**UK water cooler supplier business 4 Aces took to the road recently to experience the true needs of its customers. **4 Aces Managing Director Chris Penn arranged to spend the day with an Angel Spring's delivery driver to find out which products are really useful for the distributor's customers. Chris Penn explained: "The day was suggested as suppliers can sometimes lose track of which products our customers really want. "The most important part of any business which services an end user is the person delivering the final goods, so in the water cooler industry this means the delivery drivers themselves. So I thought it would be useful to follow one these guys to see what their typical day is like and how we can work together to increase business." Chris and long-serving Angel Spring's driver Andy Gomm set out early from the Chiltern Hills depot, headed for the heart of London's financial sector, Canary Wharf. The lorry was loaded up with 45 water drops. "The speed of delivery was exceptional given the parking and access difficulties in London," Chris added. "The number of customers who actually looked forward to their delivery was unreal. Many of them knew Andy and were glad to see him as their bottle counts were low following the recent mini heat wave." Chris also noted the abundant opportunities for up-selling bottles and ancillary items. Customers responded well to suggestions as to how they could improve their water deliveries, especially by carrying bigger floats through installing racks where possible. "It was a mild day with little sunshine poking through the city clouds so we were spared the sunshine rush but I can feel it coming," Chris added. "Good luck to Andy when it does as he has his hands full from what I saw!" 4 Aces has also boosted its product line and customer service as well as performing top of its class in the supplier audits. The company recently added an 8oz PP and PS cup to compliment choice for customers. The 8oz cup now sits alongside the super sized 9 oz and the smaller 7 oz size. "We realised the need for a size in between for customers less concerned about the water consumption a 9oz gives but more worried about its higher price versus the 7oz," Chris explained. The cup is available in ice blue and packed 10 x 100 and 20 x 100. The company also now offers a cup collector and a new sugar cane cone, which is aimed at the more environmentally conscious consumer. In an effort to boost penetration on cup and cone sales, 4 Aces has now appointed a telesales executive to concentrate solely on this area. 4 Aces also boosted its Supplier Audit score to a faultless 100% pass in 2008. "This was a direct result of the 4 Aces team's hard work to ensure we stay on top of our game. "We are serious in the business of beverage packaging and recognise that a good supplier will attract a good customer. Most of our customers are expected to reach a level of quality so we should too," Chris added.

Rivella, a "healthy and natural soft drink" containing lactoserum, has undergone an image makeover in order to redefine brand. Along with a redesigned logo, Rivella has also worked with PET Engineering on its packaging of the entire PET line (four containers, from 33cl to 1.5-litre). "The main difficulty from a technical point of view," said Marco Hroncich, PET Engineering’s planner in charge of the project, "was the elevated carbonation of the product. In order to support the five bars of pressure, we've developed a petaloide base with marked ribbings to guarantee the easy handling of the container, as well as facilitated the filling and logistics." "Our Italian partner has developed approximately 20 successive proposals, improving more and more the technical and visual characteristics of the bottles," said a Rivella spokesperson. "As soon as we confirmed the design, they supplied the complete family of mock-ups in Plexiglas. This has allowed us to test in-hand the look and appeal of the bottle, in timings much shorter than those of normal prototyping. This was useful for the marketing department, who were able to touch and feel the bottle in order to valuate the impact that could have had on the public." More about Rivella Rivella contains lactoserum (called milk serum in Switzerland). This is the best of what milk has to offer: valuable minerals after lipids and protids have been removed. In addition, Rivella contains no preservatives or artificial colours. Rivella comes in three varieties: the original version, a low-calorie beverage and a variety 'aromatized' with green tea extracts.

The National Farmers' Union has welcomed UK supermarket chain Morrisons' announcement that it's to extend its support for British agriculture in a move towards taking greater responsibility for its dairy farmer suppliers. The move, which will see Morrisons offer regional milk to local consumers at no extra cost, together with the creation of a Morrison's producer group, and steps to increase returns to dairy farmer suppliers through its two liquid milk processors, Dairy Crest and Arla, is seen as a step in the right direction by NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones. He said: "I support Morrison's for seeking to inject some further confidence and profitability into the dairy sector. With milk production declining in the UK Morrison's is sensibly seeking to secure their supply of milk. "The NFU Vision for the dairy industry supported moves by retailers to get closer to dairy farmers in order to break down the barriers of mistrust, create clearer market signals and generate better transparency. In this respect today's announcement is significant and welcome. "There is no doubt the dairy industry has experienced something of a roller-coaster ride in the last 12 months. While supply and demand dynamics are changing for the better, milk production still continues to fall and there are risks of much greater volatility in commodity markets ahead."

