Major retailers misjudged last-minute Easter egg demand, says IRI
UK supermarkets ran out of Easter egg stocks just ahead of the holiday, a misjudgement that cost about £5.2m ($7.7m) in sales, says IRI.
Archives for April 19, 2015
Russia aims for 70% decrease in meat imports through investment
The Russian government will allocate RUB570 billion (US$11 billion) to implement an import substitution program for the agricultural industry, with about a third of this amount directed at meat producers. The news was revealed by Russian Deputy...
Inform public about TTIP to remove misconceptions, says FoodDrinkEurope
More needs to be done by the European Commission to remove misconceptions about TTIP, a representative from FoodDrinkEurope has said, following the recent public backlash in Germany.
And now the lawsuits… FDA warning letter to KIND triggers wave of consumer litigation
As widely predicted, multiple class action lawsuits were filed against KIND on Friday following the publication of a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter citing a long list of concerns over label claims on its bars and its website.
Millennials have a general distrust of big companies and a different set of priorities than baby boomers
Recruitment focus: ‘The consumer products industry is facing a serious talent shortage’
While working at sexy new food & beverage companies such as Hampton Creek or Suja Juice sounds like a pretty exciting way to earn a living, the most talented people coming out of business school today are still more likely to pick technology or...
organic and non-gmo trends
Organic food sales grow 11% in 2014 with politically, geographically diverse shoppers
Organic is outgrowing its moniker as a specialty category thanks to a double digit increase in sales last year by consumers nationwide of all political leanings and ethnic backgrounds, according to data from the Organic Trade Association.
Event preview
Asia Choco Cocoa Congress 2015: Sourcing cocoa for Asia’s choc boom
Multinationals chocolate companies and the public and private sector will come together this week to assess the future of cocoa sustainability in Asia and how to capitalize on rising chocolate demand in the reg
Commission plan to destroy 11m olive trees needs more research, says EFSA
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has said plans to destroy up to 11 million olive trees in southern Italy lack sufficient research, after NGO Peacelink challenged the proposal.
FAO urges sustainability over immediate profits to safeguard water supplies
Water is likely to be sufficient for food production in 2050 – but increased competition means two-thirds of the world will be affected by water scarcity, according to a joint report from the FAO and the World Water Council.
Taiyo carves out niche in natural caffeine market with slow-release whole green coffee bean ingredient
It’s been 10 years and more since ephedra was taken off the market and in that time the importance of caffeine as an energy and thermogenic ingredient has grown significantly. Suppliers are competing to offer forms the compound that offer interesting...
Asia-Pacific
Nestlé’s Nandkishore to retire as regional head
Nandu Nandkishore, Nestlé’s executive vice-president in charge of a super business zone comprising Asia, Australasia and Africa, has taken early retirement after a long career at the company.
Green algae combo may counter obesity-linked metabolic changes: Study
A mixture of green algae extracts may lower body fat and improve lean mass in rats fed a high carbohydrate, high fat diet, says new study.
‘A powerful triumvirate of sport, alcohol and social media is emerging,’ say researchers
Brands are using social media to ‘normalise’ alcohol consumption as an integral part of a sporting experience, according to a study from Australia’s Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.
Harmonised Southeast Asia regulation complete by end of year
The Alliance for Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) harmonised health supplement framework will be up and running by the end of the year after over ten years in the making.
Australia
Research finds what makes a supermarket super
Australia’s 14m grocery shoppers have some strong ideas when it comes to choosing which supermarket to shop at. Among the factors most likely to influence their decision are food safety, location and good value, while “add-on” services, such as photo...
Romanian audit finds improvement but weak controls - FVO
Progress has been made but controls on the production and storage of food of animal origin remain weak in Romania, according to the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO).
How to restore consumer confidence after a food scandal
Accountability is key to rebuilding consumer confidence in the industry following a food scandal - a company’s response to accusations of contamination is almost as important as its actual role in causing it, according to a new study.
Rising productivity in China's swine sector to support better feed demand in 2016
The Chinese pig sector’s demand for feed will remain under pressure for the remainder of the year but is expected to be higher in early 2016, said Rabobank.
Reduction seen in global pork prices
Strong supply coupled with weak demand has seen pork prices fall, putting pressure on producers’ profit margins.
Is coconut vinegar the next big coconut ingredient?
The health halo associated with coconut ingredients could mean coconut vinegar is the next ‘it’ product in Europe -- though its nutritional benefits are to yet be verified.
Listeria risk awareness should be increased - ECDC
Awareness should be increased about listeriosis from RTE foods in risk groups, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Kraft to remove artificial colors & preservatives from Original Mac & Cheese in 2016
Kraft has unveiled plans to remove artificial preservatives and synthetic colors from its iconic Original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in the U.S. starting January 2016. Meanwhile, Kraft Dinner Original in Canada will be free from synthetic colors by the end...
Grub’s up as FAO tweets insect infographic
Putting insects on a plate is the subject of a new infographic posted on the social networking site Twitter by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as pressure mounts to make the protein more acceptable to EU consumers.
Carlsberg boosts Chinese beers and flagship brands with full Wusu ownership
Carlsberg says it is building both local beers and international premium brands in China, as it gains full ownership of Wusu Beer Group.