*Vancouver based M13 launched a range of functional juice beverages on April 2: M13 Assistance, M13 Wellbeing, M13 Calm/Detox are available throughout the Western United States and Canada. * "The philosophy behind Functional Juice is simple," said M13 Chief Executive Officer Dominic Stann. "Healthy all natural beverages in unique, attractive packaging that works to meet every day demands." "The formulas combines health principes from traditional Chinese medicine and modern nutritional science." Said M13 formulist Dr Sunny Lee, a master Chinese herbalist and expert on human nutrition. The company's original natural health beverages are enjoyed by customers in Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Founded in 2004 by a group of entrepreneurs, M13 is revolutionising the natural health producers industry from its offices in Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Rexam of the UK, the world’s second biggest consumer packaging group and biggest beverage can maker, reported a “slow start” to 2008 in North America – but more encouraging results in Europe. In an interim management statement issued ahead of Rexam’s annual meeting on 1 May, the company said: “Group results for the first quarter in constant currency were in line with our expectations, and our outlook for 2008 remains unchanged. “Our beverage can business is performing well overall. In Europe, we have seen good pricing and particularly strong volume growth. In the Americas, volumes remain buoyant in South America, whilst in the US demand for soft drinks cans has started the year slowly, with volumes down for both Rexam and the market. “After a strong fourth quarter in 2007, our speciality can volumes have started quietly, but it is still very early in the season. Good pricing, contractual inflation escalators as well as a continued focus on efficiencies have offset higher input costs.” Rostar acquisition Rexam’s plastic packaging business overall performed “as expected,” but demand for closures and home and personal care packaging continued to be soft in North America. During the quarter, Rexam continued the successful integration of OI Plastics, and also completed the $297 million acquisition of Russian beverage can maker Rostar. Commenting on the results, CEO Leslie Van de Walle said: “Rexam has made a good start to the year, and we are particularly pleased with our beverage can growth in Europe.” During the annual meeting Peter Ellwood, 64, was formally elected as new Chairman of Rexam. He succeeds Rolf Börjesson, 65, who stepped down after leading the global packaging giant for eight years as CEO and a further four years as Chairman. Ellwood, who joined Rexam’s Board in February as a non-executive director and Chairman Designate, was formerly Chairman of ICI, and before that Group Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB.

The 2008 Brammer Awards Evening was hosted by ex-BBC and ITN political news editor turned TV presenter John Sergeant. Attended by over 200 industry-leading guests at the Heritage Motor Museum, the Awards were presented to Brammer’s customers and suppliers in recognition of their innovative solutions. Presenting six Awards in total over the course of the evening, the UK distributor of industrial MRO products and services recognised the contribution that each nominee and winner is making to help make British industry a long-term sustainable success. Tarmac Trupak and SKF stepped up to the stage to take the first Award of the evening for a Production Efficiency improvement project delivered with Brammer. During 2007, Brammer worked with its bearing suppliers to develop a product sample case that highlighted technology innovation in the bearing sector. Both Timken and Gates Power Transmission were presented with the Product Innovation Awards. Timken for the StatusCheck system (a wireless condition monitoring system), while Gates won the second Award for the ‘Predator’ brand of belts. * Quality, cost, delivery, service and innovation* Rocol received an Award for Supplier Relationship Management for delivering consistent business management excellence and working in harmony to improve performance across the five core elements of Brammer’s supplier management system: quality, cost, delivery, service and innovation. Judges also recognised Rocol’s achievement of attaining the highest supplier rating Brammer has seen for the past five straight months. Brammer works with customers to reduce total acquisition costs, improve production output and efficiency and reduce working capital. Unilever received an Award for its willingness and ability to embrace these principles to improve competitiveness. Amongst more than 80 cost saving activities in the last year, the company has identified that many MRO spare parts are of low order value – with the cost of raising the purchase order often amounting to more than the part itself. Working closely with Brammer, Unilever consolidated invoices on a monthly basis to significantly reduce the administration element of the purchase cost – saving time and money. Alcoa stepped up to receive an Award for Supply Chain Effectiveness for delivering an effective supply chain management solution for its smelting plant in Iceland, in partnership with Brammer. The event raised an outstanding £37,000 through donations and an auction for Brammer’s corporate charity the <1>, which makes dreams come true for children and young people aged three to 17 fighting life-threatening illnesses <1>: http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk

*The Board of Westbury Dairies Limited has announced that agreement has been reached with its three joint venture shareholders (Dairy Farmers of Britain, First Milk and Milk Link) on the future of the company. * Dairy Farmers of Britain will exit from the Westbury Dairies joint venture as soon as practicable and its representatives will step down from the Board. First Milk and Milk Link will continue as shareholders of Westbury Dairies Limited and have agreed to underwrite the continuing fixed costs of the site. This new agreement gives the two farmer-owned dairy co-operatives full control over the Westbury powder and butter production facility. Both strongly believe that, in the light of the ongoing volatility in dairy ingredient prices and UK milk production, Westbury Dairies will not only provide them with the security of having full access to the UK's foremost milk balancing facility but also that there is potential to develop the business. Dairy Farmers of Britain have agreed a long term supply arrangement, which allows it to have limited access to balancing capacity at Westbury, thereby contributing to the ongoing costs of operating the site. Commenting on the agreement the Board of Westbury Dairies said, "The new agreement secures the future of Westbury Dairies and its workforce. We believe that not only is this a good deal for all three parties but also is an important one for the UK dairy industry as a whole."

*Yakult, the original probiotic drink, has created a new identity for its annual Gut Week campaign, ahead of its 10th anniversary with a new website: <1> * The original campaign was launched in 1999 in association with Core, the Digestive Disorders Foundation, and has since linked with other digestive experts such as The Gut Trust and St Mark’s Hospital, Harrow. It has reached over 310 million people in the previous nine years but Yakult believes the new identity, Love Your Gut, will help it reach even more. “With one in three people in the UK regularly suffering from a digestive problem, millions are seeking gut advice on a daily basis,” said Yakult Managing Director Hiroyasu Matsubara. The new identity, with a dedicated website and information packs, will provide the help and advice people need, whenever they need it.” Gut Week Gut Week will take place this year from 14-20 July but the new website for the campaign has already launched. The site offers accessible, practical help and advice on digestive health, helping people to overcome that first hurdle and start addressing their own gut health. In addition it provides tips on how to improve and maintain gut health through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes with advice from a range of experts. “Many people only see the gut as functional and not something to consider as needing particular attention,” said Core Chief Executive Warren Alexander. “However, we want to help people understand that it’s something to cherish and look after as with other organs. The gut can’t be replaced, so look after it well.” A recent survey conducted by Yakult revealed that people were more likely to monitor weight gain, eyesight and dental health, than bowel and digestive problems. Worryingly, 46.3% of people would feel uncomfortable talking to their doctor about intimate issues such as digestive problems. Amid the rise of conditions linked to the digestive system, it is vital that people appreciate the importance of digestive health, and the vital role that diet and lifestyle choices can play in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Bowel cancer is currently the second biggest cancer killer in the UK with 35,000 people being diagnosed with the disease each year, emphasizing the need for people to understand their digestive systems and do all they can to prevent gut-related illnesses from occurring. Probiotics such as Yakult allow consumers to take a positive step in maintaining overall digestive health. Combined with a healthy diet, Yakult helps to maintain a beneficial balance of intestinal bacteria thereby contributing to a healthy digestive system. <1>: http://loveyourgut.com