Nearly 80 companies involved in food, drink and tobacco manufacturing have been honoured at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Occupational Health and Safety Awards (RoSPA) in the UK. The sector winner was Devro (Scotland) Ltd of Glasgow, with Dairygold Quality Feeds – Lombardstown Feed Mill, County Cork, commended. Other food, drink and tobacco companies won 25 silver awards, 29 gold awards, 13 gold medals, six President's awards and one order of distinction. Yeo Valley Farms Ltd (Four Sites) won a QSA Level 5 Diamond Award in recognition of its high performance when its health and safety management system was audited. RoSPA Chief Executive Tom Mullarkey, said: "Our sector awards are about recognising the 'best of the best' in UK business and overseas as well. This year the level of competition for entrants to be selected as overall winner in their sector has been as intense as ever. Winners have had to demonstrate not just real director-level leadership, sound procedures, access to professional advice and thorough workforce involvement; they have also had to show how health and safety performance has been pursued throughout the business as a key objective. "Other organisations which have yet to raise their game in this vital area have much to learn from them. And those higher-performers that may still be sceptical about the value of health and safety awards need to cast their doubts aside and put themselves to the test." The awards, sponsored by NEBOSH, were presented over three days (May 13-15) of gala dinners and ceremonies at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel and attended by nearly 3,000 people. Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA Deputy President, Vice-President Lord Brougham and Vaux as well as RoSPA Chief Executive Tom Mullarkey made presentations.

*Rexam has created a unique can for Finnish brewery Olvi using a 360º embossing technique that gives the can and the brand a completely new look, feel and improved shelf stand out. * Olvi has used the technique on its cider brand Fizz Cooler and it has become the first brand the cider category to be using it. 360º embossing was launched by Rexam in Europe in 2007 and has been used by drinks companies across a variety of categories. Customers can choose from a wide range of different patterns to suit their brand. Olvi chose a ‘golf ball’ design, which gives the can a punctured appearance. Not only does the can look different, creating increased shelf impact and visual stimulation, but it feels different, giving improved grip and encouraging consumers to drink straight from the can. As well as using Rexam's 360º embossing, the Fizz Cooler cans use Illustration Impact – a Rexam printing technique. Illustration Impact gives enhanced colour definition and allows photo like images to be printed on cans. The Fizz Cooler can is available in retail outlets across Finland and is aimed at females in the 25-40 age group. An outdoor and print campaign is supporting the launch as well as online advertising. "As a brand, FIZZ Cooler is positioned as a refreshing and cool drink, and we believe that the golf ball embossing design reflects the image well,” said Fizz Cooler Product Group Manager Juha Wathen. “We wanted to create a completely new look for the brand and achieve shelf stand out as well as a competitive edge. Whilst a number of beer brands have chosen the embossing technique, the cider industry has seen very little in can shaping," Wathen added. "Rexam's leading global position enables the company to deliver a broader range of value added products" said Rexam Beverage Can Sector Director Tomas Sjölin. "This is another example of how we are listening to our customers and responding with packaging solutions that help them build their brands and bottom lines."

