According to reports, Britvic plans to close its factory in Chelmsford in the UK, the city where the company was founded in the 19th Century, as part of a cost cutting plan. The company is looking to save £30m by the end of 2016.

Proposals have been made to shut down the site in Widford, with some office-based staff being transferred to jobs in the firm's headquarters in Hemel Hempstead.

If the move goes ahead, it will also include the closure of Britvic's Pennine Spring water factory in Huddersfield and a warehouse in Belfast. In total, around 300 jobs could be lost.

A company spokeswoman said: "As a result of a recent strategic review into the efficiency of our group supply chain network, we are announcing the proposed closure of the Chelmsford and Huddersfield factories, and the proposed relocation of Chelmsford-based office functions to our head office in Breakspear Park, Hemel Hempstead.

The cuts are aimed at improving returns for shareholders and come ahead of a Competition Commission decision on its merger with Irn-Bru owner AG Barr, expected by July.

Source: Braintree and Witham Times/BBC

• See also Kerry Foods proposes to close factory risking 350 jobs.

Rocks, a UK-based soft drinks producer, is launching Frusions, a range of ready-to-drink fruit and vegetable blends.

Darren Robinson, group sales manager at brand owner 3V Natural Foods, said: "Our analysis of this rapidly emerging sector underlined that there was an opportunity for a branded range featuring not just one highly nutritious food, but a selection of them.

"Our development team set out to create great-tasting drinks with healthy appeal. We deliberately selected organic ingredients that are increasingly recognised for their richness in antioxidants."

The Rocks Frusions range comprises four fruit and vegetable juice drink variants: Apple & Ginger, Beetroot & Blackcurrant, Tomato & Cherry and Carrot & Orange.

Presented in 735ml glass Bordeaux-style bottles, Rocks Frusions are made from organic ingredients and are free from added sugar or any artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives.

• See also The power of juice at the London Coffee Festival.

Claire Phoenix talks to Geoff Collins, head of consumer marketing for Clasado, about prebiotics while at Vitafoods Europe 2013.

.

• Recorded, produced and hosted by: Claire Phoenix and Shaun Weston.
• Subscribe to the FoodBev.com podcast series via iTunes

More podcasts …

• DSM sees growth in demand for bone health ingredients
• Zuccari's Stefano Sala introduces a new range at Vitafoods Europe 2013
• Brandon Marz on the Vita Tonics vitamin spray range

A study into the profitability of the UK's largest wines and spirits wholesalers has revealed a widening gap between firms making 'outstanding' profits and those losing money.

The latest Plimsoll Analysis found average profit margins have fallen to 5.2% of sales, and 211 of the UK's top 711 wines and spirits wholesalers are now running at a loss, a finding that would lead you to believe the industry was suffering with chronic oversupply, rising costs and severe pricing issues. However, the same study has revealed 56 businesses are making record profits.

David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll, said: "Sometimes the public perception of profit is wrong. It's seen as companies taking advantage of their position or exploiting their commercial advantages unfairly, but these successful companies should be proud of their achievements. In an industry not known for its successes, these businesses should act as benchmarks to the rest of the industry, showing what can be achieved.

"For the companies that are falling behind, they need to re-evaluate their strategy and retain profit in order to improve their financial strength."

• See also Global wine consumption growth set to speed up.

Douwe Egberts Professional's Espresso Bar concept is a gourmet vending solution that aims to improve the quality of vended coffee and the ingredients used.

Douwe Egberts has received two nominations at the Vending Industry Awards 2013 for Best Ingredients and Best Ancillary Services to the industry for the Espresso Bar.

Duncan Campbell, director, DC7 Vending Limited and Douwe Egberts vending partner, said: "Working together with Douwe Egberts over the past 12 months has seen the quality of drinks we provide increase dramatically as a result of implementing the DE Espresso Bar brand.

"The pinnacle was the application in the NHS, where the consumers' response to DE Espresso Bar premium bean to cup coffee has exceeded all expectations as to the quality of drink available within NHS sites. This has resulted in a substantial increase in sales over previous freeze-dried offerings."

• See also Douwe Egberts Senseo Twist Coffee Machine.

Global consumer research by Fonterra has revealed that European agers are among the most apathetic in the world when it comes to addressing their own health issues.

This fact raises challenges for manufacturers looking to target this lucrative sector with health propositions.