**Following the success of last year's Buy One Get One Tree campaign, innocent is teaming up with Carbon Clear again for its bigger and better Buy One Grow One Tree scheme. Throughout May, for each carton of smoothie sold and registered, innocent will grow a tree in one of Carbon Clear's projects in India. Each carton has a unique code which, when registered on the dedicated website, will see a tree planted.** The innocent smoothie drinkers across the UK who participated in the last Buy One Get One Tree project are responsible for a whopping 164,020 trees in rural India, absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting local communities. The trees planted provide food and medicine, shelter for secondary crops and reduce soil erosion. If that's not enough of an incentive there's also a little something extra for those who register lots of trees, like a 'grow your own' herb box, an extra night in an organic B & B in the countryside or the chance to win a year's supply of smoothies. This year, innocent is also supporting The Tree Council's Walk in the Woods Month to encourage everyone to visit their local forest or parkland during May. At events across the country, kids are being encouraged to complete the innocent tree trail and enjoy the UK's trees and woodlands.

PepsiCo has announced the acquisition of V Water, a leading vitamin water brand in the UK. The move comes ahead of the anticipated summer launch of Glacéau vitamin water by Coca-Cola in the domestic market. V Water was launched in 2005, and now has a range of six flavours. All products are made with spring water, and have no artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours or preservatives. The V Water range contains a number of added vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts including Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium and Ginseng. Garrett Quigley, General Manager, PepsiCo UK and Ireland, said: "V Water provides us with a strong platform for expansion into a fast growing market, and reflects PepsiCo's global commitment to transforming our portfolio of products and extending our range of healthier beverages. The UK is a key market for us, and we are extremely excited about developing a relationship with V Water in the UK, which will enhance and contribute to the long-term growth of the V Water brand." PepsiCo is one of the world's largest makers and sellers of waters, sports drinks, juice and soft drinks. The acquisition of V Water in the UK will create significant opportunities, and PepsiCo is committed to investing in the V Water brand and building an exciting future for the company. The two founders of V Water, Walter Faulstroh and Chris Coleridge, said: "V Water has positioned itself in the UK market as "The Vitamin Water" since 2005. Joining V Water's exciting brand and people to the powerful PepsiCo family will allow us to continue to expand and fulfil the full potential of V Water. We are very excited to be leading the expansion of the value-added water category in the UK." PepsiCo also announced that it has reached an exclusive bottling agreement (EBA) with Britvic plc to manufacture, sell and distribute the V Water products in Great Britain. Britvic is PepsiCo's exclusive bottler in Great Britain for the Pepsi, 7Up and Gatorade brands. The addition of the V Water brands to the portfolio further strengthens a close and long-standing PepsiCo-Britvic relationship. PepsiCo's transformation strategy is focused on launching and acquiring new products that reflect consumer demand for healthier, nutritious food and drink. The purchase of V Water follows PepsiCo's recent announcement of plans to acquire Russia's largest juice company, Lebedyansky, and the 2007 purchases of US-based Naked Juice and, with bottling partner Pepsi Americas, Sandora, the leading juice company in Ukraine. PepsiCo has North America's foremost portfolio of non-carbonated beverages, and in 2007 grew its leadership positions in water, enhanced water and isotonics. Some of its hydration brands include SoBe Life Water, Aquafina Alive, Propel, Gatorade and G2.