*Plans are now well underway for the EBWA European Water Cooler Trade Show in Athens - the only European event this year dedicated to bottled water and point of use coolers. The 14th EBWA European Water Cooler Trade Show will be held from 27-29 October 2008 in Athens, Greece. * Following the success of the 12th EBWA European Water Cooler Trade Show in Italy in 2006, this event is the second, more informal industry show in the EBWA's programme held in the year between major trade fairs. Greater affordability makes it easier for smaller supplier companies from both the bottled water and POU cooler sectors to exhibit, giving the bottler and distributor customers access to a broader range of service providers. The event will be held at the five star Athens Hilton, one of the city's leading hotels, which is centrally situated and has spectacular views of the Acropolis. **Fresh ideas at the trade show **Sponsored by Capsnap, the table top trade show will take place on 28 and 29 October. Exhibitors booked so far include: Activewhere, ASE Packaging, Baribua, Bericap, Blackhawk Molding, Capsnap, Database Workshop, Dieau-Edafim, Ebac, Greif, Hesse Europe, Hodmeter, Hygienic Solutions, Krystal Kritis, LabelsPlus, Lamaplast, Mistral Constructeur, MTN Products, Oasis, OP, Ovio Corporation, Picsa, Polymer Solutions, Promec, R Bardi, Schoeller Arca Systems, SIGMA Home Products, SIP Technologies, Waterlogic and Waterservice. **In focus - conferences and workshop sessions **Conference sessions will be held on 28 and 29 October, with representatives from both the Greek Ministry of Health and Ministry of Economic Development invited to attend. Presentations will cover health and hydration, the environment, market development and high growth opportunities. Among the workshops will be sessions on environmental facts about coolers, how to respond to the media, improving business performance, new technologies and approaches to managing seasonal pressures. There will also be the opportunity for food and drink handlers and managers to take part in the EBWA Hygiene awareness course, which is mandatory for all European water cooler distributors. **A Greek welcome **The social highlight of the event will be an industry dinner held at nearby Monastiri, a traditional Cretan restaurant, for an evening of authentic Greek food, entertainment and dancing. For information about how to exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Louise Gascoigne on +44 (0) 1225 327942 or .Also visit <<1>">www.zenithinternational.com/events]<1> for full exhibitor pack and floor plan. <1>: http://www.zenithinternational.com/events

*The World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) and Danone have launched a year-long campaign called ‘Optimum Health and Nutrition’, focusing on the link between nutrition and digestive health. * This campaign is part of a three-year partnership between WGO and Danone to help raise awareness of digestive disorders and the importance of maintaining good digestive health. Millions worldwide suffer from digestive disorders which can seriously impact well-being and quality of life. Overall, digestive disorders are associated with considerable discomfort, disability, disruption of family life, high healthcare costs, and time lost from work and other productive activities. In Europe, approximately 40 to 80 million people are affected by digestive disorders and projected costs are €5.1billion, while in the US, they account for 13% of all hospitalisations and nearly $24billion in costs*. According to Professor Eamonn Quigley, President, World Gastroenterology Organisation: “This year, we celebrate our 50th anniversary and have chosen to highlight the crucial topic of nutrition and digestive health. Digestive disorders affect a significant percentage of the population and can lead to serious conditions such as colon cancer. "We believe that nutrition is integral to digestive health – and overall health – and within nutrition, daily probiotics can play a major role in improving digestive health. Working jointly with Danone, a world leader in food nutrition, we hope to increase awareness of digestive disorders and help people improve their digestive health through easily implemented nutritional and lifestyle changes.” Dr Nigel Hughes, Vice President R&D, Groupe Danone, says: “This partnership demonstrates the commitment of Danone to improving nutrition and digestive health. Most digestive disorders are caused by poor or inadequate nutrition. The WGO has recently released nutritional guidelines including the daily consumption of probiotics and we hope more healthcare professionals will include probiotic foods with proven health benefits, such as Activia yogurt, in the management of people with digestive disorders.” Over the next three years, Danone and the WGO will continue to work together to raise awareness of digestive disorders and help make fellow healthcare professionals, the general public and governments more aware of issues – local, national and global – relating to nutrition and, especially, as they relate to digestive health and disease. In addition, a scientific board series of studies will be carried out annually to determine the prevalence of digestive disorders worldwide and provide clear nutritional recommendations based on local habits and disorders. * Guarner F, et al. Map of Digestive Disorders , 2008.

During the Premium Water Summit in Barcelona in April, Carles Negre – General Manager of Spanish company Sant Aniol Water – was interviewed by Water Innovation editor, Nayl D'Souza. What follows is a transcript of the interview, but you can see <1> in our FoodBev Interactive section. CN: Sant Aniol Spain, in the area of Girona. We're the only in the natural park of La Garrotxa, which is a volcanic area, so it's a pure volcanic water – what we call our Pure Sant Aniol. NDS: The packaging/labelling is very special ... CN: Yes – our labelling has got the first prize in Spain, called the Laus prize, which is the most prestigious award here in Spain for design. We always try to get the best packaging for the best water. That's why we keep improving and modernising our packaging for our water. NDS: Tell us more about the three variants in the Sant Aniol Water range. CN: We have the blue label, which is the natural water without gas; there's the red label, which has the normal gas, and there's a green label, which is a special label for a special water with a soft gas. In Spain, there's a unique water with this kind of gas. NDS: Do different gases complement different foods? CN: Yes, it depends on what you want to drink or eat, or what you like to taste. For example, the soft gas is a good water to mix with whiskies. NDS: Your key market is Spain. Are there other markets you're keen to expand into? CN: Our water is of special value to us here in Spain – in this region especially, it's very well known – but it's also well known and appreciated in other countries. One of the first countries that tried Sant Aniol and liked it, and keeps repeating and increasing market share, is Japan. Especially Tokyo. Our water has also been introduced in Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Austria. NDS: What targets have you set for the coming year? CN: Our premium water is being introduced in restaurants and other markets, with success, in Europe, the US and the South East. NDS: Do you have any specific targets to meet? CN: Our plan for this year is to double our sales in the emerging markets. We're doing pretty well this year, growing at a level of 35%. About San Aniol Water Award-winning San Aniol water is sourced from a 40,000-year-old spring in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa, Girona.

