Anheuser Busch in the US has launched Budweiser and Bud Light with tomato juice making a new category in beer – the savoury beer segment. Chelada is a premium beer with spicy Clamato juice. Aimed at 21-45 year old males and in particular Latino Beer drinkers, it comes in 24oz cans and also targets Red Beer and Bloody Beer enthusiasts for brunch events. Available in Texas and California, Budweiser Chelada is 5% proof and contains 186 calories per 12oz serving. Bud Light Chelada is 4.2% ABV and contains 151 calories per 12oz serving.

The Freight Transport Association said that the Chancellor's decision to defer the 2p per litre increase in fuel duty until 1 October was very welcome, bearing in mind last week's increase in the price of oil to $110 per barrel and forecasts that it will rise further. However, FTA said that any duty increase should have been put off for at least a year while the market remains so turbulent. FTA said that a six month deferment would save industry some £140 million. However, since January 2007 the transport industry has suffered fuel price increases of £2.5 billion as the bulk price of diesel has increased from 74p per litre to the current 92p per litre. FTA Director of External Affairs said, "The high price of fuel impacts on not just the transport industry but the whole of UK industry as world prices go through the roof. In turn these increased prices must be passed to consumers. For the Chancellor to have added to this pain by seeking further taxation would have been unthinkable. "But as the price of oil continues to rise, he must continue to keep his foot off the fuel duty accelerator – the proposed half pence per litre above inflation increase from 2010 can be no more than speculative. FTA will seek a further deferment after 1 October." FTA continues to call for a decoupling of the way fuel is taxed on commercial vehicles from cars.

*The world's most avid chocolate fans, which eat chocolate several times a week, live in the UK (46%), Switzerland (45%) and Belgium (43%), according to a recent consumer survey conducted on behalf of Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products. * While many chocolate lovers stick to one type of chocolate (brand loyalty 45%, habit 39%), more than one third of all consumers in Western Europe and the US want more choice, and many have discovered the delights of premium chocolate. Chocolate fans increasingly seek new taste experiences and turn to premium chocolate to indulge their sweet tooth, and 12% regularly try different chocolate types. German consumers are especially keen on change: 25% of German chocolate lovers surveyed regularly try different types and flavours. Amid a trend towards premium chocolate, origin, organic and fair trade chocolates are becoming popular across all markets. Four out of 10 respondents (42%) throughout Western Europe and the US have already discovered origin chocolate, which is made with cocoa beans harvested in one specific country. This represents an increase of 26 percentage points compared to 2006 (from 16% to 42%). One fifth of all consumers (19%) eat it at least once a month. Traditional chocolate countries such as Switzerland (11%) and Belgium (9%) have the highest weekly consumption. A taste for origin The most avid fans of origin chocolates are the Americans (53%) and the Swiss (52%). The Swiss are the most regular consumers of origin chocolate, with 23% enjoying it at least a few times a month. "Our direct sourcing activities in the world's principal cocoa-growing countries enabled us to develop the largest range of origin chocolates available on the market," says Hans Vriens, Chief Innovation Officer at Barry Callebaut. "Barry Callebaut has more than 40 different origins on offer whose unique taste is a real discovery for chocolate lovers across the globe. These finest-quality origin chocolates are made from rare cocoa beans grown on faraway, small plantations or even from vintage beans." To cater for the growing demand for origin chocolate, Barry Callebaut has recently launched six new country origins chocolates, four new regional origins and five new origin cocoa powders, as well as 10 new 'Limited Edition' country origin chocolates. These finest-quality chocolates are the result of rare and meticulously selected cocoa beans grown and harvested under specific local conditions, from plantations, with specific certifications, or even from a specific year. "The rise of single origin and limited edition chocolate is an important driver for change on the chocolate market. These original chocolate varieties are an excellent way for smaller and mid-size companies to successfully differentiate themselves from mainstream chocolates," says Hans Vriens. "Nowadays, chocolate consumption is coming to resemble the way we enjoy wine: we sample and compare different tastes." Fair trade and organic The same growth in popularity is seen in fair trade and organic chocolates. In 2008, 33% of consumers said they had tried fair trade chocolate, while 24% had tried organic chocolate, representing a +23 percentage point and +17 percentage point. Increase respectively vs 2006. Switzerland (46%) and the UK (43%) are home to the most avid fair trade consumers. Leaders in the organic segment are consumers in the US (38%) and the UK (31%). For nearly half the consumers surveyed, the brand name matters most in their choice of chocolate. This is most notably the case for consumers in Germany, the US (both 59%), the UK (53%) and Switzerland (39%). For one out of four consumers, buying chocolate is all about habit. Belgian and French consumers are the uncrowned European 'creatures of habit'. 68% of Belgian and 45% of French consumers always buy the same brand. Does price matter? For some, absolutely: Germans are the most price-conscious chocolate buyers (35%), closely followed by 31% of American and 27% of French consumers. Not surprisingly, the same French (26%) and American (20%) consumers state they are sensitive to promotions. A real American reflex: when tasted during a sampling session in the shop or store, 31% of American consumers buy the product on the spot. While 72% of consumers say they need no special occasion to buy chocolate, one-fourth say chocolate is an ideal gift for any occasion. Seasonal chocolate gifting is a big ticket item in the US: Christmas (45%), Valentine's Day (44%) and Easter (41%) represent real chocolate gifting peaks. In traditional chocolate markets where daily chocolate consumption is high, such as Belgium, France and Switzerland, seasonal gifting is less prominent. Belgians, who are among the top consumers of chocolate per capita in Europe, don't need a special occasion to buy chocolate. Only 8% of them buy it for Christmas and 19% for Easter.

