According to BENEO-Orafti the health aspects of new dairy drink products are more important than 'convenience' which used to be the main promotion driver. Dairy drinks that promote health have been bucking the global trend in new product development decline over the past three years. Since dairy drink new product launches reached their peak in 2005 with 2,329 brought to market globally, the number launched has been dropping year on year. However, the number of dairy drinks created that promote health benefits has been on the increase. BENEO-Orafti Marketing & Communication Manager Tim Van der Schraelen, explained further: “We have seen a growing emphasis on health in society as obesity becomes a global problem and although ‘convenience’ is still a big driver in the promotion of dairy drinks (34% of new products launched use it to sell the product), ‘health’ has overtaken it as the primary claim used to encourage sales (with 42% of producers using it to sell the product). With this in mind, we have seen a ten-fold increase in the number of dairy drink products brought to market that contain inulin and oligofructose over the last five years. From small beginnings back in 2002 when only 15 dairy drinks contained this active food ingredient, 2007 saw 164 products brought to market globally that contained inulin and oligofructose.” With the largest proportion of dairy drink innovations being carried out in Western Europe and Asia, followed by North America, it is interesting to note that North America leads the field with dairy drinks that contain inulin and oligofructose (10% of dairy drinks on the market in North America contain this active food ingredient, as opposed to 7.4% in Western Europe and 4.8% in Asia). With growing concerns over health issues and the increasing education of consumers on the subject of well-being, it is interesting to note that gut health is a significant driver used to position dairy drinks. With almost 17% of the products containing inulin and oligofructose launched over the last five years using ‘low fat’ as a driver for positioning and 13% using ‘gut health’, it is interesting to note that only 3% opted to use ‘low sugar’ as a key driver.

The proposed acquisition is subject to approval by competition authorities. The company expects to complete the deal in the second quarter of 2008. The cost of the transaction, which will be funded from existing credit facilities, hasn't been disclosed. Heineken expects Drinks Union to enhance earnings in 2009 as well as bring value increases by 2012. Central and Eastern Europe of Heineken N.V Regional President Nico Nusmeier said: "With this transaction we have significantly extended our reach and consolidated our position in a profitable beer market. Our geographic presence, coupled with our strong, balanced portfolio of regional and national brands, will allow us to extract greater value from the considerable growth opportunities in the Czech market." Drinks Union market share Drinks Union owns a total of four breweries, all located in North and East Bohemia. Two of the breweries are located in Usti nad Labem, one in Louny and one in Kutna Hora. The company has a total production capacity of 0.9 million hectolitres and employs 523 staff. Regional market positions are complementary to Heineken's existing positions in the Moravian and Prague regions.The brand portfolio consists of the national brand Zlatopramen and the regional Breznak, Louny and Dacicky brands. In 2007 sales volumes totaled 900,000 hectolitres including export and the company currently has a domestic market share of 4%. In the Czech Republic, one of Europe's reference beer markets, Heineken currently owns the Starobrno and Krusovice Breweries, with breweries in Brno, Znojmo (Moravia) and in Krusovice (Bohemia). Heineken's existing brand portfolio includes Starobrno, Hostan, Zlaty Bazant, Krusovice and Heineken.

*A recent pre-clinical study has found DHA Omega-3 from algae may decrease an important risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. * Conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, using a mouse model, a diabetic rat model and cultured human cells, the study found that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) increases the production of LR11 – a protein vital for clearing the brain of the enzymes that make the beta amyloid plaques thought to cause Alzheimer's disease. The investigators used Martek's DHA from microalgae for a portion of the research. Alzheimer's patients are known to have reduced levels of LR11 – a member of the ApoE/low density lipoprotein receptor family. The publication suggests that DHA, by increasing the production of LR11, may be useful for early intervention and prevention of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Late-onset Alzheimer's is the most common form of the disease. It occurs later in life and has no obvious family inheritance pattern. However, several risk factor genes may interact with each other, as well as with environmental factors, to cause the disease. This study adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that DHA may play a role in decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US is now funding a multi-million dollar clinical study on the effects of vegetarian DHA from microalgae in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The vegetarian DHA used in the NIH study is manufactured by Martek. Results will be available in 2010. Dr Edward B Nelson "This study adds to the evidence supporting the important brain health benefits provided by an enhanced DHA status, and there are a number of ongoing studies investigating the role of DHA in reducing the risk for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's," said Martek VP Medical Research Dr Edward B Nelson. Martek's trademarked life'sDHA is a vegetarian form of DHA Omega-3 – a long chain Omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eye and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to ageing adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA Omega-3 in the diet. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA Omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, there are also clinical studies underway to evaluate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders.