As a precursor to the annual UNESDA summer meeting, Canadean International's Soft Drinks Conference had the theme: “New pressures, new solutions: innovating for a sustainable and profitable future.” Lisbon was the venue for an event which addressed four key industry issues and an impressive range of speakers addressed an audience of more than 60 industry players. The first session was entitled: “Where the industry stands today & outlook for tomorrow”. Opening the session, Yiannis Petrides, President Europe of the Pepsi Bottling Group, talked about coping with the realities of today's industry, considering the importance of great tasting products, consumers preferences, the growing importance of the Internet and the interaction between consumers, companies and government in the development of new brands. He concluded: “There has ever been a more exciting time to be in the beverages business.” Canadean Business Development Director Emily Neill looked at “building portfolio profitability – the premium solution”, before US beverage guru John Sicher, Publisher and Editor of renowned industry newsletter Beverage Digest, took the platform to discuss “The beverage industry's changing role in the US market”. John looked at “the lost CSD generation” and at how the portfolios for the major industry players in the United States is changing. The second session, entitled: “Beverage innovation – choice and the consumer” powerfully demonstrated the shift away from the industry’s core products. The first presentation, from Grupo Leche Pascual Yogurt and Juices Business Unit Director Javier Santamaría looked at the merging and crossing of traditional category boundaries with case studies of milk and juice as well as milk and soy. Javier stressed the importance of “sensible innovation” and a “no compromise” approach to brand development. Conserve Italia Marketing Director Paulo Gerevini discussed the co-operative route to market for a company that operated “from orchard to consumer” and included some impressive recent product launches. Closing the session, Adelholzener Alpenquellen Managing Director Stefan Hoechter represented the water category and talked about the importance of consumer focused packaging. He reminded delegates that “differentiation is not innovation”. Sustainability The third session was entitled: “The challenge to sustain revenue and earnings growth” and was opened by Coca-Cola Europe Strategic Planning Director Cecile Bernheim who delivered a presentation on the theme: “Delivering sustainable growth through attractive consumer propositions and a positive difference in communities”. Recognising the realities of the current economic climate, César Sánchez Moral, Iberia Managing Director of Schweppes SA then talked about “Reaching for growth in a slow growth environment”, focusing on the Schweppes brand and the diversification of TriNa. Closing the session, Sumolis President José Tomáz discussed “Franchise brands versus proprietary products: balancing priorities in pursuit of profits”. The last of the four sessions covered “Industry and the environment: responsibility and response”. First up was Carlos Ballesteros, Technical Director of Artenius PET Packaging Iberia who looked at the range of recent environmentally friendly initiatives delivered by the PET industry. Turning to cans, Ball Packaging Europe Vice President – Sales and Marketing Rob Miles looked at the strong growth, innovation and sustainability of beverage cans. Ending the session was Carbon Clear Managing Director Jamal Gore whose presentation was entitled: “A win-win: why the carbon footprint matters”. Summing up the meeting and stressing the positive work of UNESDA – the Union of European Beverages Associations – was UNESDA Vice President and President of the German Non-alcoholic Drinks Association WAFG. The packed day ended with a cocktail reception as a bridge to the UNESDA summer meeting.