*World Water Day 2008 (Saturday 22 March) calls attention to the critical need to protect and sustain water resources and “highlights the significance of cooperation and importance of an integrated approach to water resource management of water at both international and local levels,” according to the World Water Day website. * This global appreciation of water also recognises the fact that all consumer products use water as an ingredient or in production, including foods and beverages. Bottled water companies have an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible use of resources to produce a healthy packaged beverage. And, recognising that water is necessary for life, the industry brings to people bottled water with consistent safety, quality, good taste and convenience. * Consumers should consider these facts about bottled water:* Bottled water and the environment Annual bottled water production accounts for less than 2/100 of a percent (0.02%) of the total ground water withdrawn in the US each year. The bottled water industry uses minimal amounts of groundwater to produce this important consumer product, and does so with great efficiency. Even though it's a minimal groundwater user and is one of among thousands of food, beverage and commercial water users, bottled water companies actively support comprehensive groundwater management practices that are science-based, treat all users equitably, multi-jurisdictional, and provide for future needs of this important resource. Consumers should be aware that bottled water containers are fully recyclable and should be properly recycled through whatever system a local municipality has in place. In fact, all bottled water containers – whether plastic, glass or aluminium – are recyclable. IBWA actively supports comprehensive curbside recycling programs, partners with other beverage and food companies, municipalities and the recycling industry, seeks to educate consumers about recycling, and works to increase all recycling to reduce litter. The bottled water industry is working to reduce its environmental footprint by using lighter-weight plastics for its containers and increasing the fuel efficiency in the transportation of their products to market. Convenience-size water bottles are not a major part of the waste stream, accounting for less than one third of 1% of all waste produced in the US in 2005. Any efforts to reduce the environmental impact of packaging must be comprehensive and focus on all consumer goods. The larger bottles found on many home and office bottled water coolers can be sanitised and reused an average of 40 times before the bottled water company removes them from the marketplace and recycles them. That's why the bottled water industry is considered one of the “original recyclers”. Larger, single-use bottled water cooler containers are recyclable. Global water availability While government and the private sector work to find solutions to provide clean drinking water in underserved communities, bottled water combined with other solutions such as filtration and bulk filling stations, is an efficient and effective means of delivering clean, sanitary drinking water. A growing number of bottled water companies are designating a portion of their income to support global programmes, which help create long-term solutions for the provision of water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene in underserved and developing communities. Bottled water regulations and safety Bottled water is comprehensively regulated as a packaged food product by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which mandates stringent standards to help ensure bottled water’s consistent safety, quality and good taste. By law, FDA bottled water standards must be at least as stringent and protective of public health as US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tap water standards. FDA requires bottled water to comply with bottled water-specific standards as well as regulations required of all food products. Bottled water isn't simply tap water in a bottle. FDA and state governments recognise groundwater and municipal water systems as legitimate and valid sources for bottled water production. There are specific labelling and other standards to help ensure consumers are aware of the type of bottled water they choose. Bottled water companies that use municipal source water treat and purify the water employing processes such as reverse osmosis and distillation before it's bottled and delivered to consumers as a packaged food product. The product will be labelled as 'purified water', or alternatively 'reverse osmosis water' if it's treated by reverse osmosis, or 'distilled water' if it treated by distillation. If bottled water is sourced from a municipal water system and hasn't been further treated, FDA requires the label to state that it's from a municipal or community water system. Bottled water products are required to comply at all times with FDA Standards of Quality. As with other food products, bottled water is subject to the food adulteration and misbranding requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and is subject to the full array of FDA enforcement actions, including warning letters, civil (seizure and/or injunction) and criminal penalties. As with other food products, bottled water may be recalled from the marketplace. In addition to federal and state regulations, IBWA members are required to adhere to standards in the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which in several cases are stricter than FDA, EPA and state bottled water regulations. The IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is enforced through a mandatory, annual, unannounced plant inspection by an independent, third party organisation. With much attention focused on the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, the bottled water industry has elevated its efforts to provide consumers with a safe, high-quality product. The numerous federal and state regulations and standards already in place, coupled with the bottled water industry’s use of enhanced learning and security systems to help ensure the safety and security of our products, mean that consumers can trust and rely on their bottled water. Bottled water and emergency response IBWA and the bottled water industry have worked to develop solutions to better enable federal, state and local emergency response agencies to act with greater efficiency and speed with regard to bottled water distribution and coordination in emergency relief operations. IBWA’s broad expertise can help government officials better understand the issues involved as they attempt to create a more workable system. Why consumers choose bottled water Some groups have sought to frame drinking water issues as a “bottled water vs tap water" debate, and that confuses consumers. Consumers are not uniformly replacing their public drinking water with bottled water. Many consumers likely drink bottled water and tap water depending on the circumstances. It doesn't, however, always amount to a tap vs bottled water choice. Consumers across the US choose bottled water because it's a healthy, refreshing beverage. In some cases, consumers drink bottled water as an alternative to other packaged beverages because it doesn't contain calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial flavours or colours, alcohol and other ingredients. Or, they choose bottled water because they're not always satisfied with the aesthetic qualities (eg taste, odour, colour) of their tap water. There are thousands of public water systems across the US, most of which are succeeding, yet others are faced with occasional 'challenges', emergencies, or natural events that may cause service interruptions. Bottled water container safety Bottled water is but one of thousands of beverage and food products packaged in plastic, and satisfies consumer demands for the safety and convenience of packaged food and drinks. All plastics (and other materials) intended for contact with foods or beverages, including bottled water, are regulated by FDA to help assure their safety. The materials used in all bottled water containers are shown to be safe through extensive laboratory testing. FDA comprehensively regulates the safety of food, including bottled water, by carefully reviewing food and beverage packaging materials before allowing them onto the market. As part of its review, FDA assesses the migration potential of plastics and the substances with which they are made. FDA allows food-contact plastics for their intended use based on safety data. The process includes stringent requirements for estimating the levels at which such materials may transfer to the diet. FDA's safety criteria require extensive toxicity testing for any substance that may be ingested at more than negligible levels. This means FDA has affirmatively determined that, when plastics are used as intended in food-contact applications, the nature and amount of substances that may migrate, if any, are safe.

