Archives for June 14, 2004

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Old World still facing struggle in UK wine trade

Old World wine producers – who just 15 years ago had the British wine market almost to themselves – still need to do more to counter the ongoing threat from New World producers, a new report suggests. But solving the problem is likely to require a...

€70 million loan for Serbia and Montenegro

The European Investment Bank, the European Union's financing institution, is making available a total of €70 million for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Serbia and Montenegro.

Ahold set for another disappointing year

The widespread restructuring of Ahold's business announced two years ago looks set to continue to impact results at the Dutch retail group this year, with first quarter results hit by disposals and currency exchange rates.

Year of growth for East European water coolers

More than 777,000 bottled water cooler units were installed at the end of 2003 across East Europe, 26 per cent more than in 2002, according to the fourth report on East Europe Water Coolers from drinks consultancy Zenith International.

Confused consumers pose food industry challenge

Facing up to changing tastes and demands is part and parcel of everyday business for the global food industry, but a recent survey in the US suggests that assessing just exactly what today's consumer wants is becoming increasingly difficult.

Early days for supplements' role in diabetes

Little evidence supports either the safety or efficacy of nutritional supplements in helping to improve diabetes-related conditions despite strong public interest in natural therapies, according to the head of a government-funded research organisation.

Trade in processed foods outstrips primary products

Findings from a new report from the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation suggest today's highly processed food industry will continue its thirst for ingredients, writes Lindsey Partos. In the past two decades international trade in processed food...

Prebiotic cereal on UK shelves

Britannia Health Products, the company set up to market the evening primrose oil brand Efamol, is introducing a range of breakfast cereals containing Hi-maize prebiotic resistant starch.

Londis stands firm as Musgrave vote approaches

Shareholders in UK symbol group Londis will vote next week to decide on whether to accept a £60 million takeover bid from Irish retailer Musgrave, a bid which has been consistently supported by the company's board. But this has not stopped a number of...

Moscow's particular taste in sauces

Russian market research company Market Advice has conducted an extensive study into sauce preferences in the country's capital. The study reveals that mayonnaise remains a firm number one, with leading condiment maker Unilever maintaining the top slot...

Brand owners driving French chocolate growth

With a plethora of brands from which to choose and long-established patterns of consumption, the prospects of significant growth in the French chocolate market might seem remote. But a new report suggests that there is plenty of movement in the...

Strong GM compliance in Australia, claims FSANZ

New laws on genetically modified foodstuffs ushered into Europe earlier this year may be tough, but Australia and New Zealand's joint food watchdog claims that their own rules are among the toughest, following an extensive review of labelling regimes...

Fruit consumption combats eye disease

A new study supports growing evidence that eating fruit - thanks to the protective antioxidants they contain - can help men and women fight against the onset of age-related maculopathy (ARM), a degenerative eye disease that can cause blindness.