Eating a Cabernet Pepperberry Paste with your cheese, a Red Wine Chilli Sauce made with Native Pepperberry with your steak or a Native Pepperberry infused Red Wine JUS with your salads could curb the harmful effects of free radicals and soothe the ravages of time, a study has found. Clinical research has shown that Australian Native Fruits contain 'exceptional' levels of disease fighting antioxidants. Research at Food Science Australia, a joint venture between the CSIRO Australia’s peak scientific body and the Victorian Government has shown that bush foods have very powerful antioxidant properties. When compared with the renowned 'superfood' blueberry some of the bush foods that were tested contained around five times the amount of antioxidants of blueberries. The harsh Australian landscape may account for the findings the study suggested. Co-author Dr Izabela Konczak stated: “Australian plants have developed in complete isolation from the fruits of the northern hemisphere, with some plants, such as the Tasmanian Pepperberry, associated with hardy Antarctic flora." “If we expose plant cells to stress they produce compounds which protect the plant, and these work in humans as well and can protect us from nasty free radicals,” Konczak continued. She also added that: “Eating antioxidants could prevent the development of chronic diseases and stem the ageing process.” Pepperberry and red wine Australian Native Pepperberry has an aromatic flavour that enhances the peppery characteristics of a good red wine, according to Martin Cheney from Australian Harvest. The company produces a selection of healthy gourmet foods based on the Bio-Grape an extract from red wine grapes which contains over 600 powerful antioxidants. The combination of Australian Native Pepperberry, Organic Red Wine and the Bio-Grape skin extract are used in a range of innovative organic gourmet foods which are all tested and rated for their high antioxidant content. All the products in the range have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) Rating which is an international standard for the measurement of the antioxidant activity of food. The Australian Harvest products that use Australian Native Pepperberry includes Organic Cabernet Pepperberry Paste, Organic Chilli Shiraz Paste, Organic Shiitake Chilli Paste, Organic Red Wine Chilli Sauce, Organic Red Wine Jus and Australian Harvest Red Wine Mustard.

*A newcomer to the growing canned wine market, Wild Pelican, offers worldwide wines in Rexam’s 20cl aluminium cans. * Unlike the majority of wines currently available in cans, Wild Pelican is a still wine. The range includes Spanish, South African and French wines for the red, white and rosé respectively, with a sparkling white wine and second red wine expected later this year. A test launch at ski resorts in the French Alps has had unprecedented success where a chain of leading après ski bars has supported the launch with promotional wine coolers and umbrellas, The stylish matt finish cans, will be in the UK, Scandinavia and Benelux in Spring/Summer this year, with availability in both on-trade and off-trade channels. The 20 cl size is suitable for airlines and mini bars as well as cinemas, supermarket shelves and simply drinking at home. Christiaan Huisman, Founder and Co-owner of Vinovation International, Brand Owner of Wild Pelican, commented: “Our aim was to differentiate from the wine in cans already on the market. The creation of Wild Pelican originated out of a love for wine and by taking a consumer perspective; creating a brand that allows the consumer to explore some of the best wines the world has to offer whenever and wherever.”

Costa and OJSC Rosinter Restaurants Holding "Rosinter" today open Costa's 1,000th store in Moscow's Pushkin Square. The opening of this store marks the arrival of Costa Coffee in Russia. British Costa is the UK's largest and fastest growing coffee shop chain and plans to open its 700th milestone UK store next month. It now operates over 30 stores overseas in 22 countries (Europe, the Middle East, China and India). Rosinter is the leading casual dining restaurant chain in Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), operating 216 restaurants in 8 countries and 24 cities. The new joint venture, formed in December 2007, plans to open 200 Costa stores in Russia over the next 5 years, focusing on Moscow and St Petersburg in its first year, then expanding to other Russian regions thereafter. The partners' initial investment is approximately $10 million and they also intend to open Costa stores in Ukraine and Belarus at a later date. After the first opening, eleven coffee shops currently operated by Rosinter under its proprietary brand Moka Loka will be converted to the Costa brand. Over 50% of the 11 million people in Moscow visit coffee shops regularly and to date, there is only one other international coffee brand established in Russia. There is a wealthy demographic of young Russians whose average income is growing by 16% per annum. Increasingly, they are spending a higher proportion of their disposable income in coffee shops. This is the market that Costa aims to capture. Costa Ltd Managing Director John Derkach said: "Costa's arrival in Russia is another milestone on our journey to become a global coffee brand. Rosinter is an ideal partner who brings a wealth of market insight, which will help us to expand quickly, whilst making sure we deliver what Russian customers want. We have studied Russian tastes and have expanded our cake range. We are also working towards introducing a selection of coffee with alcohol."