*The Global Probiotics Council (GPC), a committee established in 2004 by Groupe Danone and Yakult Honsha Co, has announced the Young Investigator Grant for probiotics research programme (YIGPRO). * The annual grants are designed to stimulate innovative research and to support young investigators while attracting new researchers in the United States into the field of probiotics and gut microbiota. “Our two companies have demonstrated their long standing commitment to advancing research in probiotics. “This field continues to be one of the most promising for more discoveries that will benefit human health, which is why Danone and Yakult decided in 2004 to join forces and further encourage more research in a larger number of countries,” said Sven Thormahlen, Executive Vice President R&D, Danone Research. “With this new initiative, we will continue to contribute to bridging gaps in the field of probiotics and the gut,” said Gerard Denariaz, Director of Danone’s Probiotic Research. * Yakult Honsha* “Emerging science on the regular consumption of probiotic containing products shows how these products can help to regulate the intestinal ecosystem and benefit health. These grants will enable young investigators who are senior fellows, or junior faculty to further explore the health benefits of probiotics. These grants will also further advance understanding about the relationship between probiotics and the intestinal flora and are anticipated to expand the already stable research platform,” said Yakult Honsha Co Senior Managing Director Ryuji Chino. Each Young Investigator Grant for Probiotic Research will provide $50,000 over one year. Research applications should contribute to knowledge about gut microbiota or the role of intestinal flora in health and disease. The grants will provide opportunity for researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and infectious disease to foster innovative ideas, sustain independence, and advance science. Probiotics are live cultures that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can provide health benefits to an individual. Probiotics can help maintain the digestive system by providing a regular source of “friendly” bacteria to the intestinal tract, helping to improve the functioning of the intestinal microflora. Application procedures and additional details on the Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research programme can be found at <<1>">www.probioticsresearch.com]<1> <1>: http://www.probioticsresearch.com

