food
Virtual winner for food and drink industry
UK-based food robotics and automation centre CenFRA has launched new computer simulation technologies that will enable businesses to evaluate and quantify the benefits and implications of integrating different automation techniques into new or existing production lines on a ‘virtual’ scale, without disruption to current manufacturing operations. CenFRA says one northern-based food giant has already taken […]
UK food and drinks market weathering economic storm
The UK has one of the largest retail food markets in both Europe and the world, with value sales having risen by around 3% per annum since 2004, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research. And with a value share of around 31%, the alcoholic beverages sector is the market’s largest, ahead of […]
Frozen food factory rises from the flames
Longbenton Foods, the new owner of the former Findus factory at Longbenton, has revealed that it will return to full production by the end of 2010. The factory in North Tyneside was forced to shed its entire 420-strong workforce after administrators closed down the plant when it was devastated by a blaze in January. But […]
Tesco’s new twist on BOGOF
Tesco has revealed plans to cut Britain’s food waste by turning the traditional Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) offer into Buy One Get One Free – Later, which means customers will be encouraged to pick up the second item at a later date. Shoppers will take an item under a BOGOF offer and receive […]
Wine and dine
A wine flour set to enter the US market can deliver a healthy profile to baked goods, through the addition of antioxidants, fibre and fatty acids, while also extending shelf-life, according to its manufacturer Northern Light Food Processing. It claims the ingredients has a distinct advantage over competitor products as it does not contain grape […]
Global energy drink sales almost double
Global energy drink volumes increased by two per cent in 2008 to 3.9 billion litres – almost double the two billion litres sold in 2003, according to the latest report from food and drink consultancy Zenith International. Average growth over the past five years has been 14 per cent a year. “Energy drinks remain a […]
Salt shocker
Over three quarters of people (77%) are not aware that bread and breakfast cereals are among the top salt-contributing foods in our diet, according to a new Food Standards Agency survey. The top three salt-contributing foods are bread, followed by meat products, then breakfast cereals. When asked to pick the top three from a list […]
ADM acquires Czech oilseed plant
Archer Daniels Midland Company has announced the expansion of its European oilseed processing capabilities with the acquisition of ViaChem Group’s oilseed processing assets in Olomouc, Czech Republic. This facility, in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, consists of an oilseed crushing, refining and biodiesel plant that produces oil and meal for the food, feed […]
Welcome aboard!
We are delighted to announce that two of the biggest names in the food and drink industry have this month joined the Food & Drink Technology editorial advisory board. The first is Dr Steven Walker, the new director general of food and drink research organisation Campden BRI. He joined the business in 1987 and over […]
Tate & Lyle profit warning
UK food ingredients group Tate & Lyle has again warned that its annual profits will be lower than this time last year, when high commodity prices helped boost its returns. The company says ‘strong co-product revenues’ during the ‘commodity price peak of summer 2008’ boosted the business last year. However, despite what it calls ‘an […]
SCM solution makes a world of difference for AB
AB World Foods, a division of Associated British Foods, has completed the first phase deployment of a new supply chain management system designed to help it predict and shape customer demand with greater accuracy. As part of an integrated business planning strategy, the company plans to use Infor SCM solutions to define the demand, inventory […]
Great Scots!
Scotland’s food and drink industry has been given a boost with the promise of thousands of new jobs and extra investment in the country’s produce. Aldi, Asda, The Co-Operative, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose and the Scottish Retail Consortium met with Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead late last month to set out […]
Cereal success
Dorset Cereals has become the UK’s leading provider of muesli following the successful completion of two knowledge transfer partnerships with Bournemouth University. The Dorchester-based company, which produces flakes, granola, porridges, bars and slices as well as muesli, hired university graduates to help develop its marketing and production functions and, as a result, has nearly quadrupled […]
Bond lolly helps thaw frosty image
A frozen replica of Daniel Craig’s torso has helped thaw frosty consumer perceptions of manufacturer Del Monte’s ethics. And in doing so, it has catapulted the brand from the bottom to the top of the latest Kaizo Advocacy Index. * Read the full story in the October issue of Food & Drink Technology.