Swedish Glace has already proved a big hit as the perfect non-dairy alternative to ice cream, and is used as an accompaniment to fruit and other puddings. New Swedish Glace continues to be made from an exclusive blend of soya and vegetable oils. It's free from cholesterol, gluten, all animal ingredients and genetic modification, making it ideal for people who are looking to change their lifestyle, are lactose- or gluten-intolerant; vegetarians, vegans or those simply looking for something new and different. The Swedish Glace range comprises Smooth Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Juicy Raspberry and the new Wild Blueberry. Chris Swire, Marketing Director at Fayrefield Foods Ltd, said: “Consumers are increasingly demanding better quality and more choice in their diets, while retaining an intrinsic penchant for tasty, indulgent products. This new, improved Swedish Glace range boasts all the luxury you would expect of a premium dessert, yet offers much more in terms of dietary requirements. It was a ‘best kept’ secret among vegetarians and vegans for years, but the word has spread and we’re sure that even more consumers are going to love our new range and make it their first choice.” The new range of Swedish Glace will reach the shelves of all major supermarkets and quality independent health stores during April and May this year. Prices start at £1.99 for the 750ml tub.

In a time when health advice is being dished out left and right, Vie de France has expanded its range of dessert offerings. Regardless of the powerful health-conscious movement currently under way, consumers still want the choice of indulging in treats now and again. The new, individual three-inch-round treats from Vie de France can deliver this choice without consumers feeling that they need to overindulge, thereby providing a taste sensation without the guilt. The desserts come in four varieties: Caramel Fudge Pecan Cake, Midnight Layer Cake, Peanut Butter Blast and Strawberry Shortcake. They're made to go directly from the freezer, to the refrigerator and onto the plate. Each one has beautiful detail and decoration to tantalise not only the taste buds but also to be visually appealing.

A patent has been granted by the European Patent Office, effective from 13 February 2008, for Tergal Industries' monolayer light barrier PET resin, LacPET. The patent application was posted in 2004. LacPET, produced and commercialised for the packaging of long shelf life milks by Tergal Industries (the sole French PET producer) is one of the most innovative and revolutionary packaging solutions for the dairy industry. After more than three years of research and development, Tergal Industries succeeded in developing a new process that enables the production of a modified PET resin, one which offers an adjustable light barrier property to the manufactured containers. Conscious of the innovation of said technology, Tergal Industries applied for a worldwide patent four years ago. This patent protects a process for manufacturing monolayer packaging articles, such as opaque bottles, from a composition comprising a polyester matrix and opacifying white mineral filler. It also protects monolayer packaging articles obtained by this process, as well as the use of said articles for storing milk or dairy products.