*Tetra Pak – the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions – has unveiled plans to revitalise its brand in order to strengthen its global identity. * The brand revitalisation will help strengthen awareness of what the company does and what it stands for – bringing to life Tetra Pak’s existing motto 'Protects what's good'. This motto can be found on more than 100 billion Tetra Pak packages around the world. In January, Tetra Pak launched its new graphic identity, which puts the 'Protects what's good' promise at the heart of the brand, with a bolder, fresher, more colourful look. “Tetra Pak is a brand with a rich heritage and an exciting future,” said Tetra Pak CEO, Dennis Jönsson. “Our motto ‘Protects what's good’ extends far beyond protecting the contents in a package. We are protecting what is good in order to shape a better future for our customers, the company, our employees, our suppliers and the communities in which we operate.” For example, the company is constantly innovating new products and services to make food safe and available everywhere. Tetra Pak is also committed to sustainable forestry, recycling and a low carbon footprint within its value chain. The new brand identity is designed to help differentiate the company and support its leading position in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Tetra Pak will roll out its new visual identity in phases during 2008. The brand work was developed with Ogilvy Group UK, which conducted an extensive strategic review of the Tetra Pak brand identity on a global basis.

Tailored to specific energy requirements, novel product samples for various applications clearly demonstrate how manufacturers can create innovative and healthy energy products. The concept is based on sophisticated combinations of Frutarom's natural herbal extracts and other functional ingredients that offer various approaches to energy plus authentic flavours. Energy has many facets. That’s why Frutarom’s latest concept not only targets physical endurance, but also brain power, mental alertness, and the need for a quick recovery after exercise. The 'claim to fame' is the unique combination of energy enhancing natural herbal extracts with a perfectly matching blend of flavours – both special subjects to Frutarom. Green tea, guarana, schisandra, ginseng and green maté are just a few of the main players in Frutarom’s range of herbal 'energy' extracts. Health, indulgence and convenience Whereas ginseng and schisandra provide vitality characteristics, it's the caffeine content in guarana, green tea and maté which makes them perfectly suitable for natural energy products. In combination with creative and energy supplying flavour compositions, these combinations result in indulgent products that offer consumers an extra 'boost'. The product samples include beverages and nutrition bars, as well as dairy products and even confectionery, meeting consumer´s three main demands: Health, indulgence and convenience. For health-conscious but sweet-toothed consumers who want to have a handy energy kick, the natural energy concept candies 'Paso Doble', 'Spice’n’bong' and 'Energesso' again combine natural caffeine containing extracts with best suitable flavourings. * Market overview* 'Energy' products can expect further growth. According to Mintel, the energy drinks market witnessed an increase of 11% in 2006, with even stronger growth during 2007. Already buoyant, the energy drinks market has been further fuelled by lifestyle-oriented consumers’ interest in 'energy' diets. The new energy concept shows how manufacturers can boost their energy too – by simply using Frutarom’s creativity and expertise to develop energy products with a special edge and in specific cases with a 'clean label'.

