The new teas reflect the public interest in green teas and tea combinations, and the changing tea drinking habits we’ve seen developing over the past few years, Flavours include: Chamomile and Peppermint Lemon Grass and Ginger Green Tea and Jasmine Green Tea and Ginger Rooibos Rooibus and Liquorice.

You might expect a product that claims to have red wine health benefits to be the result of decades of work performed in the California wine country. However, this particular beverage was conceived in a natural food science laboratory in a technology park near Chicago, more than 1,000 miles from the grape vines and fertile soils of Napa Valley. Two years ago, Ravi Randhava read an article in the scientific journal Nature that made his heart skip. A study in mice revealed that a compound called resveratrol, found in red wine, could actually prolong life. To Dr Randhava and many others in the scientific community, the findings bordered on spectacular. Yet, at that time, the primary way to benefit from resveratrol was to drink red wine, and 38% of Americans abstain from drinking alcohol, including Dr Randhava himself! Dr Randhava and his brother, Sujit, are the owners and lead scientists of Unitel Technologies, a family-owned chemical engineering company that specialises in extracting compounds from large streams of material. They had already enjoyed success with proprietary methods of extracting compounds (very gently and non-toxically), such as lycopene, from tomato skins. They believed that similar techniques could be applied to red wine grapes. “The findings of this study were almost unbelievable – to uncover this natural compound that extends life," says Alex Randhava, partner at Unitel Technologies, and Ravi's son. "We saw this incredible opportunity to extract the antioxidant compound from red wine grapes and offer it in a non-alcoholic form." From tomatoes to wine This family of scientists leapt into the world of wine – learning about winemaking, process and the rich fruit materials that are wasted after pressing the grapes. Because red wine grapes can run $2,000 a tonne, it would be too costly to purchase grapes from the vine. Consumers would be interested in this fountain of youth compound but only if it was affordable. So, they focused on the valuable leftover skins, stems and seeds, where red wine grape’s healthiest antioxidants reside. Could they extract the identical antioxidant compound from the pressed grapes that would otherwise be discarded? They went to work with Dr Leroy Creasey at Cornell University’s School of Viticulture. Their goal was to identically represent the spectrum of compounds that are found in red wine. Not to refine or isolate that compound, but to duplicate it exactly. And after grants from the USDA, patents and extensive testing, they were able to do just that. But how to offer this finding to the public? They enlisted the expertise of Dan Waters, a veteran marketer and manager who had years of experience leading brand efforts for highly recognised consumer companies such as Barilla America Pasta, The Clorox Company, Colgate-Palmolive and The Gap. “We had leading scientists who recognised the valuable nutritional discovery that was presenting itself,” says Dan Waters, Embodi president. “The challenge was in how to deliver this to the public in a product that was compelling.” Not wanting to get lost in the shuffle of nutriceuticals or supplements, Waters went to task leading the development of a nutritional beverage. Understanding the benefits The timing was ripe for a functional drink for a few reasons. First, the organic industry was and continues to grow rapidly. Second, the functional food and beverage markets were expanding and becoming more mainstream. Goliath beverage companies such as Tropicana and Minute Maid were introducing juice drinks with health benefits. So, consumers weren’t intimidated by terminology and had a genuine and increasing interest in nutritional benefits found in foods and beverages. Waters believed that developing a delicious, non-alcoholic beverage that offered the benefits of red wine made perfect sense. He evaluated the market and saw that most nutritional beverages being introduced required education on the benefits. “People don’t inherently understand the benefits of Açai or Goji berry,” explains Waters. “The good news for us is that 85% of adult Americans understand the health benefits of red wine.” And because there's a large percentage of the population that doesn’t drink wine, Waters recognised the market opportunity. In July 2008, Embodi became the first beverage to offer the health benefits of red wine without the alcohol. The benefits of red wine have been scientifically supported for decades, and new studies reveal exciting news regularly. In October 2008, a study showed evidence that drinking red wine may ward off lung cancer. Still, the reality is that most Americans aren’t drinking red wine – 11% of the American population consumes more than 80% of the wine purchased in this country. Embodi is the first non-alcoholic beverage to offer people the full spectrum of antioxidants found in red wine. They extract the identical compound from red wine grape skins, stems and seeds and deliver it to you in a crisp, refreshing functional beverage.

The gold medallist will feature on Bran Flakes packaging and in TV ads from January. Kellogg's believes Bran Flakes can become the 'Special K for men' thanks to its great taste and whole body health benefits.

