Hardy rye-wheat cross steps into the future
A hardy winter cereal crop could soon be a common sight in European fields as scientists in France present the fruits of 30 years of labour in the labs.
Archives for March 9, 2004
Mycotoxins under the spotlight in Brussels
Last month Europe came a step closer to introducing harmonised rules on controlling mycotoxins in food. Closely following discussions of Europe's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, the Scottish Food Standards Agency offers...
Morrisons gets down to business
With its takeover of Safeway finally completed, Morrisons now faces the difficult task of integrating the two businesses and bringing the profitability of Safeway's somewhat downmarket stores up to its own high level.
'Value-added' the way forward for Aarhus
Expecting a higher uptake of vegetable fats by European chocolate manufacturers following the new '5 per cent' chocolate rule, Danish oils and fats supplier Aarhus United sees a drop in income for 2003, compounded by currency conversions, a decline in...
Oxfam asks EU for 'fair' approach for impending sugar reform
On the cusp of reform to the EU's heavily supported sugar regime, some of the world's poorest sugar exporting countries have called on Europe 'to put fairness at the heart of the new regime'.
Orkla Romania aims higher
Having recently announced that it is selling its stake in the Carlsberg brewery, Norway's Orkla Foods is continuing its aim to increase its presence in the Eastern European market with the acquisition of more facilities to expand the footprint of its...
Demanding traceability in the supply chain
A new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) programme designed to improve efficiencies in consumer demand chain management is about to be launched in the US. The technology is still in the testing phase, but developer Albertsons, a major food...
Pay attention to engineers
Wermer Bauer, executive vice president of technology, processing and R&D at Nestlé, has urged food manufacturers to recognise the link between sound engineering and strong financial performance. He also told delegates at the International Congress on...
Cost control helps Laurus back into the black
Tighter cost control helped Dutch retail group Laurus return to the black in 2003 despite the retail price war which broke out in October.
Suppliers see no wholesale changes
The wholesale sector in the UK is expected to continue to play an important role in the grocery sector for the next ten years, in particular in helping brand owners improve their relationship with independent retailers. But while few suppliers see...
Agros Nova battles for top position
Polish fruit processor Agros Nova has said that it aims to become the country's largest producer of fruit juices within the next three years, despite having lost ground since the merger which formed it early last year.
Discounting not the answer to future growth?
The last few years have seen a sharp increase in the number of discount stores throughout Europe, with recessions in many of the Continent's leading economies prompting consumers to tighten their belts and shop around for bargains.
German retailers hopeful of upturn
After three successive years of depressed consumer spending and low prices, German retailers are hopeful that 2004 will see a return to growth, albeit at a relatively low level.
UK to clear GM crops?
Favourable news for the pro-GM camp as a team of British scientists claims that genetically modified (GM) maize is less damaging to wildlife than conventional varieties. At the same time, leading UK organisations call on Tony Blair to stop any...