Fonterra interviewed more than 3,700 adults aged between 50-75, including 613 in Germany and 599 in France. The research revealed that one in four European agers chooses to ignore their health issues. Yet, for every apathetic ager, there are two willing to take control and make changes to their lifestyle to achieve health benefits.

Dr Lesley Stevenson, Fonterra's nutrition science manager, said that the results gained highlight some key challenges for manufacturers, but that there are rich pickings to be had for brands that take time to understand the audience, develop the right propositions and invest in educating target consumers.

"There is growing scientific evidence supporting the role of protein and in particular dairy protein to aid healthy ageing," said Stevenson. "However, our research shows that French and German consumers are less likely to actively look for higher protein products, so high protein claims are not enough to persuade agers to purchase."

The importance of protein

Fonterra is using its research to inform development of dairy protein ingredients designed to meet the specific needs of the ageing population, and work with manufacturers to develop product formats and brand concepts that resonate with healthy agers.

"Through our consumer market and insights work, we know that this is an audience that has very strong opinions and preferences," said Stevenson. "They respond to unique drivers, so these have to be fully understood in order to achieve success."

The research also highlighted the importance of engaging French and German agers and educating them on the potential health benefits of core nutrients such as protein.

"These consumers have a lower appetite for seeking out information compared to other global markets," said Stevenson. "To succeed, brands have to help agers to connect diet and exercise with health outcomes they can feel such as mobility, muscle strength and the ability to stay active."

Fonterra has identified a group of consumers it calls 'Active Seekers', described as highly driven to make diet and lifestyle changes for health benefits, and likely to be the early adopters of any new solutions.

"Within Europe, we found that in France, Active Seekers account for just 8% of the healthy ageing market, compared to 11% in Germany and 16% in the US and Australia," said Stevenson. "However, France has more 'Health Seekers' than most other markets. They are early followers, willing to make some sacrifices for health benefits, as long as it leaves room for taste and occasional treats. This means that with the right proposition, Health Seekers could be a very lucrative opportunity."

• See also The top 8 food and drink products to beat ageing.

UK-based Beechdean Group is unveiling a new character product as part of a licence deal with Nickelodeon: SpongeBob SquarePants Vanilla Ice Cream.

The 110ml tub comes with a spoon in the lid and is 95% fat free. Made with fresh milk, the product is free from artificial additives, preservatives and colourings.

Tubs are available in cases of 24 with an RRP of £1.20 per unit.

• See also Beechdean relaunches Loseley ice cream.

The No-No Flatbreads range extension by Empire Foodbrokers includes houmous, guacamole, oat & honey and eight-grain variants.

Made from 100% natural ingredients, the flatbreads' unique taste and texture comes from its main component, wheat flour. The snacks contain less than 10% fat.

Chandresh Patel, managing director of Empire Foodbrokers, said: "Although No-No was the first flatbread to market, we have continued to innovate to ensure the brand's ongoing success. We hope that with these exciting and original new flatbread flavours, we will further invigorate and widen the appeal of the category."

RRP in the UK is £1.99.

• See also Maria Sharapova and Empire Foodbrokers launch Sugarpova sweets.

Gareth Barker of DSM highlights interest in vitamins D and K1 for seniors, and energy in applications other than drinks.

The company has noted increasing purchase of omega-3 and fish oils for use in foods and dietary supplements. DSM can provide a single ingredient, premix solutions and is increasingly being asked for finished products.

• Recorded, produced and hosted by: Claire Phoenix, Ruth McMenamin and Shaun Weston.

.

• Subscribe to our FoodBev.com YouTube channel

More videos …

• Zuccari's Stefano Sala introduces a new range at Vitafoods Europe 2013
• Brandon Marz on the Vita Tonics vitamin spray range
• Jim Cregan on new innovations from Jimmy's Iced Coffee

Nestlé has opened a new extension to its research and development centre in Singapore that will allow greater focus on its fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

The centre, which employs about 100 experts from 17 countries specialised in fields including mechanical engineering, analytical chemistry, microbiology and sensory science, will take the global lead for the company's innovations in Nescafé coffee mixes and Milo powdered beverages.

Nestlé has invested almost CHF 4m in the extension, which will create 20 new jobs in 2013.

"With this investment, our research and development centre in Singapore becomes our leading global R&D centre for Nescafé Coffee Mixes and Milo," said Johannes Baensch, Nestlé's global head of research and development, at the opening ceremony. "One of R&D Singapore's main objectives is to ensure that nutrition and health are integral considerations in new product development."

• See also Mobile app from Nestlé encourages recycling in Singapore.

