Archives for February 18, 2005

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Diageo growth curbed by currency impact

Diageo, the world's biggest spirit group, has announced a drop in first half profits, caused by foreign exchange rates, weak demand in Europe and the continued decline of the ready-to-drink segment, writes Chris Jones.

Coke bottler confirms interest in Serbian water group

The Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling company, which this week announced solid sales growth led by emerging markets in Eastern Europe, has confirmed its interest in Serbia's second largest mineral water bottler as the company plans to expand its blossoming...

Non-drip ice cream leads wave of Russian innovation

A Russian dairy company has created a new ice cream brand called UFO whose extra-terrestrial name reflects its 'unearthly' ability to avoid melting. But this is just one of a raft of innovative products launched recently in Russia in a bid to...

Scientists enter brave new world of nanotechnology

The practice of partnering computer simulations with real-world experiments is becoming more vital as scientists delve deeper into the potential of nantechnology, according to a US scientist. Anthony Fletcher reports.

GM dispute panel meets in Geneva

With the countdown extended, talks continue this week in Geneva between the US and Brussels to move the entrenched trade dispute on genetically modified organisms forward.

Russian ingredient prices rise

Prices for a number of key food ingredients in Russia have risen in January and February, according to a recent survey, and supply difficulties are expected to keep costs high for the foreseeable future, reports Angela Drujinina.

Rewe expands in eastern Europe

German retailer Rewe has made two acquisitions in eastern Europe this week, strengthening its position in the Slovak and Croat supermarket sectors, writes Chris Jones.

EU food authority simplifies access to acrylamide network

Improving communication between food scientists working on the harmful chemical acrylamide identified in starch-rich fried foods two years ago, Europe's food agency this week publishes an 'information base' with updated studies.

Chocolate industry affirms reponsible farming need

Democrats Tom Harkin and Eliot L. Engel wrote a hard-hitting piece in the LA Times on Monday about the human cost of the chocolate trade, but the cocoa industry has hit back by reaffirming its commitment to responsible farming.

Russian turnaround lifts BBH

The completion of its nationwide distribution network and increased investment in advertising helped brewer Baltic Beverages Holding to shrug off a difficult first half for its Russian brewing business and end the year with an increase in sales,...

Study warns food makers not to 'overlook' kids market

A new study reminds food manufacturers that the distinct €14 billion children's food and drink market must not be "overlooked", with opportunities still ripe in a host of product sectors, reports Lindsey Partos.

FCAN joins call for Splenda to drop ad campaign

The Florida Consumer Action Network (FCAN) on Wednesday added its voice to the chorus calling for the FTC to examine the McNeil Nutritionals led advertising campaign for the artificial sweetener Splenda, writes Philippa Nuttall.