health
California Tree Fruit branches out in Europe
The Garden, a London-based marketing agency, has been appointed by the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA) to generate greater interest in its members’ fruit – firstly in trade circles, before targeting consumers. California’s peach, plum and nectarine business is currently booming, with over one and a half billion pounds of the fruit produced in California […]
Targeting contaminated eggs
The European Commission is planning to set new targets to reduce salmonella in laying hens in member states. The move follows the publication of an EU study, which shows high levels of infection in flocks in a number of countries. UK animal health and welfare minister, Ben Bradshaw, welcomed the preliminary report from the European […]
Simple labelling prompts food switch
Labelling food products with clear, simple nutritional information produced ‘quite extraordinary’ changes in consumers’ buying habits in just eight weeks, according to a report on a major European conference. Speaking at the Annual Obesity Europe Conference in Brussels recently, Tesco’s European affairs manager Ian Hutchins claimed that consumers switched in a matter of weeks to […]
Defra update on GM crops
Defra has proposed measures to ensure that growing of genetically modified crops in England will not disadvantage other farmers. The plans include enforcing strict separation of distances between genetically modified and conventional crops. Under EU rules, no GM crops will be grown in the UK unless scientific evidence shows they are safe for human health […]
Beer loses out to wine
Overall consumption of alcoholic drinks among the senior population is forecast to drop 42% to one billion litres by 2010 as consumers are switching from beer to spirits and wine. Overall consumption of beer is forecast to halve by 2010 in favour of the preference for stronger drinks. Pure alcohol is set to rise by […]
French crush on Britvic
French company PAI Partners is tipped as the favourite to acquire British-based soft drinks firm Britvic, which is reported to be the target of an international takeover. Britvic is said to be struggling in the fizzy drinks market as health-conscious consumers look for alternative options. The company, which owns Robinsons in Norwich and the Tango […]
Nestle puts on weight with Jenny Craig
Nestle SA has agreed with a private equity group including ACI Capital and MidOcean Partners, the acquisition of Jenny Craig, a weight management company offering branded nutritional products and services in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company achieved sales in excess of US$ 400 million during the past year with double-digit organic […]
Chocolate firm establishes health centre
A North American chocolate company has revealed results of ongoing studies at Yale University, linking the consumption of hot cocoa to improved cardiovascular function. The statement also coincides with the company’s announcement of the establishment of the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition. The Hershey Company plan is to direct scientific research to develop products […]
School ban triggers tuck-in trade
Banning junk food in schools in an effort to encourage healthy eating among pupils has backfired, as teachers have discovered a flourishing trade in sweets, crisps and pop. The ringleaders behind the ‘bike-shed’ trading are budding retailers in the form of pupils, who are cashing in on their classmates craving for all things sugary, salty […]
One more serving to a healthy life
Just one extra piece of fruit or serving of vegetables a day can contribute to a longer life, according to research supporting a new government health campaign. The ‘Small change, big difference’ crusade is designed to encourage people to make minor changes in their lifestyles to give them a better chance of living longer, healthier […]
Brits are European chocolate champions
With the Easter chocolate bonanza over, British consumers have once again retained their crown as Europe’s chocoholics. According to market analyst Datamonitor, Brits chomp their way through 10kg of chocolate a year compared to just 2.2kg in Italy, which also has the lowest per head consumption of chocolate in Europe. Last year, the UK spent […]
Consumers check labels
A Food Standards Agency (FSA) survey has found an increasing awareness among consumers towards healthier eating. More people are taking an interest in food, particularly by checking the labels and eating more fruit and vegetables. The survey team interviewed more than 3,000 people over five weeks. It was found the number of consumers who claim […]
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory
Caffeine link to heart attacks
Recent research suggests that heavy coffee drinkers carrying a particular gene may be more vulnerable to heart attacks. Coffee drinkers who have more than three cups a day may be subject to cardiovascular diseases. Caffeine is metabolised by an enzyme in the liver. Variation in the gene for this enzyme can slow or quicken caffeine […]
Still beefing about exports
A European Commission committee has voted in favour of lifting the ten-year ban on UK exports of beef products. However, the lifting of the ban has led to new wrangling about the transportation of live animals, particularly veal calves. A European Commission committee has voted in favour of lifting the ten-year ban on UK exports […]