Tetra Pak, the Swedish food processor and provider of packaging solutions, and the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), announced today that Ulla Holm, Global Director of the company’s Food for Development Office, has joined the board of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF). This commitment marks another step forward in Tetra Pak’s long history of supporting sustainable school feeding, agricultural and dairy development programmes around the world. “Tetra Pak has more than 40 years' experience in school milk programmes, and extensive knowledge on how to link such programmes to development of a whole dairy sector," said GCNF President, Gene White. "This experience is a tremendous asset to us as we strive to ensure sustainable solutions for providing children with adequate nutrition. We’re very pleased that Ulla Holm has accepted our invitation to join our board, and we look forward to our continued partnership." Global Child Nutrition Foundation The GCNF is a sister organisation to the School Nutrition Association (SNA), whose activities goes back to 1946. Building on the long experience of the SNA, the GCNF was created in 2006 with the mission of expanding opportunities for the world's children to receive adequate nutrition for learning and achieving their potential. It promotes child nutrition internationally through sustainable school and community based feeding programmes. “The GCNF is unique among non-governmental organisations in its focus on knowledge-sharing and support to governments to develop policies and guidelines for the creation, implementation and management of school feeding programmes based on public private partnership,” said Ulla Holm. “We’re committed to continuing to work with the GCNF to expand school feeding programmes, which can then act as a catalyst for agricultural and economic development,” she added. Through its school feeding partnerships, the GCNF and Tetra Pak are aiming to help meet the first of the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Millennium Development Goal 1 is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. For more information on UN Millennium Development Goals, please see . Tetra Pak has supported school milk programmes around the globe for more than 40 years, through its Food for Development Office (FfDO) and in partnership with governments, development agencies and its customers. In 2007 alone, around 45 million school children all over the world received milk or other nutritious drinks in Tetra Pak packages. Approximately 22 million of these children live in developing countries.

The two varieties, Semillion/Chardonnay and Cabernet/Shiraz, will be sold through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) in two different bottle styles, both featuring aluminum screw caps from G3 Enterprises. The bottles also feature Sig Plasmax, a commercially proven, transparent, internal silicon oxide (SiOx) barrier coating technology that protects the wine inside the bottle and is easily removed during the PET recycling process. "LCBO works with suppliers to offer more products in alternative packaging, such as PET plastic bottles, because each plastic bottle contains significantly less material than each comparable glass bottle," said Artisan Wine Co VP Operations David Fallis. "The combination of the PET bottle and screw cap closure give our customers a more convenient, environmentally friendly wine packaging choice. Also, because Ball's PET bottles are approximately one tenth the weight of the average glass bottle, they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the supply chain, plus the Plasmax barrier coating Ball uses makes these bottles very easy to recycle in the existing PET infrastructure." Ball is the only North American PET bottle manufacturer to offer Plasmax barrier coating technology and is currently using it in many commercial applications, including wine, beer and flavoured alcoholic beverages. Plasmax provides an FDA compliant, enhanced passive barrier for oxygen sensitive products. This ultra thin (less than 100 nm) material is transparent and resists cracking, abrasion and delamination. Furthermore, a recycling study conducted according to the European PETCORE protocols demonstrated that Plasmax is removable during the recycling process and does not negatively affect any of the test requirements. These results were shared with the Association of Post-Consumer Plastics Recyclers (APR), the trade industry representing over 90% of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America, which raised no objections to the results.

Finnish liquid packaging board producer Stora Enso is now offering Natura Platina board for demanding, high-end products. Natura Platina is a bleached liquid packaging board with a shiny, metalised polymer coating on top. The board also has an aluminium foil for the superb barrier properties needed in packaging such extended shelf life products as wine, yogurt and juice. The Natura Platina board is being used in Norway by the dairy company Tine, which sells its Mana Fruit Juice series in one-litre cartons manufactured by Elopak. The juice is a good example of an added value functional food product. "Natura Platina is an attractive liquid packaging board for any market where customers want to have a more exclusive look for their products to support sales and promotional activities," said Liquid Packaging Board Sales Director, Ola Tönnberg. * Exceptional metallic look* The board's exceptional metallic look is achieved by applying a metalised bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film on top of the board. The aluminium foil on the reverse side provides an excellent barrier against humidity, oxygen, odours, grease and light. Natura Platina can be used for all typical table-top package sizes, from small portion packs to two-litre cartons. "We have experience in coating for liquid packaging board with all available coating materials and barrier layers, and we're constantly conducting trial runs on behalf of customers and for our own product development. For this application, we have established close cooperation with Elopak, which also developed a white UV-curable ink suitable for printing Natura Platina in their flexographic printing process," Tönnberg said. Aiming at extended shelf life According to Elopak, the extended shelf life (ESL) market in Europe is growing rapidly as consumers continue to demand high quality and convenience. This means that more days of shelf life are needed for various milk and juice products. The ESL technology is expected to affect the future development of these dairy segments significantly. Natura Platina is an attractive packaging material for ESL products and other applications where excellent barrier properties are a must. Packages made of Natura Platina can be recycled like other beverage cartons, and the fibres can be used for producing other fibre-based products. Aluminium and plastic fractions of the package can be fully recovered in an appropriate recovery process.