Pure1 Systems has announced the release of the Absolute1 – a unique combination of prefilter with the tightest absolute rated depth filter available to the point-of-use market. The Absolute1 high-efficiency depth filter cartridge is constructed using an advanced microprocessor-controlled production process that permits the creation of multiple filtration zones within a single filter cartridge. The four-zone design produces a gradient pore structure which effectively captures larger particles in the outer sections of the filter cartridge, while providing highly efficient and consistent removal of small particles in the inner sections, eliminating the need for an additional prefilter. Manufactured from FDA-listed materials in polypropylene, the filters offer performance of greater than 99.9% of materials 0.5 µm or greater, as determined by the ASTM F-795 Test. The filter is free of adhesives, binders, resins and silicone. “This unique product offers our customers the versatility of open prefiltration with a tight final filter in a single, disposable filter element," said Stephen Messinger, Director of Sales and Marketing for Pure1 Systems. "Replacing our existing PF-5 and PF-1 filters, the new filter will be less expensive than the two previous units, while offering greater removal of sediment and bacteria. The unit is available in a new Pure1-designed permanent housing and will be offered as the standard prefiltration in all SemperFresh filtration systems.” * About Pure1 Systems* Pure1 was started in 1988 to develop an answer to the problems with five-gallon bottles of water: lifting, spilling, storage, reservoir contamination and expense. Pure1 has headquarters in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

*Healthy Food Brands LLC has purchased the exclusive licensing rights to market Sweet'N Low brand sugar-free candy and Sunkist candy from Simply Lite Foods. * The agreement permits Healthy Food to market Sweet ‘N Low products globally and Sunkist products in the US. The company says it plans to develop new items in both lines. “The sugar-free product attributes of Sweet'N Low and the fact that Sunkist confections have 35% less sugar than other leading brands, fits well within our company portfolio of having ‘better for you’ brands,” said JoAnn DeTurris, vice-president of Healthy Food Brands. “We're pleased to work with two such world-renowned brands and look to acquire others in the near future.”

*Laiterie Lamothe will join the Agropur Division Natrel, a Canadian leader in fluid milk and value added dairy products. * "What's special about Laiterie Lamothe is that it caters to market segments in which we're not active, such as organic milk. This acquisition will allow us to expand our line of products and to be more active in a region where our presence is less felt," said Agropur's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pierre Claprood. "The Laiterie Lamothe has been part of the Centre-du-Québec landscape for nearly 100 years and the whole region is very proud of it. The Agropur family is happy to be able to rely on the reputation of Lamothe products and know-how of its employees," he added. "I thank clients and consumers for their loyalty toward Lamothe products over all these years. I hope they will continue to buy them while now giving their support to Natrel. I am happy that Agropur is continuing its plant operations and proud that the company has expansion projects for organic milk," said Mr. Jean-Claude Lamothe, the dairy's President. Established in 1913, Laiterie Lamothe & Frères Ltée produces a range of quality fresh dairy products, including fluid milk, flavoured milk, Omega-3 enriched milk and organic milk. Since its foundation, it has been working with local dairy farmers to make its products, which are available in many stores throughout Quebec. Founded in 1938, Agropur cooperative is a leader in the Canadian dairy industry, with sales of $2.45 billion. It has 3,783 members, nearly 4,800 employees and 25 plants in Canada, the U.S. and Argentina, as well as numerous distribution centres across the country. It processes more than nearly two and a half billion litres of milk per year and offers an impressive line of products, which includes such famous brands as Québon, Oka, Sealtest and Natrel and Yoplait.