Anheuser-Busch is providing 2,156 cases of emergency drinking water, or 51,744 cans, for use by relief workers and residents affected by the tornado in Oklahoma City and its surrounding suburbs.

Anheuser-Busch is working with the American Red Cross to get the water where it's most needed. Additionally, the company has made a $25,000 donation to the Red Cross to assist in their relief efforts.

"Relief workers and people in the community are in need of fresh drinking water as they work to recover from the tornado, and this is one way Anheuser-Busch can help our friends and neighbours," said Peter Kraemer, vice president of supply for Anheuser-Busch.

• See also Anheuser-Busch producing cans of emergency drinking water.

DSM China has won the first Nutrition Innovation Gold Award issued by the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS).

The award is granted to DSM in recognition of 'its outstanding contribution to nutritional science by constantly enhancing and improving human nutrition and the strong support it offers to the academic community in product development and applications'.

DSM was also acknowledged for its excellent contribution to providing innovative nutritional solutions to meet the needs of specific groups.

"We are grateful to be recognised by the Chinese Nutrition Society for DSM's achievements in the field of nutritional science," said DSM China president Dr Jiang Weiming. "By working with industry experts, academics and government organisations, we will continue to enhance our efforts in nutrition innovation and public health improvement to create brighter lives for people today and generations to come."

• See also DSM on the role of multivitamins in combatting cancer.

In the US, Ocean Spray has added a new lemonade flavour juice drink coinciding with a company promotion partnered with JetBlue Airways for consumers to receive a summer getaway.

Ocean Spray has launched Cran-Lemonade juice drinks in original and diet varieties. The diet drink has just five calories. The new flavour combines sun-ripened cranberries and sweet lemons, and delivers 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in each serving.

To help promote the new drink, Ocean Spray has partnered with JetBlue Airways to award a person 'who makes every day more sunny' with selfless contributions to the community around them.

"You know this person," said Kristen Borsari, director of marketing, Ocean Spray. "He's your child's teacher or after-school tutor, the dedicated volunteer at your local library or soup kitchen; she's your caring neighbour or friend. Now it's your chance to return the favour by giving back a little of the sunshine they spread to others."

Beginning 8 June, the cooperative will spotlight a nominee per day via their Facebook page before selecting three finalists, whose stories will be shared via video for fan vote in July.

To nominate someone, the individual should be a community volunteer, teacher or civil servant. Family members or friends are welcome, the company stated. The company notes also these should be people who make the lives of others around them better.

From now until 7 June, nominations are open on Ocean Spray's Facebook page. Nominations should contain at least 200 words, but no more than 500 words. Photos and videos are welcomed, but not required.

• See also Tropicana Ocean Spray Premium juices.

A new body has been created to tackle food waste in Europe. The European Former FoodStuff Processors Association (EFFPA) will represent the interests of businesses that specialise in the processing of former foods for use in animal feeds in all EU member states.

Activity will include lobbying for a legislative framework and its implementation in EU member states in order to increase the feed use of food products not used for human consumption.

This includes developing professional regulations and good manufacturing practices, including the sourcing of former foodstuffs that ensure the quality and safety of compound feed.

"Our industry sector needs to be represented across the whole European platform because of the key role we play in food waste recovery, and helping to meet the EU's 2020 recovery and renewables objectives," said Paul Featherstone, director of UK-based SugaRich, who has been appointed as the EFFPA's first chairman for a two-year term.

The industry currently recovers over 3.5 million tonnes of food annually, avoiding waste from foodstuff that is unsuitable for human consumption.

• See also The European Commission re-approves animal meal in fish feed.

Boreal Water Collection, a bottled water company from New York, has signed a private label deal with Dean & Deluca.

Boreal will bottle Dean & Deluca private labeled bottled water out of its NY Catskill Mountains plant.

"We are committed to focus on growing our list of valued clients by providing them with a made-to-measure solution backed with our commitment of excellent service," said Francine Lavoie, CEO of Boreal Water Collection.

• See also Boreal Water signs private label deal with Saks Fifth Avenue.

FoodBev Media's Hannah Oakman recently visited the busy Caffé Culture show at London's Olympia.

If you can't see the gallery below, it means you're not able to view embedded Flash-based Flickr slideshows. Instead, click here to view the gallery.

.

This set of images was created in Flickr. The FoodBev.com Flickr channel showcases some of the most popular events in the food & drink industry calendar, and showcases food and drink products from around the world. If you would like to see more, click here.