The Amazing Food Company is set to introduce Dulcet Cuisine’s new range of exotic ketchups – Peppery Moroccan Ketchup, Mild Indian Curry Ketchup and Orange Chili Ketchup – to the UK market. A range of gourmet dressings and dipping sauces will also be imported from the US, including Asian Dressing & Sauce and Balsamic Dressing & Dipping Sauce. Dulcet Cuisine was created in Oregon, USA in 2004 by Pam Kraemer whose Madras Curry Mustard won the 2006 Grand Champion award at the Napa Valley Mustard Festival Worldwide Mustard Competition.

Single-serve UHT drink Silhouette Active, from French dairy producer Candia, contains the active ingredient Fabuless from DSM which allows consumers to feel fuller for longer. It contains a mixture of natural oat and palm oils formulated in a stable emulsion, and its unique microstructure sends an ‘appetite satisfied’ message to the brain. Olivier Cousin, R&D Director Candia, said: “Silhouette Active offers a striking proposition to consumers in France – from the premium packaging right down to its highly effective, active ingredient Fabuless. “We see a perfect synergy between Silhouette as the leading skimmed milk brand in France, and Fabuless, which is a globally established and clinically proven weight management ingredient.” Emily Tellers, product manager Fabuless, DSM, added: “Silhouette Active is the first UHT milk application for Fabuless, and signifies the strong demand in France for everyday products with enhanced functionality. “The addition of Fabuless to Silhouette Active provides consumers with a convenient, refreshing and effective way to manage calories and long-term weight. In practical terms, they can easily consume one to two cartons of Silhouette Active. Studies show that Fabuless reduces hunger and helps people manage the calories they consume, leading to longer term beneficial effects on body weight after dieting, as well as on body fat. “This is an exciting launch, backed by a national advertising campaign, so we are confident of a positive response. We anticipate that more dairy manufacturers worldwide will harness the opportunity to use Fabuless in their wider dairy applications.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B09YJkV75U0 Recorded, produced and hosted by: Shaun Weston Subscribe to our FoodBev.com YouTube channel More video & audio content … Claire Phoenix on beverage trends in 2009 Vanessa Veronese on Zuegg brands Skipper and Frulli

Fort Lauderdale based National Beverage Corp has reported its second quarter results. Revenues and earnings are firm at $144.4 and $6.5m for the three months ended 1 November 2008. Revenues and earnings for the six months ended 1 November 2008 are ahead of the comparable period at $297.3 and $14.2m, and cash grew to $64.2m. "What could be written here about the pressures of the current business climate would be mild in comparison to the daily news," said Chairman and CEO, Nick A Caporella. “But, all that negative aside, we at National Beverage Corp are genuinely fortunate to be in the value recognised, flavoured soft drinks business at this time. "Our core brands, Shasta and Faygo, do more than refresh consumers. Both of these brands provide a bit of stability and entertainment also ... kind of an uplifting association of trust ... and in these times, anything that promotes confidence is good! "Retailers know that concerned consumers are reaching out for value, and we're experiencing increased sales in new distribution and steadfast retailers alike. "Costs of certain raw materials were $5m more in the second quarter than the comparable period in the prior year. "Our energy, juices and premium water product lines continue to perform well and, while the introduction of our NutraFizz line of powders and effervescent tablets was delayed, we're experiencing consumer excitement with these new products," concluded Caporella. National Beverage’s brands include Shasta, Faygo, LaCroix and Rip It.

*The Juice Brewery has launched Hoppers, a new drink dubbed a ‘soft brew’. * The adult drink mixes beer ingredients, such as hops and malt, with fruit flavours, apple, citrus and blackcurrant. All ingredients are natural and the non-alcoholic drink has fewer calories than normal beer. Created by a group of drink lovers who didn’t want to feel deprived by choosing the ‘soft’ option, fruit Hoppers were the pioneering answer to this dilemma. With the idea hatched in a pub and their first batch brewed in a kitchen, the founders sought an industry aficionado to oversee their invention: Tim Dewey, CEO of The Juice Brewery. “Most soft drinks on the market are unpleasantly sweet and goody two shoes – definitely not something that most men would feel confident drinking," said Dewey. "We realised there was a big gap in the market for a delicious, grown-up soft drink and so, taking our inspiration from the brewery, we invented what we call a ‘soft-brew’ – a soft drink with enough attitude and maturity to be at home in a pub. "With health and drink driving so high on the government agenda, it’s about time a sophisticated alternative was available. This is a new way of drinking for society’s new way of thinking.”