*SSI, a Chelford Group company and provider of specialist ERP and supply chain solutions for key industries, has announced a major £200,000 order from Bruichladdich Distillery Company, the leading independent south Hebridian distiller. * The implementation of TROPOS, SSI's fully integrated ERP system, will provide Bruichladdich with the supply-chain control necessary to support the company's continued expansion – which saw it increase sales turnover by 40% last year – and allow it to continue the impressive growth it has enjoyed since being founded in 2001. It will help to eliminate inefficient and time consuming paper-based processes and create a single source of information that will provide everyone in the business with instant visibility of information through a common system. The logistics Bruichladdich has a complex supply chain: it distils, matures, bottles, warehouses and distributes 45 different types of whisky at its Islay site – across multiple brands – to around 25 countries worldwide. Every whisky stock movement has to be accounted for through the manufacturing process and reported monthly to HM Revenue and Customs. Special documentation has to be generated for distribution and additionally excise payments made when the destination of the goods are to a UK duty paid location. The recording of this information will now be done automatically by TROPOS, leaving staff to concentrate on other tasks. "We've experienced very quick growth since we started from scratch in 2001, and we now need to implement a greater degree of centralised automation into our business to help us continue in that form," said Mark Reynier, Managing Director, Bruichladdich. "We grew at almost 40% in 2007, ahead of an industry average of 10%, and there are still plenty of growth opportunities out there. We needed a system that was proven in our industry, and that would work in the way we needed it to, and not the other way around. "TROPOS represents an ideal implementation because it simplifies the control of what is a fairly complex supply chain. We now have the security of knowing that we're able to continue expanding into new markets, such as organic whisky, as well as new countries. More than that, though, our business processes won't be affected and we can easily up our output without significant new staffing costs." "We bring considerable experience and expertise in implementing ERP systems in the distilling industry, and have undertaken five similar implementations in recent years for UK distillers," commented Neville Merritt, Marketing Director, Chelford Group. "Bruichladdich is a progressive company and the Directors and Senior Management recognised the distinct benefits that TROPOS will provide for them not only as a distillery, but also for the overall business." Bruichladdich is based in a distillery which was originally built as state-of-the-art in 1881. It has now fully modernised the whole operation, but kept the impressive original features of the building. Bruichladdich sources eight varieties of barley, from ten different farms, which makes it unique in the distilling world by offering such tremendous variety across its different malts.

**Chancellor Alistair Darling announced a new target to reduce UK carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. His budget outlined incentives for businesses to select the least polluting vehicles and a target to make new non-domestic buildings carbon zero by 2019. **Bracknell-based Tana Water UK Ltd has already begun its carbon reduction programme by changing its company vehicles for a model with lower environmental impact, and reducing heating in its Bracknell warehouse. The company has also used Priority CRM software to reduce the mileage required to service its mains-fed water machines. Using Priority CRM in combination with tracker devices in the vans, Tana Water UK is able to match up the most efficient route for engineers to follow so that they can service as many customers as possible in one round trip. This avoids the situation where two or three vans are being driven to different companies within the same engineer’s territory and reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Tana Water machines use a combination of carbon filtration, to remove impurities such as sand, lead, rust, limescale and chlorine from tap water, and ultraviolet light to kill germs at the point of use. To ensure that drinking water is kept safe, the carbon filter has to be changed every six months by a Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved engineer. As the only WRAS-approved manufacturer in the UK that sells and maintains its own machines, Tana Water UK was able to introduce logistical efficiencies to reduce the carbon emissions involved in the servicing of its own water machines, rather than passing this on to a third party. “Before we installed the tracker devices and Priority CRM software, engineers were literally passing each other en route to customers," said Nick Heane, Managing Director, Tana Water UK. "Now, each WRAS-approved Tana engineer does all of the servicing of the carbon and UV filters and undertakes any repairs, rather than the same customer being visited by three different engineers. We're absolutely committed to reducing our carbon emissions as a company, and this new system not only achieves that, but with Mr Darling announcing an additional 2p on a litre of fuel from October 2008, it makes good business sense, too." Last year, Tana Water (UK) Ltd announced that it had initiated a carbon rating programme with co2balance.com to help the company to reduce its overall environmental impact. Recommendations from co2balance.com included: advising Tana Water UK to change one of its company vehicles for a model with lower environmental impact; reducing heating in the Bracknell warehouse; and continuing with its import policy, which has a 68% lower carbon footprint than water dispenser companies shipping in products from farther afield.