See more galleries:

• Vitafoods Europe 2013, in pictures
• FoodBev Media visits Asset Water Technology in Italy

Tetra Pak has received the first DuPont Continuing Innovation Award, which is awarded to winners of five or more previous DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation throughout the programme's 25-year history.

The award honours the consistent leadership demonstrated by Tetra Pak in packaging innovation over the last quarter-century.

"Since the company's foundation over 60 years ago, Tetra Pak has constantly driven packaging innovation with a view to making food safe and available for people everywhere," said Michael Grosse, executive VP of development and service operations at Tetra Pak. "We are delighted to receive this award from DuPont in recognition of our achievements. We are committed to remaining at the cutting edge of the industry."

The DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation is the industry's longest-running, global, independently judged celebration of innovation and collaboration throughout the value chain.

Each year, an esteemed panel awards diamond, gold or silver honours based on 'excellence' in one or all of three categories: innovation, sustainabilit; and cost/waste reduction. This year, the independent judges granted one diamond, four gold and 10 silver awards for packaging in a diverse set of markets.

• See also The story behind the world’s first aseptic carton bottle.

Pom-Bear's new cheese-flavoured Zoo snacks from Intersnack UK will hit UK supermarket shelves in June.

With an RRP of £1.59 for a multipack of six, each pack has a selection of animal shapes inside.

• See also Pom-Bear brand achieves impressive growth.

The Australian Ice Cream sector will show reasonable growth over the next five years, says a Canadean report, particularly in volume, thanks to positive growth across all categories for value and volume between 2012 and 2017.

The sector's value will grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 2.2% and volume will grow at a CAGR of 3.6%.

Take Home Ice Cream took the majority share of the market in 2012 in value and volume terms, with a 58.1% and 55.6% share respectively. Impulse Ice Cream followed, with a value share of 21.7% and a volume share of 28.3%, and Artisanal Ice Cream made up the rest of the sector, with a 20.2% value and a 16.0% volume share for the same year.

Artisanal Ice Cream will show the most growth of the three categories over the next five years, with value and volume growing ahead of the sector as a whole, at CAGRs of 2.3% and 3.8% respectively, to 2017.

In the same period, Take Home Ice Cream will grow more than Impulse Ice Cream in terms of value and volume, with a value CAGR of 2.2% and volume CAGR of 3.7% to Impulse Ice Cream's value CAGR of 2.0% and volume CAGR of 3.5% between 2012 and 2017.

Source: Canadean

• See also A revealing look at the Japanese ice cream sector.

Cloetta has acquired the British candy company Goody Good Stuff. The acquisition is in line with Cloetta's strategy to broaden the product range within the growing segment of natural candy.

"Acquisitions are a part of our growth strategy and Goody Good Stuff gives us a possibility to strengthen our product offer within an interesting segment," said Bengt Baron, CEO Cloetta. "The products from Goody Good Stuff can be consumed by everyone, as it is a natural candy free from allergens. This is a segment where we see increased consumer demand and where Cloetta can play an important role."

Goody Good Stuff is in a growth phase and has recently signed a nationwide distribution agreement with one of the leading convenience stores in the US.

Sales amounted to approximately SEK 10m in 2012. Goody Good Stuff was launched in 2010 and has its core markets in the UK and US.

Cloetta acquired Goody Good Stuff from a group of investors for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will have a limited effect on Cloetta's future operating profit, and the purchase price is insignificant compared to the market value of Cloetta.

• See also Cloetta to close factory in Gävle.

HB Fuller Company has signed an agreement to purchase adhesives company Plexbond Quimica, a provider of chemical polyurethane specialties and polyester resins.

• HB Fuller signs agreement with Plexbond Quimica, 16 March.

This business generated nearly $20m in revenue for the 2012 fiscal year and operates a manufacturing facility in Curitiba, Brazil.

"With this acquisition, we will take a step forward on two important elements of our strategic plan," said Jim Owens, president and CEO, HB Fuller, "establishing a manufacturing presence in Brazil and accelerating our growth in the flexible packaging market.

"HB Fuller has a strategic focus on three core areas – packaging, hygiene and durable assembly – and the Plexbond Quimica business will bring us capabilities that we can leverage globally in the important packaging market.

"The Plexbond Quimica team has deep market knowledge and local manufacturing capabilities that are new to HB Fuller, and the enhanced product portfolio and expertise of our combined businesses will enable us to partner more closely with customers and to grow in South America and around the globe."