Rob Sutton, Pomegreat marketing director, said: “Pomegreat Pure has been developed in response to the demand from adult health seekers – people who are aware of the innate health properties of the pomegranate plant and are looking for it in its purest form. Pomegreat Pure is a premium juice that delivers outstanding flavour, with natural sweetness and complexity.” Pomegreat Pure has been hugely successful in consumer taste tests and Pomegreat is confident that its intense flavour and healthy properties will generate even greater interest in the pomegranate drinks market. The pomegranate juice sector is worth £33m, and Pomegreat currently enjoys a 20.6% share of the chilled pomegranate sector, with sales in excess of £3.1m. “We recently launched Pomegreat Ruby and Pomegreat Sapphire, two new chilled juices that contain a secret elixir that uses the whole of the antioxidant-rich fruit," added Sutton. "Pomegreat Pure will appeal to pomegranate lovers who want a stronger, fuller bodied taste which is brimming with goodness.” Pomegreat Pure is available in a 500ml bottle with an RRP of £3.29.

Current CFO Nik Jhangiani will move to the newly created post of Strategy and Business Development Director. Athens-based Coca-Cola Hellenic said Jhangiani will focus on new opportunities for growth across the company’s product portfolio and vast territory, which covers almost 30 countries, from the Republic of Ireland to the east of Russia, and from Estonia to Nigeria. Jhangiani will report directly to Doros Constantinou, MD of Coca-Cola Hellenic. The company noted that new CFO Murray has held a number of senior executive posts within the Coca-Cola system, and has a record of driving operational excellence and tight cost control. Murray began his Coke career in 1987 with the Coca-Cola Bottling Co of New York, where he served as Controller of Operations, Director of Purchasing and CFO for the BevServ Division. In 1997, he joined Coca-Cola Amatil in Vienna as Business Planning Manager for Europe, and later Vending Manager. In 2001, Coca-Cola Hellenic appointed Murray General Manager in Hungary, and in 2006 he became General Manager in Switzerland. Murray was officially appointed Deputy CFO less than two months ago. However, Coca-Cola Hellenic said he had been working closely with Jhangiani since July, to ensure a seamless transition to his new role.

*New Jersey-based First Juice has received a 2008 PTPA Media award (Parent Tested, Parent Approved) and was also recognised in the PTPA Green Category. * PTPA Media's mission is to discover and appraise new products designed for children and families. Winners of the prestigious Seal of Approval from PTPA Media are selected based on value, functionality, quality and appeal of the product. Being honoured with this award is a huge achievement for a product geared to babies, children and parents. "We're excited to announce the winners of the PTPA Media Inc product call, Fall 2008," said Sharon Vinderine, a Director at PTPA Media Inc. "It's a win-win situation for the consumer as well as the manufacturer. Parents who are shopping for products for their families can look for our Seal of Approval and know that these products have been tried and tested by parents for parents." First Juice, the first organic fruit and vegetable juice beverage for toddlers with half the sugar of traditional 100% juices, made its debut nationwide at Whole Foods Market and Babies "R" Us in January 2008. It has become a favourite among parents interested in helping their children establish healthy eating habits from the start. PTPA Media Inc has reinforced that parents truly love the nutritional value and convenience of First Juice. "To be recognised by PTPA Media is an honour. The only even more meaningful praise we receive is when a fellow parent serves their child First Juice," explained David Glasser, Founder and CEO of First Juice Inc. "Our nutrition and taste standards for the juice, and our convenience standards for the packaging, were uncompromising, and always will be."

*The Coca-Cola Company has announced it has received a letter from its Chairman of the Board, Neville Isdell, confirming that, consistent with the succession plan announced in December 2007, he will not stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the April 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareowners. * James D Robinson III, Presiding Director of The Coca-Cola Company, also announced that the Board intends to elect President and CEO Muhtar Kent to succeed Mr Isdell as Chairman of the Board following the April Annual Meeting of Shareowners. “I've always believed that well-conceived and well-executed succession planning is a vital responsibility of public company boards,” said Mr Isdell. “We met that responsibility when we announced one year ago just such a plan, including placing the future leadership of the company in the experienced and talented hands of Muhtar Kent, who is providing outstanding leadership as he manages for today and tomorrow.”