Struggling Canadian private label business Cott Corp's stock jumped nearly 14% on 26 May following reports that a US hedge fund wanted to shake up the leadership of the company and raising questions about a possible takeover. Cott stock, which has been on the slide after years of losses due to rising costs and changing consumer tastes, rose $0.44 (13.9%) to close at $3.61 on the TSX after Crescendo Partners of New York disclosed that it had purchased an 8.7% stake in the company and is to seek changes in its management and operations. Cott shares were worth over $17 one year ago but were traded as low as $1.74 in March. At the current price, its market value is estimated at around $250 million. According to Crescendo Partners, former Wal-Mart Canada Chief Executive Mario Pilozzi has agreed to serve as a director or an executive of Cott if Crescendo gains seats on its board, while Csaba Reider, a former Cott executive, is willing to become the new CEO. Mark Benadiba, previously Vice President of Cott’s North American operations, would be willing to act as chairman. "This is the first shot in a campaign to persuade other shareholders that their team of Benadiba as Chairman and Reider as President would do a better job of running the company," said Peter Holden, an analyst with Veritas Investment Research. Despite rumours during 2007 that Cott may have been looking to merge with the newly formed Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Holden said he didn't see "any obvious synergies" with that company. * Shareholders want a viable plan* "It would be other investors," he said, noting that Cott's stock price, once worth as much as $40 per share, is now stuck in the single digits. "If anybody can present a viable plan for improving operations, shareholders will listen," he said. "The board would listen. The issue is what they propose." Cott is currently run by interim CEO David Gibbons, who abruptly replaced Brent Willis in March as the company's fourth Chief Executive in five years. The company has said it believes a focus on new products such as fortified bottled water and energy drinks will aid its turnaround. But to Holden, Cott's problems lie in surging commodity prices which have made costs soar for cans, plastics, corn syrup and other inputs, along with an inability to pass those costs through to customers. "The issue is not who's running it, but how are they going to turn this around - how are they going to increase margins? Because if you can't increase margins on domestic soda pop, you can't increase the value of the company," Holden said. "And margins of domestic soda pop have been declining for five years now."

*Water (for Work and Home), one of the largest independent UK water cooler companies, has acquired Folkestone-based water cooler distributor Cinque Ports. * The six-figure deal has expanded the company's customer base by 10% and sees all of Cinque Port's 800 water coolers incorporated into the business, serving in the region of 550 business and residential customers. Managing Director of family owned Water (for Work and Home), Ben McGannan commented: "Cinque Ports' water coolers were already in our existing area of operations, so we have been able to incorporate them into our delivery rounds with ease. "This will allow us to achieve greater efficiencies and help reduce our carbon emissions overall." Ben continued: "This is our first acquisition of this size and it It allows us to grow without having to build a new depot or change our management structure." As to whether this acquisition is something that the company are looking for more of in the future, he revealed that the company would consider all options for future growth. The expanded business will continue to be run from Water (for Work and Home)'s Marden base in Kent.

The UK launch is supported by a £2.5m advertising campaign, which starts in June 2008. The creative platform, executed by advertising agency Hooper Galton, centres around an 'ice woman' – an embodiment of Isklar's pristine glacial provenance. The Isklar bottle, inspired by the crystal qualities of ice, mirrors nature by reflecting and refracting light through its facets. The campaign, which aims to reach 'mass market premium' consumers, will cover TV and print, running across titles including Marie Claire and Waitrose Food Illustrated. Isklar, which launched in Waitrose and Morrison's stores nationwide last month, has recently secured distribution in Sainsbury's, with product set to go into 96 stores within the South and South East area from June. Sainsbury's will carry SKU's of 6 x 500ml bottle packs and 1.5 litre singles. Environmentally sound Isklar believes that exceptional purity should not cost the earth and aims to be an environmentally responsible mainstream water brand in Europe. The Isklar factory is powered by hydro-electricity, so no carbon emission is produced during bottling, and was created by converting an old wooden mill incorporating energy-efficient practices and equipment. The plant is located directly next to the Hardangerfjord, so it can be loaded straight onto a container ship and its carbon footprint is minimised further by piggy-backing off existing shipping routes. The bottle is made from recyclable PET, and the Group recycling facilities ensure that Isklar has the capacity to re-process 10 bottles for every one sold. To develop the 'cradle to grave' sustainability further, recycled PET will be incorporated into new bottles over time. Meaning ‘ice-clear’ in Norwegian, Isklar emerges from a natural source beneath one of Norway's largest glaciers, Folgefonna. The glacier is protected from contamination by human activity as it sits between two national parks in the Hardanger region of Norway, the second least polluted country in the world after Finland, making Isklar one of the purest mineral waters on the market.