• See also HB Fuller acquires Forbo's industrial adhesives business.

Valensina Saft-Limonade No1 is a lemonade with an especially high juice content. It's also the first Valensina product in a beverage can.

The premium lemonade is available in orange and lemon flavours and is filled in 33cl beverage cans in the trendy 'sleek' format. The manufacturer of the cans is Ball Packaging Europe.

"We have put a lot of work into analysing the potential expansion fields of our Valensina brand over the past few months," said MD Tino Mocken. "We are confident that the Valensina Saft-Limonade No1, combined with the beverage can, will delight quality conscious and epicurean young adults, and considerably expand the attractiveness of the premium lemonade category in the retail segment."

• See also Releasing the fizzy beast in the beverage aisle.

Marks & Spencer recently named Pork Farms Group as the winner of its Premium Food Award for the new hot eating runny-centred Scotch egg product, sold as the 'M&S Gastropub Runny Poached Scotch Egg'.

M&S selected Pork Farms Group for the award in recognition of the company's outstanding product innovation and consistently high product quality delivered since the Gastropub egg launched in stores last year.

The egg has a perfectly runny centre that maintains its runny yolk even when reheated – an innovation achieved by developing a unique and highly specialised process.

Matt Dawson, M&S product developer, said: "The Gastropub Runny Poached Scotch Egg has allowed us to offer our consumers a reinvention of the Scotch egg. In supplying the product to us, Pork Farms has shown the rare ability to combine truly ground-breaking innovation with the consistent quality that our customers expect. It tastes great and scores a perfect 10 in our consumer taste tests."

Chris Peters, MD of Pork Farms, said: "At Pork Farms Group, innovation, excellent product quality and strong customer relationships form three of the central pillars of our business. This M&S award gives us particular pride as it reflects great strength in all three areas."

• See also Eggs contain more vitamin D and fewer calories, says data.

Global design consultancy Fitch has shared the findings of sister agency Millward Brown's BrandZ Top 100. This is regarded as one of the world's most comprehensive brand valuation guides.

Beer improved 36%, the greatest percentage brand value rise of all categories. Beer brands showed strength in most markets, particularly the BRICs.

Fast food increased 5%. Flat customer traffic in the US, along with economic pressure in Europe and slower growth in the BRICs, reduced the rate of increase from 15% a year ago.

Soft drinks rose 5%, following a rise of only 1% a year ago. The change in value reflects effective brand marketing and the ongoing popularity of energy and sports drinks. But because the category was redefined to be more inclusive this year, results are not completely comparable.

The top 10 most valuable global brands

Brand followed by brand value.

1. Apple ($185,071m)
2. Google ($113,669m)
3. IBM ($112,536m)
4. McDonald's ($90,256m)
5. Coca-Cola ($78,415m)
6. AT&T ($75,507m)
7. Microsoft ($69,814m)
8. Marlboro ($69,383m)
9. Visa ($56,060m)
10. China Mobile ($55,368m).

The top 10 most valuable food & drink brands

1. McDonald's ($90,256m)
2. Coca-Cola ($78,415m)
3. Walmart ($36,220m)
4. Budweiser ($20,297m)
5. Starbucks ($17,892m)
6. Subway ($16,691m)
7. Tesco ($16,303m)
8. Moutai ($12,193m)
9. Pepsi ($12,029m)
10. Red Bull ($10,558m).

Source: Fitch

• See also The world's top 5 beverage brands.

Zeo from Freedrinks is expanding its range with three new variants called Burst, Crush and Zest.

Global branding and design agency Blue Marlin has created packaging for the new range, which will be available from May in UK bars, as well as in retailers from supermarket to high-end department stores, including Harvey Nichols.

Blue Marlin was the creative agency behind the first incarnation of Zeo, which launched last summer.

"Rather than relying as much on the subtleties of mystery and sensuality, which were so prevalent in Zeo's market debut, the new design focuses on bold standout and the intriguing origin of the drink," said Blue Marlin London creative director Simon Pendry.

Freedrinks CEO Martin Hall said: "Zeo's launch sets out the intent of Freedrinks Ltd, whose aim is to bring innovation into the soft drinks market. Blue Marlin has been one of our partners from the very beginning. With expertise and commitment, they've helped the Zeo brand communicate its unique offer, style and story with a stunning, beautiful design."

• See also Blue Marlin voted Best Design Agency in FoodBev.com Awards.