fat and sugar, which are likely to lead to premature deaths. Sales of fresh fruit and vegetables have dropped by nearly two per cent, despite government health campaigns to persuade people to eat five portions of fruit […]
Tough trading but Nestle nurtures newcomers
This year’s trading has proven a challenge for Nestle, although its first half report for 2005 showed strong organic growth of 5.2%. Meanwhile, sales in Swiss francs increased 2.4 per cent despite negative impacts of currencies of -1.8 and divestitures of -1.0%. Consolidated sales grew to CHF 43,474 million, an increase of 2.4% over the […]
Honeybees to suffer from stingy cash cuts
The British honeybee population is under threat by Government cuts, according to an organisation that represents small agricultural businesses. The Forum of Private Business (FPB) says the bees make a huge contribution to the agriculture industry by spreading pollen, but the Government has a bee in its bonnet about cutting costs. In three years time […]
Laughing gas chocolate bubbles with joy
Chocolate made with laughing gas is more enjoyable, according to a study published in Chemistry & Industry magazine. Also known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas apparently produces a more intense flavour when used to put bubbles in chocolate. Researchers at the University of Reading tested a chocolate selection made with four different gases – nitrous […]