Unilever strikes inevitable as pension row continues
Only a last minute change-of-heart from consumer giant Unilever will prevent hundreds of its workers hitting the streets of London tomorrow to demonstrate over changes to their pensions.
Archives for January 9, 2012
Revolutionary ethylene absorber is ‘berry’ good - Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer (M&S) said it has become the first retailer to use a “revolutionary” ethylene strip in strawberry punnets at the point of sale that will extend the shelf life of the fruit by up to 50%.
Giant multi-nationals to dominate food production
The balance of power in global food production is shifting away from national governments to multi-national firms and from western economies to emerging nations, warns a new report from SAC’s Rural Policy Centre. In the first of a two-part series, we...
International row brews over Codex draft melamine limit
Costa Rica has suggested that a note attached to a proposed Codex draft seeking to set maximum limits (MLs) on melamine in liquid formula risks undermining the ‘spirit of international standard setting’.
Gum derived from cress seed could have thickener potential
Cress seed gum (CSG) could be an interesting and promising thickener in food formulations, finds a new study from Iran.
'Smart barcodes' to replace eco labels as consumers become more information savvy
Industry must embrace and provide for mobile technologies, as ‘smart barcodes’ look set to replace the confusing mass of eco labels currently found on food products, says Organic Monitor.
Industry lobbyists urge Danish presidency to bin food taxes and tighten up trade
A Brussels-based food industry body, setting out what it sees as priorities for the new Danish Presidency of the EU Council, again calls for an end to food taxes, greater support for SMEs, tighter trade relations and a more transparent commodities market.
Tangerine Confectionery acquires Smith Kendon brands
UK-based Tangerine Confectionery has added two Smith Kendon brands to its portfolio as it continues to expand through brand acquisitions.
Uncertainty ahead as maize market to dictate wheat prices in 2012 – analyst
Wheat prices in 2012 are likely to be volatile and will be dictated by the global maize market and weather conditions, according to an analyst at the UK’s Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).