*Soft drinks and Scottish water manufacturer, Sangs (Banff) Ltd, has launched revamped packaging and labelling for its award winning MacB range. The company chose the prestigious setting of Edinburgh Castle for its trade launch and the Tesco Enjoy the Taste of Scotland showcase in Glasgow for its consumer unveiling. * The changes to the MacB range of sugar free still and sparkling flavoured Scottish spring waters, form part of design modifications that are starting to take place right across the Sangs product portfolio. This follows the friendly take over of the company in July 2007 by Andy Anderson and Kenny Webster. Packaging for the entire MacB range has now changed to clear bottles to reflect the healthy product within. Previously the range was hidden behind bottles that were blue for carbonated and green for still. Labelling has also been transformed into a very modern look to help reflect the premium positioning of the MacB brand. Deveron Spring still and sparkling Scottish water has also just been relaunched, along with Justadash and One Fruit, which meets the criteria of one portion of fruit. In the next few months, the marketing team will be reviewing other Sangs brands. Commenting on the revamp, Sangs Managing Director Andy Anderson said: “When we took over Sangs last summer, we knew we had high quality products in the bottles but felt that this was not reflected in the packaging and labelling. Branding had been around for many years and had become quite dated. “Now is the perfect time to opt for change and invest in reinvigorating our brands such as MacB, which will help us achieve our projected market growth of 30% and take us to a turnover of £17.4 million by March 2009. Our MacB launch at Edinburgh Castle was the perfect setting for a most successful and enjoyable evening with our business partners. And with more than 20,000 people attending the Tesco event, we felt there was no better showcase to reveal our new look range of products to consumers.” Visitors to the Sangs stand at the Tesco Enjoy the Taste of Scotland consumer event were given plenty of opportunities to sample the product and other brands across the product portfolio. The MacB range, which is suitable for diabetics, is available in nine flavours. Tesco sells strawberry+kiwi, apple+blackcurrant, cranberry+raspberry and lemon+lime, available in mini MacB 25cl bottles as well as 50cl six packs and single bottles.

Juice Asia’s second annual conference took place 15-16 April at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel in Mumbai, India. Juice Asia is designed to inform processors of the latest market and consumer trends, international standards on quality and safety and global production developments. Dr Chad Mueller presented during the Strategic Issues for the Juice Industry programme on 16 April. Dr Mueller’s presentation – 'Aseptic Juice Packaging: A Focus on Bag-in-Box' – revealed three key elements of aseptic packaging success: Creating and maintaining an aseptic filling environment Maintaining optimum shelf life through advanced packaging technology Utilising dispensing options to allow safe transfer of aseptic products throughout their life cycle Focusing on the newest innovations in equipment, film and fitments that make up Scholle Packaging’s family of products, Dr Mueller elaborated on the technology, tests and results of several case studies that his team of scientists recently conducted. These studies were essential in the discovery of the critical elements and direction for the newest Scholle products and technology, among them the aseptic version of the Scholle Bag-In-Box for juice applications. Aseptically packaged juice doesn't require refrigeration and has a longer shelf-life than non-aseptic juice. Scholle Bag-In-Box has several clear benefits. For the consumer, dispensing is as simple as the push of a button with the Scholle FlexTap. The package fits efficiently on refrigerator shelves and lasts longer because Scholle Bag-In-Box protects the product from ambient air after opening. For the retailer and brand owner, bag-in-box presents a larger “billboard” for branding, and consumer information. For the Earth, bag-in-box allows for less environmental impact through maximum utilisation of warehouse space, transportation space and retail shelf space. About Dr Chad Mueller Dr Mueller comes from a background of packaging excellence. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio with a PhD in Macromolecular Science, Dr Mueller has brought his knowledge of plastics to the packaging industry his entire career. His career accomplishments to date include: eight publications on studies of polymers, film strengths, co extrusion and film structures; and dozens of patents and patents pending on several packages, films and structures. In his current position as Chief Technology Officer at Scholle Packaging, Dr Mueller heads up the Global Technology Department which includes a state-of-the-art equipped laboratory for package design and testing and a team of scientists and engineers who develop all new Scholle technology, from filling to films and fitments.

The agreement calls for Designer Whey products to be on shelves in more than 900 Publix Super Market stores. Consumers will be able to purchase the protein powder in the easy-to-use Designer Whey Protein.2Go packs or in Designer Whey 12.7oz canisters for traditional everyday use. Flavours include Designer Whey Chocolate and French Vanilla, as well as all-natural Aria Women’s Protein in Chocolate and Vanilla varieties. "Publix Super Markets reach millions of daily consumers and Designer Whey protein products will now be accessible to busy people in those markets, enabling them to embrace a more health-conscious lifestyle," said Next Proteins' CEO, David Jenkins. "Designer Whey is changing the way America looks at protein."

Nestlé UK and Boost Juice Bars have joined forces to launch a range of 100% fruit smoothies with added nutritional benefits, aimed at the 18 to 30-year-old health-conscious consumer. The UK healthy drinks and smoothie market is a crowded one, but there's a gap for a more functional range of ready-to-drink smoothies that still deliver on taste. Made by the Australian juice experts, Boost Juice Bars, the Boosted Smoothies brand is described as cheeky, noisy, vibrant, raunchy, adult, yet accessible, honest and fun. Dragon was asked to create a big idea for the brand, which would create new news in the category, building on the Boost vibe and be in harmony with the 'Love Life' essence of Boost Juice Bars. Boosted Smoothies will be available nationwide from the end of April in four flavours: Mango Mania – Energy Boost gives a lift thanks to guarana and ginseng; Berry Blitz – Immunity Boost features a dairy-free probiotic and Vitamin C to help strengthen the body’s defences; Smashin’ Strawberry – Mind Boost has a ginseng & guarana mix which can aid memory and concentration; and Topical Twist – Metabolism Boost contains Teavigo a taste-free green tea extract which can have a positive effect on fat oxidation. The launch is being supported with a £5 million integrated marketing and communications campaign.

Mars Incorporated has announced a merger agreement with Chicago based Wm Wrigley Jr Company in a transaction valued at approximately $23 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Wrigley will become a separate, stand alone subsidiary of Mars. With $5.4 billion in sales, Wrigley is a world leader in gum and confections. The company has had a strong year, with 17% increase in quarterly earnings per share and earnings up 16% from a year ago. Under the terms of the agreement, unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, shareholders of Wrigley will receive $80 in cash for each share. Based on Wrigley’s closing share price of $62.45 on April 25, 2008 and its three month weighted average share price of $59.88, this represents a premium of 28.1% and 34%, respectively, to Wrigley stockholders. Financing for the transaction will be provided by Berkshire Hathaway, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan. At closing, Berkshire Hathaway will make a minority equity investment in the Wrigley subsidiary. Strong foundation The combined company would have a strong foundation of established brands in six core growth categories – chocolate, non-chocolate confectionery, gum, food, drinks and petcare – including M&M’S, Snickers, Dove, Mars, Orbit®, Extra®, Doublemint, Uncle Ben’s, Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin and Banfield. The transaction builds the Mars business by strengthening and diversifying its confectionery business, and enhancing its potential for growth in the chocolate, non-chocolate confectionery and gum categories. “When this transaction is completed, we will be proud to welcome Wrigley’s associates to our company,” said Mars Global President Paul S Michaels. “The strong cultural heritage of two legendary American companies with a shared commitment to innovation, quality and best-in-class global brands provides a great basis for this combination. We are looking forward to continuing on our path of growth by jointly developing those values even further.” The combination will allow Wrigley to retain its character and focus as a stand-alone business while being part of a larger family corporation that has a strong heritage and an entrepreneurial and global culture. Michaels added, “We understand how important Wrigley’s presence has been for Chicago over the past century and have committed to maintain its headquarters and operations in the city. Mars has a long history of involvement in the greater Chicago economy and community, and we look forward to strengthening these ties by maintaining Wrigley’s heritage there.” Wrigley was founded in Chicago in 1891 and Mars currently operates three plants in Illinois, including a chocolate confectionery plant in Oak Park, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2004. To provide more focus to Mars’ brands and drive growth, the company will be transferring its global non-chocolate confectionery sugar brands, including Starburst and Skittles, to Wrigley. Following completion of the transaction, Bill Wrigley, Jr. will remain Executive Chairman of Wrigley, reporting to Paul S. Michaels. He will work closely with Bill Perez, President and Chief Executive Officer, and the current Wrigley management team, which has a strong track record of delivering consistently superior performance. The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Wrigley stockholders and certain governmental and agency regulatory clearances. Both parties hope to close the transaction within six to twelve months.